LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi everyone, I’m new to the group. ffice:office" /><O:p></O:p> A little about me: I just turned 31 two weeks ago, but I don’t “feel” 31. I’m sure everyone says that! I’m not married, I live alone, no children, and I watch a lot of cartoons on Nickelodeon. It’s a clear case of arrested development. <O:p></O:p> I’m somewhere between 5’6” and 5’7”, depending on who’s doing the measuring, and I weigh at least 230 pounds, possibly more. I weighed myself in June and I was at 217 and I can tell I’ve gained some weight since then. I’m guessing my BMI is around 37. I’m afraid to weigh myself and find out for sure, because I fear it will trigg…

sorry for asking guys, it's silly question i know but i'm so confused with us metrical system...can somebody convert me how many grammars holds 1/2 can ? how many grammars i must eat to be sure that i'm not eating too much? can somebody convert also the oz's (whats this oz?) into grammars? Thanks in advance!

I put together a list of October Bandsters so we can wish everyone good luck on their special day. Terrilen – 3<SUP>rd</SUP> Englishgordon – 5<SUP>th</SUP> Wendyr – 6<SUP>th</SUP> LilAngel – 6<SUP>th</SUP> Oh 2 Be Free – 7<SUP>th</SUP> Auntnettie – 7<SUP>th</SUP> Nessa7925 – 7<SUP>th</SUP> <O:p</O:p Theresa2mum – 10<SUP>th</SUP> Anotherme – 10<SUP>th</SUP> <O:p</O:p Bethlampwork – 11 Happyk – 11<SUP>th</SUP> Holiday0522 – 11<SUP>th</SUP> Shanmnband – 11<SUP>th</SUP> <O:p</O:p Lsasha – 12&l…

I start the "mushies" on Friday and I've heard people say on here that mush is everything from mashed potatoes, to jello, to chips and guacomole! I need to send the DH shopping for mush and so I need a list. So far I have eggs, yogurt, sf pudding, sf ice cream, mashed potatoes - what else? Can I have chicken or tuna salad for protein?

OK. here is my adventure: I got all my tests done the previous days: 3 blood tests, chest x rays,oh and one thing I didn't expect was for the EKG you practically have to be naked! It would have had to be done anyway but still they should have warned me! (a bra that open at the front, a blouse with front buttons and shaved legs are a good tip for the EKG day), the hospital internist checked all and give me green light. So yesterday, I met my doctors (dr. verboonen and Dr. Ponce the Leon) an all the obesitygoodbye team, they were soooo nice and professional that I didn't feel nervous at all, one second I was in the OR chatting and the next second I'm being taken back to…

Happy Birthday !!! Hope your day is wonderful :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

I can't believe my day is finally here, tomorrow morning I'll be getting my band on. I'm so nervous and excited at the same time. I just wanted to share my joy with all of you!

How long does the shoulder pain last? I was warned about it...but YIKES!! It really hurts no matter how much walking I do or gasX I chew. Any suggestions?

I was banded 9/26, 10 days ago. I have been on protein shakes and broth (and 1/2 cup low carb yogurt once) ever since. I am getting weaker and now feel even shakey. I know I am supposed to go on mushies Monday but I think I really need to eat something. I have to work and my students are not the easiest bunch (teens with emotional issues). Does anyone know if there are rules and guidelines to mushy foods? Anything that I can puree? or ??? Thanks.

I am having my psych ev. on October 14th. What questons do they ask. I am nervous I am going to screw it up and have the psychiatrist tell me I fail. No surgery for you! The nurse said the appointment is 1 1/2 hours long and that got me more nervous! Thank you guys, Sue:Bunny

I had the band on 3 weeks ago and all of a sudden the weight seems to have stopped coming off . did I just hit a phase will it last long . I am going good with eating and exercise . is this normal ?? any advice ? thanks ...

My husband was just banded on Monday (10/3/05). He did pretty good the 1st 2 days after surgery, but yesterday evening he started having dry heaves. He's not throwing anything up, sometimes a little phlem, but nothing else. He's constantly nauseous and he'll sleep for 2 or 3 hours but then wakes up dry heaving again. He's using phenergran gel for nausea, but its not helping at all. Anybody have any suggestions?

Well I have had trials and tribulations to get here, but I am scheduled for October 27. I am self pay and boy has it been a mess to figure out how to pay for this. It is crazy that Medicredit would only approve me for $4,000 and after racking my brain thinking and applying (ditech for home equity loan, no go. credit cards, not enough available credit, etc....) I went to my bank. I was approved for a $9,000 personal loan and got it at 12%. Thank goodness I didnt accept Medicredit at 22%. Hello to all bandsters, I am sure I will be on here frequently in the future.

Hi! Has anyone ever had a problem with their port (and it not be anything serious)? Mine has been really sore, irritated, and swollen for the past 3 days. It usually can't be felt too well, but now, it feels like it's really close to the skin cuz I can feel it pretty darn good. It isn't red or anything, but I've been worried cuz it's never really bothered my like this before, and I've had it for 1.5 years so far. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you

I don't know about you guys but I really like chocolate. Did I say LIKE? I meant REALLLLLY LIKE chocolate. I crave it & it's been one of those things I have missed since being banded. But, I've found something that's still chocolate & actually healthy. I can eat it!!! I dip half of a banana in a thin layer of chocolate & let it harden. (I found it in the banana section at the store.) It's only a small amount of chocolate & it really feeds my appetite for chocolate. I dipped 6 of them at a time & freeze them in seperate baggies. I told myself I can have one a day for my snack & I feel like I'm in heaven. The banana is very healthy &amp…

Anyone in the Memphis area?

Anyone up for it? Paula from the board is here with her in-laws. Paula, Kathy annd I have chatting about getting together to meet her for dinner or lunch or something...So what do you all think? Can you anyone join us? Do we do a weekday dinner or a saturday afternoon lunch. I know this short notice but it's a chance to meet one of our fellow banders....throw out some ideas....anyone???? I talked to Karen today about it and I know depending on when and where we do it she will probably join us. Paula any ideas??? What works best or we can go through Kathy for your answers. Oh I am so excited!!!!! I will say this saturday I will be in the mountains..But I am pretty …

I'm new to this and am thinking about getting the Lap Band, but I'm very nervous. I have two young children. I'm looking into to DR ABKIN. Anyword on him? I'm hoping to attend a seminar this month

:mad:This is just a rant :cross-eye because I am so frustrated,:mad: and while my family tries to understand I think only people that have gone through the anticipation of this surgery can really nod their head and "understand" how annoyed I am with this situation. So I started my 4 week liquids on Sunday. This was per the nutritionist, since I am supposed to have my surgery either last week of oct/fist week of nov. My surgeon has STILL not given me a firm date which is really frustrating since work keeps asking me when I will need time off. Oh, and I am moving to a new apartment on 12/1, so I am really pushing to get this done so that I can be downstairs from my famil…

well, today is my 3 months anniversary, the scale says today: 225 lbr (102 kgr) i lost 40 lbr (18 kgr) so far. from the 1st week i stopped snoring, i don't have reflux, i'm doing my works without feeling breathless, my clothes looking suggy but i do not buy any new yet. i had menstruation last month without meds! my face skin looking better. i should Celebrate today, but i can't, i'm not happy with my weight loss, i would be happy if i was at least (99 kgr) 218 lbr today, that was my goal ... i'm sooo sad my husband says that i do not eat enough, i try to keep RNY rules, using my band..i don't know what else to do to lose this weight that darke…

I just got off the phone with my insurance. I am approved for surgery. I can't believe it. I swear this has been the longest 3 weeks ever. I have no fingernails, and i think I think I have eaten over half of the state (total stress eater). This is such a relief. So I will be having surgery on OCT 12. Any others out there with October dates? Everybody here is so awesome.

How ya doing? I had my surgery on August 9th. I am doing well, just had my second fill today. Wondering how all the August Bandsters are doing.. I hope that everyone is doing well and is happy with their choice to be banded.

Stouffers baked chicken breast and mashed potatoes. Caloriess 250 Fat 10 Cholesterol 55 Sodium 750 Carbs 20 Sugars 2 Protein 20 I don't think this isn't too bad for one meal. This is the only chicken that I can get down easily. The chicken is so tender it can't be chicken LOL. They also have a lasgna bake that I like. Ummmm Ummmm Quick, easy, cheap.

I am so overwhelmed w/ this that I can't think straight. Well let me tell you, my three year old son attends a home daycare and Friday I got a letter from his care provider telling me that she will no longer be able to keep my child because of his behavior. He fights w/ other kids and when she tries to put him in time out, he even hits her. What am I supposed to do? He does fight at home w/ his sister, but I didn't realize the problem was this big. I have enrolled him at the private school my girls attend and have spoken w/ his new teacher and expressed my concerns regarding his behavior. She said she would work w/ me. She is strict --my little girl had her last year and …

<p>This is incomplete, but after reading Vinesqueen's complete list of NSV's, she has inspired me to start keeping track of my own. Thanks Vines!</p> <p> </p> <p>9/14/05: surgery @ 9am, home @ 3pm</p> <p> </p> <p>10/3/05: rings fit a little looser</p> <p> </p> <p>10/5/05: I had a pair of pants that I unintentionally bought a size too small. I was able to wear them, but zip them up only halfway. Today, I put them on (not wiggled into them), and not only was I able to zip them up, but I was able to button them as well.</p> <p> </p> <p>10/20/05: 1st fill & official weigh…

Hubby and I always go to the company Christmas party, trust me Microsoft throws wonderful parties. With it being just two months away I have something to work toward. My dress last year was around a size 24, of course I just had my daughter 2 months before and had lost a bunch of weight due to morning sickness during my pregnancy. Weight that I quickly put back on after I stopped hurling every day. I had my second fill today and I am ready to kick butt at Curves, walk and look darn good this year in my purdy dress. Thanks for all the support you guys have given me. I am back on the saddle.

Ok, I am officially bummed. I went to the WLS seminar tonight, and they told me that my insurance will only cover RNY. Not only will they cover RNY, but apparently, it's quite easy to get approved. But no lapbands. Like I'm gonna let anyone rearrange my insides! I'm still going to go to the consult, but if there's no hope that the insurance will pay, then I'm outta the WLS scene for quite a while until I can formulate Plans B, C, D & E (either appeal, self pay, Mexico, or wait and hope they eventually come to their senses!) Bummer, because I was moving fast, had my support group on the 12th, my consult on the 13th, had my psych consult scheduled for the 17th, …

I have staples closing my incisions. Seems like this is abnormal for bandsters. Anyone know why they use one method over another?

Hi, I live in Mesquite, Texas (a 'burb of Dallas). I'm investigating the entire lapband process. I've been referred to Dr. Richard Anderson at the Surgery Center of Dallas. Has anyone used him? Can anyone tell me anything about him? I admit, I'm not thrilled at the concept of "going under the knife," even if it is a minor procedure. Obviously, I'm morbidly obese or I wouldn't be considering this. I'm also disabled, but it has nothing to do with weight -- I have a number of genetic illnesses that make life difficult in the first place. The extra weight only adds to the problems. I'd love to hear some recommendations for doctors in the Dallas area. I've heard ab…

I'm having my port removed tomorrow due to an infection, but my Dr. said he could give me a fill during surgery and then cap off my tubing. I am VERY happy about this as I feel no restriction (have yet to have a fill) and haven't lost in about 2 1/2 weeks. This will hopefully give me a little bit of restriction while I'm healing and before I get my new port. That being said, if I happen to need an unfill my only option without a port is surgery again. Definitely don't want that to happen. My question is, about what percent of people end up needing an unfill? It seems to be pretty common...well, more common than a port infection anyway. Should I just trust that he knows wh…

Ok I'm so sorry to post this hear but I don't know who else to ask. I've got cramps so bad I want to die!!! What can I take? I've been drinkin' liquid tylenol like crazy but it's not making a dent in the pain. I know we can't take asprin or Ibprofen. So what can I take? Today it got so bad that I was almost throwing up from the pain. That's not good either since I can't throw up and have managed just to lie down and not move. I'm dyin' here! And I don't know any people that have has a band besides you guys. So again I apologize but can someone help? Thanks!

I forgot to tell you guys that I had my 1st NSV on my surgery day! Along time ago I was watching Dr. 90210 and Dr. Li cut out this small tattoo from this lady while she was under for her boob job and a light bulb went off in my head! B/C along long long long time ago I decided it would be cool to get a tatoo. Well, it's never a good idea to let a 16 year old punk guy with a needle tatoo you but we all know I've grown up since then! So, anyways, long story short - I had the "blob" cut out of my leg while I was getting my band, and I didn't feel a thing! I saved hundreds of dollars on laser treatment AND I won't be embarrassed to wear short shorts when I lose my weight b/c…

I am scheduled to have surgery on October 11. Presently the surgeon is using an 11cm band. Prior to this, the band size used was a 4cm I believe. Does anyone have any information on the band sizes and benefits vs drawbacks of both the small and large size bands? Or does it even make any difference at all?

Hi everyone, Just wanted to extend an invite to a get together we are having in the Orlando area. It is on October 14,2005. If interested please send me an e mail at raazzberry@cfl.rr.com and I send you all the information!! So come on out and join us!!! Jo Ann

Hi, I live in Mesquite, Texas (a 'burb of Dallas). I'm investigating the entire lapband process. I've been referred to Dr. Richard Anderson at the Surgery Center of Dallas. Has anyone used him? Can anyone tell me anything about him? I admit, I'm not thrilled at the concept of "going under the knife," even if it is a minor procedure. I've looked into gastric bypass in the past and have seen several doctors, but after only a 30 minute or less talk with them, they've all told me the usual "you're fat, go home, lose weight," and don't want to remotely help me. I'm absolutely terrified I'm going to be told the same thing. I've had 2 of my doctors tell me lately, …

I am 5 days out and I'm starting to get hungry and not feel full - I guess the swelling has gone down. I am only supposed to "eat" 6 ounces of liquid every 2 hours but I want the whole can of soup - not half, and some water! At this rate I can only have 1/4 can soup and a tiny cup of water. I am losing it! I used to drink 12-15 big bottles of water per day!

Hi All...man It Has Been Soooo Long Since I Have Posted Here!!! Hope Everyone Is Doing Great!!! So..i Got Approved!! I Am Having The Lap Band On November 7th With Dr. Stephen Marshall In Peoria, Illinois!!! Cant Wait!!!

They say good things come to those who wait....well thats true because I am FINALY BANDED!!! This is the first day of a very different life for me that I am so grateful for!

Does anybody else's band act up with the weather? As I've posted before, I get real tight when its hot. But I am a walking weather vane. About a half hour before thunderstorms I lock up. Last night, I woke up just tight (couldn't hardly get Water down) at 12:30. At 1 it started raining and I loosened up about an hour later. (and went back to sleep). Woke up again at 4 - not as tight but a definite change - and then it started snowing. This is getting weird. Should I change occupations? Should I be a weather forecaster? Celeste

My date is set for Nov 2 in Humble Texas.:Bunny

OK so for the past few days on and off, I have had a pain in my left side. Any ideas? It's not horriable, but at times it feels like I am being stabbed. Could it just be gas? Didn't have any of this until I had my fill last week. Your words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Hi, Starrs daughter called a few minutes ago. She is out of surgery and in la la land in her room. Everything went well. When I hear more I will let you know.

I had a ball, it was the best weekend I have had in a long time. The speakers were VERY informative and I learnt alot I didnt know. They had a plastic surgeon come and go through the procedures most ppl get after weight loss and showed us before and after pics. There was also a psychologist talking, mostly about marriage after weight loss and how to make it survive. John Dixon they head researcher in the world for Lap Band spoke for a while too. We had a trivia night, and most of the weekend was spent breaking all the bandster rules...hiccup. I am so glad I went, I have made so many more friends who know exactly what I am going through. There was about 100 of us, and we …

Well after I had my fill last week I have felt much better about the outcome of this surgery! Ok anyway to get to my NSV. Today I got on the scale because I thought I had gained even though it wasn't my weigh in day(I lost 5lbs since Friday!) I bought a pair of pants in a 16 while I was wearing a twenty, and they fit, buttoned ok, but they are a little tight so I won't wear them yet! But it will be soon! Just thought you would like to know! -Kylie

I am trying to upload my own avatar and it says my file is not a valid GIF, JPG, or PNG file........does anyone know what I have to do to change my file so it will upload? PLEASE HELP I AM GOING CRAZY!!!!!LOL

I have been having nightmares almost everynight.I did this last time I was to have surgery(galbladder) Piece of cake. I did not get all worked up before surgey. I am not even that scared. I hate nightmares. I have a month to go before surgery. Why do I do this to my self.

I have had a tummy bug for the last 3 days, the first day I was doing alot of heaving, this was while I was at the conference so was going to go to the Dr when I got home. The nausea stopped after a day and the poo poo started. I havent stopped, and the tummy cramps are soooo bad. I went to the chemist and asked if there was something I could take. I told them about the band and they said with the band they would not give me anything unless I had a letter from my surgeon. Unfortunately that isnt possible, so I will get through this, I am keeping up the fluids, I just wanted to know if anyone knows if the tummy cramps are actual cramps where our bands are and could they ca…

I don't know if you guys remember me or not, but I posted about my port problems about a week ago.Thank you for all of your wonderful responses. Just an update (and short re cap) and throwing myself a little pitty party. I'm VERY sad and feeling a little overwhelmed right now. I'll be 4 weeks post op tomorrow (Wed) and from day 7 on I've had problems with my port incision. I woke up day 7 with blood soaked through my pj's. Basically,my incision had gotten infected and the fluid was finding the easiest way out. The Dr. opened it up on day 8 so that fluid could have a place to drain (can you say ouch!!) I've been packing my 'wound' now (it started out about 3-4 inches long…

Hi all, Maybe this is just me getting all worked up over nothing but I have a head cold (stuffy nose, coughing). Today is Oct 1 almost the 2 and my sugery is on the 11th. Should I worried? Would they cancel my sugery because of this? Should I fake that I am fine and say nothing? ok too many questions. I am worried that they will cancel my sugery. I am not so sick that I can't work. I have been working.

In 4 months I lost 4 pound. I had my 3rd fill less than a week ago, and now I'm down 4 pound in a week. This I completely do not believe. The beginning of the week I was at around 1500 calories a week (up from my 1200) to close to 1000 after my fill. I went from 45% body fat in May to my current 41.9% as of tonight! Of course, someone could be playing a horrible joke one me. (probably the Ravens.)