LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hey was just surfing around and found this. Don't know anything about it, but it looks like a great price for a self pay patient. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/wish_center_lapband_special.html

Help!! I've come down with a cold and a painful sore throat. I usually take Alka Seltzer Plus Nose and Throat because it works well for me. Can I still take it or will it fizz in my pouch and cause problems? Any suggestions appreciated?

Well, I've only barely made it, but gosh it feels good! This morning I stepped on the scale and it read 90.5kgs. I double checked 3 times to make sure I had the right number lol, then ran up stairs to convert it to pounds... 199.5! It's been years since I've been here and gosh does it feel good hehe Next small goal, 180 lbs - that's what I weighed before I got pregnant with my daughter. After I had her (7 years ago), I did the dreaded grapefruit juice diet for a few months. I went from 206 lbs to 180 lbs. Of course, when I stopped the diet I gained it all back and then some - haven't been under 200 since then. I still have a quite skimpy skirt that I could (…

Today 9-9-05 i went in for my second fill because my first fill was not restricitve at all. He actually had a harder time hitting my port this time . I have a VG band and my port is kinda under my left breast close to sternum area. A week previously the doc put in 4.5 cc's so when he went to pull out the 4.5 only 2 ccs came out. Is this normal? Ok so total he put that back in and some more resulting in a 7.5cc fill . Does this sound like a good amount for a VG band? My band only holds 10 cc so if at a month and a half out i already have 7.5 cc what am I going to do when I am 1 year out. PLease help me out by giving advice or feadback. I'm kinda frustrated about the whol…

does anybody know a website for diet and excersize information and recording your progress?

Hi Bandsters, I want to get banded and I'm looking for a surgeon in Utah. I will be self pay so if you know the cost for the surgery please also let me know that too. Also, if you have good experiences or bad experiences with any of the doctors in UT, let me know. Thanks, Greg

I had my last fill at 103kg(227lbs). I have been cruising along for a couple of months now with great restriction and have got down to 97kgs(213lbs). Over the last 2 weeks or so I have noticed the restriction going away and I am eating more and more each day. Today I thought I would give bread a try to see whether I could have it now or not. Well it went down fine. At dinner time tonight I had what I usually do but was starving again 1 hr later. I know this means I probably need another fill right? Would this be because I have lost weight since my last fill and my stomach has shrunk some? What concerns me is after the last fill I developed heartburn after I eat...is getti…

I think I have developed a bad eating habit that I need to stop. Of course before surgery I could eat alot and know it has been 7 months since my surgery but when I order take-out and bring it home I eat only a little about a cup and 1/2 then I am full, but I hate to have the rest around so what I do is chew it then spit it out. The first time I did that I was grossed out by my actions and know it seems so normal. I only do that by myself but I need to stop and either save the food for later or throw it away. Am I the only one with an habit like that?

Although I haven't lost that much in pounds I am noticing it in my clothes. I went to comedy night at the clubhouse last night and I needed something up to date that fit me. I went to Kohls - the womens section was right at that entrance and it was the W sizes. I started looking around and realized I'm in the wrong area. I stood there and cried. I cried for letting myself get so unhealthy, I cried for my husband who looked on helplessly and my kids who loved me unconditionally. I cried because I was overwhelmed with joy that this journey so far has made a difference in my health and self esteem. I cried because for the first time in a long time I felt empowered…

Well after 3 long years of waiting....my Lapband surgery is at hand. I have to be there at 8:30 in the morning! So excited I can hardly type. I want to say a special shout out to B and to let you know that I will wish you nothing but a speedy recovery. Be sure and warm Dr. B up real well for me and may both our surgerys go smooth as silk. MaseAnn, may your surgery go smooth as well! I look forward to being on the losing side very soon!!! I am thankful I found this board, you guys rock!!

Hi Again I have an appt. with Dr. Bertha in two weeks. Two months ago he suggested I see a nutritionist and I have not. I have made efforts but to no avail. I won't get into excuses but to date I have not gone. I want a fill. I feel that is what will help me get motivated again, a new start per say. How do I go about dicussing this with Dr. Bertha. I am 9 months out and 40 lbs down. THanks

I have my surgery on Friday whoo hoo! I am on a liquid diet 1 week pre-op and 1 week post-op and then 2 weeks of mushies. It says "creamy soups, protein shakes, jello" are all part of liquid diet. So, is it ok if I mix 1 scoop of sugar free fat free ice cream and skim milk into my protein shakes? I fail to see the difference b/w liquid and food if things like milk and jello and soup are "liquids"!!! I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right.

Every morning when I leave for work, which is lots earlier than my husband and daughter (long commute!), my daughter hugs me good bye. Yesterday, she wrapped her arms around me for a hug and said, "Gosh, Mom! You are geting skinny! I can wrap my arms all the way around you!" That was the best NSV I have ever had! It felt so good! Just wanted to share this great feeling with you! Cindy

My name is Kim and I was banded on June 13, 2005 by Dr. Arif Ahmad at Mather Hospital. I am looking to meet up with other banded patients of Dr. Ahmad's. Hope to connect soon! Kim

Hey everyone. Gary, Dianne's husband called about 10 mins ago and said everything went good. He should be able to see her soon. Her new life has begun.... Congrats Dianne...We will all still be thinking of you!!!!

Hi, I am glad I was able to make it today. Thanks for all the support. I painted a wall mural today in less than 4 hours. It was great therapy! Looking forward to our next get together. Dont' forget there will be movies playing at my house all week no popcorn but lots of Jello being served, if you get it your self out of the fridge!

Hello! I have a surgery date!!! November 22nd. So I have a two week liquid diet I need to follow. I have questions regarding where to get high protein broth and the high protein mix. My doctor suggest that I go through a company called "med-diet" and thats fine, however I would like to do this the least expensive and best tasting way. So on that line, any hints and suggestions would greatly appreciated. Schel

Good morning........ I wanted to post a little thread about the #1 concern I'm asked from friends/family that tends to be a big concern for those pre-op banding also...... the liquid pre-op and post-op phase .......... People are most amazed to hear I've been on liquids for 5 weeks now...... 2 pre-op.... going on 3 weeks post op now...... and then the natural reaction is "how do you do that?" "don't you just crave and want to eat everything in sight?" "Aren't you hungry?" The answer is no!! I've read a couple posts this morning from new bandsters..... it breaks my heart to hear people struggling with the process. Unfortunate events this summer has allowe…

I've been "lurking" around this site for about a year now. I post pretty infrequently, since I'm not banded (unaffordable to me). I just want to say that you guys seem to get along so well, are so courteous and supportive to one another. I think it's great! Alot of other sites, little cliques form and there is a lot of harrassment but I don't think I've ever seen that on here. Just a note.

I was banded on 8/30/05 and now have a terrible cough. Does anybody think this will harm my band, coughing so hard? I cough so much that I can't sleep at night (which is normal for me when I get a cold). I am worried that my band will slip or something? Anybody have this happen so soon after banding?? Missy

Long time no speak. How's everyone doing? Well I am very discouraged over this whole lapband thing and I'll tell ya why. I have no restriction at all. I had the surgery in April and had some complications. I didn't get around to getting a fill until June. The doc put 2.5 in and asked me to swallow a small cup of water. I couldn't get a drop down. He noticed this when I couldn't answer his questions. He had me lay down in order to remove some of the fill. When I did all of the water came up my nose. He took 1ml out so now I have 1.5. I can eat anything. I had a huge ribeye for dinner, corn on the cob, baked potatoe, salad, 5 small crescent rolls. I hurt now. I can't breath…

Okay, hoping one of you guys can help me by sharing your expeirecnces with restriction and fills. I had my first fill three months ago and have lost about 5 pounds since (all in the first month after the fill). I do feel some restriction. Sometimes I PB, sometimes I'm very tight, and sometimes I'm very loose (like today when I ate a large order of chicken with cashew nuts and 10 fried wontons in a single sitting). But I rarely if ever have that "full" feeling 10 minutes past my meal. I'm thinking that I need a slight fill to keep the food in my pouch longer but I'm nervous because I know how tight I can get at times. What do you guys think?

I just want to thank everyone for all of your support up to this point. You all have helped have the courage to get in the car go to the hospital and become a bandster. I'm blessed and have been lead to do this. I'll see you soon, on the other side.

OK... let me give you a little background here. I had my last and only fill on June 14, 2005 and had some good restiction when I had it done. A week later I apparently got pregnant (my 2nd by the way while on the pill) I could then eat almost anything in sight (good ole hormones) I miscarried on August 19th (I know I know sad but it wasnt my first I am dealing with it.. it's hard but I am fine) after that my doctor said I wouldn't get a period at the normal 28 days it may be more like 58 seems the average after a miscarriage. Anyway I haven't had enough restriction since this has all been happening so I scheduled another fill for next Thursday the 29th... now all of t…

Anyone here a member? My mother-in-law goes and I am considering trying it out for a week for free. I am not doing any exercise at the moment and I am always tired. I need to get off my butt and do something. Ideally I would like to go to Curves 3 days a week and walk on the days I am not going there.

Veg chickien or shrimp ALFREDO 1/4 lite whipping cream 2tbs i cannot believe it's not butter 1-2 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese three sprigs of parsley salt and pepper (I did not think it needed any) place in food processer blend cook in microwave till creamy. Place raw shrimp or chicken, garlic and parsley(fresh) in microwave till pink with butter subtitute 2 to 3 min. Cook Italian style veg mix (Walmart) in microwwave till done. Place veggies and meat on small plate and pour the alfredo sauce over. great with salad and low fat dressing.

Hello my name is Misti I am planning on Lap Band Surgery. This will be Self Pay so could you please give info on your experience and state, doctor, facility. and cost. I live in Tennessee and looks like Mexico might be my best bet. Thank you Misti

Is a real bad headache common with the liquid stage? I was only at 770 calories yesterday. So today I'm going for the 1000. As far as medication goes, like advil, tylenol, how long before the surgery should you stop taking that stuff? I got my sleep apnea machine yesterday, so last night was my first night with it. Perhaps thats why I feel so dizzy and crummy this morning.

Hi All Illinois Banders! I just came home from the hospital yesterday and I was wondering if anyone had any touble showering after thier procedure? I want to shower but don't know if it is too soon Thanks, Jen

Hello Everyone- Needing some support. I was totally excited for my first fill. There was some difficulty in trying to locate my port...but all in all I thought it went well. The next day, I started having severe abdominal pain (worse than the surgery or even childbirth!) My husband ended up taking me to the ER, where I was hospitalized for 3 days (Now I'm going to be stuck with another large hospital bill). The final verdict by my surgeon was that he had inadvertantly "nicked" (sp?) a small artery next to my port when trying to locate it during my fill. What ended up happening is that I had developed large hematomas (blood clots) in my abdomen. He said this is a very rar…

Hi, I'm new to this site and I just got my surgery date, it's going to be in two weeks. I'm very anxious and well as excited! My question is how long can I expect to recover well enough to lift things. I'm a nursing student and I can't miss to much school, so I want to go back three days after my surgery, but I don't know how much I can do! I also have a 15 month old who's going to want to be carried, but my mother is going to help me with him. I had a c-section and I recovered pretty quickly, so I wonder how this compares. Please if anyone could give some pointers I'd appreciate it. Thanks Ps. I love the site

Hello all- I just weighed myself for the first time since I was banded (9/16) and I have lost 8 pounds!! I'm realistic- I know the first week is kind of a bonus because I really didn't feel like eating (or should I say drinking) anything for the first 3 or 4 days after the surgery. But I still feel like I made the right decision and I am on my way to a healthier life. Only 13 pounds until I am under the dreaded 200 mark. If my tummy didn't still hurt so much I would go out right now and run around the block Have a wonderful day, everyone!!

We live in East Texas up from Houston. Its starting to get windy here.The hurricane is supposed to come right up threw here as a tropical storm.Im 42 dont ever remember this before. Pray for us in Texas. Hope all my lapband friends at the coast made it out alright. Flash floods 70 mph winds possible tornadoes really going to get bad Sat after noon. ladysplenda/Linda in East Texas:nervous

Happy Birthday To You ! Happy Birthday To You ! Happy Birthday Dear Iluvharleys, Happy Birthday To You ! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana Have a wonderful day !!! Eileen

Im trying to make sure im getting all my water in daily. I started drinking 16oz in the morning on my way to work, waiting and hour and then eating. Drinking another 16 oz an hour after eating and an hour before lunch. and the same with dinner. Im still full from the water so im not eating much but am trying to get the protien in first. What has worked for other people, i know water is not easy, im drinking Flavor Splas by Aquafina and crystal lite..

Okay, this is probably too much info, but here goes ... Since being banded in March, my periods have been irregular, to say the least. They've also been extremely long (when they finally get here), heavy and the cause of much moodiness, which is not at all like me. Yesterday, my husband came home from a 10 day business trip in Europe, the longest we've ever been apart - and wouldn't ya know it, Aunt Flo decided to rear her ugly lil head lol. That was the last straw for me .. marched off to the GP to get put back on birth control and try to get this in check. I'd been off of it for two years, since my husband had the snip. Just wondering if anyone else had notice…

Well things are moving right along!!! I was supposed to attend a 6 week nutrition course 1 hr. 15min away that was only available on Thursday mornings and started the 2nd week in October, but I don't have a babysitter and was really starting to worry - WELL, I actually found a nutritionist 5 minutes away that specializes in Bariatic pre and post-op nutrition and my surgeon ok'd this as acceptable!! WHOO-HOO! Since this class is 1 on 1, it should only take 2 sessions which would make my surgery alot sooner. I meet with her MONDAY at 10! I am really starting to feel I am getting somewhere!! Just had to share my joy!

I went to my doctor this morning to get some relief from my allergies. Apparently I have high blood pressure to the extent they want me on medication now. I am 27 years old and on high blood pressure meds. So far I've lost between 25-30lbs since being banded August 9th. I know it hasn't been that long since I've had my surgery, but I am still bummmed, this is one of the reasons I had the surgery. I need to pick myself up from being down about it I guess and get more serious about getting this weight off. Anyone else on HCTZ? They are starting me off on a Water pill to see if that helpls, I have to go in for blood work and back in 2 weeks for another blood pressure…

Hi everyone. I have been peeking in at the site since I started seriously pursuing the banding in April. I was banded on Monday 9/19 and am feeling pretty good. I am in an unusual position, having ulcerative colitis - which is why I chose the band over bypass. I have some questions. Just wondering why you all chose banding over bypass and.....how long is typical until the first fill? I have a post op class and post op dr appt next week. but am looking forward to my first fill. last - how much weight loss is "typical" in the first 4 months? I have a big family event and want to buy new smaller clothes (in mid dec) is this realistic. ps - how do you put the…

I am scheduled for banding October 10, 2005. I am excited about the procedure, however I am extremely scared of failing. Can anybody provide details following the surgery and the amount of weight loss within the first month?

Want to hear from june 2005 bandsters how are you all doing let me know

If you take whole pills before surgery be sure to see if your pills come in crushed or liquid form current can be crushed (I had a time release high blood pressure pill that was not suppose to be crused) I had to call the poison hot line Lesson Learned

I am schedule for surgery in two weeks and I just can't stop eating. It is like I am saying goodbye to all my favorite food. I really am worried about this. Yesterday I ate so much I felt physically sick. Please advise Thanks

Hi I had a wonderful experience with my surgeon in Oak Ridge TN, which is close to Knoxville. I just wondered if anyone out there lives around here? It was great being able to come to my local hospital to have it done. Dr Mc Alexander is awesome, very thorough and careful. I have no criticism at all of how the entire experience was handled. I had ultrasounds of my heart, liver and gallbladder, an Upper GI, XRays and blood tests, a complete 12 hour course in nutrition, and am having excellent followup.

Well, I was not able to speak with Kari this morning, but I heard them talking to her in recovery as they whisked me out the door, so I believe she made it okay as well. I was in by 6:30, surgery a little after 7:30 and home by 10:45. I have a few aches and pains, but am doing okay. Kari--hope all went well with you. I look forward to keeping up with your progress. My cell phone number is on the footer to my emails I sent you, so call if you need anything or just want to chat. Bridget

I'm a month out, and have a fill scheduled at the 6 week mark. The nutritionist was very insistent about the first fill saying "I would want it". But I'm not so sure I do, unless things change in the next two weeks. I am able to eat fairly normally (a whole lot less), still have pain if I eat too much (any about over 3/4 cup). But I can go out to dinner, and eat my left overs for 2 more meals. I can have a taste of wine, half cup of oatmeal for breakfast, and I've started being able to have a couple of bits of cooked vegetables without pain. I'm still most days under 1000 calories, and I don't want to go back to liquids and not sure I should eat much less than I do …

I had my first fill about 12 days ago. The doctor did it under the flouro.. I stayed on liquids for about 1 1/2 days. I can eat but the first several bites kind of hurt. I have decreased my food consumption a lot! My real question is how do I know if I am too tight? I can drink, actually gulp water or any other kind of liquid. If I eat too much I am in pain. I actually stop eating at this point but it never seems like it is very much food. But then again if I knew how much to eat I wouldn't have had to get the band.

Well things are moving right along!!! I was supposed to attend a 6 week nutrition course 1 hr. 15min away that was only available on Thursday mornings and started the 2nd week in October, but I don't have a babysitter and was really starting to worry - WELL, I actually found a nutritionist 5 minutes away that specializes in Bariatic pre and post-op nutrition and my surgeon ok'd this as acceptable!! WHOO-HOO! Since this class is 1 on 1, it should only take 2 sessions which would make my surgery alot sooner. I meet with her MONDAY at 10! I am really starting to feel I am getting somewhere!! Just had to share my joy!

Some of the other "groups" are planning nights out. I was wondering what they would do -- all split a meal? I mean if there's supposed to be no drinking and very little eating what are they going to do? I guess they could go to a movie but that would limit talking/bonding....just curious

Oh my Im so bored.... Its 1:45am.. I guess I should go to bed... But I still wanted to let you all know im bored!!!!!!!! LOL