LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi Everyone. My DH and I are planning on moving to Virginia we are looking at the halifax area and montgomery county. any advice from those who live in Virginia. should we look any where else. where do you live and what do like best and least there.. Thanks Amy

Hi everyone, I just joined. Hope everyone is having a great day! I am off to Mexico for my Lap Band on October 6th :-) I need to find a good fill doc here in North Carolina. Dr. Bauman is rather pricey... any one have good suggestions? I am willing to go anywhere. Anywhere in NC is closer than Mexico!! Claudia 10/6 sw ... not sure let... I'll let you know ... :-) GW 145

Just a quick note to ask that y'all say a few prayers for us in Texas! Rita has now turned into a category 4 hurricane with antisipation of being a category 5 by land fall. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers...

Hi Everyone, I FINALY got my insurance approval yesterday! Thank God! I supposed to be banded 9-26-05..... but they had to move my surgery up a week so I now have a date of October the 3rd! I wanted to touch base with the rest of you that will also be banded in October too! BOO!

Had consult today...all went well, but have a couple of questions... 1. Dr. K says he usually uses a larger band. Not the Vanguard, but the bigger of the two smaller sized, I think he said 9.75. If a bigger band is used will the stoma also be larger? 2. The stress EKG....it's in the non-invasive cardiology dept, and instead of causing stress via treadmill, they inject a sort of adrenaline or something and then take nuclear images. This kind of gives me the willies. Has anyone experienced this? So I guess the next step is to wait for ins. approval. I'll be waiting with my fingers crossed.

This probably hasn't crossed the mind of many female bandsters, but doesn't the hospital shave around the banding area prior to the procedure? I thought they did with most operations? (never been under the knife before this, so excuse my ignorance) I've the same hairy stomach I've always had... I can hardly see where they've operated through a mat of curly hair. Andy P.S. Sorry if I put you off your breakfast.

Someone else started a conversation about this in the Lounge, I think, but I wanted to start it here on the Texas board, also. Let's use this board as a place to offer or ask for assistance. I live north of Dallas, and can't offer a guest room, but please PM me for my phone numbers if you have questions like where to board pets, local motel/hotel numbers, assistance agency numbers or whatever, and I'll try to get you some info. Others on the other thread have offered their homes and other help, so check for that other thread. Please post if you are leaving your home, what precautions you are taking, etc...and thanks to the Florida folks who have offered good advice. …

Sad thing is... I can relate to these ROFLMFAO.... especially #3 snort~ 20 Ways For Women To Tell That They've Had A Little Much To Drink 1. I have absolutely no idea where my purse is. 2. I believe that dancing with my arms overhead and wiggling my butt while yelling "WOO-HOO!" is truly the sexiest dance move around. 3. I've suddenly decided I want to kick someone's ass and honestly believe I could do it too. 4. In my last trip to pee, I realize I now look more like a homeless hooker than the goddess I was just four hours ago. 5. I drop my 3:00 a.m. bean burrito on the floor (which I'm eating even though I'm not the least bit hungry), pick it up and carry…

OK Kim and Loretta, called the office today to ask about a capsil medication I take. I also asked about the day before if I needed to be on clear chicken broth type stuff all day. Val, called back and said that I should not be eating cream of whatever soups! Whats the deal with this? When I spoke with Bobbi she siad they were ok but that I should stop the milk and puddings the last few days. Kim what did you do? Loretta what did he tell you yesterday? Am I feaking out just to freak out? My anxiety is at a 20 on a scale of 1-10.

Okay, so I found a pair of jeans in the closet that I haven't worn in .. we'll, I'm not sure if I've ever worn them actually. I bought them, but they were too tight and I did the ole, "Oh, well they'll fit when I lose weight" thing lol. Five years later... So I put them on this morning and they fit. Actually, they were loose, but that's okay. What I'm trying to figure out is, these jeans are a size 16, from Lane Bryant, circa 2000 (think, before stretch demin was invented - they've got no give). So I'm wondering if they're a true 16 or if they're an off size. Anyone an expert of circa 2000 Lane Bryant sizing issues? hehe

I'm post-op 4 weeks (Aug 24) . I've been walking daily on my treadmill but haven't started back to my aerobics / pilates exercise yet. Does anyone know how soon we can get back to those exercises without pulling or harming my band?

Just wondering. I was told I am having surgery at the outpatient center. Do you think this means I will not have to spend any time in the hospital?

The only solid food that works so far without pain is fish and I have been eating it for 2 1/2 weeks daily. I think I'm starting to grow scales. I was banded on 9-29-2005 and although this is my 3rd week, should'nt I be able to eat more solid foods? The soft foods are fine, but earlier I tried to eat chicken salad and almost passed out from the pain. What's up? More oatmeal and cream of wheat? The sugarfree Jello pudding is great, but how much longer until I can eat "real food?" Thanks Rose from Texas

Well I am exactly one month away from my surgery. Today, well this morning, I had to do alot of driving for work and I started thinking and getting scared. Being scared is a new feeling for me meaning during this entire process not one time have I been scared. Don't get me wrong I am in NO WAY considering not getting my band, I'm just scared. Scared of the surgery, scared I won't be successful, scared I am paying out SOO much money out of my pocket and it won't work, scared I am going to be fat forever. What I don't understand is where have these thoughts came from!!!???? Has anyone else experienced this? Am I over reacting? It is about that time of month and I do…

I was banded on Monday 9/19/05. I expected the pain and bloated feeling but I keep feeling a pain in my stomach that radiates up to my throat which I was not ready for. It only last a few seconds but it's a little scary. I called my doc and I was told it's spasms - stomach and esophagus - which should go away when the swelling subsides. Anyone else ever experience this?

I have decided my time on this board is up. I know I only had short stay. I have decided to have a full gastric bypass instead of the lap band. I will still be going to dr bauman. I hope everyone's surgery goes well. Jennifer

Hi again, Just wanted to see how you are feeling today and if you have heard anything else from you doctor??? If you would like to talk to someone via a phone call please let us know!

OK, since 8/30 surgery date, I have the "farts" sooooo bad, not just a couple little ones here and there, but big ones all day and night etc...... Still on full liquids, but mostly just doing Water and Optifast still, sometimes a cream Soup,, occasional little bites of foods, here and there.. And I am not exagerating, they are a lot of big ones, not necessarily all that smelly, sometimes they rank,, but geesh this has to stop sometime right,,, I really didnt have the gas pains as I was up and walking hours after my surgery several times through the night and I stay pretty active now...... I tried the maalox max to see if it would help,,,NOPE, and I used Phazyme--Nope, no …

Alright ladies are we on? I know I am ready for our monthly outing. I know Angie already said she couldn't make it. Anyone else be there or will I be alone. Friday's on Harris Blvd @ 11:30!!!! Anyone is welcome to join us we love meeting new people.... Oh and for those following the Dr. V story....saw him today...I feel really good. Found out he is leaving the surgical group. As of right now he "could" still be our Dr. He will find out in a few weeks. Personally....if I keep saying my prayers I think he will continue to be our Dr. Although I know Dr Z will be great also...he has been in the OR for lap band surgeries and has been working on fills in the office. So I t…

Im sure this has been asked a thousand times, but could someone please tell me how long after a fill does it take to get restriction? I had my first fill yesterday and today I had oatmeal for breakfast. I only ate 4 oz of it, because that was what I was told to do, even though I wanted more. 2 hours later...im starving again! According to the doctor he normally puts in 5-6 cc's for a first fill but since I had "good restriction" he only put in 3 cc's. Should I call him back and tell him it isnt working?

Hi all- My doctors have me on so many different meds and Vitamins that my head is spinning!! I just wanted to see if most of you have the same instructions. I understand the Multivitamins and Calcium for life. I am on 2 Centrum chewables and 3 Extra Strength Tums until I get to solids when I will probably switch to Viactiv for the calcium. I am also on Pepcid AC for 3-6 months, Atigall for 3-6 months, and I have Reglan for my little bouts with nausea (hasn't been too bad). I am also currently on liquid Vicodin- 7 days post-op and I am stretching it as much as I can before I take every dose (I am at 6-7 hours between doses now). Does this seem like a lot?? I feel l…

Worth reading for the last couple lines..... In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said, "and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled. And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth w…

This may be a crazy question but can any of you eat popcorn? I love going out to see movies but I just can't imagine going and not eating some popcorn. Also can someone explain why we aren't supposed to use straws. My doctor instructed me not to use straws when drinking liquids. Thank you

:rolleyes OK so I am 3 days post-op and suddenly the dreaded BM is on my mind - a lot. Nobody likes it but it needs to be done. I'm sitting at the computer this morning with my feet up on a chair so that I'm comfy - well if you could have heard the noises I was making - it would have scared small children. I'm tooting away happy as can be when I get that "Oh oh this may be more than ordinary gas" feeling. So off to the WC I go. Sit comfortably and ..... nothing ...... not a wimper, not a sigh, nothing at all. OK false alarm, back to the PC I go. No sooner do I get comfy - feet back up - when the special effects tape starts again - such noises. So off to the potty I go…

Hey Guys, I go in for my band in 6 hours. I cannot sleep. Normally I have to use Xanax to fall asleep (bad habit) and I cannot sleep. I have to leave for the hospital at 5am, I am finding every little pain in my body to be a thousand percent worse then it really is. I guess you could say I am freaking out. I have about 95 pounds to loose and I just want it gone. I wish they could Lipo me in the process.. Recovery time? Some people on here seem to be up and going with in a day or 2, I am taking 4 weeks off of work to get used to my new life style. Plus yet ANOTHER question, I am a professional singer, will this effect my singing voice, I never even thought about that, I a…

Could anyone please tell me what their doctor allows them to eat or drink before a fill. the lady in my doctor's office said I could have nothing that day, not even water. My appointment is at 2 pm and I have a 3 hour drive to get there. I don't think I can go without a sip of water or protein drink or clear soup or something. OK I am weak....help please...I am waiting for another lady in the office to call me back...hope the first one was mistaken.....

Hey everyone-I just went to a lap band seminar hosted by Dr. Rehnke and Dr. Grossbar. Unfortunately, the price is $17,000 and is excluded by my insurance. I don't have a home or collateral to put up, but can easily afford monthly payments. Does anyone have any financing suggestions? My credit is good, but with a few blemishes.. Thanks! Cindy in Largo

Looks like a great site for stories, will have more to say next week after surgery. Here we go........

Hi- Just scheduled my LB surgery for 8/29 at Morristown Memorial Hospital with Dr. Abkin. Any suggestions/comments/helpful hints would be GREATLY appreciated. I'd also love to hear about your personal experience with Dr Abkin and Morristown Memorial Hospital. Thanks. ~Leslie

I have been on my pre-op liquid diet for 10 days now. I have this horrible taste in my mouth. I feel like my teeth have a film over them. Is this keytosis (I have no clue how to spell that one) Is it pre- op gitters going into my mouth? How do I get rid of this? Will I have this after the surgery for a long time? It feel slimmy? Am I just wierd?

Well to all my Texas friend's, UH now has my info and it is not under consideration. Cross your fingers that I get the approval soon. May be a September bander!! Keri

WELL SURGERY WAS YESTERDAY AND I AM BACK HOME TODAY. IN MY EYES THE SURGERY WAS A GREAT SUCCESS. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE IS THE PAIN AT THAT DARN PORT SITE, IT HURTS LIKE HELL. I HAVE LOTS OF GAS, BUT I'VE BEEN TRYING TO WALK IT OFF, SO FAR ITS WORKING. MY ONLY COMPLAIN FROM SURGERY IS THE PAIN AT THE PORT SITE. WHY DOES IT HURT SO BAD,(BURNS WHEN I MOVE THE WRONG WAY)? IS THIS NORMAL FOR EVERYONE TO HURT AT PORT SITE? PLEASE GIVE ME SOME FEEDBACK ON THIS. MY DOCTOR SAYS ITS NORMAL AND TO TAKE EXTRA STRENGH TYLENOL BECAUSE ANYTHING ELSE MIGHT MAKE ME NAUSEAUS. SOMEONE, REPLY ME ON THIS SO THAT I CAN BE MORE AT EASE. THANKS!!!!!

9/22/05 What do you eat for your protein and when do you eat it? Have been reading alot of other websites for protein but want to know what you all do. How many calories do you eat in a day? Do you track what calories you eat? I absolutely hate counting calories but i do watch my portion sizes. Is that a good idea or do you something else. Do you preplan all what youre going to eat in a day or just wing it? Do you write it all down? Micki

:think 9/22/05 Here's the current scenario, bare with me. Please listen!!! Woke up at 1:45am really hungry, went to have some yogurt had 2-3 teaspoons and up it came. Doesnt seem like any big deal but its been happening since i ate dinner. i was eating a small boiled red potato and some salad and after having about 3 bites of the potato up it came, and up it came, and up it came!!!! what is going on??? havent had this problem before. in fact since getting my 1st fill 9/8 have been doing very well. there hasnt been too much restriction physically i have been watching what i have been doing and the choices ive been making. i have read that premenstrally your band c…

Just wanted to throw this out there could people respond to how long did it get you to get proper restriction with the band would like to know getting frustrated had second fill and no restriction doing this on my own because don't want to go for third fill and gain weight so much pressure help

Some of the things I'm looking forward to being able to do as I lose wieght.... 1. Horseback riding (usually a 180 weight limit) 2. Taking a helicoptor ride to Catalina, Grand Canyon, etc. 3. Being able to jump in my husbands arms. 4. Clothes shopping in a "Regular" store. 5. Skydiving What are some of the things you've been able to do that you never could do pre-band? -Melissa

Anybody here been rebanded after having to have their lapband removed? Did you have your original surgeon do the rebanding? If I am rebanded, I plan to return to Dr. Ortiz as I trust him completely. If you went back to your original doctor, what did it cost? Any differences from the first time? Anything else you can think of that might be of any interest? Thank you in advance!

I know I should be taking them but its so hard. Right now i am taking a childrens flinstones and i just cant stand the tast of them anymore does anyone have a suggestion on any half way decent tasting vitamens?????

I had the lapband surgery in Tucson, Az on July 29th and had my 6 week fill (1 cc) on September 6th. My doctor told me that I probably wouldn't feel the restriction and mostly have not. I find that sometimes I feel restricted and other times I do not. Is this just all in my head or does it work this way? Is this normal? Does overeating "hurt" the fill or the band? I am trying not to, but I have had trouble a few times. Also, there's a lot of talk about "PB ing" or productive burping. What exactly is that? Seriously, I am not sure if I've done it. I vomited once. Is this PB? Are you supposed to go on liquids after doing this? Thanks for the insights in advance. Jo…

Hello all... I was banded on the 26th of August. Sunday I had my first experience with a PB. I tried to eat a brown bread bun, and well.. it just didn't work out. Unfortunately, since then, I kept being sick. I didn't PB any more, but I couldn't eat, and then the runs started. I came home sick on Monday, and I stayed home yesterday. I feel somewhat better today, I can actually face the world, but ugh, I still don't feel my best. I decided to stop eating for a few days, and go back on liquids. Has anyone else had something like this happen? I didn't think a PB'd last for days!! - remember, I'm in Europe, and they only make you stay on liquids for 2 weeks, an…

Hey all just a quick update. I'm so excited I weighed my self and I'm finally under 200 for the first time since I got married 8 yrs ago!! I was so excited when I weighed myself I cried!!!!!! I just wanted to share this and tell each and every one of you thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your suport and understanding in the 6 months I've been banded and during my reasearch. All of you here on LBT have brought me where I am today.....66 pounds lighter and so much happier and healthier!!! Thank you all for your great suport and dedication to me!!

Brought a size Large top in Just Jeans today (The Aussie gals will get what that means, it is a store that only goes up to a AU16, or a US14) :Bunny I am so thrilled!

I'm looking into getting a breast reduction and lift, as well as a tummy tuck. While I'm just a little over half way through my weight loss, a friend talked to his surgeon and said when I hit the half way point, schedule a consultation with him. So I go in on Oct 25th for that. Just wondering who out there has tried going two procedures at once. My hubby said he's fine with me doing it, but I better get it all done in one go lol - he's seen too many people become addicted to it and keep going back for new things. How painful was it? What was the recovery time like? Are you happy with the results? Did you wait til you hit goal or do it a bit sooner? Etc. I'm luck…

Hi All: This is my time of year to get sick. I think I am the "Typhoid Mary" of the cold and flu season. When they say the cold and flu season doesn't start in September, I laugh.....It all starts with me...Sorry everyone. Anyhow, I woke up with the crap last Saturday (9-17-05) morning. I generally am a little more restricted in the morning so I didn't think much of the tightness in my chest I felt after eating some scrambled eggs--not a PB, I just felt tight. As my cold has progressed over the last few days, I still have tightness whenever I eat; regardless of what I eat. Has anybody else had a bout of increased restriction when they've had a cold/flu? I do …

Hi there. I also posted this in the Nevada forum but thought it might get more exposure here. My mother-in-law was banded in November in Mexico but is trying to find a good fill doctor near her. She lives in Henderson, NV, right outside of Vegas. Does anyone know any doc that is good and reasonably priced? Thanks.

I have had 2cc's in for over 9 months and doing GREAT. I have had some small amount of coffee ground material in the mornings (after a few social drinks, which I do not do anymore) several times now. Last week I could not keep anything down, became dehydrated and went to see my doctor. My doctor took ALL of the saline out and told me to stay on mylanta or maalox for two weeks and come back and he would start my fill again slowly and see if I had problems again and if I did he would have to check for erosion. Has anyone had this and does anyone know if an erosion can be cured by deflating the band and large amounts of antacids for two weeks? I am scared to death. I have ha…

A Congratulations to Robin(CoffeeWench) on her Inamed nationwide advertising campaign that will include television commercials, magazine ads and billboards. And to Sue also, I'm not sure if she was involved? Please fill us in on the details.

Hi, I am hoping someone may have advice on what is happening to me. I was banded in december 2004. The weight loss has been slow (I have lost about 60 lbs. so far). I had fill in April and I was fine until July. Then in July I strted vomiting everything I put in my mouth. I called dr. and he said come in and we will have some taken out . I t worked great. Then two weeks later I realized I need more fill. I went and for the first time since surgery I had fill with x-ray and everything to make sure everything is ok. It was according to x-ray. One week after fill I was vomiting again. I called the dr. again and he said to come in and take all fill out and give me two weeks t…

I've been banded almost a month, and have recently been bothered by the area around my port. In fact it is more like a muscle soreness. I'm afraid I might have pulled a muscle or something but don't see how. In fact it seems to hurt more after I eat, which seems even stranger. Any ideas?

Well I am off to get my band on Monday, 9/26! I called yesterday to ask when I would get scheduled and they asked if I could come in Monday! Not only that, my Dr. told me I get free fills for the first year! Needless to say I am happy and nervous. My Dr. also said I could more than likely drive myself home the next day. Did anyone else drive themself home the next day? I am thinking I might take a friend and have her drive me home (2 hr drive) the same day. Any info is greatly appreciated.