LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

All, please provide me with any suggestions of soups to eat. Tomorrow starts my full liquid and it states Healthy choice soups. Does anyone eat baby food like rice? Does anyone have indigestion?

You will never believe what happened to me today??!!! My daughter, Alex, who is nine years old, threw me a congratulations party......she made up a song and dance about how proud she was of me on my weight loss, being brave enough to have surgery, etc. She called my mom and invited her over, too. She asked my mom to pick-up flowers and a balloon for me. And she made me a poster that said....congrats, Mom...I love you....you ROCK!! Well, needless to say, I cried and hugged everyone to death.... We all spent the day together...my mom, my husband and my daughter, playing poker (by the way, Alex won at poker!!), we had a wonderful lunch which I made and a wonderful din…

Hi! I was wondering if anyone has a Magic Bullet? If so how do they work? Are they worht the money? Can you puree foods with it? Just curious Thanks Annie

I have no idea why but I am retaining water badly. I drink plenty of water. I try not to use things high in salt. I can not figure out why I am holding this water. Is it because of the heat and humidity?I know lemon is good at getting rid of water any other ideas? I was banded 3 weeks ago. am not losing any weight. and holding water. Help. I am totally depressed. I know the first 6 weeks are for healing not for weight loss, But I do not understand how I can take in 800 cal. or less and not lose weight. Will it really be that much different after I get a fill? I am just really bummed... Thanks for listening to me again...lol

So I'm wondering what things are like 2 months out... I'm sure it's different for everyone, but my husband and I have a trip planned for the 1st / 2nd weeks in December, and I'm getting banded October 1. We'll be scuba diving...and I'm a little worried... just wondered what others' experiences have been like...and any divers out there??? Thanks much, Laura

:nervous WELL, TOMORROW IS MY DAY FOR SURGERY. RIGHT NOW I AM A BIT NERVOUS ABOUT IT BUT YET VERY EXCITED. MY FAMILY IS KINDA SCARED BUT VERY SUPPORTIVE, MY FIANCE IS MORE SCARED THAN I AM!!! I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO GET UP IN THE MORNING AND GO TO THE HOSPITAL, I HAVE TO BE THERE AT 6:30 A.M. PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS AND I WILL LET YOU KNOW ALL ABOUT IT ON TUESDAY WHEN I GET BACK HOME.

This has been kicking around in the back of my brain for a while. I know that we have so many people who simple don't have a clue what they look like. For some of us we can't see how much weight we've lost. I think partly because in our head we are still gi-normous, while in other cases we don't see it because we live with it. It's hard to notice change when it is incremental. I would like to propose a series of threads that show what people look at different sizes. I've never seen anything like this anywhere, so this is why I'm proposing it here. I think this would be very powerful and invaluable for people moving down the size chart. I also know that size is indep…

Hi, I have to go in on the 7th for a pre-op medical exam. My surgeon has given me letter to give to my doctor telling him what I need to have done. It says a CBC(Complete Blood Count), Urinalysis, Chemistry 8 Panel, and PT/PTT My question is What is a PT/PTT? And do I have to have a pelvic exam and breast exam? Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks Jolynn:)

I knew when I got dressed this morning I was in trouble. I put on a suit (one of my favorites) that I haven;t worned since the middle of August and the skirt is straight and was clearly too big. Even for my 6am half awake self. So I put on a pair of black slacks size 18 with my suit jacket and went on my merry way. I'm really inbetween a 16 and a 14 and was really holding out to be a true 14 before caving in and buying clothes. Well, what a morning it took me forever to get into Manhattan today (the UN is in town) and I was running late for my appointment. I parked at a meter and proceeded to run across 1st Avenue (4-5 lanes). I almost tripped over my pants- they…

Hi everyone, firstly a big thankyou to everyone who has posted and given their advice and opinions. I've spent many evenings reading and studying what you have all said, I've even watched a banding operation posted on a web site which was both fascinating, educating and fantastic. I have now got my surgery and flights all booked up and will be leaving cold wet Detroit for sunny Mexico on October 4th. I just love looking at the before and after pictures and you have all given me the inspiration I need to get this surgery booked up. I'll be honored to post mine there someday. If anyone else is planning surgery for around that date please write back to me and maybe we ca…

Hey all!!! So everything is set... two weeks from today I will be banded and can't wait! Here's my question - and I already know it's self-defeating, but I'm having a serious mental challenge wanting to eat -everything- that I (1) haven't been able to following WW for 3+ years and (2) that I probably won't be able to eat after being banded... it's as if my brain thinks I had better have it now while I can... now, I suppose in small doses, this might not be horrible, for example, yesterday I purchased the baked Cheetoes vs. the really bad deep-fried ones, and didn't eat the whole bag or anything, but I don't want to gain weight before the surgery. Did anyone else experienc…

My surgeon had me do 2 weeks of Atkins..(no problem) and now 2 weeks of Optifast. Problem! I am on day 4 and I will tell you that I had to break down and have a salad and a Lean Pocket because if I did not my pets might not have been safe! Ha! Did anyone else out there have a problem sticking to 2 weeks pre op diet? I feel bad like if I cannot deal with this what am I going to do after surgery? Help!

Here I go again! I was calm, feeling good and confident about the surgery even though the Dr is leaving the practice a month later, even though I'm going on a 9 day cruise less than 3 weeks later. So she calls me up this morning and says I gotta tell I don't feel good about this and niether does my husband. Whats the rush. You booked the cruise. It's not everyday you book a cruise. He (my Dr) has jerked me around with the dates now 3 times. Are you sure you really want to go with him, he can't be the only surgeon out there ther has got to be others. We want you to be your fun crazy self on the cruise. What if something goes wrong. Do you really trust this Dr…

According to the Farmer's Almanac, tomorrow is the best day to quit smoking this month. I'm quitting! Want to join me? :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke

Hi, after all these problems I am finally banded (3 weeks post-op). I dumped my bf of 3 years over the summer because he was being a jerk. I think I know why now. The reality of me getting this band overwhelmed him and he calls me every now and then and brags about all these girls wanting to date him and stuff. This bothers me a little, but not nearly as badly as the thought that he was only with me because I am overweight. When I lost the first 5-6lbs that first week he acted genuinely happy, then from there on he asks and then says "oh I guess thats cool." I cant believe I dated someone like that and sometimes it bothers me just because I was his comfort zone. Al…

Just got my second fill and I feel less restriction than the first I am discouraged I actually gained 3 pounds what is going on when they did the fill they took out the cc's to see if what they put in the first fill was there it was and added more to it. how long does a fill take to kick in its been a week help

Hi everyone. I am almost 4 week post-op & need a good fill doctor. I can travel from Miami to Plam Beach Or in Ocala if the doctor is real good. I would like to know names of doctors used & prices if known. Any advice may help. Thanks, Sally __________________

Has any one had any friends who wanted to have surgery also but didn't get approved? My friend and I have been friends for 6 years but for the last three years we both had been looking into getting weight loss surgery. She is a lot smaller that me I weigh 380 she weighs 250, but she was quick to give up after we were turned down twice. I kept going because I have diabetes and knee problems. I cary my weight well and people think I am smaller than I look but I am not. So I went by myself the last time and went through a lot of test and finally got approved. I had my surgery in Feburary and have only lost 40lbs. On top of that everyone always asks how the weight loss …

i am from cincinnati. I cant find but a few docotrs that do this surgery and cant find any that take medicaid anyone know of any? I have3 used all the online doctor locators but no luck... any ideas?

I assume you want to have your band with you for life, but is this realistic?; I mean if there are no complications how long can the band be intact inside your body? are there studies about this?

Where are you? How are you? I am just banded 5 days ago and doing well.Getting more hungry by the day. Getting ready to get myself back to the track to walk, walk and walk some more.. Looking forward to hearing how you are doing... AMy

I Am To Be Banded On 9-19-05, Now That It Is Getting Closer To The Date, I Feel A Little Scared. My Questions Are: Will It Hurt Much? How Much Time Can I Expect To Be Out Of Work( I Took Off 1 Week), What Can I Use For The Gas Pain?, How Long Is The Hospital Stay? I Had My Last Visit Before Surgery With My Doctor Today, But I Forgot To Ask These So Important Questions. I Guess I Forgot To Ask Because I Was So Damn Happy To Be Approved And To Be Having My Surgery Next Week!!!!!!!

This may sound nuts but someone said they thought I could have mashed P's in my pr-op stage. Does this sound nuts to you.

First I want to say hello to everyone. I have been reading some of your posts for a while but haven't posted before. I was banded about a month and a half ago and I am so happy! I was just wondering if any of you have pain where your band is after eating. I haven't had a fill yet, but I am wondering if maybe I am taking bites that are too big, or if I am choosing the wrong foods. Sometimes after I eat (especially if I eat more than "normal") I get really sharp pains in my stomach. I haven't thrown up or had any PBing, but it is really scary and painful. Yesterday I had some fish, cooked carrots and peach slices and about 15 minutes after eating I got these pains. I also g…

Hey all!!! So everything is set... two weeks from today I will be banded and can't wait! Here's my question - and I already know it's self-defeating, but I'm having a serious mental challenge wanting to eat -everything- that I (1) haven't been able to following WW for 3+ years and (2) that I probably won't be able to eat after being banded... it's as if my brain thinks I had better have it now while I can... now, I suppose in small doses, this might not be horrible, for example, yesterday I purchased the baked Cheetoes vs. the really bad deep-fried ones, and didn't eat the whole bag or anything, but I don't want to gain weight before the surgery. Did anyone else experienc…

I'm sure I should already know this information, but for some reason it has passed me right by. My doc has prescribed 1 week of full liquids (today's the last day, THANK GOODNESS) and 4 weeks of "pureed and strained foods". Does that mean I fully skipp the full liquid phase and moved right on to mushies? Are mushies different from pureed and strained? I don't follow.

Hi all, I had my first fill 6 days ago. My doctor said that I should stay on liquids for 48 hours (which I did) and then begin eating solids so long as I chew well and take small bites. I feel like I've been doing that, but it seems that no matter what I eat feels like a lead ball sitting in my stomach. I'm not PB'ing, it just hurts for 5-10 minutes until I burp a few times (sorry for the pleasant details). Is this normal? Will it always be slightly painful to eat? What exactly is the definition of eating slow? Does it take everyone here 45 minutes to eat a few ounces of food? Because if so, I'm gonna have to give up restaurants. I got in 3 bites tonight bef…

I have been reading about weight loss challenges, I think I read somewhere about one starting this fall?? Could anyone give me some info about this?? I just love a good challenge!

Hi there... I live in the Tampa FL area and I was banded in Mexico August 26, 2005 and I am looking for a fill doctor close to home. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Sharon

Hey everyone! I have seen quite a few threads asking for exercise suggestions. I just found this routine on the web & thought I would share it with ya'll. It seems like a really good beginners routine to me. Quick Fit 15-Minute Exercise Program Here is an innovative 15-minute corporate fitness program called "Quick Fit." You don’t even have to change into workout clothes—just come in, do your thing, and get back to your busy day. Here are the four key components of the "Quick Fit" routine: <LI value=1>Aerobic activity: 10 minutes. The goal is for you to do 10 minutes of continuous aerobic activity, but what you do is up to you. Most people like to walk, …

Hi, I am to be banded this wednesday and want to be as prepared as possible for when I come home, I have a few home-made soups prepared, what else can I have in preparations.... I have got a protein supplement, sorted vitamins, I have a juicer so that should be ok..... what else do I need for when I come home? Please Help Suzii

I HAVE A DATE - OH MY GOD - SEPT 30TH. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. I WAS ABOUT TO GIVE UP ALL HOPE AND SWITCH TO DR. BAUMAN. DIANNE I'M RIGHT BEHIND YOU BUDDY. MELISSA MAYBE THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO FIT YOU IN TOO. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT LADIES.

It was posted in another thread, but I just wanted everyone to know that some of us will be chatting in the "chat" room of all places. We are meeting tonight at 10:15 central time. Hope to see ya there! Everyone welcome.

I got banded Tuesday night - I ate 3 jello cups at the hospital that first night. Yesterday and today I've eaten my weight in clear liquids and I AM HUNGRY! Is there anything else that we can have other than popsicles, jello and broth?

Banded on 9/8/05. I can not eat my 2 oz. Is this unusual? Still a little soar around the port. I am very excited.

I am not sure if I am filled too tight or if this is really how the band is supposed to work?!?!?!? I have problems getting down normal food. chicken, salad, vegetables, eggs, apples, bananas.....healthy foods!! After about 5 bites, everything sits right at my band & it hurts!! I have never PB'd anything because I just stop eating from the pain. It's frustrating!! However, I can eat chocolate, Cookies, ice cream, even cake!! I rarley eat them or even have them aroud the house, but I know I CAN!! The store is just 1 min. away!! It's torture on me. It seems as if my band is working AGAINST me! I can't eat the good stuff, but all the bad stuff goes down …

I Told Everybody That I Would Quit Smoking If I Got Approved.so If I Put On Weight I Could Lose It When I Have Surgery. Well I Got Approved. This Will Be So Hard.i Can Do This Right. Ladysplenda/linda

I was banded 12/04/2004 in TJ by Dr. Kuri...9.75/10.0 cm band. I followed all the guide lines after the operation. I must say I was hungry, but kept following the diet I was given of soft foods....A few weeks on that and I was ready to eat a little, but couldn't get chicken or beef, rise or pasta or bread or anything with fiber to stay down...In two months I got my first fill, I wasn't restricked enough so on Feb 23, 2005 after only losing 14 pounds I went for a more restrictive fill. 3.1 after that I couldn't hardly eat anything...I lived off of tomato soup and broth..and was told it was perfect and it would hit the sweet spot just wait you'll see. I counted calories to …

I am off to North Dakota for a month or 2 and dont have a computer out there and the library is 25 miles away so may not be on much but want to say thanks again to everyone who sent stuff for Katrina victims and for everyone to keep up the great weightloss progress-Ill miss everyone since Im on here EVERY DAY getting valuable info-thanks ladies-Ill miss ya!!!:cry :kiss

Will I ever know what restriction is. I have not had a fill yet But how will I know that I am comfortably full? Right now I have no idea what that feels like. I only know what uncomfortably full feels like. I am just wondering what it is going to feel like after I have restriction.. Does that make any sense?lol TIA Amy

Hey all. How are you? I think I am on a plateau and I wanna know how to get off of it~ I have been bouncing around the same weight give or take two pounds for the last three weeks. Nothing earth shaking going on. I need another fill I am fairely sure of that....and I hope that once I get the fill that will make a difference. But I feel sooo bloated and gross its not funny! Aunt Flo is just about ready to leave, shes packing her bags~ Good Ridence!~ And Im pretty sure that has something to do with it...but I am really seeing a slow down with the weight loss. How do I jump start this? Lower the caloric intake and up the exercise? That is sooo much easier said than done~ I h…

Thank You All So Much For All Of Your Kind Thoughts And Well Wishes.....it Means So Much. I Rescheduled My Surgery For This Coming Monday. I Know It Seems A Bit Soon But I Already Did The Pre-surgical Testing And If I Wait Any Longer I Would Have To Do Them All Over Again. I Know My Mom Wanted Me To Do It And I Need It So There's No Use In Delaying It. Wish Me Luck.....and Thanks Again For All Of Your Words Of Wisdom, Advice, And Thoughts. I'll Let You Know How It Goes.

UH OH! I am in the process of moving offices and I was at my new office checking it out and without even thinking about it, having my mind elsewhere....I swallowed my gum. Has anyone else done this? And I think I learned my lesson not to chew gum anymore! It didn't hurt or anything but I did it and it really bothered me. So, if anyone has done this or knows someone that is banded and goofed like me...let me know how everything worked out! Thanks!

Sun Dried Tomato chicken Breast : Four large chicken breasts small bottle of italian dressing one jar of sundried tomatoes chopped 1/2 cup of white wine 1/2 cup of chicken stock or veggie stock 1/2 small onion chopped 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil or two tablepoons of fresh (optional) Marinate chicken breast in italian dressing and chopped sundried tomatoes for two hours. Put the chicken breast along with your marinade into the crock pot. Add the onions, stock, white wine. Set crock pot on low for 6-8 hours. Add the basil about 15 minutes before serving (optional). Serve with veggies and/or Pasta or what ever you like! Enjoy!

Hello! When I came home from Mexico after my surgery eariler this year I got sick and had to go to the ER. I am getting the bills now and I owe almost $800 (it's sad, nothing was even wrong with me), my mom is telling me if I go offer to pay it all up front then sometimes they will take up to half off. Has anyone tried this before? Just wondering before I go in there and ask. Thanks

How many people from MI are here? I had my band done in Port Huron.

I got the approval from my general Doctor last October to have the lap band and I have gone through all the preliminary crap for the insurance company and was finally accepted by them last month. Huray I thought but no........ now my surgeon wants me to go to an exercise trainer 3 times before seeing him (he does this with all his patients now) and I have to pay for this 400 dollars out of my pocket, my insurance won't cover it. I asked the office person when do they think I can get my final date booked and she said that they are already booking for December at this point. That means if I have to wait till January or February or ? to have the surgery I will have to pay…

Just got back from Sea World with my daughter. It's the first time I've flown in two years. Normally, the belt won't fasten - this time, there was a good 6-8 inches left on it .. YaYYY. And my arse/hips didn't keep pushing the arm rest up lol, which has always happened in the past. I was able to out walk my lil one at Sea World and she's a real bundle of energy, so that in itself was quite a feat for me. I didn't even keep having to stop and catch my breath. <doing the happy dance even though I'm exhausted from the trip LOL>

I am scheduled to have a fill tomarrow, but I have had a problem with eating the last couple of days! I have been able to eat just about anything for about 2 weeks my surjery date was 8/5/05. I have had hardley any restriction and all of a sudden the last 2 days I have had a problem getting food to go down! I am kind of nervous about my appointment tomarrow because if I cancel and this passes then I will be sad I didnt get my fill (first one) because I want to start losing some serious weight but if I do get it I am afraid that I will be to tight! any one experience this?? HELP confused!!!! Carrie

Well, my surgery (lap band) is scheduled for next monday sept. 19. I'm looking forward to a new me. Will everyone say a prayer for me. Thanks and God Bless. By the way, I'm having my surgery at CentraState Hospital in Freehold New Jersey. Dr. Noyan and Washington will be doing the surgery.