LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I am still feeling great and I went back to work on Thursday with no problems, except I was tired when I got home after 12 hours. I didn't tell anyone at work I was having this done. If fact, I harldy told anyone at all (only 2 people + husband). This afternoon I had an employee in my office and as she was getting ready to go she asked "did you get your stomach stapled?" I can't even imagine the look on my face. I said no, why would you ask that? She said "because you look like you have lost lots of weight," then she put her hand on her cheek and said "your face." What do you say?

I don't know if this is a stupid question or not but here it goes. Does everyone have stitches that need to be removed? I have read of some people going to have their stitches out, but others have never mentioned it. just wondering

I posted this issue a while back in a different catagory, so maybe you guys will have better answers. I need someone to explain the logistics on how a person (me) can cut their intake by at least 1/2, improve the things they eat dramatically (no more cokes, burgers, fries, tons of sweets ... that sort of thing), and NOT lose any weight. I've been banded 2 months now. I eat much, much healthier and much smaller portions. I've lost 14 lbs to date ... 10 lbs the week of and right after surgergy (liquids only), and 4 lbs the day before and week after my 1st fill (liquids only). Once I start eating mushy or solids again, I maintain whatever weight I ended at on the liqui…

Hi, I am realively new to this support group and there have been several abreviations used that I'm afraid I don't know their meaning. I'm not as computer savey as a lot of you obviously are. Could someone please tell me what does PB stand for? NSV? Sorry to ask such a dumb question, I have tried to figure them out, but so far I am just drawing blanks. Thanks for any help you can give me.

I'm ready for my first fill Wed. I can tell I need one. I was really hungry yesterday and wanted something different to eat and I could tell I could eat more than usual. My family were going to eat at a local chicken place named Bush's Chicken, the best chicken tenders. So I preceded to get me some too, and a few french fries, and some mash potatoes. OMG about 1 hour later my stomach didn't like it. I had far more worse Gas pains than right after surgury and diarreah(sp) that i thought I was going to die. I will never eat like that again. I'm a new banster, so new bansters beware of bad food!!! dani

well, I was wondering...everything I eat will either go down and I can eat alot of it, or it will get stuck and take along time to go down. ANd when it takes awhile to go down I will end up getting a headache and my ears will start to hurt. I'm asking because I don't know what "full" feels like anymore. I can either eat endless amounts of somethings and be hungry 1 hour later, or eat something that gets stuck and can't eat much and be hungry right after.

Hi all -- I took some tylenol for a headache tonight and then a minute later had a PB with a little vomiting. (The Water with the Tylenol created the problem here!) So is the Tylenol gone? I'm just afraid to take more because I still have the headache. Elizabeth 8-28-03 Happy Bandiversary Month to 8/03 Alumni!

Hello Fellow Bandsters, I was banded on 8/9/05 and have learned that my Doctor, who I have the upmost trust and respect for, placed the larger Vanguard band in me. He says that he perfers this larger band for most men. I didn't get to ask him why and have not had my post-op follow up yet. Does anyone know the diffrence, besides the width, and why it is an advantage or dissadvantage. I'll also ask him at my first follow up. I'm finding that my blender is my best friend! My Doctor told me, "anything that can be blended smoothly to a thick paint consistency can be eaten." He has done MANY MANY band surgeries, so I'm doing what he says. Today, I blended some Ranchstyle Bean…

Hey everyone... I had the lap band surgery 4-11-03 i weighed 235 i lost to 160 felt great loved it but i got to a point that i felt like i was pushing it too much and i thought i was gonna hurt myself, also i wanted to see what i could do on my own as far as losing weight ( i dont know why i thought i could do any good, was i able to lose at ANY of my other attempts?!?!?! i assume it was a moment of temporary insanity!) Anyway here i am starting over. I just had another fill bringing me to 2.0 right now i still feel like i need to be at 2.5 ( i was at 3.2 when i had it all removed) The depressing part is that i gained about 20 pounds!!! Now i need help remembering a…

Hi, I miss hearing from everyone. I called my insurance company yesterday for my daughter. I wasn't going to ask but I had to. They recieved my info on the 13th. Requested more info and got it on Monday. So now I really have butterflies in my stomach! I've had the attitude that I'm just going to sit back and wait it will all fall into place when it is suposed to. This is all in Gods hands and there is nothing I can do.....Well I know it's all in Gods plan, this whole WLS thing was his idea totally. I never had any intention of ever having surgery for WL. (Someday if any of you want to hear that story I'll be happy to tell you) So I know it will be approved, b…

Hey Ladies (and Gents if any show up) I saw Dr. V today and he actually asked me if our little group had met again and if were still interested in him providing the location and etc. I told him I thought so. So here is my question...do you want me to contact the lady prior to our meeting to see what she needs from us? That way if there is anything she need she can send it to me before we meet or I can get the info when we all meet. Does this make sense. Maybe we should come with calendars in hand so we can try to pick another date for Sept and then maybe we can let her arrange it for us. Thoughts anyone???

Well, the insurance denied me AGAIN and told us that they can do nothing because of the exclusion in the company policy (which is totally discriminatory) and instead of hiring a lawyer and pushing the surgery down another atleast 2 months we decided to just pay for it. I feel bad that I am having this and getting thin while my family has to stay obese and I am moving out next summer and just feel selfish for having this done, even for a medical reason. I WANT and NEED it so bad, just feel bad for the family income problem. Atleast the insurance will pay for the pre-op and post-op testing and stuff, just not the surgery. I am having the surgery next Friday and have nev…

Hi Everyone !!! How is everyone this sticky hot August day? Well tomorrow is the big day. Well not THE big day but its the day I go see the surgeon's seminar w/DH. I'm excited and scared. Whats skakin with you? I figured a monthy chat might be better than a daily for now.

Hi everyone...My surgery was moved to 7/13 because it was approved sooner than they thought! Is there a special diet or something I should be doing besides staying away from advil and like products. I'm so EXCITED....Cynthia

So when I got my fill yesterday my doctor fully expects that weight loss will speed up now so he prescribed me something called "Actigall". It's basically a medicine for people who have gall stones. He gave it to me because losing weight fast can be hard on a gallbladder. Anyone taken this or something like it? There was quite the list of mild to scary side effects. I started it this morning so we'll see how it goes. The pharmicist said "your dr will need to monitor your liver while you are on this."

My stomach is growling and I want to eat. I am 8 days post-op and still on liquids/Isopure protein drinks! Please help! I really want to eat something... Any suggestions? I even went as far to chew a french fry and spit it out thinking that would curb how I feel and it did not. Thanks, Lisa

I go in at 7:30 tommorrow, good thing i have to be there bright and early cause i'm not going to be able to sleep tonight. Keep me in your thoughts and i'll see ya'll on the loosing side!

After I had my surgery in January the gas pain was horrible!! I tried everything from walking to over the counter gas pain relief pills. Then I remembered having to call a doctor one night at work about a patient who had had lap. gall bladder removal & was experiencing gas pain so bad that nothing was helping (I'm a nurse - we had already tried gas-x with no results). The doc gave me an order for "GLYCERINE SUPPOSITORIES". They worked!!! They also worked for me after my LB surgery. I didn't think of them until about 3 days post-op. It was immediate relief!! I had to use them for about 2 days. I wish I had thought of them before the surgery. I know, noone wants to use…

I know that I shouldn't be basing my results on other peoples results but after two weeks and only being down 8, I feel like I am failing. It sounds silly but I don't feel like a winner. Every time I get on the scale it doesn't seem like it is moving. I read people saying "I am down 27 pounds and I am three weeks out", and I get sooo discouraged. I exercise everyday, like I always do but nothing is helping. I know my standards are not what they should be but I thought I would be down more than this by now. I can start eating Friday and I am scared I will gain everything back when I start eating food food. Grrrr I hate this. Plus I am all emotional today. Got my h…

I had my second fill yesterday and it swelled me up waaay too tight. I couldn't even get down water! Went today to get an unfill and my dr made me finish a glass of Water in the office to be sure that I could get it down. So I went back home and tried to drink some milk. What a mistake! It irritated my stomach and it swelled shut! Now I can't get water down again! My stomach is notoriously sensitive and has had major problems with swelling shut in the past. Do any of you have any ideas for soothing a swollen tummy so that it calms down and let's me drink? Thank you!!

I had my surgery on Thursday and am feeling great, but I am not able to drink as much Water as I should be. How much water should I be getting down the first few days after surgery? I had hoped I would do better today (get more down), but so far it is still slow going. I seem to be able to only get down about 2 ounces an hour, not just water but any liquid. I get very full feeling after 2 ounces of liquid (any liquid). So far today I have only been having water, I will post what I had yesterday. Am I doing okay, or should I push the full feeling and get more water down. Saturday 24 oz. of water total for the day 2 oz. Boost Protein shake 1/4 c. chicken broth …

Hi, For some reason, I was not able to post and had to set up a new account. I could not remember my pass word and when I asked it be sent to my email address, nothing showed up. So where did my ole account go? I even had a picture and stuff. I am not tech savvy, so this is a disaster!!! WaaaaaHHH! Babs in TX 334/180/170 -154 ish PS August 3 2005

:banana I'm so excited I just can't hide it!! Well Bobbi called this DATE! September 19th. Do you realize that that is only 40 days away! And only 26 last suppers left! LOL I thought I'd be so scared that I would feel sick to my stomach. But instead I feel like walking dancing singing and JUMPING! I have to call Bobbi back tomorrow and tell her yes to that date for sure. I guess then she'll tell me everything else I need to know. Thanks for being there for me. I've been so out of it lately with not knowing when. sleep tight I know I will.

I dont know whats going on. I have had my band but little has changed. I know I must have been expecting too much from my band but I am feeling really discouraged. (I wish I had found you guys months ago instead of a week before surgery). I am now 13days post-op and have just downed - 1 aero chocolate cup (LF), half a tin (400g tin) of mushie spag bolognase with melted LF cheese AND a LF chocolate custard cup and I only just feel some restriction. Its like every time I eat I feel compelled to reach the point of restriction - why cant I stop? I feel embarassed and guilt-ridden, and I think I am probably stretching my pouch :cry . I feel like such a failure. May be I made a…

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum. I've been reading over some previous posts to get up to speed. One thing I haven't found is someone that had Kansas medicaid or Healthwave cover the procedure. I went to a seminar and I think it was Dr. Malley that hosted it. When I asked his office about medicaid, they said everything but Dr. Malley's fees would be covered. Unfortunately his fees are the majority of the cost ($7500, I believe). I'm wondering if there's a surgeon in the area that would accept a KANSAS medicaid/Healthwave pt. My cousin had a gb done in Phoenix and it was fully covered under their medicaid plan. Hope I don't have to move to get this done.

I had my surgery on August 1st. I am 2 weeks post op now (I think!!). I researched the band for many months, bought books on it, avid read mag articles, news blurbs and lurked on this board for many months. It was not a decision I took lightly but after many years of struggling with just getting 10 lbs off and lately I enter every New Year 5 pds heavier than I was the year before, I knew I had to do something more permanent about my problem. I've come to the conclusion that obesity is very much like any other chronic disease such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Something to be managed for the rest of your life. You can get it off but you will always, ALWAYS, be…

Looking forward and waiting for support group day to come! Monday is the next support group for me and I need it! Lisa Marie

Well I had my second fill last Wednesday( i think it was) & wow what a difference!!! I mean I will try & explain the sensation compared to my first fill. With the 1st fill (1cc)I could feel restriction BUT would still eat untill I felt full which was when I felt like throwing-up. I mean I ate more than I should because I felt hungry & the only time I didn't feel hunger was when I felt pain. Also I would be hungry about 1 to 2 hour later. Now with the second fill(+.5 total 1.5cc) I actually don't feel like throwing up & feel this satisfaction level unlike anything before. I mea…

I have been wanting to write this but have been a bit embarressed. I have lost a total of 20lbs since Jan. 2005 when I had the surgery. I have been at this weight for 3-4 months. I think I have good restriction, but I eat sweets that add up to about 400 cal day or more..... Sugar has always been an issue for me and I want to get off it so bad, but seem to fail at it each time I try. Any ideas? Typical menu B- 1c oatmeal with fruit and two sausage links L-salad with fruit D-meat with 1c vegies S- chick fillet soft serve cone, couple of skinny cows, maybe a frappacino lite and maybe some chips... I eat healthy for the most part but I graze..... Today B- almost…

I wont go into my life story here, its prolly very much like alot of yours concerning being overweight and why lol....ive been thinking about WLS for years, and even went through the whole pre op stuff and was approved, but at the last min chickened out (about 5 years ago) Anyway, im on Texas Medicaid and i know they pay for WLS if you have weight related health issues that would/could be corrected by WLS...the only thing is right now (as of a year ago) I have an ICD (defibrillator/passmaker) because of a heart problem that rarely bothers me but I was having probs when i was preg with my son last year, thats why i got it...anyway, im totally afraid that I may not be able …

Okay here is my story... for last month or so I been having this sharp burning pain about 5inches below my band... I told my Dr. and he wants me to keep an eye out for it, he might have to go in and see what is causing me so much pain. Its like a sharp stabbing and burnning pain Im hopeing it is not the tubing attaching to any tissue... I try to rub it and for a bit it helps but it seems to always hurt when i eat, or if I move funny, one night i was in tears it hurt so bad.... Just thought I would say something.. maybe someone knows the feeling.....

Hello Bandster Babes I Had My Surgery Back On 7/27 Everything Went Just Fine. I Started Eating Mushies About A Week Ago And Have Now Graduated To Soft Foods Like Fish And Eggs. I Was Feeling Full For The First To Weeks But I Feel Like I Can Eat Endless Amounts. Is This Normal? I'm Going To See My Doctor Tomorrow Morning. He Told Me I Was To Stay On A Liquid Fase Until I See Him. Should I Tell Him I've Been Eating Real Food?????? I Feel Full But Not Sick. I Felt So Horrible Just Drinking Protein And When I Started Solids I Feel So Much Better. I"ll Take Any Advise Or Suggestions. Thanks So Much For Helping.

Does Anyone Have Dr.mun As There Doctor???? He Is At The Faulkner In Ma.

hey everyone i met my surgeon today and before i get the band i need to have an operation first because i have an infection in my stomach from a previous operation. my doc wont put the band in until the infection is all cleared and healed which is a good thing i guess. Anyways i will be getting banded prob in 6 months time.I have to meet with the dietitian in 6 weeks!!! but all is looking good. I also met a wonderful lady today while i was waiting to see my surgeon and i have told her to join here as this forum is just full of supportive people and theres alot of info that could be useful for her. Take care Fee

I am a new member, banded 7/20/05. I weighed 320, 4 weeks later, I am down 24 pounds. I have alot of questions. Mostly about what foods you guys are eating and what are things you cannot eat. I am basically still eating mush and shakes, pretty boring. After this week, I can go to a "soft" diet... whatever that is- How much can you eat at a meal, like 2 oz, or 4 oz, total? Has anyone had a "drink" yet? Help!!!

Was banded 9 days ago, I am having a burning (sometimes) in the left side of my stomach, but not right at the port area, has anyone else felt this?

Here it is, my first NSV I bought a pair of Old Navy womens size 20 shorts in April for a family cruise. I am now able to yank them down (over the backside!) without unzipping them! My twin sister knows this and I had the pleasure of being "pantsed" this weekend!

Hi Everyone, I am up and trying to move a little today. I am still not at the stage where I consider myself lucky to be able to have plastic surgery. THe pain is excruciating and I cannot yet appreciate the rewards of a flat tummy and thighs without hanging skin.THis is my 9th day post op and I did not really figure how little I really would be able to do for myself for at least two weeks. Day 1-7 were pure agony. I lived in a chair, got up to go to the bathroom only and to wash up. Felt like a grunge cause I couldnt shower for a week. I had some of my stitches removed on Wednesday, new steristrips put on and then my docs office uses a special superglue over all of the …

I have my psycho eval today. I will let everyone know how it went and what they did since so many people (including myself) are always asking what the do. I'm exited to be one step closer to my band! NSV most looking forward too today - getting out of the shower and being able to wrap a NORMAL size towel around my body without one boob and 1/2 my tummy hanging out!

I am very excited. I went for my 1st walk today since I have been banded 8/10. It was not my normal 5miles but I was able to do about 1/2 a mile before I got light headed. Hope everyone is well and will talk with you all soon! Lisa Marie

hello everyone Would the pouch ever get streched out???????? I'm so scared that if I eat to much I will strech the pouch out.

hi there i had my first fill about a month ago i am having a tuff time with eating its seems about eveytime i eat i take a few bites and i have the stuck feeling withthe food in my chest just sittin there i told the dr he told me thats is just the band working what am i doing wrong any suggetions and how i could eat better with out gettint the stuck feeling in my chest thanks julie

i got my first fill yesterday.. came home had some soup...heartburn...i only had coffee this morning and that was ok..i had a cheese stick for lunch... heartburn...i just had a chicken thigh for dinner and major heartburn!...i definatly feel restriction and nothing is actually comming up but i have major heartburn... HELP!!

I am going back to work on Thursday which is the same day I start "mushies." I decided it would be easier if I took my lunch since I can't come home because I commute. I figured I would try tuna salad, chicken salad, and egg salad with a couple of crackers. Can some of you'll tell me what you put in with the tuna, chicken, and egg? Also, what crackers work best when banded. I was talking to my husband and I decided it is ok for me to drive. I think we figured out that I wasn't suppose to drive for a week because the Dr. had given me pain killers.......duh, but I never took any of them. Anyway, I am going to go to the store tomorrow to by my lunch stuff for Thursday and …

Spinach Dip And Smoothies Are My Fave! Can I Modify These For The Liquid Phase? If I Use Fat Free Cheese, Is It Still Good? Do The Smoothies Have To Be Really Thin? Thanks

banana.gif" /> Happy Wednesday Everyone, I woke up this morning and to my suprise I am feeling pretty good! Whoooohooo! It is a week ago today that my sister Kristen and I were banded. I am so excited about it. I will take the good with the bad and have a positive attitude through all my experiences. My darling husband is very supportive. My daughters Ashley (7yrs old) and Jaylee (3yrs old) are very cute. Ashley told me a few days ago that she can't wait until I lose 1000 lbs. LOL. I chuckle every time I think about it. Jaylee is a bit young yet to understand but she knows I have Boo Boo's that will get better and I will lose weight because of it. I just wanted t…

Hi all: One of our fellow Bandsters, called me yesterday excited about an awesome and informative show on "The View" yesterday. There was some excellent information and the featured guest was Joy Bauer, who wrote several cookbooks and nutrition books, the latest being "Cooking with Joy". Read below what the show was about! She said it was EXCELLENT and wished she had taped it!!! Maybe we can catch the re-run. ******************************************* The View Tue., Aug. 16: "Weight Loss" special Tuesday, August 16th (Originally aired 6/20/05) Today's show was all about getting in shape! Since recent studies have expressed that eating…

Hi Everyone, Well I have to admit I am a bit bummed today. I thought I would feel better than I do. I was banded 8/10. I am still pretty tired and do not have that much energy. Am I expecting too much?

I got my new medical ID bracelet today from dreamdesignsjewerly.com... It came at just the right time since I am getting banded on Wednesday!!! It is just beautiful...you would never know it's a medical ID...I so happy to be so close to being banded I could SCREAM.....yeah, I did!!

How did your seminar go??