LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Here's what I'm having issues with... Golden rules say 3 meals a day, no Snacks, no calorie drinks. Each meal you may get down 1/2 cup of food bc of the size of your average pouch tummy. The next rule conflicts with the others..... You need approx 1200 calories per day. So on average you need to fit 400 calories into 1/2 cup. You would have to be eating some pretty high calories foods to fit in that many calories. 1/2 cup of pure sugar has only 385 calories, so even if you ate only pure sugar you wouldn't have enough calories. What can you fit into 1/2 cup that is healthy and will get you enough calories? Maybe I'm missing something big time. I know that I am mis…

I had surgery Monday August 8, When can I expect the insides and outsides of my stomach to feel normal again.

Hey everyone-I'm an official Bandster!!! Today was one 1st day post op. The surgery went really well, was a bitten more extensive. Doctor had to remove quite a bit of adhesions from previous GB surgery. Anyway, I heed some help with this post of thing. Right now I'm feeling pretty crummy. My neck,back,and shoulders ache. My stomach feels like i've done 1000 abb crunches, and tonight diarhhea started. I also have alot of gas (burping and other). I've only eatten jello, chicken broth, popsicles and water. I guess I'm suppose to be on this for 3 days. Please, please, i need your imput. Is this what happened to most of you pre-operatively? When does the aches and pai…

I'm looking for a Dr in VA (I live in Roanoke) that will do fills or will take care in case of emegency on lap band patient done in MX. I still plan on going back to MX for first couple fills but would feel better if I know if I have a Dr close by in case of emergency. Thanks for any info!

Okay, maybe not my first, but the first one that I am REALLY REALLY excited about. Today at lunch I walked to Old Navy and bought a cute pair of jeans and a pair of slacks in size 20. I haven't worn a size 20 for 7 years. Well, maybe I did--but I shouldn't have. I started my journey in a size 24 (which I shouldn't have either, but couldn't admit that I needed a size 26 or 28). On top of that, I have never bought anything at Old Navy 1. because the store opened when I was a teen, and didn't have anything over a size 12 back then, and 2. because I didn't think that they now sell anything bigger than an XL. I'm starting to feel like the 50lbs I've lost is a reality. Oh yea…

Ok I'm on the liquid diet for 2 weeks, I know what I can have, but how much can I have?

How much fill did your dr put in on the first fill? I am getting mine today and he plans to do 1 cc. I'm thinking of asking for 1.5 I have had no restriction and can eat anything. Is that too much too fast?

I went for my 3rd fill this afternoon and was excited to see the scale go down once again. One week before my surgery I weighed 271, this afternoon I weighed 225!!!!!! That's -46 pounds :banana :banana -37 since the morning of surgery!!!! I am so happy. I haven't felt this good in a long time. I love my band!!

Ok, here's the thing.... I was given the following advice on what to eat, and this only, : dont snack, no liquid calories, dont drink with meals, and a basic low fat eating guide (2-veg, 1-fruit, 3-carb, 1-protein, 0-dairy and 3-fat serves daily). I will have no help from a nutritionist unless I go and find one myself, which I probably can't do because their wont be one around here (I live in a very remote area of Australia). What do you guys make of this? By your posts it seems that you have a much greater focus on getting your protein and avoiding carbs. I would prefer to have a low sugar, low GI (carbs), moderate protein, low preservative and artifical sweetners, mo…

Hey I am going into the chat room for about an hour. If no one shows up then I am outta there for the night.

I am one month post op today! I see the doctor on Monday, perhaps for a fill, but I have a question for you all in the meantime.... The 2-3 times that I overate - just a few too many bites - I got an incredible pain in my left underarm/rib cage! Now this wasn't a golfball pain in the esophagus or sternum you all have described - I'm guessing I can't 'pb' cause I don't have anything in my band...so what is this odd pain? It feels like I can't take a breath in, and the pain in the underarm/left breast area is awful. But it only has lasted about 15-30 minutes tops. I am wondering if this is a precursor to a pb? Your thoughts are appreciated! AmyK

Has anyone else tried Kay's Naturals Protein Chips? I tried the chili nacho cheese and the lemon herb and they are great. I need crunch sometimes and these fit the bill. One serving of the chili ones have 3.5 g fat, 14 grams carb, 10 grams protein, and 110 calories. I called the company and order their samplers today. They also have parmesean cheese chips, cheddar cheese chips, honey mustard pretzels, cinnamon toast pretzels, etc. They come in small bags. I am going to take them on my motorcycle trip so when everybody else is eating junk food I can have healthy junk food. I will let you know how the other flavors taste when they get here.

I am just full of questions tonite, I am going to Disney in 2 weeks and just had surgery 1 week ago yesterday. Do you think I will be OK to ride some rides and doing the walking and waterpark thing that goes with this type of vacation? Not to mention flying?

I was banded 07-16-05. I went and had my 1st fill at 6 wks post-op which was supposed to have been 1.5cc's. I called the dr. the week after and told them that I still have no restriction. I can eat anything and everything...no getting stuck just sliding on down. The dr. set up another appt for a fill. So, I went last week to get another fill (8 wks post-op) and they couldn't get in the port. I am under a fluoro each time and do NOT get numbed. She was digging and poking for over 15 mins. Finally, she said that she believed my port has probably flipped and most likely didn't get the 1st fill. (how nice to know that saline is just floating around in me...like I need any xt…

I was banded July 28 by Dr. Spiegel, am having some nausea. Is this normal?

I have my psycho evaluation in 2 weeks and was wondering, what exactly are they looking for when they evaluate a person that is going for lapband? I was told that I would be there for a good 3 - 4 hours (2 different doctors). What was your experience like? Thank you!! Eileen

suddenly develop an inability to eat solids? Long story short (ok not so short)- trying to sell home for over four years- get a contract and buyer in April, go through all hurdles, give them the property, change the zoning, get everything done, rearrange your life, and etc- they have to move closing date so they can get better interst rate or something (course I lose ours and it will cost 40K mire over the life of our loan and that is not important to them) and I have no other buyer in site and not likely to have anyone else thinking of it till next spring

My sister in law was banded two weeks ago, she had been doing fine up until yesterday. She hasn't been able to swallow water without PB'ing it back up, she also said that she has a pain in her chest. Well she called her Dr last night and he ordered her an upper GI today, the technician indicated that it's taking the water way to slow to get down, and that her Dr may want to adjust her band....we are now waiting for the dr to call. Has anyone else experienced this. She has not been filled yet

I Am Just Returning To The Hotle From The Hopsital. I Am Officially Banded. Yeh. The Experience Was Positive. No Real Problems, Except Pain Management. I Coundn`t sleep Last Night After The Operation. I Will Fly Back Tomorrow To Washington,d.c. I´ll Keep In Touch Then.

How does one handle special occasions like Christmas Day, birthdays, special dinners out? I'm not fussed by the thought of going out to dinner and only eating 1/4 of what's on my plate, I'm talking about drinking with meals. I understand why that's not advised but can you do it on occasion? Like on Christmas day etc you're going to want a champagne or two and when you go out you normally have wine with your dinner and finish with coffee right? Is that impossible to do? Does it just wash the food through quicker so you're less full for less time or does it overfill you so you puke in your handbag, lol? That wouldnt worry me to be honest, evening has never been a hu…

I am starting the Optifast today. The first box of chocolate I opened and tried to pour into a glass -- it came out a clear liquid first followed by globs of brown stuff. I shook it up really good before pouring and the expiration on the box says 6/2006, so it should be good -- but it doesn't seem right. I switched to a box of strawberry and it came out looking like I expected -- thin pink liquid. Anyone know? (last time I did Optifast it came in powder packs that we blended ourselves, so I don't know about these juice-box quirks)

Have any of you tryed the Energy Drinks? There are quite a few with low carbs. Some have a little carbonation but they are really a nice change, they kind of remind me of a wine cooler. If you serve them in a small wine glass they are very festive.They have a lot of B vitamins in them, I usually share a can with my husband.Some have a lot of Vitamin C in them too.

Hi Everyone, My name is Daniela and I was banded by Dr. Kuri on July 23. I am down 15 pounds now! I am wondering two things: Anyone else out there banded by Dr. Kuri? Also, I am looking for a fill doctor in Michigan. Does anyone know someone in Ann Arbor or Detroit area who will do fills for patients banded in Mexico? Thanks so much! Feel free to respond to this posting or email me at daniela.gula@pfizer.com

Im sure many of you have read this before, but it is just too funny not to post. <TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-TOP: 0in" width="100%">If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine. Dear Diary, For my fiftieth birthday this year, my wife (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great sha…

I am having a mental bad day so I went to the cafeteria to pick up a cookie. I came back to my office - took 1 bite - threw the rest away and grabbed a bag of protein chips. My brain is starting to kick in and work with me!!

I just went over to our company health clinic and decided to take the plunge and weigh.....I'm down 69 pounds since my surgery on April 29 and I'm about ready to explode cause I'm so happy! When I got my second fill a month ago, I had lost 57 pounds so since then I've lost 12 more pounds and it feels so good! I have such a long way to go but dag-bob-it, I'm gonna do it! I just had to share how wonderful this band is and how much better it's made my life!

I feel like I constantly could eat something sweet. I really try not to, but I can still down 1/2 G of ice cream. Oh so bad I know. Anyone else bad out there??? I feel like a total schlep. Help!

Okay, I know that we are not suppose to use aleave and advil, etc. but when it is "that time of the month", will pamperine hurt anything? Have got major issues with this "time" and am in a lot of pain and need to take something for the cramps. Any suggestions on medicines that will not hurt the band? Thanks!

Hi all I was banded almost a week ago...tomarrow! I have a question! I feel like I need to burp from when I woke up this morning but can't! I feel as though something may be stuck but I don't think I have ate anything lst night that could get stuck!!! I had some soupy potatoe Soup for dinner at about 5pm! I tried to drink some Water first thing and still have the feeling! I have no pain or no extra saliva it just feels different and I may be a little nascious. Could this just be because some people are tight in the morning? I am pretty nervous at this point and afraid to eat anything for breakfast! Has anyone experienced this ? Help Carrie

Hi, I new here and just need some advice. I'm 27 yrs old, 340 pounds and am very very interested in the lapband surgery. I have done a lot of research these pass couple of months and the more I read about it, the more I want it done. The thing is I will have no support I will be going through with this alone. Sad isn't it? See my husband and my dad dont want me to go through with it and are trying to convince me not to. My husband even threaten to leave me if I do it. Yesterday I lied to him and said that I had made an appointment to see a surgeon and he flipped! said that he was gonna leave and all night didnt hold me in bed like he usually does. Even took him a while to…

I thought of another question to throw out there. I am sooooo afraid of PBing or barfing. Deathly afraid, but fear makes me behave!!!! Have any of you gotten sick with food poisoning or the flu? How did you survive that? It scares me. I had surgery on Friday the 5th. I'm supposed to be on Clear Liquids for a week. What is the appropriate calorie intake? The first day I had almost 300 cals. The second day I had 350ish The third day I had 350-400 Today I've had about 400. I am so hungry at times but as soon as I take a few swallows, I feel fine. How did you all do it? How many cals were you ingesting durring the clear liquid phase?

okay so i went and got my so called psych evaluation which i have to follow up with my surgeon tomorrow cuz this guy was crazy!! i cant even begin to explain it but i will tell you this...the man said he was going to code my claims as bulemia so my insurance will cover the visits? if i was bulemic would i need the surgery? its insane!! no wonder people like him make insurance rates rocket!!! so he put me on this medicine called topamax...to lose weight...this is a migraine and seizure medication!!!!! it is an off label for weight loss so he claims!!! im so confused and upset and worried!!! has anyone heard of this medication?

I can't make it to the band bash, and I am already fitting into smaller sizes. Has anyone set up a clothing exchange? If so, how did you do it? Where did you do it? I have some 24's down to some 20's to give away. I fit into an 18 today!!!!!!!!!!! WoooooooHoooooooo!! I have lost some serious weight off of my tummy and hips, I went to a cool resale shop and bought some light weight capris and a pair of shorts. I also bought some 16's that were just too good of a deal to pass up, they are long pants and overalls, for fall/winter. I have a closet full of stuff and 2 huge rubbermaid totes full of clothes to go through and see what fits and what needs to go. So, am I better of…

I am so exited! I just got approved for financing! My psych eval has been scheduled for awhile for next week and I just got a letter from insurance saying they will cover my pshcy eval and I have an appt to consult w/ Dr Barker in Mesquite TX next week! WOOOO HOOOO! I just have to sing my new band theme song! Everyone sing with me..... I’m coming out I want the world to know Got to let it show There’s a new me coming out And I just had to live And I wanna give I’m completely positive I think this time around I am gonna do it Like you never do it Like you never knew it Ooh, I’ll make it through The time has come for me To break out of the shell I have to…

I had my 3rd fill yesterday, I now have 2.0cc in my 4cc band. I was able to eat about 1/2 sandwich with the bread, or a whole hot dog with 1/2 bun. 1 cup or so of any type of mushy stuff like goulash or chili. So today, I decided to eat some Bushs baked beans for Breakfast(I know- a weird breakfast, but tons of protein and fiber). I ate about 1/4 cup and started to have these gurgling sounds coming up in my throat. I feel full. Is this a normal amount of food if one has hit the sweet spot??? I was able to drink my two cups of coffee this am before the beans and had no trouble getting those down. Any advice for me on this one???? thanks a million!

I had surgery on Monday and the upper middle part of my chest hurts, do you have any ideal what is causing this. I haven't eaten anything only clear liquids. HELP

Hey all I talked with Dr. V and he said it wouldn't be a problem doing a support group. He said he likes his nurse (Bobbi) or Angela (works at the center) there. I told him that would be great because they would be there to answer questions and give us ideas, etc. He told me to get a hold of Angela and let her know, Bobbi said they would probably do a mailing in the fall if we wanted to wait. He said he doesn't care who comes..so everyone is welcome. Bobbie suggested we could mix things up and meet for dinner and not just at the center. I told her we were doing that in Aug. They were very happy with the idea.... So girls lets get the Aug date out there...maybe others ca…

Hi all, I'm almost 5 months out since being banded and really feeling and looking good. I was a size 26 when I started and currently at a size 22. I've noticed lately that I can tolerate chicken and fish a little more then before, the key for me is to eat slow and take small bites, and not to rush through my meals. If I can't finish my meal, I try to eat half of it, and then about 10 minutes later eat the rest, this works. I have had 2 fills, currently at 1.85cc's, don't think I will get another one at my follow up on August 25. I don't pb like I use to and I don't vomit, only if something gets stuck, which is not often now. I'm down about another 10lbs but don't want t…

---Good Morning Everyone!--- Well tomorrow is the BIG day. I can't believe it. My little sister is also having the surgery tomorrow so we are in this together. She just turned 22 yesterday! I am very excited, nervous, and anxious. Any pointers you can give me for my post-op experiences would be greatly appreciated! Have a great day everyone! banana.gif" />

I and my wife were both banded March 30, 2004. I was 340 when banded and am now and am now 238. My wife was 260 and now is 203. We have each had 3 fills now. Going soon for another fill. I wanted to tell all of you what has worked well for me as it might work well for others. I bought a smoothie machine. For six months now I have used Hills Bros Cappuccino French vanilla carb wise bought at wall mart. It tastes more like chocolate then coffee.What I do is put ice in the smoothie machine, milk and then the cappuccino mix. Blend and drink. It is thick enough to keep me full and I drink it often between meals. Sometimes after eating my stomach doesn't feel real good depe…

Does everyone experience hair loss after being banded? I am only 3 weeks out of surgery & not really seeing it, yet, but would like to know what to expect. I do try to get alot of protein every day to try to avoid it, but would like to know what may be coming.

I was banded on the 28th woohoo!! A week ago tomorow, and my incisions are itching , it's driving me crazy. I was stitched internally and then glued on the outside. How long will I continue to itch? I see the doc on friday for my follow-up but I don't think he will make the itching go away. My mom says that the itching is sign of healing but it is driving me insane , hubby says I didn't have far to travel. Oh, I had mashed potatos today and they were the BEST mashed potatos on the planet, maybe because it has been almost 3 weeks since I have had real food? I could only eat about 1/2 cup and I was full, they went down no problems!! I had egg salad today too, not as good …

Hi everyone, I'm not sure everyone knows me yet but i've been browsing these boards for a few weeks now and posted a few messages also. I can't say it enough but you guys are all so inspiring!! I am Daniela from NY and will be banded on 9/9/05. Up until today I have been so excited and optimistic about. Today though out of no where the enormity hit me like a ton of bricks. Now I'm having some doubts. Examples of my doubts: maybe i should go to therapy and uncover the reasons for my struggle and then maybe i can go it alone. maybe this is too drastic. i'm not that obese am i? what if something happens during surgery? I'm a nurse so you can imagine what else i think o…

To quote the most darling DeLarla... "... tons of us already tried Nutrisystem and many other expensive and useless diets. Save your money and be patient. Just my opinion." That got me thinking of all the things I have tried over the years. I was wondering if anyone can beat me for crazy weight loss schemes? Here are my 2 most over-the-top: 1) Having my jaws wired for 2 months. (Actually, they just wire your teeth shut. Worked pretty well, only I started to go crazy not being able to brush my teeth... oh, and the "mumbling" got to be a bit much!) 2) Going to the Shick Center (now defunct). Oh my...I paid a fortune for the whole treatment, but couldn't take the …

Woo hoo, My surgeon's office has submitted everything to BC/BS, and now I have about a week of waiting to find out if I am approved . I know the office does not see me having any problems with approval, but it is still nerve racking.:paranoid On a fun note, I went out this week and got some comfy jammie-type pants and tanks for post-op. My brother works at Old Navy which now carries what I affectionately call "Fat girl sizes" and I got a 25% discount off some stuff. I am so hoping all goes well with insurance and I will have my band by the end of September! I am going to start a partial liquid diet next week to get myself ready for 4 weeks of liquids only. :phanvan

I am planning to get banded in the beginning of Oct. I am trying to lose some of the weight before then. I know I will be banded the rest of my life, so should I diet now? I guess part of me figures that it will give me a headstart on my weightloss, but the other part is saying "what are you nuts? eat while you can!" I don't know what to do, or what is healthiest before the surgery. Any input will help, thanks.

I just got back from the Doctors & recieved my second fill. I got an additional .5cc. So my total is 1.5cc I was really nervous going in because i had been putting it off for awhile. To worried I wouldn't be able to eat enough. Yeah - how stupid was that- isn't that why we get the band to not eat too much?? But really I was scared of being to tight & not being able to feel full. Anyhow- I am only doing liquid today & tonight so hopefully tomorrow will be better & when I eat I will feel fuller longer. Right now even after pure Protein I am hungry within an hour or so. I had been gaining & losing the same 3 pounds for the last…

Hey everyone! Me and lisa's surgery is in a week from tdy and i am getting REALLY Nervous !!! LOL..I know its common but..I am having weird food dreams..I have noticed that i haven't been able to eat much I even don't want to drink the protien shakes... 08/08 is my B-day and our pre-surgical day ..We should be @ the Meeting on monday and hope to see everyone there...Let me get back to work.. Love ya!

I'm on the banded side now. Will write more later.

How do most of you deal with the mental hunger? There are times of the day that I just want to eat. I'm not really sure if it's eating that I want or just a taste or texture thing. I've been chewing gum a lot at these times, but it doesn't really seem to help. I try to drink Water or juice instead of eating. I need some advice. I've already had one fill and will have the 2nd one on 8/22. I've not really noticed much restriction (which I expected) but now the mental stuggle of food hard for me to deal with.