LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I posted earlier about how good Kay's Natural Protein chips were. I went online and ordered tons of them (for healthy eating on my motorcycle trip next week). The pretzels are to die for. I got Wasabi, Jalapeno honey mustard, and chipolte aAnd cinnamon toast for my sweet tooth. The little bags are 1.5 servings of so. A serving of the jalapeno honey mustard pretzels has 120 calories, 6 grams fat, 2 grams Fiber, 10 grams protein, and 9 grams carbs. But you will want a beer with them or the chipolte gold snack mix (120 calories, 4.5 fat, 2 fiber 11 carbs and 10 protein). I love healthy junk food.

I Was Recently Told That I Should Do Some Exercises And Weights To Get My Skin Elasticity Back (whatever That May Be). Anyway, If Anyone Has Any Suggestions , Please Inform Me Because I Am Currently Going To The Y But I Feel As Though My Instructor Is Not Pointing Me In The Right Direction. By The Way, My Instructor Probably Weighs About 130 Lbs. So How Could She Even Know What I Am Going Through!!! Lol Thanks!!!!

I am getting banded in Mexico on Thursday and need a fill scheduled here. Wo would you recommend? Thanks, Carolyn

I use some of the following in my diet to get the Fiber I need. What are some of the ways you get your fiber? Beans Fruit Baby Spinach Prunes Shredded Wheat or Kashi-Go-Lean Popcorn

Hi Everyone, I am punch happy from all the drugs I am presently on. Thighs are the worst and the Jackson Pratt bulbs sticking out on each side of my tummy. I am not eating much, but I am taking Vitamins and drinking Water. The tummy looks really good. The thighs are covered up most of the time with ace bandages but I dont see any hanging skin. The groin really burns from all the stitches, but I am surviving. I am going to take a snooze. WIll try to touch base tonite. Thanks for all the loving!!! Babs in TX 334/180 -154 Dunno what I really weigh. Not eating much, but gained water weight at the hospital and look like the Michelin woman....

Ever since I let ppl know I am getting the band I have lost atleast 2 friends and a bf. I just dont understand. I thought they would be happy for me. I dont get invited to clubs, parties, to go dancing, to hang out, nothing except to watch dumb ol movies. I just dont get it?? I want to go, and I cant unless someone goes with me and my friends dont want me to go with them, they always sneak off and go. I wanna go have fun, these walls of this house are getting so old!!

Hey all! I haven't been on here in a lonnggg time. I guess I've been trying to avoid even thinking about my band. So far, it's really been a huge disappointment for me. I've had 4 fills already. My fourth fill was the only fill that every worked- it worked for about 2 weeks and I lost 10 lbs, but then it stopped. I've decided to take matters into my own hands. I'm drinking slim fast for Breakfast and lunch, and eating Lean Cuisine for dinner. I also run 4 miles 5 times a week. I'm really pushing myself, but its resulted in much more weight loss in one month than this band has done for me in 4 months. I think a lot of the problem has to do with my Dr... I've bee…

Yay I got my date, I cant wait......

My co-workers decided to have an appetizer potluck on Wednesday. I am not really in a cooking mood today and need to make sure there is something there I like to eat. I had been thinking about bringing veggies and hummus. But these people are not health food types. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

How much do you spend for a fill in your area? What is reasonable?

I have to be at the hospital in 7 hours, please keep me in your prayers!! I am starting to get really nervous. Thanks, Carrie

Can't seem to get a consistent line on this one. I have a nasty case of hypoT and I get conflicting info on it with the band. Some docs seem to say no-go if you have it. Others say it is not a contraindication. Does anyone else deal with this icky hypoT bit and have the band? If so, any issues? What did your doc say? Thanks, Angel

Hi all, I am so frustrated! I still have not heard a date! I was hoping it would be August! Is this common that it takes this long to get your date?

Has anyone had Dr. David G. Davtyan as their lap-band surgeon? If so please let me know how your experience is/was?

Hi All, Well there is definately a difference between my first band surgery and my revision. There is no fill in the band at all and I am STARVING. I've been on Clear liquids up until I had some tomato Soup this evening (same consistency at Slim Fast) and that finally took away the terrible hunger pains I was having. I mean, it was actual PAIN. And it's only been four days since the surgery. I am surprised I am so hungry even though I don't have any fill. Anyone else here had a revision have the same experience? The doctor did mention to me I didn't have to be on the clear liquid phase for as long as normal because I would be hungrier, but this is bad! Hopefully when …

I noticed on Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick's site that she states NOT to schedule a fill if you are menstruating. Does any one know why?

Ok here is another marathon guys and gals. November 6, 2005, Sunday, at Santa Clarita, Calif Here is the link if interested. Santa Clarita Marathon John and I have already signed up for the 5K. Remember 5K is only 3 miles. You can run it or walk it. When I did the one in Los Angeles in March this Year I walked it and still ranked middle of the pack. The cost is minimal as well.

Ok here is another marathon guys and gals. January 8, 2006, Sunday, at Newport Beach, Calif Here is the link if interested. OC Marathon John and I have already signed up for the 5K. Remember 5K is only 3 miles. You can run it or walk it. When I did the one in Los Angeles in March this Year I walked it and still ranked middle of the pack. The cost is minimal as well.

Ok, so I have been divorced for almost 7 years and I finally have a date on Thursday!!! Ok, so it is a lunch date, but still!!! I met him at Hurricane Harbour (water park) and have been casually talking to him since May. He works there as a security guard on the weekends and has a full time job during the week. The funny thing is that everytime he has seen me I have been in my bathing suit with a coverup on and he STILL asked me out...LOL!!!!!! I had to brag...I am not really nervous cause I feel as if I know him. He searched for me Sunday at Hurricane Harbour and sat by me while I was laying out. We got to talking and he told me he had Gastric Bypass just over a yea…

Hello everyone, I have my 1st appointment on 08/12..YEAH!!!!!!!!! At my DR's information seminar, he says he requires all 2 week all liquid diet, prior to the operation. How many of you had to do a full 2 weeks? How will I get through it outside of wiring my teeth shut? HELP

Hello All, I'm soon to be a banded 42 yr. old male. The surgery date is Aug. 9th! I'm still very much in the dark about what consists of a normal meal (once whole foods are incorperated). I hear different things; from a couple of bites to a plate full. I'm sure it's somewhere in between. Can ya'll give me some example of some daily meals? I'm having all these anxieties about how much , what, when, and how to eat! Any comments will be greatly apprecited. I'm glad that I have found this board! There is so much to learn. Ray Dr. Snow Fort Worth, Texas 280/280/180

Hi, I'm waiting for insurance approval and am feeling very impatient at this point. I'm thinking of going on the Nutri system diet until I get a banding date because I am feeling so motivated and don't want to lose this motivation feeling (If you know what I mean). I've known I wanted banding back in January and it's taken so much time to get this far. Did anyone eles feel this way?

I am so hungry and it isn't mental. I am really super hungry. Liquids aren't doing anything. What did you guys do? Tomorrow I start thicker liquids but I am hungry now. Please help!

I am having my surgery done on Thursday in Monterey, Mexico. Can I use Vicodan after surgery or do I need to use the pain killer that the Dr. perscribes?

Well, I bought a cook book from my surgeons office. Eatting Well After Weight Loss Surgery. I picked three reciepies outta the book and shopped for all the IN-GRED-I-ENTS today. Sooo I am gonna roll up my sleves and take a poke at this cookin thing. You should have seen me in the food store! I was sooo confused! Do you know how many spices are in the spice isle??? FRESH cauliflower, you mean it all doesn't come in a bag in the frozen food isle? Balsamic Vinegar? Does that come from from country of Balsam? I acutally got fish outta the fish market! It didn't come in a box nor was it breaded or shaped like a stick!!! Soooo far Im impressing myself! We will see when i…

Okay, since I am going to be up all night sitting in my hotel room waiting on news about my in-laws I had to think of something to do so here it is. I decided I would start shopping (online) for some additions to my fall wardrobe and started thinking I should find some more places to shop. I prefer to shop in the stores but still do alot online. What is your favorite store?

Hi all, Can someone give me some good recipes for the protein-powdered mix I got? It was part of the kit the doctor gave me, but he did not have much info on how to make the powder into a yummy drink. Anything will be great. I'm so sick of broth Thanks,

I've been so excited lately, that it seems like all I talk about to my hubby is weight loss, or weight loss related topics (exercise, new clothes, etc). A couple of days ago, I said something about "when I get to goal..." and he replied, "What are you going to obsess about when you reach your goal?" I told him I'd obsess with maintaining then. He was half joking, half serious, but upon thinking about it, I've realized he's right. For nearly 20 years, I obsessed over food, in one sense or another (whether it be the latest diet or what's for dinner). Now I seem to be obsessed with losing weight/getting to goal. Food has played such a huge role in my life. I've alwa…

I am scheduled for a lower body lift next Tuesday, and I have a question for those of you who have had this done. What did you wear home? They suggested loose fitting pj's so that I can go home and roll right into bed, but I'm not sure which ones to wear. Most of my jammies are pants and tops, and I'm concerned that the waistband would be uncomfortable. Or is the incision so much lower that it doesn't matter? I'm also going to have two drains, if this makes a difference. Any feedback is appreciated!

I am so very much trying to get through the liquid Protein diet....I did some research and got tons of wonderful suggestions from many of you. I decided to use unflavored protein in Soups (which I will pureed to liquids) and tuna (pureed). I will drink my Water, eat SF Jello and popscicles....I will track the calories and protein and carbs to stay within the range. Now since I had decided this after the nurse at the clinic basicly said I was a failure already, my DD (who has been supportive) is questioning what I plan on eating and said, "maybe you should reconsider if you can't even make it through this part"...... I feel tired, hungry, angry, mad at myself......M…

I wanna have 3 kids so I was just wondering if anyone has had multiple band babies!

Hi All- I had my second fill last Friday. I had an appointment scheduled for 4:30--The doctor was running a bit late. Apparently he had an emergency surgery that Friday afternoon. Anyway, when I finally got to see the Doc, I said "I am here to amuse you.... Fill er up." He gave me a strange look and then looked at my chart. The look of enlightment and a grin filled his face. (remember me, I am the big ol' weenie, fainting girl) We decided that I would lay down for the entire procedure. Good call Doc! Numbed me up, found the port and I got 2 more cc's. I seem to have a decent amount of restriction--I am giving the innards a rest however, and eating soft st…

I hope that I dont sound like I am gloating or boasting, I truely am not, but I have been approved today for the lap! UHC approved me in just 1 week. I am so excited and grateful (and just a lil' scared). I am new to this site, but have learned that many prospective patients are forced to jump through hoops before getting approved. I almost feel guilty. Dr. Snow's office (Stephanie) made it very painless. My wife and I are going to sit down tonight and choose the best date for us. Luckily I have plenty of sicktime at work, so time is on my side. Thanks for this great site, I have learned SO much information here. For those of ya'll still waiting for approval, my heart and…

I am so excited i am not obese any more.. my BMI is 28.7 which puts me in the overweight catagory and headed for normal:banana :banana

Just wondering on average, how often everyone is getting in some form of exercise - how much, what types, what's worked, what hasn't, etc. I've been very slack for quite sometime and hadn't exercised one bit, other than walking to the fridge LOL. The gym close to home, had almost always closed by the time I got home from work and fixed dinner for the family. So this week I decided to transfer my gym membership to the facility down the street from the office. I've went in the past two mornings, before work. I feel great for doing it, so hopefully I won't slack off again (don't have any excuses now LOL). We're going to the states in Dec/Jan to visit my family and th…

Yep, I have a date for surgery..Sept. 8th! I am quite nervous and hopeful. I hope this works for me, although there is a little picture-of-doubt that likes to creep into my mind... Shawn

OMG I didnt think it would ever get here! I just called my dr office and they got the approval letter and my surgery is nex wed. She is calling me back for a time. I am sooooooo excited! My boxer has pupies due anyday and i hope it is soon. The 10th is her due date. So now i have a reason to stay home with the pups!!

Ok - after Federal BCBS PPO swore up and down that the lap band absolutely was not covered and they would only pay for Gastric Bypass I have now found FOUR people that did get Federal BCBS to pay, despite their clear exclusion (The following are excluded from this plan: Services, drugs, or supplies for the treatment of obesity, weight reduction, or dietary control, except gastric bypass surgery or gastric stapling procedures) I may use these four cases of people to appeal - I am looking for more also --- PLEASE HELP - Please email me if you have had federal BCBS PPO approve or pay for your lap band procedure. Please provide your name, your doctors name, the stat…

Could someone give me a general difference between pureed and mushy foods? Thanks

According to statistics, I am the perfect Bandster. Stats show that the Band will help you lose 1/2 of your extra weight, which is exactly what I did. I made it down to 243 at one point, but now I'm staying right around 250 no matter what I do. I've watched "normal" people, and I'm eating like a normal person but maintaining at 250. I've been eating really well lately, but the numbers don't go down. I'm convinced that Mother Nature and the Angels and the Earth and the Powers that be want me to weigh 250, because life shouldn't be any harder than it already is. Sure, I could measure 2 ounces of tuna on a celery stalk and lose more weight, but for today I am a beau…

I was banded on January 17, 2005. I am down 54 lbs. I have had my share of complications lately though and am getting very discouraged. We went a whole month in June to finally find out my port was flipped and empty for some odd reason. We surgically fixed it and it has not leaked since which is very odd. But none the less I am thankful it is not leaking Then on August 3 I got a MAJOR clog in my band. For about 5 hours I could not keep anything down, not even Water or my own saliva. It was horrible and so very painful. I had to go in under fluro and have my band emptied. Now I am back to square one again and have to wait a couple weeks to get a fill in it. On Septemb…

Hello Everyone, the monster inside me has settled down, it is 4 days after surgery and I am feeling good, the cravings for those pretzels I wanted has subsided a bit and I am looking forward to some cream of wheat tomorrow. So far I have lost 11 pounds (WOW) It feels so good when you get on that scale and the pounds are dropping. So it's only been liquid diet thus far and it was hard the first few days, but it is getting easier. Last night I was feeling a little hungry and decided to have some SF Jello, but I added a little whipped cream to it and it made the world of difference. So if your in a rut, try it, mix it in and it will taste better. For the most part I am fee…

Hi Guys, Quick message. I just came home today from the hospital (saturday). Thanks to Michelle/Lisa for calling on me to see how I was doing. The stomach is not as painful as the thighs. Also it is impossible to see the results of the thighs cause I am wrapped up like mummy woman. I cried when I saw my new belly button. My doc did a great job and even with the swelling, hip to hip stiches and the goopy belly button I have a FLAT tummy. I am getting dizzy and need to lie down, so I'll give you more information tomorrow if I can. Hugs to everyone~ Babs in TX

Hello I am new to this, I just had my surgery on the 4th. and I feel pretty good with the exception of my insides sounding like there is a monster in there. Is this normal? also I have a pain in my upper right shoulder blade when I lay on it, what is that? I was having regrets up until I signed on to this website and started reading some of the posts. I so wanted to just chew on a pretzel yesterday and just spit it out, but I was scared. I have been on the clear liquid thing and it's not fun, but I didn't do this to have fun, I did it to loose weight to be a healthier person for myself, my husband and my kids, I cannot wait to ride a rollercoaster with them!!! I also…

Hey all pre/post bandsters, I have FINALLY been approved for lap band. I am so excited I can hardly sit still. I am looking for a support group in Port Arthur area. Any ideas? Thanks to all and continued good luck to all. Kathy

OK here is my weird & probablly the dumbest question I have asked so far. (even after a year of banding and 2 years research) I think I did it! Today I made my original goal of 164 lbs My BMI is below 25 and I have done better than many and the envy of my mother in law (she is on the 50% track. I made my original goal- which was below 165 and below 25 bmi. However I am now slightly readjusting and deciding 150 is where I really want to be and if I stay there for about 6 months with exercise - maybe I will decide I really will spend the $ on me and get some work done on the now starting to sag skin! So did I loose 100% or when is 100% of excess body weight …

Hi Everyone, I'm a new poster but have been lurking for some time reading everyone else's experiences and helpful advice. I was banded on July 29th by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. I was perfectly fine for 4 days, and starting this past Tuesday it has really bothered me to take in my liquids. What happens is that I swallow the liquids, I feel this pain in my chest, and sometimes I burp a little bit back up. In the 3 days post-op I could feel it moving fine and gurgling through. Anyhow, I went to the hospital yesterday (Saturday) and this morning they came to the conclusion that I still have swelling. They said it was edema at the gastric banding site. We did the bari…

I'm going to see the surgeon Tuesday, I'm really unsure whether this is what I need and at the moment am leaning towards not doing it. But I think I really need to at least discuss it with the surgeon. At present I have a BMI of 35, so I'm really only JUST squeaking in and not sure if my weight related problems would actually be considered comorbidities anyway so this may all be academic. BUT - I dont want to have that "last supper" mentality. This process will take a while, I doubt I'd be having surgery in a week or two although our health system is WAY less complicated, our health fund will cover it or it wont, there wont be any substantiations, appeals etc. I want…

I had a pain pump (intrathecal drug delivery) implanted. It's on my right side in the pereneal area. It's the size of a hockey puck and has a port that the medicine is delivered by injection every 3 months. Does anyone else have one of these pumps or knows someone with this pump that went ahead and had the lapband done? I just don't want to go to the pre-meetings and nutritionist and psych. appts. if it's not even an option. I'll be just waisting the Doctors time, my time and I'll be pushing back someone who has been waiting. Thank you, in advance ~ K ~

WHAT HAVE I DONE-Please someone put me at ease!!!!! Yesterday was bad enough when i had to overlook pizza, but today at dinner my family had mashed potatoes and before i thru most of it away i had about 5-6 spoons with a small amount of applesauce. im suppose to be on thicker liquids only until next wed when i can switch to mushies. was out of my mind????!!!! right now i feel pretty full, kinda of uncomfortable but not in any pain nor bring up. its just i was sooooo hungry. really so and thought of having soup again for dinner just wouldnt cut it. have i screwed everything up? will i be paying a price for this? and liquids cant seem to get all the water down, ca…