LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hello everyone. I've been looking at this site for a while and finally decided to join. I have my 1st appointment on 08/12 with Dr.Horgan in chicago. I'm soooo excited!!!! I'm ready to get this ball rollin. However, I wanted to know from everyone, how long did you all take off work, so that I can get an idea of long I'll need to take off........Thanks Oh by the way, I'm an underwriter, so I sit at a desk all day........

Hi Guys, I leave on the plane for San Diego and then on to TJ tomorrow morning!! Thanks for all the advise and hope. I do not have an MD lined up for after care as suggested by all here. How bad is that???? The reason is because I am not 100lbs over weight and I never would have been accepted as a lap band candidate in the US. (I'm 50lbs over weight, with a BMI of 30ish) I felt as though my only choice was to go ahead and do it, then just start begging for follow up care after : ) There is a doc in our city that does some lap bands and I suppose I'm going to ask him if he'll follow up when I get back. I sure hope I'm one of those who has few/no problems!!! If yo…

I was banded in April and have had three fills since then. On my last fill the doctor didn't think something was right so I went back two weeks later and he had a look at things under xray. He wasn't surprised to find that my band was completely empty. He seems to think that he has put a hole in the tubing near the port when he did the last fill in his office. I was SO despressed when they said I had to go back in for more surgery. I went in on Wednesay 3rd August and they replaced the port. Even though I was really down and a little p!ssed off that I had to go back in because he had stuffed up, I figure that's part of having Lap Band and you have to expect setbacks…

Here I am sitting in Mexico, just as nervous as I can be. I don´t think I was this nervous with my first child. Surgery is Monday Morning at 10:00 everyone please cross your fingeres for me, and any thing else that you can cross ha ha

Does everyone suffer from this? I think my chances are good - I'm 38, I've had 3 babies and dont have a single stretchmark. I dont have any wrinkles yet and I only have a "relatively" small weight problem of 30-40kg. I'm more than happy to take my time about losing it? Am I kidding myself? Of course my boobs are going to look like footy socks with tennis balls in the end after feeding three babies :-)

Well its done and now I'm asking myself why I did this. I stayed an extra night in the hospital. I was very naucious and in alot of pain. It's only day 3 and I think if I have another carnation instant breakfast I'm gonna puke. I can't stand that nasty after taste with everything. I don't know how I'm going to do this for 3 weeks. Today the gas set in and I was in agony. I can get over the pain its the drinks I can't seem to get through. All I can tolerate is a few ounces of anything then I want to explode. Help I need some words of encouragement.

I was baned in Mexico July 2nd no complication what so ever I'm in Topeka for the next 8-10 weeks helping my sister with her newborn twins 4 days old and 3 year old. I need information on fill doctors and cost any information will be appreciated

http://www.teklawgirl.biz/Liquid_diet_recipes.htm

What the HELL am I about to do to myself???? Yeah, yet another one of us at "that stage". Surgery is on Tuesday. Made the mistake of going to the hospital today to pre-register and have the last of my lab tests done. I have a MASSIVE fear of anesthesia. Found out they won't let my hubby in the back with me when they take me into pre-op. Not real thrilled about that. When I left there I was ready to puke. Need wisdom here fast. Trying to be brave and not bail.

Well, tomorrow @ 5:30am - I will have my butt at the hospital for surgery! I did the 'only' fluids today and I have NO idea how people can do this for a week prior to surgery. I didn't have hunger pains, but the diarrhea is almost uncontrollable. I guess if I had to do this a week, I'd experience hunger pains too. Kudo's to the folks who have do the fluids for a week or more. Thank you all, for your support and mostly sharing your inner thoughts with the rest of the world. I've been reading everyone's posts and have found it to be of incredible value. Thank you all! I'm off to bed to catch a couple of hours sleep. I'll be back soon. Good luck to everyone who's …

My banding was August 1. Everything went well, and I don't feel too bad considering. I will be glad when the bloated whale feeling goes away. Liquids aren't too bad and I don't feel very hungry I am excited to begin my journey!

Sandie1958 ask me to start a thread and tell everyone she is getting banded next Wednesday!!! She is unable to type very well at this time due to having her wrist operated on 2 weeks ago( 53 stitches in all) OUCH!!! She is asking that each of you keep her in your thoughts and prayers through this hard time she is going through. What a strong lady to be having 2 surgeries back to back like this and still staying in good spirits as she is celebrating her upcoming band surgery!! ~Sandie good luck to you as you get your band and I'm praying for your speedy recovery!!! Take care of that wrist too!!! Yippie you go get that band girl!!!! ((((((HUGS))))))))

Good Morning, I thought it would be good to start a daily chat. Anyone wanna join in? Whats everyone doing this weekend? I have a BBQ this afternoon and alot of cleaning to do in the house. Other than that, nothing much is happening. I'm really hoping I can do good at the BBQ today, I'm gonna try to stay away from the food area, but you know how that goes Then tomorrow I have to do some cooking for the week, laundry and some play time with DD. How about you, any good plans?

here is a site that gives info on High Protein food.... http://www.highproteinfoods.net/

Okay, I just called the dr and I am going to get an unfill. This is his first one (as well as mine). What restritions did your dr give you after a reduction in your fill - liquids for a day? Thanks for any help.

I really need to just let out some steam so forgive me...(I really can be whinny when come to LBT!) I am bummed. I know the lapband is the right answer for me. There is so much that I love about it but I just can't let go of the fear of not being healthy. I was nervous when I first had surgery done thinking I was going to be the one with the problem but I wasn't; YIPPEE; however, now I am having problems. I was having reflux/gastritis / esophagistis/"whatever you want to call it today". I started taking prevacid which seemed to help. <O:p></O:p> So I just went and got my first fill because I could eat a ton! The dr went light on the fill. And now my throat…

I had my band done three weeks ago today. Aside from my right side getting a little......tired....not as bendable.....I don't really know what to call it, I'm feeling great. This bothers me because I'm hoping all is well. I've done well with drinking liquids the first two weeks and the third week I've eaten mushy stuff. If was dying for something salty, so I ate a few tiny pretzel sticks and chewed them to death! I moved a little more into dipping two tortilla chips in some hot sauce and chewed them to death. I never swallowed before they were mush and I drink alot of water. I guess I'm worrying because I haven't felt a full feeling, I'm not overeating just because…

Today is my Anniversary for having my Band for one year. It has been some year for me. The Band does not make life easy and yes there are many challenging days. Some days your up and some days your down. I have had a lot of frustration, but today all of that seems to fade away when I think about where I started and where I am. As a reward today I went to stein Mart to buy a new outfit everything in my closet is long gone given away or tossed by this point. I really don't have anything to wear except the few shorts and tops I have bought to get me through Summer. I haven't been shopping since April so I really had no idea what to expect. Last year when I went in for my …

Hi! Let me introduce my self. I am chris, 40 year old male. I currently weigh 450 and am considering the lap band. Several friends had the RouenY but I am a big chicken. I went to see a doctor who had been doing the Y exclusively but added the lap to his services but as soon as I got in there he made me out to feel like a fool for even considering the lap over the Y. He said the lap was just as dangerous, less effective and required total self control becuse he said that their is no physical consequence for eating inappropriately as opposed the the Y. I left his office in tears upset and angry. I have really heard some wonderful things about the lap but now I am all confu…

Does anyone have a recommendation for a Dr on a self-pay budget? I live in the Dallas area. I'm considering going to Mexico, but I would prefer to stay closer to home. I need to know if a doctor is good and how much he charges. Thanks, BCW

I had my surgery on July 15th so I'm 2 weeks and 3 days post-op. Can somebody shed some light as to what they ate at this point. If I look at another liquid I'll die!!!! I need some real food but am affraid of slipage!

I am new to this, but have been researching for a while. Emotionally, though, I know I still have a lot of learning to do, I just want to make sure my head is ready for the change that my body so desperately needs. I haven’t been thin since I was about ten and I think that is a big part of why my body hurts so badly. Knees, ankles, feet, back, hips-you name it. Just the thought of relieving these rickety joints of some of this excess weight just delights me. I don’t think it will be a cure all, but maybe it’s a start. Maybe with less pain, exercise won’t be so horrible. I am in Water aerobics now. I try and do things at my own pace, but even that comes with a pri…

I enjoy the games and many of you seem to also so I thought I would try another one. I don't know how it will work online but we will see, I do this when I facilitate a networking workshop for a simple icebreaking exercise, it just isn't online. The first person will say something about themselves (e.g. I am married with 2 children, My favorite football team is the Bears, I love to scuba dive, I have lost 75 pounds, etc.) someone with the same interest or situation will respond (e.g. I am also married with 2 children, Scuba is the best!, etc.) Then that person will add something else about themselves (e.g. I am an Aggie, I was born to shop, I ride a Harley, etc.) and it…

Did anyone require a wheelchair in the airport for the return flight?

Has anyone gotten the band and smoked. What kind of experience did you have?

I had a fill 1 cc three weeks ago and had no restriction. In fact, I gained about 4 pounds. So yesterday I went and got another fill .5 cc. My dr doesn't suggest liquids only afterwards and I regret it. I have been able to eat everything until this fill. Right after the fill I had 4 rice crackers and hummus. Then, last night I had a bit of sausage (bad choice now but I had been eating it up to this fill just fine). And pb forever. And acid reflux, etc. This morning 1/4 c of Water went down ok. When I tried 1/2, it was too much. called the dr this morning. He is out of town working at another hospital for 5 days. I just had 1/2 c of beef broth and that see…

Their is a new fill Doc...name Don Schmitt I think In Nederland Tex....He is charging a 150.00 for first consultation,, fills are a 100.00 he wont take insurance if someone had surgery from someone else.....his phone number is 409 721-5150

I came up with a great idea for an easy exercise program. That about anyone can do. While watching tv. When the commercials come on get off the couch and walk back and forth through your house. It doesn't have to be fast....just walk. I have a problem watching the commercials...all the junkfood, fast food and food period....makes me think I need it...so if I am up moving during those commercials I don't see them and still enjoy my programs. Plus the added benefit of exercise. Of course 30mins of regular exercise a day is good too!

Hi everyone, I'm Robin from Wesley Chapel/ New Tampa area and was banded just a month ago with Dr. Ortiz. Going back for my first fill August 12th and man do I need it. I have no restriction at all right now. Hope not to put back on the 20 pounds I lost on liquids but find evenings are very hard once the kids are in bed. Anyway hoping to meet some new friends for support. Email me at Robin2463@aol.com. Take care everyone.

Dr. Phil proclaimed the way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started. So I looked around my house to see things I started and hadn't finished; and, before leaving the house this morning I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Chardonnay, a bottle of Baileys, a bottle of Kalua, a package of Oreo's, a pot of coffee, the rest of the Cheesecake, some Saltines and a box of Godiva Chocolates. You have no idea how freaking good I feel !

I am preparing myself for the steps toward getting the band. I am a bit nervous about the psychiatry evaluation because I don't know what kind of questions they ask you?? I am worried about not being able to pass(that sounds dumb) but I have never been to a shrink. Can anyone who has been through it give an idea of what I have to go through. I know all doctors are different but I wouldn't mind anyone sharing there expriences. Thanks

Has anyone ever had their band leak? I had 1.5 put in on 6/30 and went back 2 days ago and it was all gone. I had a fill of 1.2 that day and felt tightness but it is gone now. The doctoer said sometimes the band leaks. I am just wondering what they do it is "faulty"? Anyone know?

Hello everyone. It's been ages since I last posted and things have been going ok. I've hit a little plateau and I haven't lost more than 2# in the last six weeks so I am a little frustrated by that even though I feel like I eat less now than I ever have in my life and I am far more active than I have been in ages. But looking at the overall picture, I really shouldn't complain. My big issue these days is that lately, I have been suffering from terrible reflux or esopogitis or something but it is becoming unbearable to the point I am literally scared of eating anything except ice cream and other cld mushie foods (and that can't be a good thing). It has gotten so bad that…

Hi all, I just need to cry on someone's shoulder and feel sorry for myself for just a bit.....then I plan to recover and deal. I was on this site a few weeks ago asking for advice regarding horrible acid reflux, vomitting (day and night) and 24-hour a day stomach pain. I have had the band for 6 months, but the last 2 1/2 have been really horrible. Somedays I could eat, some days I could only handle liquids, and somedays I couldn't keep anything down. Well, last week I went days without keeping food or Water down. I had an endoscopy and by that afternoon the band came out. My stomach opening was so small that nothing was going down. Physically I am soooo much bet…

I haven't been to him yet, I have an appt w/ him Aug. 9th, so I'll report on his personality then. For now heres his onfo: Dr.Kenneth Larson;, 4665 S. Congress, FL;, 1-561-649-0243 ext.212 for Kendra McDonald. She's very nice. One time consultation fee $150, fill $90.00. Second fill $100.00w/o floro, $300.00 w/floro. Not too bad?? It'll be my first fill, haven't lost a lb since being banded. Can't wait to see that scale MOVE!

I just saw a friend I hadn't seen since Feb. Now my family knows I have the band but friends don't. I just don't see the need in telling everyone. Anyway I saw her tonight and she said "boy you have lost something." I said yes about 40 somethings. I was so happy some one finally noticed. YEAH!!! That just made my day. My family is great they have told me all they could tell, I just thought yeah right....I could tell anything except my clothes are falling off me. Anyway I just so excited I had to share. I am really going to have to buy a few pecies of clothing now, at least for work. I can't wait to see what size I will get into.

Got another one for ya's When you have the band, how do you take pills? some of them are gigantic horse pills like the ones I got last night for my back (pain killers). I ask b/c it says right on the paperwork that you get with the meds NOT to crush b/c its timed released. Thank you !!

Help me get over being scared. I'm going to get banded 8/5/05 in TJ by Dr. Ortiz. Tell me how I'm going to eat and how this band will make me feel when it comes to eating? How has your life been forced to change? Do you still go out to eat now and then with family? Do you have to be prepared to barf at any moment when food gets stuck or is there time to let it come back up when you are ready/prepared? I am not planning on telling anybody except my husband and one of my sisters that I'm even doing this. Will people know that something weird is going on with me? During the first 3 weeks of liquid dieting, am I going to just wish to die from hunger? Or am I going…

Well it's back. About six months ago I mentioned to my doctor that I was feeling dizzy on occasion, especially when I stood up quickly but sometimes just for no reason. That's when she sent me for an echocardiogram which showed there was nothing wrong. Now it's happening again. Any ideas? I can't imagine my blood pressure is low, and I think I'm well-hydrated, so I'm ready to try any old wives' remedies. It's scary, and I'm terrified it will happen while I'm driving!

Ok, here's a new one for me. Banded in Mexico 5/26 and everything has pretty much been fine. Went to a local doctor for my first fill 5 weeks later. He had a really difficult time getting the saline needle into the port. He pushed and pushed for all he was worth until he FINALLY got it in. (I was actually bruised). He told me even though the ultrasound didn't show it he thought my port was tipped. Went back to him a week later because the fill didn't take and he was able to get the needle in right away. He explained he should be able to feel the top of the port, similar to the shape of a dime, but all he was feeling was an edge. I personally haven't felt anything…

Ooops two threads on the same thing... how'd that happen? LOL so sorry

Okay y'all (), I've been on the hunt for the low calorie, volumn Snacks. A serving size of 6 chips in a decent calorie range just doesn't do it for me. So I'm going to share what I've found; First of course is the SF Jello, and I've found I like it with just a little coolwhip mixed in while it's still liquid. They separate into layers when it's jelled, and it's yummy. Whilst in the store looking for SF flavored syrups I came across something called Dream Whip. It's in a box, in the jello/cake aisle. You mix it with 1/2 cup of milk, and just a little bit of vanilla, and it's kind of like coolwhip, but even less calories per serving. If you use 2% milk, it's 240 …

Good Morning Everyone, Well my surgery is a week away and I am starting to get nervous. I am excited though. I am anxious to being my weightloss journey. My husband said something to me yesterday that really bothered me. He said that he hoped I did not leave him once I lost the weight. Why did he say that to me? I love him. We have been together for 10 years, have 2 beautiful girls. Was anyone else so nervous before surgery? What did you do or think of to calm you down? Have a good day everyone!

Update: MIL was treated and released. Both SIL's are being evaluated at another hospital. Neither is in serious condition. They were sent to different hospitals. They were travelling here from our hometown about 40 miles away when my SIL lost control of the car, crossed the center median into the southbound traffic lanes and rolled the vehicle 4 times. Foutunantly they were all wearing seat belts, no one was ejected from the vehicle, and no other vehicles were involved. My MIL had to be removed from the vehicle by the jaws of life and was airlifted to the hospital where they evalauted, treated and released. It was a rough night, all I could do was sit and wai…

I have started on my liquid protien diet....O.K., the first one was good, the second drink was O.K., the third I though was gross and the fourth one....forget it! I was suppose to drink 2 more, but I simply could not. I am not really hungry...Oh, yeah, I could eat if I had to...hahahaha, but I literally can't "stomach" those Protein Drinks today. I tried the unflavored unjury in lemonade....nope, yuck........... Any suggestions? Please help....I have to be on this liquid diet for TWO WEEKS!!!!

Typical Day: B: Protein Shake (w/fruit, no sugar) L: 3 oz can of tuna mixed with 1 t mayo, 1 t pickle relish, 5 crackers D: 3 to 4 oz portion of fish or ground beef or chicken with 1/2 to 1 cup of vege (non starchy) Lots of water during the day. So why am I not loosing weight? I'm not hungry, I get all my protein in, I'm eating around 1100 calorie a day and I'm doing aerobics 3 times a week. Perplexing!!!

Its been almost 7 months now since my banding. And since Im still having reflux at night (along with other strange sensations), I have an Upper GI scheduled for Tuesday morning. What exactly can they see with the 'Upper GI'? Are they able to see the band and how its working? Basically, is THIS the proper test to have when you want everything checked out?

I belong to another board also,, And I had posted on there about a verbal approval for insurance etc and just had to wait for Dr appnt and him to say yes and I would have an official approval and I had stated in there that I did ALLLL the foot work etc with an LOL after that, only meaning that I got it all done and the process would be sped up.... Well the moderator wrote back a few times and seemed to be "hostile" or not liking me or something. Several people wrote to me asking me what I did to PO that person. Well here is the part,,, Get this, The Moderator of that board copied the post I wrote, same one is on here also, and sent it to my DR, and told him that "I …

Well I got my approval exactly like the insurance rep told me, and she told me my surgery date is 8/30/05.. The Dr's office hasnt even called me yet... figures.... Wooo hooo 1 more week of piggin out then 2 weeks of Optifast then I join you on the bandwagon.,,,, Yaaahooooooooooo

Finally. Today I woke up feeling like a million bucks. Very little discomfort. I'm starting to feel like my old self. I got up this morning and luxuriated in a long steaming shower. I drove to Dunkin Donuts and had a nice cup of decaf coffee and it hit the spot. The last two days have been miserable because I've been hungry, starving, famished, etc., etc. But today all the food cravings were gone which I'm very happy about. I'm a little nervous about the days ahead because I'm unfilled. I really don't want to overeat once I'm on mushies. My doctor won't fill me at least until 6 weeks from now which puts me at the end of September. I need to keep my motivatio…