LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I went this week to my first meeting about the LapBand. I sent in the extensive history form and have read all the info. I am ready to get this underway. I see my primary physician this week, and hope to set up an appointment with the surgeons Clinical Nutritionist. I am really going to do this. Any words of support or encouragement? Any advice you all wish you had known when you started? Let me in on your experiences. Thanks. :nervous

....wow, okay, so I'm just over a month banded. In what seemed like overnight this week I went from being well in control to able to eat everything in sight and not holding back. Wow. These food issues are here again. I'm pretty sure Aunt Flo is supposed to show up anyday now, all the signs are there so I'll attribute this to that. But wowowowow, the ol' "hey let's eat everything in the house" mentality came rushing back at me. I knew the band wouldn't fix that, but I thought I'd go longer than a month before it cropped up. In the pre-band days, I'd just admit I failed another diet and I'd go back to eating the old ways and gaining more and more. Can't do that …

Hi all, I wanted to share my first year with my band. I am writing 3 days late, but with my work schedule this was the first day I could sit and write. I was banded on July 27th 2004, and in one year I have lost 144 lbs. I went from 351 to 207. I can't remember the last time I was 207, maybe 7th grade??, but boy what a year it has been. I have learned alot about myself and the band. I consider my band as a tool, either I can use it or I can leave it in the tool box. I have learned that I need to eat protien, protien and more protien. I have learned that Water is in deed my friend, LOL. I have also learned to chew my food, and take my time. It is pretty wierd, I am the l…

I have horrible knee probelms. The knee caps do not track properly and surgery has been discussed. I was told to lose weight and that would help ( but not fix ) the problem as it is genetic. Well it has been 6 weeks and I have lost 34 pounds and my knees seem to be WORSE now then before. I was so hopeful that losing the weight would help! Is it because things are shifting around?? Has anyone else experienced this? Michelle

Wow! I made it. I was banded on Tuesday. I came home from the hospital yesterday. I am looking forward to a long life of happiness and healthyness. This is my new hope and I am so PROUD of it. I want to say thank you to everyone here who has offered help and comfort and support to me. I could have never made it as far as I have without you all being behind me. Its an odd feeling being on THE OTHER side. Knowing that inside me lies the tool that I have been hoping and dreaming of for so long. I pray that I can be here and help others who are struggling with the same options that I had.

anybody out there have there first fill at 3 weeks? I was basically eating to much mush at 2 weeks and now I've gained 3 lbs!!! But I hungry..is this normal or am I the first lap bander failure....Please say it not so...Cindy

OK, I've been on a liquid diet for 5 Weeks - and I was SOOOOO excited to go to the doctors today and be advanced to 'soft' and then 'regular' foods. I had decided a portion of a Veggie Soft Taco from Taco Time would be my treat for a job well done. I didn't drink anything until the doctors office to maximize my weight loss (I also wore shorts and thongs). OK, I get there, I did well, my mouth is just salivating - I talk to the doctor - he asks me how I'm doing - I'm doing great - no problems - excep HUNGER! I tell him about a little stitch poking out, he says climb up on the table "I'm going to feel you". My physician has an accent - but I got ready, and he too…

I just saw this info commercial for the Dr.Wheeler's GOLD Standard protein drink. They say it has 24 grams of protein & only 1 sugar per drink. Just wondering if anyone out there has ordered it.?? There is no info on their website as to the nutrients.

Okay, that title may not be too clear LOL, but its late and my head isn't working right now. The last time I got a fill, I didn't really feel any restriction for a couple of days, then BOOM, I was so tight. Today, I had another fill. I was able to drink all morning with no issues, had a nice lunch of tuna salad on crackers with a mandarin, with no issues. Then this evening I sat down for dinner (Lean Cuisine Salmon Au Gratin, so it should be really easy to get down). I had my glass of Water, as I always do before eating, took one bite of the food and it stuck. Its gone now, just took a few minutes to get it down. Doesn't really bother me .. was just wondering why …

When the nurse called to inform me of my surgery date she said that it is recommended that I lose 10 lbs prior to surgery. I am scheduled for surgery on Aug. 16 and have been having a hell of a time losing anything. Is it "mandatory" that you lose the pre-op weight?

Well, tomorrow is AUGUST and it starts on a Monday. A new beginning--always a good time to put a little *umph* in getting off doldrums and plateaus. I've been doing pretty decent on my WL but I think this calls for some sort of renewed dedication. I got out my old notes from a "Healthy Solutions" WL program I did a few years ago and it was a real wake up call for me to review what I have already learned (but for some reason seem to keep forgetting!). The big thing I HATED about that program was all the doggone record keeping. Sometimes I almost hated that more than the not eating. But--dammit!-- it also was probably the major reason I lost so successfuly at that time. …

How many people out there have had problems with their ports mine is tilted and have to get it repaired is this covered under insurance and what does the surgery to repair it entail it is so frustrating I couldn't get a fill I am six weeks out and starvin and the port is killing me delarla what was your symptoms that you had the have the port removed. help really freaking out

Hello all. I am new and having a few problems. One is that I need a fill and still can't get one for another 3 weeks. I am eating much less than I would have before surgery altho not the best foods but still gaining. I can't wait for my first fill. But I still don't understand how I can gain by eating less!!!!!!!! Secondly, I have been having increasing problems with food getting stuck. Some have said PB but after reading about it it doesn't seem like it. I can get food stuck on the first or last bite, it doesn't matter. I do think that I should still chew better but not sure if that is the problem. My food gets stuck and the pain in my throat, not my chest. I…

Just wondering if anyone has ever been banded by Dr. Naaman in Houston, Tx? He works with Memorial Hermann Hospital. Anyone that can let me know if he is a good doc or anything else....would appreciate the info. thanks

Ok, I don't have a band yet but I have had some stomach issues so I decided to see a GI doctor before I got serious about this band business! He did an endoscopy and I have: 1. a hiatal hernia 2. acid reflux 3. duodenal/peptic ulcer 4. a stomach nodule (whatever that is - apparently a sore spot in my stomach that will eventually become an ulcer if I don't take the nasty medicine for a month) SO - I know ALOT of people had reflux before they got banded, so I'm not too worried about that, but has anyone had these other problems? What about endoscopy - can you still have this procedure once you are banded? I have my band consult on 8-4-05 and I will ask the band doc b…

Well, one of the people I care about the most is getting the RNY next week. The Band wasn't really an option for him due to a whole host of consideratations. I really, really wish he was getting the band, and I'm sooooo afraid for him. I mean, really afraid for him. He has some differeent health issues, and his life will dramatically improve once he starts to loose weight. He's about 450 right now, so obviously, he needs to loose the weight. Please send your prayers and white lights, light prayer candles or however you feel best connected to the Great Spirit, God or The Gods.

:Bunny Please im looking for some more of your assistance. Is it normal to still feel uncomfortable 4 days post op?? I've read such a wide range I don't really know if i am progressing in the right way. My doctor had me on clear fluids for 3 days post op and today i was able to switch to thicker liquids. Anyway the eatting part or lack of is not too bad. But how do you know when your hungry or when you're full. Should this even be a concern when im on liquids? or should i just be continually filling up? The other thing is my back, sides, ribs, and chest have pressure. not really pain. and when i stand up from a sitting position im so stiff. ok, so how im doing? …

Hello all. I am new and having a few problems. One is that I need a fill and still can't get one for another 3 weeks. I am eating much less than I would have before surgery altho not the best foods but still gaining. I can't wait for my first fill. But I still don't understand how I can gain by eating less!!!!!!!! Secondly, I have been having increasing problems with food getting stuck. Some have said PB but after reading about it it doesn't seem like it. I can get food stuck on the first or last bite, it doesn't matter. I do think that I should still chew better but not sure if that is the problem. My food gets stuck and the pain in my throat, not my chest. I have neve…

Hey, stayed up to midnight, ate a snack at 11:45 cause it is now August 1, my band date.....Thought I would not be able to sleep, nervous and all that, but I am really tired, and not scared as much as when I had my gall bladder out. So at 9:30 a.m. say a good word for me that I have a safe, fast surgery and a good recovery. Waiting to see you all in bandlandia, Donna

I seem to be wasting a LOT of food lately, which is fine, just....I can't seem to shake the habit of taking big portions. I will feel ALL kinds of hungry and get a big portion (since I don't have a fill I can eat pretty well) so I get a big portion and end up letting a lot go to waste. I had a waiter roll his eyes at me the other night because I'd ordered two appetizers but only ate one. I didn't want to take the other home and he was offended about it. Sheesh! Question is this.....how long before my eyes learn a better sense of the right size portion to take?

Well, I had my surgery Thursday July 28th and I am doing extremely well!! I do have a little pain and Im a little gassy but nothing I cant handle! Just wish I weren't so darn sleepy!

<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1> <!-- / icon and title -->I just wanted to share my great experience so far. I had my surgery on Monday and I am really shocked at how good I am feeling because I am usually very sensitive to pain. I hardly have any pain at all, my left side feels like I took a punch but totally manageable, so I am skipping the pain meds. I have been able to manage and release the gas well too and I thank everyone for talking openly about that on this site as it prepared me for it! If you are thinking of having this surgery, I highly recommend my surgeon, Dr. Katkhouda at USC, he did an incredible job, I just can't say enough good things …

Hey everyone, Well I was approved and am so excited! I have a 8/10 surgery date! Please goive me all the advice I need. I am getting a little nervous! I am looking forward to the rest of my life! I am afraid though that once I have the band I will be afraid to eat. Has anyone else had the same fear? What other fears have you had. What did you find easy? What did you find hard?

Ok, I've had 2 fills, the last one 2 months ago. I do feel restricion, but it's like this. I can eat 2 whole peices of pizza. Pre-op I would of probably ad 4 or 5. But after my last fill I would of HAD to PB it up if I had pizza. Now I feel that feeling, and then a few seconds later, I feel it slide down and I can eat more. I am filled at 1.6 in a 4cc band. So I think maybe I need a fill???

I gave up smoking the day of my surgery and have found it bearable up until now. Over the last week it has been nearly unbearable. I have been so close to going and buying a packet so I can have a smoke...I dont know what to do, I am making excuses up in my head why it is ok for me to take it back up, mostly because it is just too much for me to handle right now with the giving up of food etc. If I am not thinking about food I am thinking about smoking and vice versa...whats a girl to do, should I find myself another addiction to bide my time and make it through *sigh* Im kidding...but really any ideas??

I've been researching different sites about the Lapband and how much each person has lost. Now, on one site everyone seems to be losing 70lbs within 5 mths but then coming to other sites such as this, some seem to be losing only 20lbs in 5 or 6mths. I am just wondering if those whom are losing greater amounts are exercising more or if they were younger when they got the band. I do realize that if you are younger you can lose the weight easier than when you are older especially for women after age 35 or so. I guess I am just curious as to why there are some saying they've lost so much within a just a short period of time and others not as much. I mean I want to lose wei…

I had my last fill nearly 2 weeks ago and it kicked in through the week. I have awesome restriction till late afternoon then its like WOWEE lets pig out. Even if I am not hungry I find myself munching down once the sun goes down. The weight loss has stayed the same for 4 weeks now...I have to get my big butt into gear, what you say we go get ourselves some crucifixes and garlic and get them night demons

I have a keloid (I think, one of my scars if red raised and hard), it's been there for about 3 months. I was wondering if anyone else had these and how long they took to go away. I tried using those scar sheets, but they kept falling off. Thanks!

I WAS BANDED LAST WEDNESDAY THE 27TH. EVERYTHING WENT VERY-WELL. I SATYED IN FOR AN EXTRA DAY. I WAS TO TIRED TO COME HOME. I GOT HOME FIDAY MID AFTERNOON. I'M SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS NEW LIFE CHANGE. I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON EARLIER BUT THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MAIN CABLE TO MY PHONE LINE WHICH LINKS ME TO MY INTERNET. I'M DOING VERY WELL. MUCH BETTER THAN I THOUGHT I WOULD DO. I HAVE BEEN GETTING VERY UPSET AND CRYING (FIGHTING WITH HUSBAND) CAN THIS DO ANYTHING TO THE BAND. HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL. I NEED TO MOVE MY TICKER. HOW DO YOU DO THIS? GOD BLESS ! KEEP SMILING! EACH DAY GETS BETTER AND BIIIGGGGG HUGS!!!!

hello bandster babes does anyone know were to find the internal lap band pic on this site. I have found it before but I forget were it is????? :banana

I am up drinking a Protein shake and trying to keep moving around for a bit. Slept a lot yesterday...but realize I need to be up and around for awhile. Everything went great....was the first patient in the morning so I didn't have as much time to get more nervous :nervous Thanks for all the good thoughts! Susan Dr. Spiegel 7/20/05 225/???/135 ps gonna try my hand at tickers later....

Had my appointment with Dr. Voellinger today. He was very nice and anwsered all my questions not that I had nearly as many left after pumping you all for information over the last couple of months. All my test are done except the psych appointment...and everyone knows my grumblings on that one ...hehehe. I mentioned the lapband support group that Kim asked about and he thinks its great. He said how great Kim is doing too. (Kim....The doctor was bragging on you . ) Well off with the family to the movies. Melissa

Hi Everyone, Thanks for letting me ask a bunch of questions. How are you handling / dealing with head hunger since you've had the surgery? Is it even an issue now ? NJChick

Well I had my surgery Friday morning and am now home. Sore but the pain is bearable. Now the journey truly begins! Thanks to everyone who had been keeping me in their thoughts and prayers.

I was just wondering how many out there have had their surgery done in the Mexico? Please name your doctor and what your loss has been postop. Thanks! I plan on going to see Dr. Aceves in Mexicali, Mx.

If you are taking thyroid meds, soy foods or milk interacts with the medication.Should check with a doctor before consuming.My doc advised against it. You can google it and here one of the links. www.thyroid-info.com/articles/soydangers.htm

I feel like I have a small brick in the middle and to the left of my port. I don't know if it is gas or is this normal. How long will it last??? Any comments would be appreciated. How long does it usually take for swelling to go down and your middle to feel normal.....

Need a fill doctor in Alabama

Hey - Freaking out in Florida here. Just about 18 hours away from surgery. Any last minute suggestions?

Hi, I have a question about diabetes for those who have it. How has the surgery helped with your diabetes? Do you follow a specific food plan for diabetics? Thanks for any help on this.

What kind of medical testing did you have to go through before your surgery? Thanks !!

Hi guys! I am fairly new to this website but have found it to be extremely helpful. I keep reading about protein in many posted messages. I am not sure if I have the right information, which might explain my extremely SLOW weigh loss. Can someone please let me know about proteins. Is there a certain amount I should be eating daily? Should I be cutting out carbs, sugars, etc? Should I be eating a certain amount of calories a day? I was never informed about any of this and was wondering if anyone was told something I should know. I was banned 4/20/2005, have only lost about 12lbs. and was adjusted (filled) two times already. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! Am I doing something w…

Somebody please tell me it will get better....still gassy....finally getting the blended foods correct...seem like I should be up and around more....try to ride my stationery bike...still don't feel like getting out...it is so hot in Louisiana this time of year....I must be the biggest wimp of all time....

HELLO - I'm still here - feeling a little fragile, but for the most part, not as bad as I thought it would be. The gas pain in my shoulder is MUCH more than my stomach. I've tried Maalox, heating pad, and massager, but nothing seems to work. Today is my 4th day after surgery and I've already lost 7 pounds. I'm sure it's all water weight, but I don't care, I havn't seen the scale go down in a really long time. Thank you all for your stories and support. If it weren't for that I'd probably have chickend out.

I am home from the hospital finally. I had to spend the night. During surgery I had a hematoma (sp?) on my stomach, it is internal so no brusing yet, but I am sure it is coming. I feel pretty good today, I walked and walked in the hospital, and I sipped, sipped,sipped on cranberry juice diluted 50% with ice chips. I am a little swollen and sore but feeling pretty good overall. I am going to get some more sleep, I will check in later~Mandy

Well, I did it.....finally. Was able to have my surgery Wed. July 20th. Thanks to everyone who participates in this site. All the information you provide is very helpful to all those like me with many questions.

I have a question, and I know that I will be asking the Dr. specifics on this, but I guess I'd like to hear from you if you know. I have been lifting weights with a trainer since February and I'm wondering if I'll ever be able to do power lifting type lifting again? My favorite lifts are the dead lift and squats but they are very strenuous (sp). I never thought I would enjoy weights, I thought it would be so boring and unproductive. Boy, was I wrong. I can tell such a huge difference in my body and I really want to get back to it as soon as possible after surgery. Anybody been through this? i i

Hello Everyone, I am back from my Camping trip. It was a bunch of fun! I really enjoyed it. I have a website to check out the pics and all here it is: http://spaces.msn.com/members/bondgirls4/ Go on there and you can look at the pics and read my blog. It is so fun to have that. You can also post a reply to it. It is a lot of fun. I hope all is going well with everyone. I am doing ok. My burning in my chest is feeling better since he gave me that medicine. I actually need to take some now. I will get it in a minute. But he said that if it doesnt clear up after taking it he will do an endoscope to see whats going on with me. I have already had an upper gi…

AHHH, Ok I'm nuts, I couldn't wait again, so I called the insurance company. And they said yes I've been appoved! Yippie! I hung up and cried for about the next hour. Missed up my makeup and everything! The girl told me that Bobbie knows. So for all you Dr. V people, How long did you have to wait to get your date? What happens next? Do I see Dr. V again, I hope, before the hospital? I really want to. I have scar tissue from my gaul blatter surgery 18 yrs ago! It is straight up and down my stomach, big ugly thing. He told the surgery would take longer because of that, and be more challenging for him, but he could do it. I didn't think to ask him if that …

Hello, I am hoping someone can help me with this because I am confused.... I have been banded for about two months now. I have already had my first fill. There really has been no difference since my fill. I PB sometimes (I think its because eating too fast and not chewing well enough), but I can eat just as much as before. If I get another fill won't the food just get stuck and how will that make me feel any fuller? Or is the principle the fact that really well chewed food won't get stuck but won't go through as quickly so it fills up the pouch faster? Because right now if I chew well I can eat just as much as before. So I feel like I have a small opening b…