LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I'm a bundle of nerves! My surgery was set for the 27, but I was able to move it up to tomorrow! That will be great for giving me more time to recover before starting back to school (I'm a teacher), but it threw me into a tizzy of getting everything (mainly my head) ready. I've been alternately giddy with excitement, crying, scared, enthusiastic...you name the emotion and I have felt it. This has GOT to work! I had to pay for it myself and it was a huge sacrifice. I read about the people that are unhappy or feeling awful and that worries me. Everything else has failed in the past. I can't bear the thought of people seeing me fail again! I went out and bough…

I'm at the ucky stage...I'm in between surgery and my first fill and i'm just frustrated I'm six weeks out this week and I'm just feeling blue. I dropped 20 lbs fast and then it stopped. I've put five pounds back on and am feeling sad about that. I know its because I have no restriction. I'm visiting my mom right now who is going through chemo, I'm trying to get a dr. to give me a fill where she lives but haven't had any luck since I don't permanently live here. I haven't seen my husband in three weeks and won't see him for another three. We're moving across country and it's just been a stressful summer anyway just feeling blue and wanted to complain. Thanks for l…

I did it!!! Today is Wensday, I was banded on Monday morning, I was up and walking 1h and 45min after the recovery period. I am still a bit in shock to think this has actually happened though. It is also weriod to be full after a cup of broth and a popcicle!! The cravings are still there and I know it will take a while for them to go away. Its not cause I'm hungry its because a bacon cheeseburger looks so damed good. And I've never noticed how many food commercials there are. Also I am tired of having to pee every hour, the money I'm saving on food this week has gone to toliet paper..lol.. This website has really helped me and given me alot of really good insight and advi…

My periods are heavy and quite painful (cramp wise) now. Do they get better, worse or stay the same after band placement? Just curious.

You Know What The Worst Temptation Is?? Those Work Potlucks!! Not Only Does My Office Sit Directly Across From The Buffet Table But I Have To Listen As People "ooh And Aah" Over What Was Brought In...man!!! This Will Power Is Some Real Hard Work!!! And I Havent Even Had Surgery Yet!!!

Hello, so i went on Monday and got my 1st fill. I have the large Vanguard band. It was empty before the fill. He did the adjustment with flouro and we watched it on the screen. He emptied it first, although it was already empty. He then filled it with 5 cc's and made me drink yucky stuff. It went down very quicly. So he added 2 more cc's bringing me to 7 cc's for my 1st fill. He made me drink more to be 100% sure and then sent me on my way. So that leaves me with one heck of a fill!!! My question is, when will i know if it is too tight? Would I know by now? I can drink and eat some soft stuff but this morning my chest is feeling VERY tight! Is that ok? I need some advice.…

I have been working on it non stop to get it done, I only have to catch up on some updates and wah lah. I hope this is allowed but I was wondering if you guys could tell me what you think? Tah http://lapbandster.tripod.com/

I called the local lap place here in Sacramento and she said that medicare only covers bypass. But she said that what they can do is bill medicare for the hospital stay and I'd have to pay a total of $7200 for the surgery and that would include on yr of fills. I told her I had called medicare and that the lady AT MEDICARE told me to just have my dr send it the papers that the dr would know how to code it. Medicare would not tell me outright if its covered. The lady in Sac said that yes if a dr is willing to "fudge" the coding that they can get it covered but that their drs don't do that. I'm going to keep waiting until I know that medicare will cover it. I know som…

This may be a silly question, but in an earlier post re hitting a plateau, several people said I needed to make sure my Protein intake was 60 grams/day. I picked up a small can of tuna yesterday for lunch and noted that it was 100 grams and thought gee, that's an easy way to get my daily protein in. Then I noted the nutrition info on the back said that it contained 20 grams of protein. Sooooo, I'm guessing I shouldn't be going by the weight of the food, but rather, the nutrition information. Am I correct in this assumption?

Hi, I'm new (I'll post in Introductions) and live north of Denton. It's "near enough" to the Dallas area group, but it would be great if there were some bandsters in the Denton area. I am on the first baby step of the journey...haven't even had a consultation with the surgeon yet...but I am almost sure my insurance will cover it, and if it does, I'll get banded as soon as possible. So, anyone in the North Texas/Denton area? NEver hurts to ask, huh?

There is no one from Delaware, or are you all shy? I live in Elkton, which is almost Delaware.

I was just wondering, do they weigh you right before surgery? I've been on this pre-op diet, and want an "official" surgery weight. I guess it's a trivial question, but I figure someone here knows the drill. I think I have a few other questions, too, but I'll get to those later! Thanks in advance, Cindy

Hi everyone- just wanted to share an update. I am doing better mentally since my sweet boy was put down. Yes- I still say goodnite to him every night but I am doing well I think. My bruising from the hematoma is only about 3% left & hasn't changed in weeks. I think it will be there for a long time. My scars look FANTASTIC! I need to post a photo & will try to this weekend. Well I went for my first fill yesterday & Dr.P gave me one numbing shot & than flushed out all the air that may possible be in there. I was laying on a table & he used a sonogram to locate the exact location of the port. He nailed it on the first try- no problems. The only t…

Hi my name is Chris and I am the proud mom of justbeingme aka Kylie. I just wanted to thank all of you for the wonderful support you have given my daughter. She is truly a pleasure to have as a child. She is my baby of 4 children and excells at everything she does. Kylie is an awesome basketball player, terrific friend, outstanding student and would do anything for anyone. This surgery means so much to her because basketball is her life and now she feels she will become even better. Yes I am sure thoughts of thiness through out the next 4 years of high school will not hurt but her true passion is to have that speed on the basketball court that loosing weight will bring he…

Well I go for another fill my fifth fill lol and gained ten lbs....and havent lost anyweight....I have decided...if this time their is no restriction...I am going to try and find another doctor.....A nurse friend of mine gave me a doctor who does fills named Doctor Don Schmitt..anyone heard of him in Nederland??.... Wish me luck...Im an tired of being dissappointed....

My insurance has sent a letter to lap band surgeon requesting more detailed information on the past 12months of physician monitored diet & exercise plan. Does anyone have samples of what this information looks like on paper? My physician has hired a new admin asst. and she says she doesn't know what they are looking for. Now I'm up against the wall and I have to provide the lap band surgeon with this information from June 2004-June 2005. Does anyone have samples they could share, so that I can help walk this admin asst through this process? Thanks, signed desperately seeking surgery

I am having to change Doctor's because of financial issues (self pay). The surgeon in our town is wonder at gastric bypass but has only been doing lapband since December - total number to date is 15. He is an excellent caring surgeon, has wonderful aftercare and great support...but help....is 15 lapbands enough....I need some advice or help from you guys......

How many people out there had flipped ports went today for a fill and the doctors couldn't get in had four pokes anyways have to go the fluroscopy to see what is going on what are the symptoms of a flipped port I am freaking out don't want to have another surgery to correct it I am totally bummed so anyone who has had a flippe d port please tell me the symptoms and the outcome of it all thanks.

This just in: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050719/hl_nm/heart_chocolate_dc Maybe my lowered blood pressure has more to do with Godiva than with the band!

Hey everyone, I havent posted a thread in a while because I have been doing great, but sometimes I just feel so unattractive, and about an hour ago I spoke with some of my friends that were hanging out at the local pool and I couldn't go because of my co-morbidities. I have finally realized that even if I woke up banded tomorrow that I will never get to be a real teenager because this horrible disease (obesity) has taken over my life! All of a sudden I just had a nervous break down, I realized that I didn't break up with my bf because he thought I was too fat (which he never said, I felt it was implied), but maybe he is just trying to be a teenager too. For the past 5 …

Hello, My name is Micki, I am a 51 year old wife, and mother of two. I am scheduled for lap band surgery in 2 weeks. July 27th with Dr. Montgomery in Kirkland, Washington at Evergreen Surgical Center. In the past weeks I have become very anxious about the the whole thing. It's not that I don't want the surgery or that I'm worried about it. It's like I am apprehensive of the after...... In fact I have been overeating, is this crazy or what??? What have you all, or anyone have experienced pre-surgically? Is there anyone who understands what I'm going thru. It sure would help me. I have some preparation to do before the 27th and I can't seem to get on task. Thank…

WOWZERS I just got a "statement" from the hospital both my lap band and reband added up to $72,887!!!!!!!! WHOLLY CRAP =) Now.. they say i gotta pay $500 yea the bad girl in me wants to call and say no i got this statement before saying I paid it so im not paying it.. but I look at the final price and think god only $500 bucks bill me LOL

I have my surgery tomorrow afternoon and I am just int he process of packing my case, does anyone have any usggestions of what I should pack in case there is something I haven't thought of?? :Bunny

Oh my gosh.. got my date, August 1! Today I see the nutritionist for pre op diet. My wierd little mind is already trying to circumvent the diet, how will I go to a baby shower? my in-laws anniversary?? My first thought was to lie and say I was having some mysterious female surgery..... My spikey daughter said , Heck mom, you have done all this research, gone to fifteen dr. apointments, and it's your body and you are doing something good, tell them the truth, you're having lap band surgery and go for it! So today I start my journey, a little scared, and a lot hopeful for a different kind of life.

I am gearing up for surgery July 29th. I have completed my pre-exam (blood work, EKG & chest xray), saw the dietician (Started the Optifast diet) and today saw the Anitheliologist (I know I spelled that wrong). Anyhow he said I would have to have a breathing tube put in. He also said they would have to do it while I am awake. (Because my mouth is small and my throat is rather small too.) He said that they would numb the mouth and throat and give me something via IV to help me relax. I had my stomach pumped several years ago and that tube was awful. Has anyone else had to do this too (The breathing tube) ...in this fashion? Do you remember it...what it as bad as it sou…

My French band is portruding like an outie. I have lost 70 lbs and have another 50 to go.Afraid of what it will look like. Anyone experiencing this. Please help.... Thanks

does anyone have any dirt on Dr. Ortiz? Surgeries gone wrong maybe?

Just thought I'd let anyone looking for a place to be banded know there is a new Specialty Surgical Center of Fort Worth in Hurst off of Precinct Line Rd. Dr. Carter does his bands and fills there now. I heard it advertised on the radio this morning. I went there on Monday for a fill as well. Very nice place. More info here http://www.carterlapband.com/ Dr. Carter is great!!!!

Hey! Just wondering if there was any other sweet teens out there who've been banded or are getting banded. Boys or girls. While I'm at it, I'll tell y'all what's going down. Me and my ma are both getting banded in (i cant spell so I'll sound it out for ya) Tea-uh-wanna on August 2nd. I'm not really nervous because I'm so ready to do this. Umm.. Soo yeahhh. Get at me! Thanks a ton everybody. _*Brittany*

Well guys, UHC mom called UHC today and they said that they had recieved my letter on July 11, but have not taken the chance to review it yet. I am so excited that they did get the letter! I just wanna squeal, but I am going to have a heart-attack if they say yes!!!!! This is the only thing I have ever wanted SOOOOOOO BAD that I would cry over not getting it, I have always wanted to be skinny, I can't wait until I have the surgery (I'm getting it whether they pay or not). Please everyone pray for me to be accepted!!!!! :) :) :)

7-13 was supposed to start a new life and now all i want is my old life back. Dr. overfilled during surgery and i paid dearly for 2 days. Now open all the way to relieve swelling so liquids last 15 minutes and go out the other way. Quick too-run girl-run!! Thinking of pulling it out myself! Someone please tell me what have i done??

I am looking for any information and/or experiences that anyone has had with Dr. Huacuz. I am looking into going through his own surgical center (not through the Molding Clinic). I have seen a few posts on him but would love any additional information. THANKS!!

Hello everyone, I am a new member, hopefully will be scheduled for lap band in the next few weeks. Currently I am having my pre op tests done, had EKG, Endoscopy and bloodwork done, have appt. for pulmonologist evaluation next week. I want to know is the pulmonary function test painful and how long will I have pain after the surgery.

I was wondering if there is a card that says "I am a lapband patient" or something like that, and we could show it at restaurants, so we can order small portions or child plates or whatever? I was especially thinking of buffets...I'd like to have what I want, but it seems silly to pay a high price when I know I will only eat a very small amount. Anyone ever get a card, like a medical alert, or anything like that? Cindy

Hi all, I was just curious because im having the hardest time getting anywhere. I can't get approved by my insurance and i haven't able to finance my surgery. Is everyone paying out of their pockets for this? I know im not the only one with bad credit, and there are so many people getting the lap band. How are you guys doing it?????? :cry

Was surfing the web and found a site called or-live.com. They will be performing a surgery for web cast on July 27 at 4:30 Eastern time. It is free to sign up. I haven't had surgery yet. Hoping to get a surgery date soon...will keep you posted. Just thought it would be cool to watch. By the way, anybody out there get their surgery at Vanderbilt in Nashville?

I am so excited and nervous. I am flying to Michigan on Wednesday morning and I have surgery scheduled on Friday at 10:00 am. Dr. Pleatman will be my surgeon. I can't believe the day is coming, I never thought it ever would!!! Thanks to everyone here who has given me the courage! Without hearing everyones experiences I don't think I would have come this far!

7-13 was supposed to start a new life and now all i want is my old life back. Dr. overfilled during surgery and i paid dearly for 2 days. Now open all the way to relieve swelling so liquids last 15 minutes and go out the other way. Quick too-run girl-run!! Thinking of pulling it out myself! Someone please tell me what have i done??

HEllo Everyone, I am banded and I am pretty sore and cant seem to get this gas to move. It is aweful. Any suggestions? Angie

I hate reflux!! Reflux is a new experinence for me. I mean since getting the band. I don't get it when I sleep. Just during the day certain things will trigger it. I started excercising and I get it BAD when I excercise. Anyone have a good tip for getting rid of excercise reflux? I take a prilosec everyday. Also, have people found that the prescriptions for relflux work better than prilosec? Thanks! Lindsay

I am a new LBT member. I have written a couple of times but I'm looking for some pre-surgical support. Tomorrow I start my liquid program, am apprehensive. why?????? I have my pre-surgical appointment on Wed 7/20 an am scheduled to have the procedure on the following Wednesday 7/27/05 in Kirkland with Dr Montgomery. For some reason I keep talking about everything. Don't know if I'm trying to psych myself up or what. It's so funny. My main motivation for doing this is my health, so I'm around to enjoy my children and my husband. However I see other possibilities. Boy there are alot. Yet I feel like I'm letting go of something I'm very familiar with. It's such…

Hey guys. Im home from vacation. I went to Florida with my son and hubbie to see my dad. Its been years since I have seen my father. He was sooo amazed at the difference between before and after the surgery! He has been an incredable support for this surgery. I had a fill just before I left and I didn't feel any difference in restriction this time around, UNTILL I tried to eat spare ribs....Oh my Gosh I thought I was going to PB...but it all stayed down. It hurt sooo bad! Then it happened a second time on something else......Then when we were on our way home it happened on a hamburger and then again on some chicken and I have come to realize that I just wasn't chewing…

Hi all, Was just reading on another board about a WLS Conference being held in Canberra, Australia in October. Thought I'd give other Aussies a heads up, in case anyone wanted to go. The information for it can be found at:- http://users.tpg.com.au/adsl50pe/ Anyway, it looks like a good fun way to meet other Aussies going through the same thing, while getting informed by some of leading industry professionals. Maybe I'll see you there

Hi all, I am having a colonoscopy tomorrow and was wondering if anyone has had this done with the lapband. I've had this procedure done several time in the past because I have Ulcerated Colitis, and every three years need to be rechecked. The prep for the procedure is the worst, I have to drink 4 Liters of Coloyte today and I am dreading it. Corgi

Hi Everyone, I am brandy new here and would really appreciate some help. I am seriously thinking of lapband surgery. I've been over weight my entire life and its not getting any better. I'm 40 (41 in august) and I have arthritis, bone spurs in my spine as well as DDDisease in my spine. In short my back, knees are always hurting. Year after year this extra weight is not helping I know. I am very ready emotionally to have the procedure its just that I don't know enough about it and I want to learn as much as possible before I do it (scared yes, but more scared not to). The hospital I would most likely go to b/c of my insurance is Hackensack. Do you recommend any doct…

I have looked for these and can't find any but went to amazon and found them. Do they work good? Don't see why they wouldn't but just don't know why no stores carry them. Thanks, Rene

Seeing the other tax thread reminded me. We Aussies also get a refund (20 cents in the dollar for every dollar you pay in medical expenses over $1500) on our bands. So dont forget to add it when you prepare your return!!

My mom has a lap band also and is having super bad problems with burping. Everytime she eats or drinking anything she burps nonstop. Not just little annoying burps, but so much that it makes her nausiated. And the burps don't sound like regular burps...they're more like just air coming up without the noise. She is getting extremely irritated with it and doesn't know what to do. Have any of you had this problem? If so how did you overcome it? Thanks!

So, I am moving to Oregon on Friday and had found a fill doctor in Portland. Not such an easy thing to do being a patient that was banded in Mexico. Anyway, I got a call from Dr. Eubanks scheduler this afternoon saying that all appts and fills for bariatric patients are on hold indefinitely. I guess that his liability insurance has excluded all bariatric patients so until they figure out what to do, he isn't seeing anyone for fills. I am really bummed. I was really looking forward to my fill. Now I have to find a new doctor. Oh well....this too shall pass.

My husband works out in the heat all day/afternoon and his work gives him these little packets that remind me of the new single serve crystal light packets. They are called sqwincher lite quik stik and they are sugar free, carb free and calorie free. One packet makes 20oz and they are loaded with electrolytes. Anyone ever had them? They are quite good, but I have not been able to locate the little packets for sale. There are some of the larger packets on ebay, they make 1 gallon or 2.5 gallons. I am looking for something to stash in my purse or car for easy use. ~Mandy