LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I am so excited, this went so fast for me!! I am a little nervous, but very excited!!! 5 Days to go and I am banded fo life!! This site is so informative I really enjoy reading the post!! Well wish me luck and I will be back !! Janette

Just wanted to give some update on my life since I haven't been here much the last week. Liberia is a unique post. It has been evacuated more than any other US post and from my understanding, is one of 3 designated post-conflict - Afghanistan and Iraq are the others. I will be leaving Friday and returning to North Dakota. I am not sure whether I will get a job/contract offer from the Treasury in Africa after this or not. Before I left, they did mention Mozambique... This country was once nice with electricity, Water, etc. 14 years of civil war destroyed all of that. Electricity is by generator. I don't know what locals do for water in their homes. I, fortunate…

Has anyone been banded by Dr. Chang at Citizens Bariatric Center/Victoria TX? Let me know if you have and your opionions of course! Thanks, Shawn

According to my paperwork, I can start full liquids tomorrow. One thing from the hospital said you should pass the gas before starting full liquids as opposed to clear liquids. Does that mean I have to be not bloated? Also how long will I look several months pregnant?

Where is everyones ports and how can you know if it is flipped mine is sore sometimes and when i bend over I can feel it I'm scared because obviously I cant see it and dont know if it is flipped and there has always been a faint bruise arount it.

Several folks, including myself, would like to identify where there are clusters of lap-banders in NC that either meet or want to meet. I partisipate with others in the Durham, NC area where we are just getting started. Do you know of lap-band support group meetings and who the contact people might be? Thanks, Judy

OK, not one of the things I am really wanting to admit but is this normal???? Since a few days after surgury I have noticed all of my body odors are stronger.( four weeks out now) I shower at least twice a day now and deoderant fails within an hour or two tops. I just smell. This is all new for me. I have never had trouble with BO but OK this is about to be TMI..but...ALL of my bodily fluids, bodily odors, hair, everything is just different and not very pleasent. I am brushing my teeth several times a day as well.....ewwww very embarrassing. I thought maybe the liquid Vitamins were doing it so I stopped them for threee days, no change. I am getting plenty of Wate…

I have heard several people mention that they have taken Gas X right after surgery for the gas pain experienced. I have only seen them in capsule form. Is this ok for the band? I am just trying to get everything together before the big day!! July 22nd!!! Thank you.

does anybody have a porblem with eating nuts or seeds? Pre-band i waa addictied to spitz (brand of sunflower seeds). I have not tried to eat them yet, but..in the hot weather, theres nothing better then watching a ballgame with a bag of spits..lol.... has anyone had a problem with nuts or seeds? thanx for the imput iancanadian25

I keep reading about people getting the "slimes". What is it? I was banded 6 days ago All is going well :rambo Ann Bo

Hi, I desperatly want the lap band, but I have a low bmi for the states. Ali

I am on insulin. What can I expect as far as insulin needs after surgery. Age 41 65 units current weight 215.:nervous

Hi all! I just had my fourth fill, now I'm at 2.4cc's in a band that holds 4cc's. I finally feel like the band is working, I cannot eat more than a few bites of pizza, when two weeks ago I could eat two slices. I'm going to Scotland to visit my husband's family this week and my doctor said to me after my fill, to make sure my band isn't giving me too much restriction before my trip because if it is, I should have some fill removed before my flight. Evidently, your band tightens when you fly. Has anyone heard or experienced this? I'm a little unsure about wanting anything taken out, I finally feel real restriction. On the other hand, I don't want to be stuck not being ab…

My doctor ordered all these meds he wants me to take - polysacharride Iron - and Osteo Enhance - they come in huge capsules - I am only 8 days post op - and today is my birthday - I don't want to throw up. Can you take these pills? does the capsule dissolve. They came from a place that gives Vitamins specifically for people like me - and the doctor recommends this place to get your vitamins from - what do I do?

Moderators or someone I was banded June 9th and have totally no restriction at all no fill yet isn't the band itself serve as some resistance its like until my fill I am going to gain weight this is frustrating how long from this point is it until you get restriction again it was good while it lasted let me know thanks

My plan is to leave home at 6:30am on Monday and be there at 8am when he opens his office. This fill SUCKS!!!! I'll give you all the scoop later, life calls (you know, dinner that everyone can eat BUT ME!!!!!!). I'm so tight. I can only sip, sip, sip liquids and should be well back into mushies and soft foods. I feel like post-op without the pain, almost, my port is surprisingly sore from the fill! Anyhow, venting...Any advice? Had my fill last Wed the 6th. This is Sat the 9th. I'm stuck and/or PBing anything that isn't a small sip of liquid. SIGH

I ask myself that question alot and was just curious to see what others thought. I was always the chubby girl in school. When I hit 14, I decided bulimia was the way to fix it - and of course, it worked. At 15, I was wearing a size 8/10. Looking back at those photos, I looked quite good. I always thought I was huge though. Since being banded, I've lost 36 lbs. I'm feeling heaps better and I've noticed when I walk down the street, I generally tend to hold my head high and look people in the eye, rather than staring at the ground. I have social anxiety and hate public situations, so I reckon that's a good first step. But I still wonder when I hit 155 lbs, if I w…

After talking to Dr. Ortiz, we have decided together to go through with the surgery. My date is July 29. Thanks for all the support and I will keep you all posted!

The doctor who I want to do my surgery is calling tonight. He told me to have any questions that I want to ask ready. I can't think of anything thanks to all of your help from here. Can any of you that have talked to the doctor like this tell me some of the questions that you asked?? Thanks in advance!

I never thought the gas would be so bad. Everything went well, I was home before noon. I am a little uncomfortable but nothing like yesterday. I wanted to cry, some of the gas is passing, any suggestions to help get rid of it? I have been walking a llittle at a time.

Well went today..finally....since they messed up my date for last fill....OMG he put 2 more cc's now I am at six cc with my large band.....and I can really tell a big difference...Now lets see how much I lose lol.....How do u get one of those thingys on here to show how much u are losing?????

For those you that had lap-band surgery covered by your insurance company - what has been your turn around timeframe, once everything was submitted by your surgeon? For example - if all documents were recieved by the insurance company today- how long did it take them insurance company approve or request additional information? I'm specifically interested in anyone that has worked with Blue Cross Blue Shield. I was told yesterday that my "preferred" surgery date of July 27th will probably not come to pass, so I'm getting a little anxious. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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Why cant we have low cal carbonated drinks occasionally ? I know some people can no longer manage gassy drinks, but I find if I sip them I have no problem. I am going on holiday soon and would like to know that I can have the occasional fizzy drink with a clear concience, or is there a medical reason why they should be avoided. Gaynor

I just had my fill 7-06 - last wed. I was surprised that I was able to eat sand. bread and hot dog. I do feel a little tiny bit restriction. The office does not schedule one again untill weight lost is not right. I don't know about everyone else but my scales won't weight me at home so I will go to my PC doc. to get weighed. When I had fill, I asked Doc. about cc's? He said that their not telling patients cc's so they don't compare with others since everyone is different. I know everyone's cc's is different. Would like to know if other doc. are following suit. Has anyone else been told this, is it just starting, because I know few years back the office let U know how man…

we bought and old school that is 17000 sq ft in ND and are fixing it up to be a lodge for hunters and harvesters(that is basicly all that comes to the area-its farming country)and possibly eventually being our home but anyway I was thinking it might be fun for us to get together there sometime maybe next June to meet everyone-it has tons of room and can house alot of us-it is dorm style right now and probably still will be then-women in 2 rooms-men in another 2 with 5 beds per room.It has 2 bathrooms-womens has 2 toilets and 2 showers-mens has 4 toilets and 2 showers-might be fun eh?just a thought plus its gives everyone plenty of time to work out transportation-perhaps a…

I work as a residential instructor in a group home for developmentally disabled adults. I am on my feet most of an 8 hour shift. My work includes medicine administration, bathing, feeding, dressing, personal care and laundry as well as paperwork, running errands (driving a company car with residents on board) and much more. I start my liquid protein diet this friday July 15th and am having Lap Band July 29th. I am scheduled to return to work August 8th (after surgery). I have a high pain tolerance but am wondering if I will truly be ready to be back on the 8th. Any advice, comments, concerns would be greatly appreciated. I have read alot of past threads on recovery time.

Ok so they surgeon just returned my phone call and the first day they can schedule my 1st fill is July 18. I am leaving the 21st for a long weekend trip to the beach. Is this ok? I dont wanna ruin my trip. Am i gonna be feeling alright by then???

Hoo boy, now that I'm on to mushies and more actual food I can see this drive to finish whatever I've got on my plate is going to be a big one to deal with. Having the band, by definition, means most of the time I'm not going to finish what's on my plate, I'm going to stop when I get full instead. And yet I drive myself crazy thinking "okay, I've got to stuff the rest of that down. It's like I can't throw it away. Happened this morning with a bottle of juice. I was really full and quite done but just couldn't stop until it was gone. Am fighting it right now with lunch. I'm pleasantly full but I feel like I'm "misisng out" on something if I don't finish what'…

Hi! I was banded on June 10th in Mexico and just found out today that we are moving to the Denison/Sherman Texas area. Right now I live in Washington State so this is a big move for us. Just wondering if there are any lapband support groups or any dr's that do fills? If not then where do you do your fills? Thanks for any info! looking forward to this new adventure in my life!

GO Michelle GO GO Michelle GO GOOOOOO MICHELLE!!!!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel- I see it & it has your name written all over it!! You can Do It !!! WHOOOOHOOOO! I am so happy for you!!!! ONLY 7 POUNDS TO GO!!!

to get back on track after being naughty? I read this statement a little while ago and well....after this weekend I can well and truely relate. I went to a bandsters lunch at an all you can eat. I had great restriction when I walked in I swear. I walked out after eating everything I had felt like the past couple of months. At dinner time I thought I may as well have junk since I had already blown it that day and start good eating the next day. Woke up Sunday and did the same and again today. *sigh* I just cant seem to get back on track and the 2kg weight gain since Saturday doesnt seem to be helping me. Any ideas? *Help*

I have been craving carbs and sweets and I am suppose to be on low carb until surgery next Wednesday...you guys have heard me whine about it for the last several days....However, I had forgotten that I had some little tablets I had purchased from Rite Aid Pharmacy called "Sweet Enders", no caffeine, no ephedra, etc, its like a mint that you let dissolve in your mouth....I believe its made of herbs....but to get to the point....tonight I was about to give in to my craving and decided to try them....it works....I believe it may be the little trick that will help me thru this journey...thought I would pass it along...maybe it can help some of you guys....

About how long did it take for your incisions to heal? My doctor says I can swim once they are healed....he said about one to two weeks.

Ok - So since I am pigging out lately waiting for insurance approval & Stressing.I am eating. What IF YOU CAN ADMIT is the most Gross or weird combo of food that you've eaten? I 'll go first. I admit to using orange juice & or ice tea because I was out of milk in my cereal--several times. Not so bad.. Ok how about this one; I admit to taking a piece of bread(gross-wasn't even white it was sour dough- but thats all I had around), adding Peanut Butter & than spreading chocolate pudding on top of it. EEWWW! And yes I ate the whole thing. By the way did I mention that was today:cry Gross

I went to see the doc today and i got my first fill! He started me off with 1cc. and boy can i feel it. I got it at 10am this morning, and its now 3:45 and i just ate again about an hour ago. I just felt so full. So tell me, is this how i should feel? please let me know... iamcanadian25

To all beginning of june bandsters have any gotten fills yet. and how is the restriction I have a fill july 19th and I can definatley feel less restriction since surgery they don't fill the band when they put it in the restriction is just from the stomach swelling but know it is not swollen and the hungry demon is now upon us I can't stand it trying to stay in control though but it is hard so let me know how all you june bandsters are doing thanks.

Hi everyone, I am so excited I can barely stand it.....my surgery is scheduled for August 17 at Noon. My new life, my new beginning. Thanks to everyone on this board....you all have given me such insight, support and love....

I'm so excited for this surgery to finally happen! I'm starting to get nervous, as I have about 24 hours until I go in. I'm sitting around the house wondering what I should do now that I'll have trouble with later? I'm doing lots of laundry....gonna go to grocery store to stock up on liquids...What were your favorite liquids during the early stages?

Hi everyone! Oops - we're pregnant! I was banded in February and was cruising right along with my weight loss and just found out I'm expecting. Doesn't take much for us to get pregnant - just one time when my husband's too lazy to go to get them out of the drawer and that's it. You think we would have learned by now 4 pregnancies later!! Just goes to show they are gifts from God. I did want one more baby - but wanted to lose a lot more weight first. However, I am very happy and am looking forward to not gaining 80 pounds with this pregnancy as I did with the other two. I did go through a miscarriage last July - so please say a prayer for me that this pregnancy will be fin…

Hi... How do I go about adding a signature to the bottom of my messages? Thanks...

:think Hi I've had 2 fills.4cc in 9cc band.First fill didnt feel much...second fill lasted for 2 weeks and just like that all restriction gone again..... We are going on a yacht cruise in 3 weeks time and I am scared to go for a fill before then.But I can eat a lot again and when it is physically possible I seem to struggle with my head a lot............gained 4 pounds this week...... How long does restriction last after 3rd fill? Thanks

So i went to my first fill appointment and the Dr was askin me about my exercise... What exercise? I have been so busy i have not had a chance to even remotely think about exercising..... I have a 1 yr old and i am doing classes online and working part-time.....where do i fit in exercise...? I refuse to walk outside in this 90+ heat....uh uh not me So what do you all do for your exercise? Do you do it everyday the way we are "suppost" to? My fiance said we are gonna start walkin at night...yea right....only thing i wanna do is sleep at night.....the day is just too short...

This is my 4th time having my periods since being banded. I only realised it last month that everytime I have had them since being banded I am able to eat so much more than any other time. Anyone else?

Ok im getting worried and slightly confused.... I had my bandfilled for the first time on the 7th. 4 cc in a 11cc band. So far today ive done mushier type food and it seems like there is no restriction.....i feel like i could keep eating if i wanted to..i had bacon chedder potatoe wedges and a taco from jack in the box (yea i know its not healthy.....i was in a hurry and thats all that was around that was mushy enough) so anyway.... anyone have any suggestions? Think i need more fill? Grrrrrrr

I got my third fill on Friday July 1st. I'm up to 3 ccs in a 4 cc band. I've never noticed much of a problem in my prior fills with some issues I'm having now. I'm burping a lot. A LOT. When I'm hungry I feel sick, my stomach hurts. I ate something with some pepper (black pepper) on it (I shook a little on) and I got a burning sensation in my stomach. I pureed some chili....way to spicy. Then yesterday I tried having a little spagetti sauce (out of the jar, not homemade and not spicy) and again, the burning sensation. Also, the heat of food, like Soup, seems irritatig. Cold things feel better. I've had some trouble eating....but I see steady improvement lit…

I was having iced tea with my sister (recently banded) and I put some Sweet N Low in the tea. She said that you can only use Nutrasweet once you're banded. I asked her why and she said that she was just told that. Anyway, do any of you know anything about that? Being a child of the South, I am used to sweet tea, so just going to an artificial sweetener is hard. Does it really matter which one you use? Thanks! Colleen

Dear forum members: It has been several months since I have checked back on this forum and I am embarressed to say I have not kept up. I am having problems and need advice. I was banded by Dr. Lee Grossbard in St. Pete Florida October, 26, 2004. I had some post-op problems for several weeks (unable to swallow liquids). Had to go back to hospital for hydration for over a week following surgery. Over the past months I have been following my eating ritual by eating small amounts, chewing my food and eating slowly. It is very rare for me to go a full day without throwing up a meal/"the gooey stuff". I can never eat anything solid until the afternoon and find I can eat …

Hey, everyone this will be my last post. I've been researching more and generally found out that the doctor wants me to go on gastric bypass. I was trying to fight for lapband but it seems aetna will cover gastric more, so im going to look into that more. I wanted to say all of you were hilarious and a great forum people. I'll miss ya'll. Maybe months later i'll post pics of before and after :-P. Thanks to everyone's advice and hope everything turns alright for everyone's healthier future!

Man what three weeks I have just had! My computer went out 3 weeks ago Friday. Don't know why but it just did. Nothing but a blue screen. I have a Dell so I called them for help. Well did you know that all Dell tech support is in India? I didn't, but I do now! We tried all kinds of trouble shooting with no results. so they had to send me a couple of CD's. They said I would get them in 3 to 4 days. Well after 4 days I called DHL to see where they were and they said that they only had my po box and they needed my street #. So I was going to give it to them but they said they had to get it from Dell. I called dell and told them what was needed. Waited another few days then c…