LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I have been gaining and lossing the same 10lbs for 3 months. I can not keep most meats down. I almost always PB my first meal of the day and then it seems I can eat like a pig. I think I am to tight for a fills but I am having trouble reaching my goal. I am 9 months post op. And I am so happy with my weight loss, but could use help in getting off the last 30 lbs.

I ws told to quit smoking by my Doctor, so I did. Yesterday, I am really having a really hard time., I am being a bitch and I cannot seem to shake it, I am trying not to eat everything in the house but I am having trouble, any advice? I am scheduled Monday morning for the surgery so medication is out of the question.

Someone asked me what I do to get my Protein in. I have refried Beans alot if I go out to lunch at a mexican place. I have eggs and cheese alot in salads or a hard boiled egg for Breakfast -- great for on the go. I am pretty lucky in that the only food I don't tolerate well is raw carrots by themself. In a salad, they are fine...but not by themselves raw. I have a lot of variety. I can cook chicken lots of ways - marinades (italian dressing, mesquite, teriyaki ones that you can buy in stores), sometimes I'll just brown the chicken and mix it with salsa and a little bit of cheese - tastes like the insides of a quesadilla. I'll grill chicken and use barbeque sauce.…

Today I found out that my band had dialation (not sure how to word this) and all my saline had to be removed. I went for a fill in March and told the doctor that I had no restriction and was having lots of GERD especially at night. Some nights I would wake up choking really bad. The doctor at that time, filled me with .2 cc of saline. The GERD got much worse and today the saline was removed. Does anyone know anything about dilation of the lapband? God Bless, Barbara

How much do they usually put in for the first fill I was banded june 9th I am going July 19th for a fill just these last couple days I am getting hungry i am on regular food now but I think the swelling from the operation has probably gone down and now the hunger is setting in I have been pretty good though up to now have lost 23 pounds just when there is more to choose from on the solid diet you tend to eat more I think any advice thanks.

I had a long chat with my surgeon about honesty. I'm brutally honest with him, even though I feel like crawling under the table and pulling a hospital gown over my head. The think I admire most about my surgeon is that he doesn't hold back or take any crap (lies) when it comes to food choices. You can't get anything past him. I was crying in his office because I felt like such a failure having gained back 8 of the 70 pounds I lost. I thought, based on his hardcore nature, that he'd be stearn with me, but instead he told me to focus on the incredible job that I've done so far and work on accepting who I am now. That made me feel really great. I'm trying to write…

Ok, before I go venturing out to buy these Protein supplements for my liquid stage, I'd love your input on what tastes good, what has no taste (and can be mixed with stuff), and what makes you want to gag just thinking about it again. My nutritionist gave me these options: broth Plus nectar Nutra/Pro Designer whey Protein Procel Upcal D plus Proteinex Vita 4 Life Pro-Stat 64 EAS Advantage Edge Whey Protein Shape Up Complete Nutrition shake unjury Protein Supp powder BioPlex Whey Protein Met-Rx Protein Plus Carb Solutions Protein shakes Slim-Fast low carb Naked Food-Juice Optisource High Protein Drink Don't get me wrong, I'm appreciative by all my ch…

I am noticing that my port area is starting to have these random BURNING sensations...it lasts for like a minute and then goes away...i was kinda worried about it and called my Dr...i left a message but recieved no call back. I also noticed it happens when i stand up or sit forward too much, could this be the port pulling away? is this normal to feel?

Hi all, My mom was telling her hairdresser about lapbanding, as I had it done while Mom was visiting Australia. Her hairdresser is really interested in finding our more, but I'm not sure of the best US based sites to send her to for info on the procedure, surgeons, insurance coverage, etc. If anyone knows of the most reliable sites for info on it, that would be great. She's in North Carolina, if that helps any. Cheers,

I went to my wife's support meeting last night( I know I'm such a nice guy:cheeky ), I found out about the walk for obesity going on in our area. I also found out that there are walks going on all over the country, so get your walking shoes out people.

I need someone that has had an endoscopy tell me if there will be problem for the endoscopy procedure to be performed with 6.5cc of saline in my 9cc band. I am going to ask my PCP to perform one because I have been having stomach pains for about 2 weeks. I have had an ulcer before and it feels like it might be another ulcer. I need to know if I need an unfill BEFORE the endoscopy procedure or not.

Hoping for some insight here friends... During my pre-op testing, labs came back showing that I have an underactive thyroid.. (yay, I thought to myself, maybe thats one of the reasons Im fat). Long story short, I went to my pcp and we decided that since I am not suffering any of the symptoms (hair loss, cold feet, etc) and that the test was only slightly out of range that I would be ok not going on thyroid meds.... Now that I am banded however, Im wondering if I SHOULD be on thyroid meds- I do feel tired a lot- but am not sure if this is due to having had surgery a month ago, having a one year old, or in fact having an underactive thyroid... I guess I wa…

My surgery is scheduled for the11th and I am starting to get scared. I have been reading all of the posts, I am truely hoping to back at work by the 18th, I need to wear a belt with my uniform is this goign to be a major problem? I am also starting to worry about getting enough protien in, is it as hard as it sounds? I guess that it is normal to develop some anxiety before the operation but I didn't think I would be so worried.

Has anybody heard of this? I was just reading an article on MSN Health that mentioned it, and I think it's kind of interesting. It might kind of go hand-in-hand with lap-band patients - unfortunately it costs in the neighbourhood of $500! But it's an interesting thought - it could help bandsters train themselves to take smaller bites and eat more slowly.

I am so embarressed to be asking this..but how soon after the bad can you have sex? Is all positions ok? Thanks all... Lisa Marie:nervous

It's lunch time, what is everyone eating today? I am having homemade chicken salad and crackers Bing cherries

Hi everyone, Last night, I fixed gnocchi al gorgonzola for dinner (potato dumplings of sorts). I was so excited, as I'd had it once at a restaurant and it was absolutely beautiful. One teeny tiny dumpling into the meal and I had an elephant sitting on my chest :/ Did the whole slime thing several times, but nothing more than that came up. Tried to push it down with a bit of Diet Coke, as my dietitian had advised. Nothing worked. After about 2 hours, I fell asleep. This morning, my coffee doesn't want to go down. From reading other posts, I take it I'm meant to stay on liquids for 24 hours. But are liquids meant to be difficult to get down now? Not sure if i…

OK, almost three weeks out and this is really hard. I am fighting not only the head hunger which is horrible but actual hunger too. I have found that I am way more obsessed with food than I ever imagined I was. I am so sick of bland looking bland tasting mushy food and as stupid as it sounds.....I am truly grieving the loss of junk food and of eating as much of as many things as I can eat. In my head, I know this is dumb since that habit is what got me where I am but I feel like I've lost a friend. Yesterday we had to go to two different family Fourth of July parties. Well, I tried to take the focus off the food and enjoy visiting with everyone and relaxing but all I co…

Just wanted to know who owns this site. thanks

Anyone know of a doctor in Idaho for fills? I can go back to Mexico, but if I can save money, ya know???.....

Hi,I was wondering how would one know if they had an erosion or a band slippage? I am just so afraid that something is going to go wrong, if my stomach hurts I think something is wrong.

Hi Everyone, I have been in total lurker mode for the last month or so. There are so many new folks posting here that I cant keep up! LOL. Well, I havent weighed myself in over a month. First it was because I was fearful how much I gained after I quit smoking and from my recent vacation to Cancun. Now its just because I dont want the scale running my life. I used to be totally obsessed with it, weighing several times a day to see if I had lost an ounce. I am now using my clothes as a gauge of whether I am somewhat in the same range as I was before. I am guessing that I must be somewhere close to my lowest since most of the size 14 clothes I have are still fitting…

There was a link to a gal's blog--her terrible journey thru post op complications--she was young with a little boy--has anyone heard if she is any better? I can't find the link and was thinking about her today.

Hello!! I Have Been On Here For Awhile Posting And Looking Around And I Thought What A Great Time It Would Be For Me To Introduce Myself As Well As Let Ya All Know I Got Approved By My Insurance Company!!! My Name Is Rachael, I Am 25 Years Old. I Am 5 '7 And 286.8 Pounds To Be Exact. My Bmi Is 45. I Have A Fiance Who Ive Been With For 6 Years. I Dont Have Any Children Except For My 2 Cats And Dog. I Am Really Looking Forward To Everyone's Support Post Band And I Think This Is The Best Website Support Out There And You All Are Awesome!!! I Have Learned So Much And I Have Told Many People About This Site. Im On Cloud 9 And Beyond Today

I have my first fill in about 2 hours and am really unnerved about it!! I do not remember being this nervous about the surg.... Am I going to hurt after they are done?? Man I'm a whimp...

Can any one recommned a good blender? Brand? Any tips? Thanks Tink

Ok - so I am down 100 pounds and loving it but here is the problem. I do the treadmill, the eliptical and swimm BUT my hips will NOT BUDGE!!!! With everything I do I am loosing all the weight in my upper body and my legs but my hips just won't go anywhere. Does anyone know of any good exercises that I can do to trim them down? To give you all an indication of what I mean I started wearing a 26/28 tops and bottoms but I am now a 16 top and anywhere from a 18 to 22 bottom. I am FRUSTRATED!!!!! :ermm

I was banded on April 18th and since then I am now down 57 lbs. I have also dropped from a size 30/32 to a 24. (Personally I thought that was an accomplishment) Not where I want to be but I was feeling good about myself, I could actually look in the mirror and not cringe. That was until today. I went to my first family function (a 1 yr olds birthday party) with most of my family there. (most dont know about the surgery) NOT ONE PERSON PAID ME A COMPLIMENT. I am devistated, do I see a different person in the mirror or is it just the same fat girl that was always there. I actually dressed nice for the party because I was feeling good about myself but now I feel like I shoul…

I went and read the sticy post on reflux. I never had reflux prior to the surgery, at least not often enough to note. I had it the first 10 days out of surgery but then after priolsec twice a day and aloe juice it got better...so I quit taking it twice every day and it went to once day with aloe. I just started eating solid foods this week and it is back with a venegance. It seems the people who are really unhappy with their bands have bad reflux. So...my question is...to those that got reflux following surgery and did not have it before... -has it gone away? -how long did it take to go away? -do you take meds everyday? -everyone says you need to go get teste…

Could someone please help me find a Dr in winston-Salen NC that does this surgery and a good one. And how is this vs gastric bypass. Please help. Sincerely, Donna (melovebeachs@alltel.net)

Why does it matter if you get all your protein from a shake vs. meat or "real" food?

I posted the Laporoscopic & Flouroscopic pictures that were given to me post-op. You can find them at the bottom of the following thread: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?p=87581&postcount=22 If anybody finds them distasteful, I can remove them. Oddly enough, this is the first time I've allowed myself to be photographed in years!

I went to the cardiologist the other day for a 6 month follow-up. the doctor was amazed when I told him that I lost 50 lbs from Feb. and also off all my medication. He was very happy about this info. But he also wants to see me in 6 months,not to check out my heart but to see how much weight I can lose. I just waned to share this with everyone. This info kept a smile on my face the rest of the day.

how long does the transition take from mushies to solids I recently switched to solids and I find I have to chew my food so much is this the way it is going to be and also the food seems like so little i can eat advice please

I'm am pre-band but have pretty much 100% made up my mind to get banded. My problem is I am getting very stressed dealing with family members who are being very (in my mind) unsupportive. I know they are just trying to help me by telling me about so and so that lost 30 pounds by exersizing, suggesting I go to fat camp or hypnosis, lecturing me about how dangerous surgery is, etc. It makes me feel so bad when people say why don't I exersize, eat better, etc. etc. etc. Nobody understands that food is a drug and I can diet but I can't follow thru, I can exersize by my knees start hurting so bad b/c I'm fat that I can't follow thru. Even my husband who is normally THE BEST…

I've seen several posts lately where people are bemoaning the loss of their food high, or asking if they will lose their food high. What the hell are y'all talking about?

Hello everyone : ) I was banded on 6/29. I have had no problems, no nausea, not much pain but a lot of gas. I am already so tired of the Protein shakes. I have switched them a few times because I was bored after having the same kind for 3 days. They are no longer filling. I know and understand that I am in the healing phase and need to stick to Dr.'s instructions. I just don't see how I can go another week on liquids only. I have had broth and that was a nice change, but I am tiring of that as well. Does anyone have any suggestions? Anything at this point would be good. Thanks!!:alien

Im super excited!!!! I havnt lost or gained anything since my week 2 post op. Now im getting my first fill tomorrow....well my time today....(its 1am right now here) Im nervous and excited all the same I cant wait!!!!! I dont really know what to expect only because i dont want to freak myself out. Weightloss here i come!!!!!

Im @214 and counting. Slower than expected but progress! Still jogging 12 miles a week and lifting weights moderately....Eating is good for me now!!! I'm hoping to bust the 2oo by October!!! Prey for me!

There will be a group of lapbanders from the OH forum meeting at the Bronx Zoo on August 6. We'll be gathering at the Bronx River entrance at 9:30. Our plan is to set meet up times/locations for various times during the day and wander the Zoo freely in between. So far there are about 11 of us and we're bringing along kids and spouses. Let me know if you are interested and I'll keep updating over here as well!!!

I had my surgery in Feb and did very well for first few months. A few times I would eat too much and definitely felt the effects. I did vomit a few times (mucus type substance and some food) but overall was feeling good. I had my first fill after 6 weeks and the weight started coming off. I had my second fill a month later and it was too much restriction. I went in the next day and they removed the fluid they had just added and everything was fine. Again I was doing well and losing weight. However, about a month and 1/2 ago I started having serious problems. I developed Acid Reflux and continue to suffer nightly from this. I am on Protonix (40mg) TWICE a day and …

thank you for all this support

I dont have a band yet, but I have acid reflux. Some people say the band makes it worse and some say it makes it better. What's the truth? Also, does anyone have any tips for relieving reflux cuz ive had it bad for a few days and I feel like my chest is on fire and I have a golf ball in my throat!

hi i recently consulted with a bariatric surgeon regarding my weight issues and he went over the options with me. Now the surgery that appealed to me was the lap band because it seems less traumatic to the body and according to the surgeon the recovery time is faster than rny. if someone could please share their experience i would really appreciate it. im having second thoughs because i can't imagine something foreing inside of my body. I wonder if the speedy recovery time is true. the surgeon also told me that this is longterm and that there is really not much studies of this device for long term use. im just concern about the adverse effects over time.

Well the fifth fill is on for tommorow.....I hope and pray this one does the trick.....am tired of getting fills only to gain weight because not enough fill....Tommorow am going to tell the doctor...if I don't see any results this month am going to find another doctor who will have enough knowledge to know what size band I have and how to fill the thing...... WISH ME LUCK GANG...I NEED IT....

Well I had my 2nd fill today. I am up to 2 cc's. Lets see how this goes. I am down 55 lbs since January, 40 lbs since my surgery on feb 28th. So that is 40 lbs in a little over 4 months. I guess I am right on target. My 1st fill was very easy. This one took a little poking and prodding, but all in all it wasnt too bad. I was hoping to lose 25 more lbs by August 28th, (getting married on a cruise ship) but I will be happy if I can lose 20 more lbs. Patty

I had a long chat with my band surgeon this weekend. One of the topics was carbonation. I asked him, "Why can't we have carbonation." He said "you don't want carbonation, you want crap." He was right! He said if we all wanted carbonation so bad, we'd be asking if we could drink Perrier, but all of us keep asking to drink soda. Maybe some of us drink sparkling Water all or some of the time, but I want a damn Diet Pepsi. There is no proof that carbonation causes slippage, pouch stretching, etc. I asked Dr. Billy why all the other doctors say to avoid it, and I wanted to know the theory behind it all. Many doctors believe that if a "burp gets trapped" the gas could…

Well where do I start....First off I had surgery in Jan..of this year...second instead of losing I gained ...I have had my first fill free which was 1cc then second 1cc third 1 cc fourth 2cc fifth 4 cc...and then all of a sudden on fourth fill..doctor thinks i have a larger band....nurse checks chart...not in chart what size band I have..so they have to call hospital.....then all of a sudden...when I was paying my copay for fills...when I go back in they are now charging me more...I ask why they said this is what the insurance is leaving over...so I go to hubbys job and ask the insurance lady to find out why...come to find out I get a copy of the doctors office charging i…

In my work cafeteria I grabbed a chocolate milk thinking it was the no fat one but when I got back to my desk, it was full fat. I thought "oh what the heck, it goes through a straw, I can have it." Ew...I couldn't finish it...too much, too rich. Me? *I* couldn't finish a full fat chocolate milk???? Is THIS what an NSV feels like????????

I've been scheduled for an August 1, 2005 surgery. It still has to be approved but my insurance generally approves it. Two of my co-workers have the band with the same insurance. I am so happy. I'm so excited and nervous and giddy and delirious. LOL!! Please someone give a list of things to take to the hospital with me. thanks guys for all the great information and support on this website. Lurking on these boards is what gave me the determination to go do this for myself.