LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi Guys, I rang the Dr and I am booked in for my first band fill on the 5th July. I have heaps of questions to ask now from reading this board - that I don't know yet? ie. What size band do I have? (what brand??) and I guess I better find out how much stuff they are going to put in my band. I got banded 31st May - and I feel great - but I find I have no restriction at all at the moment? Is that normal before a fill? I know after I first had the op - my oesophagus was so swollen I had a job getting anything down. I do find though I am not eating a 1/4 of the amount I used too and am feeling less hungry for longer periods. I guess I will have the trial and err…

So during this whole thing I havent been too nervous so why am i so scared about my 1st fill??????

Are there any bandsters out there that have had there band for a few years ? How are you coping, have you gained any weight that you lost and if so how did you deal with it ? I am 21 weeks post op and am so far thrilled with the results, but am wondering if this really is the answer to my prayers or if I may face problems later on. thanks Gaynor (uk)

I am attending a general info meeting and want very much to get the Lap Band. My BMI is under 40. Is there anyone who was able to get the LapBand with a BMI under 40? Please reply.:ermm

Hi! I have a question. I'm traveling to Michigan at the end of this week and I'd like the name of a doctor in the Grand Rapids area that will do work on patients from another area. I have a doctor here in Texas but I want to make sure I have a contact name while I'm in Michigan just in case. I just contacted clg8579 but I was wondering if anyone else had anyone they could recommend also. Thanks for your help! Laura

I'm having to struggle with my mind vs my body. I really want to eat! I know it's just a habit I have to break, but I really want to. My Dr wants me to eat 3 meals a day...but I really struggle! How long will it be until my mind and body line up? Right now I'm can eat a lean quizine meal and feel full, and that feeling last for maybe 2hr and then I feel like I'm starving again. Should I eat, or should I wait? What do you do?

Just wanted to know if (for those who do) do you still get a high off of food and just need less food to get a fix or is food not an issue since the ban? Do you find yourself missing food for the guilty pleasure? Rene

Anyone working for the State of Illinois find an insurance/process that will cover the lap band? I'm Health Alliance but they don't cover so I don't think that I can appeal. Just checking to see what other people are doing/thinking to try.

I've heard a few people mention they are tighter in the morning. Man am I noticing this is true. I can't hardly get my very tiny blood pressure pill down. I am able to VERY slowly get down a Protein Drink (much slower than in the afternoon). Do you all have any "tricks" to deal with this or is it just a fact of banding? I think someone once mentioned drinking a warm beverage to loosen up a little? True?

Ever since I got my band about 6 weeks ago I have really not been able to eat meat or really eat much of anything. Which is great! Just what I wanted. So I have been supplementing my diet with Boost & Ensure for Protein and vitatmins. But now I am SO SICK of them!!! I know that I need them but my last sip nearly made me sick! I can't beleive that these actually taste good to me! Ick! It's fairly normal to have problems with meats at first right? I hope my body adjusts better or else I will be having to slug down nasty shakes forever!! Any good tasting ones out there??

Hey, I got a bit of a scare last night. I am not banded yet, but I was violently ill last night--vomiting like I never have before. I called my PCP and the first thing he said was, "Have you had your surgery yet?" (referring to the banding). When I said no, he said "Thank God" and then called in something for me. I'm still feeling pretty bad today, but now I am worried about vomiting. I read about "PB"ing causing the band to slip. I almost turned myself inside out last night. This is probably a 24 hr "bug" that I have. What happens if/when you get sick from non-band related causes? Has anyone had this happen post-banding? What can happen? Any advice? Collee…

I Have Been Researching The Lap Band Procedure For A While Now And I Have Also Been On Here Almost Everyday Reading Through The Discussions. I Have A Couple Of Questions If Anyone Would Like To Answer These. 1. Is It Easy To Just Go Back To Overeating/not Exercising And Not Lose Anything With The Band? Or Do You Actually Feel A Difference With The Band...more Restriction? 2. I Have Heard With The Bypass, People Can Have Alot Of Excess Skin Due To How Quickly You Loose The Weight...has Anyone Experienced This With The Lap Band? 3. Anyone Had Lap Band And Then Experienced Pregnancy? If So, Did You Have Any Complications? Thanks To Anyone Who Responds

I have been very busy and I have only been reading everyones post and have not had time to post. I want to Thank everyone on this board for all the advice I have been able to read through all the diffrent post. I have lost 43 lbs since my band date of May 2, 2005 and I am feeling better every day. This has been the perfect thing for me and it has proven to work if you just put a small amount of effort in. Every one needs to keep thier head high and be determined and it will work for you. Good luck to everyone. Thanks again Don

Hi All- Any folks out there with a surgery date in June? Updated 6/3/05 Taking the Leap!! June 2005 Yep--that's me in the picture! Chicagoboy May 26 Honey June 1 Flutterby2b June 2 Krzygirlnstl June 2 I'llsucceed June 3 Lins12 June 7 Luann-First Appointment--Good Luck! June 7 2bthin June 8 gtera June 8 Mustang07babey June 8 Flower June 9 Sallykotz June 9 Magnolia Moon June 9 Ruthie June 10 nora33 June 14 Keri June 15 Nita June 15 Respiratory Girl June 15 Jen June 16 Carolyn Gama June 17 Luv my Harley June 20 Giveyouthemoon June 23 Mom of Luv my Harley-Dixie June 7 Paparazzi June 27 PaulaP June 28 Baby Phat June 29 bondgirl June 30 Luvracin…

I am wondering how everyone's weight loss is. I have been banded for 5 months now, and have lost 50 pounds. I didn't think it would be this slow. The doctor says I am doing very well, but I don't feel I am. I feel great, no pain, or anything. I had my first fill about 3 weeks ago. I don't feel too restricted, only when I eat bread or certain foods. I would like to know how much weight and how long it took you guys.

I Am Currently Waiting For My Surgery Date From Dr Jawad In Ocala, Fl. Has Anyone Here Been To Him? I See That Quite A Few Of You Have The Same Doctor, And I Am Just Looking For Someone With Dr Jawad. Thanks!

FYI there is some Kati girl advertising on here, there are three posts from her offering free one year supply of various products

I know this is a subject people try to avoid, however in the past few months we have been made aware of the necessity for having a living will. Having my family and friends know what my wishes are is very important and I don't want anyone guessing or causing conflict. I found a web site that reasonable and easy.. the cost is $5.00 and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.you can print it upon completion... send a copy of your living will to family or whom ever you wish to know your wishes ..the site is called... LivingWillsNow.COM my surgery is schedule for 06-28-05 and I'm trying to cross all T's and dot all I's before Tuesday. Just thought I would share this…

Now that I am feeling more energetic I want to start exercising. I was hoping someone could suggest a relatively easy work out video. I have tai-bo but I really don't like it (too hard!). There are so many out there I would rather pick one that someone has used and likes.

I'm 4 weeks post-op and I'm ALWAYS hungry. Any suggestions? Is this normal?

Depending on what I eat I get hungry 1 1/2 hours - 2 1/2 hours after I eat. It seems normal but then it seems like I should not get hungry until 3 - 4 hours after. I just got a fill last Thursday. So, How long after you eat do you get hungry?

Free Year Long Supply of RedBull/AMP/or Shark Energy Drink! CHECK HERE : Link

Free Subway/Quiznos or Togo Sanwiches for a Year! CHECK HERE : Link

Free One Year Supply of Diet Pepsi or Coke! CHECK HERE : Link

I have a question. I have had a total of 3 fills. The most recent was Friday 24, 2005. The nurse told me that normally when you get a fill it might give you enough restriction for a while but it might level off and you will need a new fill. Does the saline go back into the tub and when more is put in all of it comes back? Since I have had my third fill I have not been able to eat foods that I could before this fill. I have also experienced the stuck feeling more often when I have realized I can't eat a certain food anymore.

Ok So i had surgery May 31. Have not been exercising enough, eating like crap. PLEASE someone kick me in the a$$. I need to eat right and exercise EVERY day!!!! SO this is MY SOLEMN PROMISE. Exercise, (walk at least 1 mile) Healthy, protein for meals, fruit! I said i was going to do this and darn it I AM!!!!!!!!!

I was filled and its been HELL ever since. This is the worst feeling in the world and it has NOTHING to do with wanting food. I went to get my fill on Monday in TJ ... He filled me to 2.0 and had me go down and eat something. I ordered chicken quesedilla and was able to eat way too much of it.. So he gave me some more.. 2.4.. I sat and sipped Water and then I went back to the airport. At the airport I ate two bites of some banans bread I had bought before my fill, I was real carefull eating it BUT that didnt matter. (MISTAKE!!! STUPID ME) My chest begins to hurt and then from 10pm to about 2 am... I am gagging and vomiting and spitting up ad heaving and all th…

I'm in Dallas and I want to get banded. I am trying to find a "band buddy"!

I went today for my second fill. I was pleasantly surprised because the doctor I ended up seeing was not the doc I expected. You see, they are a father/son team, and last time, guessing by age, I thought I saw the father, so that's who I made the followup appt with. Well, today I met the father, and found out that last time I had seen his son. Anyway, he gave me another 1 cc. He also prescribed Phentermine which he said would take away any cravings that I may have, and told me to eat a modified Atkin's diet, essentially only eating meat. He does not want me making my protien shakes with milk, only Water or crystal light or something like that. He said he wants me to be…

But I think we caught this one in time. As many of you know, I had a fill on May 27th. Dr. Martinez was on the consevative side knowing I've had fill problems in the past. The 1st 2 weeks it felt like nothing. Then I made a poor choice & PB'd. Went on liquids immediately for 1 day, felt very tight when I resumed eating but I thought it was from that time of the month. Anyway, it was getting worse & worse although I could eat some solids at night so I thought it was getting beter. I think stress could have contributed also, cause my husband is really not doing well & will probably be hospitalized tomorrow or Thursday. Since this weekend it's actually sta…

Very interesting article!! Long! http://newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/health/features/1868/index.html

Weird Question time.... I have been worried sick about sleeping on my stomach since I got banded June 21st...Does anyone know about precautions I should take ? Also, I (unfortunately) have some allergies...which cause me to sneeze....Should I be concerned so close to my banding date ? Thanks. MB

I couldn't feel a thing...except a little pressure...My Dr gave me a little shot to numb the area, he gave it to me next to my main incision site, which was nice because I haven't regained feeling there, and then he took a larger needle to put the fluid in... it felt a little odd when the needle went in the port... but it did not hurt. I was so worried about this, and it was a breeze! Now I just hope I feel more restriction. I was beginning to eat myself out of house and home! In fact I gained 4lbs from my last Dr visit (I went off liquids right after that appt). I'll find out today if this fill is helping... I brought a lean quizine for lunch... I have my next appt in 6w…

Things are too slow here today, so let's stir up some new threads! I've been hearing a lot of commercials lately about how dairy products help the body lose weight. I just bought a bunch of dairy products, and even the Yoplait Yogurt says, "Recent research shows that dairy foods may help you burn more fat and lose more weight than counting calories alone." The commericials say to get in 4 servings. Anyone else care to join my daily dairy challenge? I'm having a glass of milk with pills for Breakfast, a cup of yogurt a couple hours later, cheese with lunch, and darn, looks like I'll have to force an ice cream down for dinner.

I just had 6 slices of hillshire farm chicken breast with 2 wedges of laughing cow lite french onion spread on them. I normally like the garlic and herb laughing cow but this was all they had at the store this morning. It was awesome. 130 calories total, 2.5 grams of fat and 16 grams of protein.

Ok, for you guys this may be too much info for you......so read at your own risk...lol..... So girls............. Time for aunt flo to come into town...lol...and there isnt liquid midol or pamprin or advil.... What can i take? Always been miserable this time of month and now i have no solution. Seems liquid tylenol does nuthin for me. Not strong enough. What can i get? Chasin my daughter around when i feel this miserable is NOT FUN!!! Never had to worry bout pain because usually take pills...but what now? Someone help me please.....i cant be the only female here with this problem.... thanks!

I was banded May 31. I lost some weight prior to surgery and then some after, think i am losing inches opposed to pounds. BUT i dont feel much restriction. I am hungry all the time. They had me make an appointment for 2 months after my pre-op appt but they said I had to at least be on solids for a months before even considering adjustment. Is this the normal time frame? I am not losing weihgt, trying to eat right, BUT.......it is getting discouraging!

I was wondering once you get to where you need to be with your fills if the saline ever needs to be changed after a while?

Ok, weird and funny question........... Has anyone had an experience with setting off security machines??? The other night at work a security guard was playing around with the "wand"(a device to check patients for sharps/weapons) I "beeped" directly over my port!! I did not have any other source of metal on me.... I do not carry a card or anything stating that I have an implanted medical device, what will happen when I go through customs at the airport??? Guess I may just be the next headlines on the nightly news *lol* "Massachusetts women, held for questioning after abdominal region positive for questionable material" *lmao* ~Christina~

I did a search about erosion on LBT & it brought up lots of comments & concerns & some actual cases. BUT I was hoping someone could tell me the FACTS on actually what causes the erosion of the band into the stomach. NOT rumors or I think this kinda comments but real FACTS. For example it was always my impression that the band eroded "into " the stomach & the stomach ends up growing or flabbing over the band. NOT THAT THE stomach erodes from the inside & than out by Meds & stuff. BUT I truthfully do not know. Hoping someone actally does.

Just a silly question. I chew gum a lot, I also seem to swallow it a lot. Are there any problems with this, I mean other than you aren't suppose to swallow it?

Hey all movie lovers.... we are having a movie night at my house on June 25th, that's a saturday night for all of us calander challanged people...lol Here is the info... What: Movie, outdoor movie, like a drive in, except we will be in lawn chairs.. When: Saturday June 25th 8:30 PM Where: 3805 Mitchell Court Sachse, Tx 75048 (this is a suburb of Dallas, NE of Garland) Who: All Lap Band people, their family,yes including kids ( If you bring your children please know that I do not have a fence and you will need to watch them closely), friends, neighbors, Just no hitch hickers please, we don't want to give them…

Hey, I got banded three days ago. So.....I know this is TMI, but since yesterday I'm having diarrhea. It's not crampy or painful, it's just all.....liquid. This is rough because yanno I'm doing my best to keep up with liquids and it seems I'm losing them just as fast. My sister says she thinks my body is having trouble with all the meds I'm on (I am SUPER sensitive to medication of all kinds). I think it may be because I'm only on liquids so it's not making things solid down there. Anyone else have this "side effect" after being banded? And how long did it take to go away? I'm not worried yet but may put in a call to my doctor tomorrow.

Still makes me sad when I think today would have been the "First Annual Michigan Bandstock 2005" ..... We had high expectations...and that's not a bad thing....but we were so excited about it, we thought it would catch on. But we learned ...and that's what's important... But what's MOST important is that we each made 2 new friends....awesome friends with the same passion and drive to do great things!!! Greg and Lyle have become like brothers to me....and I know that if I ever needed anything, no matter how big or how small, I could ALWAYS count on them!!! And they know that it works both ways and they can count on me too!!! So all is not lost.....in fact, we ar…

Can someone recommend a fill doctor in Michigan?

I posted in the sticky thread in the general section, but I don't know if anyone saw it. Since everyone eats...hehe...I thought I'd post it here. So, I hate my Vitamin. I dread taking it because it tastes so bad. I was considering Vitamist or the Source of Life liquid vitamin from Nature's Plus that Penni mentioned. Any opinions on either one?

Hey guys! Guess what! I went shopping the other day...(thats not the shocking part) but I got a new pair of jeans!!! Guess what!! They are a size 20! Down from a 24~~~ eeehaaa look at me go! I will try and post pictures here soon!! Talk to you later

Newbie here, still trying to decide if the band is right for me. Would you all suggest it to others and how often do you PB??

Hi Everyone, I could really use some input, if you'd be willing to share your thoughts. On Friday (6/24), I had my first appointment with Dr. Hoehn (in the Kansas City area). Was really looking forward to getting a surgery date maybe as early as August, when he told me he had a cancellation for (gulp) this Wednesday (6/29)! I was instantly thrown into a half ecstatic state/half panic, thinking maybe this all had gone too quickly, especially since insurance won't cover and we're self paying ($16K). My questions: --I never seem to hear anyone regret the surgery--why not? --If I'm 5'3" and 210 lbs, I obviously love to eat. Will I ever get to eat yummy food …

I was at work today--and it was wild--so busy all day long and just going from one patient to the next over and over and never catching up! Paused long enough at the desk to look over some orders and another nurse (with whom I am friendly, but not "friends" with) came up and asked me to help her. As we were walking to the patient's room she said , "Kimberly, I couldn't help but notice how small your ass is getting!". SOOO NICE!