LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hey Bandsters, I really need some honest feedback from anyone who has been down this road I'm traveling. I was banded in Sept. 2004. Before surgery, I lost 34 lbs by exercise and low carb eating (I was told to lose about 23 before my surgery). I lost that in about 3 months. Anyway, since then, I've only lost about 30 lbs. I have done FAR WORSE with my band than without. Of course, in the old days, I would have gained it back (probably, etc.) so I know the good effect the band has had for me. However, I got lazy from about Feb to April this year and stayed about the same weight. I was only working out about 2 days a week. Well, I kicked myself in the butt and have be…

My band procedure is less than 36 hours away! This week I have been thinking a lot about all of the things I can do to replace the time that food (eating it, obsessing it, gorging on it) has always taken up in my life. <o =""></o>I have a few ideas – all those things I have put off for too long - the projects that sit in the bottom of the wardrobe, my gym membership and losing the TV remote. But I am very interested to hear what others have replaced food with. <o =""></o>I have no doubt that I will still obsess but it would be interesting to know how you have distracted or redirected yourselves. Counting down… Kris…

I have been reading in the posts about stockings that people have to wear for surgery. What are they and why do some wear them and others don't mention them?

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 am a member of a large board, and it has a diet and exercise section. In said section, it has a weight loss surgery thread. In this thread there are always women asking about WLS options. The RNYers give their point of view on the band, as well as their surgery. One went as far as to say that it didnt work, and not to bother (not in so may words, but you get the idea) A few ladies have asked about the band lately, and the RNYers, are giving just plain wrong information on the band, that I have to set straight. How do you deal with this? It is really frustrating me.

Many of you have seen photos of my sweet boy Gunnar. He was my child for all intensive purposes, I have no husband or children. I raised him since he was 6 1/2 wks old. This last 2 1/2 years we were never a day apart & he traveled everywhere with me. I haven't had the strenght to type this and tell everyone but my sweet baby boy is gone. It happened so fast I am still in shock. Last Thursday we had a week of storms which always upset him & I found that he had peed on his beds instead of using his dog door to go outside. I though it was the storm but that nite there hadn't been any. Than another day(no storm) I smelled yearn on the couch in the sunroom. Finally Mo…

Just wanted to know is the band always felt to you inside or do you forget you have it? Can you feel that the band is in you (I don't mean can you touch it) or do you remember it only when you eat? Does it seem like you don't have anything placed in you? Thanks, Rene

I am curious about my upcoming surgery on July 12 - how many of you had a catheter? If you did, was it removed before your awoke, or was it still in place after you were in your hospital room/recovery room? I am more nervous about that than I am about some other aspects of the surgery! LOL - why? I don't know.....

HI everyone., I was banded JUNE 9, 2005. I was losing a pound a day for two week, sometimes even more. All of the sudden at 2 weeks this stopped. I have even gone up 2 lbs. I am eating no more than 900 calories a day. I am walking. How can this be? It is sooo discouraging, and makes no sense to me. Your advice would be appreciated. I know the basic chemistry of weight lost...and its NOT that time of the month.

Does anyone know anything about Dr Ortiz at the Obesity Control center in MX? I am a self pay and I have heard a few good things about his program. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Surgery today! It's 7:40 now and I have to be at the hospital by 9. Surgery at 11. Scared but excited! I'm ready. Will report back in a few days. Everyone send me good vibes around 11ish Pacific time!!! Thurdsay June 23 heralds a brand new life!!!

I have been banded since May 26, 2005 and have no acid reflux. I had atleast once per week pain. Woo Hoo!

I posted all about it on Support line...but it was great. I didn't feel a thing and my dr didn't use floro. I was really worried, but I don't think I will be anymore

Even though I am losing weight, trying to eat right, ok, not eating too much but doing protein shakes, I feel down. It is not that I am mouring the foods I no longer eat, but I can't sleep and when I do then I wake up late for work. Even with 4 alarm clocks. Things that I used to care alot about I really don't give a crap anymore. I have been getting disconnect notices from like my cell phone...the problem is that I have the money to pay it, I just don't. I normally have a very clean car. Mom got into my car on Sunday and asked what happened. It was trashed inside. It took all that I had to clean my car on Sunday. I am on anti-depressants, but I don't want to eat, sleep…

THere was a quote on the bottom of someone's signature, it was something like dogs have owners but cats... I cannot remember the exact quote and it's driving me crazy. It was perfect, does anyone remember the whole thing? I would love to be able to use it on note paper.

Any ideas or tips on what you do at your support group meetings? Ours are ok but lately have been scattered in different directions. HOw do we gain back control? Nancy

Hey anybody out there go to the support group in Port Jervis?

I went for my second fill yesterday. What a disaster! My port has flipped backwards. They tried everything to flip it back, used huge needles as chopsticks, pushed against my ribs to try to get it to flip, everything. Now I am scheduled for surgery on June 14th to re-open up the port area and re-suture it to the muscle. I did find out that I have a 10cc band not the 4cc band I originally thought. so that makes sence that I have little restriction and no weight loss since I have only 0.8cc in the band right now. I haven't been able to work out much with a crazier than normal work schedule and I have pulled a muscle in my left hip and have alot of pain in it to sit, stand o…

Anyone knowing of a fill dr. in Naples, FL. Let me know. I am in need of one soon. Thanks Janine

How much weight is normal to lose the first two weeks after surgery I have lost 15 and the nutritionist said thats the norm let me know

Hello all, Banded on May 26th by Dr. Ortiz and first fill scheduled 6/29 by Dr. Pleatman. I don't know why but I'm having a tough time with this first fill idea. Mexico (7 hour flight) or Bloomfield Hills (2 hour drive)? Originally, I just planned on flying to Mexico every time because Dr. Ortiz told me they tend to be more aggressive then US doctors. I don't want to have to keep going for numerous fills because a doctor is being too conservative! But, I figured I needed (somewhat) local care. Unfortunately, Dr. Pleatman does not use fluoro (sp), which is bugging me. It's getting really close and I need to make up my mind about this. I have a 10.0cm band. Does …

I just went to lunch with a former co-worker and had chicken with peanut sauce at a Thai restaurant just a block from my house. Not only did I have to dash off to the bathroom twice to PB, but just seconds after I jumped in the car to head back to work I got that tight sensation that so many of us know so well. A pick-up truck was right behind me driving down the small street where I live, and there was no place to pull over until the next corner, so I grabbed a plastic bag in one hand (I'm a dog owner, so I've got 'em everywhere), clutched the steering hand for dear life with the other, and let fly, braking just in time for the stop sign. My aim was damn good, but Lord I…

Anyone in this area of the state?? Drop me a line..Just Starting Out on this journey and looking for any suggestions, hints or other things to do ....Thanks

OK, one week banded!!!! Yeah, I survived that first week . I found out I am a real wimp cause I have been in quite a bit of pain up to day five or six. still not feeling like a million bucks or anything so hats off to all of you who are back at work three days out. LOL... that's not me!!!! OK, the question..... how long do the stri-strips take to start peeling off? i have showered several times, bathed once, and seven days out, they aren't even turning up at the corners. I think they are super-glued to my skin (just kidding..). shouldn't they be peeling off soon? As for other one week stuff.....no hunger at all. In fact, I am having to make myself drink broth and pro…

Hey you all, as some of you know my port is flipped and poking out quite a bit. And it has been really sore, hurting from where its poking out, I don't think its infected inside, its just sore from where its flipped. Well anyways, on the 4th when I have my tt done, the dr is fixing my port, those of you that have had your ports stitched back in place, any advice??? Please give me some insight or advice, so that I can make sure the dr gets it done right. I guess he'll know what needs done, but I just want to make sure.

Hello Group, I just wanted to let you know that there are several of us in the Capitol Region that get together every couple of months. Our next informal get-together is this Friday, June 3rd in Albany. If you're interested, let me know and I will post more details. Hugs

Hello New Yorkers! I was thinking that it might be a good idea if we all let each other know when/where open support groups meet around the state. There may be one nearby that we don't even know about. Support groups at Basset Hospital in Cooperstown are open to all WLS patients. You don't have be a Bassett patient to attend. *General Support (pre and post ops): 1st Tuesdays at 6:30PM in Bassett Hall *Lap Band Lifestyle Reinforcement Group (post op): 2nd Fridays- Odd months 9AM, Even months 6PM in the 2nd floor classroom of the Hospital *Post op support group (RNY & band) Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct - 3rd Thursday at 6PM in Bassett Hall

I got my first fill today and am about 6 weeks out from surgery. At the time of the fill I felt fine then I started to get worse. It started with tightness in the throat, I guess that's normal. Then pain in the shoulders, ok that's normal too. Now it has grown into terrrible pain in my jaw on both sides and a splitting headache. Talk about referred pain!! Plus when I first came home I was able to drink Water fine, no worries. Then I tried some tomato Soup, big mistake. After one spoonful I had a HUGE golfball and then a few minutes later was overcome with nausea and had to throw up hard. Now I'm sitting here wondering how I am going to be able to take my pills and …

I just had a very good local friend who has the band (Lopez, Oct 03 I believe) and she just gave birth this last week to the most beautiful little girl. I was so proud of mom and baby. The only problems my friend had was the occassional gallbladder irritation but they couldn't surgically do anything about it until after the baby was born. I don't think she has had any recent gall bladder problems so who knows if she'll need to get that taken care of. She did not gain anything during her pregnancy but actually lost a couple of pounds. I am waiting to hear how much she really lost now that the baby and placenta are out of her. She also had to have a C-section and that went …

Hi Everyone, Today is my two year bandiversary!!!! I was hoping to be at goal today but I had a very long plateau and a slight weight gain due to the fact that I quit smoking in preparation of plastic surgery in August. So now I have six weeks to get to the 170's!!! There are lots of things I want to share, but many of been said by other tenured bandsters here on this board. The most important change in my life is that I can do most anything!!! I fly airplanes regularly, go to theme parks and do all the coasters, go to Water parks, play with my kids and chase them around and I have lots of energy!!! Plastic surgery is the last part of my journey and then I need to m…

Hey guys...Sorry I missed last nights group meeting.I could have sworn there was a post up about it, Jorjet started it...and I mentioned in my reply that I couldn't get there because of a problem I had with my baby sitter. How was it? What did I miss? I had a doctors appointment with Dr. Kwon yesterday. He gave me a little fill. I now have 1.5cc's in my band. He put that in orginally when he did surgery, but air bubbles and stuff went away, bringing me down to 1.0cc's.....I feel a slight difference. I gained a pound, and I can eat more than I should. He said 3 ounces of chicken should be filling right now, and I can eat about 6 ounces.....sooo to go with the side o…

OK, 8 days out. I am finding each day brings something new. I can tell an overall improvement with each day but I seem to get a new ache or pain as each day as well. the hunger pains set in today...big time. It feels like I am completely hollow. I guess I have never been truly empty bellied, hungry before...LOL. This is a whole new feeling for me. I am so soar in every muscle between my neck and hips still, front and back. I can't find a comfortable position to sleep in and I wake up with my back hurting as bad as my front. I can't believe how slowly I seem to be recovering. It is getting rediculious now! I am still white as a ghost. I have no color at all in my fa…

What are good foods for the mushie stages let me know

I really do not know how to post a message on this board but I am in need of encoragement. I got my lapband in 1/2/05 and I had one fill. I have only lost twenty pounds. I wanted to get a fill but with my insurance lapsed and I will have pay out of pocket. I faulted the doctor because everytime I call, and at the time I was covered his office told me that the person I needed to speak to was not there or busy. Consquently my insurance ended. I try to get a fill from another doctor that didnot use the xray and he couldnot find the port. His price was $150.00 and my doctor with xray is $400.00 plus you have to pay the hospital. I talk to the doctor and he said that he would …

I was suppose to be banded in January but had some other medical problems that came up. Finally everything is fine and I have a date of July 26!!! I am so excited, finally when I thought that my band was never going to happen it is a go. The Dr's office says they just have to get re-approval from the insurance co but because it was approved before they see no problem. One good thing that did happen in the last 3 months is that I didn't gain any weight, I actually lost 1 pound, I am sad to think that I could be down so much more if I hadn't had to wait but theres no turning back the clock. I will be joining all of the successes I read about on the board, I wish it was tomo…

I went in for a consult yesterday, and the Dr. said that he recommends no bread, not even on a sandwhich - ever. Has anyone else been told this, is it common. It kind of seemed from some of the other threads, that many of you eat bread. Please give me your input on this matter. Thanks!

Yes, I'm one of those that has the big whopper Vanguard bands. My third fill put me up to 4.6cc. I hope this does the trick. I've only lost 1 lb in the last 6 weeks! My doc originally wanted to fill me to 5. cc but he is going out of town for a week and didn't want to risk me being miserable while he was away. He is very conservative, but I completely respect him and have complete confidence in him. Please let me hear from someone else that was on a VERY slow journey to restriction and now is happy with their progress. Most of my weight came off the first month. Since then it's been really S-L-O-W.

I am pre-band. I keep hearing about food getting stuck. What does that feel like? How often does it happen? What do you do? What if you can't get it unstuck?

I was banded on 6/8/05. The doctor is very conservative and had me on clear liquids for 10 days and now I am in my first week of full liquids. I have three more weeks to go on full liquids. I am definately going through withdrawl. I an anxious, jittery, can't concentrate, and am mean! The only good thing is that I live by myself so I can't make too many people mad at me. I know that I can't eat things so I won't but all those hidden reasons that I overate are coming back to haunt me now. I need to chew! To make matters worse I have PMS!!!! I am sorry that I am rambling but i need some suggestions before I tear my hair out!

How soon after surgery can you take your first shower? M

DeLarla asked me if their was a post about my story and why I was rebanded a couple days after my first band and I realized it would be much better to post my story then to keep responding to the PMs I get about it hehe so here goes.. As most everyone knows the month before my surgery I was a nervous reck.. just like everyone else is. It wasn't until the night before when I decided that this was my only option and if I didn't do it I would die anyway.. at least be unhappy and miserable until I did. So the night before my surgery I decided the risks were minimal and after 2 years of research I was absolutely certain that nothing would go wrong. I must mention that …

So where and when is a support group meeting in the Dallas area, hopefully in the Plano, Garland area?? I need some serious help!! I am so depressed right now I'm wondering why I even did this!! I went for my 2nd post op apt and have gained weight, Now I'm only down 8 pounds total!! on top of that I have been feeling very uncomfortable since Tuesday, feel like if I could just belch it would feel better. any suggestions anyone??? Please let me know where a support group is and when..

I have my first post-surgery appointments this Friday - four weeks after surgery. I am to meet with the nutritionist and then get a fill. the problem is - I don't think I want one. I've been blubbering all over the place how I am going to Liberia July 3 for 2 weeks. It is the 2nd poorest country in the world. The office building I will work in during the day does not have electricity, running Water, computers, elevators, etc. There is no medical care. I think the stress of just getting through the days, eating, not getting malaria, etc is going to be major. There are no decent restaurants so I think I will be basically using alot of Protein powders. The nurse sa…

Hello everyone. I've been reading the board for a while and have gotten a lot of encouragement from it and thought I'd share too. I went for my pre-op visit on June 9th and am scheduled for surgery on June 23! YIPPEE!! I'm excited but also scared. This is my first surgery (sedation), I've had 2 kids but was awake the whole time. Going under kind of scares me. I've read about the different size bands. My doctor didn't say anything about different sizes. Should I ask or will I know after surgery? Pam 224/??/130 Dr. Powell, Dallas, TX

I Was Told That I Need A Physical Evaluation As Part Of My Testing To Get The Band. Has Anyone Had This? If So, What Does It Envolve? Is It An "in Dept" Physical Or Can I Have Anyone Do It? Thank You!

My tt is scheduled for July 4, I'm so excited. Everythings set, so wish me luck, I'm sorry to be posting here but I'll here from more of you, I am so darn excited... Please pray for me, I'm nervous about going under again. I want this so bad, but I also don't want to die in order to get a flat stomach. So please keep me in my prayers.

I am to be banded a week from tomorrow - whooohooo! My question is, besides your diet, how quickly did everyone recover enough to resume fairly normal activies? My banding is on Thursday- so I will have Thursday-Monday(the 4th) to recover wtihout any acitivies or responsibilities. I am trying to set my appointements for the next few weeks for my work, as I travel quite a bit - and it dawned on my that I might not feel like driving 2-3- hours and doing meetings that soon - or will I? I am usually pretty good with pain, the biggest worry is I get nausia from going under. Although I LOVE to act like a big wimp sometimes because of how amazing my husband treats me whe…

hi I just want to know a few things.Do any of you suffer from reflux or heartburn? Do you still have discomfort in stomach area or can you "feel" the band?Any esophageal spasms? Anything????? Im not doing as well as I thought I should at almost 8 weeks out and cant get reaction from my dr. I am losing weight so I'm greatful but I want to know what is normal at this stage? Thanks for your help!!

I was wondering if any of you have had this feeling since being banded. After eating a meal, sometimes I feel like my back throat or espohogus is streching or irritated, like my food is backing up? Maybe this is a sign that my upper stomach/pouch is full. Has anyone ever had this feeling? Corgi

We went out for breakfast for fathers day. I decided to get a cheese omelet. I guess it was too soon after my fill last week - oh boy - what a day I have had. In the diner, i had to excuse myself to go to the ladies room. I thought that I felt better, but on the way home it really came up! Late in the afternoon, I tried to eat a banana, i ate it, but it really took me quite a while. So, I thought I'll be ok for dinner - so I ate a baked clam - big mistake. (I won't go into details, but suffice it to say it was not a pleasant experience) So, in reality, all that I ate today was a banana. I guess I'll just stick to shakes tomorrow and probably tuesday. I have to g…