LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Can someone tell me when you say food gets stuck what is the feeling like and what symptoms do you have one week out and going to be starting mushies next week just so scared to have a pb episode my friend at work told me that it takes a while for the food to come up and its like you can't breath for a couple seconds. any input would be helpful thanks

I know bariatric surgery is performed on some older adults, but is there an age at which doctors consider you at increased risk? I read somewhere that after age 55 surgery increases quality of life but not length of life. Would love to hear comments from older forum members. Also, what if I'm a grazer (eat smaller amounts more times a day) rather than a binger (eat large amounts at one sitting)? Does that mean the restriction aspect of lap band may not be as successful for me? My overweight is due more to poor food choices and a sedentary lifestyle rather than overeating. Thanks to all of you experts for helping a rookie.

Well last night I said "NO matter what I am sleeping on my Belly in my own bed" its been the couch or hide a sofa for weeks & after some intial pain & a little vicadin(nitetime only) I did it!!!!!! I slept much better than I have in 2 weeks. My bruising is still there, along with the hematoma- BUT it is much better. Dr. says another 2 weeks & I should be all healed. My strips are still all on but 2 small incisions. So I can't wait for them to lossen up. I am down 16 POUNDS!!! 9 of which is after surgery, 4.5 pds per week, I couldn't be more happy with that. I am finally able to bend over more easily even though I still go slow & I am also ready t…

Hi, I am booked for a lapband on Monday 27 June. I have been very postive and strong about my decision but last night I had my first appointment with the dietitian and now I am wondering whether I should go ahead... I have no problem with the interim liquid diet/ mushy food diet etc. My concern is with the long term implications. I understand that sacrifices have to be made but I am keen to know how people cope with the smaller portions. How much can you REALLY eat? What about going out for dinner? Special occasions? Any comments, feedback welcome as I am feeling rising panic and realise that I really don't know enough about what my life/ lifstyle will be like in …

I'm getting my first fill next week, so I'm wondering if its going to help. The past week I feel full at the top of my stomach but the bottom still feels empty and gurgles from hunger, is this normal? Will the fill help with that? Stacy

At risk of sounding like a real lush - I wanted to share this information I got today. I like many others on the site thinking about the lap-band love beer and enjoy the weekly happy hour: I actually had a pretty lengthy discussion today with a Dr. in Dallas about the beer subject, because I too love beer and was really fearing leaving it behind forever. He said to poor the beer in a glass, let it sit in the fridge and let it lose most of the carbination. He also suggested adding a lime to distract a little from it being flat. He suggested to give it a dry run, but didn't see a problem with it if you let it go flat. (He also indicated that a lot of patients lose …

I GOT MY BAND!!! I had my surgery yesterday at 6:30 am- I'm sore but feeling pretty darn good- just took a walk around the block and had some Chix broth- I need to drink more water- gas pains are uncomfortable but not constant I'm so excited to be a bandster- for all you nervous folks out there- the surgery isn't rough- a little discomfort- but I'm feeling GOOD! Keri 339 pre-op/330day of op

I was wondering if anyone has difficulty swallowing things like bread and rice....I have that now and haven't gotten the surgery done, what would it be like after?? I am wondering if I have strictures or something. Just about two weeks ago, I made rice and it felt like it was stuck in my chest and I was going to die, I could actually feel it in there. I had to go force myself to puke to feel better. While this was happening, I had an anxiety attack thinking I was going to die and began to sweat and shake and basically panic. Is this really something I should be considering? My dad has strictures and has to have they ballooned every couple of months and he thinks tha…

I just realized that March will be here day after tomorow... and that means summer time is just around the corner. I figured that losing 12 pounds by June 1st is doable (couldnt decide if I wanted to go for the full 15 or just 10 pounds, so I split it :cool: ) ! That's 12 pounds in 3 months. And that should put me well below that almighty 200 mark. Is there anyone that would like to do this with me? ...please???

All these "I'm discouraged" threads are even discouraging me! Let's hear from people who are now doing well with their bands but who may have had a hard time of it at some point. Did you have a really hard time sticking to liquids? Did you think you could out-eat a football player when your appetite returned? Did you feel like a total failure when you had one, two, three fills and still couldn't feel a difference? Let's hear from you if any of the above scenarios sounds familiar but NOW you're rockin' and rollin' along with decent restriction and good weight loss. Let's hear how temporary the "problems" are and how you look back on them now. For me, I can't really sa…

cross my legs correctly wear a proper sized bra that isnt making room for side/back fat wear a bathingsuit that doesnt have shorts sewn in buy clothes in the regular section-not the plus size wear a cute skirt not a boxy one trying to hide my big calves wear a ring that used to fit but doesnt now that my fingers are pudgy get a haircut I WANT not that frames my face properly to hide the fat face wear something form fitting cause I will once again have a form:p

I know some of you might subscribe to more than one message board like i do. Has anyone else noticed that Spotlight Healths message board wont load anymore?? It says ERROR. This is very disheartening for me. I have friends there that that is the only place we communicate.THis has been going on since the weekend.

I am looking at getting banded pretty soon and have done much, much research on the subject. All of what I have read basically states you must have a BMI of 40, if not 40, then there must be some type of medical necessity. I am a 30 yr old with a BMI of about 36, no medical problems, no depression and I will mostly likely be self-pay. I guess, I am just a healthy, happy fat person. Any chances I will be allowed to have the surgery? Have or did any of you experience this?

My Doc says I should use SPF 40 on my Scars before I go tanning. I had surgery Feb 10th. Did anyone ever hear of covering your scars before tanning? If so, why?

Hi, I am 10 days away from my surgery and full of questions. I understand that water/liquids should not be consumed with meals (when I am at the solids stage) but neither my Dr or Dietition actually explained why. Why? Also, why are carbonated drinks a no-no? I can guess, but I'd be interested to know what effect they have... and lastly, does that mean my long-standing love of champagne will be over?

Is it best to go to your family Dr. and tell them you want the lap band surgery and things start from there. Or do you cut that step out and go right to the surgeon? Melissia

Has anyone out there personally had to deal with slippage of the band if so how did you know it slipped and what was your final outcome. I have some concerns and just wanted to know.

Wow Kari, you seem to be doing better than I am. I was banded at 12:00 yesterday and I couldn't even imagaine out walking around the block at this point. Its been the roughest 24 hours in my life. I didn't have any gas pain but my port is extremely sore. I can't really bend over or move easily and i'm only walking in small steps. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Veteran bandsters what are the foods that don't go down well for you just wanted them to keep in mind please reply

Wow Yesterday was very tramatic for me. I went for my first fill and the doc added 2.5cc's to my empty band and then had me drink Water. Well guess what? The water wouldn't budge. It was not going down. So as I laid back down on the table to enable the doc to remove some of the saline all of the water rushed from my throat to my mouth. Man this felt totally weird. Anyhow he ended up taking out 1cc and I felt much better. a 1.5cc fill in one of the large bands and I can so tell the difference. well....................... I get home from the Doctor and go to check on my dogs and find my sweet baby Jake dead on my patio. This was so unexpected. Just the night before the …

Wanted to know if most people we able to lose in their diets that was ordered by the docs. If you don't stick to it then do u not get it or if u succeed then do u get it. Do you have to prove you can diet or do you have to prove you can't? What if you bmi gets to low? Thanks, Rene

I wanted to know what did your insurance require you to show as proof of failed diet attempts ect. I get get much out of Kaiser (HMO) so I kinda want to know as I have NO documentation. I have a 37 BMI with Pre diabetes and hypoglycemia. Thanks!

Hey! I am still looking into the surgery, but bottom line is that I can't do anything until July because that's when I'll be back on insurance, but I would like some feedback from those of you in Victoria or the surrounding area...who did yours...how was it...etc.... Thanks =)

Well I finally went in This past Wednesday and just got the call today. Positive I could just scream it could not come at a bad time we are so broke. I guess I will just deal with it and call the Pharmacy later to see how much it is going to cost. Darn it Good news is that my Band is ok.

Ok So i went to the beach with my girls today, had a BLAST! It was great. But every time I bent over to pick up the football when we were playing, I could feel my port poking me, felt like it was poking my ribs. Is that ok? Happen to anyone else?

Has anyone had this happen after banding one of the incision site came about its not draining pus not red just not stuck together good like one fourth of an inch open upset because I don't want to have a scar called the doctor and he said it will heal the same just keep it clean and cover it with guaze dressing has anyone had this with their incision sites let me know

I had gastric lap banding done overseas on May 26th. I ate only liquids for almost 2 weeks and lost 15 pounds. However, I recently started on soft foods, and had an episode of what felt like a stone in the middle of my chest after eating. That went away after I threw up a small amount... I am now able to eat almost any food that has been very well chewed, but in the past few days have noticed I don't feel full after eating--and I have gained back 2 pounds--any ideas what that means? (I am setting up an appointment with a doctor locally but am very nervous!)

I never suffered from stomach aches before I had the band installed, but tonight after I had an iced doughnut (yes, I know - it was a bad choice, but to my credit, it was my first since my surgery) I have had an awful stomach ache, and have felt a bit queesy. I had no problems getting it down, that was a bit of a shock, I thought that it would get stuck like bread, but it didnt. Is this normal after eating a higher fat, suger loaded food item?

Just wondering if any others are experiencing back pain with the weight loss. I am down 55lbs and before the surgery I was wearing a 42DD now I am in a 38DD but just lately seems the more I try to sit up straight or sit for long periods of time I get a terrible pain in the middle of my back about where my bra strap goes either on the left or right side of my spine. Does anyone else have this and if so what do you do to get relief? I wish I could say that I could not try to sit for long periods but I work at a desk all day but I do take breaks and walk around, I have tried adjusting my chair through out the day but some days I have to lay on the floor for awhile. I did se…

I think I need to go have more surgery.....To get a band placed around my mouth! I have such a hard time at night with eatting and snacking....i dunno what to do with myself!! Granted I am making healthier snack choices...but I don't think I should be eatting like this...well at least snacking like this. Does anyone else seem to fly off the routine at night time? Does anyone know anything to do for this? I think its just left over from my old behaviours....One of the bad ones I can't get past!! I have tried drinking cold water...ice water...coffee....I have done more protein, like a slice of cheese or a yogurt, or cottage cheese... Just to give you a hint....I do gre…

How long does it take for the incision scars to heal let me know

I have worked at home for the past six years as a consultant but grew tired of never knowing how much money I was going to make, or where I was going to get insurance. So, I've been offered a "real" job, and I took it....and as long as my background check clears, I'm in. I have no idea what to pack in a lunch now that I"m a bandster. Now I have the luxury of making something on the grill, or cooking something. I have no idea what to do! Help!!! What do you guys eat for lunch? Megan

hi all... I think I could possibly be dehydrated or rather I have been somewhat all along. Yes the urine is darker and few I can't gulp water like I used to . I do best with room temperature water and drinks rather than cold. I drink decaf a small with alot of cream most mornings. I drink some water 8oz. I may try some lunch usually soup but mostly may just drink something water , cappucinno. I can't really eat too much until later in the day. I try to eat some sort of light flaky fish and almost always have soup . I have not tried salads and any real veggies. I tried a few times but could not. I can eat soup at lunch cream soups. I guess I have to admit…

Is anyone from Waco, TX? I am trying to find a doctor here in Waco that does lapband surgery.

I was banded June 9. I was having a lot of pain.I was sent to the hospital for tests and it has been discovered that I have pneumonia. I am on leviquin and was told to walk and try to cough. This is so disheartening.

Last week and im busting my arse and im so stressed n tired but my work is coming along GREAT! Today, I get to go to the Doctor who has to Ok the surgery first and may put me on a diet so it can be recently recorded and given to insurance, uber excited, TTYL!

Hi everyone, I have 2 fairly new 42D Lane Bryant bras that no longer fit me and I would love to give them to anyone who cares to have them. I also have 3 size 20 Lan Bryant dress pants that I use to wear to work. Any one interested please e-mail me. I wore both the pants and the bras about 3 or 4 times and I out grew them!!

The dr. couldn't find my port. I have to go and have it done under fluro. I wasn't happy, but I'm glad he didn't poke me to death either, after the 3rd try he stopped. It looks like the 1st week of July is when I'll get it done (Dr. is going on vacation). Oh,well I'll just have to wait. Patty

What are the types/brand names of protien shakes everyone is trying? How many grams of protien? Just trying to get some ideas for different kinds!! Would be helpful to know for some of us new bandsters!!

Just got the insurance requirments for lap band surgery. I have all of the required documentation except the 6 months of doctor supervised weight loss. That seems to be Aetna's sticking point. It is so frustrating. I am all geard up and excited about beginning my jurney to band land and I find out I have to wait 6 months. Question What happens if I follow the weight loss program and happen to loose too much weight?? :cry

Well let me suggest something you may want to try. When I grill burgers I take about 2lbs of lean meat and mix in about 2 tablespoons of mustard and 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce. Of course you can adjust to your taste. However be very careful as to much additive can give you one big soggy bowl of gunk that will not form into burgers no matter how hard you try. Anyhoo, Slap those babies on the grill and in no time you will have the most moist, easy-slidin' burgers you've ever had. And they taste awesome. Somebody try them and let me know what you think.

I am getting my second fill tomorrow. I called the Dr.'s office today and asked how long before should I not eat and she said there is no restriction on that. Is this right? I would think it would be at least 2 hours before??

Is anyone interested in getting together in Texas anytime soon? I am In between Austin Houston and Dallas, I will go any where in Texas!

I was banded on April 29 and so far have had no trouble with foods that I've tried. I haven't ever had a PB and I'm wondering why I haven't? Sounds like it's very normal and now I'm wondering why it hasn't happened to me. Does this generally only happen you start getting fills? I'm scheduled for my first fill on June 9. I just keep worrying that I'm doing something wrong and since I have never experienced the dreaded PB. That might sound silly but I just hope I'm doing this right. Thanks for any help you might give me.

I got a fill last Thursday and I have either thrown up or pb'd everything i have put in my mouth since. I can do water, but anything thicker and back up it comes. I am hungry, cranky, tired and weak. So you are saying "why don't you call and schedule a slight unfill?" the reason is that since banding in March I have only lost 15 lbs. God, I am so depressed. Did I spend this money only to prove that I really don't have the will power even with the band to do this? I want so badly to see the weight start to drop off that I am almost considering staying with this fill even though I can't eat. I mean if this lasts long enough surely some weight will begin to fall off.…

I've recently started looking into this figured the quickest way to find out what I want is to ask. How over-wieght must you be, for a doctor to consider you for Lapband. My wife is terribly depressed, and her wieght has been a major reason. She comes from a large family and she was always the small one. When we first met she was 5'2" 125-130 pounds. She is now approaching the 200 mark if she hasn't already reached it. She's to afraid to get on a scale. She is very small boned, her ring size is 4 even now. If she gets a metal band watch, she has to remove all links in the watch except one for it to fit. I've gained 70 pounds myself since we met, but I'm 6'2" a…

I just had to share that my first fill is scheduled for this Thursday at 6:30pm with Dr. Kelly Fitzpatrick in Portland. I am very excited but a little nervous. I know I really need a fill...I was able to eat way to much food last night. I know I will feel better once it is done and I can start losing weight again. I have been playing with the same two pounds for the last three weeks. Thanks for all of the support.

I was banded this morning..and wondering..can I have jello?? Or..is it just liquids .....i am starving..but im determined to do it right.

I just got back from the doctor. I had a fill about amonth ago and felt no restriction since then. So when he went to remove the saline before adding new fill, there was nothing there. Now he is worried that I might have had some slippage or possibly even that the last time, they completely missed the port. So, I am back on shakes for three days, then pureed foods another three, but I have to go back next week for another check. Please pray that I don't have slippage. In our support group, they talk about being careful of one particular PA. Guess what, I had that one last time! Honestly, I hope that it was her fault and not slippage because that would mean mor…

Hi All Well here goes--I am heading out of work today. Got to go buy some decent (comfy) PJ's for the hospital.... Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I think I've got it all lined up at home for after surgery... Heating pads to DVD's. Thanks to all for the wonderful support since I started this journey last October...When you hear from me next I'll be banded!!