LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Do you think that a Medical ID band is necessary to have if you have a band? Being in the health field, it seems like it would be a good thing for emergency medical personnel to know, but I want your opinions. I was also wondering if anyone knows if having a NG tube inserted is dangerous when you have a band. I have read that they are supposed to use an endoscope instead of a ng tube when you have gastric bypass, but I dont know if it is the case with a band. I see the reasoning with the bypass...blindly inserting a tube could puncture the pouch. I am wondering if blindly inserting a tube could also damage the pouch above the band or dislodge the band. If you …

There are quite a few teachers on here. :-) When does your summer vacation start. Mine starts today at 3:15!! I can't wait. What do you teach and when does your vacation start? I teach special needs preschoolers. I love it. I started teaching them half way through my banding process, and some of my higher functioning ones noticed my weight loss, even at 4 years old. My kids I taught last year (kindergartners) say WOW, you look so pretty now! It's amazing what all children notice.

I am pre-op and need to lose about 175 lbs. but most of the time I feel like a side show freak. I can hardly walk and take care of daily tasks is becoming harder each day. But the thing that bothers me is the aloneness I feel. I love this board and my other support board. I know you can't really understand until you alk in a persons shoes. But it would be so nice if people had more compassion and less judgemental feelings for the obese. If I had any other kind of handicapping dieases people would look at me in a whole different light. Ok, sorry to vent. Thanks for all the support each and everyone of you give to this board. God bless, Donna(preop Punkin')

I am waiting for a surgery date to get the LAP-BAND. I am anxious about not feeling full. I have had this awareness for years that I need to feel full. Anyone out there to ease my anxiety?

I recently tried the Dreyers Slow Churned Low fat Ice Cream and it was the smoothest creamiest ice cream I've ever had. Totally compared to Cold Stone Creameries yummy ice cream. Cold Stones has something like 500 calories a serving but the Slow Churned had 105 a serving. SOOO GOOOD! I'm not normally a big ice cream love but once in awhile I get in the mood for it.

My guess would be that if you have erosion and there is a hole in your stomach than the barium would flow through the hole to the outside of your stomach...Does anyone know if this is true?

I was banded last Tuesday, and in the past couple of days I've developed some oral thrush. I'm assuming that it's because of antibiotics they gave me during surgery.... What a great time to have a three day weekend!! Has anyone else had this happen?

HI As the date gets closer..I find myself getting more and more scared. I read posts..where people are telling horror stories..I am a self payer..and I keep wondering...is this the right thing? I have had trouble with scheduling.I have had the date of June 9 for a while now..and they have called and are wanting to push it back another week. I had the date of june 9 in my mind and had made so many arrangements..this has added to my stress. I hear of over fills..under fills..and i am two and a half hours from my doc. What will i do? I know..I am sounding like a whiner..but I am scared.

I ordered the cookbook "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery" and when I went home at noon today it was there. I don't remember if I saw it recommended here but I though it looked good. For each recipe, it details four different kinds of WL surgery - lapband, ryn, d??, etc and how to adjust the recipe for the surgery. Like for the band, the recipe I looked at showed puree weeks 2-4, mash week 5, and eat 1/2 cup from weeks 6 on. I am excited since I love to cook. And this may provide some diversion tonight since I"m getting banded in the morning (singing to the tune of I'm getting married in the morning). .......

I went to a local Dr. here for other reasons and talked to her about my Band.(she is also a bandster and trained to do fills) I told her that I would love to have her do my fills for me but my port was sooooo deep that you need fluoro to do it. My surgeon has tried on many occasions without success. She said she would try and Quess what??? She found it and gave me a fill! First stick! They only thing I am worried about now is that she could only pull out 2.2cc's. I know for a fact I had more than that in there. I have a 10cc band and my first fill was 3cc's and my 2nd was about that. this was my 4th fill. Where is the cc's going? OH where, OH where have my cc's gone? OH…

I am seriously considering having this done and I wondered about pain, healing time, results, complications, do you have a new bellybutton? How exactly is the incision done? Thanks! Kimberly

Sorry to be gross but this is just out of hand. Why does my body feel it necessary to produce this much nastiness that does not make it through my band? Yuckers in a big way. Nasty, nasty. food is fine - I eat and it stays down fine but the mucus comes up. What in the world? I had a good laugh the other day while I said a prayer for less mucus. I bet God hadn't heard that one before - except from maybe us bansters. Do you have the same problem?

I tried coming back here with every good intention, post my food diary etc, but after day2 I have stuffed up continually. I am officially announcing that due to stress related reasons I am addicted to carbs and have been for a few months I think. After using fitday and monitoring what I am eating I have a HUGE deficit of protein and an overabundance of carbs. I am considering doing the ATKINS induction program for a couple of weeks to get me out of this terrible phase that has sucked me in like a blackhole! AAARRRGGGHHH!!! I would love to hear peoples opions on this. Personally it has worked before , so I expect it will work again.... :cry

I am testing out different things to drink instead of soda prior to getting my band. I discovered Propel today. YUMMY.....the grape is excellent, but the black cherry is awesome. Anyone else drink this stuff? It has just a tad of sugar....I think it's 3 grams per serving..is that O.K.? Margo

I have totally failed this pre-op diet. Thats it. Plain flat out failed at it. I havent stuck to it. At all. Thats just the plain blunt honest to God truth. My BMI is 39, so I hope my liver is not fatty, and they can still do it laproscopic. I mean I have lost about 7 lbs during the 2 weeks from when I did stick to it. Help me, I feel awful.

I decided to get the band a few years ago, I pursued it and here I am. My husband is as big or bigger than me. Has elevated liver functions from fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. The big problem here is that he is the most stubborn person that I know. His parents spoiled him ROTTEN and he has eaten whatever he wanted from day one. He ALWAYS gets the double cheeseburgers and super sizes. I told him that to not take care of your body is selfish to your potential children and to me. And he always says that he will "try harder." But NOTHING ever happens. I got the lap-band for him, me, and my potential children (have none yet). I love him so much but I …

Just wondering can you eat beef jerky after being banded didn't know if it was to fibrous let me know

I was told that I have to wait until my first office visit at 5weeks before I can get a fill, is that normal?

I think this is a question probably the new banders or soon to be banders have what does it feel like when you are FULL is there a signal or a feeling or a pain I really like everyone else probably got the band to lose weight and feel satisfyed and full. I could diet and such but I always felt hungry and deprived not full and I was always thinking what my next meal would be I don't want to be have that hungry feeling again I want to eat and be satisfyed so could someone please let me know what there full signs are and are you still ever hungry after just eating please respond

Has anyone had a problem with erosion and how would you know if this should become a problem with your band?

I was banded on 11/5. I couldn't figure out why I was so hungry and could eat so much when I finally got on mushies and then solids. It was almost as if I had not been banded at all! But then, I went to see my surgeon for a follow up on the 24th and the first thing he said to me was "I bet you can eat a LOT more than you thought you would be able to!" I said yes, so then he explained that he and his partner had started using the 10cc lapband (is that the VG?) because it is larger and allows for better healing after surgery and is supposedly safer and healthier than the smaller size. Those are his words, not mine, although maybe that explains why I just bounced back to…

Just wanted to take a head count again does everyone out there love their bands I want to know if it was all worth it for you i am getting my soon and am kind of spooked please let me know your positive and negative feeling about the band please thank

Ok, this is going to seem like a stupid question. In fact, I know it is. I hate meat. I was a vegetarian for 2 years and didn't even miss meat at all. Then I developed anemia so my dr told me to eat steak. So I ate meat, in limited amounts. When I never ate meat I never even thought about Protein. In fact, I begin to wonder if I was getting any at all. Now I am a bandster and I am told that protein is very essential for us. For someone who ate very little protein to begin with, what is the difference now that I have a band? Is protein needed to lose weight? Or just to be sure that my hair doesn't fall out? Please don't think I'm a dummy!! :cheeky I never took any nu…

Hello all! I was recently banded and am anemic. As in, I need to take in much more iron than the average person. Unfortunately iron supplements have a HORRIBLE side effect on me (an embarassing one). My physician recommended steak, but that's a no no with the lap band. Also, liver is so nasty that I can't bare to choke it down. Anyone know of any iron rich foods that are lap band friendly? Last thing I need is fainting spells. Thank you!! :Bunny

Hello everyone. I'm new to the message board and also 2 days post op. I'm very excited about this decision. I know this will help me stay committed to the lifestyle change I really want. I am also very grateful to have others on the other end to help me through the changes and also have a forum to share my experiences with other newbies. Later!

I didn't need a GRE score to attend grad school because my GPA from undergrad was high enough. I am graduating with my MA in Early Childhood in December and I am thinking about entering into a PhD program that will require a GRE score. Any suggetions on any prep materials/classes? I know I will need them. Thanks.

I'm 2 days post op and on clear liquids. Do you think it would be okay to cut a few chives into my broth? It is getting a little bland for my taste buds. I would call the nutritionist but its Saturday. Thanks for any help. Celeste

Hey Guys, One surgical office I spoke with said I would have to be on liquid for ten days prior to lapband surgery to shrink the liver,I assume to make it eisier for the Doc while he's in there.Is this common procedure?

Does anyone know if you have to pay out of pocket for fills, and how much are they???

When people loose weight, does your bust size go down as well? I have never experienced that in the past, but i am hoping with the band i will shrink on top as well.. juju

How do some of you exercise and eat? There are a lot of us really getting it on against the bulge and I want to hear your tactics... :smoke

Hello....You can call me Tee.Ihad my banding done 4/26/05 and within just one week of the surgery I lost 13lbs. It is now a month post-op and I have not lost any more weight. I can eat food with no problem. I don't want to be seen as a failure so I am starting back old habbits.(e.g. not eating,skipping meals)I am so afraid to return to my Dr.for fear that he may be disappointed in me. Please help me and tell me if this is normal or am I headed for total failure?

hi all- do the majority of people get tummy tucks after having lost over 100lbs, or will exercise get the skin back in place?? juju

Are there any KD's out there?

I just have to thank everyone here for all the support, information, advice, etc. I went to my first of two dietian meeting tonight (this one is a group meeting). Because I have learned so much here, I really felt good about the meeting and truly have a real understanding of the band. There were a couple of people in this group that I just wanted to say, "hey, you need more information to make a sound decision". Only 2 of us are getting the band (the other person is a nurse....that made me feel good!) the rest are getting the bypass surgery. One women asked me and the nurse why we were getting the band instead of the bypass. We then asked her why she was getting the…

I am considering having the Lap Band Surgery, I takled to a friend in Georgia that had it done in Mexico in March 2005. She was very helpful. Just wonder if there is any lind of support in this area. And what hospitals in my area do the surgery. Garner1

Hi Everyone, Since my upcoming plastic surgery is June 15th for my extreme makeover, I have to quit smoking and be smoke free at least 4 weeks prior to surgery. So yesterday (drumroll) I did not buy a new pack of ciggies. I went from 5:00 pm yesterday until 8:00 am today without a smoke. I only have one cigarette in the pack and when this one is gone, I am going cold turkey. I have never really tried to quit seriously. I beleive for me the only way to go is cold turkey after I smoke the last one. I did buy some tablets you put under your tongue that have nicotine in them. I will only use them as a last resort. So pleeeasse, if I get bitchy over the next few days (time …

Hi, I'm new to this site. Thanks Jenna for showing me the way! I had my lap band March 16, 2005. I've lost 67 pounds so far and have a lot more to go. So far I'm very happy with my lossing with I have so far! I wear 3 rings..... one wedding....one on pinkie...and one on the other ring finger... ever since surgery my rings are turning my fingers green. Its gross...It looks like I never wash my hands! Why is this? Is there something I can do to stop it? I've heard it means your low on Iron or something like that. I would like to hear what anyone has to say about this? or has anyone else ever had this problem? Thanks so much. Kristan

I had surgery at 9 yesterday morning and came home at 6 last night. I am feeling awesome. A little pain when I breath deep. I hope to buy a digital camera and post pictures (with bandaids) today. I have 5 total slits.

I don't post much but I really needed to post this. I have never been comfortable talking about my weight or discussing diets. I had enough of that from my dad. I refuse to discuss my weight with anyone at work while they are the diet of the day group (only one is heavy). Anyway I have not shared my band with them at all. My weight loss has been slow but steady, now at 60 lbs in 15 months. Not a record breaker but I am so happy with it because it has given me time to change my eating habits and get use to all the other changes. No one at work has said a word about my loss and I am glad, because I don't want to talk about it with THEM. In fact I have tried to hide …

Are there any European lap banders here? I'm an American living in Holland and will be banded soon. Impatience is the ruler of my life at the moment. Hugs Tera

HI Well,I am 11 days post-op and I feel very good.I am also eating and adjusting to that...... Only one question. Is this terrible pain that I get in my back (after been on my feet for say an hour.....)normal? It is like period pains but higher in my back....also deep in my stomach.......but from my back....if this make any sense..... please just say stop whinning if this is normal......... Thanks

SOOOOOOO, I am supposed to be doing this pre-op diet. WELL. I have done awful. I have surgery on Tuesday, May31. I am supposed to be doing 3 shakes a day and only clear liquids! I am so upset bc I havent been doing well. Especially today!!!! HELP!!

I'm scheduled for surgery at the end of the month and I would love to here from anyone else who might be able to give me some insight on Insurance, my DR. or the clinic he works at.

I recently brought back 3 lovely young New Zealand female rabbits from my Uncles house in Salt Lake City. I am building some nice hutches and am going to get a buck and try my luck at raising rabbits for meat. The 3 I brought back are going to be pets and breeders. Anyone else on LBT raise or have raised rabbits for meat? My hubby and I can't kill anything so I am going to contact the local rabbit 4-H group about helping me. Otherwise my step father said he would happily help me too in exchange for dinner. I recently read some facts about rabbits. Their meat is something like 25% less in fat and cholesterol than chicken. I remember loving rabbit meat when I was young and …

OY VIE!!! Went to see PCP for regular visit. Told him of my ongoing pain in my Left foot. He looked at the xrays from when I went to Urgent Care in Nashville, TN. GOOD NEWS: No breaks. BAD NEWS: Looks like a bone spur right in the ball of my foot. SIGH!! MRI tomorrow on the foot. To confirm the bone spur. Next Tuesday a Bone Density Scan to test for Osteoporosis. I had a hysterectomy at age 27. Family history of Osteo from Mom and Grandmother makes me a candidate so we wanna rule that out soon. If I have a bone spur he said a podiatrist will most likely inject medicine into the area. He didn't say what kind of medicine but I predict cortisone. …

At our last support group meeting, which I am co-leader of, several members had a common problem. So many of their relatives are making negative comments about their surgery...saying they "took the easy way out", "you'll just gain it back again", etc etc. I am sure we've all heard them. What do I tell them? How do YOU deal with negative comments from yoru relatives and friends before and after surgery??? This negative energy can destroy our efforts if we let it....but how do we stop it??? I know it's all in the attitude...our attitude...but relatives and friends can be a powerful influence on us...both positively and negatively.... Need your ideas.....I am…

I understand that every surgeon has their own set of rules and mine is no exception to the rule but I am still a little confused as to where I should be in the eating realm at this point. I had my banding 5/18/05 with Dr. Spivak. On my release paperwork he stated that for the first 24-48 hours to do Clear liquids then afterwards start on mushy foods the consistancy of baby food. I do not want to do anything that would jeopardize my health at this point, so I waited until one week post-op to switch to baby food consistancy. I made some chicken Soup yesterday and put it in the processor until it was moist and just like baby food, then I ate about 5oz and it was wonderful…

Hi, I got kind of a gross...no it's a real gross problem/question. I have bronchitis with pnemonia right now...lucky me. LOL. I am taking Amoxicillian and Robitussin for the cough. However, I keep having to hawk up the gross stuff...you know the phlegmn. It feels the same as vomiting and I am worried about my band slipping. I am not nauseous, but it is the only way to get some of this crap out of my system. Any suggestions? I am drinking tons of hot tea and Water, but I still have to get this stuff up and out. HELP. -Blu-

I noticed the post in Announcements for all the people getting their band in May. Is there a June one started? If not, I happy to organize this one. Name/Date/Doctor/Location Lins12--June 7--Ortiz--TJ, Mexico