LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

my mom came home today from the hospital, shes doing okay, except for she has the reaccuring pain in the middle of her chest and it feels right adn then it goes away, does anyone know what this is or hav any suggestions to make it go away? thanks.:Bunny

I just had my second fill last Friday. I have a 4cc band and there is now 2.3 ccs in my band. I don't feel any difference at all. with this much in my band shouldn't I feel something. I still have very very little restriction. I could literally eat as much as I want without feeling full, as long as I chew my food well. I am doing every thing I am supposed to do like not drinking before, with, or after meals. How long should I wait to ask for another fill?

I am in a terrible panic! Just had my surgery last Wednesday, 4/26. Today is 5/1. I am a Type II diabetic and have been well under control for seven years using glyburide and actos. Immediately after my surgery, my sugars spiked to 550. I have kept taking my meds and have not had anything sugary since then. Has anyone out there had that experience? Will call my internist tomorrow, but this seems to fly in the face of everything that I have read or found on the web. Help!!!

Hello SC, There don't seem to be very many of us: SC bandsters. I thought I might get some activity going. Anyone else out there? I am going to be banded on March 23, 2005 in Dalton, GA with Dr. Ponce with the Gastric Band Institute. I am curious about the recovery...anyone have any experiences they'd like to share? ecbailey

My Doctor says that he can place my port two inches BELOW my bellybutton (which is below my underwear line) just off to the left side a bit. This way I would not have any large insicions showing on my stomach (for bikkins & short tops). I will have to have one extra small insicion on top for him to do this. My question to all of you is: Do you think that this is a good position for the port as far as bending, exercising, carrying kids/stuff & other things? And do you think that its worth it if the doctor feels comfortable to do it this way or should I just go with the standard method? Port above bellybutton & off to the left or right? He said …

The count down begins I go for my pre op appt today at 1:30 and the hosp is suppose to call and go over the plans and time for my Gall bladder Sugery. I have been sick to my stomach for the last 3 days. Hurts to sit (sorry) Anyway I have drank enough Baby Percy to stop up an elephant and it's still not working. I also have stomach cramps not to mention the feeling of wanting to run and hide. I know I have to have this done but I hate above anything the whole pre op procedure, does that make sense. I could just cry now I am feel so sick to my stomach about the whole thing. I know when I look back and read this it's going to be funny that I even had these feelings. Wis…

I am pretty new to this site and very close to setting a date for surgery. i want to set my date for June 22. (we'll see!) What is freaking me out is that in the last 3 weeks I have put on 7 pounds!!!. I am freaking! For the last year i have been really stable and only moved a pound or two different - now that there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel it's like it is even harder to control myself. i am freaking out! i CAN"T gain any more weight - I will be out of my clothes - and I flat refuse to buy any more!! What do I do - did any of you guys experience this?

I may have to go on an antibiotic due to bad poisen ivy irritation, can you all recommend one that won't damage my pouch or band? Corgi

Or other pain medications... I have to admit I probably take tylenol at least once a day due to headaches. Is that something to be concerned about? Will it hurt my band?

Hi All - One of the exercises I was required to do by my counselor for my food obsession was to create a chart of alternative activities for the various emotions I felt throughout my days. I am not a journaler by nature, so a lot of the counseling sessions were tedious for me - lol. But I thought that this particular exercise was so worthwhile, and gave me a concrete and self-tailored tool to help me deal with my emotions seperately from food. First, take one week and write down the time every time you eat. Do not change your eating habits - this is not a good/bad kind of thing. In addition to the time, write what you ate, and then write how you are feeling: bo…

Okay folks, Lynn is going through the mechanics of scheduling her Lap Band surgery sometime in July (waiting on Insurance approval) so this is her support thread for stupid questions and feedback and venting and cheerleading, and all the other stuff you get and give on LBT. I have committed to following her through her journey and here is where we will post our stuff. We are hoping that other newbies can peek in and get encouragement, ideas, and a picture of the process, while others of you can just follow along and chime in at any time with pertinent advice/opinions/feedback, whatever. Or you can just ignore us and we'll happily post along through Lynn's band journey! …

I posted my first thread but don't see it so I think I messed up. Anyway, Im new and hope to have surgery in Oregon in June. Im nervous and was wondering if anyone could tell me the diffence between there hunger before the lap band and after. Thanks Sooo Much In advance

I HAVE A DATE!!! JUNE3rd!!! Its been a battle for 8 months now with insurance Co./ I gave up & said "I win!! I'll pay for the darn thing myself!." So that is what I will be doing. I already gave the old MC a swipe yesterday & put done the $5200.00 to start & hopefully that wedding gown will sell soon & maybe a few other things:0) I start the liquid phase on friday & will be doing the full two weeks even though the Doctor only requires two days of a fast. I just got off the phone with my Mom & finally decided that I am done deciding--i.e. I have been thinking this thing to death & its not only holding up my life in general but also I've been …

Well I am finally back amongst the living following surgery and the liquid diet. Things kind of got harry there for a while but all is fine now. Except...... Ice Cream. Who in their right mind at the grocery store came up with this stupid 10 for 10 sale on half the things in the store????? That person ought to be drawn and quartered. OK Here's what happened. I am at the store with my DW and we're in line getting ready to use the God-Awful self-pay thing. (Another great invention) She says she has to grab a loaf of bread and runs off like the wind. OK, That's fine. I'll just run these things through and she'll be back in no time. Well about 5 minutes (an eternity when some…

Hi Everyone, I have been gone for a while. Last Tuesday morning, I found out that my father in law died. I flew to FL with my kids and my hubby. I arranged the funeral, service and also the "at sea" ashes distribution. My father in law was cremated and this was his wish. I also organized a service at the ELks llodge in St. Augustine FL. I packed up my mother in law last Saturday. My husband flew home with the kids and I stayed and finished packing. My mother in law did not want to throw anything out and it took me two days to pack up a one bedroom apartment. We donated the furniture to charity. I drove the two of us back in her minivan with all her worldly belongings…

On Friday I was eating fine. I consider my band perfect for me now by the way. Restricyion and freedom wise. Well I had eaten some Turkey roast which I chewed well and ate little prior to this. Afterwards It was like I'd had a fill for like 2 and a half days! Finally on monday I can eat. Sat/Sun. Protien shakes and little food! Strange. I figure either there was some irritation or something stuck. HUNG CHOW again baby! Happy top be normal again! Any ideas

I am 7 days post op and experiencing the WORST heartburn. All I have tried to eat is cream of mushroom soup VERY SLOWLY. Since then, things have not felt right. Heartburn like crazy when I tried to drink gatorade. I am just going to give my stomach a break for the rest of the night. *Hiccup!* :nervous Ugh, please please please don't let it be a slip!! What could be wrong?? Why would I be having this terrible heartburn?? Liquids only!!

I wanted to share a quick story with you guys. Two years ago my sister had RNY gastric bypass surgery. After the surgery, her intestines completely shut down as a reaction to the procedure. She need two bowel ressections and had damage to many of her major organs as a result. She was so close to death that my parents called me at one point saying that they doubt she will make it through the night. After three months of rehibilitation, including an in-home nurse, she felt better. I came so close to losing my sister that it scared me to death. I am NOT an RNY expert, nor do I know what the stats look like as far as complications, but that hit too close to home for me. Wh…

Hey all- does slim fast consist of a protein shake, or is there a specific one i should get? thanks- juju

i had my surgery by dr ortiz and am disappointed to know that the FREE fills are not so free not only do you have to pay for the flouroscopy $100. but you the transportation i understood would be covered--- cost $65.00 one-way! I am seriously thinking of having my fill here. Do Doctors here (in the u.s.)do floroscopy and if so where, i will be glad to go out of state but the crossing the border, plane tickets, and hotel, transportation is adding up to a lot! Does anyone recommend a doctor whom if great!

We are excited to announce that the "Making the Journey Together 2005" tour will arrive in Troy, Michigan on June 4th, 2005, at the Embassy Suites Troy 850 Tower Drive Troy, Michigan 48098 Just off I-75. The cost of the event is $40 per person early registration and $60 per person at the door. Here is the link in case you are interested: http://www.obesityhelpevents.com/june2005-michigan.html Nancy

Found out about this mailing list today: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/michiganbandsters/ There's another mailing list at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/eastside_bandsters_mi that seems pretty welcoming of anyone in the great lakes area. Just thought I'd let people know because the more places we have to talk the better.

she is doing okay, but she says shes having reaccuring chest pain, does anyone know what is causing this? or if its normal? or if theres anything to stop it? thanks

Im new here and hope to get scheduled for Surg in June with Dr. in Oregon. Anyone here have surgery in Oregon? I have three members of my family who had Gastric Bypass but I am self pay and the lap band seems so much safer and less expensive for Self payers. My question is anyone who previously ate large amounts before lap band, are you now satisfied with less and truly feel full sooner? Dumb question but I want to learn so much. Thanks in advance for any help.

Hello everyone! =) Some of you may remember me from before, some may not..but after being banded since april 5th, I wanted to update everyone just to let them know Im alright. I missed everyone from this board, but at the moment life is as hectic as ever. I have lost nearly 25 pounds total since surgery..along with going from a size 41 waist to a size 38. I saw a friend yesterday at the grocery store who hasn't seen me since I was roughly 50 pounds heavier and made the comment of "I didn't think it was you, it didn't look like you, god you have lost alot of weight". It was enough to make me smile from ear to ear. Im doing alot of things I probably would have hesit…

Here is my Fitday graph of weight lost in the last 9 months or so. As you'll see, it's by no means a straight line. But it ends up going in the right direction!!

Well, as some of you know, my port is flipped and it pokes out a bit, and lately it has been hurting. It is not so painful, that I can't stand it, but it hurts. The area stays bruised because the port stikes out. Any ideas, my fill Dr, said he can fix it, but wants $1000 and with summer vacation coming up, I don't want to fork over that kind of mula$. OH my this band is giving me problems...

I'm 5 days banded and last night my back started hurting, middle of my left side, behind port? I'm not sure. But was wondering is it ok for me to go to the chiropractor for an adjustment? Or is this just sore from surgery and I should wait it out? Stacy

My friend, PaulaM and I are scheduled to have surgery with Dr. Ortiz on May 25th. Paula is on the road today but asked that I post this thread to ask if any of you regret having the band. I think Paula is 99% prepared to go forward with the surgery, but continues to have lingering worries/doubts. If any of you are uncomfortable with posting any regrets, please PM me and I will share with Paula when we speak later today. By the way, Paula is nearly a pack-a-day smoker and she is having to quit smoking for the surgery. This is extremely hard on her. Did any of you have to quit before surgery? How did you manage? Any tips? Did most of you go back to smoking afte…

(Just for a short time) I'm starting my preop diet Thursday--I've been revving up for it this last week. I am using up my last latte on my prepaid Latte Card. In the last month I've gone from a triple 12 ounce latte to a single 8 ounce 2% latte. The docs preop diet doesn't seem too tough--no more than 40 carbs a day-(this statement may come back to bite me in the backside). Foregoing the lattes to save the carbs for other things. I'm going to try black half decaf coffee..I've cut out the soda's for the most part in the last month. This is going to be swell....

No challenge here, other than the inherent challenge of getup up and exercising! (doing my best Richard Simmons’ impression…) I know we have a few folks who love to dance, some dog walkers and some folks who are working with personal trainers or at gyms. Use this thread to keep track of your daily exercise or come to get your butt kicked by our professional amateur motivator! I walked for 60 minutes today. Went to my first horsemanship class today. No horses, just then introduction. It looks like we get to learn some dressage and how to drive a wagon too! I’m not quite sure what dressage actually is, but we will learn it!

Trying! Again!

Anyone else reading or read. Your thoughts?

Well I'm still chipping away. 216 lbs now. It looks like so much more though. I have been gettin a lot of new comps! Dont you love that! Nothing better to build your confidence. I have missed my goal of 209 by 05/25/05 my 36th Bday I may add! but hey 25lbs since Febuary! I am on track! I have started running at night and I love it. I do 4 miles 3x a week now @like 3-4AM. Nice and cool and I have the place to myself. Anyway I thank all of you for the kind words and support! I will advertise my new Goal. 199 lbs by 07/25/05. Its a lot I know but goals arent suppose to be easy! I think the scale can be misleading at times. Your body changes in many ways while exercising…

I found this site while I was digging on lapband reasearch. It's long reading, but is VERY useful for those considering the band. Some of the reading is statistical mumbo jumbo. But, this page gives the results of a 6 year study on 709 severely obese people who they banded. The results were VERY encouraging and good! Very few erosions and infections...but a few slips. Overall, it concluded of course that the lap band is a great tool! Which we all know, right? http://www.golapband.com/articles/outcome-after-lapband-surgery.htm

I have been so out of control this last week I can't stand myself. I stopped going onthe tread mill, I am eating chocolate and I am eating the wrong foods and way too much. I hate this!! Can I get back on track?????

OK, maggots, get out your pedometers! I have been sorta sluggish over the last couple of months, still recovering from back pain and sciatica. But I'm tired of sitting around. So I got new walking shoes and a new pedometer, and even though I'm still on the slow side, I am ready to rumble. I'm thinking: let's try to walk 7500 steps a day for the month of May. Anyone with me? Check in at this thread any time. I will check in each Monday. If you're looking for a low-tech way to get some exercise, this might work for you. And if 7500 steps seems too much -- that's a little over three miles a day with my stride -- do whatever you can. If you haven't used a pedometer, con…

I am going for surgery tomorrow morning, I 'm so excited. I hope I am able to sleep tonight!!! I appreciate all the support, and great advice you all have given in the last couple of weeks. I will be home hopefully Tuesday, and hopefully I will be able to give you all an update. I going to bandworld WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hi! Okk i was eating so wonderfully then i just HAD to go for my 3rd fill didn't I!!! Now it kind of hurts when i eat! It's like i can't swallow properly and it takes long to go down the pipe - a bit like constipation i guess! Pehehehe!!! The only difference is that i dont like not eating at ALL! Also, my doc puts milli... something, not the "cc" that you guys talk about! I think i had around 6, then when he put the 7th one that's when the damage was caused! I can't even eat chips without it getting stuck in my pipe! If i take half a mm out then do you think it will make a difference!!!?? The only good news is that FINALLY after alot of practice the doc…

After trying many antidepressants for medication-resistant depression, I've been taking Wellbutrin 200 mg. and Prozac 20 mg. It seems to be pretty much working. My weight is stable, (no gain) but no loss either. I believe that is because I'm in need of a fill, but really haven't been eating that much. The last med. I took was Paxil, which was disasterous weight-wise. I know some people have switched to Cymbalta from Wellbutrin because of weight gain. If weight gain was the only reason you switched, do you find that the relief from depression is comparable? If you are comfortable doing so, please share your experience with antidepressants and weight gain/loss. …

I have been seriously considering the band now for about one year. I have Aetna insurance and apparently they do not cover the band only the bypass surgery. I know for sure I want the band and I am pretty sure I want Dr. Ortiz in Mexico to do it. However...I do have a big question...What if by chance a mistake is made and something was punctured? Suppose you need more surgery to fix the problem? What would you do in this case? Would he take responsibility for it? Even though he has a great reputation as do other doctors, what do people do in this situation? When you have insurance that covers this type of surgery at least you know that you wouldn't be paying for this m…

Hi, everyone! I'm in South Alabama, not far from Mississippi and in my Quest to find a dr. in this area that not only performs the surgery but that I can afford, I was pointed in the direction of SMSWLC. I sent an email to them and they responded immediately and are sending me some forms to fill out for financing. I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about them. Here is the link: http://www.smsurgicalweightloss.com/index.html I think the dr.'s name is Dr. Avara. Thanks! Hope

Hello you all, I have a question that you guys probably can help me with. Right now I weigh 110 lbs. I really want to get to at least 125. However I eat alot but unfortunately not enough. My eating habits are bad. I am a junk food junkie, and certain foods really makes me sick:sick . (not a person who pukes intentionally) LOL Anyway what foods do you know that I can eat, which will help me get my weight up and be healthy at the same time. Or what vitamins that are good also. Please help me out here guys, I never thought I would be posting a question on here, cause of me not being banded. I know you all have great answers so throw them to me. Thanks!!!! Shoutout to KATHY!!…

How may of you have your fills done by mexican docs and how many of you have your fills by U.S. docs? Those who have Fills by U.S. docs- are you happy with your restriction levels? Do you feel they fill you enough each time? How many fills have you had in what time frame? Those who have Fills by Mexico Dr.s - areyou happy with your restriction levels? Do you feel they fil lyou enough each time? How many fills have you had in what time frame? I ask becasue I have read that U.S. Dr.s are much more conservative on fills, they like to sneak up on your restriction level, where as Mexico Dr.s like to get you to good restriction much sooner. Personally I have had 3 fill…

Here I go. Tomorrow will be the last time I'm on the board without a band. My surgery is scheduled for the 26th...Thursday...But I don't have a computer at home and Tuesday will be my last day at work for a week. So wish me luck...and if you have any great advice feel free to include that too. Thanks you guys!

Hello everyone, I had a fill 3 weeks ago. I have lost 2 lbs. I have been walking and eating less; However, I NEVER feel full. I stop eating but could eat again in less than 2 hours...hungry not emotion eating ...I am wondering if I should go back and get adjusted? Any suggestions? Eliza

I went for my first fill yesterday and after much sticking and probing the doctor decided to send me to have it done under fluorscope. Then he mentioned the bad things i.e., port could be flipped, scar tissue. Should I be worried or could it be he just couldnt find the center of the port? Help, I am flipping out.

I just wanted to say that I had a great time and the meeting yesterday; it really inspired me and gave me allot of motivation to keep on doing what I am doing and that no matter how hard it is or will be there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I really would like to invite everyone to join in these meetings once a month because it makes a great difference to see the results at the end. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Wow, these women look great, and I would love to look like them!! <o:p></o:p> Thank you Joanne Narayan for inviting me you really motivated me, I can't wait …

Hi gang... I was banded on Wednesday 5/18/05 I got home last night, and I'm at work today! So far so good... I will probably go home early, just had to come in and do payroll then I'll take it easy the rest of the weekend. Dr. Kuri was great, and the whole Mexico thing went well.... Was alittle out of context for me to up and leave and do this alone, but I met another girl being banded the same day and her mom was a nurse, so she took good care of both of us... I was really thankful for that!!!! Anyway, I'm ready to be skinny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <grin>

I just realized how lucky I am to have my hospital, my surgeon and my (soon to need) fills done within about 10 miles from my house. Tomorrow I have another pre-op appointment and it will only take me about 15 minutes to drive to it! Blessing..... M