LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Just got back from my 1 week Dr's Appt and was weighed for the first time. I have lost 21.5lbs since 5/2/05 and I feel great. I am so happy and I look forward to many more. Sorry I am excited and I had to brag some where. Good luck to all.

I called yesterday and confirmed that my paperwork is in the right place. Our BCBS is through the railroad and it is a bit different than most preapproval processes. It goes through 2 departments, the first make sure that all of the required information is there and then they submit it for review. I submitted everything friday and it has already been passed to the review department, woohoo!!! I guess I had everything I needed to submit together the first time. When do you all think I should start calling to check on the status??? I have heard that the squeeky wheel gets the oil, do you all agree with that? Is calling frequently going to make my chances any better or this …

I haven’t been doing to good since my fill on Saturday 04/16. I have had a lot of PB and throwing up this week the only times I don’t is when I eat Soup. I can drink with no problem (when I drink a slim fast because it’s thicker I could here it gurgle when it goes down), its just when I try solids that I PB really bad (lasting an hour at times) and I want to make sure that my stoma is not just swollen and that I am actually tight so I am going to try my best not to get an un-fill. I will be going on liquids for 3-4 days or until I can see if I really need a un-fill. Can anyone recommend and good Protein Drink and also tell me where you bought them!! I am …

2 more days to go i am both nevous and excited sandra..........

Would anyone give me advice on being alone after surgery. What creative things did you come up with? I'm having some issues tonight since I found out the friend I was counting on to come stay with me for a couple of days after surgery won't be able to make it due to things going on in her life that can't be avoided. The person who is going with me the day of surgery is wrapped in legal battles with her business partner (they are my bosses) and I'm a little up in the air as to whether or not she is going to get miffed and decide to not help me as well. I'm really feeling like a lot of people are expecting me to solve their problems and when I need help I'm left with me…

On the incision sites do the doctors use staples stitches or glue just wanted to know thanks

Hello All, I am working on getting funds for self pay. Other than using a credit card if possible! Could anyone recommed a company that does Medical/patient loans? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Sincerely, Pamela.

Hello Everybody, I'm trying to think of something inspirational to say about my band experience but I'm so tired from my long road trip to Salt Lake City for my cousins graduation, I can't think of anything too fascinating. My experience has been smooth overall and fairly textbook. I'm not sure I would have said that last year at this time while I was still in the hospital in Mexico of all places recovering but I can say that now. I remember waking up after surgery thinking, "what have I done!?" I'm very happy with my progress overall. I still have a long ways to go and after looking at my most recent pics of myself, I still don't love myself on camera. The pics are in …

Hi All- I met with the surgeon last Friday--We've set my surgery date: June 9, 2005. When does the panic set in!?

Please send me any of your experiences with Dr. Sanchez and his staff. Thank you very much

Hey it's CollegeJoe, yes im still here and still looking up on the boards...but i was jw if i have the band will i be able to feel ok when i drink water. I dont have the band yet but i know u cant drink too much at one time but im a person when working out constantly sips water cause my throat can get very dry... so i was wondering if anyone can answer that for me!

Angeleyes was banded on Tuesday, 4/5 in Provo UT. Hope you have a great recovery, and please check in when you can. Welcome to the Banded Gentry!

Have you told co-workers, friends, etc? If not, how do you explain that you are not available for going out (eating or drinking) for a few months. I am realizing how much my social life in town revolves around food. Since deciding to have surgery I have told my boss, 1 co-worker and a couple of friends. They have been supportive but apprehensive about my participation in something that is new in town. And of course the usual - "can't you just lose it on your own" comment. If I could lose it and keep it off, I would. Just looking for some insight from the others who have traveled this path before me...

ok i forgot to ask my doctor so i figured i would give it a shot on here.. how long did you guys wait after surgery?? i was 2 weeks yesterday and am feeling pretty good, but just a little scared... i dont want to screw anything up inside me . i know the band is not near there lol but you know what i mean!!

hi i had my op on23rd of feb,couldn't have my infill for 3 months due to the hospitals policy.lost 26lbs very quickly but has now stopped .i'm eventually getting it in may 18th i am so excited.what is pb? is it like indgestion. will the weight loss speed up once i have the infill, i hope so. feeling a bit of a failiure as i feel old habits creeping back into my life. help:cry :cry :cry :cry :cry

I am approved, and thrilled! My surgery is scheduled for May 23rd, they wanted to do it June 6, but I asked if they can accomodate me earlier due to my daughter graduating high school on June 11! I hope I am well for her graduation. I going home to clean out my closet!!!

Hey guys....just wanted to post....I AM GOING FOR SURGERY TOMORROW. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM!! im a bit nervous...anxious more like it. i just wanna be done done done! i will post when i get home, may stay over night, i dunno though.....im admitted, so they all ready have the room for me. depends on how things go and how i feel I will talk to you all soon, and thank you ALL for the wonderful support, prayers and well wishes! TALK TO YOU SOON

Hi all, I had my first fill 2 weeks ago +1.75cc and was so uncomfortable (vomiting and pb even on liquids) & miserable for about a week, that I had to go back in for an unfill -25cc. Here I am a week later and I can eat, yesterday I ate more then I should have, I know I said I would never have another fill, BUT today I changed my mind. I'm scheduled for another weigh in on June 20 and my second fill. I'm starting my exercise program today and will really watch what I eat. Has this happen to others also? Corgi

I just want to wish everyone a VERY HAPPY MOTHERS DAY Tomorrow! I'm taking mom out for a Mexican dinner tonight. Then shopping tomorrow!! (((((HUGS to all)))))

I have been banded for 3 days only and protein shakes suck. Can I mix a banana in a blender with my protein shake or is it to early? Thanks and God Bless, Beverly

hi I was wondering how one would know if their lap band slipped. I have vomited quite a bit and I am always afraid my band will slip. Everytime after I vomit or pb I wonder if my band slipped, so I was wondering would I feel it, would I know?? thanks!!

Surgery was 1/24/05 and I have lost 34 lbs. I keep struggling going up and down 1-2 lbs. Can you still lose inches even if the scale is not moving and you are not really exercising (meaning my only real exercise is chasing after my son!) I am not eating alot - some of the stuff I eat is not the best for me - but still not as much as I used to Still having pb's so I know I have restriction just disappointed - my fill was 4/14/05 and I have only lost 4 lbs (that keep going up and down) Help

Hi all, I keep reading about people worried about "stretching their pouch". Isn't it more likely that if a person does overeat, they will bring it back up than actually stretch their pouch? That was my understanding from the meetings I've gone to. Also, woudn't they feel some pretty strong discomfort eating if this was occurring? I always assumed that if there was no "off" feeling and you just feel "full" that it was going through ok. Now granted everything that goes through me is either liquid or mushed/chewed to high heaven, but just trying to get my head wrapped around what I'm reading before it's time to move on. Thanks! BTW I hit the -20 lb mark since surgery …

I was shopping at costco the other day, and i came ascross a flavored water that i have never seen before... its called, Nestle pure life. its just flavored water, its non-carbonated, its comes in a case of 32, in 4 flavores strawberry, raspberry, orange and lemon and its made with splenda. 0 sugar 0calories if you can find it, its worth it, just a nice change from plain water. iamcanadian25

Hello, I was banded 02-18-05 in Little Rock by Dr. Wellborn. I agree with you, it has been the best thing I could have done for myself. I have lost 25 lbs but the scales have stopped. My fill is at 3.0 and really tight so I know it is not overeating. I think I am still losing inches by the way my clothes fit. Did this happen to you. I have started the treadmill to help jump start the weight loss. Tell me about your fill and weight loss. So glad to have a friend close to home. Chat later, Cheryl

What an experience!! I left Wed. the 27th and had surgery that same day. I had my surgery w/ Dr. del la Garza. I was freaking out! Laying on that that table under the bright lights, I'm thinking "what the hell am I doing" I wanted to get up an run, talked myself out of it, and here I am burping and passing gas like crazy. I'm very lucky, I had an unevetful recovery. No problems at all. It's been 5days and I feel great! Hours after sugury, I felt so good I swear he didn't put anything in me! They have their own floor and it has like hotel rooms. In the bathroom there's a BIG mirror. I don't really have any mirrors in my house,BOY, did I get a reality check!!!!!!! I …

Have You Seen Them??? Have You Tried Them??? I Did And Wow, I Was Impressed. They Are Quick And Healthy!!! The Wraps Come With Two, And I Was Able To Have Them For 2 Meals (lunches) For Around 3bucks.. You Can Find Them By The Lunchables... Just Thought You Guys Would Like To Know I'm Always Looking For Fast Good Stuff...yum!!!! Enjoy...........

hi folks, Waw glad i found this web site. Any one knows how much it cost to fill if Wish Center did not conduct the surgery?

Okay...In all honesty..I could give a rats behind about eatting right now. I am two days post op...banded May 5th...I can't deal with these "darn" staples! I was told to leave the bandaides on till Sunday, which is only tomorrow...but they itch! I soo badly want to take the bandaides off now to check my wounds. I think I really need more sleep tonight! I am cranky and fussy and I feel like a whinner! I don't like to whine!! Im almost afraid of my new self...well, myself with an addition. Did anyone else feel like that? I just dont know what to expect I guess. Thanks for listening!!!

My band eroded after only having it for a year, I'm currently researching doctors that might reband me. The doctor that removed my band said it probably eroded after six months. I had lost 50 pounds in the first six months. some have said that it may have eroded due to a small infection from the get go, or the doctor may have put it on too tight in the first place, or my body just rejected it. i hope it is not the latter, because I would like to find someone to reband me. I lost that 50 pounds without ever having a fill, so i like to think that maybe it was just too tight from the get go. My problem is going to be finding a doctor that will reband me at 5'6" 173 pounds, t…

Just want to thank you all. I started a new job working nights and with the new schedule and being nervous I had a hard time with eating and found myself PBing quite a bit. My day off I figure I'll be okay with eating, but my throat was tender and my chest hurt and I would burp a lot even drinking my Propel water. Even herb tea would not pass without pain. Scared me, but I read on here about trying Aloe Juice so thought it can't hurt to try. Picked up some this morning and took the 2 oz. Been sipping water, tea and a protein soy drink all day and have been feeling so much better!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

anyone?.... anyone?........ Beuller? ..........

I want to do a really good weight loss journal, online. Do you know of any good and FREE sites where I can do a journal? TIA!

how soon after the initial band can you get a fill

I was just wondering if anyone had major scarring from this procedure?Mine look like they are going to be ugly....no sexy belly dancing jobs for me:( -Actually I am bummed-I wasnt counting on such noticable scars-I know its early but its kind of pbvious-they r raised and such.sighhhhhhhhhhhh

Every time I go into the Chat there isn't anyone in there... Does anyone ever use it? Is there a set time when people gather to chat?

Finally after months of thinking, waiting, testing I am on the schedule May 26th. I'll be slim Jim by Christmas.lol

:nervous Hi all I am new here and I'm not sure where to start. I had my band placed on September 23, 2004 in Pueblo,Co with Dr Smith. I am desperately in need of some support and would love to hear from any of you. Unfortunately I live too far away to attend an organized support group but sure could use some help. I hope to hear from someone (anyone) out there. Thanks, CathyRN

Ok, as I have new found confidence and need extra cash these days (who doesn't?) I am now a Passion Party consultant. I am selling adult toys and other products. I am just letting ya all know...if anyone needs anything...I am yer gal... -Wyld- 233/151/130

Hello All.. i just got banded on May 3rd and i am so wanting food now!!! can you give me any ideas on liquids that you guys used? maybe i will find something different and not be so bored and hungry .. i'm also wondering, what the average length of time is for people to be on liquids after surgery. thanks all vikki

I have heard of a technique were the top pouch of the stomach is pulled over the band and sutured to the bottom section. I am being told this decreases the risk of slippage. Does anyone know anything about this technique? Thanks, D

Finally I have a band date, May 31. Good luck May Bandsters!! May 31, 2005 Dr. Srikanth Surgical Weight Loss Clinic Tacoma WA 267/264/150

Hiya folks.. I have a question perhaps someone can answer. Im going to be self pay for the band. Assuming a negative for a second and i need any procedures for a complication like slippage or someting else that would require them to "go back in", would my health insurance typically pay for such a procedure?

Hi has anyone from MA been to umass/memorial to get lap band done? i am going to have mine done and June and wanted to know if anyone had already had a lap band done at umass/memorial worcester Ma.

I have been in contact with a Michigan lapband surgeon about the success rate of this operation. He reported to me that "25 to 40 percent of LapBand patients don't even lose a significant amount of weight". I was shocked to learn this and have asked the surgeon by e-mail if he can tell me the basis for this statistic. Then I started searching on the internet for statistical data on the success rate of the surgery and I am not finding much of anything. I have to say, I am not thrilled with the prospect of paying almost $10,000 for a surgery if I only have a 60% chance of having success. Reading the boards have left me with the impression that the success rate is…

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I AM losing about a pound to a pound and a half a week. If it weren't for that I would not consider a fill. BUT - I still eat more than a cup and a half at dinner. lunch is also a bit more than that. I get hungry between meals so I snack. Breakfast is always something hot first, then something soft or I PB. I am excercising so I think that is attributing to the loss too. I still PB if I am not careful chewing, not that often at all now that I am getting the hang if it. I want to maximize what this band can help me do and feel like I could do more restriction. I trust my doc in that I would not get overfilled (they do it under floroscopy too) and if it did happen know…

Hello All, I am in the process of working to get banded and have a question. Does it hurt when you get a fill and how do they do it? Are you hospitalized? Thanks! Pamela.

I am 53 years old, 5'1" tall, and weigh 163 pounds with a BMI of around 31. I have always been overweight, sometimes 10 to 15 pounds, sometimes more, but always overweight. I have struggled my whole life with my weight and it has a substantial impact on my self concept. I think in many ways it has held me back socially and professionally. I am happily married with 2 children and am reasonably successful. Here's my dilema. One side of me would really like to have the lap band surgery. I see it as a tool to keep me in line with food. I tend to use food for comfort when I am mad, bad, sad...you name it, I overeat. The lap band would be like a watchdog, reminding me …

Hi everyone just wanted to know how much percentile your doctors said you would lose of your extra weight from getting the band just asking because i wanted to lose more than the 50percent they estimated and just wanted to get an average of what other doctors told others