LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Okay, there's definitely a pea-sized hard round ball right under the skin of my port incision, and THAT is why my incision is popping out like a nipple! And I think this hard pea-thingy is what's causing my pain, like when it floats around to sensitive areas. The pea wants to come out of my incision! When I lay down, the pea hides in other places. But then it comes back to the surface and tries to escape from the port incision. Could this be a broken off piece from the band? I sure hope it's a floating piece of scar tissue. I used to have a round hard ball in my ankle, and the doc said it was formed after ankle trauma. They removed it with a tiny incision and a co…

I know this may seem funny..but I am very attached to my hair and after doing research I found that my hair can fall out....thats scary to me...I already went to K-mart and got prenatal vitamens.. Some researches have said it is similar to when you have kids...I still cant relate....I have never had kids so is the hair loss really bad???? I am going May 16 for my consultation and I've been doing research everyday on the band and I just need REAL PEOPLES ADVICE PEOPLE WITH EXPERINCE!!!Love ya'll Cassie

Well I official Hate Blue Care Netwrok. They denied my initial request & then they denied my appeal... for one reason only. They said I didn't see a Doctor for 1 full year in a row about my weight loss. Even though I had gone to William Beamont for 6 months on a liquid diet & another Doctor for 4 mnths on Meridia they say they weren't in A ROW. LOL Who sees a Doc for weight loss that often anyhow? You usually go to a clinic like weight watchers or Jenny. I only see Doctors when I am in pain not for them to track my weight loss or gain. Also when I was losing I wouldn't go to a Doc - what for? I was losing - no reason to go! I feel defeated. I feel ange…

I would love to meet people locally here in Houston-maybe go to lunch and I can learn to chew my food 20 times-lol-you know...girl stuff-lol.Seriously I d love to make new friends here and especially ones who are in on my "secret".

I know many of you eat emotionally. After banding, did the compulsion to eat still come over you, though physically you couldn't accomodate it? How did you deal with that? What did you learn?

I just got an adjustment on 4/27/05, I have been hoping it would kick in soon. I had MORE restriction BEFORE this fill than now. I feel like I could eat nonstop! There has been NO problems eating bread, chicken, eggs, ANYTHING. It is irratating me to no end. I feel hungry constantly and yes I eat mostly solid Proteins. GRRRRRR. Sorry, just venting. I hope against hope it will kick in soon! -Blu-

i really havent been hungry and today i am starving..i am still on full liquids(yogurt,pudding,soup).. i dont know why today i feel like i could just binge but i know i cant. HELP!!!! it is very frustrating!

I have heard of this elusive sweet spot but have never had the pleasure of reaching it since I was banded 8 months ago. I have restriction, it hurts to eat, but I do feel hungry. I never have had the situation where a 1/2 cup is enough and I don't even think of food for another 4-5 hours, I'm hungry again in about 2-3 hours!! How about others, is there really a sweet spot?? Or is this a myth??? I'm goin with the myth! Debbie

Okay, I have a serious question. I have noticed since banding that my urine is VERY yellow and has a strong odor. Is this normal?

I'm 9 weeks post surgery and just had my first "slime" episode today...I guess thats a PB. I can't find anything to tell me if I should do anything or avoid anything in particular. Do you have to go back to liquids? Or proceed on with normal if your feeling okay? I'd appreciate any advice....Thanks

I went for my psych eval today and things went GREAT!!! They are going to give me the green light for surgery. It started with the actual doctor and a student in the room and the doctor got very ill and the student finished the evaluation. She said that they see no problems with me being banded, I gave LBT all the credit for that. I told her about all the wonderful support and information here, she wrote down the info and said she would reccomend it to people that they are going to approve. And the best news of all they are going to submit to my insurance and waive my 25% co-pay since it was a student. WooHoo!!! I am soooo glad that is over. Thanks for everyone for all th…

I have just been notified that I am in the running for a job in Congo (which would start late summer or after). I am in the process of getting everything approved for late May surgery. What do you guys think? Do you get weak, have health issues and stuff 3-4 months after surgery? How fussy do you need to be about food? I am guessing that my initial visit will require some wining and dining with local officials. Will this work? I need to let them know soon if I am still interested. As you can probably tell, I'm kind of excited and kind of freaking. The potential would be for me to live there for 3 years. Is there anyone on the board from Congo? Does a…

Ok I am back and unfilled :cry Seems that with the this last episode of reflux coming up when I am sleeping it is a serious sign that something is just not right in my world. I had tested positive for H-pylori in March so was put on antibiotics and took them as told, come to find out that there is a 95% chance they are going to work and that 5% chance it will come back. Now I tested again today for it and if it comes back positive then they will double the medication. I am unfilled as when they were listening to my chest area you could just hear it gurlgling and I had not drank anything 4 hrs prior to the appt. I have to be on prevacid for 3 weeks and come Wed's morn…

I went for my first doctor's appointment 2 1/2 weeks ago. Should I contact them to see if they have heard from the insurance company or should I wait until I hear from the insurance company? I have 2 insurances and I know my primary will not cover the lapband. I think my secondary might if I qualify but we have to wait until the primary sends a rejection before we can submit to the secondary.

Hi Everyone, Has anyone experienced a torn muscle from sneezing?

Ok I am at a loss for what is going on. (A little background) You all know that I had h-Pylori and have been off the medication now for a month. But seems that slowly over the past 2 weeks I feel more restriction have not had a fill since Nov. Usually at night I do not eat past 6pm but since Thursday I have been awaken with whatever is in my tummy gagging me. I have to go actually throw up now yesterday I stayed on liquids all day and even tried a natural herb for the tummy seems I felt ok during the day slept ok till this morning I no sooner sat up when I knew it was coming up. I have an appt This friday but do not want to suffer all week. What do you think??

A girlfriend and I are scheduled to have the surgery later this month. My girlfriend and I spoke this morning by telephone and she is starting to have some reservations about going through with the surgery. She pointed out to me that some people suffer terribly from nausea after the surgery. She knows that this would be a big concern to me because ever since I was a child, I have not handled nausea like a normal person. I pass out! No kidding. When I was 18 years old, I had a bad stomach bug, was nauseous and passed out while sitting in a chair in the kitchen. I knocked out my 2 front teeth! That was the worst harm that I have experienced from passing out due …

Hi everyone first thread since surgery - Thursday 4/28 feeling really good today - hardly any pain now - and doing ok - just wanted to know my doctor Dr. Caylor - said he put in the new VG band instead of the regular - have no idea what that is - and why he felt I needed a different band any answers from anyone would be appreciated -have been reading the threads and love them all - so helpful - getting a little hungry - but know my nutritionalist said what i would actually be craving would be something to chew - AND she was correct - so tried of the mushy - want something i can get my teeth into -she suggest crunchy peanut - well maybe that would work -NOT- - but hanging …

Do you have to have a CATHETER during surgery? and will it be out before I wake up. I know I should have asked the doc but just wondering Im getting banded wednesday!

Its official, im ready here I gooooooooooooo.......May 9th guys!

Hi... Just wondering if your doctor had you pay a consultation fee? Actually, my letter from the doctor called it a "Program fee". If so, what was the fee and was it non-refundable? One more question, sorry...did you send in the fee charge to your insurance for coverage? Thanks.....love this board....I have learned so very much from everyone.... Margo

hi , i was banded april 26 and so far so good. practically no pain but i am hungry since post op day 3. i just keep drinking protien drinks ( atkins) yogurt and cream Soups. i just keep telling myself this too shall pass. i have been lurking on this site for months now since i started thinking about getting the lap band. i want to be a part of it now and share with all. this is a wonderful place to go for support and fellowship. thanks height 5feet 5 inches 275/265/140

Hi, I have been thinking about WLS for a little over a year now. I recently decied for sure..yes! I am going to do this. My problem.... I am still undecided as to which way to go, band or by-pass???? I have a huge pros and cons list and I was hoping for some help with my undecided areas. I have been reading this board a while now as well as others that are more partial to by-pass. I was hoping though, maybe those of you who also did a lot of comparison shopping (LOL) could answer a few questions for me. True or False? --- banding is better for large eaters, by-pass for those who eat normal amounts of junk food or sweet tooths. True or False? --- banding has a higher…

Hi, I am so happy that I found this website, I was banded on 4-27-05 in Scottsdale, AZ. By Dr. Robin Blackstone. I have already lost 10 lbs. I am very excited. I started eating soft protiens on Saturday and was doing great. Today I started to eat a scrambled egg and it felt like it was stuck. I felt awful, chest pains and total discomfort. I do not know if I have restriction or if I am just swollen. If anyone has any ideas or advise I would love it! My surgeon said she was able to get the small band one me and I should have quite a bit of restriction from the start. I would appreciate any advise or comments. Thanks, Ryanne

Because that is what I have lost since surgery (1/24/05) and I think I should have lost more. I had one fill 2 weeks ago and since then l lost about 4 lbs (in the first few days post fill) nothing lost since then. Help

Hi all, Will be banded on Friday alone with Jamie. Once I am able to start eating regular food will I be able to eat popcorn (94% FF) sometimes, or is this a no..no..

Hey everyone guess what? I took 4 steps today without the aid of my crutches or my walker!!! Whoooo Hoooooo!!!! Because of my spinal disease (H.S.P.) I have not walked without the aide of some kind of walking device for 10 years. And today because of the weight loss and exercise I am walking! (ok steping) I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited I want to yell from the roof tops!!!!

When did your surgeon set your surgery date for you? Was it after all other appointments (psych, dietian, etc.) or was it after your insurance company let you know whether or not you were covered? Margo

A whole new list of folks go off to Bandland this week!! Congrats to the following: Tuesday April 5 Robin(rsduhe) April 5 Angeleyes April 5 Debri85 (Saudi Arabia) April 5 swttuth Wednesday April 6 Smellycat Thursday April 7 bkmayer April 7 kellyv April 7 tambonzjo April 7 HarleyNana's Mom Friday April 8 Kathy April 8 Chris (cco2001) Everybody getting banded, check in with us! And all you cheerleaders, Wooohooo! for us!

First off, this site is a Godsend! I was so lucky to find it. Let me tell you, I'm one nervous wreck! I know that's normal but it sure helps knowing others feel or felt the same way before their surgery. I'm on day 4 of my liquid diet and so far, that's the hard part. I've found out why commercials are on TV, they WORK! I may have to hunt down the Burger King and strangle him myself! He keeps trying to get me to eat some big ole hunk of a breakfast sandwich and if the Kentucky Coronel wasn't already dead, he'd have to watch his back cause every time that family sits down and eats for $4 each, I want to throw a brick through the TV! :devious If anyone has any words of wisd…

We have yet another big group of folks going into Banland this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go and come back. Please keep us posted! We are cheering you on! April 17 Debri85 April 18 KarenA April 19 Roo-Roo April 19 Brissiebabe (Aussie) April 19 Betterme2005 April 19 Guitarman(Mark) April 20 ROC April 20 spldgrl (is this date correct?) April 20 Cece05 April 21 Grammi (postponed, possibly to May...let us know!) April 21 SlimmerSue April 21 Jorjet April 21 nygrl Good Luck everyone!

Hey everyone! I've been having horrible gas bubbles in my stomach after surgery (4/27) that I can't burp up. Last night, I started throwing up, but nothing came out, and it almost seemed as if I was throwing up gas. The air in my stomach is constantly making me feel sick and I'm scared that I'll keep throwing up. Is there any gas medicine that will take care of this that is safe to take a few days after surgery?? Thanks, Lisa

i am 10 days out today and i still feel so strange on my left side.. the only way i can describe it is like when you are pregnant and the baby is pushing on you ribs .. i actually feel like i have a baby on my left side.. please tell me some of you recent banders know what i am talking about,because i am starting to think something is wromg:cry

I just got banded yesterday (4-27) and I'm in horrible, horrible pain. The Dr prescribed Liquid Tylenol w Codein, but it isn't doing ANYTHING for me. I've already finished the entire bottle in a little over 24 hours. My mom has spoken to several nurses and one of the Drs, requesting a different prescription, and they keep on brushing it off telling me that I need to walk more (I've been walking for hours bc it hurts too much to lay down) and take deep breaths. I haven't been able to sleep since yesterday morning because of the pain- I wake up every 1-2 hours in horrible pain and sit there until I'm able to take more. A friend of mine who got the surgery done was pre…

hi did anyone drive home from hospital after having band sandra.......

Hi, I was banded on April 25, 05. I have sleep apnea and use a cpap machine. Last night I woke with terrible pain in my chest and back. It felt like air. I figure I swallow some air when I'm on the cpap. (Before the surgery everytime I get up in the night, I would burp loudly). Any suggestions from anyone on how to decrease this side effect? Thanks,

I am new to this site and may I say you guys are great people. I went to a seminar today that Dr. Speigal put on. I do not know who is better when it comes to this surgery Spivak or Speigal. Could you guys help me with what you know about both of them in order to help me with my decision. Thank you in advance. Sherri

Hiya folks... new to the forum and thought i would say hello. I have not yet had the band.. im in the beginning stages of the process. Im going to be a self pay since i have NO desire to deal with my insurance co. Im a lower BMI at 35ish but have lost and gained so much in my lifetime with arthritis and hypertension for many years that i decided to try this "tool". Its been a real tough decision for me. I kept feeling like the ultimate failure that i had to resort to surgery to lose weight. Im over that now and im doing it. I had considered the RNY but think that is far to invasive for me. I am curious though about recovery. I am a firefighter/paramedic and was wondering …

Hi all as you can see this is my first post. a friend directed me here. i was banded on friday and came home on sunday and i still dont feel all that great.. any words of wisdom would be appreciated thanks

ok when I went to have my surgery I already knew some people felt I wasnt a true candidate for the procedure but technically I was obese and trust me my ankles and knees knew it but I gotta say I felt that way about a young girl who was being prepared for the procedure in my room as I was being checked out-she was 5'7 195 pounds and honestly she did not look very overweight or certainly not enough to me to have the procedure but with that said I am not another persons judge but I do wonder if the criteria is very low if nonexistant down in good ole meheeco compared to here cause Im almost positive the doctor I originally was gonna use here in the states would NOT have too…

I have been a lurker for several months during my weight loss journey. I have gone from 225 to 168 in 7 months. I have had one fill. Today I go in to have a fill and they find I have a slip in my band. Has this happened to any of you? They told me if I stay on liquids for two weeks and come back a lot of times it readjust and takes care of itself.What have you experienced with this. I so hope I don't have to have the surgery ro fix this. I am really freaking out. Any advice would be great.

anyone know of any fill dr.s in ohio?? thanks!

Ladies, I had my first fill on Monday, I was having some problems after but figure I would give it a few days. Of course liquids then mushy's for 3 days. Well yesterday was Protein drink then Soup at lunch, at dinner I tried a soft chicken nugget, well forget about it! I pb for about 2 hours then vomited several times, I felt my esphougas(sp) contracting, I really got scared. This morning called the doctor and they had me come right in. The fill on Monday was 1.75cc's and today they took out .25cc's, so what does that mean, where am I at right now? I know a lot of you have had experience in this. I also dropped another 3 pounds since Monday.... My doctor said liqui…

Does anybody have problems sitting? I feel fine if I am laying down on the couch or in bed.. but.. when i sit on the couch for more than 30 mins or in the chair with ottoman, my stomach KILLS ME. it really hurts.. i have to keep standing up or just give up and lay down.. my left side hurts so bad and i just cant seem to be comfortable just sitting. sitting and leaning on the arm of the couch or putting tons of pillows behind me helps ZERO. it is killing me now trying to sit on the couch and type on my laptop.... and it seems to be getting worse. it is very painful. what is this?

Okay guys...I've read a ton of fill threads so I apologize in advance for starting a new one. Today I got my first fill...I was fully expecting to feel something...the fill person was very nice and had been recommended to me by others. 2 hits and missed the port completely (okay now I understand how that can happen). So we go to lay me down completley as opposed to a semi-lay thing and we find the port....no problem. I go immediately to find something to eat (i'm starved) and figure out ho wmuch restriction I have...I was able to eat an entire ham and cheese omelette without a lot of chewing or fanfare...now this may not seem like a big deal except for the fact t…

Does anyone know of a good fill doctor in Southern California that will accept a Mexico banded patient? I found one in San Bernardino, but he does blind fills <yikes!> and I'm terrified that my band will be poked in the wrong place! I'd appreciate any help, thanks!

1st, I just called my surgeon's office and they did the 1st 4 band surgeries this week (with the proctor). All successful (or would they tell me otherwise).. Since they don't have alot of experience, I am really counting on this board. Can everyone tell me how long before they returned to work? And for those others who ride motorcycle, how long before you could ride? I am not much of a pub jumper (bar hopper) but like to go somewhere. I don't have any 500+ mile days planned for the 1st month but probably a few 250-300 mile days. Is that going to be too much?

Hey everyone...I will be banded on June 9. I am working hard to finish my school year.{I teach First Grade}I am sooooo tired these days from all I have to do.I want to know if any of you have any ideas of supplements I can start taking now to help me with energy. I saw liquid B 12 at GNC Saturday. ,,,was wondering how that would do. On the other hand..I m having trouble sleeping. too! Shesssh...I sound like a mess!!

about lapband surgery-its the info pack they send most people b4 surgery but since mine happened so quick there was no time.Im looking forward to reading it.Basicly though-I can still eat everything I like just in smaller quantities right?Of course after healing is done.my hubby is concerned that itll make him feel like a pig if I only eat broth all the time-lol.Actually he's very supportive but not quite sure as neither am I.I gleen that all will be the same just less of it.

do ya'll have one of these going?It might be neat-I know I personally have some nice clothes that I hope won't fit in a few months and would be happy to trade or something to get some nice clothes that do fit.