LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I tend to be able to eat more at night then during the day - I get "stuck" alot during the day time but at dinner and after I can eat and eat! I have had one fill 2 weeks ago - could I need another? I have only lost 4 lbs since my fill and and my scale is stuck at 296.5!!! I am trying to drink my Water - not as much as I should though.

I'm getting ready to have the band done, and I was wondering if your doctors were telling you to eat basically only protein? My doctor is using the same diet as for the Roux-N-Y patients, and that surprised me. From what I've read, I thought I could eat vegetables, and tiny bits of other things. Thanks for your help!!

Congratulations everyone!!! Happy Band-days to You!!!! April 25 Mamadiggs April 25 Dramaqueen April 25 new life April 26 Debbiedola April 27 one too many (Perth Aussie) April 27 thechatrooper April 27 BeachBabe(soon) Tina April 27 Alatina April 27 AngieBell April 28 TrishS April 28 Dannie's Darlin (Debbie) April 28 spldgrl(Brenda) postponed to May:( April 29 Jan W (Perth Aussie) April 29 GypsyBaby April 29 BeckyinTexas April 29 Larry (AngieBell's hubby) April 30 desertmom anyone else? Prayers for a great surgery and smooth recovery for all of you!

Are there any NC people out there. i've been banded for two months and I can not find any local support........................

Has anyone been told about whether Splenda sugar substitute is OK to use??? I am not banded yet and have switched to it..Its expensive but you can cook with it, sprinkle in foods, and use in coffee. I love it.

First, congrads on your decision and good luck with your surgery. But would you mind asking your surgeon some questions? We need some fresh opinions (in my stale opinion!) These things have been discussed many times here at LBT, but all the surgeons have different opinions, so what's the latest opinion on: 1. Carbonation: Does it cause erosion? Does it stretch the pouch? Or do we avoid it simply because it causes gas pains? 2. Alcohol: Does it cause erosion, or do we avoid it because it's empty calories? 3. Drinking before and after meals: How long to wait after eating? What are their reasons for these rules? 4. NSAIDs - is there any new information re…

wish me luck!Im off to catch a 8:15 flight and by this time tomorrow Ill be getting my band in Mexico-this is so exciting if not a bit scary.I love this board and appreciate all the info and kindness here-I cant wait to get back and go thru this process with everyone.Do ya'll meet each other and meet for weekends or lunch-that sort of thing?Itd be fun I think to meet people who are going thru same thing and understand.

I had my surgery back 01/07/05 and to date I have lost 24.5 pounds, since I have not workout but 2 or 3 days since my band I finally started to feel quitly so I made myself go yesterday and I will go today and the following day until I get myself set on a schedule. Can everyone tell me how much you exercise a week and how much you normally loss a week when you do exercise and if you don't how much have you lost without exercising.

My name is Don and I have enjoyed and learned alot being a lurker on this board for a while now. I am having my Band Surgery on Monday May 2, and I am so excited. I have 100lbs to lose and I am ready. I am from Jacksonville, Florida and I want to personally Thank all of ya'll for the wealth of information I have received from this board. I will post when I get back from the hospital next week and let ya'll know how it went. Thanks again

Hi Everyone I apologize for not being an active participant here..This is the only board I ever look at and have ever participated in....I was banded in NYC on 11/11/04...I started my pre-surgery journey 2 weeks prior to surgery at 302.5...I am now 226-230 depending on how much ice cream I have consumed recently...I say how much because I seem to always want ice cream recently...This really is no joke or funny kind of thing..although having lost a great deal of weight and feeling sucessful and much happier after being given this wonderful opportunity I am now succumbing to the wonders of Ben and Jerry's, Haagen-Dazs, Starbucks, and all the old and new great ice cream tr…

I received a message from 1 person who had Dr.Jacome for a surgeon. I lost her address. Does anyone know anything about this doctor?

Hi Everyone, I am freaking out. I got on the scale today and realized that I have gained 5 pounds. I have been sitting at 180-184 for the last 6 weeks. Today, I was at 185.5 and I almost popped a gasket. Yeah, I know what I am doing wrong, so dont beat me up too bad. I am not exercising. I am eating out a lot and making poor food choices. I have been testing the boundaries of what I cant and can do. I am full of self loathing and disgust. I dont want to gain, I dont need a fill, just an attitude adjustment and some accountability. So I ask for your help. I will report here everyday for the next 30 days. I am going on vacation on may 26th and I want to lose 10 pounds…

I went to a shrink yesterday, my other therapist recommened it. He prescribed Wellbritrim(sp?) and Topamax. Wellbritrin in the morning and Topamax before I go to bed. One is anti-depressant and other I forget whats it's for. But i think it's also a kinda of a mood stabilizer. ????? Paper it came with said it's for seizures?? I'm going to call and find out. I don't really like taking meds. Has any one taken either of these? They both say "do not crush". Shrink said I should even lose a few of lbs and my sex drive will start rockin 'n rollin. Any info much appreciated...

Should I stop when I feel "stuck"? I feel like I can eat more than I should but I do get stuck at about every meal - is that my signal??

So you can't eat and drink at the same time when ur banded. Like if u have a bite of something u cant take even a small sip of water? jw...thx for the help!

I am not sure that I am eating enough. I'm terrrified to eat to much but I'm getting splitting headaches. My Dr food plan states liquid for the 1st 48 hours and then to mushy food for 4 weeks. I just had my surgery on Monday and the first 48 were fine. But now I feel like I'm straving (headaches, shakes, grumbling stomache). Did this happen to anyone else? Also does anyone have a good idea on how to get sleep at this point? Please help?

After months of dealing with the refusal to pay, my insurance company has FINALLY come through! Last week I went for my psyc eval and then got my approval letter via fax the day after... (If I'd known that's all it took I could have visited the psyc sooner!) Last Thursday the nurse at the Wt Mgmt Group told me that the doctor's schedule was booked pretty heavy and it would most likely be the end of May. (I'm working on a pretty tight schedule at that point since my insurance is changing June 1st!) Well, I got the call Monday letting me know that my surgery had been scheduled and it would be May 4th! That's next week... I wasn't quite expecting that! After all this t…

Hey everyone, I just wanted to check in and let everyone know how I'm doing. I'm starting my 6th week post op. I went to Dr. Yesterday and I'm down 17 pounds since I got my band.That means I'm 30 pounds down since middle of January!!! Woooohooo Thats exciting!!!!!! I got a fill and I can tell it is different already. I 'm not quit sure the amount of the fill. I was so excited I forgot to ask what the cc's are. I guess it doesn't really matter as long as I'm losing weight.I can feel the liquids I drink going through the band kinda like a gurgle so I would think I'm pretty tight. I did liquids yesterday and Dr. said just to take it slow and easy today and to call…

Anyone have some good ideas on quick and easy meals??? I need new ideas! A regular for my family is tacos.... hard or soft tortillias shells - heated in micro seasoned ground meat chedder cheese chopped lettuce chopped green onions chopped tomatoes sour cream This is one of the quickest and easiest meals... and still healthy!

After reading an old post where it was stated that Ortiz trained Lopez I contacted Craig Arthur at Inamed and asked if they could confirm this. I received an email back from Inamed that states Ortiz was not Lopez' trainer. Lopez was trained by a European MD and certified in 1996. This contradicts what I was told about Lopez having done these types of surgeries for the past 10 years. I was banded in 2004. Yeah he was off a couple of years but it was still a lie. Just be more aware of who actually trained who when you decide what doctor to use. You can always double check with Inamed to verify what you are told.

Only two this week?!!! I can't believe that! So, happy BandDay to Katie and dallasdoll...Katie today/Monday (you go girl!) and dallasdoll on Friday. Blessings for a safe surgery and healthy recovery!! April 11 Katie (katerzz) April 15 dallasdoll Welcome to Bandland!!!

Just curious...I just had my 3rd adjustment yesterday. My doc told me 2 days of clear liquids. I don't remember this rule on my last 2 fills. Maybe I was in denial...or maybe he forgot, but I heard it this time. I don't even have anymore broth in the house...the thought of it makes me feel sick. LOL. What did your doc tell you after your adjustment?

Hi A friend of mine works in infant nutrition.They are doing research all the time and questions keep coming up about bottle fed versus breastfed babies and obesity in adults........... Being a sceptic by nature.... I think a little survey is in order here...dont you? OK,so were you breastfed or bottle fed?

I'm having trouble getting any sort of meats down and need some ideas. So what are ya'll putting on your meats to moisten them up enough to go down without a pb? What's your favorite food lube?

Hey it's CollegeJoe and just wanted to say im still here and havent disappeared...just busy with classes but wanted to say that i got an appointment at NorthWestern Medical Center ....i was born there lol.... May 17!!! So that day i like to call Judgment Day because we will find out about it and IF insurance covers it. I'm under my mother's insurance which is Aetna PPO. SO hopefully everything will go alright... AND the bad news is... well not for me really but that the Wish Center in Chicago was on fox news because it filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy!!!! i didnt believe it either! They were doing a segment of how they filed and some people may not be able to get their …

I went for a fluoroscopy fill this morning. Dr. McKeen accessed my port, not a problem. Proceeded to remove the pervious fill...nada, a few drops. puts 2 cc's in pulls out 1. Drink some Barium, I'm wide open. Puts 2 cc's in, drink some barium, still wide open...Hey lets go for 4cc's...wide open. Time for Contrast, you could see it going up even pass the sleeve (the hole that was fixed a month ago) then stop right before the band. So now I turn sideways and the x-ray machine goes in for a close-up starting at my port. Add more contrast, follow up the tubing. Big leak at the top of the sleeve, shooting out like your thumb on a hose. They took lots of pictures/films. I …

Hi Everyone, I'm off to Bali in July and I am absolutely dreading the flight to and fro. It's only about 5 hours but it is so uncomfortable. I was hoping to have lost more weight before I went, but my first fill hasn't had much effect, and I don't have another until the end of May. I have an aisle seat, so that helps a bit, but the tray won't go down and the belt won't fit. I hate the idea of asking for more seatbelt. oh,cringe cringe. I'm 320 pds. Anyone have any tips? Thanks, Rachel.

Hey guys, I'm on the Mcleods diet, it a pre op diet but I am always so hungry, I have been on it 6 days now, but still 8 to go.... HELP, any tips would be much appreciated... Thanks

Just read somewhere that bandsters beep at the airport security. Is that true?

I cannot believe I have been on this journey for 11 months today...almost a year. It has been a wonderful experience so far. I have lost alot and feel great. I have met some really nice people in here too. I went in for an adjustment today, my third. They reminded me of the date! LOL. I am now up to 3cc's, and hope this takes me the rest of the way I have to go...just wanted to share.

Has anyone ever had one? I know what's involved for a straa test but my primary doc want me to have one before my lap band. I have an abnormal EKG since forever due to open heart surgury when I was a kid (6). Repair valve but doc want stress test anyway. boo hoo!!!! I guess it's better to do it just in case I code on the table.lol

I submitted several weeks ago to BCBS for preapproval. Last week I get a call saying that I HAVE to have the psych eval before they will even look at my request for preapproval. So I asked if the eval would be covered and they say we have a seperate mental health provider and give me an 800 number to call for more details. I call and speak to the (very nasty) lady at value options mental health providers and was told the following: 1) the psych eval would be covered at 75% for the doctor that my surgeon recomended, if the eval was deemed nessary by mental health standards (aka they don't give a **** if bcbs wants it done) if not nessary it would be paid at 38% (not sure …

I know there are other travelers out there. I just got home from being gone almost a whole month. I was afraid to step on the scale when I get home. I knew I had gained weight. I did manage to weigh myself on some scales while I was gone and it showed I had packed on 10 lbs. I was skeptical but it had an affect on me nonetheless. I got on the home scale this morning and it showed I had only gained 2 lbs from when I left home. HOORAY!!! That is HUGE!!!!!! Only two lbs. And that is most likely water. I am so proud of myself.

Today is the day I should have got my band, instead I spent it trying to get the results of the MRI/MRA they did on my liver. After calling the surgeons office on Fri. Mon. and today, I called my PCP. Turns out she's the one who should have called me with the results, and surprise she still has not called me. Of course this is the same PCP who told me the Ultra Sound they did on my liver back in Dec. only showed Portal Hypertension because I'm fat. Opps! Turns out my liver is screwed because I had a prior blood clot due to a clotting disorder (Factor Five Leiden). Now none of the Dr.'s want to talk to me until I see the hematologist, who has the test results, but sh…

I, have now lost 54.5 pound's in less three month's Prase God! Here is the question? I ate supper even knowing that I, was'ent hungery. dident it a lot but enough.Then I' felt that I' had to go and walk the food off that I' ate.Some time's I' think that i don't even want to eat knowing that I have to go walk it off! When it come's to that then I' just eat a yogurt or some fruit. Eat very lite. I' am not banded! and my Calorie's intake is under 1200 most day's even less. And I, drink a gallon of Water aday. I' eat egg beater's 30 calorie's per quarter cup half cup. Potato bread 90 cal's per slice 2 slice's 1 or 2 Yogurt's per day 100 cal' good cup of strawbarr…

Hey eyerone posting to almost every forum to get replys....I was wanderin if anyone has heard or been to dr.Sanchez in Monterrey Mexico... I really been researching and need to hear more about fills and what they do and how many fills are usually needed? Thanks Cassie

Okay, been wondering this for awhile. I know that a persons stomach (a muscle as well as an organ) shrinks during dieting which causes less food intake to feel full. Then when you stop dieting you slowly expand your stomach again. SOOOOOOO, my question is to all the veteran bandsters (1 year after banding?) do you feel as if your stomach has "shrunk" naturally and that if someone removed your band completely you would not eat as much as you did when you were at your heaviest? Hence, needing less food to satisfy naturally?

Well, it is official. I am one of the unlucky "no restriction till filled" patients. I was lucky to be a fast healer and bounce back from surgery as if I had a tooth pulled but now that i am week 4 after surgery I can eat like a horse again. I have always been a great healer and knew my swelling would go down FAST but this is ridiculous!! I am so mad at myself for not having the self control!! I would have never thought I could but yesterday we had pizza for dinner. I tried a bite, then another, then another.... 3 SLICES later, I am full. Geez, I have to get this under control!!! On the third week after surgery I started my full solids. I have no issues with…

Hi everone, thanks for the strong support. My other half of 24 years has been moping around like someone has died. he keeps asking me not to go through with it,that I am perfect the way I am. I know in my heart that this is a wonderful opportunity to get myself back to a healthy weight , raise my self esteem and in general my overall quailty of life. He has told me that this will affect our ability to eat in fine resturants and to enjoy the eating experiances of life. he is sad and uncomfortable with the change. I.m personaly a little nervous but excited buy all the possibilties. My surgery is secduled for monday may 2nd. and things are a little tense around here. I know …

According to Boarder Patrol, starting next year you'll need a passport to cross the border.

I just changed jobs so I could have the lap band surgery covered. My old job excluded it in its benefits. Does anyone know how long the waiting period is with new insurance before I can have surgery?

I am back from burying my dear sweet father-in-law (57 years old and the world's oldest teenager as my hubby says). Anyway...my surgery is rescheduled to May 12th - Dr. Malley, Lenexa Kansas. The nerves can start again!!! (Dr. Malley's patients do not have to do any pre-surgery diet...just 24 hours prior.)

I just had my first fill yesterday and boy am I restricted. Wondering how much was your first fill and do you eventually loosen up? I was on liquids yesterday and soft foods today but can't seem to keep anything down, feel really tight! I think she told me 1.75cc's on the first fill? Thanks, Corgi

OMG please... Im soooo scared... Bad Intro... but Im really trying to get everything in order... I have a list... Im excited.. Im scared... Im nervous... I know all there is to know ( thanks you all) I want this thread as my venting thread if its okay... I leave tomorrow for a 365mile drive to CO for my pre-op. I hope everything goes well... I cant wait to see my Dr. and Cameron... I talk to him so much over the phone I cant wait to see him... again... Havent seen them since Jan. 7th hehehe. Im going to tell both Cameron and Dr. Smith that I am so nervous and scared.... I hope that dont change anything.. which I think Its all normal... Thanks for all the support.. I …

I have one of two consultations tomorrow...yippee...anyway, I have a question. Did you bring your spouse with you to the consultations? I am not planning on having my husband at the consultations, but I do plan on having him attend a seminar (which is required by one of the treatment centers). What is your opinion on this? Thanks Margo

Hey Folks, I was banded last Tuesday April 19th and Life has been Hell since then. I see so many people on this forum that are so happy with their band but I can't imagine why from sitting in my seat. I feel I am the poster child for someone to not have this done. I have suffered from Nausea for several days and Phenegran and Zofran doesn't work. I started maxing out on water and that helped with the nausea but has left little room for nutrients. Last friday I was admitted to the ER on doctors orders because of the Nausea. My doctor actually came to the hospital and took me back to radiology. He then proceeded to draw 1cc of fluid out of my supposedly empty band. He said…

I have all 3x pants from Old Navy and they are big!! I decided to try the 2X (22-24) and the jeans fit. I am down 34.5 lbs since surgery (1/24/05) and was feeling bad because I only lost a few lbs since my first fill (4/14/05).

My husband is looking at a job in St Paul or and I'm just doing so research to see what's available in the area for the lap-band...I have the swedish... any info is great. thanks <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Hi! I was banded on March 2nd 2005. I have done pretty well so far, I started out at 185 and am now at 169. I had my first fill last Wed. (6 days ago) without flouro. In the few weeks before the fill I could eat anything I wanted. I did fine and felt restriction for the 1st 3 or 4 days after my fill, but sure enough yesterday and today I'm back to being able to eat like pre-band times!! He put 1.6cc's in my 4cc band, and said that should give me good restriction for a few months!! Needless to say I'm bummed about it being only a few days and I feel like its gone. I'm wondering since Im a lower BMI patient if I should expect to not feel the restriction as much as o…

Okay, first let me say that the WISH center in Phoeninx has NO CLUE what they are doing based on my 15 minute phone conversation!! This is how it went.(warning: gonna be a bit long).... I got a call at about 10 am. I got another call seconds later and I went to answer the other line and accidentally hung up on the WISH center call. AAARGH! So I got to caller ID and call them back (local #). I talk to the receptionist and tell her I was "just talking to someone about the Lap Band fill program" and would like to speak to them again. She has NO IDEA what I am talking about and says "we don't do anything like that here". I tell her that I was just talking to someone abou…