LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

ok... its official.. im freaked. my surgery is scheduled for next friday.... i am officially on a liquid diet and i have already cheated by having a sandwich... i wasnt really doing the liquid diet right anyway... im sorry but tomato Soup and a pudding just wasnt doing it... i caved.. i cant even make it through DAY 1 of the pre op diet... now i am wondering if i can do this!! clearly i have a problem with self control here. it also doesnt help that my parents call me every day with the same questions... "are you nerrrrrrrrrvous? are you excited? are you scared? are you sure?" AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! the more they ask the more i freak out. my friends are all behind m…

I decided today that sashimi was "mushy". =) I went to my favorite sushi place (I'm an addict) and ordered the "Sashimi Appetizer". I'd already told the sushi chef there that I was having surgery (yes, I love sushi SO much that I have a personal relationship with my sushi chef =) ) so he was happy to see me and knew I wouldn't be his cash cow anymore =) He cut the sashimi into tiny pieces at my request, and I sat with a friend and ate my "appetizer" as he ate a much larger meal. He was done in 20 minutes, but sat with me for another 25 as I finished my feast. It was, indeed, mushy -- especially with proper chewing. It went down without any pain or discomfort whats…

Hi Everyone, I was doing a search and came across a discussion about bad breath. I didn't see where anyone brought this product up "Therabreath"......My husband does Atkins and we discovered this solution and it really does work. Anything that can handle bad breath due to ketosis is a blessing. You should also brush or scrape your tongue, my dentist showed me that 30 years ago. anyway here is the link if you are interested....www.therabreath.com Tomorrow is suppose to be the day!

Hi, I will be having my lb put in on april 5 by Dr. Ortiz in TJ. I am getting very excited but nervous to, because you know - it's tj. I am 5'2" @ 225 and 41yo. I so much want to be healthy and HAPPY. My weight consumes me all day and everyday. I worry to much about what people are thinking of me and how disgusting I must look. I am tired of beating myself up. I want this to work and I do plan on doing my part, but are you all sure it's worth it? I am concerned with what you are suppose to eat and am afraid of that pbing thing you all talk about. Can anyone who has been to Dr. Ortiz please fill me in on their experience. Also are you suppose to get a Dr. close to home for…

Hi everyone! I'm soooooooo happy to be home. I had my nose and chin surgery on the 31st and was banded on the 1st. It's been a tough recovery, but I feel great! Dr. Sanchez and his staff were wonderful! I only got to see the doctor right before surgery, but he was very nice. Dr. Cardenas did my ps and he and his staff were unbelievably attentive. Dr. Cardenas came to check on me in the guest house two times a day, everyday! The guest house is beautiful, but I wouldn't stay there again for a couple of reasons. My sister went with to Monterrey with me and she woke up screaming one night because a roach had crawled into bed with her. I saw a lot of roaches, in the bat…

Congratulation!!! You get that band girl!!!! I know you will do wonderful!!! Please let us know how you are doing as soon as you can!!!! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow!!!

What is the fastest time anyone has returned to work? I am a nurse, but I don't do any heavy lifting. My ultimate fantasy is to have the surgery like on a Thursday, take it and Friday off, then have my scheduled weekend off, and return on Monday. Do you think it can happen? I understand that there may be complications, but if not? Thanks

I am really TRYING to get a exercising regiment down. What are you all doing? Any suggestions?

I saw the surgeon today and starting the process. My insurance covers this however, they require certain criteria. I was told I need a diet history for the last 6 months. I am not sure what all is needed. Can someone help me write this...what details do they want etc. For example..all I can say is tried Xenical for 3 months..didn't work...didn't loose any weight...gained weight later.. But I think they want more than that. Does anyone know how this should be written. Thanks

(this thread started in "My Secret Lapband") A lot of my Anglo friends hear "Mexico surgery" and picture a Pancho Villa imitator swigging a bottle of tequila, strapping patients to the back of a donkey, and wielding a rusty machete -- before taking a siesta in the shade of a giant cactus while a rogue Chihuahua lifts his leg. And if I happen to mention that the operation was less expensive than at a US hospital . . . well, let's just say it doesn't help. I have nothing but praise for my Mexican surgeon, his staff, and the hospital where I received my band. Most people who make derogatory comments about Mexico haven't been there, and certainly haven't experienced the …

I was told by my nurse at the hospital to let water run down on the incisions during a shower and then afterward ad some antibacterial ointment to them. I was just curious how the rest of you were told to care for your incision???? And by the way, you all were right.........the nurse said I could have removed the dressings days ago. Thanks

Hi.. I am getting so worried. First of all, I was feeling a pain right under my large inscission. A ripping/tearing pain on my left side. It hurt when I slept on my side and when I moved in a certain way.. people here told me it was normal and I was releived. BUT NOW.. I am having the same kind of pain but about 8 inches lower than it was before and no where near an inscision and actually seems to be in just fat. (my lower stomach thats all flab) And it hurts when ever I shift my self, like to stand or sit up. Is this normal too.. To have that pain that low as well now? The pain I was having before is gone. (the pain in my large inscision area) Thanks…

Hello all, I have an odd question.. I used to snore, quite alot, and quite loud before the surgery.. Well, now my husband is amazed.. I no longer snore.. My husband said that since the surgery i have slept very peaceful and quiet.. I know before surgery they asked if i had sleep apnea. I said "no", my husband felt "yes.".. So the doctors said that they would watch and see how losing some weight helps.. But what surprises me is the fact that it stopped - right after surgery.. Anybody else have this wonderful thing happen to them..

I was talking to a friend about the lapband surgery and he said some people regain the weight they lost. I am sure there are exceptions but does anyone know people that have long term results from the lapband. I do not want to have it done if in a year I will regain my weight. I am hoping this is the exception and not the rule.

I went to the Doctor today for my 4 week post op. I have been very down because the second I started walking I stopped loosing. When I was weighed I was down 1.3% in body fat in the last two weeks. YEAH!! I was so happy to hear that something was going on in there.

hi just a questions what do you mean when your suppose to eat only 1 cup each meal is that everything i usually have 3 oz of protein and a 1/2 cup of veggies and sometimes a small portion of carb i was reading on you should eat six small meals a day like breakfast,snack,lunch,snack,dinner,snack the snacks would be like fruit or veg or low cal fat free icecream at night i read that you should feed youe body every three hours so it does not go into strarvation mode and slow your metabolism can anyone tell me how they portion there food for the day and is on a good losing pattern that is nice an slow thanks julie

Went to the surgeon yesterday and my paperwork is at bc bs new england ma for approval then I set up a date with the surgeon and I will be in band land so excited can't wait. the y said bc bs approves within 14 days so well see.

Three weeks of stuffed and aching ears has put a big crimp in my weight loss plans. Eating all the wrong stuff and no exercise. BUT -I'm off all the drugs the doctors gave me and II'm ready to start hitting curves. My immediate goal -the 220's are evil i dont want to be associated with them anymore, I shall run through then with th grace and speed of a gazelle.

Hey all, I don't know if I have ever posted to this site, I must read in here. I was banded Oct. 25, 2003 and I just found out yesterday that my band is eroding and that I have to have it removed. I'm very frustrated, because I went to Mexico and paid out of my pocket for something that I thought would be there to help me the rest of my life, and here it is a year later and I have to have it taken out. A lady that went at the same time as me and had it done the same day by the same doctor also has to have hers removed this Thursday. Coincidence we think NOT. Has anyone else had this problem and if so did you contact Inamed and did you get any information that would be hel…

Ok Ladies....I'm talking about cellulite. I'd like feedback from those experienced bandsters that have really shed the pounds. Did you also lose the cellulite or do you still have it? I thought I read somewhere that even when you lose weight the "cottage cheese" thighs stick around. Naaaaa, I'm not looking to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.....just daydreaming of what a realistic 150 looks like.

I was going to PM Donali with this question because of her experience with therapy in this area but I thought others might benefit from the information, too. Most of you know I've been through a little trama as of late, and I'm having a really hard time with all the feelings that are cropping up inside of me. Before the band, I would have eaten until I was numb. As soon as I started feeling anything again, I would have eaten more and more and more. Now, with the band, I can't numb myself. I have to "deal" with my feelings...but what the hell does that mean? How do you deal with feelings? I never knew how much anxiety I carry around in myself until now- wh…

Hello everyone, I'm back from Mexico and everything went well as expected. I’m a little sore, haven't had anything for pain since leaving the hospital. The liquid stage got off to a good start, until this evening! Started crying while warming up my Soup. I don't even like eggs that much but I’m looking forward to having an egg. I’m looking forward to the next stage “MUSHY” Need words of encouragement have no one to talk to about the surgery. Haven’t told anyone about my surgery (except my husband). When will I be able to sleep on my side and stomach again?

okay, I only lost one pound last week, but my calories have been down around 800 calories. I've decided that my goal is at minimum 1200 calories. I cannot eat very large meals (woot!) so I've decided to add a fouth meal. I was teasing my DH that maybe I should to go the Cold Stone Ice Cream place for my extra 400 calories! Ah ha ha ha ha At 800 calories I can't even get all my Protein in, so I"m adding a 4th meal. Time to take my own advice!

Hi Gang, I got my 2nd fill of 1.8cc a few days ago under floro. The doctor actually filled me with 2cc and I drank the barium and it showed the barium would not go through the band. She took out .1 and I was still blocked. After another decrease of .1 the barium flowed through. The band holds 4 cc's so how can 2 ccs fill up an 4cc band? I don't understand that. Can someone give me their opinion on this? Cound this mean the band was put on tight to begin with?(even though it was empty?) Thanks!

I'm not doing the mushy well at all...todays menu: 1 6oz Protein shake for Breakfast lunch 4 oz broth 2 meatballs chopped finely 2 teaspoons mashed potatoes dinner 1 6oz yogurt 2 teaspoons chicken salad blended well (was fabulous) 3 crackers 4 8oz glasses of Water w/lemon Totals cal 607 fat 25 carb 57 protein 38 Neither mushy nor fully liquid but i'm not hungry...I probably won't lose anything at this rate either though. I'm really trying hard to do mushy (just passed total liquid altogether...the antibiotics were makihng me sick w/just mushy)...I know i'm going to have to make major changes - I just don't know where to start.

Okay Gang...here we go, we have 8 new bandsters this week... Jennifer (jrowell) on the 29th Ezzysmom on the 30th gunn4ya on the 30th gypj on the 31st Isa on the 1st Geochic77 on the 1st jeangab on the 2nd AND BigDaddy216 on the 2nd. Good luck everyone, have a happy and safe surgery and recovery, and puleeeze post when you return, so we know you are safe. Don't make us worry and fret, now. Wanna see your cute avatars on a welcome home thread, okay? Happy Banding!!!! (Bumped and edited from the April Bandsters thread, for more widespread well-wishes. Come on you cheerleaders, give them a rowdy send-off!!!

I need some advice on the necessity of my 2nd fill. I was banded 2/28/05, a little over 4 weeks ago. I had my first fill last week. I can feel restriction, but nothing too tight. My PA told me that she wants me to come back in for another fill in about two weeks. I have lost a total of 27 pounds since I was weighed one week prior to surgery. (Average of 5.4 lbs per week.) My questions is..... If I am making this much progress should I get a fill right now? Should I wait until I hit a plateau? I don't feel deprived of food at all. I am currently eating about a cup per meal of mostly healthy items. (Small indulgence once and awhile...) So far I have been trying to walk m…

Hello every one I"d like to tell you a story about buying a cheap $20.00 scale. I started out my Quest to lose weight, because my Doctor told me I had to. I'd like to tell you I' thought of it for the past twenty years, but that's not the case. I, bought a scale at menard's $20. started at 310 pound's have really been eating alot less. smaller portion's lot's of Water lot's of walking & walking some more & even a little jogging. I thought I, was down to 264 after to month's I got up weighed my self 3 time's 264 wow im doing good steped back on that cheap scale now I weighed 220 then 215 what the heck is going on!!!!! Here's the catch < went up and bough…

Had yearly blood work done and got the results back from my doc today. Total Cholesterol-down 28 mg HDL Cholesterol (Good stuff)-up 7 mg LDL Cholesterol (Bad stuff)-down 30 mg Triglycerides-down 65 mg And a little note from the doctor saying "Inspiring! Great!" Last year at this time, my levels were high enough she wanted to put me on medication to treat it. I didn't do it....I know stubborn. Did NOT want to be on more meds. Needless to say, this help boost my spirits today. Praise God!

Hello Everyone, I'm really happy for all of you that have recently been approved for lap band surgery. Called my lap band coordinator today in Dallas. She says it takes about 60 days to hear from your insurance. Is this correct??? Ladies I'm worried that it won't happen for me. Meantime, I'm getting bigger waiting for this to happen . GOD I NEED A BREAK IN MY LIFE. Sometimes I feel like everyone is getting what they want except me. I don't mean any disrespect. It is just really tough on me now. I feel this is what I really need in my life now. Maybe someone or anyone could give me some advice. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT GREATLY!!! Have a nice day or night. love, d…

I'm sooo nervous. I have my preop at 11:30 with the surgeon then at 2:30 we have the preop class to attend. I am defiantely scared to death about not "passing" when it comes to not gaining any weight.. i doubt i have but my life will be thrown up side down if they cancel my surgery for ANY reason!! WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

watching the evening news and they sited a medical study that recommends WLS for MO folks! NBC local news cast. I have't found antying else yet

I have been doing my nightly researching and came across something that woudl really address only long-term band users (probably those that got banded at least 5 years ago) but am sounding if off you guys. Some sites say that because of the silicone in the band, autoimmune problems could THEORETICALLY result. THe full quote is here: Silastic reaction- it is possible that the material of the Band could create some type of body immune reaction that stimulates a separate disease process such as arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE). However the Band is made of a silicone elastomer which is completely non-reactive to the body tissues, as far as it has been possib…

After hours spent reading & learning. Learning & reading, I sometimes start to freak myself out a bit with all the possiblities that can & do go wrong with the band. I would love if it were possible to have a thread that tells of the easy days. The no problem days. The life is so much better with the band days. The can't believe how easy it is to drink & eat days (healthy that is). The happy times even at parties & restaurants days. No worry days. ect ........

I am about 5 days post op and I was wondering..........when is it safe to have sex already?????? Thanks

Jemima J. it is by Jane Green and is now my favorite book. I am not what you call an Avid reader, but I got into this 400 page book and read it in two nights. IT IS AMAZING, it is an ugly duckling to beautiful swan story and SOO worth the read. Please pick it up if you get the chance, you will not be sorry. OH, it is very British, and there were some things that I just didnt get (for this TEXAS girl) but it such a warm and inspiring story.. that you get past the parts you dont "get"

I was banded Wed. and just haven't felt like coming up the stairs to our office to get online until today. The first day I thought "Oh this was a breeze compared to my C-section 7months ago," and then day 2 hit. OMG I was miserable! Oh well, then yesterday I felt 100% better and today I even walked around the block with my sister and my son in his stroller ( she has Downs and has been staying with me to help me with my baby since I can't lift him, She has been sooooo helpful, don't know what I would do without her). So here I am, a bandster and I am pretty excited about it. Of course right now the liquid phase doesn't seem so bad but I know that soon it will become…

hi i been reading alot on greentea and the effects it is supose to have on your metabolisim has any one tried it it is suposed to increase your thyroid function which in turn will help you lose weight i was thinking of buying the extract has any one have any thoughts on this julie

Help!!! I am getting so nervous about being able to do all of this....I am a grazer of sorts. Doing much better with the help of U-Mass, but food does still call my name. Most days I am in control. I have never been a large amount of food eater, more a slow drip sort of eater. Every day I want to try just a liquid diet of sorts so as to prepare but am unable to stay with it or even begin. Am I a failure or what? I have been able to lose 14 pounds recently and would like to lose 20 more before banding in June(hopefully). I guess I am asking all you grazers if the band has helped you.

This is just an observation that I've had that I wanted to share with those who have yet to be banded. I had several "last" meals before my banding. I wanted to eat as much of my favorite foods as often as I could, knowing that once I was banded, I'd never be able to eat that way again. My best, last meal was about $70 worth of sushi and sashimi. It only took me about 20 minutes to eat it all. It was all of my favorites, and a meal worthy of a king, no doubt. A couple of days ago, I went back to that sushi restaurant and had the lunch sashimi special. It cost $10 and took me 45 minutes to eat. I can honestly say that I enjoyed the $10 meal 10x as much as I enj…

Hi there, I've been wondering this for a while, I still have 23 lbs to lose and no doubt that they will be the hardest to lose, but I know that I will get there at least by mid summer, I just pray and hope so. Well I am scheduled to have a tt mid July and I was curious what happens once your there at your goal. Do you go get an unfill? half an unfill? What?? Or do you continue with all the restriction you have? I sure would like to know what happens when you get to that place over the rainbow. Coffewench, you look like your at goal and you look wonderful after your tt, do you still have restriction? Can you please help me understand what will be next? I hope you can.

Well, I couldn't keep lips from flapping. I TOLD MY MOTHER................The Master of negativity and bestower of self-doubt. She thinks getting the lap band is taking the easy way out......is lazy..........is not being able to commit.......is not having discipline. Get some discipline and stop putting that no good food in your mouth...........Say to your self "I will only eat this salad" "I will not eat that piece of chocolate cake" The band is a crutch. She just recently stopped smoking throught Laser Therapy(it has worked) and has replaced smoking with........ can you guess? Thats right... eatting. Where's her discipline?That women has some kind of hold on me, so now …

Dr. Eduardo Gonzalas at the Surgical Weight Loss Center in Winston-Salem. Phone number is (336) 784-8299. I called and let them know I was seeing Dr Kuri and I would need fills, no problem! In-office fills with no flouro are $200. With flouro it's $300 plus 250-300 additional for hospital lab fees. He wants OR papers and any X-rays from Kuri, which should be no problem. Yay!

Whoooo Hoooo! Welcome to bandland! :banana Please post and let us know how you are when you feel up to it!

Hi All, I had my surgery on Wednesday the 30th and came home yesterday. I am moving slow but from what you all told me that was to be expected. Everything went well. I just wanted to give you all a shout to let you know I finally made it over that rainbow. :banana :banana :banana

I'm 4 days into the mushy stage and I did something STUPID last night. As you all know once we get into the mushy stage we want to EAT, well at least I did! After worked last night I decided to stop and get some shrimp and vegetables and rice for me and my husband. Once I got home I measured my portion and put it in the blender, it was like minced shrimp and vegetables, it looked weird but tasted good. Then I decided to take a spoon of the white sticky rice and eat it, well all of a sudden, I felt like food was in my throat, then I felt like I couldn't breath, then a weird feeling in my upper chest, and hic ups. I went over to the sink and tried to take a sip of water, …

Get a sick to their stomach feeling after eating? I get very sick to my stomach after I eat since the too tight thing I went through!

Hi I was just wondering how many of you out their have a problem with bread? Or any type of carbohydrate like pasta, pretzels. I heard toasted bread is tolerated but I was wondering is people just never eat bread again after the band is in.??????

[code] I know this sounds funny, but yesterday was my first post-op visit!!! Lost 12 pounds!!! Ok, so I am finally allowed to have shakes - yippee!!!! Here is the thing, about 1 - 2 minutes after each sip, I feel the shake going down and you wouldn't believe the sound it makes. I am sure that if someone was here, there would hear it and comment. Also, i feel full and i am only half-way through my morning shake. [/code] I'VE GOT THE POWER!!!:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

You know...I think I need to learn greek to figure out my stomach...I don't know what i'm dealingwith these days. I drink a Protein shake and 2 hours later i'm so hungry I can't think straight...I mean really truly hungry!! I don't get it. When I get the full fill i'm REALLY REALLY FULL...then...nothing...I get that liquids go down faster but geez...i'm drinking Water (w/lemon) and trying to do right. I read something about one doc in the midwest putting his patients on diet pills during the first six weeks of their process to keep the hunger pangs down and i'm really thinking about it. I can't be at work so hungry that i can't concentrate. Does anyone have suggest…