LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I had problems with my band last summer and ended up having to have the fill taken out of my band. At one point I had 2cc, then 1cc now none. I have been without a fill since August. My doctor finally said I could get a fill (scheduled for April 1st - I hope it's not an April fools joke - lol). I saw my orthopedic surgeon last night and we both decided that it was time for a total knee replacement on my left knee. I had a total knee replacement on my right knee 2 years ago and I love it. My question is does the fill have to come out before I have my knee surgery. I hope not because I don't plan on giving it back. My surgery will probably not be until the …

Has anyone been told they HAD to quit before the lapband would be done? Also, if you did quit what method did you use? I am really having a hard time with this. Thanks, Tammy

Hey there fellow Texans! I have my first appointment with my surgeon on March 14th. Can anyone tell me about how long it takes after the initial appointment to get the surgery done? Thanks.

It has been about 2 months since my last fill and I am getting ready to go next week for another one......but..........for about a week 1/2 now I haven't been able to eat nearly like I was. Food gets hung up very easily and I get nauseated and full very quickly. What is the deal? Any ideas? Thanks!

Hi is anyone out there from the worcester ma area I an going to be banded by Dr. Czernicah soon has anyone had any experiences with him good or bad. I am really excited about this an I hope it will finally be a way to keep off my lost weight. Just a little concerned how it will be when I'm an old lady I don't think insurance will pay to take it out. So much to think about it love to hear from all of you love this site such a relief to hear from so many peoples experience.

Hi All and Happy Holiday. I can't believe it has been over 1 week since my surgery. As I have shared I was so uncomfortable after surgery, I was like..."What did I do", but I have to say every day got better. I'm so happy I can't believe it, I have more energy, I cleaned out my clothes closet, started going up and down the basement stairs more then twice in one day, my pants are already loose. When I first came home from the hospital I had no desire to eat (full liquids that is) for so long. I couldn't smell food, the thought of it made me sick, but towards the end of this week I really started to feel hungry, the thought of another Protein or Soup meal just doesn't …

Hi! I'm 2 weeks post band - how long does the liquid stage last for? My doctor has advised me for 4 weeks - then the 5th week i start on mushy foods - and on the 7th week i can have solids. Isn't that a bit too long?? I think i am ready to have a bit of solids now - say mashed potatoes or Beans - anything soft that does not need to be blended till it's dead! pehehehe!! Thanks!

I had a fill a week and a half ago, I can only get bites of food down at night. I'm wondering if i'm to tight. I can't get cold things down without pain, today i was able to have 2 bites of a chicken nugget and 2 french fries and i was in so much pain it was unreal. I have 3 cc's now but i'm thinking maybe 2.5 would be fine. PLEASE HELP ME.........

Hello bendsters, I am going shopping for the first time (banded 5 weeks ago, first fill 1 week ago) and I am slowly going off the liquid/mushy into "regular" foods. Please help me find some high Protein foods that will fill me up. Your help will be greatly appreciated!!!!

Hello every one just wanted to hi , And hope that every one has a nice easter, most of all God bless you all! My weight was 265 this morning!

Please check my replies to the thread under introductions. http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?p=63134#post63134 Thanks! SHANNON! 241/217

Hi all - I need some advice: I was banded Sept. 25th, have lost about 25 lbs so far and am due for my first fill this Wednesday. No one in my family knows about this surgery except dh and dear old Mom. My brother is getting married in the fall and I'm in the wedding party. I have to give the dressmaker my measurements now for the dress that I won't wear till Sept. I'm thinking I'll lose around 30 lbs. by then. Is this realistic? I was about that weight last Sept. So maybe I should try to determine measurements through my old clothes? How to know what weight/size I will be???? Thanks for your thoughts!

Hi all, I'm going to be banded on 4/18 with Dr. Kuri in Mx. Can anyone recommend a good fill doctor in southern NJ that will work with me after my surgery? I'm hearing not many American doctors will touch you if you have it done in MX, and I'm hoping not to have to travel on a 7 hour flight everytime I need a fill. Any info is apprecaited. Karen

Okay, I got the band. But, I am somehow finding ways to work with it-so that my emotional hunger needs can be satisfied. Like I am full quickly, and then I wait a half hour, and am not so full, and eat a few more bites. Has anyone else done this? I have only been doing this for a couple of days, and not all of the time, but I want to know why my emotional hunger is getting the best of me in the evening time! It feels better just admitting it. Please offer as much advice and support as you can because I don't want to sabotage myself here. Joan

Infected ports. Lost ports. Slipped bands. Funky tubing. I know that with the band growing more popular, the number of complications will rise in relation to the increased number of bands out there. But just scanning through the boards tonight, I'm surprised by the number of port and other problems people have had or are having. Isn't the complication rate about 1 percent of all patients? Maybe it just seems higher to me because I had a slipped band (since corrected in a second surgery) and am on-guard for problems. It's just scary how many people (myself included) have gone to such great lengths to obtain the band only to be left with lots of bills...and short of wei…

Ok, I have had a VERY BAD Good Friday! First I got up at the usual time 4:30a.m. and weighed myself. NO loss again for the 4th week in a row!! Cried all during my shower. Then went out to my car to go to work and there was 3 or 4 inches of snow! Had to clean off and dig out the car and then because of that I was late for work. I'm the one with a key so I made others late for work also. Then there were soooooo many kids today who were hyper because of the excitement of the Easter parties. Children showed up in my class on Friday who haven't been there for a while. We had what felt like a million children!:cross-eye (It was cute to watch them hunt for eggs in the snow.) I…

Hi is anyone from MA I am going to get banded soon and I wanted to know if anyone has any comments about Dr. Czerniach love this site nice to hear peoples comments about everything let me know

Hey, I heard about this place from obesityhelp.com and thought I would register! Just thought I would say hello!!

Hi everyone! Well, tomorrow is the big day. Hey - I wonder how Princess in the P is because she had her's today.... If you can believe it - my doctor's office called me at 5:30pm tonight to say "sit down, I have bad news". They said they were arguing with my insurance company for 45 minutes because UHC called to say they weren't covering my surgery. They said my employer doesn't have WLS coverage. Now can you believe that? I have at least 9 people in my office that has had the procedure and all were covered. So, after several frantic phone calls later and with heart beating A MILE a MINUTE and shaking I was so upset the office called back to say it was a mistake.…

Just like everyone to keep nancysmiles in your prayers this weekend. Today ,Good Friday, her mother-in-laws passed away peacfully. Also Nancy's father is in hospital and is an alzhemier patient. It was just found that he has a brain tumor also. SO nancy has lots to deal with in her persoanl life right now and can use our support. She will be out of town probably till the end of next week. Nancy and I work very close as moderators of a support group in the Detroit area. She is a pleasure to work with(ok s I lied she does ALL the work I just take the credit) and its an honor to have her as a friend. My thoughts and prayers will be with you for the next few diffi…

It's just a little bit about "why" Protein is so helpful in lossing weight. It's a good reference for someone who's new, too. Protein comes from the Greek word meaning "primary." You need protein to build absolutely every structure in your body -- from fingernails to enzymes to hormones to bones to muscles to neurotransmitters like serotonin. Without protein, dear reader, you would die. (The same cannot be said of dietary carbohydrates, but that’s another story.) But why is protein so great for weight loss? There are a several reasons. First of all, protein is far more satiating (filling) than carbohydrates. For many people, carbs just stimulate hunger rather than…

Hi Jenna I am looking forward to all your wonderful news!!! So as soon as you can sit comfortably PLEASE update us that all is well in Band Land!! Very Exciting For You!! Heal up quickly!!!

I was banded by Dr. Rumbaut (Mexico) one month ago and am looking for a fill doc nearby. I know the only one in Alabama right now is Dr. Caylor in Foley. Does anyone know of others within easy driving distance of Birmingham?

Hi Guys, I am in Alabama, and was banded six months ago by Dr. Caylor in Foley. He is so awesome, and I hate to leave him, but we are moving to Galveston soon, and I just wondered if there is anyone in the Galveston area that does the lap band, so that I could follow up with them for fills, etc. Can anyone recommend a doctor in that area? Thanks, guys!

222 now and the loss has slowed down now. I am still on the mission and losing since my last fill and I mean the last fill. I know now what restriction is. I had to change my diet again. For the good. I dont even try and eat when I wake up. It is coffee and a protien shake(Mothers Milk) then off to the gym. A few hours later I can eat. I can eat many things yet small portions. Its going well though.

I Get My Band On 3-29-05 And I Have A Few Questions. What Did Ya'll Eat For The First Couple Of Weeks? And Did You Have Any Problems I Should Prepare Myself For. Sorry I'm Just A Little Nervous. Please Help With All Of YouR Good Advice. I Really Enjoy This Website It Has Really Answered Alot Of My Questions. One More Question What Does Pb Mean? Thanks Again. Jennifer

Let me give some background first. I was about 12 when I first noticed I wasn't doing well in school. My mother and I didn't understand why cause I did really well in some classes and not too well in others. (Because I sat in the back in some classes and in the front in others. DUH!! LOL!!) We talked to my teachers and none could shed any light. This went on for another year till I was 13 and started "aunt flo". SORRY guys! Just bear with me. Lots of headaches, cramping, etc just normal things that are associated with it. RIGHT? Well the headaches lingered longer that the um,...er,... "aunt flo". LOL!!! So I went to see our family doctor. He suggested we ge…

I went in for a slight un-fill because I have not been able to eat hardly any solid food and if I do it is only a few bites. The radiologist had me drink the barium and looked at me under floro before he took any out and said, "You look like you are right where you are suppose to be" "This is where most people want to be at in terms of restriction". I felt like a weany... My first fill was 1.cc and I went in two weeks ago for .6cc making a total of 1.6cc. It was just too tight, thats all there is to it. He removed .1cc and showed it to me. He than had me drink again to see if the barium went down any easier and said it did. I have read that people react different…

Hi everybody, im new. i just discovered this procedure yesterday and i have to have it. How can i go about getting it done? Does my doc (who is way hippie and would never surggest the surgery to me as an option) have to refer me? And I have cigna can i get it covered by insurance? I have to have a lapband!!!!!!!! Help me! Thank you! howies_chica19@yahoo.com

Hello, I have been banded three weeks and I have lost nothing. I am discouraged that I have gone through all this for nothing.

Well as of Saturday, i'll be without a port. I am so discouraged. My doc says that after it heals it can be put back in. I hope that is the case. I have had these stupid problems since november so I am ready to get this resolved. Anyway, just wanted to let you all know what was up. I'm leaving tomorrow and back on Tues. Take care Melissa

1. Exercise! 2.support from family or spouse! 3. eating healthy/no snacking. 4. self controll 5. drinking lot's of Water A report published by John Hopkin's States when your body feel's like it's hungery it is actually thirsty. 6. and veiw this site also help's 7. most of all God bless every one. Have a nice easter!!!! Ps. Smaller meal size for those who are not banded.

OHMIGOSH! I had my 1 week follow-up yesterday and got back on that scale and for the first time in my life, I liked what I saw. In only 6 days, I have lost over 17 pounds!!!!! I cannot believe it. All the discomfort doesn't matter. I am feeling much better now anyway, but seeing that scale REALLY made me feel better. I know you lose a lot more in the beginning (and then it slows down), but I never expected to lose that much. I am so happy I did this. Thanks for all your support!

Hi guys, I was wondering if anybody could help me???? Can you drink just before you eat?? Or should It be 30min before, just like it's 30min.after??? Thank you in advanced I really need to know, don't want to mess things up.. Tara

Can any tell me if a band over a LARGE period of years will need to be replaced? Most surgery techniques don't last a lifetime, kind of like face-lifts & veneers. Also can anyone tell me who has had the band in place for over a few years or the longest? I would love to know of any longterm problems. Thank you so very much. I am hoping to be banded in a few mnths.

Hello! Ohhhh Myyyyyy Godddd!! Thank you soooooo much for your wonderful advise! I swear if it weren't for you guys i would begging my doctor to remove the band!! I was really really depressed with the liquid diet but now after reading your posts i have the strenght and motivation to carry on and i feel totally satisfied! (Although i am looking forward to the mushy stage!) I just blend and grind everything i like, then.....Surp....Gulp......BURP!! My mom and dad are really supporting me - they are eating more healthy food now - my dad is slightly over doing it! Pehehehe!!!!!! My clothes have become slightly loose and comfortable!!! Yeahhhh!!! Yahooooooooooooooooo…

Hello, I think it's more gloomy inside my house than it is outside! I had my first fill of 1 c.c. on Monday. I am so starved today and I ate lots of food- a cup of pasta!!! And then two hours later I was hungry again and ate 2 eggs with a tad of cheese. Then I was hungry two hours after that and ate 2 yogurt cups. BTW, in between, I drank lots of Water. I must not be tight enough. My doctor doesn't use anything for the fill, just feels for the port and shoves the needle in. I am going to call tomorrow, but I am feeling so down about this. I've waited so long for the surgery and now I've had it done and nothing. :-(

I attended a seminar with Dr. Spiegel in Houston. Does anyone know anything good or not so good about Dr.Spiegel? Has anyone had Dr. Spiegel as a surgeon? He seemed very competant. Or there any other drs in Houston area where I might go to a seminar. Next question, insurance .... a friend said she had heard you had have been on a doctors supervised diet for an entire year before Blue Cross Blue Shield TRS Active Care will pay for the surgery. I have not been under a doctor supervised diet for an entire year. (I've never lasted that long taking the meds) Help

Has anyone ever been scared to tell someone who is naturally thin, about themselves getting the band? Or have you told and what was the reaction? I know I shouldn't care what others think of me or base my worth by what they think.And I bet people will be more understanding then you think they will. I'm getting closer to being banded, I'm down to my last $$ option now. As soon I hear the words "the check is in the mail", I'm calling MX and making a date.

I have been turned down from Blue Cross of CA. Surgoen had sent first request. I have sent an appeal letter, my Family Physican sending an appeal request and yesterday contacted Inamed for information to be sent to BC of Ca. Any Blue Crosser's of CA appealing? It's BC Life & Health Insurance-Los Angeles Lynn Y Yeagerlms@sbcglobal.net

Has anyone here ever experienced a mild to medium ongoing pain where the actual band is? It hurts today...weird. Staci Orlando FL banded in Mexico 12/14/04

Well, As most of you know from another thread, "has anyone taken band out", I have been a big baby and have taken advice from the "Tough loving people you all are." I am sticking to the band as long as their is no SERIOUS complication. I actually felt restriciton ystarting yesterday morning. I was out to Breakfast with family and not even half way through my food I had to run to the restroom. I thought I was going to throw up. Instead, I just spit some slime out and took some deep breaths and was fine. I ate no more. Then for dinner a was able to eat more, but still far less than what I would have normally ate before the band. Before when this was like 2-3 …

It is with a heavy heart, I am sharing a pm I rec'd tonight from our dear Blossom's husband. As many of you know, Carolyn and her husband were in the process of clearing land for their dream home. March 12, 2005, she was driving their old tractor when it suddenly flipped over on her. She felt no pain and was gone instantly. Her funeral service was held on March 16, 2005, in Gainesville, Texas. Her sweet husband wanted us to know that this forum gave her comfort and confidence in the decisions she made in her life. I know you will want to join me in extending our heartfelt prayers to Philip and their precious families during this difficult time. I have pm'd Philip (Ca…

Well, I went and got a fill on Tuesday. Had 1.4 now at 1.6. I can't drink anything without throwing it up before around 1-2, but I can eat some baked potato. Does anyone else have a problem drinking? I am going to get an unfill on Monday, just have him take out the .2 that he put in. I have had the acid reflux. I am also having it when I lay down. Aunt Flo is visiting til tomorrow. Should I just ride it out for another week or just get the unfill. Just wasn't sure if this was common for others not to be able to drink and not hold it down. Thanks.....

The first one is the night before surgery (yuck!!) 330lbs The second is now -31lbs What a difference 31 lbs can make!! Lauren banded 1/24/05 first fill tommorrow!!

I'm looking into having the lapband surgery next month and am wondering from most of you out there, is it really worth it and will I be happy with the results? I've finally convinced my husband to let me have the surgery. I've lost some weight on my own, but can't seem to get the rest off! It's been 2 years and I'm slowing creeping back up. I need to lose about 80 pounds and have tried everything. The doctor finally said that he would do it. I have hypo thyroid, so my metabolism is very sluggish...I just look at food and gain, if you know what I mean. Will I throw up alot? There are just so many questions. Please advise. Thanks so much, Luisana

i am considering lap band. what is the cost of it? any details are greatly appreciated.

Haven't seen her around. Last I heard Michelle's moving to Washington....

Hey Carmen-I emailed you at your home address, but I havn't gotten a response. Did I use the right one? I am going to mail you some clothes tomorrow! Email me so I know your still out there! Kristi

Announcing the FIRST ANNUAL LAP BAND REUNION being held by Dr. Hawasli & Dr. Meguid of the Eastside Surgical Specialists. Wednesday, May 18, 2005 6:00 - 9:00 PM St. John Hospital & Medical Center on Moross Rd at Mack in Detroit Auditorium & Lower Level Conference Room Please RSVP by May 6, 2005 Please bring a guest of your choice Send your Before and After/Current Photos all 586-774-8811 Join us to Celebrate our 1st year of healthy lifestyle changes. …