LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi all, Well I just got home from the doctors after being seriously rear ended today. Total bummer. My car is probably going to be totaled and I love my car. I have kept it in good shape and have invested a lot of time and money keeping it sound and dependable. The idiot who hit me wasn't paying attention and didn't see me stop behind another vehicle that was going to turn on a 55 mile an hour road. It was a big truck and I drive a tiny sedan car. The guy didn't even speak any english so I immediately called the police and thank God for two witnesses that stopped to help us. I'm okay except for some whiplash (back and neck pain). I know I am lucky to be so uninjured but…

AHHHH after 2 years its finally here. I got my letter today (even tho I was told over the phone a week ago) saying surgery was approved.. insurance covers everything but $250.00 deductable and $200 class they require me to take before hand. Now.. time for the scary part. In my letter it gave me all my appointments.. on April 5th I have pre-op with surgeon at 11:30, then at the hospital where im having my surgery I have pre-op labs at 1 pm... then i have to be back at the other hospital for the pre-op class at 2:30. seems all fine and dandy till i read the scariest part... At your pre-op class you will pay your fees, take pre-op pics and weigh in. OMG ok i know it…

Hello, Hope you have a good birthday!!! :banana Teresa

My wife and I went to Mexico 5 month ago for the lapband. Sometimes the weight loss seems to be going so slow. Looking back in seem we have done well I had lost 62lbs and Debbie has lost 43lbs a total of 105lbs. In the last 3 years we have lost over 230lbs. Life is different for us. We enjoy the new us. I have gone from a 60 Long suit to a 46 long and Debbie has gone from a size 28 dress to a 14-16.

I have to share it here, my DH is clueless about why my NSV's bring me sheer ~J.O.Y~. 1.Let me say I feel giddy inside. Like I'm a little kid and Christmas is coming, but it's every day that I feel this way. 2. I LOVE how my back feels soooooo much better, my hips don't hurt every time I sneeze, cough, roll over in the middle of the night, or when I bend over. 3. My house is cleaner, and I actually WANT to paint, redecorate, etc... 4. I'm actually EXERCISING!!! ME? Exercising??? Yes!!!! I can't believe it, and the best part about it is, I actually LIKE it!!! Plus, my sister, my best friend, and my neighbor are so excited that I'm exercising that they want to do …

Hi everyone! Got a question.....Let me set it up first. I'm a fairly claustrophobic individual. I don't like people in my space, flying in airplanes (although I have to travel for work), cramped spots with LOTS of people (like movie theatres, concerts). I'm sure I will lose some of this when I'm down in weight - at least I hope. I'm telling you this because I'm wondering if I am going to feel "claustrophobic" with the band. Surgery is Friday 3/25 and every once in a while when I think about what it may feel like I get kind of strangled. Like I'm being choked just thinking about it. Is this normal? Can you feel it in you? Yes, getting down to the wire and gettin…

I would like to formally request some prayers and white light headed my way. I’m having a rough patch with my health, and it looks like it is getting to be … habitual. Two weeks ago, I had to be transported to the ER via ambulance. I’d had a terrible asthma attack. Monday, the 14th I had my band (a good thing). Last night I had to have an emergency D&C. They found some “suspicious” polyps, as well as a nasty fibroid that runs through both chambers of my uterus. (Yes, that’s right. I have two chambers in my uterus.) So, could y’all please send a little help my way?

Has anyone had their band taken out due to whatever problem? If so, did things go back to normal? Did the gas go away, did the pains go away, etc. And were you able to be more strick with yourself and change your life? I feel now that the band is a good thing for many people and I would recommend it to those who have many medical problems and have honestly tried everything with ALL their will power. But I have come to the conclusion that allthough I have come to terms with the band, I just feel it really isn't for me. I can't live each day farting up a storm, having empty painful growls in my stomach, having a hard time drinking Water, etc. It's not like that for …

I am in HEAVEN!! 3 weeks on liquids and I was READY for something like this.. AND I went ahead and got tomorrows and spent $1.70 on lunch for 2 days - much better than $10 a day. This rocks!!!

I HATE CONTROL TOP PANTYHOSE!!!!! Sorry, sitting at work and thinking how much more comfy my tummy would be feeling right now if I didn't have to endure this restrictive torture device. Well, I suppose you would say that I don't HAVE to wear them....but actually, I do. I wear a suit to work and what else can make you look half way normal? At least they minimize some of my lumps and bumps. Ok, feel better now. Thank you.

I can't see the value of eatting 1/2 cup of soft food the rest of my life! Sure, I can get some Soups down and sometimes late at night some real food, but I am not interested in a "quick-fix". This is going to be something that I am going to live with for the rest of my life. I have lost 5 lbs the past 11 days and I just think that is too fast too. I want a 1-2 lb weight loss per week. Am I crazy? I read some people are begging for restriction, but good grief, I would like to eat real food just not so much of it! I am at 1.6cc. I was at 1.cc before my fill. I am thinking of asking him to remove .2cc to put me at 1.4cc. Any thoughts?

:banana :banana I am going to court toorrow morning and I noticed that the clothes I wore to my christmas party were too big to wear Today I bought a pair of pants tat was 2 sizes smaller than I wore pre-op. I also tried on a jacket and it was a 1X . WOW what a great feeling . :banana :banana

Last night I had to go down my Moms and get a Vaporizer for my little one he has that horrible cough and we have been fighting it for the last week. Anyway I was already in my nightie and need to get some pants on well my husbands jeans were laying on the couch I figured I would try them first before having to go in the bedroom and wake him up. I freaked out to say the least I was thinking there is no way they are going to fit well they kept going up and over the waist and I zipped and buttoned. They are a size 36 granted in Mens but they looked good for that moment.

1) cottage cheese with some olive oil mixed its soo tasty 2) hummus with some garlic cream extremely tasty 3) mashed potatoes cooked with milk and light butter 4)light jelly 5) yoghurt with some honey 6) low fat pudding 7)squash cooked with light butter 8) squashed pea soup 9) yohurt smoothies rasberry flavored or strawberry 10) light jam with light butter mixed or peanut butter

Not all seafood is tainted with mercury or PCB's. Here's what to reel in, what to throw back. ENJOY Uup to two servings a week) Clams Oysters Shrimp Tilapia Crawfish Haddock Trout (freshwater) Catfish Flatfish (including flounder and sole) Mackerel (Atlantic) Scallops Crab (blue, king, and snow) Pollack Shad (American) Squid Tuna (canned chunk light) Lobster (spiny) Mackerel chub (Pacific) Cod* Perch (freshwater) Skate Halibut Spanish mackerel (South Atlantic) Monkfish* Snapper* Weakfish (sea trout) Bass (saltwater; including sea and striped) SHOW RESTRAINT (One serving a week) Lobster (northern/American) Tuna (canned white albacore,…

Hello Every1, I am new here, although I have been reading for about 3 months. I am awaiting the response from my insurance company as I have completed all requirements. My Dr told me to be prepared for surgery on April 4th, he is confident that I will be approved, I am nervous. I have arhtritic knees, heartburn, chest pains & failed attempts at weight loss. I am 5.2 bmi 40. This is nerve wracking waiting. But I'm trying to be PATIENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do I need to have an endoscope yearly to check for erosion? What are the signs and symptoms of erosion? I have read that sometimes there are no signs or symptoms and that is why we need a scope annually. What are your thoughts?

I just discovered something...if I take pills (even big fish oil ones!) with milk they slide right down...but if I take them with Water they almost always get stuck somewhere and eventually go down. It doesn't hurt when they get stuck, just is uncomfortable. Just thought I'd share. Even after a year and a half I'm still learning! Megan

Hi everyone . I posted my intro last week I believe but I'm still more of a lurker. I'm leaving for my very first consultation at Dr. Powell's office in Richardson, TX in less than an hour!! I'm so excited....but nervous at the same time. Wish me luck!! Brandi

anyone want to chat?? going to chat room now:)

Appetizer Eggplant Dip (Baba Ghanoush) Yield: three cups Ingredients: 1 eacheggplant, large, peeled, cut in 1/2-inch slabs1/4 c.olive oil, virgin1 Tbsp.garlic, fresh, chopped fine1 tsp.garlic, fresh chopped fine1/2 c.yogurt, low-fat1 1/2 tsp.salt3 Tbsp.tahini paste1/4 c.fresh lemon juice2 tsp.ground black pepper Procedure: Coat the eggplant pieces with the garlic and oil. Grill over high heat until the eggplant is charred on the outside and soft in the center. Cool completely. Purée the remaining ingredients with the eggplant and refrigerate until ready to use.

Hi all, My name is Nicole and i posted a few times last year (in fact i had talked with Alexandria a few times and recently i talked with De Larla, about paralegal stuff) I have been to see my Dr. recently and I have complained about weight gain (i am taking Effexor for depression, and i have these 3 torn disks in my neck which i can never have surgery for, so instead of working out at the gym 5 days a week as i used to, due to pain i can barely go to Water aerobics 3 times a week) Oh and i am on the work comp nightmare for my injury. Okay so my doc sugessted Gastric Bypass, i DO NOT want this surgery i am more intersested in the Lap Band, so my ? to you is how did y…

I just returned from Belgium and am sporting the 11cc Ionamed band. My husband is sporting a hernia from carrying my luggage across Europe. Just wanted to let everyone know it went well. Thanks

I've always preferred dark chocolate. Remember.....in MODERATION! http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid=571&e=3&u=/nm/20050321/hl_nm/chocolate_dark_dc

Hello bandsters, I had my first fill of 1 c.c. yesterday. I am on liquids today and tomorrow. I am starving. Am I supposed to feel different? Since I am not eating solid foods, is it true I won't feel restricted cuz the liquids are going right through? I can drink with NO problems what so ever. I just don't feel anything. Is that good?

I will be 2 weeks banded on Thursday and I guess I am having an episode. I am terrified that everything I do could cause this band to slip. How common is this? I cannot afford another surgery and I am really on pins and needles about this. Anybody give me some peace of mind???:nervous

Hello All!! I was thinking about this and wondering, How are you different, now that you are down a significant amount of weight. I know that after only 25 lbs, I am ALREADY feeling better. food doesn't seem as important to me as It did. This really has me on a bit of a high. How are yall different? Not just physically, but mentally or personality wise? Thanks in advance for your input!!

Hey, Megan!! Remember this?!?! http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=488 Ah, we were so young and naive back then.... xxoo

I don't know if anyone's posted this...might be worth investigating to make sure the company buying Inamed is committed to continuing the band. Here's what I found on Yahoo Elizabeth NEW YORK - Prescription skin medication maker Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp. said Monday it agreed to purchase Inamed Corp., a maker of breast implants and obesity treatments, for about $2.8 billion in cash and stock. The deal will create a company with annual revenue of more than $700 million, operations in more than 12 countries and about 1,500 employees. Medicis, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., posted 2004 sales of $303.7 million, and Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Inamed reported rev…

Jamie, I hope all went well, good luck on your weight loss journey!

I have 3 pair of Levi jeans, short length, they are pretty new. Only wore a couple of times, if anyone would like to have them, give me your address. If no one wants them I will give them to Woodwill! I'm down to size 20! Yahoo!

I had NO restriction after my first fill and was so dissapointed and down on myself. Had to wait four weeks for my second fill - had it this past Tuesday. Had no restriction all week/since - I was on fluids and then soft foods. I had my first "solid" meal tonight and all it was was one grilled boneless chicken breast with melted cheese and about 5 green Beans and I was full!!!! FULL!!!! REALLY!!!! I almost started crying.... so thankful to finally HAVE it.... My husband was laughing at me as I pointed to my stomach with glee and said "RESTRICTION"!!!! Like I just found a pot of gold, lol. Woo-Hoo.... And yet... there is a tiny bit of me that can't just b…

Hi Bandsters.... I'm official a Bandster...YEA! I can't believe it's over. I have to say no one warned me about the pain (soreness) associated with the lapband surgery. I was sicker, sorer then sore, when I woke up from surgery Friday night, I was crying in pain, as the OR staff lifting me onto the recovery bed and wheeled me into the recovery room. Friday night is like a flash card, somethings I remember and other things I don't. BUT I remember that pain, it was very clear, as soon as I got a shot of demerol all was well., in happy land. My mother stayed at my house and cooked and cleaned for my DH and two doggies, so to return to a clean house the following ni…

hi I am going for my consultation with the surgeon April 5th so I am on my way how long does it usually take after the first visit with the surgeon. I really like reading all the messages from all of you it gives me comfort in my decision.

Hello Girls and Boys! Just wanted to say hey. I have been reading for a couple of days and decided to jump in. I really like the atmosphere over here! Cant wait to make some new band buddies! Kara :banana

I am a big sissy when it comes to pain. Could we please do a survey and let me know on scale of 1-10 the pain that was felt immediately after surgery, the next day, and the week that followed? Any specifics would also be appreciated. Thanks!

Does Anyone Experience A Type Of Foam In Your Stomach After Drinking Water (mostly In The Morning When I'm The Tightest). It's Not Like Slime, It's Foam From The Water! Thanks For Anybody's Experience. Teresa In Tampa, Fl Dr. Ortiz, 6/24/04 282/192/160

Could someone please explain a healthy bandster portion for me so I will know if I am getting enough?

Just curious! Amy

Welcome Willpower!

Hello Everyone I haven't posted lately. Been too busy with work. Anyway, I wanted to let everyone know that willpower was banded yesterday. I brought him home last night. He is doing okay. Just the usual...sore and tired. As for myself, I received my first fill on March 8th, got 1cc. Going back on Monday 3/21 for another fill. I'm feeling minimal restriction and getting frustrated. I've lost 15 pounds since surgery (1/27/05). I know the weight loss is supposed to be slow, but my patience is going out the door. Is anyone else getting minimal restriction out there???? How many fills/cc's did it take for a good restriction??? waiting for input, Petunia

Morbid Obesity is a DISEASE. It has been recognized as a disease since 1985(!!!!) by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This is going to be a long rant… I mean, post. The longer I thought about doctors who make a patient lose weight before weightloss surgery as “proof” of their commitment to a healthier lifestyle, the angrier I got. I am FURIOUS. I am INCENSED. These surgeons are making their livings “treating” obesity, and THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT OBESITY TO CALL IT A DISEASE. THEY DON’T KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT OBESITY TO REALIZE THAT IN 1991, THE NIH CONCLUDED IN ITS CONSENSUS CONFERENCE THAT DIETS, EXERCISE PROGRAMS, APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS AND BEHAVIOR MODI…

I was banded on January 24th and as of today I has lost 30.5 lbs!! Very happy and never want to see 300 again!! I feel so much better and have found this program pretty easy - I have learned to make some better choices, although I do still have some sweets here and there. I am still learning how to chew, chew, chew and trying to really avoid the pb triggers ( bread and meat). Going for first fill on Thursday and cannot wait for more pounds to melt away!!! Lauren 330/299.5/175 Dr. Bertha Banded 1/24/05

Hello All, I cant believe I have been in this forum as long as I have without my band. I joined this group back in Sept. I can say that I am more band educated thanks to each and everyone of you whether it's been good advice, bad situations, or just funny jokes and opinions. I have patiently been waiting for my band since last July, that's when my Quest started. I can't believe this time next week I will be only a couple of days away from bandland. I will be my Doc's first Adj Band, (with proctor, Dr. Jeffrey Allen). If my memory serves me correct I think Pat had this same proctor. I sure hope mine goes well. Yes, I am getting nervous and anxious. I just got my…

I am getting so excited and nervous. 18 days till I get my BAND. I have lost 12 pounds pre band .Yeah!!! I just want each of you to know you all have played a very important part in my band journey thus far. I will need each of you more than ever in the next weeks ahead. Glad you all are here.I"M COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS!!!! Any body else getting banded March 18,2005???

Well hello, here I am again, I will be driving the three hours to Dr. Eddie Gomez in Coral Gables, Florida for another fill, I had a fill done on March 1, but didn't get any restriction from it. I was supposed to go back last week, but decided to wait another week to see if the restriction would kick in, well it hasn't but hopefully everything will go well tomorrow and I can finally get some restriction and start losing some weight. I have not lost any weight in a while and it is really depressing me and in turn the feeling of depression is making me eat more, I have gained about five pounds back and I hate myself for it. Please pray that I have a good fill tomorrow, my p…

And another one. WHOO HOO!! Come and report in when you feel up to it.

Following is a short story inspired of Jack and offering an analogy of the path of the lap-band. It was sort of an emotional piece for me to write and gave me emotional and mental comfort and resolve for the band and what was happening to me in life and with this new band. It is nothing that great-speaking in a literary sense, but perhaps might offer some ideas to others somewhere along the journery into the lap-band and recognition of what drove there food compulsions and how to control them. Most of all it offers hope of controlling the dragon that rages inside of us. Capture Of The Dragon In a world far from the one that we see with eyes and hear with…

I had PMed Blossoms DH yesterday & told him of the wonderful post in her Honor. Here was his response back & I wanted to share it with all of you: "I found the post, and I told as many people as I could to read it if they had any doubt of Carolyn being special. Thank you, Philip" I don't know if he knows of the Flower thread for her or not. I only mentioned the Condolence thread. Perhaps someone would like to tell him, perhaps he will find it on his own. I do not feel it is appropriate for me to send another PM. Thank you. Christina

I was wondering if anyone ever had pain in the left lower side I was banded on 2/9/05 and now I get this pain after I go to the bathroom,it usually does not bother me when I am sitting down but it feels like a really bad cramp when I am walking. I am going to the doctor tomorrow afternoon . I was just wondering if anyone else ever had this problem.