LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

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I did not want to post in the Congratulations, Kelly! thread, because I do not want to hijack that thread. Kelly had nothing to do with this. I'm sure she'll be a great moderator and she deserves our support. BUT neither Marie nor Betty are moderators now. I do not think they removed themselves. It's not a question of whether the moderators have special powers. They do have some, but not that much. It's not a question of it being a great honor or not. It's a question of a conflict that arose and got out of hand. There were basically two camps. The Marie Did Wrong camp and the Lisa Did Wrong camp. One camp was disciplined, you might say. The other was not. T…

Had my surgery yesterday. Doctor said it went well. Boy do I hate that sleepy feeling you have when you are post-op and trying to wake up and nodding off and then trying to wake up. To me that was the worst part. I had surgery start at 9:30 and at 3:00 pm I was released. I stayed overnight in a motel since home is 3 hours away from the hospital. Was even able to sleep on my side/belly last night. Had some pain meds yesterday but none since then. Today I drove home and just got home a few minutes ago. Feeling pretty good-have some gurgling and the baby hiccups and burps from the gas but surprisingly none of the gas pains from the surgery. Today I was celebrating my band…

Well, I've come to the conclusion that I really am too tight and need an unfill. I've had reflux on and off for a couple of weeks now, and can't really operate with such spotty sleep. The good news is that my doctor's office can do unfills in the office so it won't involve fluoroscopy or all the hoo-ha. I'm going to try to set this up for Wednesday. Of course since this last fill I've now lost almost 20 lbs and I'd hate to see that slow down, but I have to be realistic. I don't want any esophageal damage and as I've said a million times, I don't want there to be ANY problems with my band so I'm going to be as cautious as I can. OK, I've said it. Now I just have to m…

Tommorow is the big day...i'm really excited..and i'm really nervous..all at once, did anybody else feel this way? i'm working tonite, so hopfully its going to take my mind of things. did anyone else feel this way the nite before? iamcanadian25

I just celebrated my six-month bandiversary last weekend, and I realize that not only my body but my mind and spirit have undergone changes since I hopped on the plane to Monterrey last August. Lots of bandsters way more experienced and knowledgeable than I have posted eloquent accounts of how their lives have changed with the band. I'm not going to attempt anything that profound. I thought I'd just share a bit with those of you who either haven't been banded yet or have recently undergone surgery, since those of us whose bruises have faded -- speaking for myself, anyway -- often forget the state of mind we were in early in our band journeys, and although I can't say my e…

Well it's been a week and a day since I got my LB. I don't know how much I've lost becasue I am waiting for my first post op Dr. visit on Mar 15 for that. Anyway, I know I've lost weight because I am able to fit into a lot of pants that haven't fit in a long time. Today I decided to try on a pair of khaki cargo pants I had in a box in the closet(yeah, my "skinny clothes" box) They fit! Size 50! A week and two days ago I was tightly fitting into a 54! And guess what I found in the front pocket? $10! And today is even my birthday! WAHOOO!!!

I was banded this past monday. I am finding it impossible to eat everthing I am supposed to according to my MD's office. They said it was OK, for now, just to make sure I drink plenty of Water. Well, I can't drink the water either. Everthing tastes TERRIBLE. I bought flavored water (not carbonated), nice bottle water. Hate them. The Protein shakes I force myself to have one a day (MD wants 3). I wonder if anyone had a similar experience, if it passed. I'm worried I could be doing damage by not taking enough protein in??? All I ate today was a NF yogurt and an egg drop Soup for dinner. And some water. I'm not hungry, but I think this is not right. Anyone with this probl…

I'm home, Today I went in and had a D+C. Dh is a real trooper, he has me settled in at home. He needs to go out and handle a service call, but I have A pepsi (I'm not banded yet) and pain pills at my side. Teen age kids are home now to. I was told to take it easy and stay off my feet for two days. Everything went pretty well, no fibroids or tumors but tons of unexpected tissue. Dr told husband we will talk options in two weeks lasar treatments for starters, We'll cross that bridge then. Meanwhile I feel pretty good. Thank-you for your support. I really hope none of this will interfer with getting the lap band I have no date yet we are still going through the pre…

First fill.....nothing really added .5 cc and now I have restriction. I lost 30 pounds so far.. You people are awesome and I wish you all a great Holiday season.... I am off tomorrow from New Jersey to Myrtle Beach to a Basketball High School Tournament. I feel great .. LIGHTER AND HEALTHIER take care all ... God Bless thanks for all of your posts that have helped me get where I am today with my band....Kelly

Belinda, Congratulations on making goal!!!! That is a very rare accomplishment! You have lost 106 pounds! You go, girl! Nancy

I actually went to the gym after work tonight. I did 20 min. on the treadmill! I am proud that I forced myself, I hope I can keep going.

Hey everyone. What is the best Tuna fish brand/ type you buy. I had a great experience with Starkist Albacore tuna-very tasty and "clean" looking and tasting (some Tuna is just too tuna-ish). What are some great brands/types. I want to know because I have made Tuna a staple in my diet. Also, have you heard that regular mayonaise is better than the reduced fat in the Atkins diet? (This is just something I heard.)

Hi everyone! Quick question for all you experienced bandsters. I know we have to wait 1 hr to drink after we eat. But, what if we eat soup which is liquid also, can we drink at the same time we are having soup?

My surgery is tentatively scheduled for March 29, 2005. I am getting nervous and I have so many questions. This website is awesome so many of my questions have been answered. But here are a few more: 1) I am worried about the gas and noises that bandsters talk about. At least once a week I present to a staff of 40 people. I can't imagine having my stomach making noises during my presentations. How loud are the noises? Is it easy for people around you to hear them? Over time, will the noises ever stop? 2) Do you always feel the device in your body? 3) Is it a probelm to do rigorous exercise (not that I do any of it)? If you jump up and down can you damage somet…

:Bunny I forget where I got this link. It's a listing of fill places in the US, only thing, maybe not a bad thing, you pay a fee for the info and get a discount on fills. Hope it helps. www.fillcenterusa.com And they do fills from Foriegn surgerys. Tina

Aren't there any other KS bandsters that visit this site? I am scheduled for surgery this Thursday 1/27. I am a bit nervous but I feel prepared and am looking forward to this new phase of my life. :banana

I have been banded for almost a year and have lost 35 pounds. I have numerous fills and unfills. When I get a fill, it begins to be too tight after 4 - 5 weeks. I have difficulty eating and drinking. During these periods, I lose weight! When I get an unfill, my doctor unfills me more than .1 or .2 cc to let my stomach relax (normally it appears too tight on the fluoroscopy). After the unfill, I can eat more and do not lose weight. I hear so many people say that they have had only 1 or 2 fills and have lost 100+ pounds. How do you do it? When I am tight, I know I am not eating enough to be healthy. It is difficult to eat 1200 calories. I am curious how those that are su…

I have a blood problem that makes me have crazy high cholestrol, my Tri's are killer high too. I take many meds to keep them in check. They cause all sorts of problems with side effects. I guess that my question is had anyone else been there? I will be getting banded on the 3-18-05 and am ready for the trip but my Primary Care Doctor is telling me that I should rethink my decision. He is the picture of health too, so there are always comments from the peanut gallery.

Hello: Well, its been since Nov since my surgery. I'm doing ok but now since I a few months out I'm starting to get concerned. I been working out 4 times a week and in the last 3 week have been working with a trainer. I have been doing at least 45 minutes of cardio and 1/2 hour of weight training. I'm not really seeing a difference. I went and bought a new top but I'm still wareing a 2x thats what I started with before surgery. My pants size did go down but only 2 sizes from a 22 to size 18. I'm worried when I go back to the doctor that he will think I'm not working hard enough and eating to much. But, beleive me I am working so hard and my calories are way down. Will I…

This is really weird...I have lost basically all of my restriction. Last night I went out to dinner with my husband and some friends and I was really hungry, the stomic was growling and everything. Strange because I had been snacking all day long. (I was at a track meet where there was nothing band friendly) and not that I haven't done that before, but that ussually means that I am not hungry at dinner time. But this was different. I started out with the bread...(felt a little sticky and then...nothing) I had my whole dinner (mindlessly while talking and having a good time) and it wasn't until my hubby said, "Wow you ate the whole dinner and a salad you really were hun…

I am very sad, mad, embarrassed, whatever and don't know where else to go. I need some help. I'm afraid to confess because I can't take getting criticized for making stupid decisions, or no decisions, and not following the rules. First the confession, I am sabotaging my weight loss. My surgery was Oct. 28 and I've lost a total of about 25 lbs., 5 of that before the surgery. I've been on a plateau of a range of the same 3 lbs. for nearly three months now. My only real loss was right after the surgery. I eat all the time. In my defense my band isn't tight enough. I'm calling on Monday. But it wouldn't matter. I sit and snack on things I shouldn't and eat too much…

Hi all, I'm scheduled to be banded on Friday March 18th. When I was at my pre-op seminar last week, we were told to do the pre-op diet about 7 days before surgery. It's only 1000 calories per day, the thought of it sends me in a tizzy, I hope I will be able to do this....when I reviewed the plan this morning I couldn't believe what little food there was. Most of the time I'm shoveling the food in, but I have cut back because I know it is right around the corner! What has been your experience with your pre-op diets? Thanks, Corgi

Hi Everyone, Could someone please tell me what a "sticky" is? I went for my first check up yesterday and the news was all good. Everything is healing well (surgery was 11th Feb), I lost 7 kgs and I get my first fill in 2 weeks. I was thinking to myself that I don't remember reading any really negative experiences in this forum. Not that I want people to have bad experiences, but I was wondering if this was because it doesn't really happen, or that people don't talk about it. Take care all, Rachel.

14 days since my op and I am still on liquids. I've mentioned this before, but I am now getting really worried. My calorie intake is between 500 and 700 a day max. I lost 10lbs very quickly post op, but nothing, nada, not an ounce for 8 days now. How can this be? I am really scared that this is the way it's going to be and I'll never lose any more weight and all this will have been for nothing. I'm drinking loads of Water, so it's not that. I'm even getting exercise. And it's definitely the least amount of carbs I've ever consumed. I know it's early days and this period isn't about weight loss, but I feel like a freak. It isn't normal. Is it?

hi guys im Debbie im kind of new to this i weigh 267 pounds and i want to get the band but im waiting to get approved, i had a few questions first one is how long till the band doesnt work anymore?2nd is i had a friend who has it who noticed a change of smell when she you know (poops) sorry:p is that normal and does it cause any weird smell from the change in digestion? thank u in advance:)

How do you guys deal with eating out post op? Do you just order from the kids menu or do you order a full meal and half it?

Have I let you down as a moderator? If so please give me specifics. Along with the specifics please list ways I could improve. Be honest! I am a big girl, literally. LOL!! Please send responses via PM as this thread will be locked. If you don't wanna respond that is cool too. Thank you for your honesty.

Is it usual to have family members concerned or should I say have negative feeling against LapBand? My mom (66) is concerned about my well-being and if this is the right decision for me. She's been overweight all her life and recently lost a great deal of weight again. For her it kind of happened by accident initially as she was taking care of her husband with terminal cancer. He passed away in August 04, and she then had time for herself after 6 long months of nursing him. She's doing South Beach and she doesn't understand why I am doing this. She thinks it's too drastic and the fact it's for the rest of my life. My mom is a very strong person in my life and I consider h…

Anyone heard from Kelly lately? Haven't seen her on here for a while.

I have found out about a new company that offers a membership for banded patients needing follow up or fills. They offer two types of membership one for resources (help with eating/ exercise and nutritional products). The other is for follow up and fills with their surgeons. They currently offer 12 sites in the U.S. and I think there are more to follow. They were scheduled to open in January but the date has been pushed back several times but it might be a good place to get some information. Any way here is the site if anyone is interested. USA Fill Center

Many of us go to New Posts and read from there, so if you didn't notice, go to General Discussion and read Alex B.'s announcement at the top above the Stickies. I stumbled across it and I think many might be missing it...just thought you'd like to know.

Geez... I've been banded for 18 months Forgot what port pain felt like, you know, just out of surgery... My day off, cleaning bending, laundry bending, vacume bending... Even my knees hurt. Just venting while folding..

I can't believe it! I posted my first message yesterday looking for information on Dr. Carter in Arlington, TX and was kind of nervous and depressed. I then happened to call the insurance company this evening thinking I'd get the same answer again "no, we haven't received the paperwork yet" and discovered I was approved by UHC within 5 work days! I had first sent in paperwork on Feb 10th and then did a followup call with the dr to find out the paperwork got lost. Resubmitted on the 18th and was officially approved the 24th! I even found out the tentative surgery date and will of course need to call tomorrow for the "firm" date. UHC tells me it looks like March 23, 24 or 2…

Last week my father had a heart attack. I went from Chicago to Knoxville to be with him. He became worse an Passed away on Feb 20th. It has been a very hard time for my family. I have had a bad time with my band. I have not been able to keep any meat down for the last 2 weeks. It seems the only things I can keep down are things that are bad for you (like pie) comfort foods. I have been pbing 10 times a day at least. I am not sure if it is nerves or I just to tight.

My surgery was to be this Wed.3-9-05.After my pretesting the anesthestgist? found irregularity on EKG & my white blood cell ct. was high. Now I have to see my PC doctor who will probably put me on antibiotics for 1-2 weeks then get blood work checked plus I will need a nuclear stress test & have that sent to cardiologist to be cleared for surgery. When all is cleared I will blood drawn 1 week prior to surgery. 3 years ago I've been trying for this surgery, 2 years ago had hyster. & a year ago had gall bladder surgery now THIS!!!! PLUS I have a deadline to meet with Ins. Co. from 6 months after being certified puts me to may 29 or the appeals process will s…

It's been at least 3 weeks since I went last and I did the whole workout and I feel great! I'm going to sleep good tonight!

Hi everyone. This Friday it will be 2 weeks ago I had surgury. Doing fine except my concern is that I can drink my Water without sipping it, drink Soup ,& drink 2 Optifasts a day etc I'm not drinking the 64 ounces at once, but I don't feel any restriction. I'm paranoid I could be stretching my new pouch. How do I know I'm not?

thanks god i have my first fill today 6cc in 11"band very bad ex 2nd try tody in the hospetal thanks god it's over

Anyone out there with Tattoos that have lost a lot of weight? This question is for you... I think I know the answer but Im going to ask my stupid question anyway. Do the Tattoos shrink? I have 4 tattoos, 2 very large ones.. on my ankel and on the back of my leg. They would look funny if they shrunk LOL Thanks for answering my dumb question LOL

Hey everyone had my band surgery today, and am now back at home tonight. I must say that I feel pretty good. Besides the gas, and burping. I have no complaints. I walked briskly out of the hospital. I was ready to go home. I said "Wheelchair, unh unh. I'll be to my car by the time you get one, I'm outta here." I think my recovery will be quick, I am so excited. Can't wait to start seing some results.

Hello fellow vegas bash bandsters. My friend Brigid has a hankering for the chips and margaritas that Lisa and Carol made for the bash... Lisa- how did you make those DELICIOUS chips? Carol- is the margarita mix a secret or can you share it? They were FANTASTIC!!! Thanks in advance... Megan

I am still in shock and now I am getting scared. I think that it is the fear of not knowing. My girl is doing well since she had it done. I just hope I am that brave. Well, I am off to go binge on Krystals sliders with cheese.......................haha!! J/K I am sorry it has been so long since my last post. I have been a busy BoY!

Help Ladies, what is a pb..? Is that when you vomit or something like that? Corgi

After doing all of this research for the first time in a very long time I feel.....HOPE! I'd been calling the Dr.'s office for a few days now trying to get information on how to start the process....make an appointment, etc. They've yet to call me back. I called again just to ask what kind of wait I should expect for a callback and I explained that I'd called and left messages a few times. She took my name and number and said she'd walk it back there and ask them to call me today. I then asked her how long it usually takes to get an appointment. She said it really depends on how quickly they can verify insurance benefits. Apparently they do that before you even get…

I do not want to sound stupid or anything but what is a pb? I am newly banded so I have no idea what this is although I see it used a lot. thanks to all and have a nice day Carey;)

O.K. So I am the first to be in on it.................Who else???

sushi, too much in a restaurant, too busy talking. It wasn't much, but I don't want to get into a viscious cycle again. SHOULD I GO ON liquids NOW AND IF SO, FOR HOW LONG? IF SO, CAN I DO Protein shakes OR DO I HAVE TO BE ON CLEAR? Hope to hear from someone soon. Thanks. Karen

I got there at 9:10 am and left at 3:45 longer than I thought it would be. I'm excited to start the prcocess but they have a 8 week program I must follow before they sign off on my chart and turn me over to the Doc for the LB. I must log all of my eating and exercise for 8 weeks before my next appointment. 6 days a week 45 minutes a day of exercise to build up my heart and lungs for surgery. 6 small food portions per day on a seperate form. I also need to have my promary Doc complete a phsyical and order and complete a sleep study before I go back. My second appointment is early May and if all goes well I will have the LB in May or June if I need to move it out. I e…

Came back form the Dr. today and my ankle is much better I only need crutchs for the stairs and if I am going walking outside for extra support. During the past week feeling so bummed all your support was very helpful so THANK YOU ALL This morning I weighed in One week after the acident and I lost 2 lbs so I am not so discouraged. Still can't start on treadmill but I am doing upper body work as suggested by you guys. You guys are great. Banded Jan 18 Dr. Chrisou Montreal Starting Weight 292 Todays Weight 259