LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Please forgive me beforehand as I have had a terrible week at work, a terrible week at home and it just happens to be that time of the month so my motivation and positive thinking skills are greatly lacking. OK, I know that 2-3 pounds a week is the average weight loss for lapband and that it is a tool and so on and so forth but don't you just feel discouraged sometimes? I am not saying that I regret having had this procedure versus the bypass but I have an acquaintance who just had the bypass the first week of January and she has lost more weight in the last 7 weeks than I have since my surgery in October. I really have nothing to complain about. I have greatly enjoyed…

Today both my husband and I saw our family physician to see if he would fill out the paperwork for the banding Drs, and out health insurance for the preauthorization. He didn't even hesitate he said yes! He already has some patients that have been banded, he was quite informed on the procedure already. He had us both get our Chest xrays and EKGS while we were there. He said the Drs in Port Huron Mi. move pretty fast. I have been to one of their seminars. Husband is going to one on Monday. I have called the banding Drs in Port Huron to set up consultations for both of us. I have been reading info from this and other sites. I love this site Keep your fingers cro…

I'm having my lapband surgery on Monday, the 28th. Anybody else close to that date that wants to go through this together? I thought it would be cool to have a bandbuddy that was experiencing the same things as me at the same time. Good luck to you all. This board has helped me in so many ways. Thank you to all that post regularly and share your life.

Hi again. I am 14 days post op today and today is the 1st day that I am feeling really hungry. I had a protein shake for breakfast..and normally I drink the next one in the afternoon although I am not very hungry. Today I have hunger pains. I have a high protein pudding for lunch since I am not on pureed till Monday. But what do you think of a tsp or 2 of finely chopped egg salad? Is it too soon? Is it normal to feel so hungry even with the band filled 2.5 cc already?

Has anyone had esophagus spasms? I am 6 days postop and have terrible spasms, even in my sleep. Any advice will be appreciated.

What are some things that people say or do after you've had the lap band surgery that really kind of irritate you? Such as always asking how much weight you've lost or if you should really be eating something? I'm thinking about putting together a list for my friends and family in case I become irritated with them for no apparent reason. Thanks

hi everyone doing great lost total of 22 lbs so far banded on the 17 now that i am on solids i am having a lot of gas and bloating feeling is this normal i started prune juice and dried prunes today is there any other suggestions so i can go regulerly thanks julie

I just needed to share my a huge success with all of you. This morning 6 days out from my surgery, I stepped on the scale and saw something that I haven't seen in over a year. 299.5 I have to tell you all that right now I am completely balling. I have lost 21 pounds and more importantly, will never see 300 again. I wish I could express how relieved I am. Renewed! These last few days have really been hard. My dad who has been cooking up a storm, which I adore is also driving me crazy. All of those smells, chicken, beef....AHHHHHHHH! I love him but I am so glad he left the other day. Anyway, although it has been tough with all of those smells, I am overwhelmed with joy …

Hi, I'm new to the board and am scheduled for Lapband surgery on March 18 somewhere in CT. I have done a lot of research and seminars since July 2004 and finally made up my mind in October. I have met several people who have had success with the Lapband. I was wondering if any of you felt like this was just one more diet, one more trip down the weight loss highway. I have fear of failure and it's probably because all other diets in the past have failed over the long run. Did any of you have these reservations? Renee Age 48

It's listed in my diet information as a "Stage One" food. (All of them are: water, tea, broth, gealtin, popsicles, juice, milk, coffee). I'm just wondering how soon you guys were able to eat Jello? I'm *finally* keeping down sips of broth, tea, and coffee. I'm not ready to try Jello yet, but I'm wondering when I should be so brave?

I had a really good day today. It's not often I sincerely feel like saying that but the days are coming closer and closer together now that I can walk without pain and I don't get so fatigued and my general health is just 100% better. My two new NSV's??? Well, this morning I saw that we were gonna have high 70's today, so I decided to wear a dress and guess what!! I could put on my smallest pantyhose WITHOUT having to sit down to put them on and I DIDN'T need a tow-truck to help pull them over my hips OR pick me up off the floor. I did not suffer any over-exertion either. Used to, it was aerobic activity to put on pantyhose IF I would attempt it all. Secondly…

I am considering lap band surgery. Here are my stats: 22 5'10 and a 1/2" this morning I weighed in at 250 pounds I wear a size 20. I am under my parent's insurance (I'm in grad school and can still be carried by them) and it's united healthcare. i don't know if it is a PPO or not. I have no existing comorbidities except joint pain, back pain, and I get out of breath really easily. I have low to normal blood pressure (but a family history of high blood pressure) and I'm not sure about my cholesterol or glucose levels but I do not have a history of diabetes or heart disease in my family. I don't want to be the first. i would like to know what goes on during t…

I walked dreary eyed to the scale this morning hoping for 1 more pound gone and was upset when the dango thing hadn't budged from yesterday. But, then I went to get dressed for the day and went to put on the skirt I had laid out the night before and it was too big on me! I had to find an older smaller skirt to wear since we are having a big meeting and I wanted to look nice today. I was upset because I bought that skirt last summer and hadn't gotten much wear out of it during the winter, but that feeling went away quickly when I realized the accomplishment. Woohoo! Kim

I am so depresed. I had my lap band surgery 2.5 months ago and I gained 10 pounds. When I see all these people loosing weight I just cry and cry and I don't have a clue what to do anymore. My next fill is next week but I am so discouraged I am not sure if I even want to go. Does anyone has any advice? Eli

I just wanted to wish you luck tomorrow! I hope you get everything fixed right this time. Post and let us know how you are doing when you can.

Well, I just went to the market. Partly to get out of the house, partly to get in some supplies. I feel OK. A little light headed and a little bit of stinging around my wound, but the walk was no problem. I bought some consomme soup and pro-biotic drinks. I also bought some Spirulina. Does anyone else take this? My local health food store said it is a good source of protein if you're on a liquid diet. It also has B12 and Iron in it so should prevent hair loss. My doc also recommended Prune juice to try and get things moving - and dammit if I can't find it anywhere! I bought some prunes and will make my own in the blender with some apple juice and water. If I pass it thr…

Hi Everyone, I have been whining as of late that I am not losing weight fast enough for my liking. SO I decided to go back to the basics again. I am eating about 900-1000 calories a day, 60 gram of Protein, 64 oz of liquids and a Protein shake inthe mornings to get my metabolism going. I dont like Breakfast and rarely get hungry til anywhere from 1:00-2:00 pm. The scale is finally moving again in the right direction. Its easy to make excuses and get off track. I actually gained about 5 pounds of waterweight and was up at 190 again two weeks ago. So I grabbed the bull by the horns and here I am at my lowest weight so far and a new ticker!!! Babs in TX 334/182/170 -1…

Hello I am pretty new to this forum and I find so much interesting info here. I could not help but to notice that it is someone that had been filled at the time of their surgery, is this normal? I am getting my band next month and was wanting to know if this is something that I should ask them to do at that time? Thanks for any info S Williams

Donali's post about MO being a disease has been revolving in my head the last few days. It occurs to me that extending that analogy is very helpful when it comes to understanding the band and its role in my future. What I am doing, with the help of my band, is MANAGING my chronic disease of morbid obesity. That's why I don't have a "goal" and why my "journey" will never be over. This is not a disease for which I will find cure, but one which must be managed for the rest of my life. Like many people with MO, I've been totally unable to even minimally manage my disease in the past. Short-term searches for cures have been pointless, of course; the only surprise about th…

As you lose the weight? I'm on the line (BMI of 34.9) and have really good skin. No stretch marks but lots of lipo on my thighs. Since lap band is a slower process does your skin have time to adjust or what?

I am so addicted to reading this site, It has been hard for me to get any work done at work. All I want to do is read this site, I don't have time to go online at home, but as soon as I walk in the office in the morning I log on and go on the site many-many times a day, look at me its 4:53pm and I haven't even gathered my things to go home, I love this site. Is anyone else addicted?

I was filled 0.6 on last Wed. and I have really felt the difference. I'm thinking its rite or a tad much but I will wade through it and make sure the swelling goes down or any irratation from the fill. I have to be very careful what I try to eat......Like it is as it should be now and before I was playing around.. I will follow up.

I am not banded yet (March 24) but I am a planner so I have been gathering a list from everyone I come in contact with and I will share it with you... So far, I heard some good things to bring/pack/do/tips/advice though..... carmex/chapstick, a bra with no underwire, a portable heating pad, robe, comfy slippers, crossword/game/puzzlebook, shave your legs before surgery day as you may not feel like bending over for a bit, take plenty of small bills for tipping, slip on shoes for the ride/flight home, have a wheelchair arranged for on the way home with the airlines (this can be done at the baggage check in or ahead of time), very loose and cool light c…

I just got to thinking.... (i know, dangerous stuff). Anywhoooo, I am being banded end of March and that is exactly the time of my, well, womanly flows. I know I hate to discuss this, but does anyone think that is a bad idea? Women are more tender then so I am wondering if maybe cramping and bloating because of my period will make things worse? Any comments? What about getting fills close to that "time of the month"? Someone shoot me if this is a dumb question, and someone better respond soon before I do a DeLarla and delete this post! (ha ha ha)

I ate a chicken taco earlier today and had a slight pb episode, then I felt fine. Now that I tryed to drink some juice it will not even go down. It has been about six hours since I ate. I have already left a message with my doctor, but is there any other suggestions. I have so much pain.

Besides the regular noises we all do & so forth & so forth... Are there any bandsters out there who DO NOT HAVE extra noises now since the surgery?

OK got a fill on January 26th. This gave me a total of 2.2cc in a 4cc band. I felt restriction but nothing major. Have had a couple of minor episodes of PB about 2 days after the fill but nothing since till a week ago. Now I have MAJOR restriction. I have a hard time eating mushie foods sometimes. I can't eat hardly any meats unless they are like liquid before swallowing. (Sorry for the grossness but hey,...) I ate 7 cheetos, yes 7 the other day and was FULL to the brink of PBing. I did not drink anything while eating the cheetos. I let them melt in my mouth too. Other than the high restriction I am doing great. I just wonder if all the rainy weather migh…

I started liquids on saturday. The first day was little hard, i'm a kitchen manager in a resturant, so i'm around food all day long. Did anybody else have a rough go at it? I'm drinking boost, and lots of Water, i have a lot of Soup broth, and Jello. Another question. I live in canada, i can find Boost but i can't find Carnation instant Breakfast. Can anybody tell me how much it is in the States and where can i buy both Boost and the instant breakfast? hope to from someone iamcanadian25

How much liquid were you able to drink in the first few days after surgery?? My band info book says 100ml every hour in small amounts how much is that in oz??What was your experience??

Please help me, I have been trying to find a doctor who will do a fill in Florida. The only doctors that I had found are extremely expensive and way out of my budget. I was planning on flying back to MX to get a fill next month, but cannot take the time off work, bummer. So I started my search again, for a fill doctor, I came across Dr. Joya support Group and it had two doctors listed, one of them is Dr. Eddie Gomes in Coral Gables Florida, I called and they do band patients like myself that were banded in Mexico. The cost of the fill is $300 w/out flouru, is it dangerous or bad to get a fill without this??? PLease --Please give me your opinion. If I get a fill with flour…

I didnt thik that the port would be so prominent- I can defintiely fieel it under my skin. Is this standard?

meal last night - 1 small piece of pot roast, 2 pieces of carrot and 1/2 mini potato and I was full! Chewed really well and took small bites Go back to doctor tommorow - I hope it was ok that I started to eat before seeing him! Lauren banded 1/24/05 Dr. Bertha

Well I did not get any fluid out. I was very frustrated but I am making this work out. I feel I have been able to eat a little better. For a week it was almost nothing and it was getting to me. I can now eat a little, I've lost 8 lbs since the fill 12 days ago. Yeah 8 I am happy about that. I've lost like 12 in three weeks toatl. I neede dthat after a long dry spell. cyall

hi everyone i was banded jan 17 i startred solids last week i work nights 7p to 7a having hard time arrange food and how to eat 3 meals any suggestions also getting into eating my 70gms of protein a day also any one know a supplement that boost premenapausal slow metaboiisum up thanks julie

I've been very busy this last few weeks, and haven't been able to visit here, and now it's taking me hours to catch back up with you all! My daughter and son-in-law just gave birth to my first grandson, Dylan Riley on Tuesday November 30th. He was 7 pounds, 20 inches, and beautiful. :Bunny His skin is gorgeous, warm peaches and cream. From the moment he was born he's been calm. As soon as his head was born he opened his eyes and started looking around. He's been alert and observant ever since. He's only cried when he's hungry. If we can call the sweet little mew's he makes a cry. We've been busy painting and carpeting and preparing for the baby at the new house …

I'm close to my decision to get banded in Mexico but know based upon my great new friends at LBT that I must find a Dr. locally to do fills. Any recommendations on Dr.s in Dallas, TX? I live in Frisco (just north of Dallas). Thanks!

Just wondering, after all the problems youve been having - how are you doing/feeling??? And how's the wound look where the old port was? Are things any better???

I wonder if any of you feel the same way I do and if so, how you handle it? For a long while I was sticking to a high-protein and veggie diet. Pretty much what we are supposed to do anyway, but I also was doing it to help control my blood sugar and cholesterol. I was losing weight quickly that way and I wasn't miserable, but food lost all of it's appeal for me. Or most of it. Then I went off the diets for emotional eating reasons (bad me!) and found that once again, I really enjoyed eating. I couldn't eat much because of the band, but what I did eat, I liked. I didn't lose weight, but didn't gain either. Now I have committed to going back to the healthy eating …

Hi there I was wonder if having to burp for hours after eating is common? Does this mean something? eating too much too fast?? I have noticed it more after my last fill. I would welcome any comments or suggestions. Thank you Sue

Hey fellow bansters, Well as the title suggests, I feel like I have been mowed down. My surgery was at 8 am yesterday. My doctor told my family when It was all done that my liver was so tiny, that it really made my surgery easy. I guess he had been expecting that I was going to be a difficult case. The Surgery took him 40 minutes and that was with explanation to the other Dr. who was monitering. When I got into my room my throat was on fire, and my upper lip was kinda ragged, I guess from either insertion or extraction of the tube. I felt as if there was a big guber stuck in my throat that I couldnt clear out. My stomach felt like I had been in a bar fight and had bee…

Well here I am, one week before surgery. I am getting my lap band at New England Medical Center in Boston. They have a great program, which I am happy to say is covered by my insurance (Harvard Pilgrim). They have a 6 week behavior modification program, you meet with a psychologist twice, nutritionist twice and they have a monthly post op program. So believe me when I tell you I am ready. I am so excited!!! I wish it were tomorrow. My doctor doesnt have us fast pre-surgery. But I am really carefull about what I eat. I didnt lost 10% of my weight, but I have lost some. What has everybody done to make the last week go by faster. I do work 2 jobs so that part will …

Port still hurts when I bend, 10 days after fill. Is this normal? Does extended pain occur after each fill? Thanks for your help. This site has been a great help to me, since I haven't been able to attend support meetings, not until March. So far banding has been such a wonderful program for supporting my weight loss!

Okay, so does everyone have new gurgling noises coming up through their throats, or is it just me & Penni. We recently spent the weekend together laughing at all the new noises our body makes. We'd hear a loud rumble and both say, "was that you or me." And when I drink, after several seconds I can hear the gurgling of the liquid passing from my pouch to the stomach.

Okay, I've read that some people have baby food during the mushy stage.... Any suggestions???

Hey Everyone, It has been great reading everybodies emails.....I have really learnt alot. I will be getting my band on March 4th with Dr. Ortiz. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I can't wait to start my new life. I feel like these last three weeks have been a rollcoaster. At times I have been out of control eating and other times a wouldn't dare eat an extra ounce. After reading post after post I realize that this is probably normal. Regular Size clothes I get gitty just thinking about the possibility!! Lacy

and after surgery my port was very detectable - I could feel it easily but now I cannot and am nervous. Where did it go?? I have to push kind of hard and feel around and I "think" I feel it but not sure. Lauren

Yesterday went in for a fill and only 1cc of "old" fulid was in my band. I had my last fill back in June which brought me up to a total of 4cc. Where did the fulid go.. where are those other 3cc of fulid. The doctor took the 1cc out of "old looking fulid" is what he saild was in my band and he replaced 1cc I got back in 2 weeks and he is going to check to see if the 1cc is still there. Where did the fulid go?

What is a good over the counter vitamin for hair loss? I didn't have much after surgery but it has increased and it is starting to freak me out. I know it's normal and I am eating as much protein as I can in a day, but I want to do more. Any help would be appreciated!

Hello All: I have been banded since Nov 24th 2004 - When I was looking for a weight loss surgery I read about the band and immediately knew this was for me. I orignally was to go Mexico but with the concerns of my family decided to stay close to home. So here I sit 3 months out...I have lost weight but I'm so afraid to weigh myself or even think I'm losing weight. I have had so much disappointment and frustrations with diets before the band that I'm afriad to think positive only to be disappointed again. When people ask me how much I lost I just make up a number or just say I don't kn ow. I'm even afraid to call my doc for an follow up appointment in fear the scale …

Does anybody ever go into the chat room and if you do when is usually the best time to meet there?