LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I was emailed this message regarding a couple of emails on a lapband yahoo board. Thought some of you might be interested... Welcome to a world free of AnnMarie. I know first hand about the unmentionable circumstances. People on these boards will have a field day with your post though. Anita kristie <krizzygirl2002@yahoo.com> wrote: I was a patient coordinator working with belighter. Due to unmentionable circumstances I am no longer affiliated with this company. Thank you Kristie Rivington Here is my response to the situation: That is very interesting to hear this from you, Anita and Kristie. As far as I am concerned belighter is nothing bu…

I am looking at lap banding and how soon after your surgery can you return to work? I am a registered nurse and am on my feet alot.

I never thought that this journey I've taken would lead to so many discoveries about myself personally and the behaviors that have become so much of who I am. I think that I've always known that my relationship with food was not a healthy one... but the need to feed that hunger and surround myself with a protective layer was beyond my control. I would always say... "My problem is that I just love food". My problem was and is that I am addicted to the temporary relief that food brings... that fleeting moment of joy that accompanied a frozen custard turtle sundae. But then... shortly... empty again. I am sure this is what an alcoholic must feel... this inability to sto…

I was staring to swim some before I had surgery, and now, maybe because of the dehydration, I am CRAVING getting into the pool. I'll ask my doctor on Monday, but I'm just curious, how long was it until you guys were "cleared for swimming" (or baths, etc.).

i was banded on jan 17 just started solids on sunday i feel pretty full after eating smallportions of protein and veg cannot get carbs in yet is this common without a fill i last about 4-5 hrs whithout being hungry i know he put in a 10cm band fron what i read thats a big band will this change and i will get hungry and more hungry until my first fill and with this size band will it take a lot of fills to feel restriction julie

I just drank a COLD glass of ICED TEA in about 30 minutes!!! We're talking 12-16 ounces. I tasted EVERY sip.. did you know that tea tastes like something? I had NO idea. It was delicious. It was heavenly. It was tea. I did experience my first gas pains... just a little pain spanning from my stomach to my shoulder, then a burp, then it was gone. I can do this. =) I CAN do this. I CAN DO THIS! Jonathan

I got my 2nd fill this past Friday because I've been stuck on my weight loss for months now. I did liquids that day, and mushies yesterday. Seems to be somewhat more restricted. Yesterday I started noticing that I was coughing, productive coughing from the chest with a bit of soreness down my esophagus. This morning, I woke up with major congestion and sore throat and kind of a burning sensation down my esophagus and into my chest. Could be a cold, but this sensation down my esophagus has me thinking that it has something to do with the adjustment. Anybody get this kind of reaction? I was thinking it might be some GERD type reaction.

Okay, this might be a silly question, but do can you "feel" the band after the surgery? Is there any sensation or uncomfortable feeling that you know it is there, or does it feel the same as before the surgery?

I was just thinking how easy it is to lose sight of the joy of weight-loss in the midst of the battle to lose it. I don’t want to forget the elation … the joy that I felt as I put my size 24’s away. I don’t want to get so caught up in the battle that I forget to enjoy the potential for happiness in each stage of weight-loss. Wouldn’t it be a shame if in the Quest for a size 12 that size 16 was totally unappreciated? When I worked in an obgyn clinic… I would weight beautiful women of all different sizes… all day long. None of them were happy with their weight… none. I hope that we can all appreciate our individual beauty at every stage of weight-loss and that we ca…

I blew up at work yesterday and yelled at a co-worker. This is the same girl, Erin, that I've complained about before because she sabotages my eating. I've had serious talks asking her not to tempt me with food or candy. No matter what I say, she still brings me food, talks about food, invites me to eat, etc. Yesterday she marched in my office to announce a platter of cookies, and I lost it and started yelling. She turned beat red and stormed away. I felt bad so I apologized. She was humiliated because I yelled loud enough for everyone to hear, "FROM NOW ON I'M FINING YOU A QUARTER FOR EVERY SINGLE REFERENCE YOU MAKE TO FOOD IN MY OFFICE!" She finally "got it" and…

I probably have no right posting a NSV right now, since I realize my weightloss is primarily a factor of dehydration, but it's a funny story... First, 3 weeks ago I weighed 340 lbs and had a 54" waist. I now weigh 301 lbs and I was looking for some pants to wear to go to my son's indoor soccer game... ... and I found a 50x30 pair of jeans I'd never worn. I put them on, and they fit! Then I grabbed a 3x shirt (which is *almost* biggish on me) and put it on, and I looked really good =) I said to my wife "Man, I think I could go downtown tonight and get laid in this!" (Jokingly, of course.) She replied, "You could, honey, except for your belly." I stared at her, …

I was banded on 5-6-04 and have not had a fill yet. My starting weight was 249 my weigh now is 205, but I have been at 205 for almost 2 months give and take. I can eat anything and any quanity. I have learned how to make better choices with the band and try harder not to eat too, too, much. I know I need a fill but I am so scared of one. I was hoping to be one of those persons who never needed a fill even if it took 2 years to loose the weight. One of the things that scares me so is drinking water! I love to gulp water and I freak at the thought of not being able to do that. Also I take some non coated pills and quite a few. Also I have never PBed. I am so scared of that.…

Hi everyone! I decided to take a trip to Maine this weekend to see my parents. I also decided to bring my daughter-in-law and three grandkids with me. I started my period, so I'm not quite myself, the kids argued in the car for part of the trip and I'm just frustrated and extremely tired. But I know that frustration leads to eating. Because I'm not in my house with the right foods, I'm scared. My mom got the right milk but in trying to get out of the house on time, I forgot to bring some of my stuff just in the event that something wasn't going right. I had brought snacks for the kids and so that is around and my mom got things that are higher in fat and sugar, all the n…

hi everyone well i did it had a good day on solids able to tolrate all i had one thing what i was craving chicken roasted with gravey i couldn,t wait to have it and when i did it was horrible it wasn,t as great as i thought it would be i just had enough until i felt full and dumped the rest what a disaaapointment in a good way lol well thanks for listening julie

Has anyone that has a band ever had the stomach flu? Just wondering what would happen if you got it while banded. It is going around in this area and I can't picture what would happen if you started barfing with a band on. Sorry, as if we don't have enough to think about. hopeful Brenda Banded Sept 24, 2004 Dr Ortiz and Dr Martinez 1st fill Nov 17, 1.5

Please tell me what to expect....I am having my pre-op EGD next Thursday. I'm told it's no big deal, but all of a sudden I have this incredible gag reflex just thinking about it!

Hi. I am getting my surgery on 2/10/05 at University of Illinois in Chicago with Dr. Santiago Horgan.:banana Okay, here is my question. I am currently a graduate student, and am completing my internship to become a professional counselor. I am also a mother of three darling kids, ages 1, 3, and 9. What is the recovery period like, and how long will I be out. I really can't afford to be out of the loop for too long, because of oblicagions-but I don't want to rush it either. Please share with me your individual experiences of recovery and how you felt so I can get a better picture of what I can expect as I prepare. Thanks, and good will! Joan

I just lost my new port. Dr. Billy took it from me. This just in: IF YOU HAVE A LEAKING, WEEPING WOUND THAT WON'T CLOSE, THIS IS A BAD THING. The surgery I had two weeks ago in Mexico has been undone. The "mystery fluid" that has been oozing out of me for 8 months was infected (this time cultures were done.) It wasn't rejection, it was infection. It baffles me that not one of the other docs I've seen since May were interested enough to do a culture. Disturbing. No matter how deep they clean an infected wound, some bacteria will stay behind. When Lopez passed the brand new port through the old wound, the new port became surrounded by infectious bacteria. Also…

:guess Doed anyone know of a fill doc in so. WI/ N. Il?? Surgery in MX with Dr. Arturo Rodriguez but I need my fills up here. Also, does anyone know $$? Thanks, Dawn

Hey guys. it's me again (many weeks later!!!) with a question - for anyone who doesn't know me/my story, I live in Dublin, Ireland and was banded in Paris, France about 15 months ago - I am down about 70lbs which feels great but obviously, I could have lost more. Last October I found a band surgeon in England willing to do follow up care and fills etc for me, and went to him for a fill. I have an 11cc Inamed band which had a fill capacity of 9cc - I had 4cc put in during surgery - the fill doc found there was only just under 3cc in my band when he removed all the fluid - I gather this is pretty normal after a year - so he put back in 3.5cc but I was really disappointed …

Just thought I would post information from another support site. At the Port Arthur, Texas meeting last night, a nutritionist spoke. These are the notes I took. Your comments are welcome. She said she counsels/advises people who are overweight and said if Craving Carbs - need Magnesium. I've read magnesium is helpful for cravings before menstral cycles, too. Also, I've read when people crave chocolate, they need Magnesium. Sweets - use up chromium in our bodies Chromium is beneficial to diabetics - often lacking in this We need 1500 mg Calcium & 750 mg of Magnesium a day (Calcium contracts muscles & Magnesium relaxes muscles) Magnesium Oxide is …

Okay I go Monday at 4:00 for my Psych Evaluation... What should I look for? Besides.. Cuffs, Police, Stray Jacket, Insane Asyleum (sp) person. Anyway Im afriad.. they are going to lock me up LOL.. okay serious: Should I study anything... I know what im getting into, I know how much my life will change is that about all they ask? Let me know... Also my Dietain is Tuesday... Im getting closer..... hehehe

I had been gettting reflux at night and a burning sensation in my throat when I drink Water here lately and was getting worried so I went in to see my Band Dr. Out come is they do not think anything is wrong with my band just because I do not have any other symptoms. After reading several post sometimes there are no other symptoms but they are going to go a step further I will be on Protonix 40mg for the next month and need to check in with them in 3 weeks if my symptoms have not changed. I will also have the Pyloric H test done again to rule that out. If my burning sensation does not get better then an upper GI. I do not understand this burning when I drink water of al…

Can someone help me....I'm trying to figure out how to post before and after pictures and can't figure it out!!! Thanks:)

hi i am going on soilds on monday from being on all liquid diet for three weeks scared to dearh on eating again what should i start with first i know the moister the better i also start work on sunday night 11-7a i was thinking of bringing a lean cusine meal is that ok i just don,t know what to expect when i start eating i don,t want to vomit or have pain some of these stories i read are really eye opeaners for me like erosions and slipping etc i am tolrating liquids very well do you think i will tolrate solids just as well also today when i was getting clered at work to come back to work the hosp dr told me he read that were they are findind the banded pt are having low…

i bought a new scale and weighed myself today and was very disappointed about the weight lost since being banded on the 17 of jan defore surgury was 261 and almost three weeks later with being on a liq diet clear with only protein shakes down to 251 is this out of norm am i doing something wrong i was hopeing a bit more then that on just being on liquids did anyone else have a slow weight loss in the begining or is it just me thaks julie

Here is a very informative link for the lap band with several video clips explaning several things. Enjoy. http://www.uclabariatrics.mednet.ucla.edu/resources/resources_videos.htm

should I eat and drink at super bowl party if I'm going to get band Monday At 8:30 am

Finally, :banana :banana , I tried to eat a bite of my zone bar this morning and it's sitting right in the middle of my chest. Finally a golf ball feeling. I was eating out of control, but this got my attention real fast. Yippee!!!!!

Is this the type of thing that will cost less as time goes on? Has anyone ever negotiated the price of the LB for a lesser amount?

Even if you're not a CPA, I'd appreciate your advice. Obviously, I plan to have a great deal of unreimbursed medical expenses in 2005. So I am keeping very careful records. Here's my question: Can I include the protein supplements required by my doc after surgery as a medical expense? Are there any other things out there that I could also include that I may be overlooking? Thanks for your help. Just think all the tax money I save can be spent on a new bathing suit in 2006! Hee, hee.

Hello... I need a little encouragement. My boyfriend and I broke up recently, and as I'm such the emotional eater, I have benn indulging more than I should. I have done really well thus far - I have lost 26 lbs since getting banded last December 20th. But dealing with a break-up has been challenging, and I turn to food. Can anyone provide a little advice or encouragement? Thanks.. Kibuluna

I have created an online website for pics of my weight loss journey, in case anywone wants to visit. It is www.picturetrail.com/befain click on the album Brenda's Weight Loss Journey.... Please sign my guestbook while you are there. I would love to see your site if you have one regarding your weight loss journey. Have a great day.

Hey!! I'm just wondering if there is anyone out there that lives in the NW Georgia area? Chattanooga, TN, also.

I had to take a couple days rest. Yeah me. I have not faultered as I am back on track. My fill rescheduled to Wed. I had to work 8 days straight. These are 13 hour days. My excuses to you all......No weigh ins since the last... Still in good shape...I'm looking forward to a fill. :ninja

Wanted to let all of you know I have a surgery date. It is March 16. If you thought I was excited before I am very excited now. Have any of you been banded by Dr. Jeff Allen? He is coming to Washington, DC to oversee my surgery which will be done by my doctor (Jason Brodsky) and I wanted to get some input into his skills. I feel like I'm the guinea pig but someone has to go first. My doctor had many folks who had their requests for lapbands rejected from their insurance and mine was the only one approved so far. He has done several Roux en Y and other surgeries of the sort but I will be his first lapband with the assistance of Dr. Allen. Send lots of prayers he won…

I'm attempting to post before and afters....lets see if it works?!

Hi everyone! I was banded 2 12 weeks ago... and have been having headaches so bad that I can't pick my head up off my pillow and feel like dracula in the light! I dragged myself to the computer hoping that someone can tell me that they went through this too. Last week I had 3 days of headaches and then again yesterday and today. I am litterally squinting my eyes! I tried chugging my daughters liquid tylonal, but it is so sweet it makes me want to throw up.... so I am scared to try that again! Anyone know any natural headache releif??? I am desperate! Thanks! Becca

I'm soooo curious about the ports. I heard something about itchyness. Does this last long, or just after the surgery??? where can i find a picture of an actual port. healthy non infected one or any??? I like baths, are those allowed regularly??? Does it protrude much off the skin, or is it plush??? any info is appriciated. I'd really like to see a life picture. If I can go ahead with the banding I'm gonna make my journal with plenty of pictures on curious stuff like this. I haven't come across any journals with much pictures of scares and the nature. So if anyone knows of a journal or site to visit please, let me know. thanks ~chena_cita

I am wondering about pbing (is that right) i have read alot about it and deffinately understand what this is, but does this happen alot. I mean will I be out to dinner on a date and ..OOOOPPPPSSS! Will everyone who sees me eat know that there is something different about me than a nromal person who has not had the surgery? I am going to keep reading old threads to compleatly understand the eating process. It seems there are different stages and lengths of time to stay in these stages. It seems from reading these threads that even those of you who have been banded for quite some time still have difficulty eating certine foods. Once you hit ideal wieght and get the li…

I had all of the approvals, ready to go and I had to cancel 3 days before the surgery. It turns out I have some other medical problems that have to be taken care of right away. I am so depressed I can hardly help myself. I have not been this upset in years. I am hoping that I will be able to reschedule soon, in maybe a month or two. This board site has been a God send!! I don't know what I would have done without it. Thank you everyone!

I would lov to know more aboout how other Michigan Lap Band Support Groups are run, how often they are held, is there an agenda, newsletter, staff attendance...any other info you can give. Thanks! Nancy Left this on "eastside bandsters - MI" yahoo group: I have been subscribing to your group for a while; but this is my first time posting. I was banded on 9/24/04 by Dr. Hawasli at St. John Hospital in Detroit. Our Support Group meets every third Wednesday of the month. I am just curious how all support groups run their group. Maybe we can learn something new. We had 13 people at our meeting this week and it was a great meeting!!! Also wanted to let you know …

What if we just get together for dinner one Saturday. My wife and I do not no anyone that has had this surgery. We would not have to do a complete bash. Just go out to eat dutch treat. Any takers

You are hereby invited to attend Converge On Chicago: A National Bandster Bash. The dates are April 8 – 10, 2005 and this grand event will take place at the Holiday Inn Rosemont, just minutes from O’Hare airport (a free shuttle service is provided to the hotel from O’Hare). Make plans now to attend the Bash, where we will finally get to meet each other in person and actually speak to each other with voices instead of typing! Bring your cameras, bring your spouses and friends, and most of all … just come ready to socialize, to be entertained, and to be inspired. This is the weekend we will be posting about for months to come… don’t be left out of the fun! Find all the d…

Yesterday I finally got my staples out ( 13 days after being banded) the openigs are healing well and I have lost twelve pounds but still feel very swollen, Does anybody know how long this lasts? Also I still am having trouble eating more than a few tablespoons of food per meal and I don't even have a fill yet did anybody else have the same problem and how long does it last?

Most of you know I spent the weekend in the hospital having another port-removal surgery. While I was there, Dr. Billy got hardcore with me & Penni about sucessful weight loss. When he mentioned the need for us to count calories, I rolled my eyes at him and told him I refused to ever count calories again. Yes, I lost half my weight, but Billy seems to think I have the capability to lose all my excess weight (I guess I never dared dream that before.) He's one of those evil doctors that requires morbidly obese patients to lose 40 pounds prior to giving them a bypass or Band. I used to think that was really messed up, cuz if we could lose weight that way, we would…

We're driving up to Dallas tonight. I go in tomorrow morning at 8:45 AM. I'll post again on Tuesday night, likely. Jonathan

Okay, let's try this again, but please think "food" this time. Sometimes it's hard for me to swallow (I have to gulp several times to get food down.) And I choke on liquids. Also, I wake up almost every day with a sore, scratchy, irritated throat. So I'm always thinking I'm getting a cold. I don't have acid reflux, no heartburn, nothing burns, etc. However, while I was in the hospital, I got the answers I needed. I actually DO have acid reflux, which is what's causing my throat irritation. I always thought acid reflux would mean painful burning in my chest and/or belly, like heartburn. I should have been born Mexican, cuz I eat hot sauce and jalepenos on everythi…

HI all- In my wasted youth, 20+ years ago, I got a (futile) stomach stapling procedure. My hubby and I have decided to go for a lap-band procedure. Anyone have any info on this having been done before? Mary Ch.

Here is a link to get a free sample of the new multi Vitamin from Viactive. Calcium chews they make? I was told to take calcium citrate so I assume these are not the same?