LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi folks. Went to a seminar yesterday- one more to go, then I get to meet my surgeon. I have to wait until January for that meeting, but hey, its' coming along. Anyhow, I asked about soda and weight loss surgery. Strange the dietician said you can have flat soda at four months time, and eventually, fizzy soda later on in the year, providing that it is diet, of course. I asked her if it would erode the band, and she said no, it's impossible, as the band is on the outside of the stomach. So, another conflict in what others are being told, ggggggggrrrrrrrr. Anyone else's dietician tell them this? I would miss my Fresca and diet ginger ale the most, although, I don't have t…

Teresa!! 75.8 lbs OMG!! You should be SO proud of yourself! Way to go girlfriend!!

I have a horrible amount of hanging skin on my tummy, so I'm beginning to look for a plastic surgeon to do a panniculectomy. Do any of you have any recommendations for plastic surgeons near Detroit?

Hello everyone Well im a fully fledged bandster now as i had my op on the 6th and everything was fine...mind you i was quite sore for a couple of days but that might have been the the pink fluffy side of me thats hidden under this 127kg body of mine...lol.. Have to say that as i took mr preop sedation i did wonder if i had done the right thing going in for the op but that thoguth soon disapeard and i think its the best thing i have ever done for myself and like whippledaddy says in one of his posts.. i too like him dont seem to do much thats just for my benefit and no one elses... Is that a bit of a trait with us larger peeps do you think ? I would also like to say t…

Hi All, I did see Dr. K yesterday after I had an upper GI. I watched it on the screen as my esophogus did its peritalsis thing trying to get the barium through the band, but NOTHING was going through. It was in the morning, however. My doctor said the band was in the right place and my pouch looked okay, but that my esophogus looked...stretched??? (can't remember the term she used). I was at 3.2, and she removed .3 so I am now at 2.9. I am still not sure if it is enough, but I will see. She told me to let things heal by eating liquids and mushies for the next few days, and to continue taking the Previcid for 2 weeks. An upside is that I lost 14 pounds just short o…

hi im new to this thing and it was suggested by one of the doctors ive seen. i am from dallas texas and i have been trying to get the lap band for 2 yrs but it hasnt worked out. i have been researching insurance options through my husbands job and purchasing insurance privatly and they either wont cover it or my husband and i would be in debt until we were 2,000 yrs old. i am five foot tall and i weigh 300 lbs i wasnt always big just started having weight problems after having my son i have been on every diet there is and still continue to diet with exercise but my doctors said the reason why i cant loose weight is because my bmi has gotten so high that it would take surg…

Hi Everyone, Went to the doc this morning about the hair loss issue, blood draw etc... I tried to fit everything into one visit. This was the physician assistant who wrote me my letter of medical necessity for lapband surgery last year. He had not seen me since then and I think he was completely shocked at the transformation. We covered the following topics: Why am I losing hair? I told him I thought it was hormonal, so he ordered lots of tests and they took vials and vials of blood. I asked him to look at my thighs and my hanging panne and told him I want plastic surgery next year. I still get skin infections, rashes etc. OK, I stretched the truth a little, but t…

Had my preop visit yesterday and I was shocked when the DR told me where he planned to place my port. All along I have had this vision of it being lower left of belly. He said it will be under right rib cage . I kept asking him if I was going to feel this when I was sleeping, or trying to sleep on my tummy. Oh yea, Blossom, I asked him what size and he said the 4cc. When I mentioned the 10, I had to laugh out loud to his comment, "Well, you're not that big", so we'll use the 4cc. I asked him. do you now how long it's been since someone said that to me? Suppose to meet my proctor Dr. Jeffrey Allen, Monday, 6:00, am, surgery promptly @ 7:30. It seemed so far away, my …

i go in wed morning surgery at 11:30 a.m. wish me luck and when i get back i will post more just been busy getting things in order. thanks for the support tman

16 days post op and 12 lbs lost. My incisions are healing fine although the port site is taking it's time. That dermabond skin glue only holds for 4 or 5 days and then I was sure I would cough and my guts would spill out. I am feeling depressed because I don't know if what I am feeling is normal..........IS THIS THING WORKING!!!!!! I am wondering if there is even a band in there! I did liquids for the first 7 days, then mushies and liquids for the next 7 and now feel like I could eat way tooooo much food. Don't get me wrong, I haven't tried anything life-threatening like bread or big chunks of anything but I don't get it. What's all this crap about eatting with a baby s…

I just got back from the Doctor's office and I got my first fill. He put in 1.5cc, and I am on liquid the rest of the day. I didn't feel the needle or anything. I just felt some pressure from him pushing down to put it in the port. He put it in and pulled it out and put it in again. So anyone being afraid of this needs to know there is no pain at all!

Hi all, I was reading this on another of the Websites and thought it could be of help to those needing fills.. I copied it so I hope I won't get in trouble for doing so. I just got off the phone w/my surgeon and was told about this new program. The company is called "Fill Center USA", they help clients find fill DR.'s in their area. The cool thing is once the DR signs up w/their program all patients going through here only have to pay $150 per fill and the 1st fill is free, you still have to pay the office visit. This is a great service for those of you who had your surgery outside of the USA. The phone number is 1-866-345-5872. I hope this helps everyone trying to fi…

Hi Everyone, I am having a miserable time with everything in my life EXCEPT weight loss. Just feel like I want to vent: I am losing so much hair. Globs falling out daily. I will be bald by Christmas at this rate. Actually, I have been losing hair since I was banded 17 months ago. They tested my blood a few months ago and said I was really healthy and do not have Vitamin deficiencies. I'm taking Vitamins but I think it is the stress thats doing me in. My business is tanking. I lost 7 deals over the last 3 weeks and I have no income coming in over the next 8 weeks. Very depressing. My inlaws are not doing well. Went to FL and my father in law (who has Parkinsons) …

Well I am ready and now I know I have to go to TJ to get my second fill. I have no experience there and I am kind of scared. From what I have been reading it seems as if Dr Kuri is my guy. Could someone please give me his number to get an appointment. I would like to go on the 20th of Dec. And I don't know how to get intouch or how to get there. So thanks for the info in advance.

Hello, I remember reading when I was researching another WLS years ago (duodenal switch) about the major risk of blood clots. Over and over on the message boards they would remind you to walk walk walk after the surgery. I don't see that much emphasis on this here. Is there less of a risk for blood clots with this procedure? Sonia

Hi! I am a new member here, and I am scheduled for surgery in feb. I was hoping to get some day to day kind of info. I hear a lot about diets and fills, I would like to know more about the minor stuff. what do you regret about the surgery if anything? even minor things. I just want to make sure I know the Bad as well as the good. I am fully ready to commit to the new lifestyle, and I understand the risks I am taking, but I really haven't gotten much info on daily anooyances, if there are any. Thank you so much for any info! Hillary

Hey Lifesavers, (That is truly what you guys have been for me during the past week):banana I went for my first post op appointment today. I lost about 10 pounds thus far. I was both shocked and estatic when the doctor told me that I could move on to the MUSHIE phase. :Bunny I thought I was supposed to be on full liquids for two weeks. Anyway while I was in the waiting room I was reading on the articles on the wall about a patient who had been banded and it said that when she went for her 1 week checkout, Dr. Abkin told her she could advance to mushies. Maybe the books that I got from the nutrionist are outdated. I don't know but everything I read said I couldn't…

Does anyone track their body fat percentage on one of those Tanita scales? I have been from the beginning and I am somewhat puzzled/troubled. My weight has decreased by 67 pounds or 26%, but my percentage body fat has only decreased from 52% to 47%. I think normal is about 15 or 20%. Does this mean I've lost mostly muscle? I know I don't get the recommended amount of Protein, but I do try. I drink at least one protein/soy milk shake a day. I'm curious about what thoughts anyone might have or any suggestions you might have. Thanks. Nancy

Hey guys, just wanted to let everyone know I sailed through the surgery just fine, no tummy gas, but the left shoulder gas was a biggie! While the doctors were in there, they found a hadal hernia, fixed that and did a liver biopsy for my pcp. Most of you probably remember me telling you, I am the first adj bander in my area, and the first for my doctor. Dr. Allen from Ky was the assisting proctor. I met two other people that had it done after me, of course I had to introduce her to this site, I'm sure she will be joining soon. So, now it's just me, my band and all of you wonderful supporters. I had my dh stop by Dunkin Donuts had a cup of coffee with splenda, ummmmm…

Pat - You probably are already at the hospital, but just wanted to wish you luck on your big day today! Please post and let us know how you are when you are able to. You will be in bandland before you know it!

I am a crazy Christmas decorating fiend!!!! Last weekend when I was decorating my 6th (of 9) trees in our house. I finally felt like I was losing!!! As I stood on the top of the step ladder, for the first time I was able to lean over without hitting tummy against the other decorated branches of fear of being to heavy for the ladder rating. I also never felt like I was out of balance or was going to fall. This was AMAZING!!! It encouraged me to clean out my closet- I got 7 bags of clothes to go to Good will I got rid of sizes down through 20 and all 2x (except 1 favorite sweater- I can't give it up). SO I officially only have size 18 stuff. The saddest part was I o…

Hi there! I am scheduled to have the lap band procedure carried out by Dr. Bertha on 12/7 - and I'm very excited and nervous all at the same time! Does anyone have any ideas on how to prepare your spouse and your children? What are your thoughts on having your children go to the hospital for the daty of the surgery? Maybe I should be more concerned about myself, but I feel prepared since I have extensively researched the procedure, the surgeons, etc. Thanks in advance! Doug

right by your name?

Today I visited a friend who's a surgeon, and not exactly overendowed with tact. When she saw me, the first words out of her mouth were "You look like a normal person!" After I slapped her upside the head she at least had the good grace to laugh at herself. Hey, it's not the most lavish compliment I've ever received, but she was sincere. And while I still have a lot of weight to lose, I am starting to feel (and maybe even look) like what passes for normal. In a good way.

Hello everyone, I've been lucking for almost a year and finally registered. My one year anniversary was 12-4. I have lost exactly 100 pounds. I'm 5'8". I started at 255 and am 155 now. My goal is 150 but I don't really care if I get there because I'm thrilled with the way I look right now. I love my band and am so thankful I was able to afford it. I was a self payer and it was costly but so worth it. I just had a tummy tuck and breast lift with implants and some lipo 5 weeks ago to complete the new me. Thanks for letting me share. Belinda 12/4/03 255/155/150 1.7cc fill

Hello I am a bit worried I just got a fill today sunday and a clinic here in ny and after my fill I tried to drink a small amount of soup and I pb's and there was a little blood in there. couple small clot type. Can someone help me I cant find anything about this on here.

Does any one know of any Doctors in GA or TN that will do fills for patient's who where banded outside the US? thanks!!

As soon as I finish this I'm going to call Dr. Deol for an appointment. I would appreciate any words of wisdom from experienced bandsters. I think I've done my homework, but there is a part of me that is still terrified at the thought of a surgical procedure.

Does anybody else have a problem trusting their fickle band? One of my doctors thinks I'm rejecting my port tube, which will most likely lead to erosion - but nothing can be verified till I have an edoscopy. Naturally, I lost restriction last week, so I was sure I was dying (or badly eroded.) But then I have to remember that I've had days with little restriction in the past, and my restriction has always returned in a couple days. Well, I just ate lunch and got down 2 large eggrolls and too many cheese and crackers. Big mistake since Madam Restriction came back and now has me really tight in my ribcage. Why can't I just trust my band till it gives me a reason not t…

Hi Guys, I am newly banded and have a few questions. When I lay down I feel a lot of pressed at the breast bone level. I had surgury five days ago and am wondering if this is normal. It happens more at night and I am sleeping more in the mornings because of it. I thought it was gas but that has eased up some. It could simply be swellling. I will call the doctor on Monday but was just wondering if you all had trouble lying down and sleeping/ Also burping causes a liltle pain around the same area. ALSO ... I am on Clear Liquids and seem to be tolerating this well. My partner is suggesting that I try and go to thick liquids and I feel hungry but want to not cause …

Did anyone get their book yet? I ordered on Nov. 3 and I still don't have it.

HarleyNana, I read in another thread that you feel on the verge of a panic attack. I had some of those same feelings myself prior to surgery and it was very uncomfortable. I recommend exercise to help calm your nerves. It really works. Any surgery has its risks of course, but honestly, this surgery is very safe as surgeries go. And it will be all over tomorrow. Pamper yourself today. Try as much as possible to live in the moment and remind yourself that all is well and that you are safe. Nancy

Well, I am now officially a bandster! :banana The surgery went really well and although I am pretty sore, I have not really experienced a lot of pain. I went to the hospital at 11 am yesterday and was in surgery by 12:30. That was a lot sooner than I expected! I figured I would be lucky if I was in by 3. Sugery lasted 2 hours. I expected to be able to get up and start walking after surgery, but that was not the case for me. I was hooked up to an IV, oxygen, and a catheter until about an hour before being released. No walking for me! I had a basal drip of morphine in my IV that gave me a dose about once per hour and I also had the button in case that was not enou…

OK every year I have a Christmas Tree Trimming party at my house. Last year we had a 9 ft tree. The year before we had a 13 ft tree. The only requirement is that you bring one ornament to put on the tree. Sorta leaving something of you behind. Nice sentiment I think. Anyway, I think the date will be either Dec 18th Saturday or Dec 19th Sunday. If you want to come and help just let me know. I live in Van Nuys, CA and can put up about 6 people comfortably if you don't mind sharing a bed with someone. Just a thought. Here is what the tree looked like last year.

Hi everyone! I thought I'd start a thread for a change because after reading all your awesome threads I needed to jump in!!! Hope you don't mind! Revelations.....about myself....since my lap band surgery. Call it an NSV, a perk, a mini victory....call it what you like....but I think that everything I'm experiencing is AWESOME!!! I'm learning so much about the old me that I've never realized or thought about before. And I know you'll agree! One particular revelation for me is that I no longer have an over-abundance of napkins in my car!!! I know you can ALL relate to this...c'mon....fess up! But, the truth is, I went through the car wash last week…

If you do, you can PM me and I'll tell you more about what I have. Some are work clothes, but not too dressy. Some are weekend clothes. Nancy

Hi everyone I have been reading but not posting for a while. We have just updated our after page on our weight loss web site. I am so proud of my beautiful wife. She is down 8 dress sizes in 2 months and down 12 dress sizes in the last 2 years. I am down 10 suit sizes. It you would like to just click on the web address. http://www.arkwebshost.com/family/debmo/after.shtml

Hi Everyone, I finally made the 180's!!! SOunds so much better than the 190's. ! I am scheduled for a fill next Friday and hope I will have that extra little tweak to get me to goal. ONly 19 more pounds to go......!!! Babs in TX 334/189/170 -145 6/23/03

Im not sure what is happening. On Monday I got my second fill, officially at a 1.8cc now. Thursday night I drank some juice before going to bed and about 30 minutes later I started choking and coughing in my sleep. Even though I was sleeping I felt the juice coming back up. So I changed positions and tried falling asleep again... same thing! Juice coming back up. Then I elevated my head and tried sleeping this way. Much better! Just not very comfortable. Same thing happened again tonight once I went to sleep . This time it was a little stronger - and I was even propped up on lastnights pillows. What is going on? I searched the archives on inform…

Sending you (((hugs))) and prayers for a noneventful surgery and minimum pain recovery! This is your last weekend as an "Unbanded Woman"! You'll do great and be back telling us about it in no time. Take care!

Hi Guys, I am home from the hospital and have my band. I am sore but am getting better already/ :Bunny I Will email soon. Melanie

I am having so many NSVs, it is really exciting. It seems my body is changing so much so fast. I've lost some weight to be sure, but I think a lot of it is the effect of exercise and I am "compacting" (I believe that was Alexandra's word). Bandster friends, I struggled for so many, many months after my initial weight loss post-surgery. I ate all of the wrong things. I didn't exercise. I didn't lose a pound for months and months. And even though I had lost a lot of weight initially, my clothing size hadn't changed at all. So I hope you don't feel I am bragging or tooting my own horn now, but I just feel the need to express my excitement to someone and I figure you a…

I just started my pre op diet today. UGG. Its so hard. I woke up this morning so hungry and all I could have was a dagum shake grrr. OH then the lovely shake and half sandwich for lunch. I am so looking forward to dinner. My 3 oz of lean meat, 1 cup of salad and 1 cup of non starchy veggie LOL. Please tell me my tummy is gonna shrink and in a few days it wont be so bad. THe last 3 days is full liquid...cant wait for that!! I can and will make it thru this...

We'll it's getting closer to my date!!!!!!!!!!!!! Went to see my primary physician today to get final labs and referal for esophageal manometry. My Dr. is not pleased that i'm having this procedure in fact he's very negative about it. He said " He doesn't want to be called if I die getting the procedure done". It's a little disheartning. He's a endocrinologist I have been his patient for years. Maybe he's upset because in the long run i'll be off insulin and all those oral hyperglycemic agents and all the blood pressure medicine. I don't know. all I know is that I must do this so that I can feel better about myself and also, feel better in this torn down body. I'm tired…

Jerky and other high Protein type snacks!

I had surgery 12 days ago and I am still on liquids. Im getting hungery in the evenings so I have had mashed potatoes and cream soup on occasion but I don't loose when I do that. I weigh daily and I have been losing 1lb a day. So I am scared that when I go to solids that I will gain. Has anybody experienced this?

Hi again, I was banded on Monday 11/29 and I have been following the doctors orders for the solids. Since yesterday I've been suffering from Diarrhea very badly. Is this normal. It seems like everything I drink goes right through me. I called the Doctor today and he said I can take medication for it like anyone else. It is only me or has anyone else experiened this. I'm scared to drink anything now because I'm not sure if it is the food or just part of the recovery. I'm almost regretting the whole thing. :hurt I'm so uncomfortable. Any suggestions??

So I thought the hardest part of this would be the insurance issue, guess I was wrong. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has said it will pay 100% for the surgery, of course providing I am able to get a referral from my PCP. This is were it makes me nervous. Last years physical I brought the subject up to him and he shot it down before I was able to finish my sentence! I am just so nervous he will again say no. What type of info did you share with your PCP to get them to approve a referral?? I really hope I'm overreacting, and after I give him my speech on the Lapband and how I am a great candidate he will have no other choice to give me a referral. ~Christin…

Here's an opening for all the folk out there that we would all love to get to know! Come on... you know you want to post! This forum is too awesome to just stay on the sidelines. Darcy

Hey Miss Wisconsin, where have you been hiding? I am thinking you were probably on some exotic trip around the world with an extended stay in Jamaica or something very similar to that. Hope all is well with you. Update us on how you are doing. Miss your smiling face and cheerful notes. Maybe you were on a fabric buying frenzy and could not get past all your piles of quilting fabric to reach your key board. That's the ticket -- too much fabric. Now, I know.... HA HA. Fellow quilter, Theresa Marie