LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I had the lap band installed last Tuesday - 1 week ago. I have not been able to keep fluids down since that day. Went home for two days and was re-admitted to the hospital last Friday. Getting very discouraged and wondered if anyone had any ideas. Scott

Ah, me. I thought I was above this sort of thing. I thought it wouldn't bother me. A co-worker introduced me to another person working in our prison. It's a big place, we don't know each other, but Craig was up to one of his little jokes. Carol works up front, and I never go to the office so I never see those folks, I'm in the trenches, helping the prisoners cook, and serve the meals. Craig, my co-worker, tells Carol that I'm going to have the Band Surgery. She doesn't know me. Yet she takes it upon herself to tell me that if I had any self control or will power I could do it without the crutch. It was a longer conversation than it needed to be, because I …

It's that time of year! for SNEEZING! :eek and when I do sneeze, it really hurts the area where my port is. I was banded on the 21st of October, so I'm still very tender. How serious could sneezing be to someone newly banded. I was reading how throwing up could possibly cause a problem. Can sneezing?

I had the lapband installed on Oct. 26 on the West Coast of Florida. My operation took place on a Tuesday afternoon and I was released on Wed. morning even though I was suffering from nausea and was unable to hold fluids down. I spent Wed. and Thursday trying to open up the swelling between the 2 stomachs. Thursday night I was taken to the ER for fluids. I continued vomitting on Friday and was admitted Friday night to the hospital. I am still in the hospital and four days later and am continuing to vomit. This is now 8 days since surgery. I have been told by my surgeon that this is common in men and that time will bring the swelling down and the hole will open. I…

I used to be able to drink coffee with no problem, now it seems like either 1 cup = 4 or maybe it just won't agree with me anymore. Has anyone else ever have this problem??

OK everyone. No matter what shape you're in, or where you are on your band journey, you can join in this challenge. Walk, run, or bike to your polling place today. Cast your ballot. And here are a few ways to burn some extra calories: 1. If you have to wait in line, do a few stretches or walk in place, imagining what it would be like to live in a country where you had no voice in choosing your leaders. 2. If your voter registration is questioned, don't punch out the election official; quietly flex your arm muscles. 3. If you have to use an electronic machine and it doesn't work, take several deep breaths, then talk to the election judge, keeping your stomach tucked …

Is anyone else having problems eating too many goodies? I don't even know where it started, but lately there's been an excuse for everything. Parties, barbeques, 3-day weekends, Halloween, birthdays... it's never going to end, so I need to work on limiting myself. I'm not losing weight any more - just keep gaining and losing the same 2 pounds. So, my challenge (for those of us having problems) is to limit myself to one "fun food" per day. I stole that term from someone on the boards who either has 2 mini candy bars, an ice cream sandwhich, a couple cookies... nothing more. And not all that stuff, just pick one per day. Stomp out junk food! Stomp out junkfood!

My Grandfather just had a heart attack. My mom, and her parents are somewhere near Padre. My dad called me a few minutes ago. Mama had called him crying and told him to let my brother and me know and hung up. He said that he could hardly understand her because she was very distraught. He was taken by helicopter. My mother is driving to the hospital. I am so worried about her driving if she is in that bad of shape.

If you're a patient of Dr. Allen, please let me know, he's suppose to proctor with my surgeon Dec 6. Would sure like to know more about him...Thanks, Pat in VA

Eeek! I will have surgery this coming Friday afternoon! I'm so excited and a little scared. Went and had all the pre-op testing done this morning. Quick and easy. I still do not know exactly what time my surgery will be. At the hospital, I was told that they never really know until the day before, so I should get a call on Thursday evening to let me know what time to be there. Hummph....seems a little weird and incosiderate to me. My sister wants to be there and she will be taking off work, but she won't be able to tell her boss what time until Friday morning! Anyway, this past weekend was my last chance before surgery to do what I love best...gardening! An…

Hi all - I just have a question for you all. I had my last adjustment about 1 month ago. Everything seemed fine and I was eating normally and was even considering going for another fill. All of a sudden I have this unbelievable restriction. I mean it came from nowhere. I am really struggling to eat anything lately and I definately am not getting my water in. I mean foods that I had no problems with in the past are completely off limits to me now. I don't want to go to soups and soft things cause I asked for this help with the band and I want to work it to the best of my ability!!! Maybe I am not taking small enough bites or I am not chewing well.....I don't know. …

Hi Everyone, First of all I love my band and I am very thrilled with the weight I have lost so far. I keep a little bi-monthly journal that tells the date from day one, how many weeks, how many lbs. lost and when I have had my fills. I know the loss has slowed down alot (1st. 4months 34lbs...second 4months 13lbs) but I was sitting and looking at it this morning and realized for the first time that the lesser loss coinsides with the fact that at age 52 I haven't had a period for 4 months !! I think that the weight loss has made my periods stop because I know that the heavier you are the more apt you are to produce estrogen or I have been told that. I have been peri-menopau…

I have read a few people could eat Chili post op. I am still in my full liquid stage. How do people tolorate it and do you blend it in the blender? My doc said that spicy food might not do well.. any one have a problem with it?

I e-mailed the dietician about what the other doctor told me, and she called me today with changes. I was extremely happy! She said I could eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time, but should try to go for the Protein things like yogurt, cottage cheese, Beans etc. I need to get 3 cups in daily. No drinking for 30 minutes before (?) or 30 minutes after. Next week I should start soft protein like chicken, tuna, and fish. On the 15th of November she will call me and I can start solids! :eek: Now, this is the way I thought it should be! So, now I am a "Happy Camper"!

I recently went for a fill at my doctor and I was told that there are new guidelines on drinking before eating. She said that drinking before eating is not only allowed but it is recommended as well! She said the reason for this is that it moistens you up and allows food to go into your stomach so it won't get stuck. She also said that it fills you up studies have shown that you don't eat as much if you drink before you eat. You're still NOT allowed to drink while you eat and you much wait at least 20 minutes after eating.

Good Luck with your fill today! Remember now, not too much, we don't want any more problems!

I found this amazing to read about, even if he didn't have the lapband. I give this guy so much credit for getting his life back. www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-10-27-half-ton-obesity_x.htm

Well things have settled a little and I have some better understanding but Amy is still not home. She comes when I'm off work which is 15 days a month. We are seeking counseling as a family. Its the best I could muster. I believe there are many issues here and it is not my wife thats at the bottom of it all.. We are getting by and there are changes but I'll let you know. My daughter knows I am loyal to her and will always be! I really appreciate everyon jumping in and lending the thoughts and support. This thing sent me tumbling for a couple weeks and I've got myself back together now I hope. Bobby

Hi everyone I am new here and am scheduled for my lap band surgery in NYC ON 11/11/14...Began my 2 week liquid pre-op diet today and i am so excited, nervous, scared, yet so ready to go...Ain't no stopping me....I weighed in this morning at my heavieat weight ever of 302.5...Have been having many last meals the last few weeks in anticipation of my new life..Probably gained 10-15 lbs since deciding on the surgery...But, the journey begins today......Am having Slim Fast Ultra and chicken broth today with some Crystal Lite....That is what I'm gonna go on for awhile....By thre way I'M 5'9".....Any advice or support will be accepted..I know most stories are positive..a few ha…

Any suggestions? I can't stomach the one I have (the one the office recommended) It is called Opti-Pro. I gagged the whole time I was drinking it. Thanks :sick

Penni, I ordered some of the Source of Life vitamins that you recommended. Wow, what a difference! Those little Flintstone chewables just can't hold a candle to it. I am amazed at how much better I feel. If I'm not mistaken, I think my cravings are even reduced, but I'll have to give it another week or two before I'll call on that one. And they don't even taste bad. Took me aback when I saw that green color, though! Thanks sweetie!

This one is a little different. It comes from the inside. I was making up a little bowl of nachos with some veggie chips as an experiment, and I was chopping up my cheese and had cut a bit off the main block and thought "This wont be enough, but I'll get more after I chop this up". Well, I was chopping up my cheese and it dawned on me. I had too much. AND SO I PUT IT BACK. There was a time when I would have said "oh well, extra gooey nachos". Anyway, it sounds kind of silly now that I'm typing it out, but it made me happy at the time, so I'm sharing. I'm waiting for the NSV's where someone says something, or I'm able to do something physically that I haven't d…

I was all ready for my appointment today, I was so sure I was going to get food added to my menu and let me tell you I was ready! I just got a call, the Doctor is running late with his surgeries and I am cancelled till tomorrow afternoon. I know it's not much longer, but I was looking forward to something else to eat! Oh well, maybe I'll lose another pound waiting.

Hey my friends, I have a good friend Julie who is staying with me for two weeks helping me with my company and deciding if she wants to be a recruiter. Julie is about 5' 7" and 142 lbs. She eats all day long. I truly have never seen someone who can pack away so much food. It is a combination of healthy and unhealthy stuff. SHe lives and breathes food. So naturally all week when Julie eats, I eat or nosh too. She does walk a lot and I have walked twice this week with her (in lieu of the gym) about 4-5 miles in the evening. But it doesnt make me feel good about the quantities I am able to eat per meal and the grazing. I went to a buffet this week and was surprised at how…

So ok, I am having my lap bad surgery on 11-01-04 and I'm on day 2 of my pre-surgery diet. I started the Protein shakes yesterday and pretty much gagged due to the horrible taste. I can do the small meals I am required but after drinking those shakes I don't think I can have this surgery. Can you believe a nasty shake will change my mind completely about this surgery. I had pretty much talked myself out of this surgery by lunch so I lunch I went and purged on anything in sight. My demon of choice today was all of the bad things at Boston Market. I have completely indulged myself and I'm sitting here after lunch miserable and sick with myself. I am so obsessed with …

Did any of you run a low grade temp or have nausea after your surgery? My temp is 100 and I was very nauseated this morning. I am waiting on my doctor to return my call.

Ok.. my surgery is just around the corner. I was just wondering if there was any way I could get a general list of some things/liquids/drinks that I will be able to have the first couple of weeks so that when I get home from Mexico, i'll be set. Any suggestions? Oh did I mention my date is just around the corner??? :banana

Well, I am now on the other side of the world. I was banded on 10/21 and am back. Evertyhing went well, except one "lap" incision where my port is is about 4 inches long. Thought that I would be going back to work on Monday, but that is not going to happen. why is it that male docs put incisions where you were oh lets say your waist line and where your bra would lay. I do not think that they think about these things at all when they slice you open. I go to see the doc today and have stickes out, not looking to forward to that as I am very sore. I took all of your advice and I did not have any gas pains, I walked as much as I could and started with the baby gas dro…

I received the lap band about 5 months ago. Since the surgery I've lost about 80 lbs.; however, in the last few weeks I've experienced a significant increase in my appetite. I've had one fill (about 30 days after surgery), but none since. The thing that concerns me is that I seem to be able to eat a large of amount of food with no discomfort. Since the procedure I've had no episodes of vomiting and I haven't experienced one ache in my stomach. That said, I can easily eat a sandwich, piece of fruit, etc. (along with a liquid) at one sitting and feel satisfied. Don't misunderstand, I can't eat as much as I used to, just much more than the usual 1/2 of a sandwich (or 6…

Thought I would update you all on my progress. Since my last picture I have lost about 10 or 15 more lbs. This was taken at my recent vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee in front of the fireplace (cozy). I hated to come home. I rode bumper cars. (Not a good thing to do as a lapbander....I didn't think about it until the first whack of the padded bar. I had a great time but would not do it again because of my port. I also rode the alpine slide.) It was great doing things I used to not be able to do. Life is great as a smaller person. Best of luck to all you losers on the road to success and skinnyness.

Ok, so my husband scared me. He told me that his boss knew a woman that cheated on her pre-surgery diet and before the surgery they did some sort of test that showed she had stuff in her bowels. He said they wouldn't do the surgery after that. Has anyone ever heard of this? I am scared because I cheated a little with some pecans and I am scared they won't do my surgery now. Did anyone have a test like this before their surgery? Kim

Thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers. Everything went great. I have gas pain but it is getting better. I do have a question........can I turn on my side or sleep on my side? It isn't going to screw anything up, is it? Because it feels really tender where the port is and I am scared of "pulling it out" or something. My friend, Jeff, who was banded a couple of years ago tells me that I am not going to hurt anything by turning. I want more opinions! Thanks!

Hi all, I am gearing up for surgery on 11/30. I have been buying soup, apple sauce and s/f jello. I already drink lots of water but I am wondering how you can get all your water in if you cannot drink 30 min before meals and one hour after. Are you only able to drink 4 oz. - 6 oz. at a time or does the water go quickly through the pouch so you can drink more than that at one time. I am thinking it is probably best to just take little sips all day. Right now I drink about 8 oz. at a time several times a day. I would like to start to adjust to routine that I will be doing after surgery. Will you please tell me your routine for water intake? Any insight is great. Al…

Hi it is Thursday around 8:37 and I will be in the chat room for a little while if anyone wants to join me!

Hi All, I am still waiting for insurance approval so while I'm waiting I figured I start some new habits. One is to drink more Water or liquids in general. Is it ok to drink the flavored waters like Fruit2O? What other kinds of liquids could I do to get me to 60 fuid oz a day? I like milk so how many glasses can I consume in a day? Any other ideas on other things I can do while I'm waiting, I even started a mini exercise routine. TG

Hey my friends, I have been doing some thinking as of late about getting to goal weight. I am 22 pounds from a goal of 170. I changed it from 180 once I got to the lower 200's. I am just wondering if it is realistic to set my sights at a lower goal weight. I have been losing a pound a week since about April. It is really going a lot slower now and I am becoming a little complacent. I hoped I wouldnt, but I am not trying as hard as before. But also I notice that any little discretion sets me back 3 or 4 days, so I am still pretty diligent about keeping the calories to a 1200 maximum per day except when I go to Vegas and have margarita parties!! LOL I dont know whethe…

Denise, sending you hugs and prayers for a successful surgery tomorrow and a great "afterlife". Can't wait to hear about your adventures! Take care!

I received my lap band last Fri, Oct 21st. Wow I thought I was dying when I woke up in recovery. My chest hurt so bad, that they kept reassuring me that my ekg was fine. When I finally realized where the monitor was, I kept looking at it to be sure. It was. It was the gas that hurt soooooo bad for the whole day and night. Finally it moved from my chest, but went to my upper shoulder, ear and left side. It was a nightmare (the gas pain). I did do a lot of walking to try to get it to move. Walking does help, but ROCKING also helped me ALOT!!! There was a glider rocker in my room and Sat. morning, I realized rocking was a good thing for me. Just get moving some w…

So my sister calls me Friday and half crying says that I need to call my father. Well of course I ask her what is wrong, my father is 76 and many things ail him but nothing serious ... that is until now. So I get off the phone and call my dad who is trying to be his ussual chipper self. He tells me after a few pleasantries that he has been diagnosed with lukemia. Now I am scared to death, but I didn't think he needed to hysterical daugters. SO I remined him that our family is strong and we beat cancer...only thing is, I don't really believe it. My Aunt just died last year after fighting breast cancer for 5 years...and while I am fine I had the baby of cancer. They took it…

I will be leaving for the hospital about 4:30 in the morning, my things are all packed except for a few things I have to use in the morning. I kept extremely busy all weekend to not worry so much, and it worked pretty good. I will let y'all know as soon as I can how things went. Thanks again for all the encouragement and support y'all have given to me.

Hi, I was banded August 31st, weighing 228. At the end of September I got my first fill of 1.5 cc, weighing 222. I'm due to see Dr. Billy tomorrow for my 2nd fill, and I've lost about 4.5 pounds, I'm at 217.4. I feel like I don't have any restriction and can eat anything. I'm supposed to go for another fill tomorrow and am hoping this helps. It seems like others are really benefiting from this band, so far I'm less than impressed. I lost more weight on weight watchers! I am really watching what I eat, I exercise about 4-5 times a week, so I'm not sure what is going on. I'm actually eating less than I did on weight watchers and I'm losing less! Can some of…

I have insulin resistance and I've decided to start testing a fasting blood sugar in the morning to make sure it's in the normal range and to help keep me honest about my diet. Anyway, I bought one of those meters where you are supposed to be able to test your forearm or leg instead of your fingers. But I've tried it several times in those areas and I can't make it bleed enough! I even tried putting a warm towel there to increase circulation, but no go. Does anyone have any tips? My fingers are getting sore and it's only been a few days. Nancy

I have brought out more of my winter clothes and many are too big! I look like I'm wearing my father's clothes. What a great problem. Only issue, I don't want to waste money on new clothes which will also be too big shortly. Oh, what a lovely dilemma.

I'm so close to one-derland that I can almost taste it. I got on the scale this morning and it said 200. Which means I've lost 60 lbs., which means I'm halfway to my goal. It just seems unreal! I didn't start losing until 4 or 5 months after my surgery, so I lost that 60 lbs. in less than 5 months. Which amazes me. Because that means that if I keep exercising and eating food for nutrition instead of comfort, I could conceivably be at goal by the end of March. It would be so great to Celebrate my birthday at goal weight! I'm trying not to get too ahead of myself, becuase keeping my expectations low is I think the thing that's helped me most in the past 5 months. And I k…

Hey, Happy Birthday, Pam! However, I know you won't get your favorite gift for 3 - 4 weeks yet....a brand new grandson...Dylan! Hope you have a wonderful day. Behave and eat like a Bandster!

I'm so hungry. I was banded on the 21st. I was not hungry at all until last night and then all day today, what can I do. This kindof panics me. Is this normal? :speechles

OK, here is my thought on this. I know there are people out there that charge sometimes for this service, but I think it should not be a service. That somehow takes away the compassion and the whole reason you do it. Here is my definition of a Bandster Angel: * Makes initial contact with a pre-bandster either they contact the angel or the angel contacts them. * Sets up a meeting to discuss any questions or concerns the pre-b might have. * Sets up consecutive meetings if needed prior to the surgery. * Opens a line of communication that is open ended and safe meaning non-judgmental. * Provides support and knowledge to the pre-b when needed. * Goes to the …

Simple question.... just wondering which ones were the best for us to have.

hey everyone, this Jodie, I have been here since Sept 17, 2004. I am going through some hard times now, and I need all the support I can get!!! My husband just packed some clothes and moved out, its been a long time coming, but I wasn't expecting it today. I am down and numb, but I keep telling myself I got to stay focused on my weight loss!!!!!! I got to. I cannot go back to habits which I would normally when stress hits. I know you all don't know my story, but I will share with anyone who will listen. But here, I need everyone, I don't care, I have never needed anyone more! Please help me, and if you have anyone who is a lawyer, and has some ad…

Hey everyone, I have what may seem to be a silly question. I am getting banded on Nov 6th Yippeee!! But anyway, I am ok with giving up lot of foods I love, but and a big big but it is...I am definately addicted to diet coke. I mean like 12 a day. I read some where that it is a definate no no after banding. Is that true??