LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi All, It has been a while since I posted because I find it painful to read about everyone else's success (I really am very happy for all) when I am struggling to lose every ounce; I feel like such a failure. On my good days I look at the upside of having lost what I have, but I guess now is bad because I have lost only a pound or two in the last two months. I have only lost a total of around 30-35 pounds in 10 months. I do have restriction (better in the AM) and I do eat less; I just don't lose weight. At any rate, Alex suggested that I try weight training, and I have read that it increases metabolism. I have been hypothyroid since I was 19, and I have a resting …

Hello, I was banded on October 4, 2004 and I'm up to the Mushy food stage and would like some ideas of what others ate during this phase. Thank you, Jill 235/217/140

Hey All; I was banded Aug.27th, and had a 4cc fill on Sept. 29th. Although I'm eating a little less than I used to, my appetite and capacity seem to grow daily. It was a large band, and I'm due for another fill on Nov. 10th. Although I'm down 20 lbs. since surgery, it seems like it's only due to the liquid healing diets, and self control (which I know won't last forever). Is this all normal?

Hi, I'm new to this furum. I'm in the Detroit area and am scheduled for banding at St. John's hospital with Dr. Hawasali on 11/5. Anyone else from this area? As for insurance mine doesn't cover anything "weight" related. Let me know your experiences good, bad or indifferent.... Thanks

Not sure how many know we actually have a calendar for posting events, birthdays (which the website does for us), and things like bandaversaries. Let's all go and post our banding dates. This will be someplace for all of us to go and see who is getting banded this month. Ideas, suggestions, Etc.

Does anyone know who will fill band patients in Boston who were banded outside of the country? thanks, R

I am curious about something so I am going to ask a somewhat personal question. Would a few of you mind posting your weight, height, and clothes size? The reason I ask is that most people who have posted their clothes sizes and who weigh about what I do seem to be wearing much smaller clothes than I can. I am 5'4" and weigh 195. I wear a 22 on the bottom and a 20 or 22 on the top. I've seen others post that at my weight they are wearing a size 16. Maybe they are a lot taller than me, I don't know. I do tend to wear my clothes slightly loose because I don't want every single fat roll to show, but they are not hanging off of me. Nancy

My doctor told me that you have to take Vitamins with a Protein because the vitamins need to bind to a protein in order to offer benefits. If you take them with liquids like milk, they will just pass through your system. So I went to my pharmacist and asked if this was true, and my pharmacist agreed with my doctor. Any thoughts? I have an awful time taking vitamins. The only time I'm able to consistently take them is with a glass of milk in the morning, and then I don't eat any food till noon. So, I'm I wasting my time and money, or am I getting any benefit?

Do you have to have a referal from your doctor? Also, do you have to pay it all off at once? I just had a diabetes screening today- that lovely glucose test. My doctor also sent me to a GYN for a bunch of tests, all came back fine. I still have to have a hormone test- last month, I couldn't have it done, because Aunt Flo paid her visit on time, instead of being late as usual. :cry I just feel like I am getting the run around from my doctor- all of my tests come back fine, I knew they would, and I am sure he did as well. I am so frustrated right now, I am about to give up hope. Sorry for being a downer, but I am tired of the long wait for a damn referral number from th…

Wow, hey, new forum layout... but that's not my big wow... you guys have to read this story. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6056600/ It makes me wonder how many other people are out there like this guy who need help. I wish I had the kind of money to start an organization to help. :cool:

I hav my last visit today, everything went well, I was there from 9:00 to 1:30 and learned everything I need to know:D I go next Monday morning for the surgery:D I am ready, I am a little nervous, but definately ready.

Well I'm on week number 3 and we still haven't heard anything from the insurance company. I have United Healthcare. Does an insurance approval take this long? Does anyone else have United Healthcare? I'm losing hope.

OK, after I got back from Vegas I noticed that my port was tender and sore the next day. I just attributed it to all the activity over the weekend. But when I can't even roll over in bed without it hurting or a shirt brushes against it and it HURTS like a mo fo then it is time to see a doc. So I called Dr. Billy's office and asked them if I needed to come in or if this was something I should not be too concerned about. They just called me back and said to come in and see them tomorrow at 1p. So off to Billy I go. They were saying something about it could be an infection going on. SIGH!!! When will this ever end???????????? Lisa, when I am there tomorrow I am …

Hey guys I dont know if this counts as a NSV but my bf and I went to the movies yesterday to see "A Sharks Tale' and I instantly noticed how much better I fit in the seats!! LoL i guess it's the little things but it just pepped me up and made me feel really good about myself!!! I wasnt all overlapped onto him as usual (thank god he's skinny :cool: ) I was in my OWN seat!! Sorry I just had to share!!! Katie

How do you guys get enough fiber in your diet?

Man oh man, I thought I was smarter and sneakier than this band! I'm NOT! I am just getting from pureed food to soft foods--doing well, not eating much--behaving, until the other day, took son to Burger king. At a fry. No problem. He didn't finish his skinny little cheese burger, so I chewed and chewed and then I almost died on the drive home--had to pull over and barf in front of my five year old. He was freaked, i was afraid I did something terrible. I am toeing the line for sure now, but do you think I goofed myself up? So mad. Kicks self. Kimberly

This is cool and better so far. Where did view recent post since last visit go?

:cool: I am so happy.....something is finally happening! I got all my pre-op bloodwork and clearances in and they called today to tell me to come for my pre-op teaching on Monday! They said I might possibly get a surgery date that day, also! I am so happy. I think this wait has been the most torturous thing ever! Wish me luck! Lainie

http://photos.yahoo.com/lovemeacb4e

http://macombbariatrics.com with Dr. Hawasli and Dr. Meguid

I heard a report today on the news about appetite control. I found it interesting and thought I'd share it. As you may know, the digestive process begins in the mouth with salivary flow. One of the digestive enzymes, called pitalin, is generated in the mouth and one of it's functions seems to be to stimulate the urge to eat. It apparently sends a signal to the brain to take another bite! Studies have shown that if you brush your teeth after eating, this will alter the PH of your saliva and neutralize the pitalin. Also, more pitalin is produced when carbohydrates are consumed. This was reported by Mackie Shilstone, one of New Orleans notable diet and exercise gurus.…

Hello everyone, right now I am feeling really bad, I have been staring at this pizza in my freezer since I got home from surgery over 3 weeks ago.............. and well I cooked it tonight, and made a pig out of myself................. the first time I have done something like this............ HELP............. I have been getting full pretty quick, and tonight it was like it went down without any problem. I know I am not the only one that has done this.......... afterall, this kind of behavior is why most of us are here........I scared myself............ cause I was doing so good. Any input or support would be great to hear right now.............. I hope everyone …

. . .well, not where no one has gone before, but *I've* never gone. I'm off for my first fill at 2 pm with Dr. Horgan, right next to Bloomingdale's, so I'd better behave myself and come straight back to the office instead of shopping like a madwoman. I'm taking a camera with me and, if the doc has no problem with it, I'll take a few pictures & post them so other newbies can see what the experience is like. No fair laughing at my scars, though!

My wound is still open and leaking. I just got back from having a Cat Scan, so I'll take the films to the appointment I have with a local surgeon on 10/21. I had to drink a bottle of Cheetah before the scan - this milky digusting stuff that tastes like (RATED XXX)... well, never mind what it tastes like, but I had to gag down a 15 ounce bottle that's flavored with coconut as if that would cover the taste. This whole time I thought there was a hard cyst under the incision, and I've been waiting for it to break down and dissolve. I even massage it to help it along. But DUH, that's my tube! I always assumed the tube was part of the port, so all this time I thought th…

Good lord what am i doing this for?? Ok I should just get it over with it will feel good right to show my before's to know I'll never be like this again....Well....what the hell, here goes nothing....Me at 344# (what my dr. had me down as) morning of surgery...btw, i dont look happy because my mother made me do this...for posterity she said...yeah ok Katie;)

Hi everyone im new here my name is victoria im 21 years old i had the operaton on sep 21 and i had a question about the bubbles i get constant pains in my left shoulder every time i eat does anyone know what this is from?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6233542/ Looks like they've finally decided that weight loss surgery isn't just cosmetic. You guys fighting your insurance companies should print this one out!

I've searched the forum, but haven't found where anyone else has had this. When I'd been home about a week, I'd felt a stitch pop at what I believe was my port site, the only wound that hurt, on the lower left end. Now I think my port may be hanging loose. I say believe, because at my post op instruction, my surgeon's translator pointed to the site at my xiphoid, (5-6 inches above the belly button, just lower than between the boobs), and said it was my port site, but in the rest of the lower row of wounds, only the one on the left end hurt. It was a burning pinching pain, that I really felt with activity. The patient coordinator said IT was my port site. From the des…

You know I have posted many time here but I have found a local support group. But this my first source of info. This isnt about losing weight or the band. I just would like to have an opinion or a vent I guess. My daughter has left home yes she is 17 yrs old. Always on the honer roll and we are close. She says she can not stand my wife of 5 yrs. And I have issues too. I'm sayin that I have taken the back seat so many times for my kid and I know thats part of it but I have done the band and I have changed my life. I run like 5 miles at least 3 times a week and I'm good. I'm 35 feel great but my wife is like there is no reason to have relationship with y kid. Sorry that don…

Went and had my endoscopy done today. The doctor found "many" ulcers in my stomach. He also took three biopsies. I was on Versed, and Demerol, but don't remember getting an answer to my question of "how many?". Patty was there, watched the whole procedure. She said that there were several ulcers. She said more than three, though she wouldn't commit to an exact number. She also said the biopsies were SAP with all those ulcers present, not to worry. I'm concerned, not worried. I have never had any discomfort, any pain that one would associate with an ulcer. And if they take a biopsy, it's for a reason. It may be CYA, or he may have seen something that re…

I've been delaying posting because I go back and forth on this issue. I had my 2nd fill a week ago tomorrow. I was at 5cc and am now at 6.44cc's (Swedish band) Anyhoo....... I have to eat VERY small bites. I have an uncomfortable feeling when I eat and obviously, I can't eat very much. I'm also struggling to drink the amount of Water that I need to every day. Before this fill, I could easily put away at least 64 ounces a day, now I'd be doing good to drink 18-24 ounces. Today I was sick to my stomach all day, but I think that was caused by the Isopure drink that I drank this morning to try and get my Protein in. I just can't tolerate protein very well. I trie…

Hello everyone, I was banded on Sept. 17, about 3 1/2 weeks post op. I am a nurse, and I had an xray done where I work the other nite, cuz I wanted to see my band and I was having some major feelings of fullness in my stomach, felt like gas, with pain in my back too. The xray showed my stomach is full of gas, the pouch is empty though. I wondered what was causing this??? I have been eating a lot of beans, which I am sure may be contributing, but not this much. I am taking gas ex since yesterday, and still not much relief. Has anyone else experienced this, after being this far out of surgery? I am wondering if my stomach is just not ready for regular food yet…

I was banded on the 23rd of Aug and am going for my first fill next week. My question is how much of a fill is normal? I can eat a lot of food right now, like today I had 3 cups of chicken and rice for lunch with no problem. I've only lost 8 lbs since surgery and that was all in the first 2-3 weeks. I'm definetly eating less than I used to, but don't feel restricted at all. I have to drive quite a distance to get filled and don't want to have to go back real soon if I don't have to. Any recommendations?

i have been trying to wait till i got to 200 to do new pics but since i have been on a 2 month plateau i thought i'd go on post some new ones i am kicking up the exercise to break this plateau. i know i could use a fill since i can eat a cup and a half of food but i dont really have the money now so i am gonna try to sweat it out! these are me at 219 two weeks ago...

I'm having knee surgery tomorrow morning and wanted to know if anybody had a problem with the anesthesia for any surgeries they had after having the band surgery. I am a wreck because I had problems with vomiting with other surgeries and now I cannot afford to do that with the band. I am scheduled to go home same day but my band drs. said if I experience vomiting they are going to have me admitted for the night so they can control it. It's been a crazy couple of weeks at work so I haven't been on as much as I would like. I wish I was meeting you all in Vegas next week. Hopefully I will be able to meet you all next time. Take lots of pictures for the rest of us.

Well i guess technically it was almost 3 weeks but whatever! My dr. weighed me 2 months pre-op and I was at 344....well for my 2 week post op I was at 333!!!! So I've lost at least 11 lbs so far (I am sure I weighed more than that the day of surgery but I guess I should go by his official weight.) I am thrilled to be 11 lbs+ lighter!!!!!!! Just wanted to give you guys an update!! Oh yeah I go back in 4 weeks for my first fill!!! WOO HOOOO!!! Katie

Thanks LapBandTalk for your support these last few weeks as I prepare for surgery Tuesday. I havent posted much, talked with Michelle who intoroduced me to this site. I JUST found out today about the las Vegas trip this weekend...sheesh! need to come back here more often to get the party dates before they're over! I've made it through almost 2 weeks of protien shakes. My surgury will be at 7am in Laguna Beach, South Boast Hospital with Dr. Quebbemann. Again, I've sure enjoyed the posts and support here. Anita

Hi All-- Many thanks for all the advice and interesting commentary on this site. Great to tune in daily and read and see what everyone is up to (or down to!). Anyhoo, tomorrow I go see my doc for my 6 week check. I have kind of leveled off weight loss wise--down about 25 pounds and am "stuck" or plateaued or whatever. Can't lose anymore doing what I am doing. Not hungry--had a few glitches with eating too much too fast, but other than that, all is well...... What do you think? Is it time? I am exercising and still just fluctuating between 215 and 217 every day! Please tell me what to do! thanks! Kimberly

Hello, i feel fine today. Last night was the worst night. i had trouble layng down in my bed and going to the restroom to potty. My husband was a real help. Right now i am having problems with my legs and my arms hurting. I called the doctor but all they said was that my electrolights may be off and i need to get some propel water. I must admit this morning i am feeling better because i had some left over muscle relaxer (skelaxin). I had to make sure that it was crushed good enough so i didn't get choked. I felt much better after taking it. I can eat regular foods with no problem. I do make sure that i put them into the food processor to make them really mushy like mash p…

I have read and re-read all of the posts and even printed many to take with me next week. I can't tell you all how much your posts have helped and informed me on what I am about to do. I loved seeing the new pictures today of Michelle and Rebecalee and how awesome they looked! I guess I feel like I did when I went in the hospital to give birth... I remember thinking of spring break in Lake Tahoe ---- I was at the top of a crest of snow hanging over this huge bowl 20=25 feet down at Snow Valley skiing when I was 19 (120 pounds by the way) and the ONLY way back down was to go for it and jump!!!! I remember when I was in the thick of it with all three labors …

Am I doing something wrong? Everytime I go to the chat room to chat, there is never anyone there. Do any of you ever enter the chat room or am i doing something wrong?

Hey some of us are challenging each other to eat better, drink our Water, and get in our exercise. This is somewhat like Ediets.com challenges with some variations. Below are the guidelines. NOT RULES!!! There is an added challenge to do a random act of kindness at least once a week but as many as you can get in would be awesome. 1. Log-in daily and give a brief update of your day--meals, water intake, helping others, feelings, etc. Anything you want to share. 2. This Challenge will run Monday through Monday. 3. Weigh in once a week ONLY! Typically on Mondays but only once a week. The challenge will start tomorrow August 16th and run till the October Bash in…

In the coupon section of my paper this weekend there was an advertisement that Winn Dixie now carries the Crystal Light On the Go packets. They are also Buy One Get One Free. I live in the Tampa Bay Florida area.

I was sooo excited to be on the mushy stage!! I went to the super market and found these Bumble Bee ready to eat packs of Seafood and chicken salad with crackers. There is only 90 calories in the seafood salad (plus 90 for the crackers) and 140 in the Chicken Salad (plus 90 for the crackers) I decided I would have one of those for lunch today - GROSS, ick. I hate pickle relish! I threw it away.

Hi All, I know we're all here to lose weight and these Cookies won't help in that but I gave this to others in another forum and I was asked to post it here. Makes great treats for those who support us. 2-cups floor 1-teasp baking powder 1 1/3 cups sugar 4 teas cinnamon 1/2 cup softened butter or marg. 1/2 cup shortening 2 eggs 1-6oz package choc. chips 1/2 cup chopped walnuts preheat oven to 350 set aside 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teasp cinnamon, the whites from one egg, choc chip and nuts Mix the flour, baking powder, 1 cup sugar and Butter or marg, shortening and 1 egg and one egg yolk. blend well with wooden spoon or low on a mixer( I always hand mixed it al…

Hi, I am new to the forum. I was banded 9/29 in Costa Rica. I was given the liquid diet and that is it. I didn't realize that when I was discharged the next morning at 6:30am (surgery was at 7pm) and still a bit out of it I was not given any discharge instructions. I am home now and still feeling tired and sore. I would just like to know what if any danger signs I should be looking for? I can still feel the stitches in my stomach....is this normal? I'm nervous that I may have popped some of them due to the way they feel. I am in the process of getting a Lap Band surgeon in my area and have my medical records transferred. Do I need to have a check up 2 weeks out? Like …

I'm almost 3 weeks out now, and eating solids just fine. In fact, it's WAY too easy. I wouldn't even believe I was banded unless I had seen it on the xray! Anyone else like this in the beginning?? I'm finding it really hard to try to stick to the "3 meals a day" routine. I managed it yesterday. I had a protien shake for breakfast at 10am; at 2pm I had a couple hotdogs, no bun; then for dinner I had 4 small bbq patties, at 7pm. And that really stunk! All day I was fighting cravings, and for the most part I was "hungry". Not sure if I was really hungry or if it was just in my head.........Now today, I am just ravenouse! I had sausage links for breakfast, and am beating myse…

Well, I was gonna save this as a Vegas surprise, but Vera and Leatha saw my picture on another board. It is the only picture I have posted on a support board. So now, drumrolll......... I am coming out of the closet two days early! Heres the link... Go easy on me!!! http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=2686462 Michelle (Southern Bandgal started a pic trail for me, so I am working on scanning a before pic) I will bring some photos to Vegas with me, so you can see how big I really was. Not a lot of before pics though. I hated to have my picture taken. See yall in Vegas now!!!! Babs in TX 334/196/170 -138

I just wanted to thank everyone for their help with all my questions and my problems. I really have appreciated all your help and support, after the news of my recent problem with my tubing and them suggesting another surgery, I have decided to part ways with my band and switch to the bypass surgery. Im a little nervous but excited, The band has been great while it worked for me. I think i was just one of the unfortunate ones that it didn't work for, but after 60,000 being billed to my insurance for the 2 surgeries to fix it, I just don't think it's worth another one. I wanted to say thank you to you all for your support and wisdom and hopefully I will be able to keep you…

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY Today is my 1 year anniversary of having my lap band. I started out at 275 and I have lost 72 pounds total this year. My total BMI before surgery was 42 today it is 33. I have learned so much over this past year; My band is a tool and not a quick fix. My band might like food one day and tomorrow it might not! Losing 1 pound a week is better than gaining. Bread will not be my friend ever again. chips and dip go down but a piece of chicken might not. It is all about choices! I have had months where I snack everyday on candy. I don't work out as I should and as I hit my 1 year mark the weight loss could have been more.. BUT.. my goal for 1 year was 7…