LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi all...I received my surgery Feb. 2010. I did really well and by the end of my first year had lost over 60 lbs and I was excited. Then came my husbands 6th military deployment overseas. He left March 2011 and was suppose to be a yr deployment, but he was injured and spent 4 extra months at the wounded warrior program 8 hrs away. So he didn't return return until July 2012. I did SO well until about Jan. 2012 and I had just had enough and fell back into my old habits ( I WANT to change and get back to where I was because of course I've put on a lot of weight. I'm thankfully not where I was preop, but too damn close for comfort. This is my first time posting, guess I…

I was banded 7 months ago and I have lost about 65 lbs (beginning weight of 225 down to 160 now) I used to measure all my foods, and was never satisfied at 1/2 cup. It always has taken me 1 - 1 1/2 cup to make me feel even satisfied. I've had 7cc in my band for 2 months, and am feeling it is taking me about 2 cups to feel satisfied. I was recently laid off of work and have no insurance, so I can't discuss this with my doctor, but I would like real advice to get back on track. I am SO scared to stretch out my pouch. I need help!!! Suggestions!?!?

Looking to try milk free Protein drinks that don't taste like chalk. Any ideas?

I've been having issue fainting when I stand up. It started after surgery. I've taken some knots to my noggin, which has been troublesome. After numerous tests the doctor determined it was low blood volume and that I need to increase my sodium intake. I am very happy that I only require about 900 to 1000 calories a day. I don't think I could physically add anymore food volume to my diet. I'm really happy with the healthy food choices I am making and I don't want to add processed food to my diet. Using extra table salt ruins the taste of my food. Has anyone else needed to increase their sodium intake? What are some ideas for increasing sodium in my diet without making …

I just had my surgery 6 hours ago. Im in some pain and i kind of feel hungry but i dont... i was just wondering if i could have lollipops to sort of control my mental? Plz lemme know

Rather than have some topics in the main forums I thought I'd start our Feb 2013 group home here. I'm poking around the group settings getting myself acclimated. Please jump in and introduce yourself here!

Hello BBQ people Does anyone know how many ounces of meat are on baby back ribs? I made them for dinner, they were super great. I slow cook them in the house on 200 for about 5-6 hours with a little BBQ sauce and then add more sauce and put them under the broiler or on the BBQ (raining in Boston) until they look done, not long. The real way to cook them is with a dry rub until they are ready for the broiler/BBQ. My son does Texas BBQ catering and he taught me. His are the best! And his burnt ends (brisket) are to die for. Thank you-cooks.

I work in an office. I take my lunch every day and never eat out or head to the vending machines. The other day a co-worker asked me “What’s in your desk draw?” (I have one draw in my desk just for snacks) This is what is in my desk draw: 1. Protein Bars 2. Single serving packs of pistachio nuts 3. Instant oatmeal package (low-sugar) 4. Skinny Cow chocolate clusters (for the occasional chocolate cravings) 5. sugar free hard candies (keeps my mouth busy in the afternoon) 6. A premix Protein shake (just in case my band is acting up and lunch is an issue) 7. Crystal light powder drink mixes 8. Tea bags 9. Splenda So what’s in your des…

I was scheduled to have my first fill this morning. After about 20 minutes of the dr. poking around and hitting nothing but metal, he decided I really needed to have some x-rays to see if my port had turned. After numerous x-rays it was determined that my port had indeed flipped. My Dr. Says that he will need to go back in and fix it. Has this happened to anyone else and if so how was the surgery (I am assuming much easier than initial surgery). It's not clear how port flipped, the dr. Thinks my workout may have been a factor- I am a little bummed, it has been over a month and was looking forward to fill!

Hi All I'm interested in your thoughts on my current condition and to see if anyone else has had the same... I have had my band since July 2008. I had my band completely unfilled (apart from 2mls in my 10ml band) on 6th Feb because I wasnt loosing weight with it filled and I was suffering with awful reflux. I have been loosing more weight eating a balanced diet anyway. Everything was going great I could eat anything and was eating healthy/loosing weight until Tues 20th Feb when I started getting some mild abdominal pain in my left side of my stomach. Almost felt like mild hunger pains. This progressively got worse as the week went on. On Thursday 23rd I couldnt b…

this is what she sent me this morning when I told her I was losing hair and not getting enough Protein in my diet. : "As long a you are getting around 4-5 ounces of protein daily, you are getting plenty! One ounce is equivolant to - 1 egg, 2tbsp Peanut Butter, 1/2 cup cottage cheese or Beans. " I thought and maybe I'm wrong, still learning here, if I eat an egg for Breakfast, lunch maybe some shaved turkey wrapped in a piece of low fat provolone cheese (I would eat 2 of these) and for dinner I may have Wendy's small chili or 3/4 cup of cottage cheese or a baked chicken breast with veggies. according to my nutritionist I should only eat 1 oz of protein at each meal or …

Not sure if anyone would know but if I was banded in 2006 can the go back in and do the plication procedure now?

Never did I ever think when I got banded in 2010 I would be getting my band out and revising to the sleeve...Everything went so well. For 2 1/2 years everything was wonderful. I did my homework, I did what was expected of me and dropped about 70 pounds.. Talk about a new me. I still had like 50 pounds to go but I was on a roll and wasn't going to stop. I was on top of the world. Went back to school and found that confident person I once was before becoming obese. Unfortunetally after an unsuccessful fill due to the port twisting, everything went to crap. I had my port fixed and never found my green zone again. I am a 46 year old woman that knows her body and when somethin…

Does anyone use maxitone sculptress to get more protein? Per 100g of shakes has 33.3g of protein.....

Hi I made it!! 1 week on liquids... I thought it was going to be impossible. I would have to honestly say.... this has been one of the most emotionally draining weeks of my life. Getting used to not having food to make me feel better, getting used to the 'morning tightness' from the band, having to mentally deal with my house holding eating usual dinners, forcing myself to go for a walk even when I am not feeling 100%, and not being at work (I am a workaholic). I would have to say that I have some very supportive colleagues, family members and friends :wub: I did although have a little cry on Friday night, just out of feeling sorry for myself. I quickly snapped …

Hello all I'm invited to a BBQ where I will be approximately 5-5 1/2 weeks post op, I will be on the soft food stage...what can I expect to eat? No one knows I had surgery so I'm wondering if I should go or skip? My nutritionist said to follow a bland diet/low Fiber diet while on soft foods. I don't know of any BBQ foods that fit that category. Thank you in advance

I weighed myself this morning and I am down to 163, that is 27 pounds gone and 28 to go! Am feeling better better better! I exercise every day now, (because I can). Yesterday I went to buy a dress for a special occasion and the one I chose hung on me, who knew that 27 pounds is almost three sizes! To anyone still struggling, hang in there!

Trust Me When I Tell You, There is A Big Difference In Well Doing and Doing Well!! You Can Be Doing Good and Not Be Doing Well, But The Lord Said Don't Get Weary In Doing Good For The Harvest You Sow You Will Reap!! Never Give Up!!! No Matter What!! And Try To Find Haters In The Process Because They Are Your Motivators!! Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Happy Monday, Love All of You!!!

I got filled to 8.5 Friday and been sick every since then lots of vomiting and bile I'm my throat. At 7 i ate to much but this is tight any suggestions on how to feel better

Went in for my second fill yesterday and I feel hungrier than before the fill. He asked me if I thought I needed a fill and I said a little. I'm able to eat a lot less but its not lasting 3 hours. When he put the fill in and I drank for the fluoroscopy he thought it was too much so he pull some out. He had me drink again and thought it was tight enough.I have heard the saline in the band can redistribute when Fluid is pulled out or pushed in. I don't know maybe my swelling hasn't hit yet. All I know is after my first fill I didn't progress off liquids for at least 3 days and mushies the rest of that week. Today I've done all mushies Breakfast and lunch (24 hrs out from …

I've had my 2nd fill this week on Monday. I'm up to about 5 cc in a 10cc band. I just attempted to eat what I ate the day before my fill & I vomited for the 1st time half way thru. I was attempting to eat a small salad with fat free dressing & a turkey sloppy joe sandwich on a whole wheat thin. needless to say I'm staying away from any bread & salads. I was ok eatin the sloppyjoe alone... did I do something wrong?

I was banded march 2012. I am down almost 90 lbs. I had a fill in January that put me in the red zone. They removed the fill. I was ok at my February appointment and didn't need or want a fill. Last month, I felt I needed an adjustment (since ice been on a plateau since January). They gave me .2, I can't tolerate anything more than that. Anything more takes me right in the red. Anyways,,,, I've always been tight in the morning, coffee is my morning beverage of choice always. I have trouble with tiny tiny sips for about the first 2 hours in awake. About 4 hours after I'm awake, I can comfortable eat oatmeal and nothing else. Breakfast is usually about 10 am. …

Got my first fill this past Monday... I said I was feeling zero restriction at all since I was no longer sore, so I was given 4.5 ccs in my 14 cc band... is this common/normal? Just wondering because people seem to have a lot less...

We eat out at least once a week. Will I still be able to do this after I get banded? I know that's probably a dumb question but I really do want to understand everything that I'm getting into before hand. We occasionally eat mexican food which is something I truly love. Will I still be able to have it?

So they gave me the shake for the ore op diet but it doesn't say how much water to mix

Hi all, I just bought some glucosamine condroitin (sp?) joint supplements at whole foods to see if they would help with achy knees. I get banded on July 11 and I am hoping the weight loss does a lot to help this - but in the meantime this supplement was recommended. My nutritionist had me get chewable multi-vits for pre and post surgery but I realize I never asked her why chewable. Will taking the supplement (and it's a big pill) be an issue after banding? If yes, does anyone know where I might find a chewable version? Thanks!!!

Is there a support group that meets around the Mesa area? Would really like to get to know some new folks and I think this would be the best way to do so.

Hello everyone. I'm looking for other banders in the Philly area to workout with. I was banded nov 2011 I've Done great through my journey lost 80 lbs. but haven't really worked out much and would like to. Anyone interested

Please Know That How You Start Your Day is How Your Day Will End!! For Those Of You Who Are Having Problems In Any Area of Your Life Big Or Small; I Suggest You Pray For Someone Else, And Don't Even Let Them Know, That Way Your Prayers Get Notice Because Someone Might Be Praying For You!! Please Don't Post Negativity On The Lap Band Sight Because It May Not Be Working for You, But Scare Off Someone Who Really Needs The Help!! Have A Great Day, Love All of You!!!

Since my last fill 3 weeks ago, I take one or two bites the most and then start feeling full and burping air for like three hours. No more eating for me. I am so uncomfortable. I have a 14cc band with 9.3 cc What should I do or any advice please? I want to eat something other than certain chips like funyuns or pringles.

Is there anyone close to the Southern Ill area here?

I have just had a long needed fill and I immediately felt better; stronger. I lost a few pounds, but now it's back. I'm eating low fat, low calorie, higher protein Healthy Choice dinners because my husband is away (military). I'm using my protein in my coffee rather than sugar and cream.... I need some strength from those in the know.

I know I should be eating breakfast food but I am not a breakfast food person and my job has so many interruptions that couldn’t enjoy my breakfast if I wanted to. So I was thinking if I add protein powder in my 12 oz. of coffee this will keep me full until lunch. Does anyone have any recipes or suggestion for me? Thanks everyone in advance.

This is may sound crazy, but can constipation be the reason for shoulder pain? I mean if gas can cause shoulder pain. Just a thought.

So does anyone every get together here? Have a support groups or just do gatherings to get out and have fun? I am 26 and I am in Mesa, Az. I looking for people that are in similar situation as I am. I have been going through some major changesin my life in the last month. Need exposure to new people.

I went to a live show tonight and boy were the seats a squeeze , didn't realize how much weight I have actually put on since the winter ugh can't wait until surgery

Had anyone else had exteeme, I mean like the worst pain of my life, when getting an unfill? Three times I have ended up in the emergency room after an unfill. It feels like I have open skin inside my esophagus that someone is pouring acid in. The doctor says spasm but that is not what it feels like. Now I am afraid to get an unfill. Anyone else experience this? I feel like it is tears or open skin.

I'm about 6 weeks post op and haven't had a fill yet. I lost about 12 pounds the first week and now have lost nothing but am maintaining. Trying to stay positive but having that self doubt about this all working for me. For the most part I feel no restriction (but then I've not had a fill yet either.) I'm tracking on My fitness pal and am staying basically at 1000 to 1200 calories a day. I've seen the dietician, once pre op in the approval stage and then at 2 weeks. I go the end of May for my first fill. Will things turn around or am I doing something wrong? The one thing I know I could improve is exercise. I'm not getting in much exercise and walking is my ch…

I am desperate! I was Sx 2004 from NWWLS and was down to a size 4 and kept that until 2011 when I moved full time to Florida to be with my now husband. He is an excellent chef and this is the south! I have learned to eat around the band and can't figure out how to eat right again. I need help!! Thanks to anyone!! Katie This was my awesome size 4 and then another 40 pounds heavier!

As some of you know I'm 47 and divorced, will soon be 2 years this month. Let me start how my weight gain all started for me, I wasn't an obese child nor a teen. I married my high school sweetheart in 1986 and boy did I think I knew the world, if I knew then what I know now, ha. He was shy and I was the outgoing one, he was super skinny and I was average. He ate and ate and ate and I thought I could eat along with him so my weight kept creeping up over the years of our marriage little by little. By 1990 I weighed 199, said to myself I'd never let myself weigh over 200, I ate crow alright. We were unable to have children so we occupied ourselves in the life of luxur…

Are there any banders in the Charlottesville area?

Hi, Looking for a MA, NH mentor. I'm 18 months out and am now back up at surgery weight. Emotionally ate when my Dad passed suddenly from a major stroke in December - ate around the band. Upper GI tomorrow as I'm having pain. If you'd like to connect and mentor me, I would so appreciate it! Thanks!

I guess I'm just venting a little, so I do not expect replies or things to change but... FILL OUT YOUR PROFILES PEOPLE! You come here for information, support, help, etc. read all of our posts in which many of us put it all out there, but give little to no information about yourselves. It's hard to give helpful advice, share experience or relate to someone who tells you nothing in return. Look - I get it! I was new here once myself and very reluctant to share my personal information. I'm generally a very private person and to share on the internet, the one most revealing, private, humiliating and shameful fact about myself - my weight - was terrifying. But, would an…

Is this stuff any good as protein shakes/meal replacement ?

Says it all in the title really! I'm trying to find any local support network/meetings. Can't find anything on the net. Any info or advice would be appreciated. Good luck peeps x

Hello, sorry to be so blunt but does anyone else have problems eating around their time of the month?? Ive noticed for a few days before and during i am unable to eat or anything i do manage to get down comes back up with a load of slime........Am i just imagining it ????

I'm looking to put together a local band group to meet once a month to get together and meet up to talk and support each other. I already have two people that went through my surgeon who are interested I'm joining. Just opening up to everyone else. Right now looking at doing meetings in Baltimore county, but if enough interest we can look at moving each month to a different area to accommodate more people. Feel free to email me if you might be interested...turtlesoup21230@gmail.com

What's the earliest after surgery anyone has touched alcohol? I have a party next week, that'll be 10 days post op. I'm guessing its a no brainer and a NO GO!!

How much did you lose from preop appt to postop appt? I went for my postop appt today and I had lost 6 lbs since my preop liquid diet. Is this normal? It doesn't seem like much.

Everything was approved, getting banded 6/21. woo!