LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I am missing your smiling face on here, are you o.k.? I know you were going through a bad few days, are you doing better? We all have our ups and downs, please hang in there. Betty

Hi, Ive just found a doc in central IL I've talked to the office of sidney Rohrschieb in Clinton, IL. He'll also do lap-banding at Carle Surgi-center in Champaign. His office charges 14,500, and it includes the first fill, preop physical, and nutritional consult. The rest of the fills will cost $78. I know that some of the mexican doc's include fills for life, but the cost of getting there will be more than $78, so I'm thinking of getting mine here. Has any of you heard about Dr Rohrschieb? I don't know him and am hoping he's ok.

Terri, I miss yewwwwwwwwwwwwww!! Are you okay? Don't make me come lookin for you.

This may sound like a stupid question, but what does PB stand for? I see it in threads and for the life of me I cant figure out what it stands for. It's probley something really simple, I just don't get it!

Ok, this is what wont let me sleep lately and I hope someone can help me with this. As I posted last week my band apparently moved and the doc shrugged and said " what do you want to do about it?" if you can eat with some restriction and drink, then it doesnt matter" ( gave me medicine for the acid reflux that happened after the band -maybe-moved). So I have been having waking nightmares now about my band, attached to my stomach/esophagus just floating around inside me! ( i think i can actually feel it shifting sides when I do same in bed!) and when I eat I feel the pull of the weight of the food on the back of my throat, like the skin on the palate stretching. Is thi…

I just ate 1/2 a chocolate business card and I'm feeling really queazy. It's like the time someone convinced me to take a shot of Jaggermeister (can't stand the stuff and wonder why it's so popular.) It doesn't feel like a PB, more like I want to vomit. Marketing people schmooze us all the time with goodies. This was my first chocate business card, so I had no choice other than to eat it... dial 911 - I threw half of it in the garbage. But as sick as my mind is, I took it out of the wrapper before throwing it away, just in case I decided to go fishing later. There are 2 buckets of mini candy bars here all the time. I used to eat piles of them, but have complete…

Well today I had a video esophogram and afterwards had another fill. I had been at 2.75 and that's what they found in there and then added more which took me up to 3.0. In discussing this with the doc, he said they would want to watch me more closely now because 3.0 is kinda unusual and if I still feel like I'm not restricted that one of the reasons would be band erosion. Well, needless to say I was pretty upset when he told me that. I'm hoping that I'm just one of the banded that needs a higher level of fill. Anyone (Donali, Robin) have any thoughts on this? Thanks

Happy birthday Malcolm! I had the pleasure of meeting Malcolm on 8/21/04. He is a true inspiration! (check out his websight) To date he has lost 240 lbs.! and has had 4 port reversion surgeries. He is also currently featured on spotlighthealth. Happy Birthday Malcolm!

and I have a date to go see him for the first time. It is September 28th! It is finally happening! Betty

Hey all, I had my surgery a week ago on August 23rd. I have noticed over the past few days that I have had bad hunger pains, I feel a bit dizzy and my vision is slightly blurry even with my reading glasses on. Does anyone know if this a side effect of the surgery and Heparin shots I am taking? Has anyone else had these?

Hmm.... "ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BANDING AS A REVISIONAL BARIATRIC PROCEDURE AFTER FAILED GASTRIC BYPASS. Marc Bessler, MD, Amna Daud, MD, MPH, Lorraine Olivero- Rivera, FNPCS, Daniel Davis, DO Center for Obesity Surgery, New York- Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University and Lawrence Hospital, New York, New York, USA BACKGROUND: Inadequate weight loss after proximal gastric bypass presents a clinical challenge to bariatric surgeons. Pouch size, stoma size and limb length are the variables that can be surgically altered. Aside from conversion to distal bypass, which may have significant negative nutritional sequel, revisional surgery for this group of patients…

Well, I had my surgery last Wednesday, the 25th. I am back at work today, feeling a little tired, but glad to be back here and out of the house. I had a question about drinking liquids. How long after surgery can I start drinking and not "sipping" my water? I am so thirsty, I feel like I never can get enough, cause I am just sipping. I want to drink it normal so bad, but I am scared that I will get sick. Please help!!

Prior to getting banded I had heard that relationships could change due to weight loss. It only makes sense. But I really didn't think it would happen to me because I figured the relationships most at risk would be those with spouses or romantic interests. Since I'm not in a relationship, I figured I didn't need to be concerned. I have (had?) a friend of 14 years. Through the past few years we've grown apart a little because she is a stay-at-home mom and I am a carreer woman. And also because she seemed only to want to see me for dinner at her house with the family and after a year or two of that, I felt my primary relationship with her was suffering from the lack …

Hey everyone I have become addicted to this sight. I cant wait to get on the computer everyday and see whats going on with everyone. I am going to go thru withdrawal for most of the month of September because of my painting schedule. I will be out of town a lot and even if I had a laptop Id be too tired to get on it. I would rather be on this sight more than watching t.v. And I have let my housework go. I am not complaining but I am nervous about all I have to do next month. This sight has encouraged me to start exercising and eat healthier. Actually all of you have. I can count on Lisa and Darcy to make me laugh daily. And Alex and Donali have been so helpfull. I had a g…

UPDATE! Well, I went in on Monday and got a fill. He added .2 of a cc. I was at 1.6 now I am at 1.8. Mother nature came and visited me on Wednesday. I am now extremely too tight. I can't eat or drink with out PBing until about 7 or 8 in the afternoon and then I can drink and eat 2 teaspoons of pudding. Tuesday and Wednesday night I woke up coughing on saliva. I called the Dr's office and he will be out of the office until Monday. I am being extremely careful. I am hoping that once Mother Nature leaves that it loosens up. And maybe I am still swollen from the fill. Like an idiot the day after I got the fill I ate Mexican food. So that may have did it to. I know that I ma…

Well I'm off in 10 days to monterrey to get banded by Dr. Rumbaut. I'm starting to freak out I can't believe its here already. I must say, I find myself eating alot. thinking I dont know if i will be able to ever eat many of my favorites again. I am getting pretty sick of stuffing my face anyways. I have got to kiss my friend "pigging out" good-bye. any last minute words of encouragement...? Did anyone else start having sleepless nights thinking about there banding?

It's funny how those of us who deal with depression and codependency behaviors tend to want to help everyone else but generally don't consider ourselves too much. But, somehow we have to break that cycle and validate ourselves or ask for help. Anyway, I thought I'd actually post something that I've been dealing with now for the last week or more. I had surgery on July 16th to reposition/repair what the doctors said was a slipped band. When they took care of that, they also found a hiatal hernia which really should have been taken care of during my first surgery as I've known it was there since my first pregnancy in 1981. I was surprised my first surgeon didn't do an…

Hi All, Well, I had a horrible night that I spent sleeping sitting up because I had constant reflux. Lots of burping and reflux. Does it mean something is stuck? Will it pass? Should I drink? Eat? Call my doctor? I just got this last fill four days ago, and I have been eating and drinking carefully, but I have had heartburn and now this. I would appreciate some pearls of wisdom. Thanks!

After I get home from work I don't want to do anything, but sit on my bum...I want to start walking but I can't get motivated. How or what do some of you do to get motivated for exercise? Thanks for the help guys.

Just wondering if any of you have experienced this. I have been banned for 3 weeks now. It seems every afternoon around 5:00p.m. I began to get this severe headache it last until I go to sleep at night. I have never suffered from headaches inthe past. I called my Doctores office and spoke to one of the girls in the office,(she has also been banded) she seems to think it is caused from food withdrawl I know I am eating way way way less but I can hardly beleive that I would be getting headaches like this. I also usually use to drink 2 diet cokes in the afternoon, and now I am off those for 1 month, but I do drink ice tea. I am just wondering if anyone else has experi…

I saw my doctor for the second time after my banding yesterday. He was thrilled with my progress.His scales showed me having a weight loss of 41lbs. My scales shows a weight loss of 37lbs. Ithink he also said that I now have a BMI of 35. I cant actually remember. If any one can help me figure out what my BMI is I would appreciate it. I am 5'5 and weigh 207 and I am 54 years old. Just wanted to share. It made my day...Janie

Hello I am looking for a fill Dr in NC or the surrounding area. I have been researching but what I am finding out is that either Dr.s don't do lapbands here at all or they will not take me because I am not originally their patient. I am looking for someone reasonably priced who doesn't mind doing fills for people who have traveled out of the country. Please Help.

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know that I have a date. I will be banded on September 24th in Dalton, GA by Dr. Ponce. I am so excited! The only problem is that when I told my husband tonight, he started in about how I shouldn't do it. How everything is in my head (my food issues) and that the band is not a cure-all. I was so upset. I thought he had finally come around. He knows I won't change my mind and he just doesn't understand how it feels to be 100 pounds overweight. He can eat anything and never exercise and stays the same weight. Anyway, I will not be deterred! I keep trying to tell him how great this is going to be and that in the long run, I will be muc…

I can't believe I am alsmost done with all the pre testing. In about two weeks I will be able to call my surgeon and get a date for surgery... I wonder how long it will be untill I have my surgery. the quicker the better. I just had my upper GI. Man did that stink!. I hope my stress test on Monday and Tuesday will be easier..lol Anyone have to have a nuclear stress test. I am a bit Nervous.. Amy

Holy Crap!!! 50 pounds!!! That is awesome work girlie!!! I know you sometimes freak out cuz of your binges but you are doing soooooo good! With all the trouble you've had and all to boot! I am proud of you and ecstatic on your loss! Bravo bravo bravo... and even if i don't know you ... KISSES!XXOO Chantal

I think that I am going to go for it. I talked to my husband about it, and he said "If that's what you want to do, go for it." (Not that I needed his approval or anything). I still have some fears, but hopefully those will fade over time. I have been thinking so much about it since my last post. I thought about it so much, not just the surgery itself, but the fact that there is a foreign body inside of me, that once I made myself sick to my stomach!! HA HA HA My mom says that I am obsessing over it too much and to relax. I still have some what ifs, but when I talk to the right doctor, he/she may be able to tame them. I just hope that I am making the right decision…

:banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana I was at the outlet mall and decided to go and buy a new bra. This might be more info then you really want to know, but I went from a size 46 bra to a 38. I can't even remember when I wore a 38. At least 20 years ago. Just wanted to share my NSV.

Hi All, Well, today I had my SIXTH fill, and I am now at 3.5--the most fill any of my Dr.'s patients has. I am 9 months out and have only lost 30 pounds. I asked Dr. K about the fact that most people lose the majority of their weight the first year, and didn't that make me a failure??? She was very kind and encouraging. I have to explain here that I am in the process of switching antidepressants (MENOPAUSE!!) because Prozac has a weight gain side effect. Right now I am weaned down to NONE for a week before I start the new ones, so I am sure that plays into this. At any rate, I then went with the dietician to have a resting metabolic rate test which was a whopping …

Yesterday was my 34th birthday and I haven't weighed myself in about 1 month. I just got so discouraged in the numbers that I have stopped looking at them all together. I figure the true test of what I have lost is in how my clothes fit. Yesterday I was feeling pretty down. Money has been really tight, as we are trying to help my mother in law with her finances....she lost her business not too long ago. So my husband and I have decided to move in with her to help her out. So yesterday on top of working I had to move all electronic things to the house as I was having my cable servs transfered to the new residence. So I had a crappy birthday. Well this morning I was…

I'm such a scaredy cat! Today is my first fill and I am soooooo scared. My doc has told me the procedure (no flouro), and makes it sound so simple and painless, yet I have really worked myself into a frenzy. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This may sound dumb, but do all pills and capsuls have to be crushed from this point on? Also, I'll be looking for great (and economical) protein drink recipes. 'Two hours to banding time.....

One year out - ALREADY !!!!?????? I thought i'd write some of the things down that i've been thinking of - some of the things that have changed y'no? Stats first – get them out of the way ! I was banded on 26th August 2003, thats one year ago Today ! My heaviest recorded weight was in January 2003. I weighed 390 pounds (27 stone 12 pounds or 176.9 kg) On op day, I weighed 375 pounds (26 stone 11 pounds or 170 kg) So much has changed. As of today 22nd August 2004 I weigh 254 pounds (18 stone 2 or 115.2 kg). Measurements So ....................23 9 03....................126.8.04 Dress Size.......... 30/32......................20/22 Height.......... 5 …

Just comparing my vacation photos - we returned to the same area in France for our holidays this year, and when I got the photo's developed, it was interesting to see the difference - I am down 80lbs since that photo was taken in 2001, but "only" down 65 since banding... I am so thrilled at how wonderful I feel being 80lbs lighter - so energetic, sleeping better etc - I can't thank all my fantastic banded friends here, the support keeps me going. August 2004 & August 2001 -80lbs

Afternoon, everyone! I am considering having the Lap Band procedure done. I was wondering if anyone here has had it done while taking Zoloft? Two months ago, while driving to work, I had a panic attack. I don't have them any other time, and don't know why this suddenly cropped up. Anyhow, just wanted to give you a brief history about my situation, I am in great health otherwise- I walk many miles a week, but the weight seems to not want to come off. Currently, I am 117 pounds overweight. Thanks ahead of time for your help, and I look forward to chatting with you all on here!

I can always feel my port. When I close my car door, sleep, bend over... You name it. This is such a pain. My surgery was about 9 days ago... So I'm new at all this. I could be just swollen, or this is something I just wasnt aware of...Will this ever go away?

Hey guys.... hope you are all well, I just got to the fart discussion while reading abour Darcy and Lisa's ordeals so I need to ask, what has happened since? hope both of you are better and the complaints sent. I was hoping to come here and just share my horrible week with you. My baby was in hospital ( ok, she is almost 3 but still my baby). Was a horrible experience. Feeling so helpless! ( she was there for 2 nights, but we waited in the ER for 8 hrs before she was seen, from 11 pm so I count that as the 3rd night.) She is fine now, happy and eating well, and drinking, and really angry, and throwing horrible tantrums, and well, i guess expressing her frustration t…

Yeah! As of this week I've lost 102 pounds! I'm so happy. I just got the band last December and never expected the loss to be so quick or so easy. I had in my head that I would be happy losing 50 to 60 pounds a year but I guess my body had other plans. The max fill I've ever had is 2.1 cc and we just took out 1 cc this week. I want to lose the last 20 pounds slowly with exercise and portion control (with the help of my band of course). I'm down from a size 22-24 to a 12 and in mediums . We are going to a wedding this weekend so hopefully next week I will post before and now pictures. If I never lose another pound I will be OK. I will admit I did see a therap…

Okay, I have a question. I was banded May 25 of this year and after the surgery did not or could not find my port. Now, nearing three months after surgery I can suddenly feel the port it feels like a nub just above the incision. Initially, when I had my first fill I could of sworn it was below that particular incision. Did it move? Or am I going nuts? Does anyone else out there have the same experience?

OK let me just start this by saying, " OH MY GAWD! " I went shopping yesterday after I got a much needed manicure and pedicure. I was feeling a little down cause I was in a slump / plateau weight loss wise. So I go into WalMart and think just for shits and giggles let me go to the NORMAL people section and look at workout clothes. Now mind you I knew I was heading to AVENUE after so I didn't really expect to find anything that would fit my little toe much less all of me. I find some really cute leopard shirts and some black pants. I take them into the dressing room, laughing the whole time thinking these will never work and I will need to have the fitting room …

ok, I know I have a "thing" about this issue. But its the single concern I had pre AND post surgery. What happens if we get a "bug"???? Any "old timers" ever had this happen??? My 8 year old just came home early from school with a possible stomach virus. So, I called my surgeon's office to get some nausea/vomiting med.'s so I could have them on-hand (incase I started these symptoms at 2am - like most people do). His office advised me to go in and get my fill pulled out and start the med's right now!!!!! (and of coarse I didnt) But again, has anyone experiencd this "thrill"???

Hello everyone. Can anyone please explain to me what water loading is? I've heard it mentioned, but don't quite understand the concept. Thanks, Suzy

I just had my fourth fill yesterday. I was at 2.3cc's and now i'm at 2.6cc's. When the doc weighed me, I hadn't lost any weight. But I hadn't gained any so...i was still upset, but I know that it is my fault. cause i haven't been eating right and not exercising...Is anyone else going thru this right now? i was at 280 on 12-1-03 and now i'm at 228. I don't know what to do. Help.

I just want to thank all the wonderful people who replied to my post yesterday. I get so much anxiety about surgical procedures. I am so afraid that (God forbid), I die. I read that it has been known to happen. I feel so selfish when I think of the dangers. "What if that happens, I will be leaving my daughter without a mom, for selfish reasons." I am not sure if what I am feeling right now is "normal", but I am going to do some more research, talk to more people, and maybe even go to several different doctors to get their opinion in Lap Band. I will continue to read the posts here, and write often. I think that this is going to be a way to get things off my chest,…

I am 25 and the last time I weighted myself I was 247 lbs. Everyone I know is a size 10 or smaller. I am the heaviest on both sides of my family. I have completly withdrawn myself from all my friends. I feel miserable. I look at myself in the mirror and I want to look away asap. I gaze at old photos of myself (In my skinnier days), and wonder what it would be like to be that size again. My BMI is 38.8. I talked to my doctor about some sort of weight loss therapy. He chose to put me on diet pills. They did nothing for my weight, but made me feel high as a kite all day. I couldn't continue feeling that way being a teacher. I read an article on Lap Band vs. Gastric…

I have read that you are not supposed to eat corn or carrots or drink from a straw with the band! Is this true????? Corn is about the only vegetable that I like!!!

I just got word from Dr Garwood's/Benavides office in College Station that we will have our first lapband support group meeting Thursday Sept. 2nd at 6:00 pm. In the board room at the College Station Medical Center. If you live close...please come!

I AM NEW ON THIS WEBSITE AND HAVE BEEN BANDED NOW FOR A YEAR ON AUG. 21ST. I HAVE LOST 56LBS NOW. NOW SALINE IN MY BAND FROM A SLIPPAGE REPAIR IN JULY 04 AND PROBLEMS AGAIN! MY SURGEON REFUSES TO BELIEVE IT COULD BE MY BAND AGAIN BUT MY food ALWAYS GETS STUCK AND I HAVE ALOT OF PAIN LIKE THE LINING OF MY STOMACH IS IRRITATED. I HAVE FINALLY CONVINCED HIS NURSE TO SCHEDULE ENDOSCOPY TO SEE IF I HAVE GASTRIC ULCERS. I AM SOO DEPRESSED BECAUSE I HAVE NO FILL AND STILL AM UNABLE TO EAT MOST MEALS. DR. SPIEGEL'S OFFICE KEEPS TELLING ME THAT I AM IRRITATED (MY BAND) AND TO GO ON LIQUIDS! I CAN'T LIVE ON coffee AND MILKSHAKES FOREVER! PART OF ME WANTS THE BAND OFF SO THAT …

Hello I am from England and belong to the uk wlsoinfo site and this is a posting i posted there, in response to something very disturbing that happened to me from my private clinic. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I THOUGHT I WOULD DRAW EVERY ONES ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING, I WAS ASKED TO CONTACT DOLAN PARK TO SPEAK TO THE NURSE, WHICH I HAVE JUST DONE, I WAS THEN TOLD BY THE NURSE THAT MR SUPER HAD SEEN MY POSTING ABOUT ME EATING chips AND THERE FOR HE HAS NOT HAPPY, THAT I HAD NOT STUCK TO THE BAND PROTOCOL AND IF I HAVE ANY BAND SLIPPAGE, HE WILL NOT TREAT ME.I SUBSQUENTLY WAS CALLED BY THE OBESITY COORDINATOR(A NON …

Alex B., thank you so much for creating this wonderful website in 07/2003! I have gotten so much encouragement, advice, support, and friendship from here. You are a very wise and insightful person, (in spite of being a "youngster":D ) I would love to know what your "Bandster story" is and the story behind this forum's creation. (It's so user friendly compared to others.) Also, thank you for helping me w/changing my original screen name from 4x4x4 to New Hope. I guess that sums up pretty much how I did feel (before banding) and how I feel today! Again, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Hi All--I'm new to this site and have seen that a few of you have been banded by Dr. Dillawn. My initial appointment is scheduled for next week. What will happen during this first visit? Will i have an examination like a physical? Will he tell me what additional pre-op testing I'll need? I already know that I'll need the full blood work panel, a visit with the nutritionist and a visit with an exercise physiologist; the patient coordinator didn't think i'd need anything else so I don't have any co-morbidities or health issues (besides being fat LOL). Is this the visit that I should ask the 4000 question I have for him or will there be a follow visit before deciding…