LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Any new suggestions instead of chicken and tuna? I am so tired of it already. Thanks!:banana

:-S Well. There's nothing like waiting until the last minute! I JUST got approval from my insurance company for my surgery in the morning. arghhhhhhh! It's not enough to be nervous about surgery itself, but you gotta be on pins and needles about whether insurance is gonna pay too? So, tommorrow morning I have an EGD and surgery to repair my band slippage. I asked the doc about putting in at least half the fill that I had when they un-filled it and he said no. :-( He reasoned that since I had already had the slippage, he didn't want to set the stage for it to happen again before proper healing time. I guess that's reasonable, but Dr. Maese was the one who s…

Penni & Teresa, I hope you guys see this since it's in response to your posts on Alex's thread. Thank you so much for doing the research for me. Dr. Kuri called me, and he did not check for erosion. He suggested I get a scopey if I'm worried. But unless something weird happens, I'm not making an appointment for one. I figure I'll let my band do the talking, and unless it's screaming at me, I'm going to leave it alone. However, just to make sure I worried till I fell asleep, last night I lost all restriction. BOOM, gone. First time. Last night was my first mini binge since being banded. After dinner, I kept eating chicken from the roasting pan. Then I at…

I have a question I keep hearing that your esophagus is smaller when you get filled is this true? If it does please explain I dont get it. Thanks!

I am new to this forum and I am a couple away from haveing my procedure done.. Is there a site where one can obtain recipes for the protein drinks we are to have post op? Are these the same as the ones body builders drink? I enjoy mixing things my self.

Hey just a statement and looking for other input. I got a fill on Friday the 9th of 1cc. I felt restriction drinking Water. I know can guzzle water with no problem. I haven't started mushy foods yet so I might still have restriction but was just curious about how much I should try to eat my first time after the fill. I know I should take it slow but I usually just put enough on my plate to eat to fill my pouch and no more. Now I don't know how much to give myself. Any suggestions? I know this has been asked many times before and I am just not listening. LOL!!!! Donali, where are you.

She wanted me to let you guys know that she is missing all of you and that she has gotten an appointment with her Gastroenterologist on August 13th. HOORAY!!!!!! She is having some computer problems and can't wait to get back to us and share her pearls of wisdom. We miss you Lisa.

Okay I have a question the first fill I had was 1cc the second 1.5 cc my question is what is the average unit of measure for fills? Is there one? Does this mean the lapband the pouch is filled with this amount or my stomach is now this amount? I have asked this before but I guess I just dont "get it" yet? Thanks!

This came from Jesse Ahroni's booklet. It's really great, straight forward info. htt:://lapbandtransformation.com/Adjustments.htm

So, I went to see Dr. Billy on Friday the 9th of July. I showed him the protrusion thingy on my belly. There are pictures of it somewhere on this site. Do a search for "Protrusion thingy". ANyway, he said it was due to the tubing being bunched up in that area. He can fix it with a quick surgery. I have called the Insurance Coordinator and she called my insurance co and lo and behold they WILL cover the surgery. The only thing is he is out of network but I would have paid the whole cost just to get this fixed. I have talked to the office nurse and just waiting on a date to schedule it. I want it done this week or Monday of next week. I have family coming in fr…

Hey Carmen, I believe our doctors are at the same location. You have Dr. Burhop and I have Dr. Chiang. I guess we have a couple of things in common. Same surgery & same dr's office.

Darcy, Hey I know Dr.Chua as well. I initially was going to have him do my surgery. Unfortunately, he wasn't in my network. I've been to his office. I do understand what you mean about his staff. Other than that, Dr. Chua was very soft spoken and informative person. I first saw him at a presentation on 7/03. I meet him again in his office in Feb. 04. However, my co-worker had Dr. Chua as a surgeon. She was banded in Nov. 03. In fact, I spoke with her today she tells me her skin is flabby. She needs to get more exercise in to tone up those muscles.

Hi everyone. Good news - The surgeon's office called this morning and asked if I could be at the hospital Monday July 19th instead of the 23rd. How happy was I. So this is a little scary, I thought I had another week, but I'm not complaining. Janis

Since surgery 5/05/04 I have had 2 adjustments. I am at 2cc. I am getting another next week. I am embarrassed because I think I should be doing better. I've lost 23lbs. But, I can really eat with no problem.. Doctor said he will fix me up next week. What do you guys & gals think.

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Hey! Okay I am to far out to start doing this but since yesterday I can just burp all the time. It feels unconfortable and I need to burp. Does anyone else do this? HELP

Well, it's official. I DO still have some restriction, sans-band. It is not my imagination. This morning I ate a small, very ripe nectarine, followed by a handful of well-chewed nuts (I thought) to give me the fat to bond my chewable Vitamins. A big swig of Water, and I was STUCK! And "OWWWW!" I might add... I coughed a few times, and then the swig of water came back-up - just the swig - no nectarine. Would be nice if that's a permanent feature of being unbanded...

Hello: Anyone know of a group meeting? If so who do I contact? If no group is formed then anyone interested in helping to form one? I am willing to get one started but need to have help getting the meetings set up. Email me and I will provide my home phone so we can get one started if one is not already set up.

Is anyone from Wisconsin planning on going to Vegas in October? If so let's coordinate something - I'm in Milwaukee. Maybe we could catch a flight up together??

Hello all my fellow bandsters well yesterday was a week since surgery filling great better everyday just getting through liquid stage. Since Surgery I've lost 7 pounds all together a total of ninteen woo hoo... Love my band and all you guys thanxs again for all your support, I told my Doc. about how awesome this site was, and 3 patients in his office. Any advice or tips pass my way Thanxs, ___________________________________________ Nanny:D Banded 7/7/04 Dr. Spiegel 281/262 5'4 47 y.o.

Well although i have only made like one post on this forum i've been reading it alot. I have been researching the heck out of getting a lap-band done. Well at last i made up my mind i wanted it done. And for weeks now I have been trying to find a doctor. I am on a medcaid card. Well it turns out no matter where i look only a handful of docors do the surgery here that i can find. And wouldnt ya know that none of themtake medcaid Well i feel so downhaearted atm i could just cry... I cannot self pay for it. What do i do. It is very saddening to think ya found the answer ya been praying for to find out ya cant get it.

Here are some new pics of me, I was banded last July, and i'm down about 80 lbs so far. Lols, I know i look kinda out of it, but I really don't like taking pictures

:banana I just checked my BMI and . . . . . .. . . . Only 3 more lbs until I am considered "normal". Why can't I get that in my thick skull????? :dead I guess I have body dysmorphic disorder? :ermm Sandy in La.

Well.... after vomiting once again on saturday ( after 3 perfect weeks when band and I were working as a loving team) I have been experiencing the usual problems, but they dont seem to go away, so I am getting worried (I am usually ok after 24 hrs). Sunday I had only liquids, tuesday i tried solids, but was too painful so I stayed on liquids. But even liquids are going down very slowly if at all, I have the constant feeling of acid ( or liquid I just drank maybe?) going up and down my esophagus, which had made it imposible to sleep for 3 days. I have taken many antiacids, but the acid is still there. I fell asleep last night for a couple of minutes, and woke up chokin…

Hi Everyone, Today, I noticed that i am down from a starting BMI of 53.9 and now I am at 33.6! Not only this, I am 8.5 pounds from the onesies and 38 pounds from goal. The band is truly amazing and if you work with it, it is possible to get to a more normal BMI. Having gone from Super Obese to Severely obese to just obese and shortly to Overweight, the band has saved my life. Babs in TX 334/208/170 -126 6/23/03

So today I was at the gym, filling my water bottle at the fountain, and staring idly at the BMI chart posted above it. I've always just ignored it, because to read it one would think no female can possibly weigh as much as I always have. Of course, people with BMIs over 38 just don't go to gyms, right? But as I was standing there, it suddenly dawned on me that I'M ON THE CHART!!! A 70" female CAN weigh as much as 268, according to it, and I weighed 262 this morning. YAAAHOOOO!! I guess I'm in normal-people-land!!! (Well, normal with a BMI of 38, but I started at 47 so HEY, I'll take it!) :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

This has been discussed into the ground, but I want final clarification as to when we should stop drinking liquid before eating. My doc said stop drinking liquids 1/2 hour before eating, which I've always done (and if memory serves me well, that's how we do it on this board??) However, after reading on the other board that people drink right up until they take their first bite, I'd like some feedback. Their theory is that liquid passes right through to the bottom stomach, so it helps make the bottom stomach feel full. They don't feel it's necessary to wait 1/2 hour to eat. Then again, they're only eating 1.5 cups of food per day, and in my opinion anyone would shed …

Hi folks, I need a little gardening help. I love to garden and try new things. Last winter I tried a Soup recipe with tomatillas in it and I just loved it, so when I saw tomatilla starts at the greenhouse I got a few to try out. Now the things are as tall as I am and covered with little yellow flowers. Also on the branches are a different looking flower that looks like it is turning into the outer husk of the tomatilla. They are about the size of a walnut but are completely hollow inside at this time. Do they eventually develop the fruit in there? I tried to search on the net and mostly got recipes but little growing info. I did find something about them being pr…

Does anyone have a problem getting there heart rate up? Was anyone told they needed to have a certain target heart rate when they exercise? One of my goals I need to meet before surgery is to exercise 6 days a week and have my target heart rate between 24 & 28 for 10 seconds. Currently I go to Curves and if anyone is a member you know that every so many min they ask you to take your heart rate. My goal for Curves is between 22 & 27 which I have no problem meeting. When I met with my exercise therapist she told me that Curves just did an estimation and her calculations of 24 to 28 were the actual numbers I needed to be in-between. I am having the hardest t…

Hi everyone... I had an episode of pain last night that really scared me and I thought I would just check to see if perhaps it is a "normal" part of being banded before I call my surgeon today. I have not been having very much pain at all with exception of port discomfort. I had mashed potatoes for dinner... followed 2 hrs later with a large glass of Water... evening meds of 1/2 tab Zoloft and 1/2 tab Flexeril ( very small... not crushed ) and then onto an exciting night of watching T.V. Later on had a horrible headache and couldn't get comfortable d/t muscle spasms in the port region so I took some of my liquid pain med thinking that would help.... WRONG. Within m…

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Let's keep track of me, um, I mean, US! Debra Surgery scheduled for July 19th! That's 1 week from today! I've been on my pre-surgery low-carbs for a week! Feeling good, except for a major headache the last few days! Other Julyers? Pre-band, post-band?

Today it's exactly nine months since surgery and I am still delighted with my wonderful band - at last I have found a fill doctor (I have a 9cc Inamed band which the surgeon filled to 4cc during surgery) and am looking forward to having my first fill sometime in August/September. Anyway - I was wondering if anyone else gets frequent pains under the shoulder area, above left breast? I have been having this pain for weeks now, it's very similar to the gas pains post surgery, and actually I had this exact pain before when it turned out to be pneumonia! I have no other symptoms, and am sure it's not pneumonia this time but it is quite irritating at times, mostly occurs abo…

Ya know I just had an idea. Would love feedback on this from you guys. We keep telling our experiences with PBing, doctors, trips, etc. that are funny or at least entertaining. Why not put those into a book. Wouldn't that be a hoot? The proceeds could go into a fund for people that can't afford to pay for the LAP BAND. Thoughts?

Hello everyone. I was banded on 5-6-04. Ihave lost 29 lbs. I have heard that when you start to loose weight that you get more energy. I keep waiting for that to happen, but I just want to sleep all the time and the smallest chores seem overwhelming to me. I know I have had some depression but I think thats just from trying to adjust to my new eating style. I think I struggle with quantity, like popcorn I would really like to eat the whole bag. I drink all of my water and take my flintstone vitamins and my B-12 under my toung and I eat mostly protien. I havent been able to exercise because of knee pain. (I WENT TO THE DR . TODAY ABOUT IT) Has anyone else experienced this.…

I have not had the surgery yet, and I have been reading about erosion and how some people have to have their bands removed. How common is this? Will the band last forever? Will it have to be replaced eventually? Thank you for any answers anyone can give me. Heather

I am so ready to start working out.I had my surgery on April 28th and I have lost 25 pounds and it seems like I am on a stand still.So Do ya'll think it is to soon to start working out?Please let me know what ya'll do. Thanks Joyce 4/28/04 Banded 225/200/

My sister has the band and was wondering if any one else has had a hard time losing weight with the band if they have had a hysterectomy? She has lost 30 lbs in 3 months and I think she is doing great!! But, the Dr. wasn't real pleased with her loss. She recently went in to get a little of her fill taken out cause she couldn't eat anything and he took all of it out and told her she had to lose 10 lbs before he will give her another fill. But, we were wondering if her hormones had anything to do with it?? Thanks ya'll!!!

Milestones By Keith Dlott I am 10 weeks post-op and have done extremely well. However, I must tell you all that it has been my own hard work that has led to my success. Despite a 1.5cc fill, I remain totally unrestricted. Therefore, it is my change of lifestyle that has led to my success. I am eating healthier than ever and exercising more than ever and I feel wonderful. I am certain that over time, we will find the ‘sweet spot’ with my band and it will function as it is supposed to. Not wanting to sound like a cliché, but I’m going to use one anyhow. It took us all many years to get to the state that we are in, obese. Taking off the weight is going to be the easiest…

Hi everyone, thank you for the ideas and thoughts.. I just want to tell you that last night we ate alittle late.. I hate that, but anyway, i managed to drink about 24oz of water before i went to bed.. I was so afraid i was going to do the gagging and acid reflux thing.. Well , i slept on 1 pillow and and i slept through the night with NO PROBLEM.. So I must not be emptying my pouch before i get to bed.. It was wonderful.. Guess it's true, PUSH THE WATER.. thanks again.. Sleeping well in California..

Here is a pic of my protrusion thingy I keep mentioning that my doc said would go away with more weight loss and the repositioning of my port in relation to that weight loss. I am not so sure that will happen now. Hence the Dr. Billy appointment on next Friday the 9th. I will keep you posted.

Just got back from Dr. Billy. I love him. He is a cutie plus a great surgeon. He explained everything in detail and told me what to expect and everything. OK the protrusion is part of the tubing. It has kinked up cause that is the weakest area. He said he would like to go in and fix that. He is pretty sure my insurance will cover the procedure. IT will be outpatient surgery at one of the area Ventura hospitals. Nothing that Lopez did caused this kinking to happen. He said it is part of the individual surgeons technique. He, Dr. Billy, has started to double check and make sure none of his patients have tubing that has backed up that could cause this kinking. I…

Hello all.... I have been banded for a whole week now. And I can't believe how great I already feel. I have been back at work since Tuesday and I started working out..... very lighty .........wednesday. I am sick of soup and liquids , but it really seems like a small price to pay. I am a little scared of my first solid food experience. will I chew my food well enough? what will it feel like? I really don't want to vomit........ man do hick-ups hurt I am a little nervous I feel like a lot of what I read on hear is negative but I know people are just venting....... I have not told anyone about this surgery except my immediate family.......is there anyone else that…

I have a 9mth old at home and was wondering how long each of you waited until you picked up your little rascal? I don't know how long I can go without holding my little stinker(or how long he LET me go WITHOUT holding him). Is holding and cuddling o.k. or is it just the picking up part that is the no-no? Thanks, Sacha

Well, everyone I'm now a bandster everything went fine. I'm sore but it's worth it. Thanks for all your support. Nanny

I am healing well, feeling well. Have had great support from Husband & family. Walked a mile yesterday, starting on smooth soft food stuff today. I have to fly tomorrow in the a.m., go down and get my Mother in Florida, clear out her home (after 27 years), pack her up and fly her to Texas with me to be able to take care of her in my home with the Help of Hospice (she has terminal cancer)--- so my surgery has taken a second place in my plans ---- my concern for my mother the top priority. I went ahead and kept the surgery date -- I was fearful that all the approvals might not come through perfectly like they had done if I postponed 6 months or so . . . . I am going…

thank you for the response.. I'll give it a few days and see how it goes.. I think I'll stay away from the watermelon for awhile.. It's odd , since I have been banded on 12/29/03 and so i pretty much know the routine, but this last fill, maybe too tight.. I surely don't want to damage my esophogus.. that would be awful.. thanks again Banded: 12/29/04 The New Program/Huntington Beach beginning weight: 292 now: 227 goal: under 200 for now!! my port snapped in April and had to have a 2nd surgery. but all is fine now..

Hi all, I have a silly question.. I had a fill a week ago.. All is fine.. I know I have good restriction.. but......... I go to bed at night and I get heartburn or acid reflux or something. .. I start this annoying coughing.. then later on in the night it's like i am choking or something.. Well, last night I woke up 3 different times coughing.. and i knew i had coughed up something.. Hell, I didn't know what it was, i caught it in my hand and started to think, oh my god, what is it.. I ran to the bathroom turned on the light and there it was.. a watermelon seed.. (of course, this is from a seedless watermelon).. anyway, I did this 2 other times.. I thought my stomach w…

oh yes, i forgot.. I also eat an ice cream at night.. diet of course.. anyway, it seems to make me have uneasy nights also.. I don't know' if its the dairy or what.. I try to eat it early enough in the evening, but i get this annoying cough , i will usually get up and take a couple tums to settle the heartburn.. I hadn't had this trouble until the last fill.. I know the fill before this was restrictive, but the dr, gave me another 3cc's .. any ideas, suggestions.. thank you in advance..

Hey guys, let's as many as can get together somewhere, Vegas was a suggestion, and finally meet each other. Any thoughts? I would help organize the event.