LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

On other boards that shall remain nameless, there is a recurring debate about how much bandsters should be eating at a sitting or in a day. Since it's a subject of much interest to newbies I thought I'd start it up here (where it's likely to get less, ahem, spirited). How much is "enough"? The answer to that question is that enough is indeed probably less than we think. It's certainly less than we're used to. And it's probably one bite less than what makes us feel full even now. But it's NOT the same for every person, and changes for each person over time. No one person can declare that this amount or that amount is the "right" amount for all bandsters to be eating. O…

I swear, sometimes I think I have no band at all. Can anyone else guzzle Water? I've been told that should be impossible with good restriction, but sometimes I have absolutely no problem guzzling up to 12 or 16 ozs at a time. Is it just me?

I just had to whine to somebody about my weekend and figured this was as good a place as any. My boyfriend of 3 years is working at a Lutheran camp in northern Michigan this summer (he's 21, I'm 23). I planned a big party for the 3rd because he'd be home for the weekend and that way he could see everybody. So Friday night (the 2nd), I talked to him while he was driving home and he said he had "some things he needed to talk to me about in person." Sure enough, when he got home, he told me we were "on different spiritual paths" and broke up with me. What?! Apparently I didn't even get a say in the matter. Forget the house we rent together, the dog we bought together, the fa…

Just got back from 2 weeks of camping and I have MISSED THIS BOARD and all of you! I have only skimmed over the 7 pages of "new posts" but I wanted to say Hello! Darcy ... you are BANDED! I can't believe it! Woooo Hooooo! Michelle, I hope you are doing well, I didn't see anything from you! Donali, I am so sorry for all you have gone though! You are such a great support and such a good person! Thanks for all you have shared and I wish you all the best! I started my pre-op "diet" on Monday, 7-5. Less than 30 carbs a day. There is still a lot to eat and I feel like I am cheating! I see the nutritionist tomorrow, and she will probably confirm that yes, I'm doi…

I have a question........after eating how long does it take for you to get hungry again? I seem to get hungry about 2 or 3 hours later. I also haven't been getting in my daily intake of water and that's really killing me. I am thirsty ALL the time but I just can't seem to get it in. Before I felt this level of restriction I NEVER had a problem getting it. I could still chug it down....especially when it was nice and cold but now I can't do that anymore and I'm feeling it. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I am starting to discover all sorts of new things with this level and sometimes it's SOOOOO DAMN FRUSTERATING that I wonder why I went and got banded........…

I read the forums and have never posted before. I was banded 9/22/03. Due to my lack of will power and cheating/eating. When I went for my first consult 7/03 my weight was 308lbs. Currently, I weigh 298lbs. I have also been a poor chooser of foods. I believe my doctor is trying to get me to my sweet spot on the band slowly with very small fills. I have another fill scheduled for next Thrusday. One of the problems I have is regarding execise. I have 2 herniated discs in my lower back and it's real hard to motivate myself to exercise due to the pain. I have had 3 steroid injections on my back since last year. Still I have some pain. My wife has been supportive but she has b…

Hi Everyone... I was just wondering if anyone else had bruising like this at their port site. It actually looks better now... was completely black before. Besides... I had a burning desire to share a pic of my big ole tummy with y'all! :sick

Okay so what happened I was losing weight every week but now nothing. Plus I can now eat more food is it time for a fill? I just had my first fill two weeks ago 1cc now what?

How many times a day were you told to exercise before and after surgery? I was told that I needed to do 6 days a week before surgery and I was curious if that applied after surgery as well. The reason I ask is because I know they want my body conditioned for surgery, but they also told me that I cant go to my gym for 8 weeks after surgery, so what do am I suppose to do during that time? Normally I go to the gym 4 times a week anyway, but with work and everything else that I have to do I don't have much time. I know the more you work out the better/faster you will see results but is it really necessary to go 6 times a week? Does anyone go less and still see good resul…

I am soooooooooooooo emotional ... crying at the drop of the hat... is this part of the post-op course or am I just going over the edge???? Yesterday when I went in for my post-op check... the Dr. was wonderful and so helpful and yet as usual the staff rarely looked at me when speaking to me... never once used a friendly or caring voice when speaking at all ... in fact... the one gal worked on her computer and never looked up at me one or even bothered to tell me she was finished with me. I finally said...do you need anything else??? She looked up at me like I was retarded and said... "uh.. no"... which actully came out in a *DUH* tone. She never returned my script…

I'm looking for a way I can type in a recipe and have the calories and other information converted for me. Does anyone know of such a thing online? Thanks in advance!! Megan

Hey everyone...I just had a really good idea. (Of course I think it's good!) Now that Jesse A's book is out- wouldn't it be great to see if Oprah would have her on to talk about the band? Maybe she would even feature some of you wonderful loosers!!! I can't do anything about this great idea because I am in the FDA trials and I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut (good luck). But, if a few of you guys want to send her the book and a bunch of our stories...that would be cool... Any other thoughts about how we can get the word out? Megan

Hello every one i am back, My new grandaughter was born on the 26th, She weighed 7lbs and 5 oz. Mommy and baby are doing fine. She is really beautiful. And my daughter does not even look like she had a baby. I really enjoyed staying with them. But I am glad to be back with you guys. I have a lot of catch up reading (all your posts.) Thanks to all for your prayers and well wishes. I was afraid I had gained weight while I was gone. but I lost 3 lbs. So now my total weight loss is 29 lbs. Yea aaa. Thanks again ... love to you all...Janie

Alexis I was reading your websight and noticed you've lost 135lbs. and 56 inches. Way to go girl! Congratulations:banana

Donali's sister, Cheryl, called me an hour ago. Sorry it took so long to post but I'm going in too many directions this evening. Donali was in surgery 4 hours. Cheryl didn't call them "complications" but the surgeon had some repairs to do. I don't have any other information yet, other than her sister is with her at The Oasis Hospital, and her mom is waiting at home for her in San Diego. I think we can all agree that she's truly amazing. Actually, you all are. Cheryl told me Don was touched with all the support here. Believe it or not, I'm at loss for words.

Thanks for the best wishes everyone! I should be released this morning (Sunday), hopefully around 9 am. The surgery was a nightmare - I was under for FIVE hours (I'm not sure if I was acutally in surgery for four or five hours, but I was out of the room for five hours). The doc said I was full of adhesions, and they all had to be cut and cleaned away. When I woke up from the anesthesia, I was in pain like you can not believe. I was crying, moaning, whimpering. Dr. Lopez said they had to give me THREE times the pain killer to bring my pain under control. Once that initial pain was taken care of, the rest hasn't been so bad. Late afternoon Saturday they took out …

This morning I am .5 pounds away from my century mark!!! My band is giving 150% in these final days... lol There is a teeny tiny glimmer, a shimmering gossamer dream, that... dare I say it? I could even... break into ONEDERLAND by the time the band is relieved of it duties! I don't know how psychosomatic this is, but my tummy seems very tender. I'm almost afraid to eat anything, hence the sudden downward trend. Plus, I have been getting my fill of distraction from food (THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!! ). I even did my 20 minute walk yesterday, instead of putting it off until "after". Stay tuned for more exciting details.... lol Hey, do you think the band has …

Today I am noticing that it feels like something is stuck in my throat and won't go down. I may have felt it earlier this morning and really didn't apy any attention to it. Anyways, I have been drinking water and it is going down fine and I thought that whatever is sitting there would find it's way down as well. I called my doc's office and spoke to the nurse. She told me to drink some water and have some bread. Told her BAD idea - can't do bread. She said to have some yogurt - which is what I had for breakfast. I don't know how something could be stuck from yesterday..........I didn't have anything to eat atleast 2 1/2 hours before I went to bed and the only thing…

Hey Everyone, Exited very nervous surgery first thing in the morning I'm #1 on the list, thats good I guess no waiting. I have wanted to back out a couple times over the past few days with this crazzzy clear liquid diet since Wednesday, but I've made it this for. And guess what I don't think I've lost anything. All that torture LOL. Well, please keep me in your prayers in the morning I will be back as soon as possiable. Thanks for all your support I love you guys. Nanny

I just got banded yesterday at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga TN, by DR Rose. IT HURTS!!!!! Mostly getting up from sitting down. My doctor had place my port in the middle of chest instead of the lower left side of my stomach. He said that's the new procedure, because it's more stable there and won't tend to move after you begin to losing weight. Plus also it's harder for patients to get to, becuase some patients were deflating the band themsleves so they can eat more. Talk about CRAZY. I don't understand why somebody would do that, but he said it has happen, more than once. But overall, im getting around ok and I can only sleep no more than 2 hours at time so fa…

I need input, please. I was banded 13 weeks ago. Losing 2 lbs a week....so far. I live about 10 1/2 hours away from Monterrey where I was banded. It just so happens I am working about 2 hours away for the next week. Everytime I think I need a fill (because I am beginning to get really hungry and can eat two cups or so of food in the evening, when I let myself) when I call the Dr.'s coordinator about a fill immediately if not sooner I feel restriction. Water goes down lumpy (perhaps from too big of a drink?) like today after work. Then tonight I was feeling hungry again a couple of hours after eating. The coordinator says that is too much food and I need a fill…

Hey! Just got a message from Donali's sister...and I don't know why my stupid phone didn't ring so I could talk to her. Donali was in surgery for five hours. It was very difficult because of all the adhesions, and it took a lot of time to test for leaks. I'm sorry to report that she is in "incredible pain," and not currently a happy camper. But, she is looking good and the surgery is over and she will soon be on her way to health. Yeah, Donali!!!!

and I just wanted to share this with you. You all may think this is minor but for me - OMG - this is WAY BIG!!! Anyways.....today my husband didn't feel like cooking and by the time I get home from work it's almost 7 or so and too late for me to even want to cook. So my husband decided to order a pizza. Now I don't know if I have ever told you all about this but pizza is my all time favorite food. I could eat it every day for every meal. To give you an idea of how much - when I was pregnant with my son Nathan we ate so much pizza that when I asked my kids what they wanted for dinner they would tell me anything as long as it isn't PIZZA!!! Now this is coming from KI…

Hi Everyone, I am fairly new to the site but have posted a few times. I have a Surgery Date!!! My Banding Date is June 30th......yes that is next week!! I am very excited. I have been eating a low fat diet for two weeks ( no meat?) but am handling it ok. I friend of mine who had the RU&Y (not sure I spelled that correctly) told me to try coffe with powdered milk for protien. It sure fills me up fast. I will be having surgery with a fairly new surgeon, the proctor will be there also. I work for a family physican and he has assisted in surgeries with Dr. Edward Cudjoe of alma, Michigan and said he is a great surgeon so I have confidence in him. My family phy…

I went to a barbecue and all they had to drink was soda or beer so I chose beer and it went down fine. (Guess I could have chosen nothing...) but I thought we couldnt drink carbonated drinks? It went down fine no problemo. Does this mean I can have an occasional champagne?

I am still unclear about the water thing. Is it still okay to drink either 30 minutes before a meal and 30 minutes after?

Hi All! I am a banded girl... very sore... had a rough run of it yesterday evening but feel better today. My body apparently doesn't "like" anesthesia... rough way to find this out! Glad to have the surgery behind me and can hardly wait until I fell like myself... my "banded" self that is!

Well gang its been 48 hours on the clear liquids I think I'm loosing it, Monday is almost here right????? Never claimed to have willpower thats why I'm getting the band.... Just needed to vent Thankyou..... Hey does anyone know if I can take a vicodin with this killer headache with surgery being Monday.. Thanks, Nanny

*I have a date" does not mean your going out. *You have baby food in the house and no baby. * "I'm a loser" is a good thing. * All of your silverware says Gerber. * "Welcome to the other side" doesn't include death. * New clothes fall off in a month. * You get excited about hand me downs. * The scale at Wal-Mart no longer says "one at a time please". * getting wrinkles is a good thing. * "Just Water for me please". * Hitting the "Century Mark" is actually a good thing. * You can be touched by an angel and still not be considered crazy. * When your rear end no longer looks like a mudslide. * When the word lap has nothing to do with a strip club. …

Okay, so this may sound really dumb but I woke up this morning with a sore throat no coughing is this related to the banding? I havent been around anyone with a cold but I have just been having popsicles today since my throat is sore. Any thoughts on this?

I know when I have eaten the wrong thing because I get a headache. both temples, feels like my skull is stretching too....thats the first sign, painfully subtle. If I insist on eating after that ( and lets face it, I do.... I have always eaten to try and get rid of pain, physical, emotional, or whatever) then the rest of the fun begins....... golfball, slime, etc..... Now, when things are going down.....I know, because I get a small burp with each bite.... you have no idea how annoying and embarrassing it can get. ( unless you get it too? is this normal>?) At least it keeps me from eating in public..... I have been back on liquids for 3 days, because I started h…

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I found this article on emotional eating and thought you all might find it interesting! Original page: http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/76/90283.htm Emotional Eating: Feeding Your Feelings Eating to feed a feeling, and not a growling stomach, is emotional eating. By Heather Hatfield WebMD Feature Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD on Tuesday, November 11, 2003 When you're happy, your food of choice could be steak or pizza, when you're sad it could be ice cream or Cookies, and when you're bored it could be potato chips. Food does more than fill our stomachs -- it also satisfies feelings, and when you quench those feelings with comfort food when y…

Donali, as your surgery date nears, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are such a wonderful and encouraging person! If there is ANYTHING that I can do, please let me know. You are such a success story! You are a "work in progress" and will only continue to get better. I hope I can do half as well as you have. Please take care of yourself!

Hi everyone!!!! I am got my first fill today! I got 1cc and my band is fine with all of my past pbing... yahooo my pc is up and running again,,,, hope all is well for everyone. what is new? what have I missed this last week?

I'm laughing so hard reading all the posts, picturing that look we all have when something gets stuck and our spouses/friends saying "Are you OK ?" Loving all the stories, scraping pizza, picking at our food. Meals have become such ritual for me. First the tea then maybe some soup, chew chew wait, pick apart leaving pasta, breads and rice behind. People eating with me often ask "what are you doing?" cause everything is separated on my plate. They're all done (amazing how fast they can eat) and I'm begging them not to leave the table yet. When we go out to eat I'm always suggesting we share so I can taste all there foods and I can't finish my plate anyway. I rememb…

Hi everyone, I just learned a very hard and valuable lesson today. Both newbies and old timers can take with them. I have now been banded for 10 months and down 63lbs. I met a girlfriend today for lunch. I work in mid town manhatten. The resteraunt we chose just happen to be closed.. so we said oh well ranch one is right here. Well I ordered chicken tenders came with fries.. I don't do fries to often being they do not agree with me. Anyway I had maybe 3 fries and 2 bites of chicken when I felt the pain in my chest.. I put my food down and tried to let it pass.. It was getting worse.. I got up to use the restroom(I was in so much pain) PB was the only alternitive. WELL an…

I finally got a picture in place of my non-existent avatar. Yeah!!!

Well. I've been unfilled now since June 14th. 2 weeks this past Monday. Amazingly, I've maintained my weight loss. There was a few days where I went up 3-5lbs, but since I've done a pretty good job of reminding myself to eat like I have been prior to the unfill. I've also started back to Curves because I need it to maintain the weightloss, for one, but I think I need it mentally and emotionally as much or more. This slippage and waiting to see new doctors and getting ready for all those tests etc seems to be bothering me much more emotionally than it ever has. My life is just so frustrating at times. I had so looked forward to having this fixed and being on the r…

Trust me.. I was so desperate I almost grabed my girlfriends soda and :sick

Hello Nanny; Like Darcy yours is just around the corner as well. WHOO HOO to you too. Where are you going for yours? I am all excited for you both. I know you can't wait.

Hi friends. I'm sad girl today. Had to get my incision lanced and drained at Urgent Care this morning. Major infection. I feel worse now than I did after my surgery. They had to pack the wound with 4 inches of gauze to keep it open. I have to go back tomorrow for them to repack it. Truly disgusting. They also gave me antibiotics. I'm usually a big girl about this kinda thing, but I feel like being a baby today so I'll take all the sympathy I can get. Hold me. Sniff sniff. Lis

Hi All, I just read Leatha's intro on roll call, and she says that she is currently unfilled because she was diagnosed with band slippage which they also called "Pouch dialation". Are they the same? It makes sense to me, because why would the pouch be too big unless the band slipped? I just had an upper GI, and that is what my Dr. is checking for--pouch dialation because I seem to be able to eat so much even with four fills. She also said that the treatment would be to unfill to let the pouch recede to where it should be?? I am now at 3.0, and I do eat less, but I have no trouble eating. Anyone knowledgeable? This makes me nervous. Sultana

I talked to Francesca, who hasn't been able to post cuz her puter is in the shop. She has an appointment with her doctor because she's still PBing (or throwing up) all the time. Her doctor told her to do whatever she could to not throw up, so she's trying really hard. She misses us, thought you all should know. Donali, she sends her well wishes. Francesca was my band buddy in the hospital. Her sister stayed with her, who is a living doll. She went out and bought flowers for each one of us that was banded (5 of us.) We love Francesca and her sister!

I am really looking into getting the surgery. I live in SETX and the doctor who performs the surgery here is Felix Speigel. Of course, you have to have an insurance that allows for the procedure in the policy. My question is, how do you know which insurance companies will pay for it before participating and paying them their premiums? Also, is there a way to get approval for the surgery even if your policy doesn't cover it? If so, which insurance companies should I be looking at? Please help!!!

I think....well I am actually almost certain!!!!! Okay all the protein drinks that I have require milk. Does anyone know of a decent tasting protein shake that does not require milk?

Darcy: I am all a twitter in excitement for you with the surgery date fast approaching. How are you doing with anxiety, excitement, frustration, etc etc? I was so anxious and like I was on some really good drug HIGH prior to the surgery that I did not come down till I woke up in recovery room. I had a HUGE smile on my face the entire day of surgery. I ran to the OR when they were ready for me with my hospital gown flapping in the wind and mooning everyone in sight. I jumped on the table and pulled up my gown and had put an X where I wanted the band placed. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers this coming week. Don't forget to take before a…

Wow I gotta take a grandma break for this. A love connection star and what have you girls been up too? Are you two causing trouble? I have to go and check this stuff out. I love to get in the middle of these kind of things. I didn't realize I was missing so much. So besides the 2 trouble makers how is everyone? Grandma is doing fine. I have had a couple episodes of the golf ball feeling but it is really strange. I don't know why it happens when it does. I don't know if I didn't chew right or if I ate the wrong thing. But I can eat the same thing one day and the next day if I eat it I get the golf ball feeling. Could this be restriction? I haven't had a fill yet. An…

I read somewhere in this forum (can't find it again) that someone said their port was flipped or something like that so they are not going to do the treadmill anymore well I do four times a week for a half hour and had my first fill last week surgery was may 25th? Any thoughts on this? Is it okay to continue on the treadmill?:cry

I just read something on another board that really has me upset. I hear yet another fill person has established the rule of not seeing anyone else's patients other than the doctor he partners with. In my move from California back to Texas, I've spent the past nearly 8 months trying to secure a local physician for follow up care only to have the door slammed in my face. That was bad enough, but now I've learned that I have had slippage for well over 3 months. Thank God it's not urgent! YET!! What will people do? This seems to be the rule of thumb all over. People move. Doctor's die or move. Will we just have this band inside us and not be able to get medical care…