LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I remember wondering pre-op - what will I be able to have? so I thought I'd as you ! Here's what I have in a typical day... Because I can't eat more than 2 bites first thing in the morning... I'm taking those mini Cereal pack's to work... the 25g ones (for kids I think) & having one of them at about 10:30ish. I can have it at that time no bother. I have it with Semi Skimmed milk At lunch time I have having 2 slices of wholemeal bread with cold meat, low fat spread and a little 'extra light' mayo. If I get hungry mid afternoon I have a babybell or a dairylea triangle. (kindah plastic cheese stuff - dunno if you get it over there?) for my dinner I'm having…

Hi All, Sometimes it is just so convenient to drink water before eating so as to avoid drinking afterwards. Is there a problem with drinking before eating? If so, how long should I wait after drinking before I eat? Thanks. Sultana:confused:

I have terrible acid. I had my band emptied once, gained 12 pounds, got filled again with about half of what was in there before...and the freaking acid is back. Are there any of who have been banded for some time having any of this? What does your doc say?

i have had my band two weeks and i am feeling worried as i am able to eat almost everything like before and have lost no weight !! i lost 7 pounds in hospital . but nothing since. i told my doctor and he said this is normal before my first fill but i don't feel any full feeling and worried its not working.

Here's the pic's My before & durings ! lol I am 5 foot 11inces/180cm/1.8 metres first set are 26 Stone 11 pounds/375 pounds/BMI 52.4 Second are 20 stone 13 pounds/297 pounds/BMI 41 Hope I do this right!!! Audrey x

well i have had fill and was so scared but was really surprized how simple it was and even though i really don't feel any restriction and still eating as usual and no weight loss , i am not going to let this get to me i know i just need another fill to get this right. i would rather have to little than too much, i wish i could tell you guys on how much weight i have lost but pray that once i get this fill stage right i will be on my way also. i had a large fill compared to others i had 2.6 cc and know i need more but i had that strange feeling of fullness when it was being done , so i know its in there and the feeling i will get when i get enough fill , i had the fill and…

First of all, Donali, I am speechless!! I just read your post and my jaw is still sitting on the floor. I couldn't imagine having that happen to me. I just had my IUD out and I feel like I lost a part of me. Couldn't imagine my band. Delarla, I like your new name "portless". Kinda fits you to a T! I am sad that you are portless, but I guess it is for the better. I am truly Thankful that I have not had any problems. I go in tomorrow to get a fill. I have gained about 4 lbs in 3 weeks. I am so sorry about everyone's problems on this board here lately. All of you are always in my thoughts!!

We are feeling very discouraged. We need to hear from those who have had fills and gotten to the effective point of restriction. How did you keep your spirits up while you were able to eat way too much and knew you needed another fill? Did you diet during that time? Did you know soon after your fill that you needed another one? Did your doctor ask you to wait 8 weeks between fills, like ours did? Our scenarios : Surgery for both was 2/24/04. Sister has had two fills under Fluoro. She is at 2.2ccs. I have had one fill under fluoro. and am at 1.5 ccs. Even though doctor was watching the liquid speed through the stoma, he would not add more saline than he had added. H…

The Tijuana saga continues. Dr. Kuri had me confused cuz he originally said I'd have to stay in the hospital overnight if he was going to remove my port. But when surgery day came, he told my friend, Babs (aka Bubbles) to leave and come back in 40 minutes because he had to remove my port. She looked confused because she figured I'd be there overnight. After I was released I couldn't find her! She had me scared to death because she's this 90 pound American that can't speak a lick of Spanish and has no fear. Like one of those 2 year olds who dive into a pool cuz it looks fun. Hospital security was looking for her, then took me to the hotel where hotel security helped…

I have other questions. I think that the PBing has subsided. Now with another question, after eating I not only get the hiccups, I get a lot of saliva in my mouth. If I swallow the saliva, it makes a knot in my chest and is very uncomfortable. It's not vomit, just thick clear saliva. I know it's gross, but that's only way I describe it. What do the hiccups mean? Each time I eat, I get the hiccups and cannot eat anymore. Need more advice. Thanks, Carolyn

Hi everyone, Lisa called me and she is doing great!! got her port fixed and doing well. She also got a fill while she was there. Donali, Lisa wanted me to tell you that she would like to see you. I tried to call her but could not get threw. well if you hear from her. let us know, ok Francesca

I just noticed a fever of 100.1. Hell's bells, I hope it's temporary. Gonna lay down now with my doggies. I was so excited to catch up on posts but suddenly not up to it. I'll have to catch up with the boards tomorrow. Peace and love (say it in your best Mexican accent.)

I'm Milk Protien allergic and was wondering if there's anyone else in my boat and what you've been drinking and eating in the "dairy" dept? I have still to find a soy milk that I can drink.. they have all tasted positively VILE to me. Thanks for the input all. Sacha

Hi All - Just a heads up. I picked up a brochure from Dr. Lopez's office once while I was there, and it had a color xerox cover with the Oasis Hospital logo on it. It was blue, and seemed to be intended to be from the Oasis Hospital. Inside were supposed guidelines for patients who had the lapband. I have to tell you, that article was taken WORD for WORD from an RnY doctor's article, which was written specifically for gastric bypass patients. The word "lapband" had been substituted everywhere the word gastric bypass appeared in the original article. The doctor was not credited. I started getting suspicious because it said that there would be no hunger for 6 months…

Hi everyone, I have been pretty quiet lately. Trying to get back to the job of living and working and less time on the support boards! LOL . Lately, I have been going through some changes that are very disturbing. Well, here it is. I am bored. Bored with my work, bored with my marriage, bored with my life yet I am afraid of welcoming change. I am 38 with two children (2 and 8). I am afraid of the attention I now get from the opposite sex for fear that I will want to act on it. I am afraid to be alone and I am afraid to change careers. I feel like I have been living in a cocoon for the last 10 years. My brain says it wants to party and be a wild child again. The fun…

I went for my 4th fill and I'm at 2.5cc. When I went for my 3rd fill, the doctor gave me 3.6 and I couldn't keep anything down, even Water. I went back in 2 days and he unfilled 1.00 cc. When he did the unfill, I felt quite good. Now that I'm at home on the day after, I can only eat about 1-2 oz. without PB. Anything more, I will need to bring it up. I feel this is the sweet spot, but I want to eat just a little more,(at least 1 oz. more). I want to know will the band expand eventually to allow me to eat a little more, or do I need to get more unfill. Please let me know as soon as possible! Thanks, Carolyn Banded 2/27/04 321/261/180

Thank you for answering; !.) Do you take Vitamins? If so what kind? Can you take large pills? What about an advil? Anyone taking or needing Fiber laxaives? (aka metamucil) Seems to me if ya have to chew to consistency of baby food that pills could get stuck. 2.) What about salads and raw veggies any problem there?

Hi guys... just wondering if anyone here went home the same day of their surgery and if they would do the same if they had it to do all over again??? When I had my pre-op testing, I told the nurse I was planning on going home the same day and she encouraged me to reconsider??? I live an hour and forty-five minutes from the hospital and she thought it would be a difficult trip. Anyhoo... any input would be appreciated!

Delarla, good luck tomorrow! I hope that everyting goes well! Donali, I was reading past posts and I see you live in San Diego.. I am in Spring Valley. Delarla and I had surgery 1 day apart. She is a hoot. How long has it been you got banded? I didnt pb all day!! y ahoo.... didnt really eat anything, except Soup and icecream.................. I need to be schooled on what to eat...... take care, Francesca

Hi all......... I hope everyone is doing good!! I am now 5 weeks post op. and 34lb lighter...yahoooo.... my problem, as before I am pbing still... I will go on liquids,, then back to eating... back and forth... it really sucks.. I have not really eaten anything in days and days..... is my restriction that closed? Iam feeing good, I just cant eat....everything is ok, right???? when should I start working out? I dont wnat to mess anything up? I was thinking swimming. bye for now, Francesca:)

HELP I am not loosing any weight, in fact I have gained a pound. I was banded on May 6th. Tomorrow will br 6 weeks and I have lost 21 lbs. This week I have eaten pretty normally. Which I love. My daily intake of food is about as folloes... Breakfast 4 oz of protein shake, and a scrambled egg. Lunch a bowl of salad with sliced turkey and 2 tables spoons of diet ranch dressing. snack a cup of watermellon or applesauce or shioulettes 96% fat free ice cream sandwich. and dinner a small lean cusine carb controlled dinner (frozen) and around two Dole fat and sugar free popcicles some times during the day.I drink brtween 62 and 74 oz of water every day. I exercise some u…

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.

I didn't think I would be hungry so soon!! Can anyone suggest somethng to help with it? I am feeling real good, except when I have to burp, I can feel the air go through the band and it kinda ouches!! The incesions don't hurt at all, it is the muscles around it that hurt and I get a burning sensation well below my port incesion, feels like a nerve or something! These are minor ouchy's that last a sec or so. Other then that I feel pretty darn good! Will be taking an extra week of work just to be safe, I see the surg on Tuesday so I will have a better grasp on how I am doing. I also see the nutritionist in hopes to be put on more of a mushy food restriction!!! I ha…

What did you pack for your trip? Was there something you wished you had packed that you didn't? Anything else you think is important?

Hi all, I had mine done June 5th and I'am doing great. The day of surgery I was up and walking the halls. The next Morning I went down and sat with my DH while he had Breakfast. Just thought it would be fun to hear how the rest of the June people are doing. Surgery June 5th Dr. Lopez Live in MN

Earthquake rattles Mexico City From Will Weissert in Mexico City June 15, 2004 AN EARTHQUAKE shook Mexico City today, swaying skyscrapers, panicking residents and temporarily knocking out power to some neighbourhoods. There have been no reports of injures or major damage. The tremor measured 5.8 on the Richter scale and was centred off the coast of southern Oaxaca state, about 530km southeast of Mexico City, according to the National Autonomous University of Mexico's earthquake centre. Authorities in the capital said they had received no reports of injures or major damage, but phone service near the epicentre was knocked out, making it difficult to know immedia…

Hi Everyone, Missed all of you while I was gone on vacation in the Dominican Republic. I ate and drank too much which was to be expected, since I really need a fill, but was afraid to get one before I went away. I gained three pounds, but considering last year at this time when I went on vacation and gained 10 or so, I am feeling OK with this. I still hope to make -120 by my one year bandiversary next week, so for now, I am mostly on a liquid diet to get myself back on track. SOme of the things I learned while on vacation: Tough meats do not go down even with less restriction! I had a barfing session one day at lunch while on monster safari. When you drink less W…

Well folks, What an experience! I am home now and a little sore. I had no problems with the surgery,or after. Very minimal gas pains too! Thanks to all who have responded to any of my notes, they have all been really helpful! I am going to lay down now, then out for a small walk! Baileym _________ June 14th

Sometimes when I eat I get pains in my chest. If feels like food is stuck and can not go down. Does any one else have this problem?

OK, I figure it's time for me to show more than my tiny little face over there since everyone else has been so brave. I don't really think I look a whole lot different, and neither is a good picture to begin with. You'll just have to trust me when I tell you I'm a whole lot prettier in person. This is before, in early summer 2003.

Today is Michelle's surgery!! Michelle, Just want you to know you are being thought of and praying for a successful surgery, and a speedy recovery!! Take care, Greta

Hi guys, I love reading all your posts - you're all amazing and inspiring!! Thankyou!! I am 11 days post surgery and just have a few little questions I would love your help with.. 1. Are mushy foods (eg oatmeal, scrambled eggs, thick Soups, mushy pasta), considered liquids (dumb question really but I hope you get where I'm coming from) - do you think it would be ok to eat these at this stage or should I still be on pure/really runny liquids? I understand one doesn't move on to solids until about the 1 month mark but what stages of eating are there before then? also 2. I still have quite sharp back pain sort of between my shoulder blades and chest pain (sternum …

The post-op diet that the dietician gave me includes Protein shakes for the first month... I would really appreciate any suggestions for shakes that taste good or at leat don't taste bad. Thanx Darcy

OK, I am now 3 days away from this thing. It has totally consumed my mind and I am having trouble concentrating... I find myself drifting to the actual day and my palms get a little sweaty... I am going to see STYX this weekend and I am finding it hard to be excited about this (this is NOT normal) knowing what I am going through on Monday! I just got my surgery time 7:30 and I have to be there 1 1/2 hours before hand... I wish I could just forget about it until Sunday night, I know that will never happen.. Anywhooo... Going out of town, then to parents for sleep over (leaving my daughter there to go bright n early Monday) I am not sure if I will be able to check here …

Ok, I know that there is more Washingtonian's out there. I am in Castle Rock and would love to meet up with anyone nearby to chat. Kathy Dr. Lopez 5/21/2004

Theresa I hear your dilemna. I was doing very well without drinking soda. About two months out of surgery I decided that drinking Diet Pepsi is not such a bad thing. I would fill the cup up with ice and twirl the straw to get the acide out. The support group that I was going to (mostly gastric bypass patients) served soda. I did not have any problems digesting the soda. About a week ago, I had this moment of truth and asked myself WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING??? I have since stopped my one glass of Diet Pepsi a day. I so do my soda. I think most people would miss drinking alcohol, I miss my Diet Pepsi. I am totally exhausted without the caffeine. The past two n…

It's a slow day here in Band Land! Does this mean we're all feeling great today? I hope that's why there aren't many posts, but don't you guys know I'm trying to avoid work? Post babies, post! Thanks to Donali for my picture!

I was wondering if anybody's heard from her and how's her Mom doing? Missing you

three months to the date of my lap-band install. Down 70 pounds, damn I happy and feel great!!! I have 2.25cc fill and it's working great. lost most of my excess wieght the first month after surgery. I lost a total of 13 lbs in May. I will start running this month now my knees stopped hurting....... To anyone thinking of getting the band DO IT. My wife is set for her instal July 2 good luck David

Can you guys explain how your port feels? Mine feels like a marble that's just about to pop out of my skin. Is it supposed to be this close to the surface? It feels like it's just under the top layer. By the way, I have the new mini-port.

Hi guys! I am not pregnant ( I think), but an episode this morning reminded me of when I was, and the constant nausea/retching I endured for 7 months. Quite violent actually, and I got a bit worried since we are not supposed to be doing that right? I am actually hoping to start trying by the end of the year. The episode this morning involved a dirty diaper and me running away from the poor smelly child retching. I am still sore, and not quite sure I should eat today since liquids are going down very slowly. thanx for any insight. Tellie

I was wanting to know if anyone has had surgery in Monterrery Mexico by Dr. Rumbaut. How was your experience with him and your follow-up care once you came home.

Okay I am so pissed right about now. Some of you may or may not know that I have made the decision not to share my surgery with many people. Well I recently had a friend mention to me about getting the gastric bypass because they were failing at their weight loss efforts and pretty much exhausted with the whole thing. Well I broke down and shared my story, experiences, and information. Well that turned right around and kicked my in the but. My friend went for their pre op appointment today. She called and told me all about it! I started to suggest that she may want to read and be sure that this is what she wanted to do and it's not as easy as she thinks it is, and …

i am almost 5 weeks out and next week i get to have popcorn. i was wondering if that was a problem for anyone when they first started having popcorn im anxious but a little scared.thanks for any info. Janie

What is the deal with the seeds? Before surgery the nutrisionist said not to eat any seeds. Were any of you told this and do you know why? I wanted to make a strawberry smoothie with real strawberries. Do I have to strain the seeds out. I love fresh strawberries, will I never be able to eat them again? Thanks Kathy Dr. Lopez 4/21/2004 285/269/????????? -16 pounds

hi, i had my 4 week check up today. docs scale said i lost 24 lbs. there were two weomen in the office with me who had their surdery on the same day that i did. they both had gastric by pass. one lady had lost 45lbs. the other had lost 21lbs. i told my doc that i did not need a fill and he said o. k. so i am pretty excited. i love talking on this board. does anyone ever go to the chat room ?

First of all, Donali and Kelly WOW! you look great! Love the new pics! Kelly I am glad you sorted out your problem by having some liquid removed. It is a horrible feeling when nothing goes through. Enjoy your meals while you can have slightly biggers serves, and remember sometimes eating again activates the metabolism ( specially if combined with a bit of excersise). cheers Tellie ps, Its so weird! after being very careful for weeks on what I eat, went crazy on mac and cheese, chocolate and ice cream on sunday, and finally lost a kilo after 3 weeks of nothing!!!!! back to salad land now tho....

Hi, I am doing the pre-surgery diet (kinda like the adtkins) I was on something like this for 3 months awhile back until my 40 yr cousin died suddenly on vacation in Mexico. I flew into chaos, and gained all the weight (32 pounds +) back. I now remember why I liked it, I have now lost 10 lbs in 7 days! I think this is pretty cool! Some of my friends say I should just stay on this and not do the surgery...But I know this could never be permanant because I am craving bread and potato...I am also a little cranky.. Well 6 days left, or the way I think about it "this time next week I should be released and on my way home" Baileym ____________ June 14th

Okay I have been thinking a lot about my progress since I have been banded and I have decided that I really need to get serious about my weight loss. I am almost a year out and I my stats are: July 21 235/191/140-135? Well I guess I am struggling with the fact that I should be at my goal weight by now. First, I need help/suggestions on breaking a plateau. (I know there is a post or twon on this subject, but I couldn't find it.) I need to drink more Water. My Fluid intake is pretty much non exsistant. It's not just water it's everything! I really have no desire to drink. Just a couple sips here and there. Exercise...ha ha.... I am so tired all the time…

I never realized how much I depended on all of your company and information until my computer crashed last week. We lost all of my favorites list and I have been hunting around desperately to find this sight again (now safely put back into my favorites:). Donali if you recently got an email from me from the mexican bandsters sight I have now found my way back to you all. Thank goodness!!!!!!! Teresa