LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

i am worried about an order i placed from the web. I ordered samples from bariatriceating.com. My mother gave me her credit card # and i placed the order over 2 weeks ago.I've sent two e-mails to the web address listed there and have had no response.I've never ordered online before and am a bit nervous(paranoid??!!) If it was my visa # it wouldn't be so bad but my Mom's, geez! Anyone ever order from there?Do you think i've made a mistake? My mom is away so i can't ask her to check her visa. Chantal

I am about 8 days away from my surgery and my emotions are running high! Anywhere from excited to scared, to very happy to aprehensive, doubtful to determined. I can only imagine how I am going to feel the night before. I am also worried about vomiting, I tend to wretch when I do, I know there are medications out there to help this, but what if it doesn't work?? I am hoping that all goes as well, like so many people on this board and that I am home the next day, but that little fraidy (sp) cat in the back of my brain is always jabbing at me, what if this happens and what if that happens.. Soon my day will come and I will soon be back home, and that is what gets me thr…

I am just starting my journey. I have my first appointment on July 9th with my doctor. I am a self-pay and very excited to get started. Does anyone know how long before I should be able to have surgery. Has anyone had surgery with a Dr. Bergamaschi in Pittsburgh PA. I need to lose over 100 pounds and am so anxious to get started. My brother had the gastric bypass done 3 weeks ago and he has already lost 50 lbs. He has tried to talk me into having it done, but I am not interested. I feel so much more comfortable with this type of surgery and from what I have read people still are able to lose weight effectively. I appreciate any support that I can get.

Hello all, I've battled my weight since i was eighteen, but the past five years have been the worst, resulting in severe depression. I was wondering if the eligibility requirements are universal, or if it's possible to have the banding done if you are not quite 'severely' obese. Like so many, i've tried so many things, diets, pills, etc. I'm 5'5, and 195. I should be 130. I realize that it's not as much weight as most have to lose who look to banding, however, it's ruining me. Any helpful information would be so appreciated, thank you so much, and for such a great forum, josie

i am 4 weeks and 2 days since my banding. i have lost 21 lbs. iam still on soft solids. an average of 5 lbs, a week will this continue?

I have observed what I eat for the last month and I am eating a big plateful once or twice a day. HOW in the world could 1/2 cup 3 times a day provide enough nourishment? I don't want to weaken myself or cause malnutrition. I am overweight, (about 90 pounds) but I have always fed myself good, fresh, food (not junk at all). I have low carbed it and been eating fresh veggies, lost of salads, fresh fruit, etc., dense whole wheat bread only. (good eating habits, I am healthy, but don't lose weight) Will my face wrinkle up? (i have good skin and look a lot younger now) -- geeesh -- there are a lot of things to be unsettled about. My Mom @ 89 is skrinking to almost noth…

Hi! I've never ordered online before and i am a bit nervous about security since my mom gave me her credit card # to do the ordering. My question is have any of you ordered from www.bariatriceating.com?Is it safe to give the # online like that? If yes,what have you tried? I ordered the samples of Gold double chocolate ice cream as well as Nectar roadside lemonade. Chantal

Holy COW, do I need a fill. Today's menu included popcorn AND ice cream, in addition to half of my daughter's small milkshake, plus my own Breakfast and dinner. (The popcorn was lunch.) And I know all the carbs have been making me sleepy...since I've been basically without much restriction lately I've been taking in more Pasta and bread and less Protein over the last couple of weeks. I'm SOOO tired!! :cool: Well, every day is a new chance not to screw up. Tomorrow, I'm back on the carb-avoidance track, and I can't wait until my next fill!! Hope everyone is enjoying their weekends. It's yucky raining cold here. (And if anyone cares, Harry Potter ROCKS!) :D

Has it not worked on anyone here? Any stories would be appreciated...Anything I should be prepared for? Baileym _________ June 14th:)

good evening everyone..... I am now eating with almost no problems at all.. I can eat with out pbing if I am careful not to overeat... so far so good! I am now getting used to my body telling me "enough" eating slower and tiny bites. thanks again for all the useful information. I am still worrying if my bamd is ok.... I am totally paranoid about it slipping. does everyone worry about that? :cool: tomorrow will be my one month post op... and I am now feeling more back to my old self..yahooooooooooooo

I had my lap band surgery last Thursday 5-27-04. I am doing very well and starting to eat regular food. I am on the small side to qualify for this surgery, but I am a insulin dependant type two diabetic and wanted the surgery so I could improve my diabetes. My sugar went through the roof during surgery and so I ended up in intensive care for three days with a insuling drip in my veins. I went to get my staples out Tuesday and the doctor told me to crush my pills. I take Wellbutrin sr twice a day and forgot to ask him if this was one I could crush or at least break into small pieces. I called the local pharmacy yesterday, but I could tell the technician I talked to…

Hey ya'll, I've been running fever too for the last few days. I was banded on the 28th of May. Don't really feel badly, just chills and sweating like a mule when it breaks. One thing that I wondered about was if anyone else had significant bruising down at the pelvic area following surgery. I know it's blood products from surgery, but how do they migrate down there?! Neicy

I was unfilled for two weeks due to things getting stuck a lot and some mild heartburn. They suspected it might be a stretched pouch. Had an esophagram today and all was well so now I am re-filled to just .2cc less than what I had. It's liquids and soft foods for a few days and then I am recommitting to following all the Bandster rules. I knew I had been getting too lax and this was just the kick in the pants I needed to make me feel grateful for the band and ready to take care of it. Nancy

I am back and feeling pretty darn good. We flew home a couple days early skipped the coast for now. I wanted to be at home to heal. So far so good. I hope to skip all that yucky gas stuff everyone is talking about. I have already passed alot of it. I just keep burping and moving hoping to get it all out. Maybe my bumpy ride on the shuttle from the airport helped loosen it up. Did anyone not experience the gas problem? Well hubby says I need to rest been up all morning. Just had to read some post and write to my dear friends my great support system. I don't think I would have done it without all of you. Thanks I will post some pictures later. THanks again for al…

I spoke with my surgeon about this and she said if it is going to happen, it will most likely be between 5-10 years. This is still kinda freaky, anyone have any additional news? I did hear it could happen quicker, but has anyone here had theirs removed because of this, or heard of someone? I know it hasn't been around for a real long time, but any info would be great! Thanks! Baileym ___________ June 14th;)

Hi everyone, I go see my surgeon today to talk about the "big day" . She mentioned a video, wonder what that's all about! I have a few questions to ask her also! Anyone else felt really, really nervous right about this time? Baileym _______________ June 14th EEEKKKKK!!!!!

Sue made it through her PS! Congrats, Sue, and give us a shout over here when you're up to it!!

Ok it has been 10 days since my surgery. Saturday and Sunday I noticed I was running a slight fever. Not very high but still a fever. Has anyone had this problem? I know I should go to the doctor but I am sure since it is holiday there is no way they are in. The fever is real low so I am not real concerned, but something must be going on. I feel pretty good during the day but at night it seems to come back. Anyone out there have a slight fever following surgery? Any advise? Kathy Dr. Lopez May 21, 2004

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I have been banded just over three weeks now. I loved diet soda before I was banded but have avoided soda since surgery. I was told by my nutricianist appointment the day before banding that soda does not work with the band. I have read from posts that most people just feel really uncomfortable from their experience post-band with soda. I have heard mixed reviews as far as medical evidence that it is bad for the pouch. I have tried the rare sip from my husbands soda and have never felt weird feelings from it. I have not had a fill yet so maybe I am just so unrestricted that it doesn't have any adverse affect? Is there any serious medical evidence that shows soda is horrib…

This goes out to anyone who has lost a hundred pounds or so. Can you give us all an idea of what you eat every day? Today is my first day on real food. I'm instructed to have one protein shake plus 2 real meals every day. I had my shake for breakfast. For lunch 1/3 burrito with a couple chips & salsa. Dinner will be about the same as lunch. It's all so baffling when I read about people who are not losing weight. I could have eaten more of my burrito. How long before I can tell the difference between being full or hungry vs. the tightness and oddness of the way the band feels in my belly? Does that make sense?

As most of you know, I've been a big leaker. My port site first leaked from the left for 2 days. It healed, but then leaked from the right for a couple weeks. Last week it slowed to one drop every 10 minutes, so I was told to keep it covered with gauze and change the dressing so the incision wasn't constantly moist. Yestday I went to change the gauze, but it stuck to the wound. I kept the gauze there because the incision finally dried, so I'm hoping the gauze will fall off in a few days (kinda like a baby's belly button, right?) Anyway, my port scar is big and puffy and red. It's not inflamed, but it looks like a red caterpillar, all poofy and raised and mushy. …

Hello! I thought I was doing well. I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield POS they approved my surgery. I had my surgery and the doctor submitted the bill for $6,000.00 The insurance paid him $800+. I did not realize that when you go out of Network the insurance over 80% of the amnt they approve for the surgery which is $1.018 and I am responsible for the rest. Needless to say, I receive a bill from the doctor for $6,000.00. I am so upset. Of course the bill is so high because I've also had a fill. The last time I went to his office he would not give me a fill and beleive me I still have quite the appetite. I called my insurance they told me I should consider switching doc…

Hi All... I finally have a surgery date! I'm excited and disappointed all at the same time. Everyone including Dr. Chua told me that they were scheduling surgeries 2 weeks out and my date isn't until June 30th. I am so tired of waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish they would have never given me the "2 week" info. I hope all of the pre-op stuff will keep me busy until then and maybe I'll go on one more "diet" just so I won't feel that another month of my life is being wasted. What an ungrateful impatient little brat I am...lol. Darcy

Hi Everyone, Just started my pre-surg. diet! Getting quite nervous, scared, excited in all. I was just thinking, can you actually feel the band around you? Also can you decide where the port will be? Left or right side? So many questions, so little time... Any thoughts would be great! Thanks!~ Baileym ______________ June 14th Dr. Deol

I had my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Lopez. He charges $50 for a fill plus $100 for the x-ray. I can get a round-trip ticket to San Diego for under $100. Then I'd pay a taxi around $20 bucks to drop me off at the border, where Dr. Lopez's staff would pick me up then return me after the fill. Total cost under $300. OR: A local doctor charges $150 for an initial consult. Then he charges $300 for a fill, plus you have to pay the hospital's expenses for the x-ray/upper GI, which would be around $500. So $950 for a local fill vs. $300 in Mexico.

Just wondering what is the general concensus on band types? whom has what and what was the reasons your sugeon chose that kind? Your input is appreciated! Thanks, Sacha

Looking for Fill Doctors? Louisiana has two that will fill patients from Mexico, Sweden etc. They were trained by Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey Mexico. They use Fluro and charge 300.00. If any one needs a fill please contact Dana @ 225-673-8983.

Hello, I'm one month post op. I go in for my first fill in 2 weeks. I'm suprised I have lost 15 pounds and have not had a fill yet. Question. Now i don't fill any restriction. Will I feel that much more restriction after my first fill... or will it feel the same as i do now.

Hi Everyone, I am excited to say that I no longer qualify for weight loss surgery. I have gone from super/morbidly obese to severely obese to just obese today!!! Starting with a BMI of 53.9, it was hard to imagine that I would ever get her. I am so excited to think in a few months I will be just overweight! Now I have a BMI that is 34.7. Thirty more pounds to overweight. Babs in TX 334/215/180 -119 pounds in 11 months and one week!!! 6/23/03

Okay I have been hearing about this sweet spot for a long time now. I have been banded almost a year and I really don't know if I have hit my sweet spot yet. I am up to 3.4CC's and I really don't know what the signs of being perfectly restricted. My weightloss is not continous. I'' get on the scale and it won't move for a while...and then BOOM I've lost 3 or 4 pounds. So it's just really hard to tell. For all of the sweet spotters out there......please enlighten me! Birdee;)

Okay, I keep reading other people's and what's the deal.....no tea before bed? no tea or nothing to drink at all before bed? I drink before bed and sleep fine. Will that change? I'm one week out and I started soft foods today. I had 1/4cup grits for lunch, and at dinner I had 1/4 cup velveeta cheese melted w/taco seasoning (no chips - didn't really need them and 2Tspn's of mashed potatos and I drank Water - 160z 1/2 hour afterwards and I was fine. Am I doing right? When I ate the grits, I was so hungry I ate kind of fast, and then it hurt and I through about 2Tsp's up. Anytime I eat, I burp like 50 times...............is it normal and will I burp everytime I ea…

Ok it has been 8 days since my surgery and I have many questions. I am hoping some of you out there can help. #1. I have to take my hormone which is a pill, very tiny pill about the size of a baby aspirin. Do I have to crush it forever? And what about Tylenol can we take it? Do we have to crush it? #2. Water, how do you get all the water we are supose to drink in one day in when we can't drink 30 to 40 min before and after eating? And then I seen a post that said not to drink or eat 3 hours before you lay down. Ok is any one else not finding enough hours in the day for all of these rules? Any suggestions? #3. Food, I am now on week 2 creamy foods. I had oatmeal this…

I should have asked this before my surgery, but didn't. So now I am. What if for some reason you had to have the band removed? Would Insurance cover it? Anyone ever have this problem? Just curious since I self payed because of exclusions in my policies. Doing great so far but you never know.. Dr. Lopez May 21 2004 :Bunny

I like to feel full after i eat,not just like i am not hungry but to actually feeeeel it. My question is, do you think by feeling the fullness i overeat?Could i stretch or harm the band?I am not talking about feeling sick or stuffed but just that gentle pressure and 'oh man i'm full' kind of feeling in my belly. Chantal

can you email me. I want to talk to you if i could about what foods you are eating. I really think this last fill didn't take.. I know that sounds so weird but ... you've lost 100 pounds so quickly im just wondering what your normal excersize and eating pattern is .. what your eating and how much of a fill you have. WOUld you mind emailing me at cvickers@eaglegrp.net.. Im extremely curious.. Thnks Cindy

hey guys well i went and got my 1st fill yesterday. and ouch she stuck me like 8 different times because she would get it in and then have me roll over to check the position and ofcourse the needle would come out. THis lady was not very good. So finally she says she got it . I felt it pop a little and i knew she was in but then she made me turn to my side again and that is usually when the needle came out. She went ahead and decided to give me my fill of 1.2 cc's cause i wanted to be a little on the conservative after my overfill before my 2nd surgery. So she is pushing hard on the plunger to get the saline to go into my band and keeps commenting on how difficult it is an…

OMIGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M APPROVED FOR SURGERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I just have to wait for the office to call me with a surgery date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M GOING TO BANDLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Darcy

I AM -100 POUNDS!!!! :eek: (this includes 25 pounds lost 2 months before surgery.) :banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana i am so EXCITED!!!! I LOVE my LAPBAND!!! * i went from a size 30/32 pants to a having room in 20's!!! :speechles * my BMI has gone from 51.9 Morbidly Obese to 36.9 severly obese (in 2 more bmi points i'll only be OBESE!!) :speechles * i have lost 52% of my excess body weight (if you base it on a goal of 156 pounds) i guess those 'you can expect to lose 35% in 3-5 years' stats are crazy !!!!!!!! * i have the energy to do the things i had not been able to do... plant a garden, landscape yard, hiking on hills, swimming laps in the pool, …

I was approved for surgery end of April, things were going along kinda bumpy and now I am at the end only to recieve a call from my surgeon's office stating effective May 1st a new document has to prove at failed attempts at weight loss. I was just informed that my surgery is no longer covered by my insurance unless my doctor (PCP) writes a letter informing them of my failures at weight loss. I am now stressing again, angry, confused and annoyed. Has this happened to anyone else out there? Or am I just one of the lucky ones! Any support would be fantastic right about now! Thanks for listening as usual! Baileym ______________ Lord knows now! I am praying for…

I am having my surgery on Wed the 28th of April.Dr.Spiegel is my Doctor. Joyce Orange Texas

I'm four days out and my chest feels tight..........and all I had was a milk shake and i'm full as a tick on a blood hound. Is it supposed to feel that way?????? It's like I can feel it inside of me. My cuts itch itch itch and I'm just feeling like I'll never be able to eat again, I even cooked jambalaya, mexican Soup and cornbread, homemade vegetable soup for my son and baked chicken...all for my husband and I don't even want it. Turned off and have been going to the scale everyday and bored with recovery and got real tired at Walmart and came home to lay down.

It seems like it's been forever since I've had a fill, and because of the problems from my first surgery Im starting to re-evaluate this time to make sure im doing everything right. I know we are supposed to do liquids after a fill for how long? I never did full liquids after my fills before, are we just supposed to eat Soup and things like that. Anyone with advice. I think im going to have them put 1.25 to start with and inch my way up from there since 1.5 was too much last time and was causing me to throw up. Thanks ladies and gents.. I know you guys will help me. Such a nice group of people. Cindy

Prior to banding I often had problems with reflux at night. I thought that problem had resolved itself until I recently had my 4th fill...and since have had incredible reflux problems at night. It has happened once everynight since my last fill and I have aspirated one time, maybe twice. I dont eat before bed and even stopped drinking even Water before bed to ensure there was nothing in my pouch when I layed down. It hasnt made a differance. I am not particularly tight....I can almost eat 1 chicken thigh comfortably. I plan to call my doc this morning but wondered if anyone on this site has had similiar problems after a fill. Thanks for any insight. Joann Dr. V…

Some of you may remember that my weight-loss "goal" was to be able to chase my kids. The reason is that before banding at 340 lbs I literally couldn't chase them down the street. On one frightening occasion I was lumbering after a wayward toddler heading toward traffic when my husband came tearing down from the front porch behind me--more than twice the distance I had to go--past me to get her. He had been watching, and we both knew that even if I'd HAD to I couldn't reach her in time. The immensity of that realization changed everything for me. After a lifetime of obesity and failed attempts to control it, I started looking into serious intervention which led to my be…

Hope all goes well for you and see you on the other side!!! Kathy

I'm on day 2 of mushy foods. Someone said refried beans were their staple during this phase, so I just tried some. I got the side order from Taco Bell, which has a pinch of cheese, and I used 2 packs of hot sauce. I thought I ate really slow, but apparently not slow enough. I was able to finish the container with no problem (about 4-5 oz.) However, five minutes later I'm feeling too full. I don't feel sick at all, but I feel too much food in my belly. I wanted to post this because I had no idea until now what my new band would tolerate, and now I know that a kid-size portion is too much. I should have eaten 2/3 of the container.

I'm having my surgery tomorrow and I just read something about leaking? what the heck is that? does everyone? I'm so hungry, have lossed 7 1/2lbs fasting these last 6days, can't focus on my high pressure sales job, my apt. was flooded a few days ago, dishwasher doesn't work, hungry again and my back is so tense and tight. I'm so nervoussssssssssssssssssssssssss. All the info, insight I can get last minute on post surgery, please share. Thanks!

Since last night, I have had a bizarre, uncomfortable, sometimes painful feeling in my chest directly beneath my breast bone. Sometimes it is just a tightness, and sometimes it is more of a pain. As I said, it began last night about the same time as I began experiencing really terrible cramping in my neck and shoulders. This feeling in my neck and shoulders reoccurred this afternoon. From everything I have read, this sounds like it must be gas. However, I am 10 days post-op and this would be the first time I have had gas pains at all! Has anyone experienced this before? (Meaning, gas pain in the chest under the breast bone and gas pain for the first time more …

The 2003 Florida Bandster Bash is rapidly approaching. I can't believe it. For those that are interested, please visit our website. http://www.floridabandsterbash.com The Bash is going to be a great mix of fun and education, and is geared to all stages of banding. If you came last year, you know that it is going to be a great time. The best part is that it is being held at the brand new Hard Rock Hotel here in Tampa. We are looking forward to hearing from great speakers, including Dr. Grossbard and CoffeeWench. Dr. Gary and Dr. Susan will be holding some great sessions that everyone will enjoy! Meet new friends and hook up with old ones. I hope you can join …