LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hey guys...picked one up yesterday and didn't eat it...but I ate half of it today and it was so fab! You can get any of their market fresh sandwhiches in the wrap...made me feel like I was eating a tasty deli sandwhich without the bread nightmare!

I would like to take this time to wish all the Mother's out there a happy and blessed Mother's Day! I know that my two kids are the biggest reason for my choosing WLS and I'm sure that goes for a lot of you, and for those of you who are hoping to have kids in the future as well! Health and Happiness to all!

Watching a really good program right now on Fox News about diets and bariatric surgery...I'm sure it will be on again if you want to look for it!

After surgery???? Hi everyone, After surgery? What can you and can't you eat and drink? I drink my coffee in the morning and then Diet Coke most of the day. I do drink Water at times. But I love my Diet Coke. Is that a total no no? And coffee? I am having surgery on the 21st Dr. Lopez and I read some of you are on PO diet and I haven't been told anything on that yet by my doctors office. I have some time yet but I want to start getting prepared. If I can no longer have coffee and diet coke want to start now. The headaches from the lack of caffiene are terrible but if I start now it shouldn't be so bad. Any suggestions? Thanks, Kathy Dr Lopez May 21st 284

He's trying to convince me that the LapBand doesn't work. His buddy used to do LapBand and stopped and that's all he needs to know. AARRRRRGGGHHHH!!! After my PS, I'm going to deliver him some stats comparing the two surgeries. But not 'til I'm post-op, on accounta he's the guy with the knife. AARRRRRGGGHHH!!!!

Are any of you experiencing esophageal spasms? I usually get them after 2-3 bites of anything. It is terribly painful and am going to have an esophogram (sp?) tomorrow. But in the mean time I just wonder how many others are experiencing this and thinking that they are done eating? I have read that there is a medicine called Nifedipine (which is a muscle relaxant), but Sadie (from Mexico) told me to get some Motilium/Domperidone, and I am also wondering if anyone knows if there is a difference in what the 2 medications do. Thank you all, Barb

Im leaving for the airport in about an hour.

For all of those who have lost a lot of weight. I am wondering how your body looks now? I am so worried about my extra skin after I lose weight. I am waiting for the letter from my insurance company and hope to be banded before the end of the year. Are there any exercises you can do that helps with the extra skin?? I want to be able to wear sexy clothes again when I get thin, but I am worried I will not be looking to sexy in them. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to tighten then skin as you lose??

Hi Everyone, I went to see my surgeon and got my first fill. Down 30 pounds now - woohoo!! :cool: I only got 1cc because I was worried about being to tight but realised I should have let him do more. I have absolutely no restriction still. I talked to him today and I am going back in on Monday and getting another fill. He has me drink water after the fill. Will I know if the second fill is good enough with water?? Thanks in advance for the help.

Hi All, Two days ago I had my third fill. It was odd because my doctor had the saline syringe in my port where she would inject a little and then have me drink. I never had a problem drinking but she only added .7. She did say that my two other fills of .6 and .7 were still there. So I have a total fill right now of 2.0. I think she is conservative because I live in the Phila. area and commute to NYC to see her. Having to have an unfill could be problematic. I do notice a little difference, but I can still chug liquids and eat a decent amount. My doctor did say that I have a large band (I think she said a 10). Does anyone know about band sizes and why I might hav…

It's amazing! :mad: I've changed my sig because my numbers tell only a small part of the story. Today I went shopping and found that I'm in a new size range, yet again. THIS is a whole new one, for me, that I've NEVER worn as an adult. :confused: HOOOOOOOOO-WEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

I was wondering if some of our mentors who have helped us along this journey could give us a sample of what they eat each day. I just think I am eating way too much. I had a Protein shake for Breakfast I had 3 sugar free Peppermint Patties for snack I had a small serving of tuna fish and an small cup of fat-free vanilla ice cream for lunch I had a bag of popcorn for snack I had Kielbasi and sauerkraut for dinner. Do you think this is too much? Please help. Christine

My wife and I were banded one month ago innamed band. We are on soft foods. food is being chewed real well and bites are small. When my wife takes her first bite and swallows she become very light headed. The next bites she takes then are OK. She says it makes her feel like she wants to pass out after swallowing. Any Ideas?

I am throwing this out here for whomever to post. I have been reading everyones post. I have noticed that everyones weight loss is different. Some people lose slow and some fast. Mattie's info on her last post was wonderful. "Mattie thanks for posting the rules and the things that you eat." That has given me some ideas that I know will help me on the long run and will surely use. I am sure there are some newbies and slow losers that would like to ask this question. So I will do it for everyone. We all need some ideas and help on this journey. To all the great losers: The magic ??? is...What are you eating and/or doing that is helping you lose the weight? What …

Pre and post op lap banders are going to start meeting socially. If you are in the area and would like to join us we are having our first lunch at Ruby Tuesday's in Morton - noon on Saturday, May 15th. Everyone is welcome with their spouses. Please RSVP either on here or on the yahoo group - peoriabandsters. Thanks!

Hey~ Have you noticed that you don't feel so run down in the heat? Today is was a really nice day outside and I think they said it was 85? I know from years past if it was that hot I'd be in front of the air all day huffing and puffing. What a difference 49 pounds can make. I was outside most of the day and I feel good:} I LOVE GETTING THIN!!!

Hi, I just had the Lap band surgery two weeks ago. So glad to find this site! I have been starting to have cravings for real food. Any advice on what helps? I feel good and things are going well. I have lost 15lbs so far. For those of you who have had the surgery already any new ideas on what to eat? I am getting tired of the same old stuff. Also, my stomach growls alot and makes loud noises is that normal?

Hi everyone..Well, I just got home from the hospital.. I went to see my dr. with the x-ray and i was in surgery less than 3 hrs from seeing him.. My port was there but the tubing has literally snapped or broke off.. The tubing was laying in my stomach with a rather sharp point and that is what was giving me all the pain.. It was rubbing against the peritinum and that is painful.. I can't believe the dr. who took the x-ray said i had strained a muscle. So be careful.. I didn't know if my bladder was falling out, my appendix had ruptured or my intestines were all screwed up.., all from this piece of drooping tube.. Surgery went fine.. they only had to do 1 hole and then th…

I had my first fill this past week (2.5 cc), and I can hardly eat anything without getting severe, painful, hiccups. I haven't been able to keep much down and the hiccups have me gun shy about trying to eat anything real. My doctor (Dr. Chiang in Milwaukee WI) told me to try anything I felt I could handle, no limitations as I needed to learn what my body would accept. I have tried grilled chicken breast, yogurt (blended no fruit), instant oatmean (real soupy), cheese sticks, some lettuce (the worst!), V8 juice, chicken cup of Soup, all caused hiccups. I haven't been able to keep things down either, so I know I am not getting my daily Protein intake this week. I am…

I live in Castle Rock WA. I am having surgery on May 21 in Tijuana with Dr. Lopez. Any advise on where to have fills when the time comes? Thanks

Okay well I am really confussed here. Every since surgery my blood sugar has been in range and as the weight comes off I thought I was done with checking my blood. Well last week I started feeling funny. I passed it off with stress since my hubby was reactivated and we are making a 1200 mile move to Texas. My husband left Saturday and we will follow at the end of the month. So I'm stressed. Okay well yesterday I thought maybe it is my blood sugar so I checked and it was 140. In past weeks/months it has been under 120. Last night before bed it was 202. This morning 160. WHAT IS UP WITH THIS? Do I call the doctor? Wait? What do I do??? I have not taken any of my meds sin…

I just had my surgery on the 28th of April and my family is always asking me will I be able to eat a hamburger or anything ever.You know I have never asked that question.So does anyone know? Thanks Joyce 4/28/04 banded

I will start mushies next week, any suggestions? tahnks Ginny

I was looking at my frozen dinner thinking what alot of food that was! It used to be a snack in between meals!! Now i eat half for lunch and half for dinner! I LOVE MY BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ok, so im 5 months pregnant and have been banded for 10 months... i lost loads to start with, but after two fills i can still eat quite a bit, the truth is..i cheat :mad:( **so ashamed!** i never fully learned when to stop eating as i never really felt full..just kinda blocked, anyway, what i do is.. if im eating something im really enjoying, ill drink loads of water every so many mouthfuls, then i feel the food going through the stoma then i feel fine and can eat again, and do the same until i cant do it no more, i can still only get a normal sized portion down, sometimes less depending on what im eating, i have trouble with bread and pastry, but most things im fine wi…

I was banded on April 15 and developed a leakage from my post incision after one week. The first time, there was almost 1/4 cup of clear, thin orange liquid. My doctor said it was not an infection but rather a reaction to the post. I am on Cipro to prevent infection. This has been going on for about 10 days. The volume is much less but it leaks every day or two. Has any else had this problem? Any suggestions? How long will this last?

Hi, Something just accured to me. Is this permanant? What is the average life span of a band before it has to be replaced or removed?? I haven't heard anything and was trying to keep reminding myself to ask the Dr. Figured all I had to do was ask here. Anyone?? Thanks! Baileym ________________ Surg. Date!!!!! 6/21/04

I clipped the size information from the Lane Bryant and JC Penny catalogs, located in the middle of the catalog. I keep this and a tape measure in my bathroom drawer. I was always wondering, if I'm down a size. I don't always have time to run to the store and try on clothes (work and 4 kids seem to interfere with stuff like that). To me it was discouraging to think I'm one size when the garment I tried on may have been in the small range for that size and is too tight. This way I know what size I am, also lets me know which areas I need to exercise more. Good luck to all....................Gabby

I was wandering around M&S in my lunch break & saw dried fruit... I know it's high in sugar & calories - but it's also tastey lol :mad: I haven't had any post op, because I heard somewhere that bansters are not allowed to have ANY dried fruit because it rehydrates in your stoma & can cause a blockage... is this right? Aud x

Hi all, Well I had my checkup since my 2nd surgery and all is great.. I lost 7lbs. in 2 weeks.. I feel that is pretty good.. Now it's a total of 54lbs gone forever.. YAHOO!!.. Both the doctor and the Inamed corp have been contacting each other, so I have submitted my bills and hopefully remimbursement will follow soon. I want to thank you all for the words of encouragement.. I just hope the company will be fair about all this.. At this point I have to put my trust in them.. I'll let you know how things work out.. We want these bands to remain FDA approved and we want our insurance companies to start paying for these surgeries..

I want to make a statement on the scale. Please I beg of people, DON'T weigh yourself everyday! It will only drive you nuts and lead you to self sabotage! Once a week, same day, same time. Our weight fluctuates during the week. I fyou weigh too often, you will think you are a failure as throughout the day, your weight may go up and down. Divorce the scale! It is NOT your friend. At one time during my weight loss, I would go weigh after every meal, every bathroom visit, every drink. It was awful! Throughout the day, I would have millions of ups and downs...way too dramatic. I don't want anyone to go through that. So, promise me that you will have a healthy attitude o…

Are you doing okay?

Hello! I am really having a hard time controlling my food intake. I just had my first fill on 4/14/04. (1.25 cc). I still can eat a horse. Tonight my town is having it's Fireman's Carnival and I ate a whole funnel cake. I am so mad at myself right now. I really wish I could take a diet supplement to get me through until I feel full. My support group which is all Gastric Bypass patients tell me that I am not hungry but I think I am. Did anyone else have this problem? Christine 244/220/140 Banded 3/2/04;)

I'm flying to Mexico next week for my band, but I may explode before then. I'm trying to eat all my favorites in huge quantities while I have the chance, it's truly disgusting. Today is my last day of eating like this. Tomorrow I have to start my pre-op very low, low calorie diet to decrease the size of my fat liver. It's bad enough having a fat a$$, but it's pretty darn insulting when the docs call your internal organs obese. Can anybody explain how I'll be able to maintain this low, low calorie diet for an entire week? Holy smoke, Batman, where is the Diet Fairy when we need her? I started today at Starbucks, where I usually have a medium decaf something-or-other…

I have such a sensitive gag reflext it is pathetic. I gag when I stick the toothbrush to the back or floss my back teeth. Since I have been banded (4/5), I have made sure to be so very careful, but I have gagged a few times. It is not violent, but it still happens. Does anyone else have this problem? This is making me worry my band will slip. Anyone with any advice? TIA Jacky

I need some exercise tips for the legs. I have always been unproportioned in the legs. I mean, their big all the way down, but on the insides of my knees there is a lot of flab. I've been walking, biking, aerobicizing, stairsteping and doing leg lifts. I can feel working on the outsides of my legs, but not by my knees. Also, the calves and ankles are huge. I have a really hard time finding pants to fit. If I can get them over my calves and knees, then the waist is about 3 sizes too big. Also, anybody that has similar proportions - where do you buy pants and what brands?

My first fill is coming up in a little over a week, not sure what to expect! Since my surgery on 3/1 I have lost 29 pounds, with no fill. By reading many of the posts in different areas of this web site the way I feel when I eat certain foods (bread for example) now is how I should feel after I have a fill.....so I am a little concerned how restrictive things will be after that fill is done! I am consistantly losing 3 to 4 pounds a week already. Not a bad thing I guess, and maybe this is just working better than I had imagined, but I am a little curious and a lot nervous about getting the fill. It is nice to hear people say "Wow, it really shows on you". I just think …

Everybody just hold on a minute here... If I'm going to Mexico to get banded, that means they're gonna have to give me some stitches and/or staples, right? Well who the heck is gonna remove them? Do I have to fly back to Mexico?

I noticed your back online. How did everything go in Mexico? Feeling OK. Let us know. Take care, Kathy:)

After a long wait; My surgery is this Friday and I am so Nervous.. I have been wanting this for a long time. So why am I so nervous and scared. I was fine until the doctor told me I had gallstones and he needed to take out my gallbladder too he is going to do it all together. Every since then I have been nervous and scared. What else is gonna happen. Is this normal to feel this way 2 days before surgery. I should be happy and excited. I have a 5year old and if something bad should happen. I'm so scared for him. Any words of advice would be wonderful.

I currently live in SLC, UT. but I can use my health insurance in AZ and CA. I am looking for a Dr. that accepts First Health insurance. If anyone has a referral I'd appreciate it!

I haven't been around as much as I used to but I thought if anyone could help me get through these rough patches it would be you all. A few weeks ago we found out my husband had lung cancer and it scared the hell out of me. I have been with this man for the last 12 years and have known him since my freshman year in HS. He and my kids are my life and I don't know what I would do if I lost him. Since then I just can't seem to stay focused on me. I haven't been eating the best food choices, I haven't been exercising the way that I should and every other thing that I KNOW I should be doing I haven't. I know that this should be a wake up call for me but in a way it seems…

I sort of missed soup this winter, but we know that that is not a good choice. But, Chilli works so well. It gets you full and there are tons of recipes and you can really personalize. What food discoveries have you found?

O.k. I woke up yesterday a.m. and I moved wrong and I got a really sharp pain /burning sensation around my port area. It hurt all day yesterday and is still rather soar today. It is uncomfortable to sit in certain ways. Last night I was putting my sons car seat in the car and I had my knee kinda under me and I leaned forward and I got that same pain. What did I do? Any ideas on what I did to make it hurt. It has been 3 weeks since I had it done.

Well I finally got around to taking my measurements this month... I'm very happy to report that my inches lost exceeds my previous 4 months greatly...total inches lost 6! It's funny to see that while my weight loss was the same as the previous month (8 lbs) I lost almost twice the inches (3.75" to 6"). So I guess my doctor wasn't lying when she said I gained 2 lbs of muscle since my last fill...and lost 6 inches! This is what I needed to keep me exercising...well that and my dog on my face at 6:00 am who acts crazy until he gets his walk!

I'm cranky, I'm clingy, I'm needy, I'm bitchy, I'm bloaty. I'm hating everything about being a woman right now and I'm hating my band even more. After all this time, I've learned some ways to deal with my emotions rather than stuffing them down with food, but PMS is hitting me hard this month and nothing is working. All I want to do is eat. I CAN'T EAT! I figured I'd drive 20 minutes to get a take out salad from the new Saladworks. Normally, I'd just pop through Wendy's or go to Subway or something to get a salad, but I figured I'd treat myself with a trip to Saladworks. I got a nice garden salad with extra cucumbers and broccoli, diced chicken and balsamic vinaigrette.…

When trying to make sensible snack choices, what do you eat? I am a junk food fan,the saltier the better.Any ideas?

Hi, does anybody snack on WOW chips. I think they are delicious, but I do not know if I should be staying away from them.

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to put this down in black and white in the hopes that it will help me stick to quitting the cancer sticks! Today is April Fools Day and since I was a fool to ever start smoking in the first place... seemed a fitting day to stop smoking! If I can stick with this I will have no doubts that I have the self-contol to make the banding work. So... armed with the patch and a HUGE mug-o-Water and the lemon drops that take one hundred years to desolve in your mouth... here I go with hopefully the last attempt of a long line of former attempts to kick the habit. If I can do this... I think I do just about anything! :phanvan P.S. It is off…

Every time i see you post, the numbers are going down!!Way to go and keep up the awesome work!!!7lbs to go to one der land!:mad: Chantal