LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Just wanted to let everyone know my leak is fixed and i have really good restrition. So i hope this last for a while.

Can I eat salads post op?

I just found out about the lap band. Where do I start? Thanks, Chanell

This is a little silly but my sister told me about all of her pre-op testing when she had the RNY and she mentioned one test that I sincerely hope I do not have to have with the banding. With the Pre-op testing for the band... do they generally do an arterial blood gas test? With this test they put a small needle straight down into the wrist to get an arterial blood sample. THis would not be on my list for fun things to do! :dead PAHLEEEESSSE say it isn't so.... Darcy

Well last Wednesday I got a tweak...from 3.0 to 3.25 cc's...thought it would loosen up after I got my period and boy was I wrong...for the past week I was miserable...struggled to get anything solid down and was even having problems with liquids... Wednesday made the five hour round trip for an unfill...back to 3.0 and let me tell you what a difference it made...I feel like a new person... Moral of the story...if you think your too tight you probably are and there is no reason to struggle...yes...I lost 7.5 lbs in a week...maybe if I kept that fill I'd be down to goal by the end of the month...but not the healthy way and not the comfortable way... OH...and the other…

Hi All, Today I got my second fill---another .7cc (in addition to my first fill of .6). When I was with my Dr. she was drinking Water and said to me, "Isn't it annoying that I can just chug water like this when you have to drink slowly?" I told her that I can chug liquids easily, and I could after my second fill today too. I did lose 4 pounds (in a month and a half), but I still do not feel very restricted. I ate a grilled cheese sandwich (thin rye and minimal margerine) the same day as my fill. Please advise me--is this normal? Am I just one of those people who needs more fills than some others? Both fills were easy and painless, so that is a good thing. I reali…

I was just told that I have low cortisol level and need to do a follow up blood test. Anyone know about this? Any info would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks! Baileym:(

HOLY COW! I have restriction finally!Geez it's been so long since my operation but i won't dwell on that.The point is that i finally have restriction and can finally lose this frigin' weight! I am a bit nervous that i am too restricted but i know that there might be swelling.I struggled with water and a yogurt this morning.The doctor put 2 cc and it was closed tight,he took some out,i drank another sip and he said it was still too tight and wanted to take more out.I refused with a promise that if i couldn't eat solids i would call him back for an unfill(ya right;) ) Anyway i am excited and super motivated!!!YIPEE!!!!:Bunny

Will spicy foods like Thai food be a problem? I love hot foods, am I going to need to give them up?

Well finally I'm happy to report I'm in ONEderland and also broke through my plateau! I'm coming up on my 5 month bandiversary on the 5th...hey is that my golden bandiversary? I have to say how pleased I am thus far with my loss and my new little friend... I'm really restricted right now but learning to work with it...I had a small tweak on Wednesday which is instituting the good band eating rules again for me...chew chew chew I've started walking the dog more...now he expects a walk everday! I again want to thank everyone on the board for their constant and caring support!

Fisrt fill is set for 4-20-04. already lost 45 lbs. I'm glad it's coming off but hope it's not to fast. anyone else loss that fast? is it ok?.... been feeling ok, but feels like i have a blockage. a lot of heart burn type pain all the time. i have been strickly follwing the Dr.'s orders with regards to what type of food, liquids, mush ect... I figure i'm lucky and can just feel the band... very happy i'm losing started at 338 down at 293 on the way to 240

I just read all of the postings from those who have thyroid conditions. I know I have had this checked in the past couple of years and it was fine. But, I have been incredibly fatigued since my banding. I lost 40 pounds in the first 4 months, but have not lost since, and I'm 12 months post op. I thought that the fatigue was due to emotional stresses that I'm facing, and was thinking that I was eating too many soft, high fat foods. I've now been using FitDay and monitoring food intake closely. I'm taking in 1200-1400 calories per day, and although I'm not exercising regularly, and not drinking water, I expected to see some weight loss. My basal metabolism should con…

It's getting closer! The Texas Bandster Bash and Wellness Conference is almost here and we're really excited! We have speakers on things like “LapBand™ Adjustments: Tighter is Not Better, So What is Tight Enough? “, possible complications, dressing for our changing bodies, the importance of aftercare, What is Lymphedema?, how to determine what your metabolism rate truly is, and many many more. There will be 2 different plastic surgeons, 2 therapists, an internist, a registered diabetes educator, 2 nutritionists and lots of others there speaking and ready to answer our questions....and as we all know, bandsters have lots of questions! We've scheduled a live band on F…

I did it! I joined Curves this morning. Paid for the whole year, even! (Make me go, please make me go!!!) I have fibromyalgia and my physical therapist said that I need to "sneak-up" on my muscles, so I figured the program of 30 seconds, switch, 30 seconds, switch would be just right for me. And it's convenient ... I'll drop the kids off at school, then go to Curves on my way home! I'm really excited! I know I'll have to take time off after my surgery. Anyone know how long? They will give me a medical extention on my year. I've decided to really make the most of the 2 months til surgery. I was in some crazy mindset that the more I ate now, the more we…

First of all Thanks Vera for checking in on me!! I haven't been posting alot lately, but I have been reading!! March 20th was my 7 month out from surgery. I have lost a total of 50ish pounds. Got on the scale just now and it said 183 but I fluctuate between 183 and 185. My last fill was Jan 9th and no way am I ready for another. I figure I am averaging 7 lbs a month. I am hoping to lose another 35 in the next 5 months. That will be my year mark. I am glad everyone is doing well. I kinda went through a don't want to talk about the band stage because I felt like I should be losing more. I told myself in 2 weeks I will weigh and see what the scale says. Take care …

I was quite surprised to find out my thyroid level is very low.I have been on medication for about 15 years.I've been having alot of trouble for the past 8 mts getting the proper level.It's no wonder i find it difficult to lose weight!I was feeling like a failure. Now with a bump up of thyroid med (i take the new strenght for 2 mts before another blood test,that's why it takes soooo long) and a new fill tomorrow, maybe i can start losing like all you guys! Chantal

I'm now about 11 months out, and I've lost 104 pounds! From a high of 372 (medically considered "super morbidly obese"), I am now at 268 (close to no longer being "morbidly obese"). I feel great - more optimistic about life in general than pre-op. My hormones were all out of whack when I was heavier. I had just about every PCOS symptom you can think of - but thankfully that seems to have improved as I've lost weight. I just started a job where I have to be on my feet most of the time (very time consuming, so that's why I don't post much lately), yet I feel fine at the end of the day. I think my feet would be killing me if I were walking around that much 100 pounds a…

Does anyone out there have an SAGB?

I got on the scale this moring and woo-hoo below 200! I cannot beleive it!I got off and got back on twice,then called my hubby in to make sure! The kids did not know what was going on and will probably blab to the daycare teachers that there was a mini party in the bathroom this morning:D What a difference fills make. I did not get a fill for the first year for various reasons but now with a bit of restriction the #'s are going down!I am so excited! The first thing I said to my husband was I was looking forward to comming on here to share with all of you. Chantal

Hi Everyone, Day number two of no smoking is coming to an end and I haven't completely lost my mind! (o; I also went to see the dietician and psychologist today and really feel like the whole process for getting banded is finally started and feeling real! Once I see Dr. Chua... all the paperwork will go to my insurance and then I will really be on pins and needles. It's funny... the psychologist said... " You are really very small to be having this surgery"... hmmmm... I thought... small is not what my doc says in every note he transcribes my health notes... he uses "obese". Suddenly I was worried... I thought wow... could it be that I don't "fit" into the skinn…

i have some observations/questions with my new found restriction. *first off WATER- i was drinking 64-100 oz Water a day with my water schedule. well its 12:30 here and i have only drank maybe 20 oz and thats sipping all morning. i am trying to put off lunch till i have drank atleast 32 oz. any tips or tricks here? *SODA's- are no more i can TOTALLY see how they would stretch the pouch) i had 1 teeny swallow on an empty pouch and WHAMMO i could feel it expanding AND IT HURT!!! so since i cant drink drink a flat soda i think i'll be saying bye bye to them! *Breakfast alternatives- i have tried eggs, cottage cheese and oatmeal and they all hurt a little more than i c…

Woo hoo!!! I just got back from my post-op visit and I am down a total of 17.6 lbs.:banana I had lost only 5 lbs. pre-op:( 12.6 pounds seems like a lot to lose in a week, it makes me wonder if some of this will creep back on when I can eat solids again. Any thoughts?

Hi, I'm from the UK and have been banded for 6 months but it hasn't been a easy journey for me. After 2 unsuccessful fills it was discovered I had a leaking port. I was re-ported (if thats a word!!) nearly 2 weeks ago and I now have a fill of 2cc. I do have some restriction, but not as much as I thought I would have. The usual foods like bread etc I have problems with but pretty much everything else is ok. I also don't really get the 'full' feeling as yet.I am aliitle concerned that because I have had no restriction for all this time and have been eating quite normal I may have stretched my pouch. Or do you guys think its just another fill I need? I have been told t…

hello everyone, I have not posted in a while, but have tried to read posts as much as possible- you guys are my support group! So far, 4 months after arriving in bandland I still face daily challenges. I find that I don't really know from one day to the next whether any particular food will agree with me or not! Some days I can eat fine, other days, no way! I try to do the right thing- small bites, eat slowly, chew well, eat only till full. Heck, I have even learnt to be fairly accurate in eyeballing 2-3 oz and will persuade myself that I really am full when my eyes are too big for my stomache. But, here is where i need help- it is demoralizing for me when I eat (o…

hi! I am 6 days post op and am getting tired of popsicles and jello. Can anyone give me some other ideas for clear liquids until Tuesday? Thanks, Clare

I'm an emotional eater. I've gained 68 pounds in the two years I've been in law school. This is the quickest I have ever gained weight, and it's because this is the most stressful situation I've ever been in and I eat for comfort. How many of you see a therapist/psychologist to help you control your eating? I went to a psychologist when I was in high school for an issue not related to my weight (my parents made me go) and I was really uncomfortable and wouldn't talk. The idea of going to a therapist and talking about such personal issues kind of freaks me out, but if it is something that a lot of people benefit from and if it might help me learn to eat healthy, I'm will…

Thanks for all your thoughts!!! This learning to eat differently has been a little more difficult than I thought it would be. I haven't really been hungry yet but I'm not sure when exactly I'm full. I just feel a lot of pressure and then I quit. Is that what it feels like? The only incision that is bothering me is the one that they put the port in, which makes sense. Can you always feel the port or am I just aware of it because it's still a little sore? Did anyone else get heparin injections post-op. They said they were for DVT's. Everything seems to be going OK. 5 days post-op and feeling pretty good. Thanks again for all your thoughts!!

I got my first fill the end of January. I have lost nothing since my first fill. I can eat more than they say I should ( a cup to a cup and a half per meal) but I have been exercising like a fool. I walk 2 miles to an aerobic walking tape and have joined a gym and work out with weights 3 times per week. (I've only been doing the weights for a month) But I thought I'd see *some* loss. I'm kind of depressed about this. Wondering what the Dr. will say. Wondering if the fill will be as hard this time as it was last time. I was numbed, but he poked me at least 10 times before he found the port. I actually wonder if he found the port since I've noticed NO differen…

Can a person actually stretch the small stomach by overeating and if they did would an adjustment fix the problem? Would it take only one time of eating way too much or continuously overstuffing yourself? Thanks in advance for your responses Chantal

Yes, I now know how just about EVERY part of my body is doing! I have seen just about everything either by an x-ray, graph, blood level, monitors, chart and yes scales.... I am now at the tail end of my appointment list with just 2 more appointments to make. I have at least 7 more to go to, but at least they will all be made. Adding up all my benefit time at work so far and it has tallied 40 hours off to go to these appointments. I sure hope it is worth it! I am hoping to be banded my mid May at the latest. And it look likes a foreseeable date! CAN'T WAIT!! Baileym

Hey everyone. My name is Kasie and I live in Robbinsdale, I am just starting out in this whole lab-band process. I have absolutely no idea where to start. I can't wait to *meet* all of you Minnesotans. If any of you guys could give me a place to start that would be great.

OK I need some help quick, For the last three weeks I haven't lost a thing...been exercising 3x/week 2.0 miles each time...have been eating decent...lots of salads with fish or chicken...drinking my Water...and haven't lost a pound! My restriction varies on a daily basis... I made an appt for Wednesday to get a tweak...would you?

Just a reminder that the Texas Bandster Bash and Wellness Conference is coming soon. We know that you were planning to register and starting Thursday it will cost an additional $10. So now is a great time to do it! Check out the details at www.texasbandsterbash.com and see all the fun we have planned. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Does anyone else have this problem? I am having sharp pains in both shoulders. The area is in the front between my collar bone and my shoulder. What should I be doing for this? BTW I'm 7 months post op. Thanks.

Well I have finally joined the bandsters. I am surprised how well I feel today. I had my procedure on 3/24 and yesterday (3/25) I felt less than perfect. But today (3/26) I am feeling great. A little sore but good. I was so impressed with the after care at the hospital. They talked to me quite a bit about the band and were so positive about the choice I made to have it done. The second day I had a nutritionist visit me and explained all about the diet, and then they had the bariatric counselor come talk to me to answer any questions I might have and let me know about the support groups they have available. It was great, I felt very cared for. Hooray, I'm on my way:ban…

I posted this on another board, so just skip it if you read it there, but I'm shouting it from the rooftops: I weigh less than 200 pounds! (199, but hey, it counts!). The changes in my appearance are really becomming noticeable and my health has really improved. I could go on and on about all the changes big and small in my life, but I don't want to bore you all. Thanks for all of your support. I couldn't have done it without you all. Nancy

I'm an emotional eater. I've gained 68 pounds in the two years I've been in law school. This is the quickest I have ever gained weight, and it's because this is the most stressful situation I've ever been in and I eat for comfort. How many of you see a therapist/psychologist to help you control your eating? I went to a psychologist when I was in high school for an issue not related to my weight (my parents made me go) and I was really uncomfortable and wouldn't talk. The idea of going to a therapist and talking about such personal issues kind of freaks me out, but if it is something that a lot of people benefit from and if it might help me learn to eat healthy, I'm will…

Has anyone Carmen Electra's strip aerobics videos? They look like fun - you learn strip tease and lap dance. But I don't want to waste my money if they suck! I bought a bellydancing tape once and I don't even break a sweat (which really says something when a 250 woman doesn't even get out of breath) and they do the same four moves over and over and over, which is really boring. Any other suggestions for fun aerobic videos?

I have to say I can't believe how smoothly things are going. I was banded yesterday (3-26) and I feel great. I am a little sore but nothing at all compared to what I was expecting. I am able to drink without a problem, although I am taking it slow. If it hadn't been for this board I don't know if I would have went through with this. I don't know of anyone else who has the band so I didn't have anyone to talk to about it. This board has been a wealth of information! Knock on wood, I haven't had any problems. No gas, no terrible pain, nothing. I hope it stays that way! Again thanks to everyone for your support!! It's nice to be on the other side!!!

Hi everyone, I am new to this site. I was banded on 12/22/03 and I have lost 28lbs so far. I was banded by Dr. Bauman in Concord, NC. I had my first fill on March 6, 2004. My question is, I have not lost any weight in about 4 weeks. I am eating the right foods. I guess I am not exercising the way I should be. I am drinking enough Water. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get motivated again. Also, do we have a page for receipes and snack foods. I love everyones input and look forward to hearing from you. Barbara

I hope that this isn't so long that no one will read it!!! My mother is impossible to please. When I started high school I weighed 160 pounds and I'm 5'5". My mother was always telling me I needed to lose weight and I knew that I needed to lose it. After a year of exercising and watching what I ate I got down to 126 pounds. This still wasn't good enough for my mother. When I wanted to buy a two piece swim suit she'd tell me that I didn't have the body for it and I'd believe her and buy a one piece that hid my tummy. Once when shopping for formal dresses she told me that if I would lose just five more pounds I'd look like a model. Of course as an insecure teenage …

Just had my first fill. I continue to lose weight (30 lbs- banded 1/13/03)but, I felt I was eating more than I should. The fill was painless, although felt alittle weird, I could feel the fluid going through the tube. It took about 15 minutes and a few pokes to access the port. He numbed me first and put 1.5 cc in. I like this adjustment, it feels good. I also joined Curves, to try to become more active and tone up a bit. I love to swim, but, not comfortable showing my skin yet. I find the band truly amazing and so glad I opted for this instead of the by-pass. I thought I would stick out like a "sore thumb" when I dined out but, that certainly is not the case. My only re…

I read this on the Inamed website for a physician conference... "introduction of the LAP-BAND VG, the latest innovation in LAP-BAND development" Anyone know what it is?

Hi Everyone, I'm SOOOOOO excited!!! I saw my primary MD today and he faxed the referral through for bariatric surgery. YAY! He was very understanding and supportive. I have an appointment with the dietician and the psychologist 4/2 and if they agree I am good candidate... the next step will be to meet with Dr. CHua!!!! I finally feel like I am taking real steps toward having surgery!!!! My goal is to have surgery by the beginning of MAY... sooner if being a big pain in the butt helps. (o: Darcy:banana

HI, I am new on this board, I normally write on the obesity help board, I have been denied by my insurance bc/bs il and am trying to appeal, I want to ask my HR dept to write a letter since my insurance is thru my work, I just need ideas for what to write, I heard that alexandra on this board fought her insurance and won, any suggestions would be great. Thanks Nicki

hi i just thought i would do a photo update. i was banded 8-18-03 i lost 25 pounds prior to banding and 50 since banding for a grand total of -75 pounds!!!!! i hope the pics show up alright i played with the colors because they were kinda dark.

Oh man let me tell you.. I knew that my kids had the flu and I worked real hard to just stay away as much as I could. I kept washing my hand and wiped everything down with clorox wipe.. Last night around 9pm all hell broke lose. I knew I was going to puke and I was so scared I ended up calling my lapband doctor which he was great. Once the puking started it was like dry because I had to squeeze it back up the band.OUCH! Then at one point it was coming at both ends at the same time. I have maxed myself out on emodem (sp) and finally it has slowed down down there:phanvan I puked 4 times during the night and my chest feels tight. So I hope this help someone if they get …

OK, I've been stalled for a few weeks and I'm wondering why this is...my restriction varies...really tight to normally tight so I really don't want to get a fill right now... My question to you is do you eat only when hungry...I've been eating three times a day because I should...not because I was hungry...but I'm concerned I won't get enough calories in if I don't eat... Let me know your thoughts.

I hope that this isn't so long that no one will read it!!! My mother is impossible to please. When I started high school I weighed 160 pounds and I'm 5'5". My mother was always telling me I needed to lose weight and I knew that I needed to lose it. After a year of exercising and watching what I ate I got down to 126 pounds. This still wasn't good enough for my mother. When I wanted to buy a two piece swim suit she'd tell me that I didn't have the body for it and I'd believe her and buy a one piece that hid my tummy. Once when shopping for formal dresses she told me that if I would lose just five more pounds I'd look like a model. Of course as an insecure teenage …

Hi, I was banded 12-29-03 and i have had 2 fills.. Go for my 3rd on April 9th.. Anyway, this may sound stupid, but I have had alot of abdominal pain lately.. My last fill was March 5th.. This has only been going on for alittle over a week or so. I don't know why!!.. It's not the port, but sometimes it seems like it's on the opposite side.. I have gone to more soupy, soft foods to see if that will relieve it.. I feel fine, and it doens't last all day.. It seems to happen a meal .. But sometimes i wake up with a twinge.. I don't know.. I know some of it is gas! LOL! Sometimes it can be pretty painful making it hard to stand up or move.. Anyway.. I was going to ask the doc, …