LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I'm leaving this evening to go to the hospital for my surgery. Actually we are heading to the hotel, I have to be at the hospital at 7am and we have a 4 hour drive so we are going a night early... I'm nervous, mainly about being put under but I'm sure that will go fine. Kinda wondering about the pain afterwards but I'm confindent it will be ok too. Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement thus far. I'll let you know how it goes!!!

I had my surgery on February 6th. Four weeks later I went to my first fill appointment only to find out that my port flipped and my doctor had no way to access it. Since I'm a self pay, I had to make a decision about the corrective surgery. They can do it in the hospital or they can do it in the surgical center. In the hospital they can do it immediately; however, for twice (or more) the amount it will cost at the surgical center. The catch: my dr. is not yet registered with the surgical center and it is taking quite a bit of time to complete all of the documentation. So basicaly I spent a ton of money on a surgery and now it is not doing anything for me. I'm getting r…

So I saw my doctor today, a follow-up visit a month after my last fill. He was very pleased! Since my last visit in January I've lost 13 lbs, and I could see him watching me closely to see if I expressed any dissatisfaction with that at all. I guess he gets a lot of that! But I'm not dissatisfied, and know that I'm exactly where I need to be. I mean, I've been over 300 lbs my entire adult life (except for a few months in 1990, after Optifast), and I know it's important to take time to make this change. Just the fact that I now weigh 275 and comfortably wear a size 22 is MIND-BLOWING!! If this is where I settle I know I'm MUCH better off than where I came from, and hea…

Here's my situation. I'm a full time student and have no income. My husband is a teacher and doesn't make a lot of money ($43,000). My credit is good and his is extremely bad. I plan to have surgery in May. My insurance doesn't cover it and paying out of pocket would wipe out our savings. I feel like we should have some money in the bank in case there is a complication that we have to pay for out of pocket. So I planned to fiance the surgery through Monarch financing. In order to get a good interest rate I'd like to not put DH's name on the application. Also, we may not qualify for $15,000 on his income. However, my dad makes six figures, has very little debt, a…

OMG - I was down 90 pounds today!!! I thought I was going to hang around 214 for a while before moving down again, since I have only touched it a couple of times. But this morning I was a solid 213! Whoo hooo! I am wearing a size 18 outfit today. That is with the help of a very strong body-briefer, but I am squished into a size 18 regardless! lol Just 10 more to go to my century mark... Gotta keep drinking that Water and moving my body! For those of you who compare weight/size, I am 5'6", weigh 214 and fit (barely) into a women's 18. I am relatively evenly proportioned, although I do carry more weight throughout my hips and belly. My tops tend to fit bigge…

For any of you from yahoo! checking this out welcome. I hope that with such a user friendly format we can get some great discussions and support going on in our home state! If you have any questions on registering or using this board feel free to email me at Jayvue@aol.com

This is kind of a weird one, but I realized this morning that I really am getting thinner!! I have a medicine cabinet in the bathroom with three mirrored doors. This morning I found that I can see my entire body in the middle door. I've NEVER been able to do that! And not only can I do it while standing sideways, but also straight on! I also recently discovered a box of last winter's sweaters that was hiding in a back hallway. I was thrilled because I'm getting sick of the same old stuff and winter continues to drag on here (32 degrees this morning!). But they're ALL too big! Even the ones that were too small last winter and were put away for "someday." They're hang…

Yahoo!! Got the clearance for my gallbladder, no stones, I just have a filling defect and it can wait. It might even get better with healthier, lesser eating. I am so excited I can hardly believe it. It's amazing...once you make the decision, you want it done yesterday. :banana

WoooooHoooooo! Well, it looks like June 14th is my surgery date! I had hoped for April 12th while the kids are on vacation but it just didn't work out that way; so I have to wait until summer vacation. That's ok, I thought I'd be bummed out, but I'm just glad to have a date! I had prayed that if it was right, I would get that April date; didn't get it, so it wasn't right!! Big problem, thou ~ I've been eating like there's no tomorrow! I thought I had just a week until pre-surgury diet, now I have 2 months! OK, the buck (and the venison!) stops here! Is it true that Protein helps gear the body up for healing? I want to take advantage of these two months and…

Hi my friends, Today is the big day. I am down 100 pounds.!!!!! :eek: Got there in 8 months 3 weeks and 5 days! Now I still have at least 54 pounds to go, but that number sounds far less intimidating! I am so overwhelmed that I don't know what to say. My life is dramatically different now. I am no longer afraid of chairs, booths etc.. I can workout for 45 minutes doing cardio without feeling like I'm having a heart attack. My skin is better, no more double chin, no more swelling and I am no longer the biggest person in a restaurant or at a social event. For those just starting the band is the best investment I ever made for myself. Yes, its hard work and you need to d…

6 days post op. Today was the worst time to date. Went back to work (light desk duty) and started to puke. I have strickly followed the clear liquid diet and have lost 25.0 lbs. I'm having a get deal of pain drinking even small amounts of Water. i can not stand full streth drinks must cut it with water ( gator aid, apple juice ect.) am a heavy water drinker but not lately. been takening small slips. i have been having very painful gas pains and eating chewable gas x tabs. been getting hic ups all the time. is this normal or an indication of a problem? any advise? david banded 3-5-04 338 going down (hopefully) 240:guess

I'm happy to announce plans for the all new Bandster Bash in Tijuana Mexico! We are in the process of putting together a committee of people to work together in organizing and planning activities for the Bash. We prefer the committee be made up of people banded by different doctors and from different places so that ALL bandsters will be represented and feel comfortable. I would also really like to see a pre-bandster on the committee. Our plan is to invite different band doctors, plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentist, nutritionists, etc. to head round table discussions during one day of the Bash. So if you're interested in helping or want to suggest a doctor or professio…

UHC came through and approved my band... I feel like a ton has been lifted off my shoulders. They scheduled me for this Friday but I changed it to April 6th. Now I get to call back and see if I can change it back to Friday because of baby sitter issues and stuff. Anyway, I'm in and on my way!! I'll keep ya posted. AL

I'm stuck at 202...for the past week and a half...I'm really looking forward to being in ONEderland... Anybody have any ideas for a plateau buster?

The 2nd Annual Texas Bandster Bash & Wellness Conference is fast approaching. Join us on Galveston Island for pre-session festivities on THURSDAY APRIL 22. Sessions run from FRIDAY MORNING APRIL 23 through SUNDAY AFTERNOON APRIL 25. This will be a weekend of Bandster-centric social and educational events. Visit http://www.texasbandsterbash.com to register and for more detailed information about the conference. We have more than 15 medical professionals as confirmed speakers, along with specialists in the areas of physical fitness, fashion and makeup. Bandsters will lead discussion sessions on topics ranging from Men's Issues to What to expect if you're expecting…

Hi everyone i went for my fourth fill friday i have posted two diffrent post about not having restriction well there is a reason my doc things i have a leak i go friday to see. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this happen ,at least i know what the promblem is now. Thanks

Hey everyone...it's been a while since I've posted on here, but I just thought I'd post my progress....I'm halfway to my goal! I can't believe it!!! Six months ago it seemed like such an impossible goal, but now it's so much closer. I just wanted to post my story for everyone who is thinking about being banded.... My weightloss at first was REALLY slow. I lost 11 pounds in the first month while on Clear liquids, then NOTHING for about another month. Got my first fill, lost 2 pounds....second fill, one more pound. I was feeling so frusterated. I felt like I was a failure, like I had gone through all this for nothing. Even though I did have restriction, I was …

Okay I have a pretty tight fill right now. My kids have the flu-puking ect.. What if I get it? How will it come up? HELP!! Should I call the dr to get something to stop it? HELP

Well, it is so exciting to post that the 2004 Florida Bandster Bash is finally coming! For more info, visit us www.floridabandsterbash.com We had so much fun last year! I can't wait until this year. It is going to be held at the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino! Please check out the website and let me know if you have any questions! Thanks Donna Valdes floridabandsters@hotmail.com

Well, it is so exciting to post that the 2004 Florida Bandster Bash is finally coming! For more info, visit us www.floridabandsterbash.com We had so much fun last year! I can't wait until this year. It is going to be held at the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino! Please check out the website and let me know if you have any questions! Thanks Donna Valdes floridabandsters@hotmail.com

Okay we don't have insurance that will cover this (we're on state insurance). After some discussion with my husband who knew I was only looking into the RNY because it is covered I'm seeking input from others. Where do you get the money to self-pay? I know I should probably wait until we're better off financially but I want to see if there are other options I'm not seeing. We have a car that's nearly paid off. I have 401K investment. We do own a house but no equity to take right now (we've done that already to pay off debts.). I'm a stay home mom (seeking employment). My husband is working contract jobs since his layoff (the reason we're on state insurance). …

I had a really bad day today and didn't make the best choices for food at all. I mean - after I ate the things that I did I knew that I shouldn't have eaten it and felt bad but I reverted to my old ways. This is what I had today: 1/2 subway turkey sub w/chedder cheese and vegetables, shrimp over fettucini, a roll, mixed vegetables, breaded cauliflower, 2 turtles and some butterfinger ice cream. Now I KNOW I shouldn't have eaten this stuff but it was in my mouth and in my stomach before I could even say stop. I don't know what it was but it seemed like I was just so hungry today!!! I mean - I have 3 cc's in my band and to me there is very minimal restriction. Every …

Just thought I would post a brief update. I'm actually very thrilled and pleased with myself and I guess I wanted to share my good feelings. I was banded 8/26 and am thrilled that as of today, at just 5 months, I have lost 80 pounds! I really can't believe it. Though I have definitely worked hard at this process, it has not been "difficult". Meaning - I don't feel deprived; I'm really eating well; I'm eating much, much more than I expected to be able to eat; and I'm losing much faster than I anticipated. In fact, a week ago, I got back from a 10 day cruise - and I managed to lose 5 pounds while on the cruise! True - I'm eating the right foods (though I didn't deprive my…

sung to '99 bottles of beer on the wall' 96 ounces of Water in my belly, 96 ounces of water, drink another round, pull my pants down, 96 ounces of water in my belly i have worked out a system that has worked great this week before breakfast- 32 oz room temp water eat Breakfast at 9:00 at 10 start drinking again this time 48 oz (3 16 oz cups) lunch 1:00 start drinking again at least 16 oz usually 32 oz. after that i drink tea with splenda and lemon. being a southern girl i cant give it up!

Wow, this is what happens when you don't have Protein for Breakfast. You nibble nuts all morning, and since you're eating you don't drink. At lunchtime you are ravenous and eat too fast. Ouch. Then you come home to a snowbound afternoon and eat, hmmm, what, hmmm, cheese crackers, salmon Soup, cheese crackers, chocolate turtles, etc. You're still not drinking Water. Then daddy comes home and it's dinner time, and he puts corned beef and cabbage on the table. You eat a decent portion of that. Now you're thirsty and finally want water, but are so full it's not going to work. So you eat a brownie. Of course, the presence of a band means that even a day like this isn't wh…

Well, I thought I posted this yesterday, but evidently it didn't take. I was originally scheduled for lapband on 1/19 but it was canceled because I had an abnormal EKG and was told I needed to get cardiac clearance before I could have the surgery. Well, I had another EKG, a nuclear stress test, a heart scan, and a heart cath (which put me in CCU for about 24 hours due to internal bleeding) but I finally got the clearance and my heart is fine! I have been rescheduled for April 5 and am both excited and scared. The internal bleeding I had was very painful and I really don't want to go thru that again. But I want and need the lapband, so I'm going forward with it. I ke…

Need some advice from those who know what restriction is... I thought I had restriction with my first fill...my second fill I didn't notice a change except I felt looser than with the first...the third...holy cow...so this is what restriction is huh? Here's my scenario. Had my third fill on Monday to 3.0cc's...water went down ok...on the way home had some coffee...that went down ok...could feel both of them sitting before it dropped... Yesterday I had a 6oz yogurt, a little bit (probably about 5 spoonfuls) of french onion Soup, and for dinner on my way home from grad school decided to pick up some nachos from Taco Bell (yes I know not good for me but after a 15 ho…

I was diagnosed with insulin resistance last year and was told to follow a low carb diet.My doctor had mentioned possible medication to help lose weight and I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of this.What kind of medication would help?I am not fond of pills and already take a thyroid pill daily but if it would help me lose weight, of course I would consider it!I am seeing her March 25th Chantal

I have finally jumped through the last (omgoodness, I hope!) hoop and have been given my surgery date. I will be at Troy Beaumont with Dr. Deol. Thank you for all the postings here---I think I have read all of them at least twice---trying to get a feel for what it will be like in bandland. I am scared that like everything else, this too will not keep the weight off. I guess I will just have to face that nasty demon----fear---as I go through this process. Thank you and wish me luck!!

Well, Today's the day of my very first appointment. I have been reading on this site for about 2 months now and have heard so many nice things about my doctor, Dr Deol. I am sooo nervous, scared, happy and excited.... I am hoping things go qiuckly, smooth and as painless as possible (doubt it though) none the less, today is the first step to my happier life! Will write later on tonight (hopefully) Thanks for everything, this board has been like a best friend, always there when you need them! Baileym;)

Do you feel there are more post surgery complications with U.S. based doctors, since they have quite a bit less experienced than European or Mexican based doctors? How many of you had post surgery complications: e.g. flipped ports, sliped band, etc.? My port is flipped at 90 degree angle and inaccessible for adjustment. I need to have another surgery to correct it. I'm self pay and it is not going to be cheap. My dr. is U.S. based. Thanks for your opinions. Renata

Hello everyone, I have been reading the posts that are all very informative, so I decided finally to join. Thank you for all the info. I was banded in Miami on July 14th and I am down from 289 to 234. It has been the best thing I have done for myself. I am getting stuck lately when I eat quickly and that has scared me . Anyone with similar experience.

Hello all- I had my lap band done on 10/27/03, and have yet to get a fill. I have lost 60 lbs, and still have quite a bit of restriction. There are days when I can eat whatever I want, and days where I can eat very little. Has anyone else passed on the fills thorugh 4 months or more? I'm beginning to wonder if I will ever need one!! Thanks. 363/303/219

Well, I finally have my 2nd surgery date. The first one had to be cancelled because I was told that I had to have a cardiac clearance because of an abnormal EKG. Well, after a stress test, a heart scan, a heart sonogram and a heart cath, I have the clearance and have been rescheduled for April 5. I am excited and scared. When they did the heart cath, I had internal bleeding that kept me in CCU for about 24 hours and it was very painful. Now, of course, I'm getting a lot of negative feedback about why I want to do this so soon after all that mess. I just want to get my band and get on with life! I have lived and breathed this lapband for almost a year now and am so …

Hi everyone, I need some advice, I'm about four weeks post op and according to the diet my doctor gave me, week four is when you start eating solid food. So went to dinner at my aunts house and maybe I over did it? (small piece of chicken tender, two table spoons of each rice, hummous, tabouleh)...The upper part of my stomach has been sore since. It hurts when I burp or hiccup. I can't take a deep breath, bend over, drink anything very cold without feeling some kind of discomfort. Took it really easy today. soft bran ceral, and roasted veggies for dinner. any thoughts? j

I went today for my pre-op consult and found out that I need my gallbladder out. :cry So.....on Friday 3/12 I am getting it out laparoscopically. Then I find out next Thursday if I can still get the band on the 24th or if we have to put it off a couple weeks. My surgeon said he could do them together but the risk of infection increases quite a bit. He and I decided it's better to be safe and do the gallbladder first. Sorry I am rambling on so. It's just a little disappointing and was quite a shock.

I just want you guys to know that if you have really bad diarrhea that Immodium doesn't seem to fix...go to the doctor. I had diarrhea off and on (mostly ON) for 2 weeks and the last 5 days of that 2 weeks of that time I lived in the restroom. I contacted my doctor and he said, take immodium, eat salad crackers, drink gatorade, go back to liquids, take amoxyl (antibiotic)....that I probably had an intestinal infection...a couple days passed.... I was sick. I got so sick that I couldn't even brush my teeth. The feel of the brush on my tongue or sides of my teeth made me gag and want to throw up. I couldn't stand anything on my tongue or I would gag and almost vo…

Well officially I have 13 days and 40 minutes until surgery...not that I'm counting! Just wanted to say hi to everyone (Becca especially!)

hello just wanted to get some opinions from everyone, im 2 weeks banded now and lost 24lbs, its benn tough with the liquids but worth the trip. i know that most of it was Water weight but still im happy! my doctor recomended that if i made 2 weeks of liquids and did so well why not do it for anthor 2 weeks and see if i can lose alot more! so here i go off and running 2 more weeks of liquid with the occasional mashed potatoes! how was everyones weight lose the second 2 weeks? anyone do well on mushy foods did you guys lose any weight on them? well i be back to let you know how the next 2 weeks pan out for me 309/285/210

Hi all! I wanted to share some stuff and hopefully get some feedback to inspire me. I am stuck at 30 pounds lost. I had my first fill in early Feb. and have only lost 3 pounds since then. BUT...and this is a big but...I have been eating crap! I can't seem to stop buying and eating Peanut Butter M&M's, and other bad Snacks. I know I wanted to lose weight so bad that I had surgery, so why can't my unconsious get with the program?? I also have been having problems getting the right kind of foods to go down and stay down. So then I don't eat a bona-fide meal and a little later I am very hungry and I eat a snack, since it is not meal-time. Then at the next meal-…

It seems like several people have had flipped ports. My question is...How does a port flip? I thought they were sutured down. Do the surtures tear? Or, maybe some doctors don't suture the ports? I'm just curious how this happens. Thanks, Marsha:confused:

Well I got home today from the hospital. I spent yesterday and last night in the hospital. Just having MANY problems with keeping ANTYHING down - even a drop of Water. I just spit up and then vomit "foam." Any suggestions? I have called my Dr. and left a message that I cannot get down my anti vomit meds and need a supository. Just wondering if there were any suggestions until then? Thanks! Nikki

Ok, I'm back to update anyone who reads this, especially those who are getting ready to have the procedure done. My banding was on March 1st, and I am down 23 pounds already -- WOW! The surgery went well, first time I ever had surgery so I was concerned, but I have a great doc who really helped me mentally prepare for this procedure! My food intake is getting better, haven't had any bad episodes yet, so I would say I am successfully getting through the postop! I am so glad I decided to have this done! My surgical wounds are healing up now, and I feel just a little bit better every day. I go back to work Monday (3/15) and am excited to do so. Thanks to everyone w…

OK... so I've been able to eat large portions usually at night and therefore decided to schedule a fill. Plus I haven't been losing except for the same pound up and down for weeks. Today I went to have a small turkey sandwich on Italian bread for lunch and ended up puking. I think maybe it was the bread or I ate to fast or something. But should I still get a fill tomorrow???What is the perfect balance between eating and having a fill that is the right one? Please answer ASAP with your thoughts. Thanks

Hi ihvbzs! I know you had your surgery on 3/8 and I've been wondering how you are doing? I hope everything went ok! Please post soon and let us know how you are doing! Take care! Debra

Hi all, Well, I just had my 2nd fill.. Was banded on 12-29-03. I have lost a total of 46lbs.. I am so jazzed. I had only lost 10lbs since my last fill 4 weeks ago, but i feel that the tool is doing the job. My dr. STILL had trouble with finding the access port.. thank goodness they deaden the area.. He was poking and i was laughing.. Finally made it.. I now have 2cc's.. he was only going to go for a half cc, but after all the hassle of finding the right spot, he opted for a full cc.. I could stll drink fine and eating is going fine also..Good luck to everyone out there. I go back in 4 more weeks for another fill.. . I had heard that if you lose TOO MUCH weight in a mon…

tommorow is the big day-good luck i will hold you in my thoughts-think postive i will be there soon- twenty two days for me!!!!!whoopi im so want to be there now!robin leo all of you im so glad i found this board you all are awesome and have eased my fears.im ready and now feel i can do this------i do love this site and will take some pictures day of surgery and track my progress i have already lost 42 lbs so this will help me overcome my hunger.thank you guys!

i have been dealing with a lack of restriction for a while now. i ended up contacting inamed to have them review my last swallow study (i dont have ins coverage on the band) well after they contacted my dr, my dr called me and wanted to do another swallow study at 4.1 cc (last on was at 3.8 cc) so this is what happened... go in drink barium look at band. NO RESTRICTION. check to see whats in the band 4.1 cc. everyone is very confused how can this be yada yada. fill me to 4.5 cc. drink barium. no restriction. fill me to 5.0 cc. no restriction. the Fluid in my band came out a little murkey. they decide to change the t-shaped fill needle thing. when changing them out th…

I am going for my first fill on 3-29-04 and wanted to know f I am not supposed to eat anything beforehand. The dr's office didn't tell me anything. I have to go for an ultrasound at 8 am and then right to the dr at 9 (there in teh same hospital). I am really looking forward to this. I was banded on 12/18/03 and have lost about 23 lbs, which was in the first 2 weeks after getting the band. Right now I really don't have much restriction and really want to get a jump start on losing again. ~Holly;)