LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Well I am now 2 weeks post op. I am feeling so much better that I can't believe that surgery was only 2 weeks ago!! I managed to stay on Clear liquids for the first week, because I wasn't very hungry, but this second week I have added V-8 juice, cream Soups, watery oatmeal, cottage cheese, applesauce, stuff that will go down pretty easy. I have not had any problems with any of these things, and I am hoping I am not the only one who gave up the clear liquids after a week, and started on full liquids. I don't think I could have made it on the clear liquids for 2 weeks! I am down 11 lbs since surgery, which I am pleased. Hopefully I can keep it up. I think I will try …

I am hearing from some people about all the tests they had to go through to get this done. Would love to get them all under one thread for other "Newbies" to read so they are not so worried. Please list all the tests and age so that we could get an"idea" of what to expect! Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Baileym

OK, probably not, but that is pretty much all I ate all weekend and I came off my plateau and am down 8 lbs! 3 MORE TO UNDER 200!

I keep reading more and more questions about the fills and I'm in the same boat..What is the perfect fill? I am on fill #3 and I'm up to 3.0cc. My doctor only likes doing his fills under the Flo and I'm so glad:D I can watch how slow or fast the drink stuff goes through the band. My 2nd fill was 2.6cc and I thought for sure it was my magic spot but it only lasted 10 days and it was like I woke up and it was gone:eek: Don't get me wrong I had some restriction but I only really noticed it when I ate fast or something was to dry-(Pork.) I was for sure I had a leak. Yesterday I had my fill #3 and he pulled out 2.5cc. That made me feel so much better, since on my 2nd …

Hi everyone, Well, I'm back from my little visit with Dr. Kuri! That's right, I'm officially one of you!!!!!!! YEAH. Now, of course I have questions. I know the gurgling is normal. I'm not hungry but it hurts when I drink. I'm taking slow small sips. I'm assuming this is from the swelling....Is that right? I'm already down 8 lbs! WooHoo! Marsha

Ok, I had my first fill this afternoon. I got there and the Dr. was like, "What happened?" because my weight was up 6 lbs. from what my pre-op weight was. That made me feel like shit and want to cry. Well, first off, I swear to everything high and holy that the day of my surgery when they weighed me the weight was 257, and today when they weighed me it was 256. I think what may have happened is that they were looking at what my weight was when I applied for the surgery, which was 250. Plus, I'm on my period, so there's a few extra lbs. right there. I didn't know what to tell him. I've been working out 3x/week and trying to make the right food choices. But besides all th…

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone can direct me to information or has information about how a person heals internally from lap band surgory. I was banded in Mexico by an excellent docotor but he spent so much time telling me not to worry that he didn't really do a good job of educating me on the whole process. I mean I know what happended (procedure to place band) and why but I need to know what's happening now. I didn't even know that organs could produce scar tissue. How can we know that its developing as well as it should? How does food affect the production of scar tissue? Does solid food inhibit scar tissue production? I just need to know what's going on insid…

Just wondering if anyone else is having a hard time eating meat. It seems like it always gets stuck. I have not been getting the protien that I should be. Even shredded beef BBQ gets stuck, and it hurts. Another question I have is I am 5 months post op and I have only lost 35 lbs....there are other 5 months out and have lost 80 lbs...how do they do it? I am 5'7" and started at 235 and now at 200 and want to lose another 35-45 lbs. Any suggestions...Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :confused:

Today I was at work and was really getting hungry so I went down to our cafeteria to get something to eat. Well since my lunch hour wasn't for another 3 hours I figured that I would get something for then and something for lunch. I settled on some chicken soup and a cod sandwich and figured what I didn't finish then I would have for lunch. So I'm sitting at my desk and I had a few bites of the soup and decided that I would have a few bites of the sandwich. Either I was VERY hungry or that was the BEST sandwich I had in a LONG time. So I'm sitting there and I'm looking at it and my head is saying this is soooo good..... we're gonna eat all of this. About 1/2 way through th…

Alright i am beginning to wonder about this surgery fill #3 and not much restriction i am totally stressed about this only down 15 lbs.Should i worry.

i started getting major pain in my front right ribs yesterday.It came on suddenly and then seemed to shift to the back.(right ribs)I cannot take a deep breath AT ALL.It seems a bit tender in my right side as well.Of course the only thing i can worry about is the band has slipped.I am calling th DR at 9am(it's 8 am now)but i suffered all night and had to get my husband to get another Tylenol #2 before getting out of bed at 6am. I can eat and drink as normal.what is happening!!? C:think

Besides of course, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, anyone have advice when you know something is stuck that you can do before throwing up??? I have had my band for about 6 months, and am on my 3rd adjustment, and having a hard time now with getting everything stuck, I just had it done last week, so it may still be swollen. Anyone have any tricks to help the food slide down??? I've tried warm water with salt---didn't work, tried to wait for it to go down on its own (too painful), if I want to throw it up I just drink a sip of water. I tried a cough drop with menthol and it seemed to help once, but, it may have been in my mind. Sometimes before I even swallow the …

my doctor normally does fills in the morning........I guess because he thinks it will be easier to go four hours of not eating. It seems like most people are tighter in the morning than afternoon, if so, wouldn't that mess up how much to increase the fill to?? My husband who has also had the surgery had his fill last week, and can now eat more than he did with the one before. During the procedure the doctor took some out, and added some back, do you think, that because it was the morning it might have messed up his tightness??? My doc doesn't announce the percentage in the fill.

I just showed some online friends who had seen a "before" pic my "during" pic (taken a couple days ago). I am way too shy to post them here yet (still very sensitive about my appearance). Someday I hope to find the confidence to post them here too. One friend said, "Oh, you look so pretty. You really look thinner". The other guy...who tends to be rather blunt...reacted with, "You don't look much different, do you?" Of course, the less-flattering comment is the one that sticks with me. Ouch. But I'm going to try to remember this as a source of motivation. Hopefully this will help me stay on track so I lose at least another 80 pounds. THEN he'll see the difference…

I keep reading the messages stressing a type of Atkins kind of diet. High protein, low carbs. What makes this different than doing an Atkins type of diet on your own? I guess I just don't quite understand how the band is helping because I keep reading so much about people dieting with the band. Of course it's not a bad thing, because I know I'd rather have more control over my eating habits than deal with a surgery doing it for me. But this is a large amount of money for me to spend so I'm wondering if what that band does helps enough to warrant the purchase.

Some more restriction questions for all my lovelies! We've already established restriction changes with your cycle...yet I still cannot figure out how it's changing...seems during ovulation I'm tighter...then get looser around my period... Secondly, I've noticed that when I drink more Water I'm not as restricted...have any of you noticed this? I really shouldn't be trying to make sense of this because it is likely to drive me batty but I get paranoid when I go from eating 4 bites to being able to eat quite a bit more...

I went in on Thursday to have my flipped port repaired. Well everything went well and I thought it would be smooth sailing as when I got out of the OR I was fine. Boy was I wrong. The pain started hitting me about 6 that night so I took some of the pain medicine that the doc had prescribed. That was a mistake. I got dizzy and nauseous so bad!! Anyways this morning I called him and he told me to take some liquid Tylenol and so far that hasn't been doing anything for me. To top it all off......I am getting a cold. I have a runny nose and a cough and sneezing and boy does it ever hurt when I cough or sneeze. I am a walking disaster!!! I am PRAYING that this doesn't last too …

Hello, I am 3 weeks out from my surgery and until a couple of days ago I would eat 3oz. of food and feel stuffed and in the last couple of days I feel as if I could eat forever and not feel full at all. I am nervous that something has happened. I would appreciate any advice out there. Thanks!

Man, I yell at my wife for being on the computer for so long, but I think this site is very cool. She is the one that actually found it for me. She is 5-7 135, and eats everthing in sight. Anyway. As stated in my other posts, I am 8 days post op and still on liquids. I called my Dr anfd he said stay on liquids till at least weds, 3/10/04. then I can start soft foods. Here are my questions. 1) why cant I start regular food again?? If I chew normal foods till its practically liquid whats the difference. 2) I CANT HAVE A FILL FOR 6 WEEKS. My logic and its (probalby wrong ) is why chew so much before your first fill. If I chewed normally wouldnt I benefit from th…

I am just tooooo excited!!!! I thought this day would never come!!! When I decided to have the surgery done, I was so excited! When it took so long and never received a date, I became discouraged and at one point slightly depressed. One of my best friends had her surgery on 2/23/04 and I was there with her. It was great to see what I would be going through once that day FINALLY came. Now, I know it's going to come!!! I'm dancing, but you can't see me! I can't wait until Monday so that I can talk to my doctor and get my surgery date!! I'm just too happy! :P

Second part of my question... Would you consider this too much to eat at one sitting? About 5 sugar snap peas, 5 baby carrots, 3 pepper slices and some dip...two teaspoons of cottage cheese...a 4oz snack thingy of canned fruit and about four bites of a piece of pizza? I am amazed I could eat this all because the past two weeks have been a struggle with restriction...way too much...PB'd and slimed alot...and then all of a sudden it's gone... Even with the restriction I haven't lost anything and think I've been stuck on a plateau...so I read that you have to eat to keep your body from going into starvation mode...so today I ate! Does this all seem right? Today i…

I go to my seminar tomorrow and I have my consultation with the surgeon on Tuesday. I really hope to have a surgery date by the end of the month. The insurance company (UHC) is the only thing that can stop me now....

Just banded a week ago. Lost 18 pounds already. I am still on fluids, and feeling ok. Not much energy, and I am not a big protein drink person. Anyway, I guess only bandsters have this feeling. I CAN NOT FIGURE OUT IF THE FEELING I HAVE IN MY STOMACH IS HUNGER OR FULLNESS. This is very weird feeling. I feel like I want to eat, but the minute I drink some no fat chocolate mike or gatorade I feel, I think full....??????

Really that is great! Isn't it strange that I am happier for you and your 12 lbs than I am my wieght loss. I do think this has been a lousy week. Hormones, funeral, work, my birthday YUK. I have been pretty irritated by just about everything. Well actually the funeral is this afternoon so that will be over today. But your loss is great! I know how much trouble you went through to get your surgery. You are right. I have found my self over eating lately way less that what was normal but more than I thought I should eat. But I still felt hungry? Are you feeling that way???? I have to get some work done before I have to leave for the day. Ann I am so happy for yo…

OH MY GOODNESS !!! What a massive difference such a small amount of fill can make ! I went to see Mr G this morning & he took out 1/4 ml.. no problems 1st time... GREAT ! What a relief! the "pressure" from my chest has almost instantly dissapeared ! My fluids are going down MUCH easier! yesterday for lunch I struggled to keep down 2 crackers & spreading cheese... it sat in my chest all day... nothing too bad... but you know what I mean. this lunchtime i've had 6.... no pain - no bagged up feeling... they've actually gone down! YEAY !!! i'm so relieved! I've actually had the same amount for my dinner as I had last night... BUT ! the difference tonight…

Hello friends: So next week will be 8 wks post-op. The scale says down 35 lbs. Although I am very careful of what I eat, this dieting thing has never been easier or more rewarding. Thank God for technology. I have more energy and can't wait to do the things I've avoided due to being overweight. What a time to have this, when low-carb is all the craze and there are great tasting foods that are carb friendly. But, by far the best part is being more active for my family. I am actually looking forward to the spring yardwork, EEEKS! did I really say that?........ Life is good. I love my band.................Gabby

Hey guys...still struggling with this restriction...today for lunch things went ok...had 1/2 of a stuffed chicken breast with broccoli and some green Beans...had the same thing for dinner and started getting the saliva thing...is this a PB? I wonder if I should just go on liquids for the next couple of days and give my tummy a rest...it seems like everything I'm eating is bothering me...perhaps I'm eating too fast but I am chewing really well! I've been trying to drink some hot tea before I eat...could this be the cause of it all...fluids before? Anybody have any advice?

I went for my consult today and was very pleased with my surgeon. I thought she was informative, kind, professional and seemed very on top of things. She did not make me feel rushed at all, she was there just for me. I recently had quite a few tests done, so now I "only" need my pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gasses, a cardiac evaluation and an upper-GI. Dr. Deol requests that you meet with a nutritionist and a pychologist that work together with you both pre- and post-op and I really like the sound of that. She asked me why I wanted the lapband over the gastric bypass and I guess I had the right answers (thanks to this board!) 'cos she agreed that the …

Hi All, Well, this is it... Jae (Jaejgirl) and I will be leaving on Thursday (only 2 days to go) for San Diego! I cant wait to meet Dr. Kuri. My new life starts this Friday! It's been a long trek to get here but now it's here! I'm so glad to have met Jae here (on this forum) and that I have a traveling/surgery buddy! I wanted to thank all of you for your support and information while I was researching the band (and ofcourse for listening to me vent when I was upset with the process). I hope someday I'll be able to help a newbie! I'll let you know how it went when we get back! Marsha

Today so far (it's only 10 am) I feel pretty good. Still a little head ache. I did order some protien shakes the other day. I hope they are good. I ordered Myoplex lite? My stomach feels much better too. Still tender but can sit up out of bed much easier today. Yesterday was kind of rough. So weird having a craving for cottage cheese? What is up with that. Well just drank a big glass of citrucel... yum. I have not smoked in a week, had any thing substantial to eat in a week & have not had my beloved diet coke in a week. Marlboro & Coke lost an investor! I am done and on my way to being the healthier me. Everyone thanks for your support, comments and …

Hi i had the lap band surgery on 12/29 and had my first fill on 2/6 and my second on 2/20 and still have no restriction i have heard from others that this is normal any advice would be appreciated.

Hi, I've been reaserching the band for awhile and one minute I think this is for me. Then I start having secound thoughts. It seems like such a hassle to get the fills. So I'm asking everyone if its worth all the hassle to deal with the fills? Everyone is always asking,should I get a fill? Should I get some taken out? Where can I find a fill Dr.? Do I have enough in or should I get more? How often do you need a fill? I just want to make the right choice for me. Also do think 1thousand dollars up front is a lot of money? I would be a self payer. Thanks for your time. Tina

The Colorado Rockers are having a clothes swap the afternoon of February 28th in the Denver Tech area. If you want further details, email me at BandedMay03@aol.com

We had a good thread going a while back of people who were banded in August. Since it's been six months, I thought it would be helpful for all of us to get an update. Any takers? As for me, my weight loss has been slow -- most of it came immediately following surgery and my two fills. No complaints. I'm now at 1.8 cc. I've had some issues with reflux, gas and not getting enough Fiber in. (Read into that whatever you want!) After this last fill, I've had some vomiting episodes. I don't think I'm too tight...but that I eat too much too fast. All the rules are so true. Eat slow. Eat Protein first. Take tiny bites. Exercise. Get your Water in. All in all, I'm thrill…

Hi everyone. I wanted to say that I have been banded for 4 months and have only lost 20 pounds, most of which is on the liquid phase. I got a fill over 2 months ago (first fill) of 1cc. Had bad heartburn and reflux, and went on nexium which has helped. The problem is I can eat anything, so I don't feel restricted enough. I went to get another fill, and doc said because I had a lot of diarreha (sorry!) I should get a colonoscopy before I get filled again and that another fill could give me heartburn again. Well, I think the band has made my stomach very sensitive, but I don't think that should make a difference to my fill, I just have to watch what types of foods I …

Nikki - I am scheduled for the 1st, we are newbies together!! I am so excited, just can't wait!! I consider this my birthday present to myself, by B-day is 3/23, hope to be back on my feet and feeling good by then!! My insurance covered mine at 100% (I work in healthcare, my employer paid for this). I plan to keep an eye on this forum, there is so much great info here, and the people who have posts are very supportive -- I JUST CAN'T WAIT!!! My doc has me on that tasty liquid diet this past week, I am so proud of myself for sticking to it, wasn't sure if I could do this, but I did it! Thanks to everyone for helping us newbies!!

I haven't been diagnosed with this but I strongly believe I have it. I'm wondering if those with PCOS are able to lose weight with the band? I've been on WW and lost about 6 lbs in 3 months, went of vacation and gained 3 in a week. I then quit. I've been exercising for a month, removed all junk food from our house and haven't lost a pound. Will the band work for me? I need some kind of help.

So it's Friday afternoon and I said to hubby, "gee, wouldn't it be great to have a haddock fish fry just like back home"? and of course he agreed. So now I track down some fresh haddock, not an easy feat in the state of Minnesota. I bring it home and cook it to perfection, then settle in for my feast. Three small bites later it feels like I've swallowed a brick. Done!! and so uncomfortable I can't sit still. I had hubby shake me, patt me firmly on my back and front, which did make it feel slightly better. For over an hour I was very uncomfortable, wishing for my first PB. All the time making some strange noises that could have been in an alien movie. So, I figure I pr…

Okay...what do you guys take for antibiotics if you get sick with the flu or something? Can you take Ampicillin or Penicillin tablets and crush them or something? I live 10 miles from Mexico border and we go over there to get our antibiotics. So could I still get the tablets and crush them up or the capsules and open them up and dilute in some kind of juice or something? What about Pain Reliever? I hear everyone mentioning Children's liquid Tylenol but with some of my headaches I would have to drink that whole bottle to get any relief. Isn't it possible to take regular Tylenol? Maybe get the tablets and crush them also???? I read somewhere where a lady took an Ad…

Hi guys..... Here i go with another of my weird questions..... I am going to Mexico in 4 weeks and told my doctor so when I went for a fill yesterday but he was in a hurry so we didnt get a chance to talk about what if anything happens when you travel? is it better to take liquid out ( I wont let him though, only have 1.5 in)... ok, my real question is, does the change in presure affect the band at all? I suppose not since women fly with breast implants all the time.... heheh i just keep picturing how Water bottles look after landing.... anyway.... I am very excited. Now, my second fill, was as easy and fast as the first one. I almost made the 24 hrs on liquids ( …

Has anyone experienced any complications in the gym. Some exercises gets your stomack right on a bench pulling lots of weight. I'm wondering if anyone discussed this with the Dr. Like you know laying on a bench face down pulling up weight, Pressyre on the port and pouch.

Hi Everyone, I think they should offer post op classes on 'How to deal with plateaus". Now I know no one is feeling sorry for me because my weight loss has been great, but I have been such a good girl making good food choices and I still on a plateau for 10 days in a row every month. I will go up and down 2 pounds from my lowest weight and have to struggle to get back to it and then drop some more. But overall, if I look at averages, I have consistently lost between 8-10 lbs a month in the last 5 months and an overall average of 11 1/2 pounds per month since being banded. So even though I consider myself somewhat intelligent, I still want to scream and jump up and dow…

Hi my friends, Got on the scale today and was surprised that I finally reached -90 pounds. It sounds so much better than the 80's. Only 10 more to go to the triple digits. Woohoo!!!! Babs in TX 334/244/180 -90 6/23/03

Lately I've been pretty much unable to eat a solid Breakfast. I know a lot of other people are tight in the morning, so what do y'all do? I can't stand a Protein drink daily; I could manage them two or three times a week, I guess. This morning I tried Cereal, no go. I've never been able to handle scrambled eggs; are hard-boiled any easier? Egg salad? What do you eat? I may just cave and have Soup for breakfast. Why not? :confused:

Well I had my consultation yesterday with Dr. Feng at LapSF. Everything went VERY well. I am scheduled for next Wednesday - March 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW! I am so excited! I didn't expect to be able to get in that quickly! Will keep you posted on progress! Nikki

I'm banded! I had my surgery by Dr. Kuri on Friday, and I'm trying not to drive my wife too nuts while I'm home all week. The surgery went well, but I had a strange reaction to it. I didn't feel nervous at all the morning of the surgery, but when I woke up and was still a little groggy, I think I had an anxiety attack or something. For some reason, I felt caged in and wanted to take my catheter and IV out and walk outside or something. I never really got close to actually doing that, and about 2 hours later I finally calmed down and just relaxed. Right now I'm just enjoying the clear liquid diet and looking forward to another glass of apple juice soon - NOT. Bo…

I woke up today feeling as if I had been hit by a truck. I have a touch of something....fever of 102.7, bodyaches, headache and the like.....what worries me is the little bit of nausea I have. I havent had the urge to vomit.....but am afraid of slipping my band if that happens. I am about 90 minutes from the doc who banded me....and I know he would see me quickly if it were necessary. I would have every bit of the saline removed from this thing to prevent slippage if I were to start vomitting. I am hoping to avoid that at all cost since I have very good restriction now. I am trying to drink as much as possible to avoid dehydration and I have been taking the liquid R…

Hi Everyone, Today is my eight month bandiversary. My life has changed dramatically and I am so happy to be banded. I have lost 93 lbs and I am 7 away from the century mark. These are the things I look forward to: Riding a horse. ( Isaid I would do it when I got to 225 lbs) Only 16 more pounds to go to this goal. Going to Six Flags and getting on EVERY rollercoaster. (Thats my goal when I reach 199) Only 42 pounds to go! Start flying on planes again (Did that at Christmas at 259 lbs! Didn't need an extender either!) Will be really happy to fly anytime when I am down to 199! Only 42 pounds to go! Sit in the middle seats at the movie theatre! (I do that now…

Hi, Some of you might remember me, I'm the one struggling with the decision of what Dr. to choose. If I will be the 1st Lap band patient. I did find out that the Dr. would have a proctor with him. Or if I go the other route I drive 7hrs. for a fill. Is anyone going this far? Do you stay a few days? Is it a big hassle to get there? Have you ever had to turn right back around to get some taken out? I'm still wondering if the 1st Dr. really believes in the band. He thinks it is a durable surgery, however the patient has to be very rigorous with their food consumption. In essence, he thinks the surgery is easier to "beat" than the gastric bypass. He said he want…

I was wondering if anyone had a problem with hair loss. I have read in other places that some have had this problem often in the 3-4 month after banding which is where I am right now. I am getting enough Protein.....at least 60 grams/day with the help of Protein drinks on some days. I have also recently doubled up on my multi Vitamin. Its not coming out in clumps or anything....but there is a marked increase in what coming out in the comb and brush. I just was wondering what I could expect in the future, and when I might seen it slow. Any insight would be helpful......thanks in advance. Joann Dr. Valin 07/18/03 307/256/170