LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I went to the doctor for a check-up last week now that I'm six months out and have lost some weight. Insulin resistance: gone! High cholesterol: gone! Borderline high blood pressure: gone! I'm ecstatic! I hope to lose considerably more weight than I have so far for the sake of my appearance and overall well-being, but even if I don't, I will consider myself a successful bandster from here on out. What scared me into taking this major step to aid my weight loss was that I saw that I was beginning to develop signs that my health would truly suffer if I didn't lose weight. It's all about health. Nancy

Well this is my first time at posting pics so here goes nothing!

I lost 100 lbs.......has anyone seen them? Here are the risults....lost about 48 with the band in almost a yrs time! Boy I feel lighter than ever.....

Hi there! Well, first, let me tell you what a difficult, long, trying, educational, and WONDERFUL pre-op journey this has been! I've learned so much ... not only about the Band, good eating habits, and proper nutrition, but more importantly, about MYSELF. I have a pulmonary function test tomorrow (I'm now 8 days smoke-free), and it's possible (hopefully LIKELY) that I could get a surgery date tomorrow! [Hint, hint: I'm asking for prayers and good wishes here folks! LOL] I'm a single working mother of a 3 1/2 year old, and only really give her dinners (well, weekends she gets a biiigggg breakfast) ... and that's ONLY when she's not at my parents'. I REFUSE to …

Week 26 - 6 months This Week ! Well, it's been 6 months this week... time sure fly's! my restriction is spot on (though a little tight).. & my weight loss is better than I'd ever hoped for. I went to braehead (in Glasgow) on Sunday & has lost another 4 pounds... ! I'm so pleased !... I My Heaviest Recorded weight on 5.1.03.I was 27 stone 12 pounds/390 pounds/BMI 54.5 26th August 2003 (op day) I weighed 26 Stone 11 pounds/375 pounds/BMI 52.4 I'm now 20 stone 13 pounds/297 pounds/BMI 41 So thats 1 stone away from 7 stones (97 pounds)since January last year 5 stone 12 pounds (82 pounds) since the op... and 13 1/2 points down on my BMI or I've …

OK, I need some help! Last Monday I got my 3rd fill...at 3.0cc's...and I really have been struggling to eat...maybe it's just in my head but it has been a challenge to figure out what will not make me PB (if that has been what is happening...slime backing up in my throat...is that a PB?) Anyway...went to my Mom's for dinner on Sunday and my Grandma made Swiss Steak (very tender) with Mashed Potatoes...well...the Steak went down fine...the Mashed Potatoes...no go... Went to a friends house for dinner on Saturday...Spaghetti with Meatballs and Eggplant Parmigana...the meatballs and eggplant fine...sphaghetti no go... Last night for dinner bought a fish sandwhich and…

Here's what happened and am still a bit freaked out: went for my first fill about 10 days ago. Felt fantastic after the first op (placement of the band) and as well after the fill. My surgeon told me to drink liquids for a week afterwards, and then mush for the 2nd week, and only after that attempt food. Well, after three days I felt so good and so hungry that I attempted a small package of flaked salmon. First half went down no problem. Waited an hour and tried the 2nd half. Immediately I started having some back pain (felt like food was stuck going down my spine, though I know that wasn't the case), followed by that choking/golf ball feeling. Nothing took the pa…

Ok so this is the deal. I had my second fill on 2/23 and just started on solids again. I really don't know what "restriction" feels like unless what I am about to explain to all of you is actually it. I noticed that when I was eating a corn dog that I must have taken too big a bite because when it went down I didn't notice anything in my stomach but rather my back?? Does that sound right?? It felt as if it was trying to push it's way though. It wasn't really painfull but rather uncomfortable. Does that sound right? Should I take that as my que to stop eating when and if I ever feel like that again??

I had my first fill last Monday- 1.5cc.- 9 weeks post op, under fluoro. Just like most other people I was anxious to get a fill as I was concerned that I had so little restriction. I must say, tho, that i never really "pushed" it- I ate small quantities, chewed well, etc and lost weight. I did not experience trouble with any type of food such as meat or bread- so not being restricted was more related to the kind of food rather than the quantity. Okay, so I get the fill and stay on liquids for 2 days, no problem other than feeling super hungry! The first real food I ate- stew- got stuck! OMG what an awful experience! It hurt ! I thought I had chewed okay , bite may have …

I've heard that BCBS of MN may be changing their minds, again, regarding the LAP-BAND. Talked to the coordinator in Deer River today and she heard from the Crosby coordinator that BCBS may lift the investigational/experimental status from the band and start covering it again. Yahoo! I sure hope this is true as my paperwork will be submitted within the next couple of days.

I haven't been able to do anything yet. I'm really hesitant about going to Mexico. I'd rather stay local, mainly for travel and after care reasons. I seem to come across weight loss exclusion type of insurance plans. I feel like I'm hitting against brick walls and really hope something comes through. How are things progessing for you?

How much after care is necessary for the lap-band patients? If I were to have this procedure done in Mexico, since I'm unaware of interstate doctors that would be able to perform aftercare, how often would I need to return to Mexico for fills? Is there any other type of after care necessary with this procedure, problems excluded? Thanks, Misty

Hey everyone...I got my third fill last Friday...and WOW what a difference. I feel like I am starting all over again learning to eat with this new restriction. My question to the veterans out there is this- my new stomach feels full- but my lower stomach doesn't. Does it take time for the stomachs to talk to each other? That sounds silly- but it feels like that is what is happening. Also- I can't tell I'm full...will I get some clue as I get more and more used to the band being tight? Thanks in advance...and best of luck everyone!! Megan

Hello all: So it's day 24. I went back to work 2 weeks after surgery, I wish I had stayed out a couple more days, still had a little port pain. As of today I am down 24 lbs. I can eat anything that I ate before, so far. ( I am a fish eating vegetarian) I am reconizing the signs my body gives me when it's full. One more bite and it feels like I swallowed a shoe box. No vomitting or PBing. I just got done shoveling the sidewalk, a feat that would have left me gasping and feeling light headed, it was a breeze today. The people at work are saying something looks different, most say I look younger. Most of them are unaware of the surgery. Because everything I own has el…

I have been reading the posts and alot of people seem to be stuck at this weight loss. I am 5 months out from surgery and have lost 38 pounds but most of this was lost at the beginning. I have had my 3rd fill and I do have restriction although at night I can definitely eat more, but I am getting more sensitive to certain foods. Lasst time I had my fill I lost around 5 pounds. This time 2 pounds. My fill was on Jan. 28th. Anyone have anything to tell me???

Hi, I'm back and need your input. I just got back from a seminar and the Dr. is nice and is highly recommended as a surgeon. He has done about 200 RNYs and is still looking for his first lapband patient witch would be me if I do this with him. He has done 2 lapbands. Yikes! he told me that it was a much easier surgery and that I would be fine. He is willing to work at getting the cost down and the fills would be good for a year. I would be the only lapbander with RNYs. I do have a friend that had the gastric that would be there. I just don't know if I'm brave enough to be the first one! this Dr. is 2 hr. away. (the closes one) Or I could go to Mexico and …

I have an appointement for a third fill in April(I can't take leave from work until then)The first time I went for a fill,i was lying on the table under the machine and the doctor says "oh, I have bad news"the band was broken at the port.I needed to schedual another surgery to replace.Since it's garanteed for life the only cost was going down there.The doctor put in 1cc while I was under and I had another fill of 1 a few months later.I have a large band ..the restriction is minimal at best.Now I am so excited to get this third one to finally have some restriction!! Watch me gooooooo! Chantal:)

I was banded not even two weeks ago on 2/6. Ever since the surgery I've had pretty severe pain in my left shoulder. Couple of days ago I started to feel pain under my rib cage on my left side. I cannot yawn or take really deep breath without tears in my eyes. I read your posts about what you found helpful and walk every day for at least an hour every day in the gym. I also walk with my puppy every morning and every evening. Well, it hasn't helped. I stretched, did some weight training (within limits), took warm baths...nothing seem to be helping. Thinking about possibly swimming being helpful...anyone's thoughts? I'm sitting in my office high on codein right now, but …

hi, I just had my first fill on Feb. 9th.. It didin't go bad, but the dr. had a heck of a time getting to the right spot.. He finally made it after about 8 tries and boy was i black and blue after that episode..But it didn't hurt, really!!! it made me laugh, i felt bad for the doc.. !! I have to say.. I feel like i can't feel any restriction.. I go for my 2nd fill on March 5th.. I guess i had anticipated feeling more of a restriction, but not.. I almost feel like I am eating everything insight.. YIKES!!! I don't know whats wrong.. I am eating the wrong foods too.. I guess I need to get back on the stick and do what i was told to do.. I just think if i felt some more restr…

Hi All, I have read all of your fill experiences, and while some of the news is positive and seemingly easy, I am still scared because there sure are some horror stories. I have an appt. with my doctor on 2/18 at which time I will be almost two months post op. I want to get a fill because I still feel like I can eat too much. I do certainly eat less than I did, but I get hungry again in a few hours. I really think I need a fill, but the thought scares me. How much saline is put in the band after the operation? I have not had any problems eating anything, but I do avoid rice, bread, steak, potatoes, desserts, and carbonated beverages. I lost about 20 pounds the fir…

This article appeared in this morning's Los Angeles Times. Interesting perspectives.... Fat, and Happy About It Despite the health risks of obesity, activists demonstrate against weight-loss surgery, which they say is dangerous, demeaning. By Lisa Richardson, Times Staff Writer The newspaper ad inviting fat people to learn about El Camino Hospital's new weight-loss surgery program held out the opportunity to be not just a thinner person, but a better one. "It's not what you have to lose," the Mountain View, Calif., hospital ad said. "It's what you have to gain. Pride. Dignity. And Better Health." Marilyn Wann, 5-feet-5, 270 pounds and darn proud of it, scanned…

I know everybody's different...but I was wondering how many cc's you all got for your first fills. I go for my first fill on Tuesday and of course I don't want to get sick or anything, but my Dr. only does fills on Tuesdays so I have to skip classes and drive 2 hours there and 2 hours back just to do it so it's kinda hard to work around. My point is, I want enough of a fill that I won't have to go back in a few weeks. I'm planning on telling all of this to my Dr., I just wanted to get a good idea of what a reasonable first fill amount would be.

I GOT THIS FROM ANOTHER BOARD! Just wanted to share.Not like alot of us will be drinking coke again,I wont!! This! Is really an eye opener.... Water or Coke? > We all know > that water is > important but I've never seen it written down like > this before. > > > WATER > > 1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. > > 2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is > so weak that it > is often > mistaken for hunger. > > 3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's > metabolism as > much as 3%. > > 4. One glass of water will shut down midnight > hunger pangs for > almost …

I know- no one has joined me from SD yet, but I saw this news story and thought it was pretty good. I'm not sure about the 70 lbs in 3 weeks though...... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4306519/ Melissa

I have heard a few comments from people that any WLS is just taking the easy/lazy man's way out of losing weight. I must confess that I wondered about that in my own case. As I said in another thread, I am alway telling myself if I would just shut my mouth and have a little willpower, I wouldn't have to do this surgery. Now after reading about everything you guys do day in and day out....it's not any different than any other type of diet, you still have to restrict your food intake, you still have to learn to live without certain types of food...the only difference I can see is that you are using a tool to help you maintain a feeling of being "full". Why would this be any…

I WANTED TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE SINCE 8/12/03 WHEN I WAS BANDED. AT FIRST EATING WAS EASY AFTER THE HEALING PERIOD ON FLUIDS AND SOFT FOODS OFCOURSE. THEN I COULD EAT ANYTHING EXCEPT NOT AS MUCH AS OFTEN. THIS COUPLED WITH AN ELABORATE FITNESS ROUTINE GOT A LOT OF WEIGHT OFF ME. IT WAS A SLOW GO THOUGH. I WENT THROUGH 3 FILLS WITH LITTLE RESTRICTION. I WAS STUCK AT 33 LBS LOSS AND FRUSTRATED WITH WORRY ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT I WOULD REALLY PUSH TO GET THIS OFF. MY THEORY WS HEY IF I COULD EAT RIGHT I WOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED THE BAND RIGHT. WELL MY DR. FIXED ME UP WITH THE 4 TH FILL. I HAVE THE RESTRICTION NEEDED NOW. 10 LBS IN LIKE 15 DAYS. SEVERE DROP BUT I STAYED ON FLUIDS 3…

Greetings All, Today I had my first fill, and it did not hurt at all and only took about 30 seconds. I was only filled to .6. Does that seem very small? I feel no difference, but then it has only been half a day. I am sticking with liquids for a few days like Dr. K. advised. By the way Alexandra, I remember that you are getting a second fill tomorrow. I hope yours goes as well as mine did. Two weeks after the surgery I had lost about 20 pounds, but I sure have been struggling to keep it off, and when I went today (almost 2 months post surgery) I had lost only one additional pound. I have not been feeling restricted, and I could eat just about anything. I hope th…

I am a Self-Pay. Surgery scheduled for March 8th. My biggest fear is something going wrong and my hospital bill skyrocketing. So I would like to hear from some of our self-pay folks. 1). Did you have any complications/problems? If so did the insurance help with any of the cost or did you have to self-pay for that too? 2). Was the Price you quoted the actual price or did somethings get added on at the end that you were unaware of? 3). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm nervous about being a self-pay.. But I still want to do this.. ha ha Am I crazy!

I have a question for some of the single people. Did you get your band and start losing weight and feeling really good about yourself and then you start meeting people (men, jerks) and have enough self confidence to talk to them and get shot down? This seems to be a viscious cycle in my band journey. I feel so good about myself and start meeting people and eventually get up enough nerve to ask someone out and get the big rejection and it sends me into a huge depression. Unfortunatly this last depression I've gotten into won't seem to go away! There are days that I feel like I'm the only single person in the world and at least before my band I was depressed and c…

I presume you guys have seen this on CNN already but guess what? I JOINED A GYM - and actually went today! Well, i met my personal trainer and did a two minute practice on all "my machines" - 5 min warm up on a bike thingy, 10 mins on a cross trainer, 10 mins on a strider and 8 mins on the treadmill, then weights and cool down stretches (what ever they are!) I amost died of shock at how much he expected me to do and would have punched his lights out only he had a really cute Northern Irish Accent, and v cute butt . He even wanted me to do some stuff with a giant beach ball but I quietly declined! Had long soak in the jacuzzi to calm down!!! Joking aside, I'm really l…

Well, I am glad to see that everyone is waking up here on this board. It was a little wee bit quiet here!!!. In an earlier post, I had mentioned that I was down -90 pounds in less than 8 months and someone asked me how I am doing it. For one, I did not have a pre-op diet and I am not proud to say that I ate up until 12 midnight before my surgery. I did not lose any before banding at all. As a matter of fact at 334lbs, that was the most I ever weighed in my entire life a few days before I got banded. In response, I want everyone to know that there has been no miracle here other than the band and good restriction. Its been through hard work and eating properly most of…

Is it just me or do others find that medical professionals treat you like a loser if you are overweight? Especially if you are a female? Its like you have committed an outrageous violation against society. You are treated like a commodity when you are a women. If you do not conform to society's standard of what women should look like, you deserve to be harrassed and hounded. Certainly being overweight is not good from a health standpoint, but do I deserve to be constantly critisized for being overweight? Its also hard for me because I have a neurological disease that will get progressively worse as time goes on. Maybe after I have the band put in and I lose weight people …

I am having such a time with this AMI band. Any suggestions? I have 7.5 ccs in it right now and have only lost a total of 24 lbs. in 6 months. My siblings are now saying that I should have the gastric bypass. Is it common that whben you have the AMI band, you can go this long without losing much weight? I am very, very discouraged. I called Mexico and Sady said that I may just need a "tweaK", so I have another fill appt. scheduled for Feb. 23rd. Hope this works or I don't know what else to do. Barb

Tonight on Spotlight Health there will be a live chat with my surgeon, Dr. Alan Geiss. http://www.spotlighthealth.com/common/chat/ChatTransDetail.asp?m=1&cid=56 I wanted to add this as a link but just couldn't figure out how to do it. Sorry.

I called and scheduled my first fill yesterday! Normally my Dr. doesn't do fills until 8 weeks post-op, but mine will be about 7 weeks post-op. I don't know if the lady who made the appointment realized that or not, but I'm not leaving without a fill! I have to skip class for this! =) I'm so excited to finally be getting filled. For the past few weeks I've pretty much been able to eat whatever I want, as much as I want. I keep gaining and losing the same 6 lbs. over and over. I'm ready for a little restriction!

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I spend way too much time online and I love to have new boards or journals or whatever to check in at. So if you're craving something else to read, here's a link to my livejournal, which I mainly update when I'm in boring law school classes trying to stay awake =): http://www.livejournal.com/users/shana_marie/

I have a 17 year-old daughter who has struggled with her weight almost her entire life. She's been looking into different solutions and thinks that the Lap Band is right for her. Initially I was against it because its surgery and a huge step. However, I've seen what a painful struggle it is for her to try and fail at so many attempts to change her life, and after researching it more, I'm starting to think it might be a possible option for us. What do you guys think? And for those of you who have battled your weight since childhood, would you have had this procedure so young given the option? Thanks

Just see that some of my favourite people are online right now, same time as me (which rarely happens to me here in Greenwich Mean Time!) and wanted to say hi to Donali, Shelly, Robin and Megan (missed you Megan, it's been ages since you've posted!) anyway HI!!!!!! :kiss :) :)

Hi. My name is Susannah, I am 33 years old and live in Melbourne Australia. I have been sick on and off for years. Last year I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. I am overweight and will be having the lap band surgery soon because of my ms and general health. I am so scared. Any advice or support out there. Thanks so much. Susannah

(Bambam, I hope you don't mind my moving this but I think it's really important that your thoughts get a thread of their own. You'll get a lot more feedback if this is not buried in a thread about meat. :confused: ) Bambam said in another thread: I was banded in July and initially lost 40 lbs in the first 3 months. This was mainly due to me eating liquids and soft foods. I was also afraid to eat much because of fear of slippage. Once I got past that fear and started eating solids my weight loss stopped. I was able to eat way too much. Now I've had two fills. My appetite is still strong and since my initial loss, I have gained twenty back, and now am standing at a tota…

Ok Here I am Cooking for the kids..1 likes vegis, yogurt, good stuff, the 2 year old will easily eat twice as much as me! The other (6 year old girl) practily barfs when she sees anything green.. how do you all do it.(without putting cheese on everything) Cook for the kids the Man, and Me?? Well I try and keep it nutritional;.Alot of Salad and Fruit . Yesterday I made my easy throw the baby back ribs on the BBQ for 5 minutes on each side then put them in a cooking bag/foil for a hour in the oven, oh so good ribs.. Only ate 2 and yes..Forgot how to eat as a banded person.. I happen to get some rib lodged, you know where... for about 2 hours... PBeddd 3 times!! scared tha…

What does the pre-op psycological testing entail? Is it a long process? Can one fail it? Thanks for any advice. It is good reading everyones experiences, as I feel less alone on this journey. Susannah

Hey guys....I have four pics to post...2 before and 2 during front and sides...how can I do this?

Hey all, I know I haven't been an active memeber for awhile, But now that I have a computer at home will be on daily. I have been reading to catch up. WELCOME TO ALL THE NEWBIES!! XOXO~Teresa 34 5'9 Divorced 3 Children~15/13/11 Gering, Nebraska Surgery: 5/14/02 Port Revision: 9/22/02 .80cc Used to be at 2cc 366/209/180-160<~~~Goal!!! Some day soon!!! Dr. Halloway & Dr. Forney Regional West Medical Center Scottsbluff, Nebraska

I went to my first seminar way back in August. The surgeons here require you to attend a seminar, meet with the dr. to make sure you are a canadate, have a psych eval., meet with a dietician....then begin the long process of getting permission from the insurance company. I know they told me it would be a good 5 or 6 months, but it seems like you all are getting in A LOT quicker than that. Maybe it's because Maine is the end of the earth and we don't have as many drs.? Very frustrating I can tell you to finally make up your mind that this is for you and then have to wait and wonder for sooooo long. Sigh...I guess I'll just keep hanging on. It's kind of like being pregnant …

I have tried everything to figure out what "PB or PBing" stands for, but I just can't get it figured out. Anyone so kind as to enlighten me, and while you are at it, let me know what some of the other initials stand for? Also, can anyone describe to me what having something "stuck" feels like, or if you overeat what it feels like? I have also heard that you need to learn a new feeling of being full. Thanks..Kim

After your surgery, did any of you feel depressed for a while? I'm almost 4 weeks post-op and I just feel so out of it still. Maybe it's the crappy weather (damn you, Michigan!), maybe it's mourning for the binges I used to have, maybe it's just that I hate school, I don't know. I haven't really felt like myself since the surgery. I just want to sleep all the time... I started using the Unjury protein powder to see if it would help boost my energy, but it's only been a week and I haven't noticed a difference yet. Just wanted to vent! Any stories or suggestions are appreciated.

Hey everyone!! I went for my 2nd fill last week Monday but unfortunately the doc couldn't feel the port and wanted to do it under flouro. I went this morning and thought everything would be great but when he got a clear picture of my port he was able to get it dead center. Well I thought everything was going ok but it would not fill. The doc had me do a 1/2 sit up but still wouldn't budge. He tried to manipulate it with his hand and still didn't work. He looked at it from every angle imaginable and found that I have a flipped port. So know I have to go in on 2/19 to have it fixed. My question is if anyone here has had a flipped port and if so how was it corrected? …

My insurance will not pay so I'm going to be self-pay. I'm having it done here in the states which cost way more. My question to others is did you have a fear that something could go wrong and your hospital bill could sky-rocket! Did any other self-pay people have this fear. I wondering if there are complication down the road... what will happen will I have to self-pay for complication down the road. anyone else have this fear

I don't know about frozen yogurt. My list does say frozen sorbet, popsickles, yogurt, broth, jello. But of course I am sick of totally. I have not ate much of anything. Last night felt a little crazy and sucked on a sucker. Woo crazzzzzy. It really kind of tasted nasty but felt the urge to keep my mouth busy. Now that is crazy. But it is definately an addiction and my go all the way attitude has me a little nuts (no smoking, coke or food). Well have a good day and good luck. It is hard but I am sure that "thin will be better than anything will taste". Terri