LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Good morning to all you banders. I have been reading here for several months. My wife and I are both planning to have the Lap-band. Went to the seminar with Dr. Grossbard in Zepherhills Florida on January 3, 2004. All necessary doctor records were turned in for past 5 to 10 years history of obesity. History of Obesity related problems as well. Insurance covers it as my employer (retired) is self insured and the procedure is listed in the insurance booklet. Insurance requires a psych consult in which both of us will go next Monday. Insurance requires the consult with nutritionist once before the surgery and three times or more after. Dr. Grossbard, Zephyrhills Florida…

My surgery was 11/24/03. So that is 2 1/2 months but seems longer. The band started to loosen up just before Christmas weekend. I talked to Dr. McKeen (who was also the surgeon) and he scheduled me in right after the New Year weekend. Consequently, by the end of the holidays I had reached the point where I was eating quite a lot of food. It was tough being able to eat during the holidays, but someone has to do it. I didn't want all those skinny people to get it all. But it did set me back and give me a very good understanding of how little the band really does when it is not filled. When Dr. McKeen did the surgery, he left the band fairly deflated because I had a lot…

I'm about a month post-op and since my Dr. doesn't do fills until 2 months out, I'm really struggling with trying not to gain a bunch of weight before that fill. I signed up at fitday.com to track my foods and activities, but I have a question about the basal calories burned. Between the basal calories and my lifestyle calories, it's over 2,800 calories per day, not including calories I burn when I work out. Some of you have posted that you should try to eat a few more calories per day than you're using, but how am I supposed to eat close to 3,000 calories per day, especially if I'm supposed to eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full. That just seems wrong to me. Any s…

I had my very first non-scale victory today and wanted to share it with my other family!! I have been feeling very discouraged because I don't seem to have lost any weight by what the scale says for the last 2 weeks. Well this morning I couldn't figure out what I wanted to wear to work and was rummaging through my closet looking for something when I came across this red pants suit. This suit used to belong to one of my best friends and I always used to tell her that I loved that outfit. When I had my band placed she came over with the outfit and said " This is yours now. I know how much you love it and this will be an incentive for you." Now it was a size 22 but had …

Hello, I have read alot of forums, sounds like a great solution to getting healthy.......Hope i will be able to find out more about it....Peace :confused:

Can I have cottage cheese? I kind of feel sickly from no food. I really don't feel hungry yet I feel light headed, dizzy and a little nauscious. I am having a little craving for cottage cheese but I know I shouldn't yet it is soft enough. Not a whole lot different than the yogurt or jello? Or is it. HELP

Thank you Anne we can use all the help we can get. I am going out shopping for some. I will look for it. Thanks!

Can anyone help me with this? Has anyone faced this? If so, can someone tell me how their journey went from there. I have Cigna EPP, and that was the response I got.

I am having my first fill on Monday- yay! I was soo encouraged by a gal who was waiting for her appointment at the same time as me. she was banded last March and has lost 90lb. She looked fantastic! She assured me that weight just drops off once you get a fill- hopefully this will be true for me too! I could do with some restriction!!! I must confess I have had a little bit of the last supper syndrome happen since I made the fill appointment! I seem to recall a few of you saying that this does happen. Last night we had lobster for my son's birthday....... Uh-uh! Not a good idea! You just can NOT chew it finely enough! It caused me some pain and lots of salivation! Oh we…

I thought you couldn't drink anything carbonated.... soda, beer and champagne...

Alright, so this isn't the first time I have posted that I'm seriously sad that I haven't lost more weight. It's been almost four months and I'm down 20 pounds. I've had two fills and am going in for my third next Friday. Thank goodness. But- I had something very interesting happen today. I bought a big bag of dog food this time- the 18 lb size...and as I was carrying it up the stairs I thought...geez...this makes it a lot harder to walk up these stairs. Then it hit me- this is what it felt like four months ago to walk up the stairs. So now I'm not as sad...I'm so grateful for even 20 lbs. Even at 288 lbs I can run up and down the stairs again. It really is…

I higly recommend him

Hi, friends, I was banded on Tuesday and it's become very obvious that my threshhold for pain and discomfort is...well...low. So, not to discourage any pre-ops---remember, my threshhold for pain is apparently LOW---but did anyone out there feel really horrible immediately post-op? I'm having a heard time moving from side to side (like, pulling myself out of bed) and getting up and down from my chairs. I'm terrified I'm going to dislodge my band, or rip my stitches. I'm sorry to be SUCH a baby--I did not know this about myself--I thought I was a real soldier! Also, anyone experience major mood swings post-op? I'm assuming it has something to do with the anesthesi…

I've updated my journal - http://www.webspawner.com/users/juliesjournal/index.html - please let me know if you find problems with it, I've still not quite got to grips with the new format the provider has introduced! Best wishes Julie

SAW THIS ON ANOTHER BOARD!!!!!! Original Post by Leilani ~*~ at 10:08 AM PST on 02/03/2004 MyRoseColoredWorld, VA - RNY (01/17/2003) For those of you lookin' to save money on your Protein, how does 0.29 cents per shake sound? Oh, and if you require that it taste good too, it does! Got my order in today from http://www.dpsnutrition.net I rec'd three 5.5 pound tubs of Dymatize ELITE protein. Deep chocolate, coffee Mocha and vanilla. With shipping it was $75 for 255 servings. If I drink TWO shakes a day, I still have OVER a 3 month supply for pennies on the dollar. I've yet to find a site that comes close to this kind of a savings, if any of you have other bargai…

Any idea on what is the best drink to supply nutrients to the body while on this liquid portion of the diet? I am feeling a little weak and shaky. I was just banded Monday morning. I have been reading a book by Bill Phillips and he says that Myoplex is a great protien drink? Any body try it? Any idea on what to do to get rid of this dizzy shaky feeling? I am not hungry at all but just feel a little out of it. Terri

Does not sound like a good experience. I am sorry any one has to go thru that. I just got my band put in monday still a little sore. I hope that doesn't happen to you again. Good luck Terri

Yes, that's right, I finally got my first fill yeasterday. There were three others in front of me, a first for one man, and they all came back saying, piece of cake! Now, I don't know if any of you saw this movie where they say NEVER say "piece of cake", cuz it's a guarantee for something to go wrong? I can't remember the title, but the point is, the other fill-ees shouldn't have said "piece of cake"! Where I go, they have you stand up for the fill, looking at the screen. first I was numbed, then he proceded to stab the port. It kept moving around, and when he thought he got it, he pushed the needle in and it bent inside of me...all the while I was watching this…

Okay I really struggle with Water. I was told by a Gastric Bypass patient to drink Crystal Light....can Crystal light take the place of water? Sorta like adding lemon? I am not a big drinker and I don't want to drink Crystal light if it can's benefit me like water......let me know your thoughts! Birdee::devious

Hi Babs, Just want to let you know that by following your suggestion I didn't PB once today. This is the FIRST day in over a week that I got in SOLID Protein, cut up VERY small and chewed until my jaws were tired! I'm thrilled because it means I won't have to go for an un-fill if this keeps up. Deep down I sort of knew this was the problem but "hearing" it from others makes a greater impression. Thank you for not blowing off a silly question. Sometimes we just need a reminder of how we're supposed to help our little bandit! Lulu :confused:

Happy New Year, and thank you for this board. Sue

My first two fills did very little, so last week Monday I asked the doc to make it a good one! Ever since then I'm REALLY restricted, which is great, but I've been PBing every day and this worries me. Some of you indicated that it takes a few weeks for a fill to "settle" and I'm hoping this will happen to me also. I really don't want to get some taken out and go back to where I was. Any thoughts?????? Thanks, my friends!!!

Your brilliant minds can help!! I went for a blind fill yesterday and this is how it went: Dr. numbed port area, inserted hebber needle. Went to withdraw old saline/fill, only got .5cc's out, previous fill 10 weeks ago was at 3.5cc's(I'm thinking I have big gremlins). He pulled that needle out and got a brand new needle and again nothing came out. So he put 2cc's in then tried to get that out...nothing. Pulled the needle out and tried again...nothing would come out, not even a drop(by this time I'm expecting blood) As were looking at each other they already have a Flouro scheduled with iodine solution to check for leaks. The questions start "when did you loose res…

Well, no fill...it is snowing here in Minnesota, and the Dr. cancelled all the fills for today. grrrrrrrrrrrr! I made it to work...the nurse made it to work, lots of other people made it to work...this is the second time my first fill had to be cancelled...it is going on almost four months since my surgery. I just had to vent! Sheryl -not filled-

If you have the swedish band (SAGB), can you tell me how many cc's the doctor put in yours on your 1st fill? and how many cc's for each fill thereafter?

Hey ladies: I am new to lapband talk, and am in the process of having my surgery approved. I went to a required nutritionist meeting the other day. She told us that we could NEVER NEVER have carbonated cokes or drinks again, and that we could only have flat colas, due to the carbonation "stretching out your new stomach"???? Is this true? I dont know why this bothers me so... I'm not really a soda addict... but this is basically the first time I have heard anybody use the term NEVER in relation to post lap band surgery behavior. Dont get me wrong.. I am ready to change my habits.... I just want to hear your opinion.. She also said NO MORE GUM or straws.... EVER!!!! W…

Well, tomorrow I go in for my first fill. It has been four months since my surgery, and boy! am I ready!! I have lost about 25lbs, but am fluctuating up a few/down a few. Every so often, I get food stuck, and occasionally, I p.b. I hope the fill is going to be alright. I'm a little worried that I may still be eating too fast, and too big of bites...those are my biggest problems. I have been reading a lot about everyone's fills, and a lot of them have been unpleasant, yet a lot have been a piece of cake...um, sorry... I hope that mine will be an easy one. It is conducted in the O.R. with floro??or X-ray?? - which ever way, they can see what they are doing. I'll tr…

Some of you may remember that about 3 weeks ago I had a very bad experience with my stomach totally closing after I took Advil. I was in so much pain that I had to have an un-fill (I started with 5cc fill & my Dr. took out 3cc, so now I have 2cc). Although I was greatful not to be in pain, I was rather depressed because I was 10lbs. from my goal and thought I would never lose it now. For a few days I was careful and watched my portions. Much to my surprise I have lost 5 lbs. since the un-fill. I just wanted you to know that it is possible to still lose weight, we just have to be careful about the amount of food we consume. Just wanted to share in case someon…

HERE IS A LINK TO A LAPBAND DEATH. HE HAD A HEART ATTACK AFTER BEING BANDED.

I had my second fill after not loosing any weight for 3 weeks. I went from 1.00 to 1.4 after a week it was still hurting to drink coffer or orange juice in the mornings. All I could get down was creamed Soup and puffed cheatos. The Dr could not belive I gained 1 lb, he took out .2cc for some releif, I go back in 3 weeks. Dr said I had to be eating really bad food. Cream of (take your pick) twice a day and Carnation instant breakfest in the morning. Sometimes crackers, chips or popcorn just to get something down. I am getting very disappointed I have only lost 20 lbs since my surgery Oct 8. I have not lost any weight since before Christmas. Anybody else had this kin…

I'm wanting to get a fill as soon as I can, as I can already tell I have very little restriction now. (3 weeks post op) I'm trying to decide if I should have it done with a Dr near me, or go back to Dr. Ortiz. The cost will be about the same either way. Sue, I remember you saying at one time you had been to Dr. O for a fill... any comments? Is he too conservative with fills? If its going to take many fills to get some restriction, I'll probly just stay here. Thanks

This coming Monday! Wish me luck!

Hi guys, me again asking for your valued opinions. Got my fill ( still am quite embarrassed for my panicked post before that) and the weirdest thing happened! Up to the day of the fill, i was having trouble eating fast, would get full quite easily, couldn't gulp, and was getting dinner and Breakfast stuck most days ( not proud here, just honest - have trouble with chewing and eating slowly). After my first fill, i had to go on liquids for 24 hours. Then started eating, and to my surprise..... 1) nothing gets stuck anymore, 2) I can eat as much as before surgery 3) I can eat things I wasnt able to eat before without sipping Water ( like bread), freely. :confused: i kee…

Hi all... I had my first fill on Friday the 23rd. The procedure itself wasn't too bad. They put in one cc. I've lost 15 lbs so far, and I was banded in Nov. I had lost about 20 lbs and gained some back. After the fill, my doc said to do liquids for 2 days and soft foods for 4 more days after that. I did what he said, but I'm hungry all the time. I had some mashed boiled egg and that seemed to help. I'm missing food bigtime. and feeling bad that I can't snack. I'm trying so hard not to give in to temptation, though. I'm also trying hard to exercise. I'm on a walking program and doing that 5 to 6 days a week. I'm just having those "this is going to fail …

I'm looking for a fill doctor in California. I prefer Sacramento (Nor Cal), but any will do. Does anybody know any? Thank you :confused:

On the post-op diet sheets my Dr. gave me, it mentions leaf lettuces in the "soft foods" portion of the diet. I was wondering if anybody else was told that lettuce is a soft food?

GREAT FILL DOCTORS IN LOUISIANA!!!! CALL FOR APPT 225-673-8983 ASK FOR DANA Dr. Curtis and Dr. Wells in Prairieville//Baton Rouge area were trained by Dr. Sanchez in Monterrey Mexico. They do fills using xray and charge 250.00 for the first and 200.00 there after. They are so caring and really want to help us bandsters. If anyone needs a fill please call them. They will fill anyone.....most doctors only fill their patients that they banded themselves. You will love them.

Thank you first to all who has responded so far. This is by far the hardest decision I have to make. I would love to hear other's thoughts and what helped them make their decision to get this procedure done. Please post away and anything provided I am sure would be a great insight as to why I NEED to do this. I have a 7 yr old daughter who needs me and I feel so limited in what I can do. Thank you for all your help! Baileym

This is a kind of boring subject, I know, but I'm unsure of what to do. I had made an appointment for a fill tomorrow because I hadn't lost anything in three weeks. I can't eat as much as I could pre-band, but usually find that I stop myself from overeating rather than getting any signals from the band. My eating habits still aren't perfect, but they have improved. I'm eating more nutritiously than before and exercising daily walking 1.2 miles on the treadmill (2.4 miles on the weekend). And today that stubborn next pound is gone. I only have 1.1cc in the band. Any thoughts? Nancy

I had my second fill yesterday. First fill was 1.6 on October 6. Went back the next day because I was miserable and not able to get much Water down and he took out 1.4 cc's. Wanted another fill because weight loss had stopped and the band wasn't working as the deterrent it was meant to be. My weight loss has been slow anyway (my not-always-great food choices, I'm sure), but Dr. said it was fine. When he took out the 1.4 cc's -- it was all there, so that was good. He put in 1.8 cc's. When I asked him if that was enough, the doctor said you want to take it more slowly because you don't want to use up what you've got (meaning the 4 cc's) too soon. I feel plenty fu…

Didn't know which section to post this under so I posted it here! My sister is looking into getting the lap band and her insurance will cover it 100% after she gets a dietician evaluation, sleep study and psych evaluation. Her question is what goes on during these test. I am banded but did not have to do any of these prior to being banded, so I am really no help to her about these topics. So any replies will be wonderful!!!!! THANKS..

What does Lap hurt like?:guess

Where to start??!!?? I really don't know where to start. I do know this.......I was banded back in July. To date I have lost 20 pounds. A lot of my own doing mind you. I am having to STRUGGLE with the whole no eating and drinking thing. I am up to about 3.4 CC's and I can tell a big difference! I CAN'T eat and drink anymore. I feel so discouraged because I see where other people that were banded after me have almost met there goal. I knew this surgery was going to be a struggle, I just did not imagine it would be this hard!!!!!! I am consumed at work all day long and it is impossible to exercise. My life is so busy that I can barely get in Water.....if you c…

I read an article in my Self magazine this month taking about alternatives to plain Water. They suggested fixing a tray of fruit juice ice cubes. If you're bored with bottled water and crave more flavor than you get from a lemon wedge, fix yourself a tray of fruity juice cubes. Pour 1 1/2 cups pure cran-raspberry juice into an ice-cube tray, drop 2 or 3 frozen raspberries or blueberries or a strawberry into each cube and freeze. Each fat-free cube provides at least 10% of your daily Vitamin C needs and turns water into a delicious drink all for only 13 calories. Here's to drinking our water in the New Year!

I just had to tell everyone, Wednesday will be my three month bandiversary...wow what a journey so far! I'm in love with my band and while I can't figure it out right now (so tight tonight...usually at dinner time I'm loose) I am loving every minute of it! Today I had a check up with my primary care physician and when the assistant was weighing me in she had looked at my chart and put the weight on the scale up to 250...I stood on it and it was in the down position...I watched her slide it to the left...past 240...past 230...past 220...and finally resting at 213! She looked rather astonished when she was marking down my weight compared to what it was last Octobe…

Okay guys need help with my eating......what type of things are you all eating? Breakfast? lunch? dinner? Snack? Just need ideas to get me back on the right path! Birdee:D

The next fill date for Dr. Wells & Dr. Curtis is Feb. 6. Time slots are filling up fast so if you are interested in making an appt. call Dana at 225.673.8983. I'm posting their fill policy (FYI) :confused: I tried to download this several times... to no avail... will just paste the info in: LAP-BAND FILL POLICY EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2004 Tina T. Wells, M.D. and Elizabeth B. Curtis, M.D. 17505 Old Jefferson Highway Prairieville, La 70769 Ph (225) 673-8983 Fax (225) 677-8983 1. The price for all fills will be $300.00 per fill. This price includes the facility fee, the physician fees, and all supplies. 2. For all patients getting their first fill aft…

hi Everyone, A couple of days ago, I went to Lane Bryant to see if I could buy some clothes on sale to tide me over . I couldn't believe it but I fit into a size 20 pants and a size 18 shirt. Haven't seen those numbers in about 18 years.! THis weekend I went to the park with my kids and for the first time ever since I have had children I got onthe swings and reached for the sky.! I have always been afraid to do this because I thought the swing would not hold my weight. It was glorious just swinging away and I also climed the monkey bars. Woohoo, the little victories are the most important! babs in TX 334/248/180 -86 and counting 6/23/03

Ok, so I’m on a plateau. I’ve been at this weight since just after Thanksgiving, give or take a couple of pounds of holiday indulging. Of course, I have to remember that just because the scale doesn’t show a gain is no reason to indulge in sweets :rolleyes. Now it’s almost February and I should be ready to get going again. But I need to get jolted out of the complacent place I’m in. And the cold weather here does not help at all! It’s very hard to drink enough Water because I rarely get thirsty. And my husband and kids keep baking for fun, and of course I have to taste their creations. But these are just rationalizations for my lack of focus. It’s not that I’m mad at …

Last monday I went in for another fill since I had no weight loss for 5 weeks. I went from 2.8 cc's to 2.9 cc's. In the past week I have not been able to eat solids and Protein drinks are hard to get down. It hurts to eat or drink anything. It has been hard to drink all of my Water. I am going in today to have the .1 cc removed. I am comfortable with the decision. I think I was trying to keep up with a friend who has the band and has 3.0 cc's. This is a good lesson that everyone is different and the band is a tool. I do not think it was meant to make me miserable all of the time. I am ready for the unfill and to start following the band directions. Kathy