LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hey! I went looking for you and you were gone... How are you? I've missed you. What's it like over here...?

Got on the scale tonight and discovered I was at 298! Woohoo! I've been very excited about getting under 300 lbs. and had set 299 as my "mini goal"; very exciting to actually surpass my mini goal. And, to think, I ate a couple of cookies this morning. I guess the key thing is that I stopped at two; that never happened back in the pre-op days. I'm sure a lot of people who were never "super morbidly obese" (which is what I was at 372 lbs) would still feel huge at 298 lbs. For me, as someone who weighed 300+ even in junior high and can't remember what it was like to ever weigh less, any number that starts with a 2 sounds fantastic! I'm not sure what to set for my next …

Hi All, I am scheduled to be banded on the 29th of Dec. with Dr. Kurian in NYC. I just read all of the messages here, and they were so helpful. I had particularly been wondering about the Vitamins I take, drinking, and what kinds of foods to get post op. I have an additional problem: I am allergic to corn products, and that sure does rule out many yogurts, puddings, Jello, etc. I sure am open to any suggestions. Tangerine, congrats on your remarkable weight loss--not being banded I always check out losses; it encourages me! I also noted you live near me and that Dr. Kurian is your Dr. too. Again, thanks to all. It is so wonderful being able to share experiences…

Just want to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone here. May all of us reach at least some of our goals in 2004, whether it's deciding on getting banded, actually having surgery, learning to live with the band (me!), or any of the multitude of minigoals we set for ourselves. Let's make a collective resolution to keep LapBand Talk thriving. It's been a huge help to me and lots of others, and we can't overstate the importance of experiences shared. Thanks to you all for being here. Enjoy the night, everyone!!! :D

Right now I am currently on the full liquid diet. I am pretty sure of what I can eat but did have a question about oatmeal and grits. Are these allowed during this time or does that come later?

I am having some difficulty getting all of my Protein and Water in each day. I usually have a 16 oz skim latte in the morning. cheese sticks (not fried, of course) are a big mainstay, although I'm feeling a bit "bound up" if you know what I mean. A scrambled egg works for me, too. My family loves going to Buffalo Wild Wings, and I usually have three wings (pulling the skin off) and that satisfies. My dietician said I should get a minimun of 40grams of protein in each day. But somethimes it is hard to plan meals. My life is pretty hectic, and I bum out if my protein choices were poor, or not varied enough during the day. I am thinking that I should have a protein…

If you don't have insurance or been denied. These sites may be a possible lead/help for financing. MediCredit.Com http://www.medicredit.com/consumers/ Monarch Financing http://www.monarchfinance.com Personal Finance Solutions http://www.p-f-s.com Unicorn Financial http://www.unicornfinancial.com/ VABfn http://www.vabfn.com/ Health Ready http://www.medfinancing.com/ Cosmetic Capitol One http://www.amerifee.com/cosmetic-surgery-financing/

Join us at the Texas Bandster Bash and Wellness Conference So you’ve been wondering about the Texas Bandster Bash…heard some rumors but haven’t seen where to sign up or where to get information? Here’s what you’ve been waiting for! If you take a look at www.texasbandsterbash.com it will tell you about · The gorgeous location we’ve chosen, the historic Tremont House on Galveston Island, and the alternative we’ve worked out to stay in the sister hotels nearby. · The registration cost of only $70 / Bandster, how to register and information on how to make your hotel reservations · Events and opportunities like one-on-one personal fitness sessions with a certified tra…

I've read all the stuff about what to expect with getting a fill, as far as the general gist of what will happen, but from a patient's perspective, what should I expect? Does it hurt? How will I feel afterward? How long until I feel some restriction? (I know that one varies for everyone, but I guess I'd just like an idea of what to expect.)

Does anyone know the difference between the Inamed lapband and the swedish (Obtech) band?

What type of pain do most people have three weeks post op?....I am currently eating soft/mushy foods and have this pain on on my right side (near port) and my mid abdomen. It even hurts when I get up or sit down....Please help:sick

I'm now two weeks post op and on mushy foods. I feel like I am able to eat too much! I am not eating anywhere near what I used to. But it just seems like I should be eating a lot less than what I am. Yesterday I had cottage cheese & peaches for breakfast, then a snack of pudding, lunch was 1/4 cup of tuna salad and a few crackers, snack of pudding, dinner was chili, and then I even tried some lasagna! All this without any problems!! Is something wrong?? Why am I able to eat so much? It almost feels like I am not banded! I have lost 20 lbs in the last two weeks, so I know I'm on the right track. But it still seems like too much food. Help!

My husband had lap band surgery last July, and 5 months later, has dropped 70 pounds!! I am SOOO proud of him and he looks and feels soooo much better. That's my main feeling about this whole journey. But......I'm having problems I would like to bring to this forum. I am overweight with a BMI around 34, so don't qualify for my insurance to pay for the lapband surgery for me. I've been on every diet known to mankind and do the typical yo-yo dieting. My issue here is that my husband has NOT told any of his family or mine that he had the surgery. He says that he is just eating smaller portions and slowing down a lot. While that is true, it's also a half-truth! He h…

Okay, so it's still a large shape, but it's a shape! My goodness, I even have a butt. Never had a butt before, couldn't see it with all of my back fat. Wow, I'm stoked. Hope everyone had happy holidays!

Well, I guess I'm ringing in 2004 in my White size 20 jeans..YEA!!! Before surgery I bought these and thought oh by next spring I bet I can wear them!! I can wear them now. I paid like $3.00 for them since they were missing the button. I'm just pretty excited! I have really been having some bad days here this last week. I feel like food is just stuck..I thought I was ready for another fill? CRAZY!! Okay, Moving on... I have cleaned out my closet. I have lots of clothes to get rid of: 1. size26 black white dress pants 2. size 24/26 puple mini skirt-never worn 3. size 26 brown orange looking pants-never worn 4.size 2x light yellow short pants-red spot on leg? No c…

How's 2004 so far? Is it a big party? :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny

Hey I found a doctor! Bradley Needleman at Ohio State University Medical Center. They are sending me all the information for the Bariatic Program and application... But they told me I was borderline with a BMI of 38 and this is going to require more paperwork with the insurance company.. Has anyone had this problem before?

I just want to say thank you to everyone who contributes to this forum. It has been such a remarkable help to me as I have been researching and planning my journey to Bandlandia! With the New Year quickly approaching, I was waiting to hear news as to whether or not my insurance would cover my Lap-Band. To be perfectly honest, I was expecting a denial… But to my surprise I received an approval letter in the mail today. I didn’t think it could be true and was so unsure that I drove all the way to the doctor’s office to show them (they haven’t gotten their copy yet)… It has been confirmed, I am approved for surgery!!! The doctor’s office needs to get their copy and the…

I READ IN MAGAZINE THAT IF YOU HAVE HAD PREVIOUIS ADOMINAL SURGREY THAT YOU WOULD NOT BE A GOOD CANIDATE FOR THE LAP BAND. I HAVE HAD 2 C-SECTIONS . IS THIS ME? (PLEASE SAY NO!!!! )

Hey there Jersey gang! I'm a patient of Dr. Alexander Abkin and will be operated on at Morristown Memorial hospital at the end of this month (providence willing). I'd love to connect with other NJ people from north of the border.

It occurred to me--I'm sometimes a little slow on the uptake--that I had been medicating for reflux for nigh onto three months, with only moderate relief. So, I found a few photos of what esophagitis looked like and went running for an unfill. Dr. Kuri was kind enough to do the unfill. He had also done my first fill, a year ago, even though he was not my surgeon. Actually, it was the random, spontaneous trip from hell and occasonally a laugh riot. I started the morning in the Laguna Niguel area, brunching with a family member and then talking to my "eating coach" (?--I just made up that title), and deciding that I needed an unfill NOW. I drove down the coast to t…

Hi and congrats on all your losses !! I am going for my consult this month and have been reading alot here and learning alot.........my ??? now is----what does the right amount of restriction or the "perfect fill" feel like ?? Thanks & hoping for your successes soon !!

Well, I guess it's obvious that it WOULD drop, of course, but it's just fun to see it actually happening!! This morning I checked my BMI on an online calculator, based on my surgery weight and then again based on today's weight. My BMI has dropped from 50.7 to 45.6 in six weeks!!

I have been reading all the posts, but have not been posting lately. My third fill is scheduled for December 30th!! I wanted to wait until after Christmas so I could eat a little. I really hope this is the magic spot for me. Hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season!!!

Hey everyone. I went back to work today - took an extended vacation from work after being banded. Anyways, when lunch hour came people asked me where I was going for lunch - I was notorious for being the "food getter" cause everyone always knew I was going SOMEWHERE for lunch. Well I suprised them all!!! Now keep in mind that I have ZERO restriction and I can eat anything - and I do mean ANYTHING - and wont be getting my first fill until Jan 5th. I could have easily went to Panera Bread and got a sandwich and soup - they have the BEST food I have ever tasted........but to make a long story short, guess what I did. I went down to our company gym and got on the TREADM…

The first 9 days after my surgery on 12/11/03 I was barely able to consume three Protein shakes a day and sipping tea took a half hour. By day 11 I can consume two scrambled Eggbeaters and 12 oz of cottage cheeze with absolutely no resistance, bloating or pressure at all. Drinking a 24oz bottle of Water no longer requires sipping. I only had two minor vomiting incidents on days 3 and 4. Have I lost it? Is this normal? When I called my doctors office I was eventually called back by his partner who said, "why are you calling me, because you are feeling TOO Good, not TOO Bad?" I feel like a fool. I'm open to opinions

I am not 2 sure what is going on with my band. For the past 2 weeks I have not been able to eat without everything getting stuck. I can't drink with out feeling the golfball in my chest. I am scheduled for a fill on the 29th and it doesn't look like I will be going. I have lost another 5 lbs but I am nervous that I am not getting the nutrition that I need. My last fill was around October 28th. I wasn't this tight till about 2 weeks ago. After my monthly cycle finished. I figured that it would loosen up but it has not. I talked to my Dr's office and they told me to call on Friday to cancel my appt. If I decide to. Could my band have slipped? Any information from you…

Well, I got my third fill on Monday. I am up to 2.5cc's and FINALLY feel some restriction. Although, truthfully, I think I still need more. I have only lost about 18lbs since the surgery (3 months ago) and boy I am feeling discouraged. Anyone else have to have so many fills before getting adequately restricted? You know the psychological element of this whole thing plays such a role with me. I am so flipping performance oriented, and a perfectionist! I realize that I am scared to go home for Christmas, because I don't want to hear my mother say... "Gee... I thought you would have lost more by now." (Before I got the surgery, one of her friends who wants to have RNY, sp…

Yeah, so I'm doing about 10 lbs a month or so, but I honestly feel like it's slowed way down (maybe it's all the candy dishes at work). I'm exercising one hour to one hour and a half a day, but honestly I almost never drink anything, and I see a lot of "liquid" references. I probably drink less than 2-3 cups of liquid a day. I just... never drink. What should I do? Diet pills, hollywood diet... anyone, anything? I'm trying get all Britney-Spears fabulous (ha ha ha) by March for my Australia trip...

just wanted to say Hi to Alexandra - haven't "seen" you for ages and hoping you're ok - missing all your good advice here - Have you gone into hiding to watch the new Lord of the Rings movie over and over????!!! take care, and know you're missed!

Ok - now that I have everyone's attention, I have a question........is there ANYTHING that anyone knows about that can help me ease this constipation QUICKLY??!! I used to be very regular until I had the surgery but of course now I don't go but maybe once a week if that. I have been drinking plenty of liquids - mainly water and don't know what the problem is. Can someone help me please?

Apologies - I haven't been posting much lately - I do read all the new posts every night tho. I am finding it a bit isolated here in Ireland, I feel I don't have anything to contribute advice-wise as my experience of surgery etc seems so different from all of your experiences with the american / mexican doctors. As I haven't told anyone here (except for our two dearest friends!) that I have the lap band, I feel like I am the only person in the universe going through this banded life! Thank god for this message board - it's (imho) the friendliest board and I smile every night reading the posts (and cheer for you all too!). So basically, I am feeling kinda lonely here, …

Okay, I am almost 2 weeks post surgical and have started on mushies. I am getting REALLY hungry though. Like most new bandees I have little restriction at this point, but please give me reasurance that this will get better once I have a fill. I also notice that I am hungrier/can consume more in the evening. This also seems quite common for many bandees, right? Okay- dare I say it- there does not seem to be a huge difference for me.:phanvan :cry

Are you all exercising? If so, what are you doing? I began the "Walk away the Pounds" system today. I like it, it's very low impact, but it gets the heart rate up and you can do it in the home. My husband bought some Windsor pilates cds but I haven't tried those yet. Anyone ever done these? If so, did you like it?

Okay, before I launch into my question/issue, let me clarify that I know that many people don't really feel any restriction until they've received one or more fills. I know that the first six weeks is about healing, not weight loss, and the weight that is lost during this time is a "bonus". But I'm beginning to wonder if I need to change my definition of "restriction"... I guess, going into this, I thought that "restriction" was a feeling that told me that I was "full", and it was time to stop eating. I NEVER feel this, but if I am vigilant about portion control, I do know that when I stop, I'm no longer hungry, and I can go quite a while before I am hungry again. I…

I was sent (by someone with painted toes) to the other site and I read where you are declaring yourself pretty much a horse's patooty. Well, no such luck, hot shot. Gaining weight between surgery and the first fill is no biggie. Happens all the time. Enjoy your "mini-fill" and all the holiday goodies, in moderation, of course. You'll be looking like Sinatra in the 50's in no time at all. Sue

As you can see from my signature, I haven't lost all that much weight, but I am beginning to feel completely different. I am so much more assertive now. I am beginning to speak my mind. Like yesterday when someone thanked me for participating in a program and I said, "You're very welcome, but I don't want to do it anymore. The people here don't treat me well and I don't need that." And she not only understood, she said she felt that way herself and started talking about ways to change it. I guess I've been participating in that program for two years and never complained once because after all, someone wanted me to do it so I have to do it, right? Or like there…

Hello All I'v been really sick for a few days and been mostly in bed but I have experienced some greater restriction in the last week. I believe it was Donali who said she got more restriction 4 weeks out from her fill(correct me if I'm wrong). My last fill was on 11/21/03 and I'm up to 3.5cc's note I have an AMI band which is taller then an Inamed band. I make these references cause I also study the differences and similarities if any among bands. Anyway during Thanksgiving I was able to eat alittle of everything with some restriction, I take vitamins cut in half every morning, I even have a carbonated water occasionally, not a problem. Then this last week I ca…

Hello everyone! It is me Zhanna! I have been banded 1 month tomorrow. I am kinda dissapointed with my results since I lost about 12 pounds. I can eat anything nowwith tiny restriction. Of course my portions are 1/2 smaller than I used to eat but I am afraid I am not loosing enough at this time. I am going for my first fill on Jan 7th. Please let me know if it is normal. Also what is good restriction in terms of portions. If you are able to eat CHicken breast and some veggies for dinner or lunch is it alot? Thank you for your help!

I was wondering if anyone else had a SLOW and maybe sometime a GAIN on weight loss in their first 2 months? I am at 31lbs lost(going up and down) and 30inches lost.. But im 2 months post op.. I know that you should only lose 2 lbs a week but I was also 315lbs.. I figured I would lose more in the begining.. Angela

Hello: Just wondering if any of you out there suffer from PCOS and have been banded and what the out come of your PCOS symptoms are? I get banded on 1/9 with hopes that most of my PCOS symptoms go away...

Okay I know it is not good to cheat but my head is saying you need a coke... you want a coke.. doesn't that coke smell good..ummmy.. Well, I was at Sams club and the kids were running around acting a fool and I could not find the baking goods.AHHH Anyway after walking down 100 isles I was in need of a drink. NOT thinking I picked up my daughters frozen coke and took a big and I mean big gulp!! Before I could catch myself I was standing there with this dumb look on my face like I just committed a crime.. My husband's face said it all.. He said "honey there is no carbonation in a frozen coke, they just use ice and syrup". So since this accident I have cheated and had 2.…

I'm so excited! I just found out that my lap-band surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23rd! Less than two weeks away. Dr. Billing from Moose Lake is doing my surgery. I started my pre-op diet on Tuesday, and so far, so good. I can do anything for two weeks. I'm still a little concerned about insurance, as I don't have approval yet, but they have assured me it shouldn't be a problem. I don't think I'll relax until I wake up from surgery and they tell me everything went okay. Melissa

just thought I'd share with you all, an article I read in the Sunday papers - this is paraphrased from the Sunday Times (British Newspaper) and I found it interesting - Seven Ways to Speed Up Your Metabolism: 1. Stock up on soy milk - soy Protein slightly increases the metabolic rate - scientists have found that people who drink soy milk rather than standard milk have a higher weight loss result. It seems the supernutrients known as isoflavones give a helping hand by accelerating the breakdown of fat. Go for a brand with no added sugar. 2. Increase your Calcium intake - calcium has, in addition to building bones, also has some fat burning potential! Regular intakes …

After being on all liquids for the last THREE WEEKS, I'm finally allowed to eat mushy foods. But the problem is that the only things that I can think of are sweet... yogurt, pudding, mashed banana, oatmeal. I'm not really a big fan of sweets, especially not as a meal. What were some other things that the rest of you ate during this stage? I will be at this stage for another three weeks, and I want lots of options!

Anyone having trouble eating enough fiber? If I eat fiber, I get sick, no matter how much I chew. I can eat some salad but not enough to keep me from being constipated. Has anyone tried any fiber pills or drinks that help? I'm also thinking that my intestines are used to having lots more food in them so they don't like to work with the little they get now. What are your solutions?

I'm new to this board.. I was banded on Oct, 15 this year im down 30lbs and 30 inch.. Just wanted to say hi to everyone.. I'll talk to you all soon

Just wondered if I had any band-buddies for that day. Also, what should I take to the hospital with me? Thanks in advance!

Hi Everyone. Today I'm very sad. I recieved a denial letter from UHC. They state "benefits are not availale for surgical and non-surgical treatment of obesity, including morbid obesity under your plan". :cry I guess I'll always be fat. Marsha

this link has tons of WLS folks who posted before and after photos of plastic surgery after WLS. some of these show ALL so you have been forwarned. do your exercises... Toning Can Help!!!! http://groups.msn.com/ThePlasticSurgeryExperience/shoebox.msnw