LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi All - I have been so inspired by the various personal websites I have been to, and have always vowed to give back by doing the same. However... Miss Procrastination that I am, I have never gotten around to it (nearly a year later!!). But, FINALLY, I at least put up some pictures. No after pictures, yet, but some before pictures. lol So hopefully the site will grow into something useful and inspiring, but for now at least I've made a small start. Baby steps, baby steps... I don't have to be perfect... lol :sick http://donali.tripod.com/mylapbandpix.html I will work on it more, although probably not until late January. For now, inquiring minds …

Hi guys, Everything went perfectly. I am home and now a proud bandee! I am too slow a typer to give a blow by blow account and it would be boring anyway. The only thing that I do want to mention is how important walking and doing the breathing exercises were for me. I swear my lungs felt like they had been squinched when I woke up. And walking and deep breathing made me feel way better. I slept most of the day of surgery and then got up yesterday, had a shower walked laps around the floor- it was kinda fun. Also important was to remember to take small sips frequently of whatever I was drinking. Interesting is that I have yet to feel hungry. The sorest part is th…

I've only been banded 1 week & 1 day, but almost the whole time I've been eating solids, puddings & yogurts. The doctor told me to only be on liquids the 1st week, but didn't tell me "why". I thought since I was so hungry & my stomach could handle it, it would be ok. I since learned that I could have stretched the stitches and that later my band could have slippage or erode. Do any of you think I have already ruined my chances? The 1st week was probably the most important for healing, right? What are the chances I've already messed myself up?

I received an email from my band buddy today who has a friend that moved from the surgeon we currently see in Milwaukee, WI who does fills without fluro, out to Arizona where they use fluoro. Here is part of her quoted email: "During my first visit I told my new doctor I had two fills already and said I still don't feel full. He said by doing the fill under fluro you can see everything and make the correct adjustment in one session. He said they close the opening and then back off to allow for the correct opening size." My band buddy took this to mean that getting fills under fluoro assures the "correct" fill right off the bat. She is going to call and inquire…

Well, I'm back from Mexico! I was originally scheduled for surgery Nov. 21. However, that didn't coincide well with the time I need off for work, so I rescheduled it for Dec. 9. Let me say, for me, it went about as uneventful as it could. Arrived at the hospital around 8am. Had the doctor's assistant show us the different bands to figure out which one we wanted. I liked the Midband and the largest Inamed band, so just said whichever the doctor felt was best for me. Had blood drawn for tests around 9am. Got some happy sleepy drugs soon after. Can't remember what time I got out of surgery, but know I was making telephone calls around 2pm. I haven't really ha…

hi i have recently met some 'successfull bandsters' from the same dr i have and they told me one of the ways they lost weight (LIKE 40 POUNDS!!!) was by taking Water pills you get from dr ( PCP not lapband dr) one of the ladies has been banded 6 months and has lost 106 pounds (i DO NOT want to lose that fast!!!) our dr removed some of her fill because of the quick loss but she said it is from the water pills. she was losing average before but the weight fell of her when she got the script it was for lasix (sp) when she went back for another fill the removed some beacause of the drastic loss. she started at 301 and is 195 today. do any of ya'll take them? just wonderi…

I was banded 1 week ago today and the doctor said to be on liquids for 1 week, then soft foods on the 2nd week, then solids on the 3rd week. Well, I haven't been following the liquid phase because I'm still so hungry. I went straight to solids last night (only 6 days with the bad) by eating chicken and rice last night. My stomache didn't hurt or anything, just some gas. I didn't eat very much and I chewed it up really good. Do you all think it's ok to eat what I want as long as I don't over-do it and chew good? I just can't do that liquid diet & my stomach is tolerating solids already. I would love to hear some comments.

Well, I am attending a seminar about the Lap Band that is required by my surgeon prior to surgery. It is put on by either himself or the other surgeon in his practice. I guess they explain everything about the process and answer questions. The following day I have my consultation with the surgeon. I am traveling about 3.5 hours one way... yuck. But I think it will be worth it. Now I am going to call my insurance company (UHC) and explain everything and see where I get. The hospital I am going through has already sent me an information packet that has codes in it that the ins. company may want. It looks like everything is a go unless the insurance company throws me a cur…

I AM SCHEDULED FOR MY SEMINAR ON TH 16TH. AND IM KINDA NERVOUS. WHAT REALLY GOES ON THERE?

I don't understand! I went to my Dr about a breast reduction(he is fresh out of med school and the newest Dr in the group) and he says the insur may not approve me cause of my weight. I am 4ft 9in and i weigh 195(i just lost 25lbs with weight watchers) i am a 42 DD. He did say that the insur will approve lap band(i have Health Net) i told him that i don't meet the criteria for wls...but i did tell him to go ahead and submit the paperwork for breast reduction. Why would the insur approve the more expensive surgery(wls)...I just don't understand! Has anyone else experienced this?

I transitioned to full liqiuds yesterday and tolerated it just fine. I was having a sharp pain in my left shoulder area and thought it was gas, well later I was reading the book "Living a lighter Lifestyle" and found a paragraph stating that one will experience this left shoulder pain if one stretches the pouch too much too soon after surgery. Has anyone else had this? Also I could really use some advice on Protein Shakes. The dietician told me I needed 60g of Protein a day- well I would love to find one that is high in protein and low in volume. I feel amazingly fine today! I think it made a difference drinking something a little more nutritious than gatorade and bou…

Hey everyone!! Was banded on 11/25 and I am soooo happy!!! The whole process went very smoothly!! I did get scared when they started prepping me for surgery to the point where I told them I had changed my mind and wanted to go home!! But then the anestheseologist came in and talked with me. I told him I was really scared and he asked me if I wanted something to calm my nerves or if I really wanted to leave. I told him I just needed to calm down and he put something in my IV and WOW - I felt 100 % better!! After that, all I remember is waking up in recovery and them saying everything is all fine! I am just suprised at how well I feel. I have been taking it easy - …

I work in a corporate office for a major book retailer. Every year at Christmas time we have what is called an International Cookie Festivle! It's different Cookies from all over the world. I think this year we had over 8,500 cookies. After being banded it's hard to go to the cookie festivle and have any cookies because I had already ate lunch and filled up on all my protien! I guess I'm just a little sad that I couldn't partake in the cookie fun. Oh well, I guess if I had a choice between the cookie festivle and losing 30 pounds in 2 months I'd take the weight loss! Thanks for listening

Hello, I have not posted in a while. I have been very busy. I had my first fill on Monday 11/17/03. My surgery was on 9/18. Since the 18th I have lost 38 lbs. I thought I had some restriction before my fill. Boy I was WRONG! I had 2 ccs put in. I must say the first two days I could only swallow a bite or two. I think I must have been swollen. But today I was able to put down Tuna fish (1/4 cup) So that is good. The procedure went well, Dr. Garber had to try two times. But, after he "stuck it" he inserted 2ccs. I had 3 gulps of the Chalky stuff and physically had to stop. I was filled up like a tank of gas done filling. Right after that we watched the…

I find this so aggravating. I met a guy a few months ago online and we had alot in common including our rare breed of dog, a Vizsla. When we met in person, even after our good chemistry via email and on the phone, even after seeing a pic, he never emailed me back. His loss! What was too funny is tonight as I searched Match.com I came across him...I sent him an email basically stating that I assumed our meeting under an assumption of friendship and only that...apparently he didn't... In his profile it stated he wants someone who's blonde and slim/slender or athletic and toned. Well I am athletic and toned but far from being slim/slender...nor would I want to b…

Hi all, I am in the just getting started area of banding. I had my phych eval last week and I meet with the surgeon on 12/29 and file with my insurance then. My question to all you veterans is: What did you pre-op testing consist of? tia Jacky:)

Well I'm almost five weeks out and have my second check up as well as my first fill scheduled for Monday December 8th! I'm going with my band twin who had surgery the day before me...we have to drive about 1.5 hours down to Milwaukee...hopefully we'll feel up to doing some last minute Christmas shopping after. I'm very excited...not nervous at all thanks to all the calming words I've read on other's posts. To date I have lost 25lbs on the head...most of the loss was right after surgery when I was much more restricted. Although I've been eating less than pre-surgery I'm hoping my first fill gives me some pretty good restriction! I have yet to measure myself to se…

Hey everyone - I had my 2 week checkup today and have been given the ok to move to pureed foods for the next week and then to soft solids for the week after. My first fill is scheduled for Jan 5th and the doc said it will be done under floscopy(sp?). He said that the way they do the fill is completely fill it to capacity and then withdraw 1cc of fluid - total resctriction will be 3 cc's in a 4 cc band. So what I am thinking is that I should have pretty good restriction when I leave the hospital. Has anyone ever heard of the doc doing that before or has anyone had their band filled like that before?

Well I am on my pre-op diet!!! Surgery set for Thursday Dec. 11th. and I can't believe how many people are still trying to talk me out of doing this! Things are going well except I am hungry most of the time and I am having a lot of trouble trying to figure out what I can eat. But I must be doing something right because I have already lost 6 pounds!!!:cool: If anybody has recently had their surgery at St. David's in Austin please Email me at kstephens@smartmailaustin.com

I've been banded for just over a month now and I'm down 30lbs and trilled about that. I've been on regular solid food now for 2 weeks and I think that I'm making better food choices now than before. What I'm starting to be concerned about is that I can eat alot of food now. Tonight I had half a bowl of chili, a slice of colby/jack cheese and a small salad. Does that sound like too much? I don't feel sick or anything just full so I stop. Yesterday I had three scrambled eggs and two pieces of sausage for breakfast. That kept me full for about 5 hours and then I had lunch, half of a chicken blt salad from Wendy's and those things are pretty good size. I'm just worried…

For those of you who have UHC insurance, I'm just curious...How long did it take to get approval (or denial) once you submitted? Thanks, Marsha

Okay...the countdown is happening! I am having my band placed at 0930am Teusday. I must confess I am having big time last supper syndrome!

I was just amused that: Now i wash my clothes in hot Water, hoping that they shrink! I save so much money now that i dont look for sales on cases of diet pepsi and Snacks. I read nutritional labels for the first time in my life! I bought my first bra with an underwire in it! I enjoy looking at those home movies now..knowing the difference in me. What about you?!

Hello everyone, am new to this site. I live in Europe and am thinking about getting the lap band procedure done in the UK by a very experienced surgeon. My question is this: Have any of you bandsters had PCOS and received the lap band? Have you had any unique or unusual problems in losing weight? Is it slower than "normal" bandsters without this problem? I've read alot of debate between those with PCOS who prefer the lap band over gastric bypass, and vice versa. Could the info on PCOS perhaps adversely affect my surgeon's decision to give the lapband? Thanks for any info that you can provide me. This is a great forum for information!

I have run across a website about a book published in Austrailia that seems to be specifically for a lapband bandster. Has anyone ever heard of it or found it in their research for nutritional things to eat after being banded? The website is: www.foodtalk.com.au/pubs.html. The cost is $16.00 anywhere in the world. If you go to the site it lists the ISBN number and it has items of interest to a bandster. If anyone else thinks it's worth it, let me know. This is the only book I have found that may be of assistance in helping acheive a weight loss goal. Thanks for reading and hopefully letting me know what you think about it. Tacy M.

Whoo hooo! I am no longer 100+ pounds overweight! Only 99 to go, and I've lost almost half my excess weight, at -69. Geez, hard to believe my excess weight alone equaled my recommended weight plus an additional 33 pounds - 168 excess pounds. Sobering. My BMI has gone from 48.9 to 37.8. With no co-morbidities, I no longer "qualify" for this surgery by most insurance standards. Wow. Still huge at 5'6", 234 lbs, size 22/24, at least I am no longer wearing 30+ pants. There are actually clothes in my size that do not include elastic, lycra, or stretch knit! My newest interest is metabolism. Since I no longer diet, I am looking for ways of eating (WOE) (not sure…

I have a question - did anyone else get a RX for Prevacid after being banded? I got one and when I called the nurse and asked her if I really needed to take it she said yes for the next couple of months. She never really gave me an explination as to why I needed to take it but that I did. Can someone shed some light on this?

Hi All, I am being banded on Dec. 29th in NYC by Dr. Kurian. I have had all my pre op testing except my stress test, and now I am depressed because I have spent a year working toward this goal, and today Dr. Kurian told me it might not happen because the blood work came back with my blood sugar high. I e-mailed her and told her that I would be be cutting carbs and stepping up exercise to get the number down, and I admitted that I had been in a "last supper" mode, and that I had not exercised for a week and a half because I was sick. She told me to "cut the crap eating" and that surgery would be cancelled the day of surgery if my blood sugar was "out of control". I wa…

I had my surgery on 9/15/2003. It is amazing how much I have changed in just 11 weeks and I know it is only the beginning. I do not dread getting dressed in the morning. I look in the mirror now. Before I would cover up with something and just hoped it looked decent. I have had no problems and love my band. I have had 3 fills and I am at 2.8 cc's out of a possible 4.0 cc's. I hope to stay there for awhile. I exercise, drink 60-80 oz Water a day and get my Protein in. I am not perfect and do occasionally get carried away with the food intake. Even though I started at 202.5 lbs at 5 foot 1 1/2 inches, it was enough to make me miserable and unsociable and…

Hello all, Yesterday I did my preop stuff- Okay, I got thru the barium swallow for the upper GI! Gag!!! What a gross bussiness. Actually it wasn't too bad except for not being allowed to burp! My anatomy is fine other than a rather scary looking hiatal hernia!?! Today is my preop appt with the surgeon. Hope it goes well- I have lost a bit of weight thanks to stress and prozac! Now the thing that is bothering me... dreams, really weird dreams. I recon I must be a little more nervous about surgery than I had thought. I have also developed two huge fever blisters on my lip- always a sign of intense stress for me! Boy! Do I need to relax or what!

Woohoo!! I have finally been approved by my insurance and I have my surgery date. Jan 19 is the date. What a wonderful way to start the new year off. I am so ready to be a bandster. Even though I don't post a lot, I am on here lurking every day and the info I have gained from all of your experiences is invaluable! Thank you all so much for sharing your knowledge with us. I'm sure I'll be posting more now that I have been approved and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sheila:p

My dad bought me a scale for Christmas. He let me have it early, though, for obvious reasons! :medium-smiley-033 So, I stepped on the scale tonight for my two-week weigh-in, and... I've lost 20 lbs!! Woo-hoo!!

So I called my parents to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving (heading to my IL's soon). Then my mom began telling me about their latest diet. I really wish I could tell her my plan and have her come with me (when I go) for support. But I just know I'd get the diet talk I don't want along with other unknown scare tactics. Did anyone deal with this and tell anyway? I should mention when I told her I was trying to concieve she told me at my weight I would die in labor. I had a regular delivery (unmedicated) and I'm still alive. But those are thoughts I didn't want or need. And yes she was there for the birth.

I got a call from my Doctor's office this morning saying that they had gotten my pre-auth so I'm all set to be banded on Jan. 5th and my insurance will pay! What a wonderful Christmas present! I'm excited but nervous. I'll have a week to recover before I start back at school again, I just hope I'm up to sitting through class all day.

Hello All, I have been approved by UHC- they approved based on my appeal! What a scene! I was told by 2 customer service people that my appeal was denied then was told by a third person that the decision had not yet been made. Then yesterday I received the letter in the mail saying it is covered! What a muddle! Now for the frantic dash to get the band before the end of this year- due to changes in my insurance coverage next year, I need to get it done soon. I feel kinda scared actually. Seanmama

when exactly, or how, does it become a habit? small bites and chewing food into nothingness? decades of gulping food and now I am supposed to know how to do it carefully and slowly? Its fine when I am having a proper meal with other people, dinner time and stuff, but grabbing lunch, with my 2 year old hanging from my pants demanding to ( fill in the blank, park, food, Water, tv....) i go back to my usual bad habits, and it hurts! I dont want to damage this thing by doing something stupid... If i could just concentrate.... tellie on my 4th week

I received a letter from my insurance (Anthem Federal) that has me totally confused. It states "This is not an approval for claims payment. This approval is a confirmation of medical necessity only" yet it goes on to say "Based on the information provided to us, we are pleased to authorize the inpatient admission referenced above" The reference is an internal Anthem number, so doesn't really tell me anything. There isn't any other procedure codes or anything on the letter. I am waiting to hear back from my surgeon's office to see what they say before I call Anthem again! Just wondered if anyone else has received this kind of letter.

Thanksgiving. Ugh. Well, I made the feast for my family. When we ate dinner (around lunchtime) I had some mashed potatoes, some turkey with gravy and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. This was the first solid food I've eaten. It all went down easily and with no problem. Then at dinner I had another portion of the same. I also had a very small slice of pumpkin pie. Later that night, the guilt I felt was overwhelming. I felt guilty for eating *any* of it. Even though the portions were small, I felt bad. I know I have to eat solid foods again...and they went down easily--too easily. I have been good since, though. There are two pies and a cake here and I haven't had…

Wow! What an experience ... Now that I'm "banded" lie James Brown said ... I feel good! Thank you all for the support! I was sick as a dog the first 5 days, chilled at the hotel in Monterrey. Doc came eveyday. I'm back in Vegas, and wanted to check in. 233/214/135 Banded: 11Nov03 Dr. Rumbaut

I am 4 days post-op and still in my liquid phase but I got to thinking what is a food day like for a bandster who is now on solid food. Just curious to see what you guys are eating. My day so far is not that exciting-lol Water Then for Breakfast low fat whipped yougurt and some Jello Then been sipping juice and water off and on. lunch will be chicken broth-yippee Caroline 235/233 day of surgery/150-140 goal weight Dr.Kuri

# Months No Fill I am 3 months post op and i am still losing i have had no fill and ki feel great. why is everyone always in a hurry to get a fill?

My stomach is making all kinds of weird noises.......gurgling and such. Is this normal?? What is it from? I mean my stomach is so loud that it sounds like it's having a conversation with me.

Hola, Its amazing how we keep track of our banding date anniversary but I can't remember simple things like appointments. I have been thinking of all the things I can do now and all of the things I will be able to do at my one year bandiversary. Next summer, I will wear a sleeveless dress and a bathing suit in public. At least thats the goal. I will also get on the biggest coaster at 6 Flags and I will go horse back riding in June without killing the horse. Now that I am minus 68 pounds, I am able to run up and down the stairs, workout 3 -4 times a week without passing out and I am down 3 clothing sizes from a barely squeezing into a 28 to a 20-22-24. My next mini go…

Happy Thanks Giving! If you're going to eat turkey and you're banded make sure to use lots of gravy Dry turkey can give you a bad PB.

Ive finally done it...Started small only 1ml this afternnoon... What a hugh shocking getting on the scales and seeing 100.4(220lbs) I have set a date in two weeks to go back and have another ml slowly does it this time. Im going to mush my food for a few weeks. Report back later Bye

Went for my third fill last Thursday. Each time before I had gotten filled to one cc, but had only 0.5cc when I returned. The rest leaked out somehow. This time they put a more viscous Fluid in the band and filled to 1.1cc. I can only eat about 1/2 cup and have to be careful at that. I've had very painful golfballs just about every day and last night PB'd for the first time. I'm happy about the good restriction and the fact that I'm losing weight again. I know I have to be much, much more careful and aware of how much I am eating and how I feel as I eat. Believe me, I don't want to feel the golf ball again!! And I guess that someday soon I'll be glad that eating …

hi there, I am new, haven't started the tests yet, seeing Dr. Rosenthal Dec. 20. I need lots of reassurance. I am a big baby when it comes to surgery, but I am anxious to do this, and be the person I so want to be. Please give me some tips. I really need some mental support, I want to do the Lap surgery, I am seeing Dr. Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic next month. I am curious about the surgury criteria,what is the least amount you can weigh to get approved. 75 100 lbs?? My husband had the other bariatric surgery 4months ago, he doing great so far he lost 105 lbs. I know you need to be at least 100 or more lbs overweight for that surgery. I am e…

YIPPPPEEEEEEE! I am leaving my house at 5:30 am and wil be having surgery at 7am. If all goes well I will be home by Wednesday. By the way my name is Caroline and I am from San Diego and I will be banded in Mexico. Caroline 235/150 Dr.Kuri is my surgeon

Hey everyone!! My time has come and I will finally be banded tomorrow!! I am quite nervous but VERY excited Thanks to all of you for all your support and for helping me make the best decision for me!! Tomorrow I will be on the "other" side!! I am scheduled at 12:30 pm and should leave he hospital on Wed sometime that afternoon. Will post when I return home and feel up to it! Thanks again!!

Hi all... I'm in the liquids phase and this is what I've been eating... Real Meals shakes (one packet per day split up into three small shakes give 60 grams protein) Campbells Soup to go--it's smooth and tastes good, cream of broccoli, blended vegatable, velvety potato. fat free pudding, lite yogurt I'm surprised I'm not really bored yet. I vary the shakes by adding a little pudding powder, extract, yogurt or banana to them. I do have trouble getting my Water in though. I have to sip all day practically. I'm feeling much better now.