LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Background: Before I was banded, I always ate Breakfast. I always ate everything. Since banding and getting good restriction, I have been unable to eat until give-or-take three or so hours after I get up. So, after forty years of drinking black coffee/nothing added, I'm now drinking half nonfat milk-half coffee with some no sugar added vanilla flavoring. Concern: I'm working on my eating behaviors and my counselor told me that breakfast is important and that drinking coffee eventually sets us up for being really hungry later. (If I've got that right.) She told me to try to eat breakfast and it might be a matter of learning a new habit...start with little portions…

Hi folks! thanks for all your messages which Sarah printed out and brought into the hospital for me - they really cheered me up as sometimes it felt quite lonely in there! Well - I'm done and (apologies to newbies) certainly wasn't the "walk in the park" I was expecting.... I reacted to the anaesthetic and felt really crap for about 24 hours - dizzy, nauseated and vomited a lot - i was really worried about the vomiting but they told me it was ok - once my head "cleared" I felt much better. I have 5 incisions, which are stapled (!) and amazingly DO not feel hungry at all - I am sitting here typing, trying to remember to sip water every few minutes, enjoying the show he…

As you guys already know from previous posts, I'm kind of doing this backward... my pre-op stuff (like the psych eval, etc.) is already done, my surgery is scheduled for next Monday (woo-hoo!!!), and I'm meeting my surgeon for the first time TODAY. I'm dreading the drive down there (it's two and half hours away from home... ugh), but I'm really excited to talk to the surgeon and get this show on the road! His office is right across the street from the hospital, and since I live so far, they are going to have me go to the hospital for my pre-op bloodwork, etc.. right after my appointment with him. So, it's going to be a long day, but I'm sure that the adrenalin will car…

While I was doing my research, it was easy to find out technical and medical information but less easy to get a picture of what daily life is really like with the band. And that's what I wanted to know. So this thread is for post-band people to paint a picture of their normal life for the benefit of prebanders thinking about taking this important step. What's changed? For me, post-band life is very much normal life except with regard to food. I know that sounds like a truism, but here's what I mean: Now when I'm faced with a decision about food -- how much to buy, cook, serve, order at a restaurant, put on my plate -- I now have to remember that EVERYTHING has changed. …

I cannot figure out what to do go get past the "I have lost 49 lbs" freeze mark. I have tried the Atkins, Weight Watchers, starving myself. I even started going to Curves about 3 weeks ago and working out 3 times a week. I am still stuck between the 191-195 ratio and I cannot get under that. I even had a fill recently and I feel very restricted but, the scale won't move. HELP! Does anyone have any suggestions for a Plateau Buster.

Hello everyone! I am going in tomorrow to see about getting my 2nd fill next week. Kinda nervous, Not sure if I should really get the fill or not. But I will see the Dr. tomorrow and find out what he thinks:-)))

Hello Fellow Texans My name is Jacque and I am from Austin, Texas and was banded on October 6, in San Antonio. I am down 19lbs. I had my first fill on the 5th of Nov. I am really not feeling any restriction but trying to eat like I do. I am looking forward to talking to anyone near by who has also had the band, and also a support group. Jacque

http://www.chowbaby.com/10_2000/fastfood/fast_food_nutrition.asp that is a link to a website that will give you calorie, fat, carbs, and sodium totals of most fast food restaraunts. i know some banded people have to eat fast food. this may help you judge what are better choices. (i try to avoid it) i was able to spend an hour online adding up the calories of my old favorite binge foods (SCARY):speechless anyhow if you need it here it is. if you want to freak yourself out on how much you USED to eat here it is!

meat LOAF MINIS 2 lbs. extra lean ground beef 1 envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix 3/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs 2 eggs (can use Egg Beaters) 3/4 cup Water 1/3 cup ketchup Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl combine all ingredients, mixing well. Spray muffins tins with no-stick spray. Fill muffin cups with 1/3 cup of meatloaf mixture. Press lightly to smooth the tops. Bake uncovered 40 minutes. Makes 18 to 20 mini meat loaves. TIPS: These freeze very well…I just put them into a ziploc bag. Just pop them in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner. Top with a little BBQ sauce or ketchup if you like. You may substitute ground turkey breast for th…

Hi I was banded on 8/26/03 and had my first fill on 10/3/03. Between the 2 weeks pre-op diet and the 5 1/2 weeks post-op up until my fill, I lost 40 pounds. I'm thrilled with the loss as I was expecting this to be a very slow process. So 40 pounds for me is a great start. And, I know that the loss will surely slow down. I also know it's just the beginning and I have a very long way to go. As many people have commented on this and other boards, it's challenging at times when people who know you've had surgery are asking all the time if you've lost weight, if the surgery is "working", how much weight have you lost, etc. etc. I know I've lost weight. I can tell how my …

Almost into my 8th day post op. Today I had a bit of pain on the abdomen, near one of the cuts. Tonight, i have a hard lump in that area.... i dont want to get scared, the other cuts are ok. There is no infection, so I am thinking hernia.... or mental disease. Please, someone tell me its normal and I am being stupid worrying so much. tellie

Now it's time for the people that are being banded in NOVEMBER to stand up and give their shout out!!! This thread is just for you!!! YIPEEE.........IT"S OUR TURN!!!! I will be banded on November 25th! I can't believe that I can actually say that. Time is going by and I'm sure it will be here before I even know it! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

Does anyone have problems drinking soda? Is that a big no, no? I tried some once and it did not agree with me. Let me know! Really curious!

Hi, I had my lap band surgery 7 days ago, and I am sooooo confused. First, with the liquids. I am just finding out I was supposed to have Clear Liquids only for 2 weeks, since I gotback from hospital I have been having yogurt, Soup ( with no lumps), custard, and ice cream. Then again, I was given capsules for the pain 2 hours after waking up.... My other concern is the burping, so strong, so excruciatingly painful, is it normal? called the nurse who had no idea. Am i drinking too much? too fast? too thick? Will i make my band move by following the written instructions ( burping was not in the instructions of course). And today, after some clear broth, hiccups. I pani…

OK, I haven't been hungry but I've been eating only got some nutrients in. This morning in dread I whipped up some sugar free Carnantion Instant Breakfeast - chocolate, recommended by my program. To my suprise it was quite tasty! I used a milk frother I got to whip it up (also can be used for any protien powder liquid) and it worked awesome...not lumpy at all...so in 8oz I managed to get 14 grams of Protein and only 150 calories...and miraculously this headache that I now think may have been a signal of hunger is gone! For all the newbies if your looking for something to get your protien in and are waiting on a protien order or don't want to order this is pretty …

OK...so I had surgery on Wednesday...did all the liquids yesterday and full liquids today...I managed to drink a bunch of water and gag down 1/2c of Campbells Soup at Hand Creamy Chicken...so it's 9:35pm and I figured I'm not hungry but need to get some calories in so I made some Cream of Wheat...very runny...had about 6 teaspoons full and have absolutely no more interest in it...this is freaking me out! What I really want is some water...so perhaps I'll bust open another 14oz bottle of Nalgene... Is this normal? I'm so bored...I think I used to spend time eating when I was bored...I'm trying to stay up a little later and get a full 8 hours of sleep because the past f…

GET ONE! If you have a band and do not get a flu shot, you are playing Russian Roulette with your band. Go get the shot. I get them; my 80-year-old mother gets them. Anyone who CAN get one and does not is needlessly exposing him/herself and his/her loved ones and neighbors and co-workers to a disease that actually causes many deaths each year. They could end up costing themselves a new surgery to repair band damages. GO! NOW! GET YOUR FLU SHOT! Thank you and have a nice day! Sue

We have a FABULOUS support group in Southern California; I'ts called the "Original Southern California Bandsters" (OSCB for short) and i would like to invite anyone in the area to join us! We meet once a month, usually in OC at someones home, on the 3rd sunday of the month, from 1pm to 4 pm or so. We also have an on line listserv board on yahoo groups that you may subscribe to at URL: OSCB-subscribe@Yahoogroups.com and every sunday evening from 7:00 pst to whenever the last diehard logs off we have a scheduled on-line chat. In our group, we are truly MORE than friends; we are family! there is always someone ready to be there for you whenever and whatever you ma…

Hey -- I posted a few questions about a week ago under this subject and no one has replied. Waaah. If someone -- anyone (!!) has any observations, or comments it would be greatly helpful. Thanks. Elizabeth

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let everyone know that there is another surgeon in Minnesota doing Lap-Band surgery's. His name is Dr. Peter Billing and he is located in Moose Lake, MN. His phone number is 218-485-5842. I'm pretty sure he's just starting out, as he had an ad in my local paper and no waiting list. I called on a Monday and he could have seen me that same week. Due to my schedule, I can't see him until Nov. 10th. When I called the office, I actually talked to him. He asked me some questions and I asked him a few. Much different than the people at Abbot! Anyway, I'll post again after I've seen him. Melissa

Has anyone tried one of the doctors in Crosby? I believe they are also somehow associated with the doctor in Moose Lake too. I'm going to an informational session 11/17, and hopefully appointments will follow!

Question- I was banded 10-8-03 and I'm doing great! Losing weight eating lots of different foods. Before I was banded I was a type 2 diabetic for just over 1 year and took pills to control my blood sugar. 10mg glucotrol and 500 mg of gluopauge Every since surgery I have NOT taken any of my pills and have been okay. Well, at least I think I've been okay. I have not been testing everyday but maybe every 3rd day. My blood has been 140- 150 or 160. Under 200. Last night after I ate some cot cheese and applesauce I got a head ache and I had 8oz of ice tea and it went away. Then again today I had not had Breakfast yet and my head started hurting so I tested my blood and it w…

I need any and all advice on getting rid of this gas pain...just sitting below my diaphragm...burped and tooted a few times but not enough...I wish I could poke myself with a pin and fly around the room as it is all let out... ANY ADVICE?

Ladies and Gentlemen.... I'm an official bandster now! I feel like I gained 50lbs from the air...all the nurses were impressed at how much I wanted to walk around...just made some cherry Jello and am going to bed! Thanks for all your great info...I'm hurting a little but it is similar to my gallbladder...piece of cake! Let's just hope the bloat wears off soon!

In the past couple of weeks I have noticed that I have a bad taste or bad breath especially when I am eating or drinking. Has anyone else experienced this? Does it go away? Does this have anything to do with stomach acid? Going for my second fill today. I have had little to no restriction. I have 1.6 cc's in my 4 cc band. Everyone have a great day. Kathy

OK, HERE'S ANOTHER QUESTION. (THIS BOARD IS A LIFESAVER!) i HAVE A 15 MONTH OLD WHO LOVES TO BE HELD, LIKE ALL THE TIME. WILL I BE ABLE TO PICK HIM UP AND CARRY HIM POST OP? IF NOT, ABOUT HOW LONG TILL HE CAN CRAWL ALL OVER ME AGAIN? THANKS!

Let us know how you're doing! Sue

Hi everyone, I have a question about PBs. Two days ago I went out to eat with my family. Three spoons into my dinner and the pain started. I stopped eating (obviously) and thought that it would pass. Well it didn't and for the first time I PB'd 2X. Later that night I tried some soup, again 3 spoons later and another PB. Question is: Since then my port has been sore and burning under my skin a little (although it seems to be getting better with time). Should I be concerned? Did I rip anything? Has my band slipped? My doctor is in Mexico so I can't just drop by and visit, so I thought I would the expertise of this group before I panic. Any input would be a…

I was banded Oct. 21, 2003. Was very discouraged at first but then started to feel better and was perking up. On what started out to be my best day I ended up at the emergency room then admitted to the hospital. I was having such severe pain and vomiting I wanted to die. Just came home from the hospital still not feeling great. Have spent a lot time crying and the rest of the time wanting to. I keep thinking what have I done to myself? If there is anyone out there who had a rough start but now feels good could you please give me some encouragement and hope.

I'm getting banded on 11/11 ... and I'm freaking out! After finally finding the "right" dr. for me. Which was a task unto it self! I now am reading posts that I did not see before, like how slow the weight is, how sick some people are after surgery, I'm beginning to wonder -- is this worth Ten- thousand plus? My BMI(35.5) was low, but after speaking to the Dr. and discussing more about my health, it was ok. In the days coming up, I am trying to move as well. I don't think I'll be able to until probably 2 weeks after surgery. So as you can see, I am completely overwhelmed. I have a sister, that rather I be banded in the states. A "best friend" I cannot tell. Everyone t…

Well I'm almost a bandster...I can't believe how fast my countdown went! You were all right...time flew by! Now I'm listening to my Mom complain about having to leave at 4:00am to get to the hospital...a small price to pay! I just wanted to thank all of you for always being so positive in your posts...even when it's the stuff we don't want to hear...I've learned so much information and hope to continue in this journey with all of you and learn even more!

Hello~ Well I was banded in October and I'm looking for stuff that is easy to eat.. Well, I remembered a Chicken salad.. 4- Chicken breast-cooked and shred FINE celery grapes walnuts 1oz= 5grams protein 1 can crush pineapple All ran in the food grinder to chop up really small. 1/2 cup to 1 cup miracle whip 3/4 of a container of cool whip. Your family can eat on bread or crackers.. It is just good by itself! Hope you enjoy!

I'm feeling very disgusted with myself right now! I was banded about three months ago, and had my first fill on Oct. 1st - and had lost 22 pounds, but have now gained about six back (so now I'm at only 16 pounds lost in 3 months). It's obviously time for another fill, but I can't make it to get one until December 19th (that't in forever!) because the closest fill doctor to North Dakota is in is Nebraska, and that's still about eleven hours away! So anyways, I totally binged today and- and I mean a BIG FAT BINGE. I obviously don't have much restriction at all because I can probably eat about as much now as I could before the surgery. I know that I should be able to exercis…

Went to the doctor today for my final appointment. He said everything is in order and he will see me on the 25th!! I am so excited. And I also got a little added suprise!! I lost 5 pounds!!!! I know that's not a lot BUT it's still something!!! First appointment on 10/25 and I was 308.5 and today I was 303!!! yippeeee!!!! :banana :banana :banana

I've finally got a surgery date! I'm so excited! I actually ended up having to switch surgeons because the one I had was dragging his feet so badly. He's been a bariatric surgeon for a while, but this area of his practice is new. I was in the group of the first five patients that he was going to have, and he was planning on flying in a specialist from Australia to assist with those first five procedures. Well, he kept giving me the run-around about when we were going to do it (originally, he said mid-October, now he's saying that he might be ready to SCHEDULE it in early December...). I finally found out (after calling him and telling him that I was considering swi…

Did any of you post-op bandsters experience backaches? For me this is worse than the surgical pain, which is almost gone. Could it be gas settling in the back????

I would like to encourage my mother into looking into WLS. She is 62 and has some health issues. Is the cutoff date for the procedure 60? Is there anyone out there over 60 that has had the surgery? She lives in Florida, near Ocala. Are there any good doctors in that area that perform the surgery? Thanks, Kathy

:cry I want to have the lap band surgery. Problem is that my doctor will only do lap band if your BMI is under 50. I have to lose 7lbs inorder for me to even get an appointment with the surgeon. I have all my testing done. I just need to lose 7lbs and I cant do it. I dont know what my problem is. The other problem is that as of January 1st my employer is changing our insurance plan. I will no longer have Connecticare who covers lap band surgery. I will now have Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and from what I understand, they dont really approve lap band surgery. I just need to vent because I am so frustrated. Everytime I feel like success is around the be…

Had a weigh-in at my surgeon's office today. I found out that I'm down to 324. That means I'm officially down 48 pounds. Since I was wearing heavy winter clothes, I'm considering that close enough to be celebrating my 50 pound milestone. :cool: I was NEVER able to lose 50 pounds dieting on my own, so this is a major breakthrough for me. Now I definitely believe the band will work for me. The band has been a true God-send for me. I feel like I decided on weight loss surgery at exactly the right time...right around the time when the Lap-Band was being perfected here in the US. I hate to think that if I had gotten fed up with my weight just a couple years sooner I mig…

Alexandra, You are always so supportive of others, I wanted you to know that I notice the number under your name keeps going down......CONGRADULATIONS! You're doing GREAT! You Go Girl! Marsha

Does anyone have any experience with taking Vitamins, supplements and pain medication? I know they give you pain medication after the surgery, but I'm more concerned about what to do for menstrual cramps. The only thing I've ever found that works for me is Ibuprofen and I've heard that can cause problems. I also don't want to stop taking my vitamins after surgery - especially with not eating solid food. Can you really not take pills at all? Has anyone tried liquid vitamins? Leannie Surgery scheduled 12/27/03 highest 296 280/280/140

Okay this might be stupid but I was banded on 10-8 and now today my naval is hurting and when I swipe it with a Qtip there is blood or mucus? What is that? I did have a Band-Aid over my navel? Should I be in a panic? or is this normal HELP!!:cry

Has anyone read any good books about emotional eating? Could you share the titles? I really need some help and want to get started before I get my band! THanks, Marsha

i have noticed when i first start to eat i have to take extra small bites if i dont i get the golf ball severe pain thing. it's weird because after the first bite or two i can eat without problems. my bandster twin is having this really bad and i told her i'd start a thread because i have heard people mention this before and wonder if their are any other tricks. (i of course couldnt find the posts that mention this!) my *twin* had her 3rd fill 2 weeks ago and is STILL on Soups. she doesnt want to give up any of her fill by having it removed. she is trying to wait and see if it loosens up any. but when she eats anything of substance she has the golf ball severe pain thin…

I read about these on an ObesityHelp.com's member page. She swore by them. Looking at the website, it does seem that they have quite a bit of nutrition besides having 60 grams per serving to 6 grams of carbs. They also feature some "recipes" on the site, things you can add to the shakes to make them taste different. I ordered a trial pkg of this, it comes in chocolate and vanilla. and here's the link to their website http://www.protein-solution.com/RealMeals/product_info.htm

As I am writing this you are probably in recovery!!!! Congratulations on going to the "other side"!!!!! I can't wait to hear all about your adventure!!!! Hoping you have a speedy recovery as well!!!

I just want to say thankyou to all whom responded to my newbie post. It helps alot to know that someone understands what your going thourgh. I really appreciate it. I am doing better both physically and mentally now at almost 5 wks out. I am losing slowly now. I am getting hungrier. But I am being strong. Thankyou. Beth/Michigan

I had my first fill on the 29th, just about 42 hours ago - I now have about 1 cc, maybe a little more, in my band. Before my fill I could eat pretty much anything with no problem, just a lot less than I used to eat. My doc said I shouldn't notice any difference with liquids, and should notice some difference (but nothing extreme) with solids. He also said I might want to stick to liquids that night, and then I should be OK to eat whatever I can tolerate. Since then I've had Protein shakes and Soup, in addition to the things I drink (Water, tea, etc.) - I didn't see any need to rush myself back into eating solids, I figured I'd give it a little more time than just the…

My first fill is on the 27th. The doctor says he doesn't numb because the needle to numb you hurts as much as the fill needle. So it's just get in and out quick. Sound painful to me. I know most of you say it doesn't hurt, but were you numbed at all first?

I was wondering if anyone else here has the habit of eating to fast, taking large bites, and not chewing properly. I am not a slob but I am in the habit of eating fast. This does not go over well with my band. I am already too full by the time my brain tells me to stop. I feel like I have tried every trick in the book but with no sucess. I tried laying the fork down between bites. I tried setting a timer so I would take 20 minutes to eat. If anyone has any suggestions on ways to slow down and chew better I would greatly appreciate it. I cut my food into small pieces but I find that takes too long...........it all goes back to being in a hurry. That is how I live …