LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Help, Is there any hints on how to resist all the candy my dtr will bring home on Halloween? don't say put it in the freezer because i love frozen chocolate....!lol

Dr Evanson in Indiana does fills for others. If your looking in Indiana he is the BEST!!

Did anyone every have Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield approve the lap band surgery?? My insuance is changing as of the 1st of the year. I am hoping I can get the surgery approved.

Is anyone interested in keeping a log of when their sugery was, their initial weight and weight lost since the surgery? Chantal Surgery May 02 232 May 02 209 October 28-03.

I'm almost there! Bandlandia awaits at 7:30 Thursday morning. My question now is how long did you stay on clear liquids after surgery? Thanks!

Hi folks, Just thought I'd post a message on behalf of Bright, who was admitted to hospital this evening in preparation for her banding on Tuesday morning. It happens that I 'met' Bright on this board back in August and she is now due to be operated by the surgeon who put my band in here in France (near Paris). Just wanted to say she's very nervous but excited all at the same time! Will update you all on her progress over the next few days. If anyone wants to say hi to her this week, I'll be happy to pass your messages along! That's it for now....... Sarah (Banded 5 Augst 03, down 30 lbs and counting!)

Hello. I am new (see my post in the introductions forum). I am still waiting on my consult with the surgeon. I was hoping to find an email buddy. I am 26, married, mother of 2 from Illinois. I am looking for a buddy either local or distant, peer or not, doesnt matter. Is anyone else just starting their journey and hoping to share it with someone via: email? Please post here or email me! I would love a band-buddy!:cool:

There is a support group meeting tonight at Southern Hills Medical Center @6:00. This will be my first since I was banded on 9/15. Look forward to meeting everyone. Kathy

I've had the band for about three months now, and I've had one fill. Immediatley after my fill I had pretty good restriction, but it only took about one week before the restriction wore off. I've been on a plateau forever, I can eat a lot, I don't get full very fast like I did right after surgery or right after my fill, and I'm usually hungry within three hours after eating...so I'm thinking it's time for another fill. BUT, I've noticed something weird since I got my fill (which was about 3 and 1/2 weeks ago), and I just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this........ immediately after I eat, I feel something way down in my lower stomach, almost like the feel…

i copied this from the obesity help lapband forum.... To all of the squimish, this may be somewhat grahic. Read at your own risk :cool: I am 10 days post-op. Today, I noticed a large lump under my largest incision. The one in the middle of my stomach where the band was placed. It is the size of a large chicken egg. I called my doctor's assistant. She told me it is a Seroma, which is an accumulation of Fluid. She explained that I need to break it up by making a fist, placing it on the lump, and and bending over into it. Also, I am supposed to massage it several times a day. This is supposed to essentially bust open the fluid filled sack, which in turn, will be reabsorb…

Is there such a thing as a "bad fill?" By that, I mean it just doesn't take as well to some people? I was filled 1.6 cc's on 10/6 and had a little (.2 cc's) taken out the following day because I was too tight. Since then, I never have the sense of fullness people talk about -- yet, it's hard to imagine "tighter" would be better. I tend to get pain and mild discomfort after eating (not always), rather than full. It's random as to what foods create that discomfort, if there is an relation between the two. It's like I'm wearing pants that are two sizes too small and are pinching, almost like a cramp, but not a gassy cramp. It's not there all the time. Some things g…

i was just wondering what this test consists of i go for it Nov 6th and i wasnt sure what it was.Thx in advance for any answers

Hey, folks! The U of Penn School of Medicine is doing a study on genetics and obesity. For a little info and a little blood, you get $100 and a chance to help answer a really big question re why fat people are...you know...fat. If you are interested, contact: liz@bgl.psycha.upenn.edu or call: 1-800-354-4363 ext. 1 You must have two parents who are willing to participate OR an overweight child (and his or her other biological parent), that is...they want the obese person and that person's parents. Sue More info at: www.med.upenn.edu/bgl

I never thought I'd say this but I'm lap-banded out! I'm so anxious for surgery and have been on the boards so much in the past week that I'm actually looking at starting a new hobby...LOL... Can't wait to read something that pertains to the new me...I think I've overprepared myself as I'm ready to call and see if there are any cancellations tomorrow...LOL

OK, so does this belong under support? Probably not but I thought I'd help a few bored people out. I'm stocking up at the library for my time off work with some books I've been wanting to read and I have some previously read suggestions to keep you busy while recovering. I liked all of these and highly recommend the one's with *'s...they are hard to put down@ Good In Bed - Jennifer Weiner* In Her Shoes - Jennifer Weiner* Jemima J - Jane Green* Mr. Maybe - Jane Green (currently reading) Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

ARGH! Does anyone else ever actually forget about the band until AFTER that first bite of Breakfast has gone down? Or, as the case may be, not gone down? And when I am careful, I'm finding it sometimes difficult to gauge the time span between swallowing and knowing it's safe to take another bite. This morning was the first time one of these misjudgments has actually sent me to the bathroom. I had, I think, two bites of egg and one of ham when I suddenly realized something wasn't going down. For the next HOUR I wavered between mild discomfort and extreme pain, and even though I experienced that charming side effect known as "sliming" no actual food reappeared. So I guess…

Just a quick question. Is there a new Inamed Handbook out? When I was at the doctor's office last week I asked for one and was given the one with the sliming Julianne Moore looking woman on the front of it. The one I printed out of the Inamed site was blue with butterflies. Anybody know?

Hey Everyone, Just had my four month bandiversary. Time is a speedin' by!!!! Down 60 pounds and more than 30 inches off my bod. Woohoo!!!! I have a waist!!! Only 94 lbs more to go...... By Christmas, I will be halfway through my journey!!!! My goal is to lose at least another 17 pounds before Christmas. Might just fit in those little airline seats on my way to NY this year..... I love my band!!! Babs in TX 334/274/180 6/23/03

I need to know if anyone else has had this problem and how they dealt with it. At work today I brought in Cookies for everyone. After lunch I went to get one, and one of my co-workers said to me "careful, you shouldn't have too many sweets". I work in a pretty small office so everyone knows that I've had the surgery. I have been so happy and feeling good since my surgery, and today when this woman said this to me I went back to my desk (without a cookie) and cried. Why does this bother me so much? What should I tell her other than go to hell you know nothing about my situation? Please Help.....

Hi folks, just to let u all know, I'm heading to France for my op tomorrow morning - Tuesday 28th is BAND DAY. I am really nervous - and burst into tears today that a fourth pair of flip-flops wouldn't fit in my bag! (ok, we call thongs, flip-flops, cos of the sound they make when u walk, in case no body know's what I mean!). I have packed pretty much everything I own (!!) but if anyone has any tips for things to bring to hospital I'd be grateful.... I have to "check in" at 3ish on sunday, have tests on monday, and the op on tuesday - I am REALLY hoping they'll let me out on thursday as my flight is booked for 18.30 that evening! Apparently in france they like to kee…

With this journey or battle some may call, I don't take everything in until I get there. it's just my way of dealing with it. So 7 weeks post op, and I have headache do I still have to have liquid pain killers and IF the time comes and need reflux tablets is it ok to take them Carol

On another thread, Nancy (claraluz) mentioned that she didn't have the Inamed book. I remember when I didn't have a copy of that book, and how left-out I felt. So here is the link to the Inamed website page where we can download both the pamphlet and the book. http://www.inamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/lapband/information.html Sue

Tonia was kind enough to compile the Banding 101 thread from Spotlight and organize it into FAQ format on a website. Visit http://hometown.aol.com/texasrosey/ to answer some of your questions!

Hi, I read your post in Alexandra's thread and just wanted to ask you some questions. I want to thank you for your post because I think it speaks to the core issues here. I have tried in the past to apply the principles you describe (Only eat when you're hungry, etc. . .) but found it impossibly difficult. Maybe when I get proper restriction it will be easier. I'm in therapy and hope that I can afford it long enough for it to do some good. In the meantime, my question is how do you apply the principles you describe and also adhere to the "bandster rules" I learned about on the other board (Protein first, then veggies, etc.). Or do you not use those rules? My surge…

I had gastric banding surgery and I then had a barium xray the day after surgery, then another 5 weeks later to check the 1st fill, but my surgeon said another xray might be needed when I get a 2nd fill. My question is surely 3 bariums xays is a lot to have in 8 weeks as I have heard that, these type of xrays are quite high in radiation. How many other Bandsters have bariums so regular, as I am very concerned and might refuse the 3rd. I would be very grateful of any comments please

Hi, I posted about doing my thesis on the lapband. I think I have narrowed down my question. I am just wondering if there are any books out there on lapband and the emotions or things that we go through and deal with? I know Carnie Wilson has a book out. Are there any others like that on Weight Loss Surgery? I would really like it on lapband, but any WLS surgery is OK. My question is "What is the experience of staying present with oneself (being fully aware) during eating after having an adjustable gastric band?" Something like that.... I'm not looking for research on medical issues, like how much people lost and those stats. Thanks for the help! Shannon

Well, I had an appointment for a fill today and I really need one because the fairly tight restriction I had after my first fill has evolved into very little restriction. But I am a hospital social worker and 45 minutes before my appointment there was an emergency (a death) and I had to postpone my appointment until next week. I read Donali's post and I agree that dieting is not healthy, but it is going to be very difficult to maintain my weight without it (and I haven't been doing well at dieting anyway. . .hence, the band). I have already re-gained three pounds. I know they say not to worry until you get good restriction, but that's hard! Nancy

I just got approved for surgery last Friday. Ever since I found out the happy news, I've been eating like *crazy.* It's ridiculous, even for me! Then, of course, the old brain starts working, saying to me, "oh...you think this band is going to make a difference when you know you will never have control!" Has anyone else experienced this and over come it?

It looks like St John in Detroit is going to also jump on the "bandwagon" (heh) http://www.stjohn.org/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=283 I've never heard of this Dr. Hawasli before, but they make it sound like he has been doing lap-bands for a while. Anyone know anything about him? I'm glad that lap-band surgeries are apparently becoming more prevalent. I think in a few more years lap-bands will replace RNY as the WLS of choice.

Decades of dieting have made certain habits second nature. For example, day after day I forego between-meal Snacks, thinking oh, it's only another hour till (whatever), I can make it. But between lunch and dinner there's often 6 hours, and even though my stomach isn't exactly growling, I'm definitely hungry. But nibbling during meal prep has always been a big problem for me so I habitually stay away from the kitchen while hubby is making dinner. But then when I finally do sit down, GROWLF!! But guess what? I can't do that anymore. So two bites later I'm in pain and dinner is over for me. Evidently a snack between lunch and dinner would be a GOOD thing. Another ing…

Hi, How do you know if you are too tight vs. hitting the sweet spot. I have 3.25 cc in my band, at 3 cc I was still able to eat as much as I wanted, whatever I wanted as long as I ate slowly. My Dr. then put in another .25 cc and I can hardly eat anything. I PB almost everything I eat. I can drink liquids though and sometimes I can eat fish and chicken but that's about it.

hey guys this is alex. i just had a quick question about medicine for depression and OCD. I used to take paxil. but now my doctors think I might have a slight case of obsessisve compulsive-so they want to put me on a med (it is an SSRI) for OCD and it helps with also not getting so upset...it is called Luvox. anyone ever heard of it? anyway, i think it could be a great help for me especially with food issues but i was wondering if that would effect my band at all? i don't think so but i don't want to hurt anything. anyway, let me know if you know! thanks guys- you're awesome as always! everyone keep up the great work. lose lose lose.

Hello~ My surgery was on 10-8 I'm doing really well on the weight loss. I'm down 18 almost 19 pounds:) I do feel full after a few bites. Like tonight I got a frozen yoguet for a treat and I'm not even half done and feel full. Same with 2T of mash pot and 1tea of apple sauce. So does that mean I might not need a fill right away? Any ways question is- I can do small cottage cheese now can I mix in 2 T of peanut butter for extra protien? I did not think to ask that before. I'm having a hard time dealing with to much milk products now. So I'm not getting in the 75 grams of protein a day. Then I tried soy and I don't think that my body likes it either.. So as long as I do…

Hi, How do you know if you are too tight vs. hitting the sweet spot. I have 3.25 cc in my band, at 3 cc I was still able to eat as much as I wanted, whatever I wanted as long as I ate slowly. My Dr. then put in another .25 cc and I can hardly eat anything. I PB almost everything I eat. I can drink liquids though and sometimes I can eat fish and chicken but that's about it.

Hi there everyone!!! Well, I am going to be an official bandste in just 13days!!! Finally, on November 3rd, I get to join the lapbandland!!!! I am just so excited!!!! I can barely wait!!!!!:cool:

Yup...I made it through the Clear liquid weeks. I am now to be on full liquids for a week...Thank God I can have a latte again!! I do have a question...I am pretty sure that I have NO restriction, and I am afraid that I still eat too much, and/or too quickly. Are we supposed to take 30 minutes to eat 2 Tbsp of Malt-o-meal?? I can go through it pretty quickly, the same goes for cream Soups, yogurt, pudding... What type of potential damage am I doing by eating too fast? Also, I am still unfamiliar with what it feels like to be full. Still, I am down 13 pounds in two weeks, even during the healing stage!! Sheryl Dr. Wetherille 244/231/140

i thought my friend had lap bad but when i asked her about "fills" she had no idea what i was talking about. She had "surgery" this past April and has lost 85lbs. She told me that she does have bands on her stomach and she does not get fills nor does she have a port, but part of her stomach is cut and attached to her small intestines is this gastric bypass? But why does she have the bands? She keeps telling me she had the lap band...i don't understand........thanks Nicole :cool:

FYI - Anyone who is interested, Dr. Lopez is holding a seminar at the Hospital Oasis in Tijuana, Mexico on Saturday, October 18, 10am. This is a no cost seminar. I have not been to one yet, but it is my understanding that there is lots of information about the band, and usually plastic surgery info, as well. If anyone knows more about the format, please post. But in the meantime, if there are any of you still in the info gathering stage in SoCal, this may be worth hitting. I'm planning on being there, and will give a recap afterwards. It is also my understanding that these seminars happen throughout the year.

Can someone tell me what kinds of tests are done for pre-op?

Just a quick question for you newbies out there...I'm 5 days post op...does this burping and other unmentionables ever go away? I drink ANY thing and burp burp burp. I never have been a gassy person so this is taking a little getting used to! Thank everyone! Megan

The doctor's office just called to inform me that my surgery is no longer Dec 3rd........it has been changed to NOVEMBER 25TH!!!! I am SOOOO happy I could bust. Thank you all for all the words of encouragement and advice over the last couple of months. It is becoming a reality quickly!!!!:banana :banana :banana :banana

Alright, I guess I'm the first in this section. I am being banded Aug 29th in Cleveland Clinic Florida by Dr. Szomstein. Anyone else?

I just noticed a post of yours and saw that you were from Bridge City. I live in Lumberton. I was going to use Dr. Speigel but switched to Dr. Spivak in Baytown. I'm getting ready to re-submit my claim. I was denied with Dr. Speigel. I liked him and all but I don;t think he was complying with my insurance. They were asking for additional information and weren't getting it. I have found out from the insurance what they need and have almost all of it to send in. Do you know of any local support groups around here? I'm supossed to go to one in Houston this Saturday but I'm sick right now and going to the doctor today. I will have to wait to see how I feel by the we…

Question re: pre-op travel - On Thursday I start 5 days of full liquids, then 2 days of clear before surgery. I do a lot of traveling, and think I should get an atlas to PLAN my potty stops along the way, or isn't it as bad as I'm anticipating it to be? (Generally 2 hours travel time). Will my tummy rumblings overpower the orchestra? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill? I realize everyone is different, but I'm curious to know how other travelers handled this. Thanx much!

This has happened several times lately. Maybe I'm pushing the regular foods too soon, or eating too fast. Anyway, I'll be eating something (this morning it was a crumbled bisquit and gravy), when I get pain in the middle of the chest and a feeling as if the food is not moving, or maybe backing up instead of going down. I have to get to the bathroom quick because it keeps building and up it comes, fast! It's not a chunk of food, sometimes it's more like thick mucus, but it makes me sick and then I vomit whatever else is in the stomach. I was banded on 9-8-03 and the band hasn't been filled yet. The doctor said it was very loose, so I don't think I'm restricted much. …

Does anyone out there have any experience with a product called unjury?? I am thinking of trying the unflavored version, but I don't want to spend the moola if it isn't good, and I don't think they have samples. Thanks!! Sheryl

I have an idea for this group. There is a website presidentschallenge.org that you can maintain a daily activity log. The deal is you can create groups in this thing and share your progress. I thought a bandster group would be something. I don't know if the fit for life site offers this kind of interaction. If anyone is game fall in and I will create the group. Lets get off our duffs and shine!!

Yesterday I had a conversation with the person at my doctor's office who schedules people for fills. What she told me got me wondering what other people's experiences have been. My surgeon told me early on that we'd schedule fills when my weight loss dropped to less than 1-2 lbs a week for a period of three or four weeks. That's fine, that's exactly what I'd understood would be the yardstick. But yesterday I was told that their definition of "stalled" weight loss was more like 3 to 4 MONTHS without loss. Huh? I managed to convince them that I was ready for my first fill, since the 17 - 19 lbs I've lost so far all came off in the first three weeks. I've been "stalled" …

Hi everyone. I'm glad to tell you that all went well on Wednesday. I now am the proud owner of a Swedish band. My surgeon said everything went perfect and there were no compliations. I stayed overnight one night at the hospital...I can't imagine going home any sooner. I really liked the medicine they gave me. :-) I'm feeling so much better already- just after two days home. It's amazing how fast we heal. I haven't used any pain meds since yesterday- I'm sore but not in pain. The only thing that drives me crazy is anytime I think about eating broth, I get queesy. If I think about eating a sandwich- no queesy! I'm on Clear Liquids for another few days, and so f…

I talked to my surgeon on Friday. He said that he's received the approval from my insurance company (which we knew that he was going to get; he just couldn't schedule the surgery until he received it). He said that he should have a surgery date for me by the end of this week!! Woo-hoo!!