LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Well.. maybe not totally mad, but I am only four dys post-op, and the stomache grumbleing constantly is annoying, and I AM hungry. A bowl of broth leaves me feeling bloated/full (not sure which) but I still have those "sounds" coming from my tummy. Does anyone have any advice?? I am to be on Clear liquids for two weeks post-op. -Sigh- I guess I just have to endure this till full liquid stage, then it will be better, and that malt-o-meal will taste like heaven! Sheryl

Hi all, After being very patient I just found out that United Healthcare denied me again. I had filed a comprehensive appeal, but they still are not wanting to preapprove. I am curious to see what the letter is going to say. I am going to file a second appeal and request a specialist review- the surgeon suggested this. I am confused as I know that many bandsters have had success with appeals, and I thought I would too. This is most upsetting. Seanmama

I used to have a yoghurt for bfast, about 6:30, as I am so tight in the mornings. By 10:30 I was starving, and usually chose something not as nutritious to tide me over to lunch, like a vending machine size cheeze nips, or some other snacky item. The last three days though I have had 1C to 1.5C lowfat cottage cheese, and 1/4 of a small seedless watermelon! Even though the cottage cheese is slow going, I can eat all that watermelon relatively quickly, I never feel stuck, and it's so good... but even better than that, I am SO stuffed!!! It tides me over to lunch, and I'm still not that hungry by noon. I do not know why this works so well for me, but if you're having…

hi all! i am a newbie here and not even sure i am doing this right but need to talk to someone..the surgeon that is going to be doing my band does not do a posterier stitch to hold the band in place and i thought this was common procedure for the band..am i wrong about that or do i have a need to be concerned?i am very concerned(worried really) that my band will be a failure,does ayone see a problem with this or am i just making to big a deal of it?please i need your help! soon to be banded,going next week for my greenfield filter surgery to follow..also could you please email me with your concerns if you have any because i dont know if i can find my way back to this loca…

So this morning I'm lying on the table getting my first fill, and watching the monitor to see how this works. And it struck me what an incredible invention this little band is! Such a simple thing, so straightforward and elegant. It could be -- make that, it will be -- the key to a new life for me and I thanked the cosmic dice for letting it find me at the right time. Whatever problems or obstacles I encounter are small Beans compared to the bigger picture, which is a SMALLER ME, eventually. And this little piece of silicone will help me make it happen. I'm a lucky, lucky woman. :cool:

i went to my group consult yesterday.I'm with Dr Aslam in Maine.They went thru the types of surgery and said now they even do the rny by a lap scope.I told them i just want the lap band no cutting.The dr explained that most people want the rny because its faster weight lost and alot of weight.I said i didnt care i still want the lap band would rather lose slow.He said the precentage of losing weight is about 50% of excess weight.I was curious if anyone has lost more then that and in what time frame? Thx

did you see your pouch?? How did it look? I had my fill yesterday, not that bad an experience, except for the part of seeing a huge needle sticking out of my belly. Anyway, my pouch seemed pretty big. Just wanted to know if anyone saw theirs, what it looked like. Oh yeah, he put in about 4cc's, and then pulled out some and left a total of 1.5 cc's in there. I feel some restriction, but nothing major.

I was told by a bandster "expert" that you cannot eat mushy or crunchy foods, like chips and cookies. The reason she gave was because those kinds of mushy foods just pass right through the stoma. So, I have a question. Aren't you supposed to take small bites and chew really really well? Well, if you do that, when you swallow, what you are swallowing will be mush. So, according to her above statement, wouldn't that mean all food you eat would pass through the stoma. Of course I know that that is not the case. I'm just curious if anyone knows why she would say that. Would that be something she would have said to just scare people away from eating those foods, or am …

i copied this from extraordinary bandsters Most of the time when we've had scares about deaths related to the band, it's turned out to be someone new posting to the boards trying to scare potential bandsters away from this as a weight loss surgery option. However, I think I've been around long enough so that I have some credibility and you'll believe and learn from this experience. We lost a bandster from my local group who was banded about a year ago in Mexico. Unfortunately, she had swelling from the beginning and was always tight, so she'd never had a flouro and never had a fill and had no band-related medical care after leaving her surgeon. A month ago she was…

Hi Everyone, Right now, I'm so discouraged! I've spent the last 4 months running from doctor to doctor, test to test, trying to get everything in order so I can submit to my insurance for approval for the lap band. See, my surgeon said since my bmi is ONLY 36 (as if that isn't enough) I need to show that I have co-morbidities. I already had diagnosed gastric reflux, polycystic ovarian syndrome and stress incontinence. Now, since all my testing, I have insulin resistance. It seems each doctor I go to has more tests I have to wait for before I can submit for approval and get a surgery date. Yesterday, I went for a sleep study and was told it will be 3 weeks before I …

When do you have to do the barium? Also is there any kind of testing they put you through b/4 the surgery? Thanks for any info. Dawn

I copied this from another web page...she got it from another banster...its pretty cool! Discovering the Band Wondering if this is for me Investigation Doing serious research Joining a support group Getting hopeful Finding a doctor Shock at the price Deciding to do it Making the arrangement Wondering if you made the right decision Getting nervous Going ahead with it Waking up and wondering what the hell you did to yourself. Post-op discomfort Month of liquids- not being able to strictly adhere Wondering if you've been scammed again, your weight loss has stopped shedding off so fast Realizing the Band is NOT magic Seeing a little success Getting your f…

Well, I had my first fill today....I have been so nervous for the past 3 or 4 days, just not knowing what exactly to expect. But all went well. I forgot to ask if there is a period of time after my fill that I should not eat. He didn't say, but he was extremely busy and I don't know if he forgot to give me the instructions or if there are no instructions. Can anyone share what (if any) their post-fill diet was? Thanks:)

Hi Everyone. I need some help from any of you that have gotten food stuck in the small part of your band. I think I may have something stuck in mine. It feels like a knot in my chest and I haven't been able to eat anything without PBing it back up for almost an entire day. Water goes down if I sip tiny sips but if I take a big drink it comes right back out. I have a 4cc band that is filled to 3.25 cc's. That may seem like a lot, but for me that is the sweet spot. I haven't had any problems until today. Got any advice for getting un-stuck?? Thank you!!! Presh 305/247/135 Banded 5/13/03

I've heard a few people mention that chili really goes down well and fills you up. Is there any particular recipe or brand name that anyone could recommend? With beans or not? Do you add water to make it a bit runnier? I only had my band inserted last week, but I'm already wanting something more substantial than SlimFast, jello and yogurt! Any suggestions?? Thanks!

Has anyone had there band done by Dr. Ferzli?

On our local news last night they reported that 2 ladies had died having RNY this past week in Des Moines at the same hospital. My understanding both surgeons had done the proceedure many times. Sure glad I chose the lap band

I just received a call from the doctor's office and the insurance has given them the ok to do the surgery. They scheduled my surgery for December 3rd. Since I have to be on a 2 week liquid diet I wouldn't be able to get in earlier even if someone were to cancel. I really don't even care because I am just so excited knowing that I am going to be a BANDSTER!!!! YEAAAAAA!!!!! :P

I have to let yall know I am at 250 now. My post op was 276 . I have struggled with eating correct as I have had 2cc in a 4cc band and as far as I can tell can still eat to much. I stay full a lot longer and can eat a lot less though. I have my exercise game on. Doing 45 min cardio or fast 5 mile walks through the week with 3 weight training sessions. I'm melting like Parkay in Miami!! This keeps me motivated in the highest. I enjoy all of your company which has helped a great deal..

Hi Everyone, I am in the process of choosing a thesis topic. I am thinking of doing "What is the experience of having an adjustable gastric band?" I really want to focus on the changes (not just eating) but emtional and social changes we all go through to have the band. What is everyone's opinion on this topic? My other topic is "What is the experience of using mindfulness meditation to be in the moment?" Just to give you an idea of what else I am thinking about doing. Thanks! Shannon

Okay, I am five days post-op, and I bought a ...gasp...scale two days ago. I weighed myself yesterday, and was unhappy cuz the numbers were not lower than the scale said at the hospital before my surgery...I know...I know...different scales show different weights...but you know the mind games you put yourself though. Anyway, I weighed myself this morning, and I am down seven and a half pounds!!! since yesterday!!! I keep thinking that the scale must be broken...it's brand new... All I can say is WOW...I hope that this will be the start of something big...or small if you get my drift!! Sheryl:D

I have a question about the food getting stuck. First of all where is it getting stuck? If at the band isn't it supposed to not go through the band? I had a fill on last Monday and the food is getting stuck more than it used to. I have been taking small bites, I just really need to chew more I guess. I am VERY restricted at morning time. Tried to eat scrambled eggs for breakfast and couldn't. They would get stuck every time. In the evenings I am not AS restricted, but still restricted. Anyway, any info would help. Kinda confused about where the food is getting stuck at!!

Hi everyone! My surgery got moved last week- from today to next Wednesday, the 15th. I'm a little glad, for it has given me a little more time to get ready. I am part of the Swedish Band clinical trial and was given about a week to get ready for my first surgery date. That just was a little too soon for me. Luckily, things work out for the best and my new date is not soon enough now. I"M READY! Anyone else a part of the study? We should chat!! Megan

Wow! I'm very happy for you, you must be feeling good. Are you still happy you have the band? 352/311/<200

I found this on a UK support board: http://leslie_anne1.tripod.com/pouch_rules.htm

My husband and I were at the hospital at 0630 on Monday, my Dr has you stay overnight so home Tuesday about 2 p.m. I had to be one of the people who has alot of shoulder pressure from gas, scale of 1-10 right at the 10 level, almost couldn't breath! Still having a little problem with it but not bad this morning. Otherwise everything seems to be going great!! No problem swallowing the liquid for the test to be sure my stomach wasn't swollen shut, she puts some orange koolaid in it, I think that just made it taste worse. Right now I'm living on 1 can of boost a day, 1 popsicle a day and a little Jello container, hope that's enough for now. I can't stand the thought of b…

has anyone tried sugar free carnation breakfast drinks or used ensure shakes for their diet?Just curious about those 2 things. Thx P.s. just wanna thank everyone for replying to my questions and for the help i'm receiving,you guys are great love this site Beth

Hi Everyone! I got on the scale this morning and saw I dropped another 3 pounds. I had to check three times to be sure. I have lost a total of -55 in 3 1/2 months!! Woohoo! I do not have anything in my closet that fits anymore, but I found a pair of pants that I bought 10 years ago in Holland and they fit!. THis is the smallest I have been in at least 8 years. Went from a 28 to a 24 pants/22 shirt. Isn't the band the coolest invention in the universe? Well, it is to me..... Babs in TX 334/279/180 6/23/03

Did any of you who had the surgery need blood transfusions? I'm wondering if I should ask my doc about having my own blood on hand "just in case."

How long is the average stay in the hospital for lap band if everything goes well?I would like to hear how long your stay was and if there was any complications to make you stay longer? Second question what are your scars like from the lap band is it one little hole? or a couple holes? just curious.Thx for the info Cya later Beth

Hello~ Well I had my surgery on Wed. everything went great! The only thing now is I have pain in my left shoulder. ANY Suggestions to what I need to do? How long did you keep your binder on too? THANKS

I am still waiting for my insurance to give the ok for the surgery, but I have a question about the gas pains I have been hearing about post-op. Did anyone a problem with these? Thanks for the input!!!

Greetings from Bandlandia! Well, I went in for surgery yesterday at 10:00am, and I came home today at 12:00noon!! I guess my surgery was a textbook perfect case...or so said my surgeon:) I ended up with five incisions instead of six. It is something new they are trying. The only negative here is that the line of incisions are across my waistline. I am very short-waisted and there wasn't anywhere else to go with them:( I have to be very careful with my pants and stuff like that. It will also be a challenge when I go back to work, as the tables I use all day are right at that height. I am pretty sure I have no restriction at all, my stomache is growling quite …

I received my first fill yesterday. It was so easy and painless and quick. I was happy to find out that I did not have to drink any more barium just Water. I received 1.6cc in my 4cc band. I can only have liquids for 3 days and mushy foods for 4 days after that. I am so hungry but it will be worth it. Kathy

I've been investigating the various products out there to supplement my protein intake. Does anyone have knowledge of protein "isolate" being far superior to the "concentrate?" The ads certainly sound like it, but I'm wondering if the difference in cost is really justified. Thanks!!

I have a question. I am currently at 3CC's and to be honest I am afraid. I get so guilty when I eat foods other than yogurt mashed potatoes, and Soup. I so afraid that this is not going to work for me. I hear that you should not diet, but I have spent so much of my life dieting.....How and what do you all eat? How do you control the junk food urges? I am in dire need of advice..... Thanks Birdee!

Is there not anyone from Georgia?

If anyone needs a fill doctor in the south Louisiana area please get in touch with me and I will give you the phone number of my PCP who will start doing fills (with the flouro (sp?) x-rays) beginning October 17. The price is reasonable ($250). I was going to have to go to Dallas to get my fill, so to say the least, I'm so excited that someone here will start doing them.

Had my fourth fill on Saturday. I went from 2.1 to 2.6. I was instructed to be on Clear liquids for 2 to 3 weeks. Well, I am hungry already - actually, I was starving Sunday, so out came the blender and the chili and the V8 juice for thinning. I wanted a very tight fill where liquids passed slowly, and this one is close, but not quite there. My fills also tend to "kick in" at about 4 weeks, so I am happy with this transitional fill. Now for the exciting part of the story... lol First, I am a SUPER weenie about any kind of medical procedure. I have fainted more times than I can count just from having blood drawn for a blood test. I was slightly concerned about…

Well I am back from Florida and had a fill on Monday. It was no pain at all!! Had it done at the hospital and I was very suprised at how quick and painless:-) Can feel the restriction when I drink; can't take the big gulps that I used to could. Ready to loose more weight. Hopefully I can get all the fills in before the new year since my insurance is covering 100%. My deductible and out-of-pocket has been met. I have not lost any more weight; but am loosing inches....really weird. How does this happen? Hope all is well with all the losers and soon to be losers. Love this board!!!!!!!!!! Everyone Keep up the good work.

I just got word today that My PCP will start doing fills on the 17th of this month (October '03). She will use the barium, fluorscopic (whatever it is). So if anyone is interested, drop me a note. I was scheduled for the 20th in Dallas and would have had to drive 8 hours to get there. So I'm very excited! It will cost me the same ($250) as far as the x-ray and dr. bill but the traveling would of course ran atleast another 100.00 or so. This will be my first fill so I'm hoping it will be successful.

Well I made it through that. I have lost 17lbs and I was surprized. I hadn't weighed for two weeks prior. I had a 255 goal and weighed in at 254!!! I can feel a difference with 2cc's in my 4cc band. I can't wait to pull this weight off.... The local for this fill was a little painful but not bad. I didn't pay a cent at Hamilton Diagnostic. They filed insurance for me... Cyall:cool:

Hey Lenny, How are you doing with your recovery? Last we heard you were having trouble getting anything down. Did you talk with your doctor? Are you able to drink fluids yet? Please let us know how it's going...we're rootin' for you!

Hi guys new here posted on the intro board. I have a problem i go for my group consult oct 15 and then i know before the surgery the dr likes you to lose a little.I just always seem so hungry.I'm also worried that after the surgery without the fill put right in i will go back to eating normally.Is there anyway i could start shrinking my stomach now?Is there a way to do it without starving myself.Also how long does it take(if it can at all) to shrink? Any help is appreciated Thx

Ok, can someone please answer this questions for me.. I am somewhat confused. If my band holds only 4cc's and I am currently at 2cc's 7 weeks out, how does the band work forever? My question is what happens when I am at 4cc and I need another fill? I am half way there now and I don't feel restriction the way I think I should. Sometimes this is very scary. I often think this is not going to work for me.

I'm trying to understand the "anatomy" of the band. It would seem to me that regardless of the amount of fill, the pouch itself is still the same size. Therefore regardless of how tight the band itself is, there should be no difference of what can go down the esophagus into the pouch as that area wasn't touched. The only difference would be how fast/slow the pouch empties. So why do some foods...like steak..or for me fish...come right back up. Why do some foods "hurt" when they are first going into the pouch? Why does one feel more restricted at different times of the day? I'm so confused. Lori in PA 7/9/03 239/216/125

hi ya'll i had my second fill on thursday and have been worried that i didnt get any restriction with this one either but... I PB'D TODAY! now mind you it was a little scary as it was my first real PB. i was eating lunch and i must have not chewed enough before i swallowed because... PB. thank god i was alone!!!! i am eating about 1 cup of food with this 2nd fill. i have 2.2 cc's. i am scheduled another fill for 10-23 but if i cant get the eating/chewing thing right i will postpone a few weeks!

so i have just changed insur to Health Net so i can try to get a breast reduction and lap band(not at same time) and i got the "new and youngest dr" in the group! so i had my 1st appt last Fri and i told him all the reasons i wanted to have breast reduction(i am a 44DD..back/neck pain/perm grooves in my shoulders) and he tries to talk around the subject...then i start about lap band(BMI 43/poss diabetic/high bld pressure) he says" well i referred someone and they died" i say "from lap band?" he says "no from gasrtic" i told him i was not interested in gastric i asked if he even knew what i was talking about he said he did...i think i will be having a prob with him...he is…

Well guys, today is the day! I'll finally be banded, I can't wait! Wish me luck, and I'll see you on the other side! :P Sheryl

I was just banded Thursday Oct 2. So I'm no where near ready to eat yet but right now I'm thinking that I'm too scared to anyway. Is that normal? Is that how it's going to be when the time comes that I can eat. I've been on Clear liquids for four days and I'm just fine with that and I'm even worried about going on to full liquids. Will I know if I drank too much? Sorry if this sounds stupid but I really, really don't want to PB. By the way I've lost 19lbs and that's including 5lbs that I lost on the liquid diet the week before surgery!!!!! YEA!!!!!