LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi guys, does anyone have their port on the right hand side?

i find i still have a BIG problem with sweets. the food isnt going down so good so i slow up on real food. then around deserts , it goes down pretty easy. i think i need a support group for the sugar. i made a commitment not to have any sugar for a week. we just came out of the first set of hoildays and i gained a few pounds! it might just be water. maybe i need a fill. how do you know when its the right time?

did anyone else's libido take a nosedive after surgery? I'm four weeks post-op now, and I could not care less about my sex life! (Much to my poor husband's chagrin! ) Will it come back? Is this even surgery-related, or am I more likely just hormonally out of whack? I've never had what you'd call a real active libido, but it's never been this bad. Urgh. Thoughts appreciated!

By this time tomorrow I will be done w/step 1 in my journey. My hospital requires pre and post surgery classes and I found out this week that my insurance company will also pay the $1200 charge for this, so everything is covered. Luckily my Dr only requires liquid diet 1 day before surgery and nothing after midnight tonight, except enough Water to take my blood pressure pill in the morning. He does require 2 weeks of clear liquid and then 2 more of "mushy" foods before you can move into softer foods. I'll get my 1st fill of 2 cc in a month if all goes well. Watched the tape of Ann Wilson again this am, does anyone know if there is a part 2 yet? My tape shows part 1.

I can't believe it's finally here. I will be banded tomorrow at 730am in Plano and I can't wait. But I'm now starting to get very nervous about it. Wish me luck, I'll be on the other side soon.

My surgery was on Tuesday morning 9/30. I was released from the hospital today. I don't have a lot of pain other the the gas pain that everyone reports. My problem is that I can't keep anything down. Not even water. Anything I drink makes me sick to my stomach & comes back up. Anyone else have this problem? My doctor says that I shouldn't worry & give it a couple of days. Anyone have any advise.

Hey everyone...I'm only ***gulp*** 5 days away from getting banded. I was accepted into the clinical trials for the Swedish band just Monday. My surgery date is Oct. 6th. Yep- NEXT MONDAY. I'm petristatic...a combination of petrified and ecstatic. I'm very lucky in that I've only been going through the motions of getting surgery for a month or so, and am already being banded. I guess I was in the right place at the right time. So far, fate is definitly wanted me to get the band. I'm very, very lucky. Lucky especially since the company that makes the band pays for everything for the trial. I must have been accumulating a heck of a lot of good karma to be so luck…

Anyone have some examples of Post-Op daily food intake examples? Trying to get an idea of what is "ok"

I'm scheduled for surgery on 9/30/03. I have a question about the liquid diet phase of the post-op period. My work requires that I travel to customers offices, so I'll have to brown bag my lunches on workdays. What do I bring. My docter suggests Carnation Instant Breakfast, but I can't start mixing shakes while I'm on the road. What about Slim Fast cans? They seem to be convenient to travel with. Suggestions appreciated. Lenny D

While you are waiting for your approval do not be afraid to call your insurance 2-3 times a week. Don't be a pest but keep on them. I found out on 9/22 that I was denied because I called them. I wouldn't not have found out until 10/2 if I would have just waited for the letter. So since I already knew a second letter has been submitted and they have now requested additional information. Out of the 4 things that they have requested 2 of them are done and the other 2 will be done Monday night, 10/6. It is so worth calling them. (I also keep a call log) Just thought I would share.

Ok, my surgery is next Friday and my surgeon informed me that I must be on a liquid diet with a max of 50 carbs per day! Uuuuuggghhh! So I guess that means only low carb protien shakes?! I went to walmart last night and bought 4 different kinds and they all taste GROSS! Is there some particular brand that anyone has had good luck with? Please God tell me there is! I can't have the slimfast or carnation because of the carbs. Sad Sad Sparkle drinking yucky stuff.....

Hi everyone, I am to be banded 17th Nov. My problem is that I am eatting like its my last day on earth (lots) and I am putting on a great deal of weight. I feel like I have to enjoy my freedom (my drug!) while I can because after the band I will loose it all anyway! I am crazy & my logic is so demented. My dh is predicting that due to my bad attitude to loosing weight, the band will not work. Can anyone help me to put food into perspective as a pre bander waiting for the big day? Thanks Sharon

Hey there all, I was just reading some of the posts about fills and feel a little left out. I mean I have done very well I am 28 days post op and have lost a total of 40 lbs. I am now starting to eat regular food and was told by my Dr. that I probably wouldn't need a fill for at least 4 months but that it could be 5 or 6 months. I have good restriction so I am not worried about it, but it is so weird to hear people say that they have to have a Fill.

before a fill, that is the question! :laugh I am going for my 3rd fill Oct.8 -I'm currently at 2cc, but finding the evenings a little more difficult than I think they need to be. I've heard that it's best to have a fill on a empty stomach. Is this true? And if so, does anyone know why? Cheers

Was banded late July. 1st fill I felt no restriction. Just had 2nd fill and I'm feeling restriction but I'm not losing weight. What's up? I can't believe Ive gone through surgery and 2 fills and I'm not losing. I walk quite a bit every day and my food intake is way down. Has anyone had the surgery and still not lost weight?

Okay, It has been 4 weeks since my first fill and I have lost no more weight. I really cannot tell the band is there except for occasionally when I do not chew something well. So my question is How do you know when you hit your "sweet spot," what changes? I am disappointed that my appetite seems exactly the same. I thought I would be getting a sensation of being fuller sooner. I don't want to be so tight that I have to drink liquids forever, but right now I am just back to the same old diets that didn't work in the past. Help!

Before I see my physician, I was wondering if anyone who has been banded has or has had acid reflux, particularly before the surgery. If so, how did this effect the lap band procedure, or if it did at all? I have acid reflux and am tired of it! I'm hoping the lap band will help. THanks! Nici Chattanooga, TN Not Yet Banded But Anxisouly Waiting Approval!

Sorry EVERyone for the GIGANTIC pic of myself and husband at his 40th party! GEEZE.......save some writing room for the rest of the forum! LOL

Hey all you Tennesseeans out there! I was wondering what the average cost for fills were going for at the moment? I know it will be slightly different depending on where I go. Just curious! Man, I can't wait to be banded! But first, I must get the necessity letter signed by my doc. on Wed. Anyway....enough mindless rambling! I'll be having the surgery at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga. THanks! Nichole

If any one here even knows what this is (LOL) has any one tried wearing one for the lose skin and has it helped? I was thinking it might help the skin go back where it belongs since it wouldn't be hanging because of gravity.

Wow, do I need a fill!! :laugh Yesterday we had a birthday party for my older daughter's fifth birthday. I was too busy to eat much, and certainly didn't feel hungry throughout the day. The only thing I did wrong was not drink enough Water. But TODAY! My, oh, my. Did I mention my specialty is picking at leftovers? And there were three important things I didn't know about kids' birthday parties: 1. RSVP means "don't bother letting us know if you're coming or not." 2. Children don't eat more than 10% of what's put in front of them. 3. Parents don't stay, even if invited to do so. So, the food intended to feed 8 children and 12 adults ended up being picked at b…

Has anyone experienced increased restriction with changes in the weather? I can't eat when it rains. It rained 4 days in the beginning of month and I had difficulty eating but I blew it off thinking it was from the fill I had on 8/25. Well, it's raining again today and I can't eat. I pb'd on 2 bites of scrambled egg this morning, tried a turkey/cheese roll-up for lunch-no go!! Is this all in my head?

Well, I've had all of my pre-op appointments that I had to have (besides anything that the surgeon will will to do with me pre-op). I had my psych eval (no one has come to redecorate my home with padded walls, so I'm assuming that I did okay). I had my sleep study (I go in next week to learn how to use my new ultra-sexy sleepwear... a CPAP). And I've had my consult with the nutritionist. My surgeon called and said that all we're waiting for now is the official letter of approval from my insurance company. He said that he can't schedule the surgery until he gets that, even though I know FOR A FACT that it will be approved and the letter from them is just a formality. …

Well, in two days I will officially be a bandster. My surgery is on Tuesday morning. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM. Somthing tells me that I won't have any trouble waking up in time. I'm not nervous, but I would sure like to get this over with. Thanks to all my fellow bandsters & soon to be bandsters.

Does anybody eat protein bars in between meals? And also is this ok to do. I get very hungry in between breakfast and lunch and I want something to carry me over.

Hi everybody...I have a couple questions for those of you that have had the surgery. I am possibly going to have a surgery date of October 6th. Gulp. Anyway...I have started practicing a few things :-). One of them is chewing my food up a whole bunch. What I've found is that when my food gets parcially chewed, my crazy tongue moves it to the back of my throat all by itself and I can't get it back to chew more. Has anyone else had this happen? I can chew gum fine, so I know my tongue can do it, but I think I need to retrain it. What the heck is that all about? Also, how do you get in enough Water by just taking little sips? Can you use a straw? I drink about…

whats the difference. i heard it was better, but not so many Dr. will do fill. i am in N.Y.

Having waited patiently for several weeks, I called the insurance company this morning to see where I am in the food chain (pun intended) for surgery approval. After being on hold for 45 minutes they said I had the wrong dept and should call Customer Care. Did that; after 1/2 hour waiting they told me a determination had already been made. When I asked what the outcome was, they said I had to call my doctor for that information. Just the tone she used was so discouraging. I called the doctor's office and of course got the care manager's voice mail. Not knowing is the hardest part of waiting. At this point even a rejection would be preferable to the uncertainty; at …

I am so excited! My surgery date is set for October 6th, which just happens to be my dh and my wedding anniversry. I wont forget either date now...not that I would. I am so happy, I've been dancing around, talking non-stop, and probably driving all my friends, family , and co-workers crazy...and I only have known the date for one day!! Everyone I know is going to know about the band, whether they want to or not, just because of my intense enthusiasm! A bunch of my friends and I were planning to go to this great restaurant called BUCA'S to Celebrate my best friend's birthday... we are going there on Oct. 4th, which is the last day I can eat before the surgery...so,…

Megan, that was a wonderful post, and so very true.. I began my journey last January, and had many slips and almost falls in between. I had to change docs, I also had a stress test that showed up positive, had to have an angiograhm before the heart doc would let me continuing my Journey( turned out nothing wrong with my heart but it was a major set back). Anyway I kept going and I am now 7 weeks out and 31 lbs down. Hang in there LULU.

40 lbs in 27 days I can't believe it. I am so happy. I haven't been on the Forum for a few weeks because my phone company screwed my internet service up. Anyways how is everyone doing? I am feeling great!!! Still have a little port soreness but that is ok. Started working out and yesterday 9/23/03 I ate a regular dinner for the first time since before surgery. I wanted to grub out and eat but did very well. I ate my meat first and then veggies but all together only ate about 4 bites. Pre-op I could have eaten two plates. I got on the scale yesterday and again today. You guys this is incredible. I am finally losing and not gaining. I haven't lost 40 lbs since the…

is anyone afraid to lift wieghts or do sit ups? my Dr. says "not too much" i am an all or nothing girl. moderation is not my strong suit. 2nd question..... drinking, how do your Dr's feel about wine?

Woohoo everyone! I went to the doc to schedule a fill. I can eat anything and way too much. I have only lost 9 lbs. since surgery. I know, that is a bonus. Well anyway, I get there and he says "I can do it right here." He gave me a fill in his office! I got 1.5 cc (4cc band). It did hurt a little. It took him two tries to hit my port, but overall wasn't too bad. I was just sooooo excited. Then, to top it off I didn't even have to pay for it! I can definately tell the difference when I drink. I hope this helps jump start the weight loss.

Hello, I just got out of the Hospital today. I am experiencing ALOT of pain. I really have chest and Port pain. I was so nautious in the hospital, I threw up so much. I know I am being paraniod but, I feel like a moved my port pueking. Becuase this pain is unreal. I brought this up to my doc and his reply was "I was going to be in alot of pain near the port" Also, last night I freaked out when the chest pains started. They took an EKG and Blood. No Heart Attack Thank God, but, It just scared me. The Port Pain is my main concern right now, especially, now that I am off the Morphine and really are feeling everything to the point of tears. Did I do the rig…

Just wanted to let you know how my fill went. It took me 2 hours to get to Mills Peninsula Hospital, First I saw Dr Foster, she didn't feel I was ready for a fill, she has her patients wait 2 mos. and from what I described (that 2 wks ago I had severe chest pains after eating 4 bites of mac and cheese, which I shouldn't be eating in the first place) but that shows restriction. Also my port seem to be alittle tilted down. I wanted to go ahead and try to get a fill for allot of reasons so she wrote the orders for the fill. Dr. Lee who preformed the procedure was very professional and funny, He claimed he's filled band from all over the world. Once a lady who had her ban…

Hi Everyone, Today is my three month bandiversary. I am 47 pounds lighter and many inches smaller. I was pushing for 50 lbs lost by today, but I am still happy with what I have lost so far. I had my weigh in at Curves yesterday. I had lost 12 pounds and 11 inches in the last month and 6% of my excess body fat. I was embarrassed and afraid to do the weigh in and inch measuring my first month at the gym, so I am sure there were more inches that came off the first month, but I'll never know how much! For the newbies, make sure you get those pre/ post op measurements!! I have 1.75 CC presently in my band. I have never PB'ed and rarely have any difficulties eating what I …

Why is it that people who have had the RNY feel that lap band is not successful. They say you gain all the weight back. It doesnt work and that is why insurance companies dont want to pay for it. I dont care if weight loss is slower just as long as it comes off. Do we have some success stories out there. PLease help?? I really dont want to go with RNY Thank you all so much.

if after banding (after feeling 100 % better) if you have any difficulties sleeping on your stomachs? I just thought about that last night while I was laying in bed. I have such a hard time sleeping on my back and ALWAYS end up on my stomach. I was just wondering if the port being there if it causes any discomfort or pain. Thanks

Hi Everyone, I'm wondering if anyone knows of a lactose free, low carb, Protein Shake. I'm lactose intolerant and will spend lots of time in the bathroom if I drink a regular shake. HELP! Marsha

Hi Everyone, I had my first fill on Sat Sept 20th. I got 5cc and my band can fit 9cc. I get a sharp pain in my back and chest when I eat or drink. Is this normal? How long is it going to stay like this? Mary

Hello, i just needed to talk to anyone who may have had my experience. I was banded on 7-10-03. Everything went well. However I had no restriction. I went in for my first fill and after a few pokes, he decided to give me an Xray and it revealed I had a tilted port. I had a small revision due to a flipped port on 8-14-03. Surgery went well and for my one week follow-up appt, I saw my dr's assistant due to my doc being on vacation. I received a fill. However I felt no restriction and my next appt with my reg doc, he noticed that I had no Fluid in my band and called for xray which revealed I had a leak. So on Tuesday, 9-9-03, I went in for a second revision to my port, at t…

http://msnbc.com/news/970123.asp?0sl=-21#BODY this is an article about hidden sugars in your food...very interesting!!! read those labels!

hmmmm!! Where to start. Well I was banded in July. So far I feel like I have made the BEST decision. I am really struggling and I am really afraid to admit what I have been doing/feeling. I really would like someone to be honest with me and let me know if you have struggled like I am and what did you do to fix it. I have had 2 fills so far....at first I thought they were good fills and I promise myself that I won't eat when I am not hungry, that I will drink more Water, that I will measure out my food....well by the time dinner is done I have thrown that notion out of the window. Sometimes I feel like I am not "bandworthy" I still drink while I eat washing the …

I am 10 weeks post up and have pb'd 3 times. What's strange is that it is only when I eat fish. The first time I ate broiled salmon, the second - rainbow trout, and the third lobster. Each time I ate slowly and chewed. The fish was not dry. 2 nights ago I had hamburger, no problem. Last night I had lamb chops, no problem. This is so wierd. I have to change my complete "diet" mentality as to what to eat. Lori in PA