LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I was banded in September of last year. Originally lost 20 lbs, but gained 10 lbs back. So a total of 10 lbs lost. I guess 10 is better than nothing, but NOT what I was expecting. I was not doing right by the band. I was eating junk, drinking soda, eating until I was stuffed. About a month ago, I decided enough was enough. I didn't go through this surgery just to keep doing what I was doing before I had the surgery. I haven't lost anything, but I haven't gained anything. I have been going to the gym about 3 times a week. I have had three fills, but I only have 3cc's in my band. I don't even know how big my band is. I am making smarter food choices, but I get v…

How do you tell u need a fill !!!! I am getting starving between meals all the sudden ! See my surgon this month ! Have not had a fil in over a year

It's the night before my surgery and I am feeling like it is the start of my fresh new opportunity. I get banded tomorrow and have a wish list; climb the stairs and not be winded sit on the airplane and not worry about the seatbelt or how tight the seats are buy clothes wherever I want to actually WANT to excercise sit on an old chair and not worry it might break feel sexy again wear high heals (my feet may hurt but it won't be because of my weight it will be because they look soooo good!) buy a pair of jeans FEEL HEALTHY! :D :D

Marion Herrin Harrisburg il area

Is it normal to feel real tight restriction after a fill to where everything gets stuck and then a few days later, while eating the same things, it goes down normal without getting stuck? I noticed today everything is going down smoothe and I can eat more today then I could a few days ago.

I have a family of five. Children age ranges from 18 down to 11. Next week is my surgery and I'm concerned about dinner time. How to manage ? Does anybody have any great suggestions/tips how to handle this and still keep it a pleasant experience?

I had my surgery 9/2012 and I haven't lost weight until now!! I knew it would take longer because I picked realize band and it holds 14cc. Im at 10.5cc. I get full with a few bites and don't feel like snacking!! Now it's up to me to not stretch it and try to keep the restriction!!! Reason I picked realize band is because its not to tight around the stomach. Thanks for reading!!

Hi Everyone, Has anyone of you find it difficult to lose weight when you try everything to eat no more than 1500 calories daily? Since my surgery I can not eat bread, think meat like steak, diet soda, etc. so it seems like I am eating mostly salads, grill chicken etc...things that will not make feel like I am choking. Is feeling like you are choking normal even when you chew the food up to 40 times? Does anyone have any suggestions on healthier alternatives of foods/meals to have? Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.

Can we eat cheese,when banded ?

Lapband coffee Group – Brampton Monday, June 10th – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup (Located in the Longo’s Plaza) 7700 Hurontario Street, Building E, Unit 504 Brampton, ON The Lapband Coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has had Lapband Surgery or if you’re looking into the lapband process, recently banded, or a long time "Bandster". This is a great way to find out about the lapband from individuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen to individuals share their lapband journey experience. No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find the group ask for Tom at the cash register. If you have any questions before the coffee group pleas…

Today marks the beginning of my 2nd week post-op. I'm allowed to have thicker soups as long as there's no chunks. Well I'm reading over the plan as I run the Campbell's tomato soup through a strainer and I realize that it says soups but then in parenthesis it says (water, not milk!). I'm so confused. I'm going to call the doctor (they're at lunch right now, grrr) but I just wanted to ask - the soup contains cream which is milk. I assume most thicker soups do too. Unless there's other choices I'm not aware of? What in the world can I eat then?

Hi...Just wanted to say thanks for starting this group. Tomorrow I enter week 3 of my new life as a bandster. Would love to be able to stay in communication with those who go to True Results Houston.

I thought I was in the green zone but now I'm getting hungry more quicker and not so full I drank beer over the weekend and I'm hoping it didn't do any damage. I have an appt next week should I get a fill?I'm trying to stay controlled but my stomach is growling like crazy

Surgery oct 25 2012 Starting weight 243 Now 188 Goal 168

Yasso frozen greek yogurt bars!!! Approx. 60 cals, zero fat, 8g Protein Mango, strawberry, vanilla, coconut, blueberry, raspberry Just happen to be created by kids that use to go to the school I taught in. They really are worth a try. (coconut and raspberry get two thumbs up from me)

I got a fill about three weeks ago and don't know if it was overfill. Symptoms are sore throat perhaps from regurg. Throwing up a lot but can eat normally sometimes. Not hungry except for night snacking. I can eat more than a cup of food. I just can't tell if its careless eating or too tight. It took me a while for restriction. I have 12.5 in a 14 band. I am losing very slow. Just 33 lbs from oct. should I call my doctor? He only is in on Fridays.

My surgeon shared a little tip with me that I thought I would pass along in the forum. If (or when) I find myself no longer losing or even gaining (like I did today buy I only just started "Full Fluids" so I am ok with it). Use your cell phone to take a picture of every single thing you eat or drink for a full week. Keep a log and then take a look, it will tell you a story of what you eat, when you eat, where you ate and the amount are eating. He said the solution for the changes I will need to make will be right in front of me. It sounds so simple.

I am excited to get home to my kids. I really haven't needed pain meds since yesterday right after surgery. I have been noticing that my port is located in the upper left quadrant below my breast. It is kind of sticking out. I'm worried it will be noticeable and make me self conscious. I was wondering if maybe it is just swollen and will go down, but I'm not sure. My doctor says don't worry about it, but I can't stop thinking about it.

I'm 3 weeks postop and 10 days away from my first fill. As I've healed I find myself getting more and more hungry, especially between meals. It scares me because I'm still 10 days from a fill. I'm trying to be patient and focus on protein until my first fill. I'm so hungry I feel like I'm not losing. Is this normal?? I had Lap Band with Gastric Plication so I thought the Plication (folding and stitching of stomach) would at least give me restriction at this point but I'm hungry!

What would you say we're your top three reasons in choosing the band over other weight loss surgeries?

Hi guys! I keep wondering if i should eat my greek yogurt before or after a solid food? I'm afraid is going to wash down like liquids does. Like now, i couldnt eat my omelet (woke up crapy this morning, gagged even to brush my teeth) so after i few bites i dont feel like eating more, maybe a yogurt could make me feel better, but again, i dont to wash what i already ate down.. Should i wait one hour to eat the yogurt?

So here is my question. I eat very healthy during the day, perfect portions and good choices. I exercise almost every day. I am losing weight, about 2 lbs a week (banded 3.27.13 and 23 lbs down) but I know I could do more if I didn't go crazy every night. I drink wine, make a pretty indulgent dinner (my new thing is to sauté a lean cuisine with olive oil and add maybe a lil meat) and literally I can eat like 5 Rice Krispie treats or fiber 1 bars. How do I make myself stop if I am still losing weight slowly? Any advice? Thank you:)

I was wondering if there was fatty tissue between the band and stomach. Will a band loosen with weight loss, assuming there are fatty layers between the band stomach pouch? This popped into my head the other day, and I'm curious if this does indeed exist or happens.

How do you handle eating out? What do you order? I enjoy going out to eat at nicer restaurants but often find myself rushing to the ladies room because I can't keep my meal down... Any suggestions on what to order that most places offer and will also go down easily... I know this makes my table mates uncomfortable.. thanks

I am brand new here...just created my account today and I am excited to join your community! I am looking forward to being more active here. And I really need some help making sense of this issue I am having. I've had my band since August of 2010. I did GREAT for 2 years. Lost a total of 75 lbs and was only 15 away from my goal. And then...SURPRISE! I got pregnant! My surgeon's protocol was to completely empty my band, which was very concerning to me. It really messed with my head. Not only was I physically able to eat whatever (and AS MUCH!) as I wanted again, but I felt like I had a "free pass" because I was pregnant. Ya know...the whole eating-for-two excuse, craving…

I haven't posted in a while, busy with work and family. I have now completed 2 5k walks, first one was 51 minutes, second was 45 minutes! I am so happy I can do this! My glucose levels are very stable for the day after exercise, I might cut my metformin by half next visit to the endocrinologist. Yesterday was my third fill appointment and I didn't lose any weight this time, but my clothes are still fitting looser. The doctor said that's good. I need to work on smaller portions, taking time to chew properly and waiting enough between bites, having minor stuck episodes due to not following the rules. I also need to work on my exercise(45 minutes 4 times a week) and sl…

I don't get a fill for three more weeks but I thought I'd go ahead and ask. My Dr. told me that he puts the port in deeper than normal so it doesn't show after you lose weight. He does use a local anesthetic and fluoroscope. But I was still curious if it hurt more because it's in deeper. Has anyone else had theirs put in deeper or know someone and does it hurt more? I don't know if this is something that he just does or if it is a new way so not to have to go to a low profile port. ~~~Stephanie

I had my first fill a week ago & I have not figured out how to tell when I'm full until I'm in pain. I eat very slowly, chew very well, take small bites & all that. It takes me about 20-25 min to eat. I have been focusing on my stop signal & nothing noticeable has happened.

Why did you make the decision to band instead of sleeve???

So today I had my surgery. Expected to be in pain and very gassy. So far the pain is minimal more just soreness, and no gas. I should be discharged in the morning. I'm not even hungry thankfully. So happy I didn't back out. I know this is just the beginning but I'm sooooo excited!!

I had my first fill yesterday (2 cc) and I'm feeling pretty rough. I was able to drink Water yesterday, after the fill, but I drink a little Isopure last night and woke up 5-6 times after aspirating it hours later. Now I'm sitting at the hospital waiting for an unfill. I have a question for anyone who's had a similar experience: can you gauge how much you need removed as saline is withdrawn based upon the ability for liquids sitting on top of the band to begin passing through? My doctor was hesitant to give the fill yesterday because of how well my loss had been since surgery April 17 (15 lbs but all within the first 3 weeks). Now I'm worried he might take out …

Im 48 years old and have been on a diet since feburary.I was banded april 26th and im still eating the same half of bowl of cereal for breakfast and either tuna or chicken for lunch and chicken or fish for dinner with a little veggies.well I was allready eating like this. and its just like im not banded.if i dont walk a hour on the treadmill and work my but off all day or i wont lose anything at all. Ive gone through menopause 6 years ago.Yes ive lost 30 lbs. but that was before the band.why is it so hard?

I got three more doctor appointments then I am ready for surgery. I am at the bariatric center now for nutrition class

I had my surgery on December 26, 2012, I am 5 months in and I have lost at total of 50 lbs. I'm very excited. My last visit did not require a fill so I'm guessing if all goes well this means I'm in the green zone? This has been one of the best decisions and things I have ever done for me, and I hope it stays that way. I'm a little fearful of falling into old habits but I have to be positive and keep heading towards my goals. Thanks for listening, it's nice to talk to people who are in the same boat with you.

How do you guys take the huge vitamins that are suggested. I tried OJ, but I forget the afternoon vitamins. So frustrated with trying to remember....

I have gone from 273 to 208 since my surgery! Size 20 jeans were too tight...now I'm in 16's! I feel so much better! More energy. Fitting into old clothes that were too tight....and having a lot that are now way too big. Compliments! I could go on and on.... Add yours.....:thumbup:

Okay, I know this is a totally dumb question, but I am going to toss it out anyway. If you drink a Protein shake for a meal, should you wait to 30 min afterwards to start drinking more Water? The shake is liquid, but it's Liquid Protein. What do you think? What do you do?

When I had my last fill, my left shoulder and upper arm hurt; just like when I had gas pain after surgery. Now, the shoulder pain is gone, but the left arm pain remains. It's been close to two weeks. Has anyone had this issue? I really don't want to have any fluid removed, because food wise I'm in a good place.

My instructions for eating once on solid foods is this: Eat under 1000 calories per day. Eat three 1/2 cup meals per day. Eat 60-80 grams of Protein per day. Sip lots of Water throughout the day. Do not snack between meals. I am lucky to hit 600-700 calories a day unless I eat total crap. I feel like making healthy choices there is no way to get that many calories in a cup and a half of food each day. I was supplementing with 2 Protein shakes a day to make sure I got my protein. Am I missing something? I have started carb cycling but I am eating more than a half cup at a time and I eat 5 times a day. I am eating about 3oz of protein (usually chicken or 99% …

My surgery is scheduled for June 14 and today is day one of my pre-op diet. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, scared and happy all at the same time! Is all of that emotion even possible at once???!!!!

I've been banded for 5 months and have not lost a pound since! Yes my clothes feel a little looser but the metal monster is not budging and I'm getting very depressed! I have had 4 fills so far and I do eat a lot less than what I did before surgery but I feel like I still eat more than what I'm supposed to. My dr says it takes time and I will hit my sweet spot but I'm getting depressed about it I go for another full next Wednesday... I don't wanna be the one who had the surgery and its not gonna work (

Does anyone live around the Baytown Houston area it would be nice to have a lap band friend close by

I just tried injury protein shake, what do you guys think of it? I liked it, the nutrionist gave me a sample of the vanilla. Any thoughts???

Hi y'all.... I had my band in 2009. I reached my goal weight in 2011 (2 years later), having lost over 100 pounds. I've been in "maintenance mode" for 2 years now, and have been within 7 pounds of my goal weight for the 2 years since reaching GW. A few months back, I started having acute stomach pain. I visited my bariatric surgeon, and we did a whole bunch of tests and decided that the pain was stemming from my gallbladder. Last week I had my gallbladder removed. Surgery went well, and I'm recovering quickly! (It's a breeze this time, since I have "been there, done that" with my bariatric surgery!) Has anyone else had their gallbladder removed? What have been m…

I am wondering which mayo u successful bandsters use for things like chicken salad and egg salad? I am about out of light mayo and was wondering what people think of the fat free or the olive oil type?

What the topic says! Did you go off of a pant / dress size? A specific weight or BMI? Or an ability goal point? (to get off of meds / walk up stairs without breathing heavy / shop at a certain store) Did some of us not have a goal in mind at all, just to lose weight and do what we can? I'm just curious how others came to their decision on goal setting...

It has been almost 5 months since my surgery. I have been doing good and have reached a point where i am stuck. I can't seem to lose any more! I have heard a lot about carb cycling and wonder if anyone has any ideas or thoughts about it. I know I need to switch things up. I am changing my workout routine, but need meal ideas! Please help with any good ideas or thoughts to help me through this stuck phase!!

Has anyone else experienced this? Yesterday I had the perfect eating day after a weekend completely off the wagon and actually now weigh 2 lbs more than I did yesterday! Wtf! Has anyone experienced this? Are the weekend transgressions showing up on my body now? Ugh...I was hoping for at least a bit of instant gratification by way of like half a pound...but gain? I only had about 700 calories yesterday!

I am happy I had the lap Band! I have encouraged my husband to do it as well!! So far here's my progress!!!! pre-op wt 344, current wt. 277.4

So June 13th will mark my 2 year love affair with my band named Ralph... I've done fairly well, from 282 lbs down to 150lbs, I feel content. My problem is, my surgeon left his practice and I tried and tried to find another one, and in the interim lost my insurance. I'm working with a 14cc Realize band with approx 4cc of fluid give or take... That's a whole other story. Anyhow I've mastered the idea of knowing my bands moods for the most part and do well eating and sometimes find I'm able to eat far more than I should. I of course know this means I need a fill, however other days I'm so tight I can swallow a protein shake. I've tried tracking this to see it it coincides wi…