LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I have to wear this binder around me and I am wondering can it be taken off when I sleep, also can my incisions heal by wearing this all the time? I wear it under my shirt.

Now I know where the 4 lbs gained in the last week and half has come from looking back at the food diary. It is my sweet tooth, somehow I have to get a handle on it and don't know how. I need help, physical and mental help with it. It wasn't a gain with food choices it had to be from the sweets I chose once a day. After my main meal, my largest meal either I chose to eat my main meal at lunch or dinner I crave something sweet terribly, and I'm not talking oh yea, you're just craving it, its like I gotta have it or I will go nuts crazy gotta have it kind of feeling and feeling deprived feeling so I will grab a bag of skinny cow candy, skinny cow single serve ice cream …

I recieved some bad news at my appointment yesterday. So that I don't have to type it twice please go read about it here -> www.biscuitsandexcuses.blogspot.com

I have found that tofu isn't that bad, and for me it doesn't bother me like other foods (meat). I'm thinking of just dropping meat all together now. Has anyone else tried this, or done the switch. If so, have any recipes?

I've had this on my signature for some time now, don't think anyone has actually bothered to read it: Disclaimer: Opinions, advice and all other information expressed by participants in discussions are those of the author. You rely on such information at your own risk. You are urged to seek professional medical advice for specific, individual situations and not rely solely on advice or opinions given in the discussions. The content of my posts and any responses to posts that I make are solely based on my own experience and opinions. I am not a medical professional and do not profess to have expert medical knowledge. I try to be supportive and helpful, I may post som…

I have done so well. Met my goal in 7 mo. Down about 80 lbs. But. Here's my concern. So many people in my support group have either had the band then went to the Sleeve or they are opting for Sleeve to begin with. Im reading articles that say banding is less popular. Chance of eroding ect. Im worried i made wrong choice??

Hi all haven't been on of late due to some extreme life issues. My Mother In Law a passed away at the same time this was happening I was diagnosed with a tumor on my kidney. I recently had surgery (last Tues 5/14) And they removed part of my kidney and all the tumor!!! I had a little trouble in the OR with my breathing but the good Lord was watching over me and all was ok. I am home now on the mend slowly very slowly! I have had a couple of stuck moments which with the surgery were excrutiating but got passed. Just really could use some prayers through this ordeal! Can't wait to get back on track although I'm not gaining so that's good!

Well May 24th was my one month bandiversary!!!! YAY me...down 20 pounds.. not to bad i don;t think.. and that's with going to Ocean Isle, NC for my cousins wedding.. with my loving mom..I forgot my measuring cups but i feel as though i did okay with eating.. and trust me i was tempted by all the snacks my family loves to have after a day on the beach.. i didn't deprive myself but i didn't go for them all numerous times like i would have in the past.. i'm feeling quite proud of myself for that... all the while i felt like i had to sneak things sometimes because my mom who i love and would not change for anything, mind you, always had a comment or a look ,, maybe even a "hm…

I was banded 7/31/12 and I have lost 53ish pounds. I exercise on a regular basis. I have had 2 fills, however I'm starting to wonder if I need another fill. I have started to be hungry between meals. I'm not sure if I need the fill or just motivation and will power. Any advise?

Hi everyone I'm new here and looking for answers...I was banded on January 24 I've had 3 fills and now I'm at 7cc since May 3 with no weight lost. I lost 32 pounds during post op. should I go on a liquid diet again...

So i went to my surgeon's today. It's been exactly one calendar month since surgery . Anyway, so i went I'm and am down 5lb from mutt post op appt 2.5 weeks ago and 15lb down from the morning of surgery. I have been dressing the fill as i feel that i am still learning to live with my band/enforcer every day and didn't want another change just yet. But before i had a chance to put I'm my opinion on a possible fill, he asked me all the right questions and made the decision (with my obvious blessing) that i didn't need a full yet. To be honest, since day one, I've never experienced "bandster hell". I am not hungry per say and most of the time find myself reading just t…

Are you allowed to have these after the lapband? ~Jodie

Does anyone have any good bean burrito recipes? I'm hungry want something good for lunch

I'm going on 4 hours now. Been vomiting and can't get a hold of my doc. Tried some tea and it came backup. Has this happened to anyone. Now I'm just scared :-(

I was banded 1 Dec and had my port removed on the 19th of June. I will post a detail evolution of what happened for now have a look at this slideshow, [media=] [/media] First of all I want to thank everyone thats treating me specialy my doctor, very caring to the point he quickly replies to my emails and takes calls, something I am very gratefull for in times of stress like the present, I am extreemly happy I chose him, and the infection was probably due to a fill that had nothing to do with him, -I was banded on the 1 dec, operation went well healing was fast I had restiction for about 4 weeks, then I had a fill towards end of Jan, 7 or 8 week( ill have to check …

I had my surgery 2 years ago. To this date I have lost 94lbs. My problem is where my port is at, I have very bad pain. It feels like it is tearing away from something. Also the past month or so I have had a lot of heavyness in my stomach (all over). I thought it was trapped gas because after an hour or so I would pass gas and I would feel better. But now the heavyness seems to stay longer and longer. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this.

I'm guessing that there's a good portion of banders who had second thoughts before getting the band, how did you talk yourself out of letting fear get the better of you? Did you talk to friends or family and find comfort in them? Or other bandsters? Also, what was your major fear?

I could not, once I was banded, eat those nasty vitamins that were recommended by my nut. Today I went directly to a vitamin store and purchased Natural Vitality Optimum Liquid Vitamins. I tried my first dose and they're so much better! Although expensive, they are worth not having to chew vitamins. I also bought organic hemp protein in tropical flavor. Has anyone tried the protein that you just add to juice? I could not take another thick gross protein shake. Let me know what your thoughts are and if anyone has tried either liquid vitamins or the protein for juice.

My Bmi is currently 37.1. I have horizon bcbs. According to the medical policy I printed from my plan in order to qualify with a Bmi between 35-40 I have to have atleast one comirbidity from about 15 listed. Out of the list I have 5. I have one more monthly supervised visit that they require left- I go in less than 2 weeks for my nutrition consultant and physchological eval. Then 2 days after for my last monthly visit. Just wonder if I will have a hard time with getting approved with the 5 comirbidities and Bmi under 40

Just curious if there's a place or website where you can get singles or samples? I've started with the Matrix Milk Chocolate and love it, but would like to try some others, especially the "non flavored" ones.

Howdy! I'm trying to think of some band friendly, family friendly picnic food ideas. I'm not really concerned about low fat, low carb ideas for this weekend, but if guys have any recipes I'd love to hear them. Thanks and I hope everyone has a wonderful, warm, sunny and safe holiday weekend.

My Dr wants me to drink about 1/2 gallon of Water a day and I find it hard to drink more than (2) 16 oz. bottles a day. I am not drinking anything else (tea etc) Any one else having trouble with their water intake? What are you doing to help? Pointers?

I know everyone is different....I was just wondering what the average is for a first fill?

This happened twice recently.....and both incidents came after my last fill. Currently, I have 2.8cc's in a 4cc band (70% filled to capacity). The first episode I was sleeping on my stomach.....so I dismissed it as I was my face was probably knee deep in the pillow and I couldn't breathe. Yesterday...it happened again....but I was sleeping on my back. I'm not going to blow this out of proportion but (airing on the side of caution) I thought I would at least check in with my fellow bansters to see if anybody has heard of this after getting the band. Thought there could be a connection from my last fill...but maybe not Thoughts/Opinions?

Well I had all my pre-op stuff done yesterday, and all went well. I've been on the high Protein liquid diet now for 4 days , I am surprised it has not been as hard as I thought it would be. Trust me I have cravings, I chew gum for that, but I have not been hungry I have been satisfied, my Dr. said the key was the protein, If you get in all your protein your more satisfied. I have 4 Protein shakes a day (Bariactric Advantage), 1 Protein Bar, and liquids. I believe the shakes are what is making the difference. They are a Meal Replacement shake. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a Protein Shake. They were recommended by my Dr. 3 Days and a wake…

Hello everyone had my first post op appointment today. The Dr said I could eat my protein and not drink it. I was so excited finally food but I am so careful when I eat. I do not want to get sick. Anyway have been on a liquid diet for 18 days and have lost 15lbs so far. On my way to a better life. Hope everyone is having a great day:)

I had a port replacement done on Friday 4/26/2013. Starting that evening I started having alot of pain. I know that I would be sore due to all the manipulation the Dr had to do. He replaced my port with a low profile port? It is smaller than my original port. I ended up having a hole in the port tubing. It is Sunday now and I am still having pain and discomfort. It feels like something is ripping when I bend over or move alot. Standing up and sitting down hurts and trying to sleep is miserable!!!! My Dr. did not give me any pain medication and I did not even think to ask for it. The way they talked it was going to be very simple with some soreness. Has anyo…

I know this is a very common topic around here, but I started losing hair a few weeks back. I've been taking Biotin (5,000 mcg) since I had my surgery as well as a multi Vitamin. I just started taking prenatal Vitamins instead of a Multivitamin to see if it makes a difference. I have a few questions for those of you who lost hair as well. 1. When did you start losing your hair? 2. Was your hair loss noticeable? 3. Were you taking any preventative measures? (biotin, etc) 4. When did your hair loss stop and/or slow down? 5. When did your hair get back to normal? Thanks so much for helping! I'm getting worried so I'm just looking for some help, guidance, and ans…

So I was banded on March 4th and when they removed the staples my port incision came open. It has been a roller coaster since then but now a month later the port site is clearly infected and I have surgery scheduled tomorrow to remove the port and part of the tube. I am wondering if the tube will just be "open" to my insides or sealed, i.e., will the saline currently in my lapband (3 ml) leak out or will I lose all restriction? Also, since there is infection at the port site, will they leave the wound open to drain or close it up with staples or stitches? Im supposed to travel which they told me I could do but I don't want to travel with an open gaping wound! I j…

Good Morning My Lap Band Friends, I Just Felt Like Singing a Little Song For You!!! Hope You Like It!! Queen (We Are The Champions)!! I've paid my dues - Time after time - I've done my sentence But committed no crime - And bad mistakes I've made a few I've had my share of sand kicked in my face - But I've come through We are the champions - my friends And we'll keep on fighting - till the end - We are the champions - No Time For Loosers Cause We Are The Lap-Band Champions of The World!!! Love You All Happy Friday!!!

Hey all you VT'ers . I'd like to hear your stories and am contemplating doing this surgery.

Have you read the wonderful - and potentially life changing - WLS book from Clifford Thomas: Skinny Jeans...at last! ? If you haven't and you've ever struggled with losing, maintaining or even the dreaded re-gain then this is THE BOOK for you! (I'm not getting any endorsement, apart from feeling amazing again since I've read it...) So, if you've read it then I'm curious to know: what's your Eating Rules Score? I'd like to start a little research on my own here, correlating the ERS with losing success. Let me know your current score and how are you succeeding. For example, my score currently is 73 (out of 100) - and I gained 15lbs in the last 12 months and could…

Hi Everyone! I received my approval for Lap Band Surgery yesterday!!! I got teary eyed I was so excited and relieved! I am still waiting to hear from scheduling at the hospital for my date. I have Aetna insurance and my employer has the plan written with specific guidelines I had to follow. Aetna is typically a 6 month medically monitored weight loss requirement however my company was written at 3 months. There is also an RN that works directly with the Bariatric patients for my employer. She has been with me through this and great for answering questions. Thanks to her I knew of my approval before my surgical team heard LOL! She will also follow me for 6 months…

Was hoping I might find someone who lives relatively close to me, Northeast PA, to have a local band buddy and/or mentor. I am 26yrs old and about 1.5mos post-op, just had my first fill May 9th. If I cannot find someone locally, I would still definitely like to find a band mentor who is a little bit further than I. Thank u!

What did you eat after your 1st week of surgery? Is it still liquids?

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, May 28th – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup 901 Brant St Burlington, ON L7R 2J6 (Just West of the Walmart) 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 please contact: Tom – t…

I just had my 1st fill today and I'm a lil worried. As she was doing the fill I asked her how much fluid she was going to put In and her response was we're going to try 3ccs. Well after a hiccup with finding the port she said I think u have some fluid in your band already so were going to put in 2. She later said I had 1.8 in plus the 2 now. So she had me drink water and I said I it went down ok... Well as soon as I walked out I felt like a pill was stuck in my throat (I've only had water at this point) and now almost 2 hrs later I still have this annoying feeling. Is that normal? Does it go away shortly? I really don't want to go back for an unfill due to the tornado dis…

I had my sugery in march I still don't have any fluid any my band sometimes I can eat without problems and some weeks I can't est anything but mashed potatoes and oatmeal what's the deal with that? This is aggravating and I have only lost 18 lbs since march 6th

One of My Gifts from God is True Beauty and My Lap Band Weight Loss Has Truly Help Me to Realize That!!! Good Night!! Learn to Have Faith In Yourself cause No One Will Do It For You!!!

I just got my Surgery date. Didn't think it would happen so fast. I thought I needed to do the psych eval but my insurance approved without it. Very excited but so nervous at the same time!! I would love to have some buddies on here.

I have been banded for 6 months and I have lost appox 36lbs. I eat 1000-1200 calories a day and I do Cardio 5 days a week for about an hour. I wear a heart rate monitor and work out until I've lost at least 800 calories, which usually takes an hour. I've been consistently losing 1.5 lbs a week since my last fill and I feel I'm in the green zone. I know 1.5 a week is good and its been continuous, but I would like to lose at least 2lbs a week which is still considered a healthy weight loss. Any ideas? I'm up for anything!!

I am having my surgery in September, anyone else having one around this time?

Hi can anyone help I was banded end of jan and not lost anything!!! the weight i lost was post op and it allwent back on soon as i started eating normally after the liquid stage i am gutted but think I'm relying on band to work some miracle!! Had two fills and last one for first few weeks I had few stuck episodes and couldn't eat some stuff, however over month later I can now eat whatever and it doesn't get stuck? Is that normal or have I stretched it?! Going for another next weekend just stressed out and gutted I thought this was my answer but now not so sure thanks x

It's been four month, two fills a change in eating habits and six days a week at the gym and I have only lost 10 pounds. When will I start seeing the benefits. As of right now, I'm regretting having this surgery.

i was banded on Jan 10, 2013. Today I had my first fill and I don't feel anything different. Am I suppose.to? wwhat can I expect in the few days. It took along time to get this fill almost 6 months .

Today I celebrate my 1st bandiversary. Although I hoped to be in wunderland at this mark, I am only a couple of pounds away! I could not be happier to be down 102 lbs! WooooHooooo!!!!!!!

Well, I am coming up on 5-year anniversary and it was recommended by Alex that I update everyone. It has been an amazing, life-changing journey for me. There have been some ups and downs along the way but it all was well worth it. I went to a seminar with Dr. Eric Pinnar in Reston VA on April of 2008 at 5'4" and 234 lbs. and immediately knew that I wanted to get this done. I had been overweight since I was a small child. It was always hard for me and my self-esteem was always so low. I remember the psych asking me what my goal weight was. I said 150 pounds thinking that was aiming much too high. I was already 160 pounds in the sixth grade and my lowest adult weigh…

Last night I overate significantly. After a couple of hours of discomfort I vomited violently and it resulted in facial bruising. Lots of tiny purple spots around my eyes and on one side of my face down my neck! Anybody else ever have this happen?

I'm working on a massive one-man (well, woman) project in the office. It requires a huge amount of mental work - creating spreadsheets, sorting and correcting tens of thousands of data, comparing, evaluating, what not.... In a nutshell: it's a cracker. (hahh, did you get that? ) Anyway, there is leftover cake from my boss's birthday yesterday which I could normally withstand (I'm not really interested if I didn't bake it, and anyway it's a day old cream cake). However, today, sitting in front of my screen trying to cut my way through the enormous task the cake is calling my name.... So I thought "that's strange, let's see what's going on in my head which creates this…

Hello! I was banded 5/14 and wondering if there's anyone in the area, or heck.. Even in Illinois in general that wanted a new band buddy!! It would be nice to be able to talk to someone who can relate to your situation! I am close to St. Louis but I've posted in the Missouri forum and it doesn't seem like there's a lot of traffic!