LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hello everyone! This is my first night on the board -- I have just stated my journey of hopefully getting banded. I have an appointment for a consult w/Dr. Van Wanger out of St. Louis in June. Does anyone have anything they could tell me about using him and their experience (good or bad)? Also I understand his practice requires something called a one-time "program fee" -- is this a common thing? My friend was recently banded in NYC and has never heard of this.

I recently moved and it's so far to get to the Dr I used to see. But, when I started calling around NE Atlanta I was told they wouldn't take me on as a patient unless I was basically from out of state! Anyone heard of this? Does your Dr accept patients for just fills? I'm looking for a Dr in Fwinnett

Background: I am female, 40, and 5'5". I got up to my high weight of 260 last spring. I was 245 when I started my pre-op liquid diet on Nov. 8, 2012, and something like 237 on Nov. 14, 2012 when I had my surgery. I currently weigh 195 lbs. With my last fill on April 22, I got up to 6.1cc in my 10cc band. I had only lost 3 lbs in the 6 weeks before that, and I have lost 6 lbs since. I think I may have hit the Green Zone this time. It's not that I feel a sense of restriction, it's more that I feel ok with stopping when I have finished the amount of food that I have allotted for my meal. I could still easily eat more if I didn't have my food planned out. I still have to u…

Background: I am female, 40, and 5'5". I got up to my high weight of 260 last spring. I was 245 when I started my pre-op liquid diet on Nov. 8, 2012, and something like 237 on Nov. 14, 2012 when I had my surgery. I currently weigh 195 lbs. With my last fill on April 22, I got up to 6.1cc in my 10cc band. I had only lost 3 lbs in the 6 weeks before that, and I have lost 6 lbs since. I think I may have hit the Green Zone this time. It's not that I feel a sense of restriction, it's more that I feel ok with stopping when I have finished the amount of food that I have allotted for my meal. I could still easily eat more if I didn't have my food planned out. I still have to u…

I was banded with a 4cc band back in Oct 2008. Had that band for 2 years, lost 100lbs, then lost the band due to complications. I went without the band for 2 years and then started to put weight back on so I went and got another band last December. I now have the new 11cc band. Wow! So different! With my old band if something was stuck it had to be thrown up. It would never go down. This new band, I can't throw up at all. If something is stuck, I just have to wait, sometimes all night, but it does eventually go down. Anyone have similar experiences?? I also don't have any heartburn with this new band. And the port is so much better. When I lost weight with my old port it …

Okay I am still on soft foods but I dont seem to be losing weight, I am walking and I only eat 3 times a days and I barley eat what can I do? I hired a personal trainer to start working with me. When I can eat veggie? I need veggies and I drink plenty of water..I want to be successful please help me.

I have been on reflux medicine for years. It has always bothered me during the day. For the past 6 months, it has moved to nights. My PCM has changed my meds and I am now trying a 3rd as of today. I literally wake up some nights choking on acid. I have a wedge under my mattress to keep my head elevated. I finish eating and taking medicine at least 2 hours before I go to bed. I finish drinking about 1.5 hours before I go to bed. I have to eat very small meals and make sure I don't have any PBs during the day or I know I am in for a LONG night. I need to drink more water because I know that helps and I am working on it. I don't think it is related to my lap-band…

I had lap band surgery over two years ago, in November of 2010. I began at 339 pounds, lost twenty in the pre-surgical two week low carb diet, and after surgery got down to 249. Then I bounced, and everything seemed to go wrong. Looking back, I think I was over-eager about increasing my fills, and it got me to the point where there was zero hunger control, etc. Now, I'm back up to 325 pounds. My band is still at around 9cc, but it doesn't really do much at all for portion control anymore---just creates problems with certain foods at times. I feel like my eating is completely out of control again, and I'm discouraged as hell. I haven't been back to my bariatric doc'…

I just made my first Protein balls and they were DELICIOUS a great way to have a "Dessert" and yet not feel guilty about having one of them because it's healthy. I altered the recipe I found and made it a vanilla-orange like flavor. Best thing of it all is no baking is required!! Kitchenaide is best to be used but otherwise you just need a wooden/really strong spoon 1 cup Almond Butter (called for Peanut Butter but almonds are healthier) 1 cup Agave (you can replace this for honey as well) 5 scoops of vanilla (or vanilla like) Protein powder 3.5 cups old-fashioned oats 1 tsp vanilla extract Shredded coconut Orange extract added until taste is reached Milk ad…

After a 1 year 1/2 hiatus I need to go back and get a band fill. I called my doctors office number and I find out she left the office about 1 year ago. They did send a letter about a year ago but apparently it does happen "it got lost in the mail" to let me know she was leaving. The receptionist said they are referring a new doctor but he is about a 11/2 hour drive. I know there are closer doctors then that. The only bad thing is that now I have to do research on a new doctor. The receptionist did say they still have all my records but I would have to sign release blah blah blah... My main concern to ask everyone out here is, Is anyone an adoption case? Did you switc…

I just found this and it looks interesting for those following low carb: http://healthylowcarbliving.com/low-carb/recipe-box-lime-cheesecake-fluffy-stuff/. Just thought I would share.

Tuna to Go cups are my new favorite "take with me" meal. I eat them for Breakfast, lunch or dinner, when I want to change this up...Filling and easy to eat. Calories: 70 Protein: 15 grams

No food coma after over eating. I just got back from a business lunch and I ate too much. Pre-Band that would have meant a couple of thousand calories and a food coma.

65lbs woot woot! at a plateau at the moment which sucks, but know that with working out 6 days a week that eventually will go away. Progress Pics:

I have my first fill this Friday already counting down the days. So, I'm not nervous about the procedure but was wondering anyone's experiences after. Like did u feel any restriction? Etc. thanks

I am down 25 pounds, sugery was on Mar 22, 2013, and I get my 1st fill tomorrow!! I admit I'm kinda nervous to start on my regular diet and eating food that is not soft and "mushy". I hope i can continue to drop the pounds. Wish me luck!!

I got my first fill today it felt wired I have lost 31lbs in a month. It would have been less but I gained 3lbs, O well it's tight again and back to liquids. I feel like I am losing inches not weight but that's cool too. I have been getting back to weight lifting that is going great.

so I had an unfill about a month ago, I was having heartburn, migraines, dizzy spells on a daily basis so I asked my doc for him to take out half of the fluid in my band so i went from 5 cc to 2.5cc. I stayed at 1200 calories this whole month never went over once, didnt drink any soda stayed away from junk food had more salad and chicken than ever before and guess what... I gained almost 10 pounds I go back on friday and I can only imagine what he is going to say to me.. But, How was i suppose to know that everything i was going to eat would make me gain weight. * le sigh* Even though not having heartburn and dizzy spells has been wonderful. I am so ready for another fil…

What an amazing book! I finished it in one weekend...it is a BIG book. Tons of information and I would recommend it to anyone that would like a ton of information. I currently have a ton of stickie notes in it...it looks like a university textbook. Has anyone else read this book and what were their thoughts? I love that Alex Brecher wrote it (along with Natalie Stein). Someone who has been through this...and created this web site has to know a few things.

I have had trouble the last week with limiting the naughty food.. Ive thrown it out and it has worked but i celebrated easter this weekend and i consumed quite a bit of chocolate.. Now i find myself looking for some.. Its very hard.. Ive decided to walk it off everytime i get a craving.. Its bloody hard.. Any other suggestions?

I'm gluten free

I am looking for a bar that is under 200 calories low carb and around 20 protein. I found Quest bars and I love the lemon. Any other suggestions??

I've been contemplating this surgery for years. I want to do it. Where do I start? My PCP? I'm in MA. Any recommendations in the Worcester area?

Hello, It has been awhile since I posted. I had lap band surgery done on Jan. 10 of this year. I have lost about 40 pounds and have not yet had a fill. I am starting to have a few problems I was wondering if anyone had anything similar to me. Where my port is, it just plai hurts when I move, not all the time but good enough. I also now seem to have bad heart burn. I take achiphex for that, but it does not seem to help. I went to the drs and they did a cat scan and I am waiting on that. I am becoming very uncomfortable and can't figure out why. I was hoping to have a fill, but I don't think that is going th happen now . Any suggestions I wou,d love to hear and…

I think its great that today it was on the news that the governor got lapband.

I am having a hard time staying full. I am 3 months post op and have stayed the same weight loss for two months now. Total of 50 lbs. I am loosing inches little by little. Any one out there to help me. I am maintaining a 1200 calorie diet. HELP!

Do certain foods get stuck?

Hello - I was banded a year and 3 months ago. I have lost all but 20 lbs. I have been eating more and gaining weight again. I'm going in for a fill but I want to tone my body up not just be thin, I want to be healthy. How do I start? I got a gym membership. What are the machines I should be using. I asked for a trainer and its just not in my budget so maybe you guys can help? Any ideas?

Hi Everyone! It has been 2 weeks since my file was submitted to insurance for approval. I received a letter from my insurance company stating that they need additional information which I passed along to the insurance coordinator today. I had to switch programs in the middle of my 3 months of medically monitored weight loss and other insurance requirements due to 2012 and 2013 insurance changes so I'm hoping they get everything they need from both programs. Wish me luck!! Wendy

I was banded April 11, 2013 and today my band was removed. I had problems from the moment I woke up from surgery. I was in a great deal of pain and was nauseous the entire time. Everyone I spoke to said that my case was extremely rare or they had never seen anything like it. I had two upper GI's and everything looked normal. I watched my band working the way it seemed should. I don't know why my body hated it so much. My stomach spasmed so bad, I relate it to putting a flea collar on my cat (that's some seriously funny stuff) I am really disappointed and sad but I am relieved my struggle is over because it was very painful. Also, my doc was very supportive and Memori…

This could he allergies and congestion that builds up. Any solutions to curb morning tightness?

Hi I'm new to the forum, I had my lap band about 2.5 years ago and I am stuck and struggling.. I gained about 9 pounds back and can't lose it..Help

So I've been banded since 2/2012 Long story short I've only lost 16lbs to date. Before surgery I lost almost 40lbs was doing great working out and eating right. Now I am in a green zone but find it hard to make good food choices and typically not really hungry. I am just frustrated. I went and bought Protein powder last week to help supplement but I know my nutritionist really didnt want me to get my protein that way. I just feel so lost.... When I go to aftercare they seem to be ok with my weight loss but the most I have lost in a 3 week period is 4lbs. I guess I was just expecting more after doing this drastic measure. Anyone have suggestions??? Normal day Brea…

I'm going to be banded at the end of the month and I am starting to shop for some post surgery groceries. Does anyone know of sugar free Popsicles and/or Jello that is made without aspartame or other chemical additives. Maybe with stevia or xylitol? Or has anyone made their own sugar free Popsicles? Thanks for the help!

How do you stay motivated? What changed for you after surgery? I need all the help I can get.

Hi all. I had the lap band surgery in 2011. I lost 60 pounds and have not lost one pound in almost a year. I noticed this month that I'm up 5 pounds! I'm pretty freaked out. I just would like to talk about my general fears etc. Thanks! Megan

Randomly my port started hurting. Actually, I don't think its my "port" but its definitely around my port. If it was my actual band, where would I feel the pain? Its not sharp. Kinda dull and always there. Ideas? I love this app!

My husband is in the Navy and we use tricare, they are covering my surgery. I will have to pay $100 a fill according to the surgeon office. Has anyone heard different that tricare will cover the fills? Also has anyone had to change providers yet due to a move? How do you switch after your move? Thanks for any information

I think I way have the flu ... What can I take? Any advice will be greatly appreciated ... Ouch!!! Headache ....

Hello, ​I thought I would share what I have instead of the dreaded Popsicle. I buy Edy's, Outshine fruit bars, SF. I think they taste the best but do have a few more calories. I live south of Boston and all the stores carry Edy's but only one sells these. The flavors are: black cherry, strawberry kiwi and mixed berry. I would love to hear if you eat these and what you think of the taste, also. Happy Hump Day tomorrow. Arlene

Fox just reported that Christy got the band 2 months ago and has lost 40 lbs. The media is going to crucify him for this. http://www.today.com/news/nj-gov-chris-christie-reveals-he-underwent-weight-loss-surgery-6C9814050?ocid=msnhp&pos=2

So I have been tracking my food in My Fitness Pal and I love the little pie graph you can look at to see what percentage of your diet is coming from Fat, Protein and Carbs. My question to you gurus is what percentages do you like to see to keep you losing steadily? Today I am sitting at 31% from carbs, 26% from fat and 43% protein. I need to increase my calories but do not want to increase my carbs and fat...so what food has high calories and low fat and carbs?? LOL tree bark? I am having a REALLY hard time eating 1000 calories and I want to try to hit that every day with limited carbs. I have done Atkins type menus in the past but its so easy to eat high fat foo…

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/darya-pino-rose/foodist-weight-loss_b_3195276.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living I like her take on dieting, and looking at her "tips", throw in a lapband and you would have my life

This may be a dumb question...but, I haven't read or heard anything about people having problems with bowels,or fiber intake? Is it a non-issue? I am a nurse and I guess I am a bit curious as a matter of habit. I have not been banded yet., My insurance requires 1 more month with the nutritionist. Thanks

Hi all, I was banded April 23rd. I'm almost to the point of puréed food. Right now the food I've been eating was my left over shakes from pre-surgery, jello, mashed potatoes and soups. Does anybody have any suggestion for puréed foods. I'm really missing meat!!!! Thanks!

It's been a busy last 2 weeks for me mostly because I got a new job and haven't been working 100% on me. Haven't over ate but have been eating slider foods.. My question is how much "neglect" can your band take before its stretches? I don't think I've done completely horrible beside eating so close together. (Because its slider foods) And If you eat and then slowly drink something to wash it out what does that do to your band if it does anything? (Random question I'm not doing this, yet I've thought about it) And Can they tell if your bands stretch while doing a flouro fill? (that camera thing don't know the spelling) Haven't been on this site in a few weeks a…

Hi guys I had sx Oct 25 2012...and quickly dropped down to 185-188...However, i been stuck at this weighy since feb!! I work out..eat within my range..sometimes 140 g of protein a day!! When I went to my follow up appointment I told them about my frustrations because according to the BMI chart I should weigh around 140...I am 5'6. Well they did a Body Scan Analysis on some fancy machine that breaks up ur body composition....welll come to find out my body weight mostly consist of dense muscle mass...and that I am retaining water because hardly drink water or fluids...over 5 lbs!!! And it determined I omly have 18 lbs to go!! That seems so much more doable than 48!!! Well …

http://www.myfoxny.c...22179264/report Something tells me that there won't be many people telling him how bad a decision he made in choosing the band

I got my band one week ago today. I also had hernia repair at the same time. The last two days I have experienced nautiousness throughout the day. Bad dry heaving while driving. I was admitted to the hospital for dehydration and cats can showed the band was fine and its not slipped. Any comments would be GREATLY appreciated.

So I had my first fill and ouch it hurt and I still feel a little pain, is this normal?