LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hello, I'm 1 week post op and feel good. I have been religious with my liquid diet which I was worried about doing but it really shows how much will power you can have. I weighed 240 on surgery day 3/19 and today weighed 228 I made it through two birthday parties this past weekend with protein and jello!! The only complaint in which we all have is those damn gas bubbles mine get stuck up under my ribs ouch! It's worth it though.

Anyone had the lapband done in Mexico that lives around Dallas/Ft.Worth? I am searching for a Dr. to do fills, heard that they are hard to come by. I will be booking my surgery in Juarez or TJ, and would like to find a Dr. at home prior to surgery.

Sorry I shared I'm sure everyone else has never made a mistake. Thanks for the support

It has officially been six months since my surgery And I have yet to Feel restriction I thought it was because they were only giving me .1 mL every time I went in But on this last bill I talked her into giving me a half a cc She looked astonished and said it would not take it all Which is weird because I only should have 4 mL in my 10 Cc band. So she decided to check to see how much fluid was in there and she could not get anything out. Acted like that was normal and sent me on my way. That does not seem normal to me especially since I am not feeling any restriction . Has anyone ever came across this problem?

It has been a long time since I've posted here. I'm looking for some insight into my situation. I was banded 2/28/08 and had amazing immediate success. I lost 105 lbs in the first 7 months after surgery. I then found out I was pregnant with my third child. Unfortunately, we lost our baby girl at 20 weeks. I didn't lose any more weight, maintained for about 6 months, then weight started creeping back on. I got pregnant again 11 months after losing our daughter. While I was pregnant with my last child, I had a lot of reflux, had almost a complete unfill and gained a lot of weight. The baby was born 9 weeks early, I lost my baby weight, but gained it back plus some while s…

I Woke up this Morning, With a Desire for People To Talk More About more Then They Normally Do!! So What Did I Do?? I Wore My Sexy White Pants Size 14!!! Now I Look Like a Diva Wearing White Pants and Its Not Even Full Spring or Summer!! (The Right Season)!!! And to Just Think Last Year this Time I was a Size 24, Go Ahead Talk About Me Around The Water Cooler!! I Look Fabulous in My Calvin Klein Size 14!! I could never wear calvin Klein Before I didnt Even Know who He was!!

A co-worker of mine, who prior to my surgery was all about helping me along. She was a successful bander who wanted to take me under her wing. Post-op she changed. Negitive nelly, if you will. She is 3 years post of and has lost 70 lbs. I have no idea what she weighs, she looks nice, not tiny but healthy. She ask me today how much I'd lost. I told her 50+ lbs in 9 months. Rather than saying good job she snickered. She ask how much more I wanted to lose, I said around 50. She plain out said I would never be able to do it with the band and I should have had gastric bypass. If I needed to loose 100 lbs then my doctor never should have done the band. She keeps…

Hi, all: I know that none of you can give me a medical opinion; I'm not really looking for that, I just wanted to know if there's anyone who has a similar situation. I'm 5'0", currently 202 lbs, and my only medical issues are joint pain, back pain, and asthma. I'm covered under UHC ChoicePlus. When I called the resource line the insurance company gave me, they said 39.1 BMI without any specific comorbidity on their list was not going to deem me eligible. I went ahead and contacted the surgeon who did my best friend's surgery, hoping they may be able to work out something with UHC on my behalf and I'm waiting to hear back. I just was wondering if anyone knew what my…

Had my first fill today. Not to bad, i was a bit nervouse. I am at 4cc's now. What is everyones green zone? What is your fill. I do not feel any differnce really. I have been at the same 20lb weight loss since post op and wonder if my body is holding on. How is everyone else doing ? B.

Hi anybody know were I can get a fill in Tucson

Lapband coffee Group – Brampton Monday, April 8th – 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…

Hello, I am going back to my Dr tomorrow to get a fill. I really feel that I need one. I can eat 2 + cups of food at each meal other than Breakfast. Anyway, that last time I had a fill they gave me 1cc. It was way too much. About a week after the fill, I was throwing up everything. I had to sleep sitting up so that I did not gag. It was the worst experience that I hae ever had with my band. I have to say that I am scared for tomorrow. I dont want to be in the same boat. I know they wont put in as much, but that memory is still in the back of my head. My first dr was awful. I got no guidance at all. This office is better, but I still have never been told…

Today I am half way to my goal!!! I am officially down 30 lbs!!! After lots of frustration with 3 lbs that seemed to never want to go away, I finally figured out that I wasn't eating enough calories to compensate for my workouts. I have cut back on one of my workouts & BAM those 3 pounds along with 2 more disappeared:) I go tomorrow for my 2nd fill & hope to get some restriction. The past 6 wks I have had none so I just worked really hard to lose. I have been starving so maybe this one will help with some feel of satisfaction after each meal.

Hey. Any bandsters doing paleo? I sure would like to find some nutritionally like minded folks to link up with.

Had a .5 cc fill last Wednesday. Felt fine until Friday afternoon. Friday evening had throat pain, tightness in chest/ band, and gas pains. Yesterday at noon I was back in the office for an unfill. They took the .5 cc out and said to come back in a week. Never threw up and could still drink liquids...it just hurt. I am still sore today but not in pain. Anyone else have this soreness and how long did it last after your unfill? I called today and asked for a barium swallow order just to take a look at everything and will be getting one tomorrow. Thank God I work at a hospital or my paranoia would be 10 x's worse Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I've been banded since June 2010. My last fill was in November, and I feel like I am very close to being in the green zone, but maybe not quite there. I occasionally have some regurgitation but I'm not 100% sure that it's not my fault from eating too fast or not chewing well enough, although I have been trying to be more mindful of that. Lately, I have woken up at night coughing. They always ask if I cough at night when I go for a fill, and I never have, and I've always assumed they meant coughing like when you have a cold. Well, this type of coughing is like some liquid has come up and is trying to go in my lungs! Super no fun to wake up like that. I think it ha…

Hello all, I am from Holden la and I am new to all of this.

LB symptoms you might mistake for something else, causing delay in treatment and subsequent damage. 1) returning heartburn: many of us obese folks had heartburn/reflux and hiatal hernias preop. After surgery, losing weight or HH repair, our symptoms resolve, we go off our meds and carry on with the business of losing weight. IF your reflux symptoms return or increase at any time, at any level, call your band surgeon and consider a small unfill. This early warning could save you from further complications, lifelong damage and misery. It might allow you to lose more weight, since you will tolerate raw veggies, salads better with a bit less fill. It might save your ba…

FYI....for all you bandsters who were banded in 2008 or 2009. I had an unfill in 10/12 and have been back 5 times for fills since. Each time I would feel restriction for about 48 hours or so and then nothing. Like I was not even banded. So, I finally ask to see the Doctor (as opposed to the nurses who usually do my fills). He looked at my chart, felt my port site and immediately said I had a defective port. He said there was a known defective mini-port that was produced in 2008/2009 and that he was sure that was my problem. Long story short, I am having it replaced next week so that my band can start working properly. I just wanted to let my fellow bandsters know in case …

Hello all!! I have recently gotten my first fill which went great and am feeling great the only thing like I have read and heard from the doctors that my band is tighter when I wake up and eat that first meal of the day. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice on how they "wake" up their band?! I am sick of feeling that semi stuck burn in the chest when I chew/mash down a lot of what I eat for Breakfast. Should I just stick to smoother things in the morning or what?! Thanks in advance for all the advice!!

I need suggestions on good supplements. I am on full liquid diet stage and want to add more protein. Right now I have EAS Carb control shake. What's you favorite??!

March 2 marks my 1st year bandiversary. I thought by now that I would be down at least 80 lbs, but no such luck. I have been plateaued for almost 5 months the weight will not buldge. I take in 1000-1200 calories a day. I do admit since I started school that I do not exercise as much, but even before that with 6 days week exercise no weight loss. I feel bad I have tried everything, logging food with my fitness pal and still nothing. I don't know what to do I have even talked to physician. I did so well in the beginning with the weight loss, but not getting at least the 1 lb a week is very discouraging. Any advice or encouragement is accepted.

I had my band placed February 27th. Went in for my first fill this morning. Everything took about 30 minutes. Had an x-ray to see if the band was still in place. All was well. She measured the amound of fluid in my band. I had 2cc from the beginning. She added 1. I am doing way too well according to her. I have lost a total of 26 pounds. I weighed in at 296.6. So I am not really sure why I received a fill. She said I probably will not need another fill as i am very close to my green zone. I have an appointment next month to see where i am at. All in all I am ok. I am on my liquid diet today and tomorrow and then back to mushies. Just in time for Easter dinner!

Hi everyone, 2 and 1/2 weeks ago i had my second fill. since that time i have had a harder time swallowing meat even cut into tiny pieces and tender cuts of meat. If something did not go down right i would end up vomiting. This also happened with crunchy foods etc. Since sunday, i have not been able to keep down food and am on a liquid diet now as my dr. recommended, they say i may have irritated it and need to let it rest for a few days. I have been doing the liquid diet but have had a hard time. It seems like it takes a long time for a mouthfull of liquid to go down and then i belch and belch. I hope i havent done something terribly wrong and have totally messe…

Hi, I am considering lap band and have a BMI of 33. I want lose 50-60 lbs. I have researched the surgery and it seems this is the way to go for me. I just need to know what to expect emotionally, post op. did anyone get depressed or sad and how long did this last? I am working at getting myself prepared emotionally, I just need to hear some true stories so I can fully prepare.

i recently 'started over' after being banded for 7 years (didn't follow up for various reasons.... whole different story) nevertheless, i'm back on track and have managed to keep off over 50 lbs. i am seeing my doc on a monthly basis and recently had a small unfill on march 20th. i have a 10cc band and was filled to 2.2cc - and felt like that was a little too tight (i was pb'ing/sliming alot) and my doc recomended a slight unfill. so i had it done. well, now - i fill like i can eat too much. since being 'recommitted' i'm really paying attention to how much i eat, how much i can eat, and how soon i'm hungry. well, i think i'm getting hungry too soon. i'm going to call my d…

How so u really know you are in your Green Zone? What truly is the amount of food you can eat?

i've been religiously measuring and weighting AND tracking everything i eat (MFP) for the past 6 weeks. i was off work today so i didn't prepare my meals the night before .... so i guess i jus got busy w/kids and the house and never tracked anything i ate. i still made good food choices, i jus didn't measure/weigh or track anything except my late breakfast...(everything bagel thin - 2 oz ham - 1 oz cheddar cheese - toasted and made into a sandwich - only ended up eating half - daughter ate the other half when i got up lol!!!) i know i made good choices - i guess i'm jus frustrated because i don't have proof - or a calorie intake number for today. i know it's not about cal…

How fun....a new thread!!! I can't wait to get to know my fellow fabulous fourties!!!

So for the last 3 weeks my scale has not moved! Getting super frustrated! I have lost 30 pounds since pre op start oct 4. Suggestions?

Hey. Any bandsters doing paleo? I sure would like to find some nutritionally like minded folks to link up with.

Anyone take any fiber supplements? I am worried that the increase in protein in my diet is going to make things difficult in the restroom. I am scheduled for surgery on April 5th. I start my preop diet on Monday. I bought some chewable fiber supplements but not sure about these for after surgery. Any advice or suggestions in this area would be appreciated.

After a very long 2 year preparation process, my surgery date is scheduled for Thursday, February 7. My question goes out to all of you who are diabetic. When did you begin seeing a lowering of your blood sugar levels after surgery? Given that we are all different and metabolisms vary, I wanted to get a feel for your experiences. My surgeon told me today during our pre-op meeting that she can’t guarantee that I’ll be free from my 4x daily insulin injections. Thanks for the opinion 3 days before surgery!! Thanks to all in advance. I’ll be away from a computer until February 12. Wish me luck!!

I heard its gone. But all the data I entered too? Ugh this sucks. I was almost at 100% on the graph. And was anxious to add my after picture. Allergen should be nicer to us.

I wanted to see what foods everyone can not eat after green zone? I have so much trouble with a lot of food! My list is: pancakes, bananas ( no idea why- I chew those suckers with a vengeance), peanut butter( sometimes), stuffing, and fruit skins unless it's just about pulverized....I'll keep thinking....meanwhile tell me yours!

I feel so hungry .... Feel like I have no band ... Why ? Did I do something wrong ... Is it there ??

I had a unfill of 1cc 2 months ago and everything has been fine still losing weight untill saturday night now im having the same issues reflux, brown gritty throwup, and cant even drink water without it coming right back up I go to the DR tomorrow for another unfill but what can I do to help get through the night. Tums makes it worse and I have tried sleeping upright but I have not had much luck with that either

I'm Hispanic... And I think I would do better with coping about no flour tortillas if someone can tell me corn tortillas handle well with the band???

Hi all. I am 4 months postop and am finding my hair to be falling out in fist fulls. I have been taking 1000 mcg of biotin for the last 2 months but have a friend who is taking 5000 mcg (she had gastric bypass). What dose are we supposed to be taking? What is everyone else taking? Should I be taking more each day? I don't have that much hair to be loosing. Thanks in advance for any advice.

So here i am a year and 3 months later and 115 pounds lost. Ive been thinking about asking my doctor about taking half of my Fluid out of my band. I was wondering if anyone has done this and how did you do. I think Ive learned a lot about food choices and how to control myself from making horrible choices so maybe its time to try and see if i can do it without the band 100% . p.s. I would really love to be able to eat a cheeseburger with bread again.. hahaha but not a whole one of course.

If anyone is looking for some advice or has questions, I'm all ears.... Or eyes in this case. I'm in Canada about an hour North of Toronto, if that makes a difference

I noticed that my post a year ago was the last one in the March 2007 bandsters, so maybe no one is still here. I'd love to hear how everyone is doing, though, so I'm trying again. I had a revision from band to bypass on December 10, 2012. So far, so good. I've lost 50 lbs since then. I've always been a slow loser, even with the band and everything else I've tried (which, with my age, adds to a very slow metabolism). So I'm not setting any weight loss records, but I'm pleased with the results so far and I feel better than I have for many years. Check in if you are so inclined! It would be wonderful to hear how everyone is doing. Thanks for your support, especially in t…

I'm 15 days post op and I'm having a lot of sweet cravings. Pre op I used to be able to squash the cravings with a coffee latte drink but it's not working for me now! Any ideas ?

Today, I was Dx with achalasia, failure of the LES to open and allow food to enter stomach. This wasn't present 9 months ago when I had my last Esophogram. This is a serious problem and is most likely going to require removal of my band. Achalasia is a rare disorder, with about 2000 people Dx annually in the US, about 1:150,000, but I was told today, it is occurring in about 1% of band patients. To say I am devastated, would be an understatement. The only revision option open to me is RNY, which is not feasible, for other reasons. Following the rules, keeping your band lose, is no guarantee.

I what do you guys do for snacks between meals and how many calories are your snacks?

Do you find it makes a difference in your weight loss if you drink plain water vs using flavor packets (sugar-free, calorie-free, and caffeine-free)?

Any suggestions as to which flavour is better, chocolate or vanilla slim time shakes? I'm putting my order in and don't know which to buy and what proportion if I buy a mix!

Is it weird I had to take painkillers for a few days after my Second fill? I have about 5 cc in my band now were doing the micro fill .8cc at a time. She said my first fill that I have 3 and a little bit in it already. I had heard from alot of people on here that your band is empty until your first fill but she said that is absolutely not true!

Looking for a mentor in Ct. I do not have date set yet but I am meeting with surgeon tomorrow. Insurance has been approved and passed psychiatric and went for nutritional counseling all ready. I am getting band at Yale but anyone in CT will do. I live in northern Ct (Simsbury) but willing to travel anywhere in state to chat. Or if there is anyone who is about to get surgery or just did and wants to be buddies that would be awesome too.