LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Very interesting article that I thought I'd share. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Some of the most firmly held beliefs about weight loss are unproven or downright untrue, according to an analysis comparing concepts promoted in the popular media with data from the scientific literature. The findings were published online January 31 in a special article in the New England Journal of Medicine. "False and scientifically unsupported beliefs about obesity are pervasive in both scientific literature and the popular press," write Krista Casazza, PhD, RD, from the Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birm…

Today I saw on TV someone making Butternut Squash Baked Fries. I wasn't paying close enough attention to the recipe, I missed it. I've heard of folks making sweet potato fries, which sounds great, but I really want to try it with butternut. Can someone fill me in on how to make squash fries? It must be the same as with sweet potato, but don't know how to do that either. Help???

I think that it would be cool to keep a thread going of band-friendly restaurants. Places that have delicious and healthy foods or that allow adult customers to order off of the kids menu. I can kick it off.. Cheddars- they're cool about letting me order from the kids menu Pita pit- DELICIOUS and nutritious with lots of options.

A co worker came up to me and said- you look so good. Tell me how are you doing this really? Did you have surgery? I was shocked she asked and said -no! But now I feel bad I lied and I can't look at her anymore.

So I had my pre op testing done today. Surgery is next Thursday, March 14, a little over a month after my husband left me. I'm looking at this now as not only a new start for my health, but a new start on life as a single woman. I'm okay and not looking for sympathy, but encouraging anyone else going through this that if you have to do it alone, it will still be worth every second and every penny spent.

Question: I got my first fill today and was told to only have liquids today and tomorrow and soft foods like yogurt and cottage cheese for the next 2-3 days before returning to solid food. Has anyone else been told to do this? I am ok with it but just curious what other doctors are doing. Other than that, I love my band and have been feeling great and losing weight. Am down about 28 lbs since surgery on 1/16.

Here is princess_n_thep "Here is Princess_n_Thep remarks on this picture" princess_n_thep: THESE PICTURES ARE 12 DAYS POST OP! Both pictures show the very minmal scars/incisions. The bruising I had was very minimal. The brown/yellow rings you see around the actual incisions is NOT bruising but is the leftover "superglue" still. I take a shower EVERY day and wash them but they are slow to come off. From what I gather, they "glue" the incisions, let that dry, then put a "coating of glue" over and around the incisions again. The scab had just fallen off on the top incision so it is a little pink, my bra had scuffed it off. The only real bruising i got was the one to…

Hey everyone, It's been 4+ months since we've all been banded. How's everyone doing? Have you run into any obstacles or made any goals you'd like to share? How much weight have you lost? Well, it's been quite the journey for me:: I've had my share of stuck episodes which were far from pleasant. Learning how to take small, small bites & chew my food until I can chew no more has, and continues to be, quite the challenge. After basically inhaling my food for some 47 years, it's not so easy to slow down. However, if you don't, you're gonna feel it.,,and you're not going to like it. I've learned that I can no longer eat shrimp. I just can't chew them enough to …

Recent recipient in metro west looking for closest support group. Thanks.

Hello bandsters, I am considering lapband surgery but my doctor told me that I could only expect to reach 50-60% of my goal. That's not necessarily bad, but I don't want to invest 16K for a 50lb loss (25 will probably come from pre-op diet alone!) I am 240lbs, 5"7, and 30 years old. I don't have any intention to be a skinny 120lb model but I DO want to get back to my healthy 140lbs (which I was about 4-5 years ago). Have any of you reached your ENTIRE goal? Do you know anyone that has? Thanks in advance P.S. I am considering SWLC or CIBO in Ontario.

I just wish I Could Tell My Story, But Gods says Its Not Time!! Needless To Say I Must Go For Yet Another Surgery at The Mistake of a Doctor's Carelessness!! I Just Don't Understand How Some Doctors Can Mess You UP and Leave Instruments in You At the Same Time! And Still Be Able To Practice Medicine!! (No Nothing of Course with the Lap Band!!!!) Let Me Make That Clear!!! MY Lap Band is Fine!!!! But I Trust God and Know That Someday All This Will Make Sense!! Hospital Time!! Love All of You!! Happy Tuesday!! Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

I haven't really said anything to anyone about actually getting the lap band... Just curious how to tell people.... I ask because I can't help but feel like I won't have the support from everyone... I have a friend I told I was trying to get the surgery and first thing out of her mouth was I was crazy and I just don't need that!! I was hurt, when I explained it to my mother she was just not supportive like I thought she would be... I feel like she gets angry and wants to make everything seem worse than what it really is!! just feeling like I have no support from the people that mean so much to me!! I have to do for me ultimately but would like the support from family and…

Well, seems as if my dance card is free again, all of my pupils have found there way back on track, proud of you all! So looking for newbies. Anyone in need of mentor, questions, concerns. .don't hesitate to contact me. Either private message me,post it here,or email me @ slvrnblk77@Gmail.com. Oh, and as far as recipes, think I'm going to just post them in proper forum, will keep those who are interested informed. Good luck to all of the new members, keep a positive attitude, never feel as if you've failed, or are failing. ..we Vets all started out same way, but did it. So will you. That's why I offer my guidance and support. Hope a few of you take advantage of me (la…

hi my name is jenny im 25 and was banded march 30 2012 lost about 80 pounds im growing weak for the fact being im not able to eat my fav food and still have not grown used to eating healthy to my new life style and im about to be unfilled for sugery i have a bad c section that needs to be re corrected its taking me a while hiw to re learn to eat healthy hut i do have relasps that my nrain doesnt want to forget so any helpful hints or encouragements thanks

I had a big fill and had to break out my manual on how to eat all over again!! LOL. Nice restriction, I am staying full on smaller amounts. Broke a plateau and am feeling great!

I'm trying to add some extra protein back since I know that's one of my failings is not getting enough protein. I suspect that may be the cause of recent fatigue and headaches. I cannot stand protein shakes but when I was in hospital they gave me unjury unflavored mixed with broth or coffee. I've seen it online but my question is does anyone know if gnc carries it?

Hey guys Pre-op here but In doing some reading I'm seeing some people comment that their doctors/pa/rn will only give a certain amount of fill at each visit no negotiations. And will only allow a fill every six weeks. Is that normal? I know that fill volume is subjective to each individual. But I also don't see how saying there is no fill standard & then turning around and saying this is our fill standards makes sense. I also observe that 3-4cc is a good place to start if your band had no liquid in it at surgery. I'd appreciate your wisdom on this. Thanks! Rebeca

Please help a rescued dog win a photo contest. If you click on the link below then click like at the left, bottom of her photo, you will give Kandy the votes she needs for her parents to win gift certs. To a local dog store. Thank you! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=585361578160269&l=f9e68213fa

You know tgat great feeling you get inside when you help someone out? I have a HUGE favor to ask that will only take a moment. Friends of mine rescued a dog, kandy. Their local shelter is having a picture contest. Winner gets gift certificates to a dogstore. Dogs are expensive, but they are neck and neck with a couple other dogs to win. It ends at midnight est. Tonight. Would my LBT pals click the link then click like and you would be helping kandy's parents take care of her. Thanks so much. And my karma cause you to lose lots of pounds this month!!! Banjo. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=585361578160269&l=f9e68213fa

If you don't have insurance any more how much do fills cost

I have lost 30 lbs in 5 weeks with very little exercise. Is this going to slow down a bit? I am just trying not to have too much saggy skin.

Hello Lap Band community, I have always been a binge eater. I remember as a child having to sell candy bars for school fundraisers. I would steal money from my parents change jar to buy candy bars for myself and then hide them in my room, and binge on them. In high school I could go through a bag of cheetos or doritos in a day or two - back then I was very athletic so it didn't show. In college, I started putting on weight. And after college, I really started putting on weight. I can be excellent at self-control until about 8:30pm. I will measure, track, and choose only the healthiest foods. Then after dinner I get the head hunger. And, binge. Now that I hav…

and it was NOT fun. Hard boiled eggs and I do not get along anymore. I do have to say it hurt very badly and I now have a new found respect for all you "senior" bandsters. Everytime I read of people having this before I was always like " i've never had that!! i'm lucky! " Just thought i'd share. Happy Saturday everyone!

I am having another fill, at present I have a 7 ml, weight was doing great 2lb a week, now I have slowed up, but do sometimes i make bad food choices, whilst i am out, i have had a few slimming moments, but nothing to bad, I have learnt to eat every 4 hrs and try not to leave any longer, other wise I shove it in and then I am in big trouble. But I suppose I am scared I will never get to my soft spot, my band is only a 10 mil, I just would like to get to my goal weight and reach my soft spot. and just to maintain it without to many more fills, any advise guys

Kind of nervous wondering what my second fill will be like. The first one the water came back up and I had to get a little unfill. I hope I can hold it down this time.

I'm a fit and active 41 year old, 5'7 weighing 175 lbs. 150 lbs is where I felt great, but that was many years, a couple of kids and one major knee surgery ago. I've never been able to lose more than 2 or 3 lbs, I do crossfit three times a week and eat fairly well - not a big fan of junk food - I just eat more than necessary and as I get older I see the pounds slowly creeping on. So I'm scheduled for surgery on Oct 19, and my BMI is 27.7. My question is.... am I crazy for doing this? I can afford it, I'm happily married and my husband is supportive. I have no health concerns, so truly this is vanity driven only. I just don't want to make a huge mistake..... but I'd …

I had a fill 2 weeks ago. Everything was fine until about 3 days ago. I suddenly started to feel nauseous all the time. Basically 24/7 nauseous. I have a hard time eating. I try to make myself eat something because I know I HAVE to, but I end up just feeling sick. There is no vomiting, just constant nausea. Not really even feeling hungry either though. I am worrying myself that the band has slipped or something. The nurse isn't in for another 2 hours, so I am just waiting for a call back. Just curious for thoughts while I am waiting. Anyone?

Does anyone else get a stitch like pain I. Their left hand side? Had it a lot since surgery in September. Not after exercise usually when I wake up! Not painful just uncomfortable

I have been banded for a year and am looking for a buddy/mentor to help me get back on track. I live in Kansas.

They Say That The Best Way To Help a Failure, Is To Not Become One!! Love You All, Keep God First, Happy Monday!!!

I was banded on Dec 18th. Since then i've lost about 15 pounds. I did my post op two weeks out and the PA did no fill. Then two weeks ago I had to make an appointment and have them check if I was ready for a fill. And again he poked around my tummy and said he didn't think I needed a fill. Everything else I read said I should not be able to eat more than 4-6oz and not get the stopping signs. I am pretty tight in the mornings, I choke even on small things. But by the time 5:00 rolls around I can eat up to 16 Oz of semi-dense high Protein food if I don't watch myself. My grocery budget is 1/4 of what it used to be. I am eating less. I am eating low-carb/pale…

I have posted about this already, but I'm having a hard time believing that gas is the cause for this excruciating pain in my chest, neck, and shoulder. I'm 6 days post op. Should I call my Doctor tomorrow or should I just calm down?

For the past wk and a half (maybe more) I've been feeling weakness in my muscles (mainly upper arms and thighs) and fatigue. Sort of like not having enough sleep for weeks, even though i get plenty. Could this be not enough protein? I haven't changed anything and now have more protein shakes. It could be not having enough of my new anti depressant (i have been weaning off one and starting another). The dr doesn't seem to be concerned with anemia or anything. Anyone else ever experience this?? Ps, this is how i felt right after surgery and 2 wks later- i woke up and felt great (i guess it was my body finally getting used to the lower calorie intake. Help! This feel…

Does anyone drink the Naked protine drinks??

I am just curious... Is anyone on this site from middle Tennessee?

The band works so funny to me I sometimes feel so full when I haven't even ate anything smh I think sometimes it's good but then I really know it's not because I'm not getting my proper nutrients like protein fiber my vegetables you know...

Well I've been very down and out but I worked out a few day and really watched my size proportions andI losed 8 pound in one week I went from 182 to 174 I'll take I'm going to try my best and stay on track I was really off the chain...

So i had my fourth fill on tuesday. I now have 9cc in my 14 ccs band. Im soo frustrated because after the fill i stayed at my drs for 30 min drank 4 cups of Water and everything was fine. Went home and about 4 hrs after the fill tried some chicken broth. It went down with some pain! Ahhh! So the rest of the day i stayed on water only and that hurt too. Wed morning had about 2 spoons of yogurt and that went down ok. For lunch tried some Soup and that was ok. And than for dinner some Jello and got stuck and threw it all up. The reason I'm frustrated is because the same thing happened last month and i ended up getting an unfill. I just don't understand why I'm able to have t…

Link to this came from one of my diabetes support websites. Very enlightening! http://www.drsarahwilliams.com/blog/4565918851/Franken-Wheat-It's-not-what-your-grandparents-ate./4544036

Forgive me in advance if you feel this post is judgmental, it is meant to be. But not of you, it is meant to be judgmental of my own life. There have been numerous threads from people who want to lose their fat, but don't want to give up a particular food or habit that helped contribute to them being that way. Each time I see one I think to myself "you really don't want to be thin, do you?" then I think "If I only had to give up <Insert food item here> or start doing daily <insert healthy habit here> to be thin, I would do it in a heart beat". But the truth is, that is a lie. I have been fat all my life, I have lost hundreds of pounds, and then found them ag…

Hi everyone! I'm very new to this so please be patient with me. I was banded on Jan. 18th, when I went to have my first fill on Feb. 18th I had lost 12.6 lbs. I'm really excited about it but this is what worries me, I totally cheated on my post op diet. I ate soft foods after a couple days and by the end of the week I was eating pretty much like normal only very carefully(chewing etc) The nurse said that she thinks that I probably am just fine and didn't do damage to my band, placement etc. She said that we wouldn't really know until I start getting fills and we'll just wait and see.What do you think my chances are that I didn't do real damage? I'm just so afraid I've mes…

Sorry guys, but I just need to vent for a minute. Has anyone had any trouble with (un)supportive family members? Like people who are putting you and the process of getting adjusted to the lap band down and their excuse is their "concern" for you? Let me be a little clearer: My dad has been frankly an a-hole the majority of the time I was going through the preparations for the lap-band surgery. When I call him out on it he cracks jokes like "oh, I'm just trying to help toughen you up" etc. More specifically, when I was on my pre-op liquid diet and was starving because a) my calorie intake had dropped significantly for a 345 lb person and the protein shakes wore off …

Hi everyone, today i am 3days post op. i started on thick soups and yogurt today. I had my two protein shakes and, drank all my liquids. I just feel so empty and hungry, its giving me a headache. Im starting to wonder if i can do this. Im hoping once i start actual food its much dfferent, but right nowi am just wondering hw im going to make to the end of ths phase if im going to feel like this. Please some feedback....... Thanks, Sara

Following my post Op diet, but I'm Sooo hungry, is this normal?

I stayed away from here for a year...could not handle all the negativity and pessimism.....I wanted to be successful at this more than anything and all I found here was a defeatist attitude... I want to soar with the eagles, NOT stay stuck in the mud...... I belong to other groups, one in particular where all the members left this site all for the same reason...they wanted positive reinforcement, not the "Whoa is me" attitude. And I can tell you, except for the medical conditions, they are all doing very well and have no interest in ever coming back here.....again, no positive reinforcement...just how difficult and what a struggle it is.... I came back a month ago, fo…

Today, my hubby and I went out for lunch while doing our Saturday errands. I ordered fish tacos, with grilled cod. Fish tacos are one of my "go to" foods when eating out because I get my protein and the slaw goes down fine every time! Why? I want to eat salads, but regular salad greens are not compatible with MY band. I don't eat the tortillas, so basically I get my 4 oz fish with slaw and a couple of chips.

Hi, I'm looking for a place to get a fill near Bellingham. I had mine done in Mexico and the place I went to a few years ago is not around anymore. Thanks

Hi can anybody tell me what's the name of the challenge for MARCH is????

Is Herbalife a good choice for shake mix?

I need a fill,banded in TJ Mexico, I'll travel a cple of hrs. Under $300.00 total please!