LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I always seem to have this evil head hunger how do I shut it off???

is is normal to feel a lump on abdomen?

Too full?

I ate steak for dinner which a piece got stuck. I started sliming and then vomiting for over 20 min. It was the scariest thing. I've been banded for 5 months now but never ever experienced that. I've had so slimming but that's been it. I think I an putting myself on liquids for 24 hrs. This was down right horrible. hopefully the steak went through the band cuz that didn't come up.

I just found this link on the internet. Disclaiimer: I have not tried any of the recipes yet. I put it in my favorites though on my computer as i would like to try a few. The title specifically says for lap band. http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/cookbooks.asp?cookbook=347266

I'm getting banded on the 29th of January, 2013 and looking forward to it!!!!! I would love to chat with others who have been there and can lend advice...and maybe a few who are also being banded in January! I work better when I have a 'buddy' to lend support and travel the journey with me.

I love chocolate and often crave it, add mint & I am in heaven. So with GS Thin Mints in the air my mouth has been watering...... South Beach Diet has a 100 calorie snack bar called Fudgy Chocolate Mint that totally satisfied my Thin Mint craving. Nutritional info: Calories 100 (calories from fat 35) Fat 4g (sat fat 2g) Sodium 85mg Potassium 95mg Total Carbs 14g (Dietary Fiber 6g, sugars 5g) Protein 6g Just wanted to pass the info on to other chocolate lovers!

I thought I saw a way to read what other people are eating and logging into My Fitness Pal. I can't find that now. Did I imagine this? I'd love to be able to see what others are eating daily. Thanks!!!

Hi I am heading to Toronto, to the SWLC to have Dr. Colburne do my banding on Feb 14th! I Am so excited, ready and motivated to make this work. I would like to meet up with or blog with other Calgarians who are going through the banding journey so we may be of support to one another. I am 54 5'6" 220 lbs ~ my goal is 140 lbs. I am lucky in that my GP had the same surgery with Dr. Colbourne so there is in incredible support there. What I would like to know, is how did folks make out right after the surgery? We are staying for 4 days in Toronto and I was hoping to go out and see the sites after 24 hours, am I dreaming or do you think this is doable? What diets suggestion…

The Lap Band is a Silent Speaker, Its You Who Must Learn to Listen!! My Lap Band Tells Me When I am Full, ( I Feel Sick) When I Eat Too Fast, (My Food Gets Stuck), When I Loose Too Fast, ( My Port Sticks Out), When I Eat The Wrong Foods,(I Get Major Gas), When I Don't Drink Enough Water, ( I Slim Quick), When I Don't Get Enough Protein, ( I Feel Weak), When I Have a Female Moment, Monthly or Emotionally, (I Tighten Up to The Point, I Can't Eat). When I am Not Loosing, (I Need a Fill)! The Lap Band Does Speak, The Question is Do You Listen??? Love You Happy Sunday!!

Have y'all tried the Atkins frozen foods they are really good... High in protein and fat ... Should a banded person eat them or not?? I was just wondering .....

Hi All, I'm trying to get back on track. I had lost about 93 pounds and then gained about 15 pounds back over a couple of years. I overcame my fear of judgement at gaining and went back to dr. I didn't know if I needed a fill because I was having night coughs. He added .25cc and suggested that I move my meds and vitamins to morning. I take a multi-vitamin, vitamin C and fiber tablets. I think the fiber tablets were causing the night coughs. Since I've moved them to morning, I've slept much better. I was wondering if anyone else experienced this. Maybe I shouldn't be taking fiber tablets at all.

I wish I would have done more re-search about what doctors i went too... I've only been banded a few weeks, but they dont offer nutritonal counseling AFTER surgery. I went in for my 2 week follow up yesterday, and mentioned to my Dr that I hadn't heard from her since a few weeks before surgery, and was informed I wouldn't anymore. I only got her services because my insurance requires 6 mons of pre-op dieting. So now i'm stuck trying to find one in my area that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and i'm completly clueless. Has anyone else had this happen? Sorry for the vent!

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, February, 20th – 7:00 p.m. Williams Fresh Cafe 1650 Victoria Street East Whitby, ON (905) 571-5145 (Very close to the Oshawa GO Train Station) 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 be…

Most of you know my story. I've been banded for a little over 3 yrs and did well (losing 104 lbs, 9 lbs from my goal of 135). Then my band slipped last year (please everyone don't ignore frequent vomiting) and since I have no more symptoms (severe reflux) after my dr took a little Fluid out, he's leaving it alone. I don't have the great restriction I used to have, but it's at least decent. I've gained 20 lbs since getting married Dec 2011. My husband has also gained 25 lbs. He had great success with Atkins, losing 80 lbs prior to meeting me 2 yrs ago. He always eats low carb and I NEVER do. Luv my carbs. Way too much for my dr's liking (I always get a lecture about my eat…

I was banded 12/3 and heading out today for surgery again. They are not for sure if its scar tissue or a faulty band until they can get it in and take a look. So best case scenario is port revision, worst case is complete band procedure all over again. Trying to stay positive but I could use some positive thoughts and prayers today. Thanks in advance.

I have been getting the recommended caloric intake, usually between 8-1200 depending on the day (i know recommendations vary here). However, some workouts I do burn between 6-900 calories, which concerns me as I have long days and am feeling fairly fatigued. Has anyone adjusted their intake based on work outs? I'm using Protein shakes with fruit for recovery shakes (replacing protein and simple sugars as you should), and hitting recommended goals for all other food groups in the day. Hoping to talk to my nutritionist soon, but wanted to see what you all experienced...

Does coffee affect your weight loss? I usually drink a cup a day with splenda n 1 tablespoons of non dairy creamer.

I was in terrible pain last night at 2am after throwing up from 430pm that I decided to try the ER. My surgeon is 5 hours away and this was friday might so I called a few hospitals and asked if they had a bariatric doctor if I come in and of course they had no idea what I was talking about. Then I called one and there was actually a recording advertising for bariatric surgery. I took my chances, went there and the bariatric doc was the on call doc. I felt so lucky cause nobody else had any idea what I was even talking about. So anyways the doc took out all my fill to let it heal from the swelling. I was in so much pain and immediately after he took out the fill I had inst…

Hello All, It has been a really long time since I have been on the message boards. The last time I posted I got some what negative or no feedback but I am desperate and going to try again. First of all I got banded in May of 2012 and since then I have lost about 50lbs. I was so excited when I hit the 299 mark! Well the holidays threw me off track and I did not get a fill since like October. When I finally went for my fill 2 weeks ago I had only gained 5lbs since my last visit so I was dissappointed about the gaining weight...but psyched that I didn't gain way more because I basically ate whatever I wanted over the holidays. So since getting the fill in January I f…

I was told by my doctor that I need to cleanse my colon and that will help kick start the weight loss and overAll help out, does anyone know of a good, effective cleansing product out, there are so many. I see 48 he cleanse and other but what actually works ?

Is it ok to "skip" a meal, if one is truly not hungry? Today I had oatmeal for breakfast, a salad with baked salmon for lunch and a greek yogurt for an afternoon snack. I took a nap in the afternoon and when I woke up I really wasn't hungry for a dinner. Do I force myself to eat so that I have the daily caloric minimum?

I am 3 weeks out from surgery. I am exercising an hour a day and taking in 900-1000 calories but I am not losing any weight. Does anyone have any suggestions. It's frustrating.

My 21st birthday is feb 22. Can I drink?

I have had the lap band since 2010, I lost almost 70lbs in 2 yrs. I weigh more now than when started after complications with the band and I guess my crappy choices. I have just recently gotten my band refilled due to it being empty for so long. I work out 5 days a week. Treadmill and light weight lifting and I'm not losing, I really need help on best foods to eat and how much. I try to eat small amounts and good things I love fruit, I eat it a lot especially at work. But I stay starving ! I need to get filled some more as to I have no restriction at 5cc. Please help.

I am fine eating real whole food with protein but higher count shakes and adding it to anything seem I cause major problems that have me running for the bathroom. I seem to be able to do about 12g per meal (of powder or drink) before I have a problem. I am still in liquids and doc had me on immodium to stop the dehydration but I am finding its only a problem when its not from food directly.

How many fills did you get before you started to feel restriction? And how man cc's

I had my lap band surgery on Dec. 18. At first I had great success even before my first fill, Then I had to pull the battery out of my scale and when I put them back in within 30 seconds, I went up 4.5 pounds . . . I haven't made any progress since. To be honest the jump in the number, even though I knew my weight didn't actually change was really deflating. I lost motivation . . . I went in for my first fill on Jan. 30 hoping to find some new success and renewed motivation. I have several questions about what any of you might have experienced. She put in a total of 6 oz, but thought I was burping too much after drinking Water, and took it down to 5.5 oz. I wonde…

Anita Renfroe has a YouTube video called "All the Wrinkled Ladies"--favorite line: "Don't be mad when you see your skin don't fit. Can't hide it so you gotta make peace with it.". Love!

Hey everyone. I got banded in July. By the time it was August, I had lost 20 pounds. I was 235 lbs. I went for a fill in September and they said I gained 5 pounds. Now I was 220. I went back in November for a fill again then they said my weight was the same - 220. I went back in January and I was the same weight yet again - 220. I went in today and I'm the same damn weight - 220. Why am I not losing weight? I am doing my best with eating right. I do go to the gym ... I just don't get it. The doctor says I need a few more adjustments before I can really lose weight. He promised that I'll lose weight as long as I keep eating right and exercising. Does anyo…

Been very depressed lately have been having low blood pressure to the point where I'm passing out today it was 70/50 my primary doctor is saying it's because I'm not taking in enough calories! And she said that I'm suffering from anorexia! I have 25 more pounds to go to my goal so I don't see how I have anorexia

Did anybody have any issues with getting approved the first time?

I was banded in June 2010 and have not let carbonated beverages pass my lips since. But now I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy on Monday and just noticed that the Magnesium Citrate is "sparkling".... is it carbonated? Can I drink it? I have to drink 3 of them! Has anyone else with a ban had colonoscopy?

I went out to dinner with my husband for the first time since being banded 3 weeks ago. I ordered salmon and mashed potatoes and left with over 2/3 of it in a box, I didn't even touch the other side dish! And I was full! In the past a meal out meant appetizers, a few drinks, salad, and dinner. And of course I would eat every bite, then maybe even desert. Following the band rules it took the same amount of time to eat the smaller portions as it took my husband to eat his whole meal. Being able to eat a reasonable portion and feeling satisfied is a NSV for me. I honestly don't remember the last time I experienced that before the band.

My doctor told me to come in every week for a fill till I feel restriction. I have 11cc in a 14 band. I have gone 6 weeks in a row. I am beginning to question if this is right to do especially since he tells me I can go back to my regular diet in 2 hours. After reading the posts here I feel I'm doing damage to myself. I still don't have restriction. Does anyone else go so frequently? Is there a test I can request to make sure my band is ok?

Thinking about going from my band to either. I have had band for 3 years and had list 70lbs first 2 yrs then problem with band , gained it back , now weigh more than I did when I started. I'm so ready to give up hope. I hate being this big but all the exercising, dieting, and it all seems to just not work for me. Any suggestions ?

Hello everyone! I had surgery 12/21 and weighed 344 so far as of date I have lost a total of 34 lbs but its 30 overall because for some odd reason I keep gaining 3-4 lbs. I exercise daily for 30 mins or more and just started recently including strength training for toning. I had my first fill 1/21 and he advised I only had a 2.6 cc fill. I have noticed a marked increase in my appetite and of course no weight loss but that pesky 3 lbs ill lose and then gain right back. I weighed 312.2 and by Wednesday Of the next week weighed 315.5. And then ill lose 1 lb then gain 1 lb and so on and so on. Did anyone encounter a similar problem? Any advise or concerns are welcomed. …

How many fills did you get before you started to feel restriction? And how many cc's in the band?

Was surprisingly easy. Numbed then 2 cc in my 10 cc band. Since surgery day on 12/21/12 went from 262 to 226 today. The PA was surprised. I told her it was simply will power at this point and using my fitness pal app. Wish I could keep up this rate of loss but know it will slow. Still have to start exercising as well.

Hey everyone, so I've kinda been stuck at the same weight for the past couple of weeks. I feel as if I've come to a stop. I got my first fill about a week ago and I've been eating right and working out twice a day but I just can't seem to lode another pound and idk what to do... I don't feel like a failure I just feel stuck I've been banded for two and a half months so I know I'm still at the beginning of my weight loss.

OOUCH!

Right now I am in my 5-15 day stage and I'm allowed pudding which I'm thankful for and this evening as I was enjoying my sugar free cheesecake pudding with some fat free cool whip on top I was wondering if it really mattered if I sipped on some iced tea or not. It's not like I'm eating a meal, isn't my pudding what everyone here calls a "slider food" so whether I drink or not there isn't any real value to the pudding anyways and it's not going to contribute to keeping me full so avoiding liquids before and after will have no effect right? Do you all still live by the "no drinks" rule even with junk food or do you throw that out the window when it comes to snacks?

So I talked to my nutritionist today n let her know that I have been eating about 1000-1200 calories a day and have been burning about 1400 per day which is more than I consume. My concern was would my body go into starving mode since I'm burning so many calories. She said as long as I don't go under eating 1000 I should b fine but that my doctor recommends consuming at least 1200 calories. She also said I should have a snack before n after workout to hold me through. Just thought I'd share this information with y'all since I had been very curious about this.

Hi all, When could I lay on my stomach? I could really use a back massage!

I started gaining weight back in the middle of November, but still had a restriction (small).. Planned on visiting a dr after the holidays. In the middle of our trip last week, I noticed I had no restriction, that I am eating the way I used to before I was banded. No pain,a little soreness around port site when I press firmly, but other than that no pain. However, my legs and stomach are swollen with water tight... Swollen like I was when I was 9 months pregnant in the middle of July. . This is my concern, if there is something wrong how come there is no pain ? I am thinking either a slip, erosion or leak... anyone know what could be happening tio me ?

I have been putting it in my soup, my refried beans and tonight I used it to moisten my tuna salad by mixing it with the low fat mayonnaise, I like the tartness that it adds.

I keep seeing the term "slider foods"...Could someone please give some examples of what these are and why they are not good to eat...or are they? Thanks!

Hi all. I was banded in 2007 and lost those first fifty pounds in the first couple of months, and then my gall bladder came out six weeks after I was banded. Before banding my highest was 297. Then in 2010 I got down to 213. I was about 245 in 2008 so those pounds took a long time and a lot of work. Then the fertility treatments started and I did yoyo a bit from about 220 ish to 245. I got pregnant in May or June of 2011 and I weighed 220. But halfway through my pregnancy (and I had been doing well at that point) I had trouble keeping things down and got a complete unfill. Big mistake!! But it was late enough my pregnancy they didn't feel comfortable giving me a fil…

My surgery is supposed to be on Monday, but I must have the most conservative surgeon on the planet. I have a slightly elevated WBC. Not sick. No sinus problem. Nothing. He won't operate until the bloodwork is normal, saying that it is an elective surgery and if there is infection anywhere in my body it will cause a problem for the artificial apparatus he is placing in me. Okay, I get that. Had a shot of rocephen 2 days ago. WBC still basically the same reading. Now I'm on a Z-pac for the next 5 days and we'll see where the reading comes in then. Come to find out from my PCP, I always have a slightly elevated WBC. But honestly, I think it is elevated because of…

Not sure where to post this. I have been banded 4 years now and haven't ever really had any issues. My concern or question is has anyone NOT been medically cleared to go on an overseas assignment due to having a lap band? Or does anyone know where I can find information on this?