LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I got the lap band in Aug, 2012. I have never thrown up. No complications until the last couple of days. I have pain under my left side ribcage and there is a little swelling. There is a little redness too. Anyone had this before? I have been drinking the pineapple juice.

I comply with the rules of no drinking before eating, but was just curious as to why we have to do this? It does not make logical sense to me, liquid passes on through so it's not filling up the pouch above the band to hinder eating my protein and other food, but I definitely understand not drinking after eating because it does fill you up after food and sometimes comes up. Anyone know why we can't drink before eating? Just curious is all.

Hello, I am getting as much information as I can about deducting the lapband surgery So far, I understand that you can deduct all medical expenses that are in excess of 7.5% of your gross income. What about other expenses related to the surgery at the time, like the hernia repair that costs over 6800.00 however insurance paid that, i didnt, but is it still a deduction. I also had a stress test that cost over 6000.00 out of pocket cost 4800.00. So is any of this medical related expense deductible or just the Band surgery? Also, is it really worth it and is there often a refund in the end? I only worked PT this year, so my income wasnt anything major. thanks a …

Ok love this Soup high Protein and easy love it this is an Atkins recipe Ingredients 2/3 Tablespoon olive oil 2/3 medium onion, chopped 1 1/4 garlic cloves, minced 1 1/4 jalapeno chiles, finely chopped 1/3 Teaspoon salt 1/4 Teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 1/4 Tablespoons chili powder 1 Teaspoons ground cumin 1/8 Teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/4 Pounds lean ground beef 9 1/16 Ounce-weight canned diced tomatoes 1 Cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Directions Heat broiler. In a 9 or 10-inch oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add onion; cook until golden, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and jalap…

I'm having the hardest time letting go of soda, Before my band, I could easily drink 4-6 cans a day, but, now I am down to 1 and have switched to coke zero. I must admit that I hate water & not big on juices either. For some reason, my soda addiction is harder to let go than the food one. Any suggestions?

I understand what's happening but it's hard for me to explain to other people. My sister really wants to understand how it works but she doesn't understand my explanation. Maybe somebody can break it down a little easier than I can. Also, I do have one question. If the band is around my stomach to create a smaller pouch, then what is the opening that is so small that I have to chew and take extra small bites for? I assumed it was the opening to my stomach, but that doesn't make sense to me if the band is around my stomach and not affected the opening. I know this mat be a stupid question, but apparently I don't know as much as I thought.

I had my first full yesterday of 2cc and am on liquids. But all of a sudden my left shoulder is killing me. It hurts more when I breath. Anyone else had this problem?

I was banded this morning! Yippee!

Overwhelmed myself at Target looking at nutrition bars...either too much sugar, or not enough protein....who knows of a good low sugar/ low calorie/ high protein nutrition bar?

What is plication? I saw that several of you had it with the band.

Hi everyone! I was banded a year and a half ago. I have only lost 40 pounds so far - but I still Celebrate with excitement I just got a fill a week ago, and I am so completely miserable. The doc put 2cc in because before he was only doing .2 or .5 and I would stay at the same weight month to month. I am quite honestly just sick of my band. I can't eat or drink anything in the morning (I've always been like this), and I really struggle with getting food down period. With this recent fill, I have been throwing up constantly - everyday. I can't even get Water down. I know this means its too tight. But, here's my dilemma: 6 months ago I begged my doctor to take the band o…

So I'm 5 weeks post op and I went to my pcp on the 22nd and found out I had gained back about 5 lbs and That totally bummed me out big time! I was doing so well as I've lost 35lbs so far but now gained 5 back. I really don't want to go see my band dr for fear he might say something. Has anyone else gained back after surgery before your first fill? I go in for my first fill on the 30th and I'm hoping that will help me to lose weight again, because I'm starting to feel more hungry and I don't like that! Thanks everyone

I'm quite a ways north of Dayton, about halfway between Dayton and Lima, but going to Premier Bariatrics (Good Sam/Miami Valley) for my surgery. I saw a thread from a while ago by some Dayton people, but it doesn't look like any of them are still active on here... I would love some local folks to talk to!

I feel like I have been eating all day and I am still hungry! What causes days like this?

I have a simple question. If your sick with cold or flu where u have a bit of drainage does your amount of eats drop. Can being sick cause your band to tighten

So when I went to see nutritionist she told me as I lose my band will get loser and might need more fill which makes sense. When I told nurse that she said it wasnt true and that she has several patients that have not been filled in years. Anyone know the truth no guesses please.q

What causes them after being banded?

I am on 3 shakes, 2 yogurt, 1c cottege cheese and all the sugar free popscicles/jello/diet beverages/broth I can handle and up to 3 SF fudgescicles. I did well until about 7pm when I felt like I was a bottomless pit. I had worked out between 5-6pm then had some dinner (shake, cottege cheese & broth). Then I had a cup of V-8 which I mistakenly thought was ok for pre-op, it's actually for post op but I am not too worried that 1 cup of juice is going to ruin my liver, I just won't drink it again, it of course hit the spot. I feel like I can do pre-op but working out is going to be hard b/c I already feel my energy flagging, but how on earth can I do this post op…

Got my tiny fill and have been in full liquids until tonight. So far so good and went to exercise. My energy level is better than the last fills. I feel like this is the magic fill of green zone again. We will see the next couple of weeks. So now I have 5.65 I believe would that be right? Had 5.75 too tight so he took out .25...then this month added .15 ( it's late I can't do math!) at any rate it's about 1/8cc says surgeon. Hope I get to goal soon.

I'm forced to post this here because my elderly brain has not been able to retrieve a recent post (yesterday or today) in which someone asked me if my band book, Bandwagon, is available for the Nook. I'm not trying to advertise the book (though I've payed LBT plenty for that privilege in the past), just trying to answer another member's question. So, here is the answer. Yes, a Bandwagon Kindle version is available on amazon, but I warn you in advance that it's got some formatting issues. Nothing horrible, it's still readable, but it's kind of weird. That's because I know virtually nothing about e-books and did a botched (but free) job of converting the manuscript to Kindl…

I had surgery 11/12 and down 50 pounds, started at 243 and today weighed in at 193! I have had two fills, first was 5 wks after surgery and 2nd was 2 wks ago. My band is a 10cc and I'm at 5.2, the last fill was only .2, since then I have had headaches and stomach cramps after I eat and I'm concerned its related to my fill. My first fill was too much and they had to remove some, I had immediately felt sick and couldn't eat without getting nauseated Has anyone else experienced headaches after a fill? My next one is in 2 wks and I'm debating if I should wait that long for my appt. I appreciate any advice/help!

Needed something different and I practically live on Orange flavored MIO. So I mixed it in a glass of fat free milk and then added 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder blended with ice in my magic blender. Soooo yummy!!

Pinning this topic, as I may add to it as I figure out more. TO POST A TOPIC: In the Group Navigation --> click on "Group Discussion" to see all our threads. You should be able to post from there.

I had a very easy time, went home the same day, really no pain I've had no trouble eating mushy foods and even some "soft" solids. Nothing has been a problem. I even had a little salad. Is that normal? However, I am not finding that I ever feel full! Is that also normal? Honestly, I don't feel any different in terms of my band helping me yet. I am making much better food choices and not snacking but I don't feel like my band is helping at all to eat less or feel full. What is everyone else's experiences?

Hi everyone, Has anyone had to do this & if so, was it successful? Any advice right now would help so much. Thank you, SCG

Any of you from Louisiana attend support groups?

Hello Everyone! This is my very first time posting on this forum although I have been reading it for 5 years. I first got my lap band surgery done on 7/13/07 by Dr. Roslin at Lenox Hill Hospital. I will try to make this as short as possible despite it being a very long story. When I got my surgery I was 229 lbs, 27 yrs old with diabetes, PCOS, in pain, fat, unhealthy and dying. I did tried other forms of weight loss on my own and with medical help and when I didn't have any success I decided it was time to have WLS. I researched the band and Dr. Roslin's name came up & I went back to my PCP to discuss it- she said he was the man she wanted to refer me to and I saw t…

Can banders have melatonin? I know my doc said no ibuprofen, bc pills or naproxen. But we never talked about melatonin. Warm tea isn't helping.

Have a hand me down George Foreman grill....grilled 2 pieces tilapia...frozen, for around 15 minutes.....came out bone dry and awful! How do I use that thing? And can i clean it with soap and water?

First craving... Chicken fried rice from the buffet next door! I work in a tanning salon and on my four hour shift I sit and smell amazing Chinese food! Although I am worried about eating rice, I know it expands in your stomach. I am 11 days banded, down 11 pounds and eating soft foods and soup very well. Do y'all think I can eat some rice? Anyone have problems with rice?

I was just wondering if anyone has had this and if this helps you to get approved quicker bc it is directly due to obesity. I know this cant help you get approved alone. ***aetna***

A little gas is one thing, but people are starting to complain about the draft I am creating.

So I went in for my EGD yesterday and there was no hernia. I am 32 BMI and would be self pay. i was hoping to get the band if 1/2 would be paid due to the hernia. No hernia equal paying the full 10k. So now after thinking it all through I can't see paying the 10k for 50lbs to loose. Part of me feels that would be selfish to my family. I've been doing the pre op diet and lost 10lbs in 7days so I'm hoping I can just stick to it. That's never been my problem though, I always manage to gain it back plus some. I guess I'm just a little bummed about it all right now but I'm going try and keep my willpower going. Good luck to you all!

I was really hungry when I got home tonight, so I grabbed 1/2 cup of baked Beans and ate it so I wouldn't be tempted to snack while I cooked. So, 45 minutes later, dinner is ready and Mistress Band has just informed me that those beans were my dinner, and I WILL NOT be eating anything else for a while. She suggested that I head down to the treadmill and walk a couple miles while the rest of my family eats their dinner. Such is the life of the banded...

I was shocked at work today. I was transferred to a new school this year. I had my surgery shortly before school started so all they know is that I have been working hard to lose weight, and have been successful. I turn down all the almost daily treats and snacks. Anyway, I had the opportunity to return to my old position so today was my last day at the new school (hope this makes sense). For my going away presents they gave me unbelievably rich chocolates, boxes of candy, and ice cream cake! What the hell! I know they have pushed me, hard, to eat their garbage all year but that was really uncalled for. Especially having my special needs students serve me the cake. I mean…

Just had the band done yesterday (4/5/11)- cried since I got to my room. Keep telling myself I should have joined Weight Watchers again! Did anyone else feel this way. or am I insane? I'm nervous that I dont know what to eat.

How are the December bandsters doing? What food phase are you on? Which was the hardest so far?

In Order for You to Get Something You Have Never Had, You Have to Do Something You Have Never Done!! Keep God First And Everything will Fall Into Place!! Trust Me!! Love You Happy Friday!!!

Is there anyone else out there that cant handle even the slightest fill? The smallest fill of even .5 seems to make me miserable! I get shoulder, neck, and jaw pain, along with a nice headache! I have tried to leave it to see if it will settle down but it doesn't! I know the band has helped me to lose over 100 pounds in the past. I have gained back 40, but have recently lost 11 of that. However, I am concerned that I may have a hard time maintaining my weight longterm. I have never been able to eat only a cup of food and stay satisfied for very long. Because of this I have to graze all day. If I stay within my calories of course I still lose! I'm so confused!!!! I love …

Can we have this with our coffee instead of skim milk?

I Lost Another 12 Pounds in One Month and I am so Proud of Myself!! I Lost an Ex Husband! I Lost Weight!! I Lost Negative Friends!! I Lost Loving Myself and Making Wise Life Choices! But Gained a New Me!!!

Went today and got an unfill in hopes of fixing dilation. When I hold my 20 lb daughter now my stomach hurts plus Dr did not say liquids so I ate dinner now stomach is even more sensitive and irritated feeling. Should I have done liquids only? Is it ok to hold daughter? Did I damage my self?

Hi to all my nice new friends, It seems that one of the best ways to keep up with everyone is posting all messages and replies in this group. C'mon folks, we 60+ers are super special. Who cares where you're from or how much you have to lose ... living thru the 60s is really what sets up apart!! Ok, I wanna hear from Karen, Bromo, Sassy, Sandra, and all the other new BFF's I've made in this group. Don't you agree that this is the group where we can easily chat back and forth? Lemme hear from you!! Oh, by the way, I really appreciated all the info and explanations you guys have shared with me. Many thanks. If you write back, I'll tell you who I share my b…

Hi all, I've never had shake n bake...& I'm eating dinner w the girl I babysit, who has requested Shake n Bake chicken for dinner. I'm using raw boneless skinless chicken and will be baking it..the box seems that it's fine..low cal, no trans fat, etc...but as it's in a box it worries me. Thoughts?

I've hit a plateau. Having trouble getting all the protein down so eat a lot of salads. Could that be my problem?

Hey all. I was banded on January 2nd, 2014. My surgeon told me that he filled my bad with 7cc's of saline. I have a 10cc band. Is there anyone that thinks it may be a little too much? His reasoning behind it makes sense. I have portion control problems and I definitely love my starches. I don't feel any discomfort and I trust his judgement, but does anyone think its kind of odd to have gotten such a big fill. Let me know your thoughts! Xoxo, Alexa

I have had my band since June. I've lost 85 pounds and love it! I never had restriction (chicken was hard to eat) but since I didnt get hungry for hours my Dr didn't fill me more. I am now pregnant and gave into a craving. I'm wondering why I never feel pressure/pain/full when I step off my diet/meal plans. I could literally eat anything if I allowed myself. Is this normal? Could my band have deflated or something?

Just curious how many grams of carbohydrates people are eating post op? Did your nutritionist set guidelines for you?

So it's been 3 weeks and I've lost 21lbs post op, 35 total with diet before surgery. I didn't think my surgery would be so quick, I didn't really have too much time to prepare. I started this process in july of 2012 and in october I lost my job (which I was using my insurance to pay for surgery) But my wonderful surgery center paid my Insurance for me so I was able to get my lapband yay!!! Still getting used to things post op, My doctor has now allowed me to start eating mushies and I'm kinda scared to start eating food again and get back into old habits, I've come so far just to go back. Also I'm wondering if anyone takes meds for diabetes and for thyroid? Because I've t…

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Wednesday, January 30th – 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: To…