LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hello all, This is my first post ☺️ I had gastric band procedure done about 10 years ago. I recently had a CT scan and it showed my common bile duct is dilated up to 1.4cm! All the rest of the scan looks good and my blood work is normal. I have read some studies suggesting that weight loss surgeries can cause common bile duct dilation but the studies are referring to bypass and sleeve surgeries. Does anyone have a similar issue with a lap band or any insight on this? Thank you in advance ??

Hello Is anyone taking collagen to help with skin elasticity? I hear it has some benefits to not sure iof the benefits or dangers it would have with Bariatrics. My sister takes it I do notice a difference in the glow of her skin and her nails are growing rapidly. She said she also notices she has to color her roots more often as well. 

I had my lapband completely drained (removed 3ML) on Friday June 10, 2022 due to esophageal narrowing. The narrowing was causing food and liquids to get stuck. If you've have a lapband, you know that it only takes bending over a toilet to push it out of the esophagus as it never makes it to the stomach to vomit. I liken it to a funnel that gets blocked. It's not painful, just pressure that needs to be relieved. Once it's gone you can continue to eat. After it was drained I started eating normally straight away and have been having excoriating pain in my esophagus ever since, that feels like a heart attack. It radiates in my chest, back, jaw and bottom teeth. It makes…

I am in need of a fill, had it all removed last year but I need a fill. Can you recommend a doctor, reasonable in the houston area, preferably 77070 are close..I live near Methodist Willowbrook Hospital..

Im disabled so its difficult to exercice well if i can lose and keep weight off it would make life so much esier im just nervious dont know what to expect

I'm needing a surgeon that can remove my band. I have severe erosion of the band. Gastric doctor has not found a surgeon in my state that he recommends. I need someone with the skills to remove the band and scar tissue. Willing to travel within USA for help. Many thanks for surgeon recommendation.

I had my Band placed in 2007. My questions are about having it removed and getting gastric bypass. The band was curative of my heartburn and I've heard going bypass can cause heartburn, at least no citrus, tomato juice, etc. Experience with that? How about no ibuprofen? (I use Celebrex) I've heard people say docs give them tramadol for pain. Experience? Is dumping syndrome common, (to the point of "expect it". I started at #325 and after a year was #250. I stabilized for years at #260-270. October 2021 was#266. My weight loss wasn't easy. It was a lot of meal planning, and strict diet. I've had zero complications. I haven't had the "foamies…

Hello all! I want to get my lapband removed because of acid reflux issues. I had LB done in 2001. I saw a surgeon who listened to my complaints and agreed that I should have it removed & recommended getting a gastric bypass to help me lose weight. (I had hoped to get the revision done at the same time but he will only do two separate surgeries three months apart.) I have two concerns. He never did any tests to confirm problems with band and didn't even do a short physical exam when I met him for a consultation. (I thought he would want to feel where my port was and look at the scars from the past surgery). He told me that he'd have his insurance specialist work wit…

I had my lapband removed on August 17,2021. Now I have a baseball size bulge where the port was. I know it has been a little under two weeks but I’m really concerned this is not going away. Has anyone had this after lapband removal?

I know this has been discussed more than once, but I wanted to start a topic specifically for folks who have, or may have, experienced this or have knowledge of it. Some of you may know, I had a dehydration event in 2012, which led to a fall and resulting concussion. ( No fun ) Since that time, I have experienced occasional episodes of "seeing spots", felt lightheaded, etc, after getting up from a seated position or laying down. Fewer occurances the farther away from my concussion it becomes. Two weeks ago, I had the most significant bout with this I've ever had. Actually, passing out and falling down three times within appx 10 minutes. Luckily, I was at home …

I can't wait!!! :biggrin2: It's almost like counting down to when I had my c-section for my twins! I knew a whole new life was coming and I was so excited. And like my kids, I know this is going to be worth anything I have to deal with for it. I am going to start crossing the days off on the calendar! Anyone else with a June 9th date? How are you feeling? Are you having to do anything before hand? Is there a special date section where we're able to keep each other motivated?

Hi - long story short, I had a lapband put in by CIBO in Toronto over 10 years ago. We all know they went bankrupt, and I probably haven't had any fills/ unfill / care in over 7 years. Recently I'm finding the band too tight and throw up several times a week and most of the weight I lost has been gained back as I can't eat the good foods as I can't digest them. I've asked my family doc to refer me to the original surgeon Dr. Hong who I recall doing my surgery as I think I'd like to get it out. Its been over a month and I'm still waiting to hear from his office. In the meantime I'd really like to get a defill just to help me get in a better place to get better food in…

Hey everyone I had my surgury in Jan of this year my hair is falling out in shedding alot I can tell the difference beacuse my pony tail is so much littler and thinner it's disappointing beacuse I had a hot mess while back from extensions that took out alot of my hair it was just coming back until it's falling out any of u experience this? If so how long did it return to normal I'm taking liquid vitamins omegas b complex and these hair vitamins and using Nioxen shampoo any advice?

Where can I get a lapband adjustment that is reasonably priced? In the greater Toronto area. Scarborough/Markham/Richmond Hill

Hi there. I took part in a bariatric study where I had no choice of what procedure to have. The only one I didn't want particularly was the band due to all the negative reviews. Funnily enough the computer chose the band for me, I had my concerns but the surgeon swayed me to it. So iwas banded in 2018 all was going well, went down from 165kg to 106kg so almost 60kg down. Untill a few months ago the band just overnight. Stopped working?! I always had bad reflux during (was prescribed lansoprozole) but this was really bad. Being sick in my sleep. Then the sleepless nights. I could eat what I wanted with zero restriction. The reason I had surgery is because…

Thought I would make a thread for the November 2013 Bandsters to check in. I was banded on November 7th and had my first fill last week. I am still getting used to my new lifestyle. I have lost about 20 pounds since my pre-surgery prep. I haven't had anyone ask me if I have lost weight, but I can tell a difference in my clothes. I had an incident yesterday with getting "stuck" while eating some baked fish. I think I was eating too fast and maybe had too much on my fork. It was not a pleasant feeling. We were in a fast food place, and I felt like I wanted to throw up. I tried not to panic, took sips of water and finally got over it. I need to s…

I have had the band for 13 years now. It's doing nothing inside me. I have it loose so I don't get complications. I trying to find out if and when it should be removed, especially if it's doing nothing. I don't want to find out 5 years later that I need surgery and it started to cause internal issues. To remove or not to remove?? How long does the actual material last or deteriorate inside ? Help! I am in Ontario and need some real honest answers if anyone can direct me. Thanks.

I am new to this site so I hope I'm doing things right! I've had my band for 14 years. Several years ago I started having issues with with food going down and drinks. I could only eat certain things and sometimes it depended on the time of day. I know it's weird and hard to explain. I lived with it until 3 weeks ago. I had an upper GI and it showed nothing went into my stomach (at least that thick drink didn't at that time. I had my band unfilled (mainly because I was taking a trip to Costa Rica and wanted to enjoy eating & drinking without vomiting). Since I've been "unfilled" I have been bloated, swollen and have gained weight. I've been very careful…

Obviously not looking for a psak on this forum and I'll end up asking my rav, but curious to know what you've all done about arba kosot and shiurim of matzah if up til now I've been makpid with shiurim (even the smallest shiurim are still a lot!) and how it worked out for you. (Sorry to those who are reading the question and have no clue what I'm talking about, I don't mean to be exclusive, but I'm using terminology referring to Jewish law)

Hello everyone I am a post op for lap band on Jan 20 of this year liquid diet 2 weeks then I was getting hungry more often and my portions were bigger I lost 19 lbs so far but I haven't lost anymore and haven't gained I had my first fill yesterday my doctor filled it up to 5cc then told me to drink water as I felt alot of pressure drinking it he kept taking some saline out till about 2.5cc I was ok. Now I could drink water like nothing I don't feel much restriction I am starving and could eat a horse however my Dr told me to go back to a liquid diet for 1 to 2 weeks? Uhhhhh like the eff? How long do I have to wait for yet another fill? Is there a certain time frame? I don…

Hello everyone I am a post op for lap band on Jan 20 of this year liquid diet 2 weeks then I was getting hungry more often and my portions were bigger I lost 19 lbs so far but I haven't lost anymore and haven't gained I had my first fill yesterday my doctor filled it up to 5cc then told me to drink water as I felt alot of pressure drinking it he kept taking some saline out till about 2.5cc I was ok. Now I could drink water like nothing I don't feel much restriction I am starving and could eat a horse however my Dr told me to go back to a liquid diet for 1 to 2 weeks? Uhhhhh like the eff? How long do I have to wait for yet another fill? Is there a certain time frame? I don…

Hi everyone. I’m new here- got my lap band on Sept 1. I lost 8 lbs leading up to surgery and then another 12 in about a month and a half… but then the loss stopped and I gained 5 back. I just had my third fill and my doc wants me back in a month to make sure I’m in the green zone. Its been six months and I feel like I’m never going to lose this weight. Virtual hugs accepted ?????

Every now and then I get an extreme pain from the roof of my mouth when I start a meal. It feels like its being pulled out or blistering up from time to time. It doesn't always happen. Sometimes it feels like it triggers with sweet items, not sure though. It goes away and doesn't return for that meal. Happens once or so a week. Maybe more. This started when I got the band. Anyone else getting this?

I am beyond miserable... I see my surgeon on Monday for my 2 week post op of having my band removed... I still get food stuck everyday, still have to make myself throw up everyday... i cant take it anymore.. I spent an entire year miserable and was thinking and hoping that once the band came out id be better... boy was i mistaken.. someone please tell me that this gets better.. it is emotionally and physically draining... My surgeon said there was no slip and no erosion, and as far as i know not any scar tissue, and if there was i would hope he would of removed it... I leave for Italy in 2 weeks, and im praying that this will get better.. i really dont want to be worried …

I’m looking for a dr in central Florida. Actually I need to loosen band. I’ve had it for 16 years and lost 150 lb. I’m now 70 and after staying steady I’ve started losing again and and want to loosen it up. Hard finding Dr.

Hi everyone, this is my first post on my new journey and hoping for lot’s of support from here. So just like I mentioned in the title I’ve been having issues with acid reflux and trapped gas which is causing significant chest pain and shortness of breath that went to ER. Now on medication for acid reflux and taking week off work to recover properly. The last 2 days I have now been able to drink more so that is good. Spoke with my surgeon today x Telehealth and didn’t really seem to interested but I can move to soft foods on the weekend. Well that’s about it, hopefully it will get better from here. Any tips anyone wants to throw my way I’m all ear’s. If writing looks funn…

I had my lap band done in Mexico would like to get fill and band checked. It's been over 10 years. I live in Portland , Oregon Does any one know a good doctor in this area?

I have had my band for almost 11 years. I’m happy to say I have had no issues and am happy with my weight. Healthier food choices and I would weigh even less. I can’t complain about 145 at my age. I do wonder if those that have been successful with their bands maintain them frequently, have fills at least once per year. I had a PA that worked really well with me. She listened and we made decisions together about fills and maintenance. My doctor, not so much. I’ve had this thing long enough and have enough since to know what I need. I’m very open to discussing it with my doctor but it cannot be one sided. What has your journey been like? Do you have a doctor that…

I am 85 years old and live in New Jersey. My lap band has been giving me problems with food getting stuck. Tomorrow I am going to the ER to get the food that is doing the blockage removed. I have never had my lap band adjusted and was wondering can I have it enlarged after 14 years. I would like to have it removed by I am afraid of the risk of surgery at 85. Has anyone had a similar experience?

I had the band in Jan 2012, horrible experience many hospital visit, a revision and it got worse. Finally had it removed. But very upset with everything I went through. Do you know of a lawyer in Ottawa that could help me?

What drinks does everyone order at a bar? Or make at home?

I just had a fill after 6 years of nothing in my band. Is having a little discomfort in my belly normal? I can drink fluids fine but just feels achy.

Just curious if anyone here had their band done in Maine ? Is so when and who was your Dr ? Just curious I just got banded on June 5th in Augusta Maine :clap2: I am so happy with my band already ! Kim

I had lap band surgery in 6/09. I initially lost 40 lbs. Things in my life changed drastically and I didnt take care of myself. I have lived with the band without fills or counseling since then. I have been throwing up, restriction, and nausea during that time. Last week I went to my surgeon and he acted like nothing was wrong and that I just needed a fill. I had an ultrasound of my stomach this week, and scheduled for a fill next week. I was kind of blown away by this. Are people still successful with the lap band. Is there anyone else who has gone back to the fills after a long period of time? Not sure where to start with this. Any feed back would be apprecia…

Banded 7 years ago , had a 2 mil unfill last year because of night cough and acid . All great after wards , 12 month later night cough and acid again 2 mil unfill all good again except now Get big chest pains a few times a day plus lots of gas since the unfil any ideas ??

I am six weeks out from lapband removal and hiatal hernia repair. I had the band removed after having it for 15 years because of my Gerd. Has anyone developed digestive issues since having the band removed such as stomach rumbling and excessive gas. Doctor says he only removed the band and didn’t do anything to my digestive track so he doesn’t understand how it could be correlated but I never had issues prior to the surgery.

Hi I'm thinking about doing the lapband surgery with Dr Franco Favretti. Anybody had it done by him? Let me know your experience.

My insurance has approved my lapband surgery. im on cloud nine. a

Hi! I had lap band surgery about 13 years ago with Dr. Kirshenbaum. Shortly after surgery, I moved to KC and got my fills there. However, I just moved back to Colorado Springs and desperately need a fill! I understand Dr. K is now retired, so I’m looking for reasonably priced fills. Can someone please help me out? Thanks!

I have developed a strange issue where cannot eat while sitting down. I immediately start trapping. If I am laying on my side or standing, I’m ok. I did not have this problem before and I haven’t had a fill in a while. Any advice?

Looking for any guys who have had the Lapband and willing to connect to share their story?

Looking to connect with people that have had their band a while and are still happy with it! I’ve had mine for 12 years! Sw 314 Lw 170 Cw 223. I’ve gained some back and wanting to find some support to help refocus.

I had lap band removed 8/10, along with the port of course and he also removed alot of scar tissue from around the area. I went back to work over Labor day weekend and walked alot!!!! I noticed some residual pain on my left side deep, near spleen area (which is where he most likely removed quite a bit of scar tissue from). I have had twinges of pain on that side ever since I worked this weekend. I am beginning to wonder if there is surrounding tissue is inflamed and hitting a nerve there ? Anyone else have similar? I will definitely mention it to my surgeon when I see him again and hopefully he can fix that when he does my revision to bypass this November.

I new the Houston area, where can I get a fill? In Jan, the i had it removed but now I need some put back in? I do have insurance? Thanks!

I read that there are certain foods you cannot eat such as certain vegetables. I was wondering what foods are you no longer able to eat. Steak? Chicken? Broccoli?

hi.. what's a good adjustment.. I need restriction. Had it emptied

I ended up in the ER on Halloween Night...with shortness of breath, and sharp pain behind my left rib just over my stomach. Kind of felt like a stitch when you run, but worse, I couldn't take a deep breath. I had my surgery on Oct 22nd, 2008, so the first thing they wanted to rule out was Pulmonary Embolism. I had an EKG, X-ray, and a CAT scan, Nubain for pain. It turns out that the pain is from my Lap-Band tubing that has found it's way to put pressure on my diaphragm. Phone calls to my surgeon, helped the ER doc with what to do....they took about 3 cc from my port, it hasn't alleviated all of the pain, but it is a little better. The worst thing about this is that s…

Okay i know how crazy and gross this sounds, but I've been craving hot cheetos and I'm seriously thinking about buying some just to lick them to get the taste of them! WOW, okay that does sound crazy...Has anybody else just licked something to taste it knowing they can't actually eat anything yet?

I just want to share my experience with the Lap-Band. I had it put in in 2014 and removed in 2019. I had horrendous reflux, I was constantly clearing my throat, and I gained back almost every pound I initially lost. I had it filled, completely emptied to “start fresh” and give my esophagus a break from constant vomiting, and then filled again. My Bariatric surgeon told me how unusual it was for someone to return for a fill after 4 years with the band. What he did not tell me was at that point HE knew, as well as the rest of the Bariatric community, that the Lap-Band had been considered a medical failure. Very few surgeons will put them in. I did some research, figure…

So - are we limited to tiny sips too? Had surgery yesterday. Feel pretty good. Doc says all liquids this week. Fine. But wondering about quantiies. Doesn't liquid just pass right through?