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LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

LAP-BAND support. Fills, the band diet, complications, band removal, and revision to sleeve or bypass.

  1. Started by Mommyfrid,

    Im curious about this 5DPT that I found on the Internet and I'm going to try it starting tomorrow morning! In a couple days I will hit my one year bandiversary. Ive lost 79lbs since surgery, but I lost 80% of that in the first 5 months after surgery. So the last 7 months it's been very slow. I kind of got comfortable with the weight I'd lost, even knowing I had double that amount to lose. I'm def in the green zone because I can't eat much at each meal. I think my problem is not making the right food choices. Eating junk food and eating when I'm not even hungry are my main problems. I've gained and lost the same 10lbs several times over the last 3-4 months. It's just not …

  2. Started by briefs199,

    I had a very slight gall bladder pain on Christmas Eve and after a sonogram I was told I have gall stones. I'm going to meet with my surgeon soon (no further pain since that one time for about 10 minutes) but wondering if I had surgery would I have to get my band unfilled before? Also anyone have advice on whether I should just bite the bullet and get it out now or wait to see if it will get worse?

  3. Can someone please help me by giving your thoughts and advice. I travelled abroad and was away for four weeks. Prior to going I had a small unfill of 0.5cc as I was having difficulty eating any solid food but was OK with liquids. Whilst away the first 2 weeks I was fine, during the third week I started to have a few stuck episodes and by the fourth week I could not even eat anything. I could sip drinks and Water but after 10-30 minutes I would vomit it back up. Eventually I could not even keep any liquid down, I had to bear with this for over a week. Upon landing home I went straight to my clinic where they took another 1.5cc out, when the needle was placed in the port …

  4. I just wanted to thank all my "Bandster Buddies" that have e-mailed me over the past few days asking me for the "Egg Timer Distraction Document"... in total I have received 22 requests... WOW... I think that's GREAT. I wanted to let everyone know that I just heard back from 3 more people who also tried the "trick" and they also had wonderful results in a month... 9 lbs.... 11 lbs... and 12 lbs. I think over the past 6 years I bet over 100 have had results with this "trick". This is why I love this community so much because we are able to help each other. I've also heard back from a few people that I sent my recipe CD to and the Joe Cross DVD. (**Joe Cross) One per…

    • 109 replies
    • 9.7k views
  5. Started by Gotta win 4me,

    I have not had a fill since December 2015. Since then I have gained 30lbs. Do you all think something may be wrong. I have been researching cause and the slipped band scare me. I don't have any of the symptoms of a slipped band. Plus I don't want to feel like a failure for allowing my band to slip. Is it normal to gain so much weight just because I haven't gotten a fill. I will make an appointment on Monday to resolve my fears but I would like some input.

    • 3 replies
    • 744 views
  6. I have already read posts on here regarding the recovery after lap band removal, but I am wondering if there are lifting restrictions? I have a 1 1/2 year old that weighs about 28 pds and my husband can only take 1 day off work this time ???? I am hoping to get it removed soon but I also hope it doesn't put me down for any longer than a couple days as far as lifting .. I can keep it minimal since he is walking but I will still have to lift him off the couch when he climbs up and tries jumping off lol and other instances when he does all the fun toddler stuff ????

  7. Started by Ginger85,

    I feel like I can't control anything. I was eating a healthy meal and got stuck so bad I had to have my band unfilled completely. Now I have no resistance and eat non stop ????

  8. Started by onmyway11,

    I was banded 4 years ago. I lost a bit of weight (far from what I needed to) about 55 lbs but it took me forever (2 years) and lots of hard work. I have now allowed my weight to creep back up and I'm close to where I started again. I hate the unpredictability of my band and the feel of the port in my gut. I'm thinking about the sleeve or the bypass. I'm of course so embarrassed to call my hospital program again. I haven't been going. My gp Doctor suggested I convert to the bypass and I started bawling in her office. It's embarrassing to fail at weight loss after surgery. Has anyone here converted? Thought about it?

  9. Started by Keeper,

    Warning - this is probably going to be long. In fact, I might even be writing to myself simply because I haven't fully expressed all that I am thinking to anyone, so maybe I just need to get it off my chest. The short: I feel like a total failure. I don't feel like my band has failed me because I think I am the common denominator in my weight issues. I lost 35 pounds relatively quickly after I had surgery in Nov 2014. I had several fills and got to what I believed was my sweet spot and I had hired a private trainer and was exercising. Weight never 'just fell off me' but I was more or less happy with the way I was looking and feeling, around April/May of last ye…

  10. Started by Jack,

    Be careful what you eat at ANY fast food place. Here's surprising news: That marvelous Kale salad at McDs is facing this report: "On its chicken salad contains "real parmesan" cheese petals and a "nutrient-rich lettuce blend with baby kale." These ingredients may sound wonderfully healthy, but topped with creamy Asiago Caesar dressing on its crispy chicken version, the salad loses its appeal. The salad contains more than 730 calories, 53 grams of fat, and 1,400 milligrams of salt, according to McDonald's nutritional information. If you ever thought "healthy fast food" was actually healthy, think again. Though Vitamins and can be easily added to a Breakfast wrap…

  11. I had Lapband surgery 1/20/2009 at 265 pds and it's been a journey of ups & downs on the scale & emotionally also. I lost close to 50 pds thru the years but put it all back on. I kinda was thinking I failed this journey & that my Lapband wasn't the answer after all Well 2015 was the worst year in my life, my sister died then my mother in law died too, so I found my self eating to console myself. So my weight went up even more. Well I stopped that in August 2015, I started weight watchers online. I just didn't want to be in a meeting couldn't handle that commitment at that time. I hadn't been to my Lapband Doctor since March 2014 & I was afraid to…

  12. Was wondering if anyone has ever been denied from the insurance company because of depression or bi polar or any mental illness??

  13. Started by Miss Meg,

    Today marks 1 year since my surgery date and I haven't look back for one second. It hasn't been easy, but it's the best decision I have ever made for myself. I have lost a little over 33kg (around 72lb) which makes me just over half way there If anyone is undecided - please take the plunge, it is so so so worth it. I'm attaching a couple of photos so you can see the difference and how amazing I feel - The collage is a comparison shot taken exactly 12 months apart, and the second is a picture taken of me a friends wedding a couple of weeks ago... Have an awesome weekend everyone.

    • 12 replies
    • 1.3k views
  14. Started by DeborahDav,

    After trying to get a copy of this document from a member & getting no response I'm sad to inform everyone the reason for no response is it appears tomander passed away a few years ago. I went to the Internet to search for his document thinking he shared it with so many it might be out there. Well I was successful !! So here it is. Thank you Tomander !!! Egg Timer Distraction Do you really want a snack? Countdown to less snacking.... Egg Timer Distraction: (make sure your egg timer has a bell on it)Try not to eat a large meal past 7:00 p.m… allow yourself an evening snack but if you really want something try this first… When you feel hungry after 7:00 p.m. s…

  15. Started by kathousefl,

    So, I realize that saline is Fluid and shifts around, but lately my lapband seems to be a bit fickle in what food it digests smoothly and what it does not. Does anybody else have those issues?

  16. Started by Nikki D,

    I'm about at my wits end. I was banded on 1/27. I've lost 135 pounds (92 since surgery). Things were going great, I listened to my band and really hardly ever cheated. I hit a plateau in August and only lost 4 pounds. Found myself "cheating" a bit more but I was still in control. Fast forward to today and I am completely out of control. I've lost and gained the same 10 pounds since September. I'm eating the wrong things. It's a head game/battle with me. If I listen to my stomach I'm full. But my head is winning. All. The. Time. I'm making horrible choices and eating until I'm in pain. I'm jealous of people who say their band stops them/won't let them overeat. Because …

    • 7 replies
    • 1.1k views
  17. Started by shrinkin26,

    I have had my band for nearly 5 years. In the first year and a half, I lost about 170 lbs. Then it took a few years to let that creep back, and now I am nearly back to where I started. I am just 30 lbs down from when I first had my surgery. I realize that it was not the band that failed me, it is me that failed to use this tool that was put inside of me. You see, I ate around it. Although I am not "too tight", it is still easier to eat Cookies and ice cream than dense Protein and veggies. I drank empty calories in the form of iced coffees or lemonade, chocolate milk and slushies. I binged on chocolate and cookies, junk food of all kinds. I skipped meals, then ate much…

    • 23 replies
    • 2.5k views
  18. Started by steph_co,

    Hi, all! It's been a long time since I've been on here because it's been like a rollercoaster ride with my Lapband. It's like I have good months and bad months or entire years. LOL I was diagnosed in December with a major slip. Mostly since then, it's been plain awful. I'm having the band removed later this month. Since you guys were there for me at the beginning of my journey, I thought I'd share with you. I also know when I was first looking at getting a band, I looked at some of the past support groups to see how common removal was and if anybody had anything convincing to say about NOT getting a band. If you don't want to read negativity about the band because you …

  19. Started by skinny46,

    Hi I got my band November 10/15. Best decision I ever made wish I had done it years ago. I thought I had the chewing down pat but not good enough. I learned that peas don't go down well unless you chew then chew more. I noticed that I am not hungry in the night. Which is a bonus. And I fill up on very little food. I had my first fill Jan 2/16. I did not notice any change yet. Would love to hear from other November Bandsters.

  20. Started by reneeig,

    I was banded in July 2015 and have had a fill every month since then. The last two times I went in for a fill my band would not allow all of the fluid and would give the Dr push back. I do not feel any real restriction and I am able to eat far larger portions than I should be able to with the band. Why is my band not allowing all of the fill? Anyone had something similar? I am worried that something is broke ????

    • 3 replies
    • 800 views
  21. This is a long shot in the wind but figured I would give it a try. I was banded October 3rd 2014 and I am having a difficult time. Looking for a buddy or buddies to talk to for ideas and encouragement, local or long distance. Thanks

  22. Need mentor to talk to. I was banded 27aug2015. I am 50 years old, & have lost 21 lbs so far- just need make sure I am on the right track. Looking for a buddy!

  23. Started by Katy Walton,

    Hey guys, I have been thinking about lap band for several years. Finally, in August I decided to make my first appointment. I was recommended lap band surgery as I thought already and started different examinations and appointments. My surgery is on February 24th and I have been super excited until today. My boyfriend and family are great supporters and really excited for me. Mainly, because I used to be a "thick girl" most of my life. I was never skinny but back in 2008 I weighed 165lbs and was very active. After major personal problems, I stopped exercising and living healthy and as of today, I weigh 245lbs. I still look good and I am happy but this is mainly about my…

    • 12 replies
    • 1.4k views
  24. Started by weatherlady,

    I had my surgery 11/1/2013. I am struggling with any weight loss. So disappointed. I know I cheat, but the depression is so bad I don't even want to exercise or even try any more. I need a buddy or a group to help me get past this.

  25. Started by intelirish,

    so to my amazement the body scanner at the San Francisco airport managed to pick up my lap-band. WOW it took about 10 mins of talking and pat downs to convince them i didn't have something on me. The strange part is the one in Phoenix either didn't pick it up or they didn't say say-thing.... are there cards we can carry in case this happens again?

    • 21 replies
    • 3.6k views
  26. I need to find a doctor who does fills/follow ups who is located near Marathon, Florida or Key West. I am moving there this summer and was banded on December 7, 2015. I have had my first fill (last week) and will be able to go to my current practice through the end of June. I am trying to go ahead and find a doctor before I move so I don't have to travel back to Georgia for fills. Miami is about 2 1/2 hours from my home in Marathon so I was looking for somewhere closer than Miami. Thanks!

  27. Started by DebraSV,

    Lap band worked great for a year. Not slipped but can't take a fill.

    • 6 replies
    • 630 views
  28. Started by brittanym,

    My name is Brittany. I am 28 years old! I was banded 10/8/14. I live in Southern Indiana/ Louisville Area! I need weekly motivation and someone that can relate to me! I have no friends or family that understand the lapband or what I am going through!

  29. Started by Jack,

    Sorry to post from such sources, but that seems to be who publishes this kind of news: " A cure for Type 1 diabetes is a step closer after scientists managed to halt the condition for at least six months thanks to insulin-producing cells. Experts from US hospitals and institutions including Harvard University managed to transplant cells into mice, which immediately began producing insulin. The team was also able to show they could prevent the cells being rendered useless by the body's own immune system, which was effectively 'switched off' thanks to scientific work. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3415843/Is-CURE-Type-1-diabetes-horizon-S…

    • 0 replies
    • 903 views
  30. Started by nygiants,

    Banded 1/21 and don't get filled for about 4 more weeks. What can I expect that first time? Do you normally go on all liquid? Any nausea?

  31. Started by Wvcari,

    I'm a little over a year out from lap band and have had no real problems. However occasionally I have cramping in my stomach like I need to have a bm, but while attempting I get uncontrollable dry heaves (nothing comes up) until the cramping passes. I never had anything like this before lap band. After the cramping subsides I feel perfectly fine. It causes swelling (I'm assuming) in my band and I'm extremely tight the next few days. Any suggestions?

  32. Started by Wvcari,

    I had lap band placed a year ago in November. I have lost 55 lbs, which I am very happy with. I recently bought a Fitbit charge hr and have noticed that my heart rate is much lower than before my surgery. It regularly runs in the mid 50's. It doesn't seem to cause me any issues, just wondering if anyone else had this happen. I have read a lot about the lap band and its effects on vagus nerve.

    • 4 replies
    • 742 views
  33. I went to the doctor yesterday to see if I could get a little more filling. It turns out that my esophagus has stretched and that is why I can eat so much and not feel satisfied. She drained my band and put me on a liquid diet for a month. Bummer. She said that the esophagus should go back to normal. I guess I needed a wake-up call, because I was binging so badly. Even though it was small amounts, I was eating all day and night. I am so hooked on sweets. I feel like I'm constantly trying to adjust my body with food. I want something sweet, then I want something like crackers, bread, or nuts - then something sweet, then on and on and on - the circle never ends. …

  34. Started by hillbillienurse,

    Hello! I was banded with the Swedish gastric band about 10 years ago. It had worked great until about 3 years ago, when the tube popped off the port and all the liquid came out. I gained most of my weight back. Had anyone had revision surgery in the Raleigh-Fayetteville area and can recommend a surgeon? Thank you in advance for your answers.

  35. Started by mka,

    Ok. I need help and suggestions from all you guys and girls who have been where I am at. I have approximately 15 more pounds to lose and it is taking forever. Any help is greatly appreciated. Kelly

    • 2 replies
    • 478 views
  36. Started by Kimbi,

    I had my Lapband installed in 2008 and initially lost 50 pounds. I'm now 20 pounds heavier than when I started, and I've given up on it. My addiction to food has been too strong. I've since been diagnosed with BPD and PTSD and would like to know if there is any hope. I had my band emptied because of heartburn and discomfort last year, but even when it was filled I still managed to "eat around" it. Anybody else have this issue?

    • 2 replies
    • 973 views
  37. Started by Joanne Hampton,

    I have been banded for 1 1/2 yrs I had only lost 40lbs. my last fill was in October 2015 I have gained 20 lbs and have moved away from my Doctor in Az. I now live in Washington. What I want to know is what physically happens when a band slips. Or am I just having trouble eating because I have gained 20 lbs. don't have insurance now, but will he had said something about NW weight loss in Washington.

  38. Started by blm1*,

    Hello, I had lapband surgery yesterday and am having an extremely hard time on where to sleep. I slept on the bed and really hurt myself getting up, does any one have any suggestions or where they slept after the first couple of days?

    • 9 replies
    • 861 views
  39. Started by Dianetx,

    Skipped getting fills during December. Went back and told my PA I thought I was in green zone, She wanted to see me one more time to make sure every thing was on before releasing me for a year. First off I told her I was comfortable but not losing weight. She went ahead and injected me with a small amount. She said some people live with between 5-8 cm. what I have as of yesterday is 5.56cm, Today I feel like everything including tea is bubbling in my throat. Some parts of the day is fine..eating ..no indigestion then other time it feels like I am having trouble getting even liquid to go down..I am still on soft food from 2nd day injection..Is this something I need to br…

    • 3 replies
    • 704 views
  40. Started by joylove,

    Hi, I'm 43 years old. I live in Florida I've had my lap band quite a while, but have fallen so far off the wagon. I lost about 50 lbs, but can't get past that, plus gained a little of that back. I know it's my own fault. I've not been following the diet and am still eating far too much food. I just always feel hungry. It's probably time to go back to the dr to get a fill. I've just been too ashamed to go since I haven't really lost any weight since the last time I was there. I still need to lose about 80 lbs to get to where I want to be.

  41. Started by Seraphina Valentina,

    Today was the big day. I'm home and resting. So excited about my new journey. I am very uncomfortable but not in any pain. Sip, sip, sipping. ????

  42. Ok, so straight off I'm going to say this is a selfish post, a pep-talk out loud for ME. In doing so, I'm not looking for sprinkle and rainbow compliments I'm doing this as a way for me to get back on track, you know it becomes real when you put it out there:-) Most of you know my story but for those that don't I've been banded for 2 years and 8 months. I started this journey weighing 289lbs. Within 16 months I had lost 159lbs., surpassing my goal by 20lbs. I went from a size 22 in pants to a size 2/3 and size 3XL shirts to size small. My life is dramatically different then it was 3 years ago in every aspect. When my weight hit 130lbs. I told myself I needed t…

    • 4 replies
    • 824 views
  43. Started by lapbanddon,

    I am sorry - I posted this in the wrong forum I think, so I moved it here. I had my lap band installed in July of 2008. I weighed 380LBS. I had some pretty severe fills and my doctor was pretty nasty most of the time. The last time I saw him was in 2010. I got down to 163LBS and felt and looked great - I achieved this weight loss in about 1.5 years so early 2010. Women actually were attracted to me and I felt respect for the first time in my life. My friends and family thought I was too thin. I am 5'9 and most everyone thought I looked great. I was wearing size 32-34 jeans and more often than not a small in shirts. I was a 36R and wore a size 15 in dress shirts. …

    • 5 replies
    • 1.4k views
  44. Started by MollyRN,

    Hi! I need some group input please.... Banded almost 4 years ago. Lost 136 lbs in the first year - just below my goal weight. Sat there for two years fine and then I loosened my band to have a tummy tuck last year. (Gained 12 lbs in the time my band was loosened and in the 3 month recovery time). Since then, I cannot lose a pound. The following are completely accurate stats and I need some input from you all please I work out 6 days a week pretty hard. I usually run for about 45 minutes and lift weights daily, sometimes adding a kickboxing class. I use Body Media which has my BMR at 1450 calories (which matches what my test showed, 1500 calories). Body Media s…

    • 17 replies
    • 3.1k views
  45. Started by tw42,

    Anyone take mytrition from the vitamin shoppe? Do you take all of them at once or take them thru out the day Seems like a lot of pills to take at once....

    • 0 replies
    • 637 views
  46. Started by aries477,

    Has my first fill post surgery last Monday. The doctor put in 3ml and then took out .5 because I was having problems swallowing water. I haven't been able to eat much at all and I am not able to even think about solid food in the morning. I am scheduled for another fill at the end of the month but I don't think I need it. Is this normal?

  47. I had a fill which put me at 5.1ml on Tuesday. This morning with 3 small bites of oatmeal I slimed and puked for 4 hours. Yes 4 hours! Then I was able to barely sip a Protein drink. Got it down though. My throat was so dry and sore I thought something cold like a frozen fat free yogurt would soothe me. Wrong! It has now been 2 hours and the something. I am slimming and puking. What do you suggest?

  48. Started by Nadia Elhawat,

    I had my lapband/ plication 3 days ago and wow must say I struggled so much with recovery I was in so much pain especially the gas pain, I was given Panadol liquid to go home with and voltaren suppository but honestly they both haven't helped???? when will I start feeling better and any tips with the gas pain

    • 2 replies
    • 560 views
  49. Started by bel1995,

    Hi everyone Have started my ore op.diet today. Am feeling nervous us this normal? I am on shakes but can eat vegetables as well and salad but no carb vegetables. I thought it was suposed to be liquid only but dietician said this was ok. The fear of the unknown is kicking in

    • 2 replies
    • 478 views
  50. I haven't posted in awhile but I am 7 months out from surgery, still at only a 20 pound loss but that was all in the beginning from the pre op diet and first couple weeks after surgery.. Nothing since then. Yes, I have bad emotional eating habits, bipolar disorder, appetite increasing Meds, etc. etc. but, I know it's supposed to take awhile to get in the green zone and get all the right benefits from the band. Right now though, after my last adjustment I have been having everything come back up when I eat, things getting stuck, and choosing the wrong foods even more due to not being able to eat others.. I have been throwing up everytime I eat, so I worry about band s…

    • 11 replies
    • 1.2k views

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