LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I've noticed not a lot have comment in this group in a while but just thought I'd see if anyone would reply. I'm 21 and was banded on June 2. So far I've done really well except for the terrible gas pain in my left shoulder. Just looking to talk to other banders around my age for support. I haven't told a lot of people that I had it so it's hard not having a lot of people to talk to. Any advice or suggestions from those that have been banded? I'm still on liquids and get to move to mushy foods next week WOOHOO!! I also have my follow-up appointment next week that I'm excited for. Thanks to anybody that replies

My two weeks of liquid are nearly done, Saturday being my first day of puréed food ???????? But I really have no idea what to eat! I work Monday to Friday and have no heating up facility at my workplace. I have been taking shakes and buying Soups from a local food shop. What did you eat during this stage? All I can think of is sweet potato mash, avocado and baby food! But I can't eat that for two weeks. Is tuna ok?

Hi all I was banded back on 12/2005. I weight 323 lbs. Got down to 267 lbs. My meal plan was on target and my workouts were spot on. I worked out in the morning and my work hours were 2x10 pm. When i started working days my meal plan went out the window and no more workouts. I regained all my weight. My doctor is no longer workibg in my insurance network so now i have to figure something out but during this time like to work on my menu. If you have a menu that is working for you please share and thanks. Jo

http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/352438-Banded-2013-but-my-first-post

I have been banded for over 7 years at this point. It seems that things change so much with the band. At least with mine. MOMENT OF TRUTH! I am not the poster child for lap band. I have lost and gained at least a bazillion pounds in that time. I was 210 at my lowest. I stay round 275 these days. Well it's time to kick it into gear, one last chance before searching out info for a revision. For sure I am the tightest in the morning. If I drink a cup of coffee or tea, I loosen up enough to take my pills. After that I can barley get anything through. Lately I have been sipping Water or SF lemonade letting the sip go all the way. Sometimes I time myself and only take a sip i…

Dropped 4.6lbs I'm so happy.

I am really struggling with cross addiction. I am diagnosed bipolar. I was anorexic as a teen and turned into a binge and purger as an adult. I cash paid for the lap band so I didn't go through any psychological evaluation. After the surgery I could no longer use food as a "drug" so I turned to alcohol and it has really messed up my life. My band is now completely empty but I still can eat food and throw up after every meal. I have found that if I drink alcohol I am able to eat more. I don't know why this is but, the fact that I able to eat anything at all motivates the drinking. I feel like the $15,000.00 I spent on the surgery was a deal with the devil. I conta…

Ok I had my surgery 9/2014. I lost 44 lbs within the first 2 months and then nothing. I have had a fill every month since I was banded. I thought I had to go in every month. I have had times where I was good going in and after left with a fill was always hungry. He thought at one point had a leak but was wrong. My band right now has 5cc in it when I went in it had 4.5cc it seemed tighter then. I guess I still don't fully under stand it. I started out before surgery at 340 7/2013. when I had surgery I was 290. Now I have been stuck at 243 for a year. I thought by just having the band I would lose at least 100 lbs. now a I don't know when I will have my next fill. So just…

Anyone here from that area?

Had my first stuck episode yesterday from eating chicken breast. Have had a little pain under my left rib. I'm 2mths post, has anyone experienced this before?

I was banded on 7/24/15 they said I have a large band (14cc) I had my first fill a couple weeks age (3cc) and I had 3 cc on the day of surgery. I went from 234 day of surgery to 219 doing very low carb and now I'm up to 227 after stopping low carb. I'm eating less than before surgery I've had a few mild stuck episodes. But I still have a big appetite. Is it because I need more of a fill with a large band? Any advice would be appreciated.

Looking for fellow Bandsters that are in OC looking for workout tips, hints, buddy or a trainer! I was 380 five years ago, now im at 185 and doing personal training...specializing in lapband, and bariatric patients. Let me know if you need anything!

Looking for a workout buddy here in the O.C

I have been banded for 7 years and in this whole time, breakfast is a no go. Best I can manage is a smoothie mid morning - usually after 10am. I am soooooo bored of smoothies!!!!! I would love to eat an egg, or some bacon, anything really, but any attempt means it comes back up shortly after. Sometimes I can manage a couple crackers with some soft cheese or a couple bites of a granola bar, but not a good protein source. Even yogurt is a no go. Any suggestions??? My band is good. I was formerly way too restricted and now that I am a bit more open, I am able to manage better options for lunch and dinner without things backing up or coming up, but mornings are bad. …

Hey everyone I was banded in 2013 but apparently the doctors I had been seeing were barely filling me. I hardly lost any weight and after 2 years I only had 4cc in my band. I went to a new doc and he gave me a big fill at once and for me up to a little over 5cc( I have a 10cc band) and I've had it since August. Since that time in finding I can't eat or drink ANYTHiNG until 11 am and even after that I gurgle a lot and can barely get 22oz of water in me a day. In pretty much only able to eat one meal bc every time I eat I get in horrible pain in my back even after tiny bites. Today I ate a tiny bite of chicken dipped in yogurt sauce and was on agony and threw it up. All da…

I posted a couple of weeks ago about really bad acid reflux, I got 0.25ml taken out and it has gone but has now been replaced by smelly burps!! They taste horrible & it's really embarrassing, I'm constantly eating mints to try & disguise the smell. Any ideas? Was going to make an appointment with my GP in case I have some sort of bacteria or something, would be good to hear if anyone else has/is suffering from this xx

How many cc's before you got the right amount of tightness? I was at 5.5 and had to go down to 5. I feel like that's such a small amount

Well, I completely forgot why I had a complete unfill over a year ago. Today, I remember why. I cant eat! I hate that I cant eat. I can barely keep down my Vitamin Water. I guess this could just be that my stomach isn't used to this and is swollen but im hungry. I tried to have some soup - nope. crackers - nope, chips - nope. I know.. i know, i should be eating healthier food but I cant keep anything down. Now I found a Protein drink in one of the vending machines and it seems to be working, except I keep getting hiccups. Is my band too full? It only has 3cc out of 11. Any suggestions on what to do? What to eat? Should I go and have some removed or wait to see if the …

Can your port flip sideways? It doesn't feel like it used to...

Linking the effects of certain chemicals on the normal body endocrine function: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-09-chemical-exposure-linked-diabetes-obesity.html

I've had my band about 7 years. Been successful but never to goal. Sw 314 lw 170 cw 201. Went for a fill about 2 weeks ago. Got .3 small amount but huge difference. I have reduced hunger, small portions satisfy, and having to eat slower with smaller bites. I have noticed that I am having some night coughing. I take Nexium daily which helps with the acid but still having some reflux. I feel like I'm walking a fine line getting good restriction and being too tight. I really want to wait a bit to have any removed to see if things will settle. Thoughts? Anyone done this before?

I've been banded 5 years. I got to my goal of 150 and had some issues. My band was emptied. I'm now at 180. I left my previous doctor and have switched to Dr Reilly in Houston. I have an appt for a fill today at True Results. I'm excited and a bit nervous. Any of you use true results?

I was wondering if anyone experiences pain on left side and seems to be relieved with a burp? Ever since I've had the band (2012) I burp like its my job crazy big huge burps. But lately this pain on the left side has started just wondering if anyone else has this too ????

This may have already been answered in the past but I am having a hard time finding a previous thread related to my question. Is it possible to get too much Protein? I am using myfitnesspal and I seem to be staying between 120 and 160 grams of protein daily. This is sometimes over 50% more than the suggested intake. The vast majority of the food I eat is loaded with protein. Lots of lean fish, beef, etc. I also supplement an atkins Protein shake for one meal and eat a Quest bar once a day when I am at work to help give me energy and sustain me during my shift on the unit. The upside is I am definitely feeling much less hungry between meals now and have more energy. Mos…

Has anyone ever had a problem with excess gas because of the cpap machine pushing air into ur stomach and it can't come back out because of the band and air pressure? I have alot of excess gas and Idk whete it's coming from. It's not the food I eat

Anyone out there have the band and has had surgery on lower back and can't exercise. I have lost 45 pounds since my band surgery in April 15. But I can't exercise because of my back issues. I am trying hard but have stalled on weight loss. All I eat is tuna and other fish. And green veggies. I drink water diet green tea and crystal light. I have cheated a little. Maybe that's it Idk. Any suggestions. I really need someone to help me

Hey there---any ND bandsters out there? It'd be nice to hear from you!

Hello, everyone! I am getting ready to move back to Minot and am just 3 weeks post-op. I am happy that I found this forum, but notice its been silent for a few years... Is anyone from ND still in here? If so, can you suggest where I will have to go for fills and such? Thanks!!

Still a long way to go but thrilled with the progress so far! I have a lot to lose but down 140. I have had 3 fills. Following a low carb diet. I am finally feeling like doing more exercise. Committed to walking 4 times a week and strength training. I want to continue at the same pace of loss and know I need to add in the exercise. I am still reminding myself to chew chew chew, and stop when satisfied. I tend to want to eat the last few bites even when I have stop signals. Measuring, weighing and tracking all foods. Using My FittnessPal. Drinking 100 ozs of water a day. Joined an on line support group with a weekly weigh in to keep me accountable. Fighting the desir…

I got very drunk last night and today I am dying from the worst hangover ever! I need to puke but just seem to be dry heaving and nothing is coming up, is there anyway I could be sick? Would I do any damage to the band? I just feel so terrible and that usually makes me feel a bit better. Any advice would be a god send right now. X

I'm 1 week post op and it's been the worst week ever. First two days were ok then bam! I've been horribly sick since Monday. Headaches, nauseated, dizzy. The nurse thought I was dehydrated so I'm pushing the Water, etc. Any advice?

Looking for lapband patients in the Albany area.

Hi all, I know how hard it can be to find a good place to get fills-especially if you were banded in Mexico. Forest Park Medical Center in Dallas does great fills for $75 with fluoroscopy. They were able to get me in within a few days and were extremely nice and professional. Just wanted to put this out there as an option.

I was banded 10/26 at Colesium Northside. Doing great so far. Just wondering are there any other bandsters in the Warner Robins/Bonaire area

Hi there. I had a gastric band put in in August 2011. From the minute I came out of surgery I was horrified at the size of the scar where the port had been placed, and was in agony hardly able to lift myself off the bed, furthermore the location of the port was also a shock. My surgeon never discussed with me the options I had of port placement, therefore, he decided that the breast bone was the best position for this. Now, if you are a male, I don't imagine there would be much cause for concern at having the port placed on the breast bone. But for a woman who has a larger build and usually larger breasts to go with it, it is one of the most inconvenient places a hard…

I am having the lap band removed this month in hopes of getting the sleeve in November. Has anyone else been through this and what has your experience been?

Is it better for your band and esophagus to drink something and get it right up or wait until your body brings it up. I'm talking times when you have done all the other tricks to try to get it down and thy have failed. I know not getting stuck is healthier but if it happens should I get the food out of the esophagus quickly or does it not matter?

I was really never told not to chew gum when I had my surgery. I swallowed some gum today and I'm not sure if I'm having "the stuck" feeling or its just my anxiety of swallowing the gum. Has anybody experience this before and what did u have to do?

Hi. I was banded on August 6 and with the pre-surgery liquid diet starting on July 21 to today, I am down 25 lbs. I haven't really lost anything over the last 2 weeks and I'm wondering if I am eating the right things. I know high protein/low carb but was hoping to find out ideas of what meals banders typically eat in a day. I have 6 cc's in my band since my first fill but don't always feel restricted. Thanks for your help!

So my surgery is tomorrow. And I'm not scared. I am so excited. I'm ready to begin my new life. Any others banded around this week,last week, or next week

I've been banded for 10 months and have only lost 1 net pound outside of the initial liquid fasting phase. I lost 10 lbs and it came back slowly over time. My surgeon said not to stress about it because it was common and the weight would come off when I got into the green zone. I never got there. I have been battling band issues for months (port pain, many stuck episodes per week, no restriction despite having nearly 9 ccs in Fluid in the band, and constant nausea). My surgeon said that the band needs to come out and did not recommend doing a conversion to another surgery. He said that if my body didn't adjust to the band, it likely wouldn't adjust to the other surg…

I need a fill doctor in the Raleigh, NC area. Please help!

Hi I am new to the sight and I need help uploading my before and after pictures

I had my lapband on August 6th and lost 15 pounds within a week and now I have gained 2 pounds back. I know that this should not freak me out but I am so scared about failing at this! I have only been eating between 300 and 500 calories a day, and I know that I have not gotten all my proteins in on somedays... is this normal? I go back for my 2 week post op this Thursday and I am nervous!

So..I'm happy with the boyfriend...very happy as a matter of fact. But...the flipside is that I have gained ten pounds since we've started seeing each other. No question as to why the gain. I'm eating out more...not being as mindful as I have been, slacked off on the exercise... Shall I go on? This really must stop. It's not his doing, it's mine. I know he's going to want Chinese food tomorrow night but either I'll have to get something steamed without sauce or better still, just tell him no, we need to go or bring in something better for me. I also have to slow down the drinking. I like a glass or two of wine with dinner but since I'm eating out more, I'm also d…

Hello everyone! I was banded one week ago (Sept. 8th). I'm 26, from SC but I currently live in the suburbs of St. Louis. I'm really excited about my new journey and so, so happy that I found this app/forum!

I live in the outskirts of St. Louis and would love to make some local, banded friends!

Since this is the header of the topic, I am officially,whole heartedly supporting those who choose to live life with a lapband! I hope some of the other band veterans will choose to help answer questions about a healthy life with our bands. It can be a life changer! For many years! For this one category, can I ask respectfully for no band bashing, stomach perforation, port flipping horror stories? I am very pleased with my years of healthy living with my band .. May it always be so for others too⭐️ I DO SUPPORT any type of WLS for the record. This is just one all place to celebrate banded life. Thanks for listening

Hi there...So I've fallen off the wagon. My weight loss stagnated and I gave up. I lost my grandfather, my aunt and my cousin all within 3 month time frame and I stopped going to appointments because I felt like I wasn't losing weight and I'm still feeling full for 4-6 hours after each meal. I've made some bad eating decision choices and I know why it hasn't been successful. I want to try and get back on, I have it in me, I need to be better. Has anyone else fallen off the wagon? I'm scared to get back on to fail again.

My name is Kelli, I was banded Nov 2010 in Mississauga Ontario at the Surgical Weight Loss Center. I am 28 years old, have been married for a year, and the whole reason i started this process was so that i could have a safe pregnancy and have a healthy baby! I have to say, i am well on my way. My starting weight was 319.8 lbs, and currently, i weight in at 217.8lbs. Only recently did i pass the 100lb mark! I am so happy, and proud of myself, and feel soooooo amazing! I had a complication, and port infection about 6 months ago, and had to have a port revision. Since then, its been nothing but clear skies. Hopefully it stays that way! For Christmas this year, my …