LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I've been banded 5 years. Got to goal, got too tight, then had band emptied. I am slowly refilling it. It does good until it hits 6 cc's. At that point fills are hell. I had a fill Tuesday that brought me to 6.4 cc's. As I expected, my band is pretty irritated. This always happens for me. Post fill it can take 8 to 10 days before I can eat solid foods again. It's not that there is too much Fluid in the band, it's just that my band/stomach swells up from the actual fill. Does this happen to any of you?

I just wanted to do a quick check in with my very exciting news that this weeks weight loss takes me exactly to my half-way point. 30kg down, 30kg to go!!!!

Hey people! I just wanted to know how people in my group are doing? I gave had a lot of struggles, but im trying to refocus. Please give me sime feedback and encouragement. I desperately need it.

I read somewhere that doctors have you drink a certain amount of water before leaving the office. Does anyone know bout this? As of right now, I haven't been able to drink anything more that 600mL in 2 days. Im going to the doctor today and would like to know how to gauge the un-fill.

Looking for a fellow bander to ease my mind that surgery will be fine. Surgery is scheduled for Sept 15. One week from today. I am more worried about recovery. Any support or a person to vent to or swap food recipes with would be great. Or even a workout buddy. I am open!!!

Anyone know one??? Most doctors will not do it unless they did your surgery. True results will not I already spoke with them. My surgery was done in Dallas. Dr. Garwood is retired and referred me to try lap band solutions ....will call tomorrow.

Working on my post-surgery menu planning... does anyone know of a brand of sugar-free gelatin (Jell-o) without aspartame?

So do any of you think your band loosens as you lose weight?

Once you find a routine that works for you, it's easy to just become programmed to do the same things day in and day out. It takes less thought, planning, effort, it's just easier. I find myself eating the same foods nearly every day at the same time at the same pace. Not saying this is a bad thing, it's convenient and comforting. Are you good about switching things up or are you repetitive in your daily routine? What are some of the things you do to switch it up a little?

Does anyone else suffer from pain in their shoulder, neck & jaw after getting something even slightly stuck?

Hi! Just was wondering at what cc level people found the "green zone" and also total weight loss and in what amount of time? Thanks!!

Hi Everyone. I am a newbie who has only had one fill, 4 mls in total. I am still hungry. In fact all I want to do is eat, but I think that's anxiety driven by the fear of not knowing if its going to work for me. So I believe the sooner it starts working the quicker I will stop obsessing. Does anyone know the average amount of fill I need to stop feeling hungry? I'm going again on Monday. Thanks x

I have recently been diagnosed with an erosion after 10 years. I am scheduled for band removal on 7/31. In the meantime all the fluid was removed from my band and I have no restriction what so ever. In the past month I have gained almost 15lbs and I do not know what to do. I know it is mainly due to volume but it is impossible to eat the same amount I was eating when the band was functioning. I want to either have another band put in or convert to the sleeve. My doctor says I need to wait 6 months before she will do this. I am at my wits end. I do not know what to do. I cannot gain all my weight back. I kept it off for 10 years and can't go back to the way I was while I…

wow, i have been banded with plication for almost 2 yrs and been on this forum for 2 yrs 4 months..where has the time gone? i am happier today then i was when i started in Feb 2012...compared to where i am now today.. the only (advice) i want to give is the following (take it or ignore it): call your doctor if you are hurting or concerned or need (assistance w/questions can i or should i eat/do/drink) i strongly advise anyone to do what THEIR doctor says, not mine or anyone elses.. use common sense (you cant gain true weight overnight and you wont lose true weight overnight) eating more calories than you burn off will make you gain weight with or without any WLS r…

Greetings! After receiving a lap-band a little more than 2 years ago, I have lost about 120 lbs. but, unfortunately, the weight loss is starting to put a strain on my relationship. Specifically, my husband of more almost 11 years thinks I am too skinny (going from 357 - 240 lbs. at 6’ 2”). When we met, I was 300 lbs. I ballooned up to 357, of course had health issues due to weight, got the lap-band, and successfully lost weight and am now down to a healthy weight. However, my husband no longer finds me physically attractive though he still loves me. I certainly still love him and we continue to enjoy each other’s company but we rarely have sex (maybe once a quar…

A selling point for the adjustable gastric band is…it’s adjustable. Changing the fill level changes the amount of restriction you feel. This is supposed to let each individual find the right amount of restriction for him or her to lose weight safely and comfortably. It’s also supposed to let people adjust for life events, such as loosening the band for pregnancy, when you get the stomach flu or something else that is making you vomit a lot, or for traveling. I’m wondering how often you actually take advantage of the adjustability of the lap-band. Since your initial fill and maybe a few adjustments in the first few months after getting the band, have you gotten it adjust…

Banded 6.12.15 Hi guys I recently had my second fill, up until that point I didn't really feel much restriction, I was hungry all the time and making really bad choices, but I was determined to try and stay on track and so far it hasn't been too bad. I'm a stay at home mum so usually food is readily available for me to pick at, I went away for the weekend with friends and it had been such a busy day and when it came to dinner all my friends were starving but I noticed that I didn't even feel that hungry, so I tested myself over the next few days and realised that at every meal time there was no hunger pangs, no grumbling tummy that's desperate for food, there was somet…

Hi, everyone. I just was banded last Thursday and want to thank all of you for the great posts I have been reading that keep me going!! I am down 16 lbs since the start of my pre-surgery liquid diet. I went to my post-op appt today and she said that about 25% of people gain back at this point and 25% stay the same. I am so worried about this and not continuing to lose. Has this happened to anyone? I know it will discourage me and knock me off track so quickly.

I am looking for a good fill doctor in the Houston TX area. My doctor is here but to be honest I was not impressed with his office. Until my last appt I had only seen my doctor through a company called NeWeigh (they are wonderful). My doctor's office was not impressive. No nurse on staff, just a receptionist. The office is dirty and rundown. I even had to get a wet paper towel to wipe blood off the chair in the examination room so that my husband could sit down. I am 8 weeks post op and have not had a fill yet. I would like to find a good doctor with good facilities that I can trust. Thanks!

If you have your period can you get a fill? It has been almost 10 months since I had a fill and I really do need one. I am scheduled for one tomorrow but did get my period today. I don't think think it effects it but want to be certain. Thanks!

8 years ago I was miserable, hating myself. 270 lbs and growing. I decided to have the lapband and never looked back. My earlier posts tells the story of my journey. This year I'd like to talk about.... This year. After losing the weight..... The next big hurdle and probably the biggest in my book.... Is dealing with headhunger. It has been the most difficult part of the journey. I have everything I want in my life... So why do I eat sugar (mainly) or sometimes eat obsessively. I've been working with a therapist and I have to say, I'm learning to "sit with my feelings" and not eat over them. I've had periods of great success and periods of not-so -much success. …

I had my lapband procedure done in Mexico and saw Dr. Stephanie for many years afterwards for my fills. I have not needed a fill in almost a year and I know she is no longer performing them. I live in Houston and it's time for me to get a fill. Looking for recommendations on doctors who take outside patients and who are VERY good and reliable. TIA!

What are some of your favorite to use for the post-op diet? I was curious about hot sauce....I love all things spicy and I know that it's kind of a no-no for the post-op diet but has anyone tried just a little? ????

I was banded back in 2011, lost 63 lbs then, lost my job and insurance thus no fills. Found a new job but it didn't cover Bariatric stuff so still no fills. I have gained back 50 of the 63 lbs lost. I now have insurance that will cover but afraid to go to doc for fear of being judged. Where do I start I'm miserable!

I am thinking about getting lap band, and just wanting to see how quickly the weight comes off. What was your starting weight (and hight)? How much did you lose 3 months after? 6 months after? 12 months after? Is there anything you dislike about having the lap band? I hear that sometimes when you lose weight fast you get the extra skin hanging that wont go away unless you have additional surgery to remove it, did any of you experience the extra skin? If so what was your age, I'm wondering if age has anything to do with it.

Has anyone used the true results in St. Louis, MO? If so did you have your band/procedure here or Texas? I'm scheduled to go to Texas and not really sure how I'm feeling about it. I'm having a hard time getting things straightened out with the office.... Makes me nervous.

Hello, I just want to know costs involved when anyone had theirs removed please.... I am needing to have my Band out ofter 10 years of pain and discomfort. I have an Autoimmune disease and I'm told its not good to have this surgery with this. Dr Jay in Dallas did it. DR Jayaesseelan ? wrong spelling. I lost 50 lbs and I've now gained back 30 of it. I have discovered this: Your problem is overeating. You can have a band on your stomach, but the main problem is still there... I lost 130 lbs the hard way before this. It was simple, low calorie and exercise everyday. I kept it off for 10 years. I slowly started putting it back on when I slacked off on my daily exerc…

read some of my NSV.........then think about your own NSV and now ask yourself just how are you doing??? (yeah i thought you'd see it now).. some NSV's for me that i love and no longer take for granted: having a seat belt fit properly painting my toe nails putting my socks on (hub use to have to do this for me).....although he still ties my shoes being able to reach down into washer w/o my stomach getting in the way fitting into a bathtub and water can go around me sitting in a chair or even laying in bed without fear of it (breaking) walking to and from a store parking lot fitting into a reg bathroom stall without using the handicap or turning sideways…

Monday December 29, 7:30pm Starbucks in Langley at 200th and 86th. Let's look forward to a great new year!

Diet history? I have been on a supervised medical diet through my PCP But it was last year Does that still count to the insurance company

This post is such an important one for me. I AM FINALLY IN THE GREEN ZONE. Huzzah! Celebrating over here! Wanted to share it with you. A little patience and my surgical team's insistence on my "creeping towards the green" through small to tiny fills rather than BIG ones has been one that I have fully subscribed to. And now I AM THERE and have nothing but success and wellness to report! A warm, welcoming HELLO to the Green Zone. My friend, I have been waiting to meet you for 5 months. My history if you're interested: Banded December 18th, 2014. At that time I had 4.1 ccs of Fluid in the band. Fill #1: Jan 2, 2015 - .5 ccs Fill #2: March 18 - .3 ccs Fill …

What kind of dingbat gets a fill the day before they are going to the state fair......ME. that's good for automatic 10pound weight loss right???? No funnel cake, corn dog, nada. Took my bag of liquids with me. Mmmm. Yogurt n applesauce. :'-(

I have been lactose intolerant for some time, and most Protein shakes just wreck my stomach, even with almond or cocnut milk. I ahve tried Trader Joes Hemp protein and Organic protein from costco that is plant based. Is there any others I should look at?

I have never written before, but have read through many of the posts. I was banded on July 21st and weight loss has been elusive. I lost about 15 lbs on the liver shrinking diet and then nothing until last week. Last week I lost 7 lbs, but this week the scale is either slowly going up or staying the same. I usually have a Protein shake for Breakfast and a Protein Bar for lunch and then try some type of meat for dinner. I had my first fill last week of 3 cc's. I am not sure what I am doing wrong, but I feel like something isn't working. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

Approved and surgery scheduled for October, check!!! After being on hold for almost 20 minutes with the insurance company today, I expected to be denied for a third time in three weeks due to paperwork. You could have knocked me over with a feather when the guy came back on and said APPROVED! The Subway "sandwich artist" thought I'd lost my mind when I started jumping up and down midway through applying cucumbers. Hehehe! Their denials were starting to get pretty creative too! I was almost curious to know what the next one would be. For the record, I have hounded the coordinator at my doctor's office and insurance company for a solid three weeks. Seriously peop…

I had an egd done this past Tuesday. The doc told my husband that there's some erosion and will see me in his office on the 17th(I was still sleeping). My man didn't ask any questions. Have any of y'all experienced this? Do you know what I could expect?

I don't know about you but I hate trying to eat dry salad but what I hate even more is consuming nearly 200 calories in some cases for 2 Tlbs. of ranch dressing so I did some searching and found a recipe that is really yummy and pretty much guilt free compared to the alternative so I thought I would share my find for homemade Ranch Dressing: 1 cup of Okios PLAIN Non-Fat Greek Yogurt- 120 cal 1/2 cup Lite Real Mayo- 280 cal (based on hellman's) approx. 1/4 cup skim milk (thin to your desired consistency) 20 cal 5-6 springs of fresh dill chopped 1 clove finely minced garlic 1 green onion chopped Mix the yogurt and mayo together then stir in the onion, garlic and di…

Just got my packet from the hospital! There's is so many things I need to do and fill out! I'm just so overwhelmed and feel like if I make one mistake on the packet I will be denied because I'm barely matching all the criteria they need for the WLS HELP!!!

I'm almost 1 year post-opt and Monday I went in for a fill. This was my first fill in 7months. I was at around 4.1cc and my Surgeon filled me to around 4.6/4.7cc (I have a 10cc band). Everything was fine and I was doing liquids and yogurt until Wednesday. Wednesday I was having trouble keeping liquids down. Thursday same story. I PB on all liquids and have really bad heartburn/reflux. I called my surgeon and he can see me first thing Saturday morning. I was curious if anyone as experienced delayed irritation and discomfort after a fill.

Ever wonder how those cooking show & home entertainment eating gurus don't start bulking up? This article is a little weak on fact but has some preliminary findings to suggest: http://nypost.com/2015/08/19/the-surprising-reason-foodies-dont-get-fat/

So I got a fill about 8 weeks ago after a complete unfill back in May. I'm only at 4.5 in a 14cc band. I'm scheduled to go next week for another fill, because I haven't had that much restriction and I've been able to eat everything I want. This past Friday, I started to notice restriction slightly, and it has steadily increased until yesterday I actually had a PB episode. It's not my TOM. I didn't eat dinner last night, and today Ive had Water and chicken unjury. Should I be concerned about the suddeness of this? Yes, my allergies have been going wonky but I get shots and they help, and I've been taking suphedrine to try to dry up the drainage. And yes there is some …

I've been trying to figure out practical meals to cook. We have a dairy farm with fresh milk, eggs, beef, etc. I have given up the fresh milk, but still like those whole eggs. In perusing over hundreds of recipes, most of them call for egg whites or an egg substitute. My question is will using a whole egg ruin the recipe? I've never used egg substitute and seldom use just egg whites. My doctor encourages eating whole eggs, even suggested keeping boiled eggs in the fridge, having an egg for breakfast, or an omelette for lunch. I haven't been very successful at this lapband thing, but I am back on track now. I need to keep the momentum going. Is it okay to put …

So I was banded in 2006 and was very young. Now almost 10 years later my band has created a lot of problems. I learned to live with all the discomforts. Severe acid reflux, throwing up, and the pain in my stomach. I went to the dr 6 weeks ago (I hadn't been in 6 years for my band) and was told I needed an EGD. During the EGD the acid in and on my esophagus was so bad it did some damage that might effect me long term and the scope showed my band was in bad shape (some erosion). I ended up aspirating acid during the procedure and got bacterial pneumonia. I was in the hospital for 7 days. My follow up apt was today with my dr. He told me the band has to come out and t…

Hope springs eternal in all of us: " The scientists believe the technique could prevent or even cure obesity in those people with the faulty gene and negate the effects of a high-fat diet. "Obesity has traditionally been seen as the result of an imbalance between the amount of food we eat and how much we exercise, but this view ignores the contribution of genetics to each individual's metabolism," said senior author Professor Manolis Kellis, of MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and of the Broad Institute. "Knowing the causal variant underlying the obesity association may allow genome editing as a therapeutic avenue for individual…

it's been a year and a half since my last fill well after gaining 40lbs i went back to my dr.and he measured it and gave me a small fill that day i had a sore throat and didn't think much of it cause sometimes when it happens it goes a way in a day or two and im fine well it is worse today and i don't feel good so it must be a cold . i cant drink or eat i only managed to drink a small gatorade and i sipped on it most of the day tried coffee and hot tea nothing helps i just pb it.my question is how long should i stick this out i am thinking a day or two if it don't improve at all

Wary that I'll go nuts and eat everything and gain 50 lbs in the next two months. Also, I don't know of my new insurance will cover bariatric services so that I can get fills going forward. Just need some advice to stay sane.

I'm 11 days post op my leg has had a permanent cramp for a good while now and once I've eaten something give it 10-15 mins and I'm on a hiccup mission and it kills me it's such a huge effort for my body to blow out a hiccup i want to hug myself it's crazy uncomfortable What's happening here?!

I had a lap band surgery about 4 1/2 years ago and went from 330 lbs to 220 lbs since then. I am pretty happy with my weight loss. Although I have had some issues with eating certain foods I have managed until maybe 3-4 months ago, perhaps it started before but I did not realize it. I was having more and more problems eating and even drinking. In the morning or during the day (several hours after last meal) I could not eat anything. Sometimes even a few sips of Water would not go down and I had to go and purge (?). I would also sometimes drink a couple sips of water before going to bed and then I could feel it trying to go through and some air bubbling up and it always …

So I was too tight and had a total of 4 cc taken out and now have 3 cc left. I feel no restriction and now I get bloated and gas so easily! Any thing to help or take! It's killer! Hope to get adjusted next month cuz I feel gross and I think I have gained!

Guys I feel awful I've had my surgery 07th I'm home I'm weak I can't even bare to walk I can barely sip more than 5 spoons of broth or shove any liquid down if I'm honest my port area hurts my throats like bubbling my hands over my chest 45% of the day not one to have experienced acid reflux and heartburn but I think this is it and you know what it's an awful sensation please god tell me it will get better right?! I'm trying to walk it off I can feel myself still bloated Im all over the paracetamol and chewing tum settlers Really my body hurts to say I've a band with no fill my doc says id feel some restriction...If this is how I'm feeling now can't imagine when I do …