LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

So...heard these two recently and can't stop thinking about it. First was my physical therapist who was massaging my hip area to try to ease the tightness and pain. I was on my side and my pelvic bone was quite prominent. As he was massaging, he said, 'you're nothing but skin and bones...we need to get you stronger'. Skin and bones....OMG...me..he was talking about me. Amazing. Second was at Burlington Coat Factory last Saturday while looking for a winter coat. Asked the saleswoman where the women's coat are. I realized she might have thought I meant women's as in larger sizes so I clarified I meant for women but in misses or petite sizes and she said of course she …

I was curious if anyone has has a hysterectomy after getting the band? Are there precautions that I need to take? Do I need to have an unfill? I have 4 cc and I believe that I am in my green zone. I had my band placed may 27, 2014 and have been able to loose nearly 75 lbs. I am afraid that if I get an unfill I will start to gain.

I have 5cc in my band, last 2 weeks I seem to can't get full so I figured I needed a fill. Went to Dr. to get a fill & he couldn't get the needle in,kept hitting it,come to find out the port had flipped.So now I have to go to outpatient day surgery to get it fixed. Has anyone experienced this and what may have caused this. My Dr. Said this was the first for him.

Hello. I believe that I have decided on having my lap band procedure performed by Dr. Curry at JourneyLite in Cincinnati. I have been to the seminars at Mt Carmel West and OSU. I am going to the JourneyLite seminar in Columbus on May 7th and have my surgeon consult/dietician meeting/psych eval in Cincy on May 27th. I am having to pay for this procedure out of my own pocket and Dr. Curry offers the best package. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO HAS HAD THEIR LAP BAND PROCEDURE PERFORMED BY DR. CURRY! :smile:

I know this has been presented a million times (hyperbole appropriate). At the same time, I am a week out from my monthly dr. visit and am concerned. My goal from this post is to get your advice: - Is this something I should fix by altering my eating habits even more? - Is this something I should head to my dr. for immediately? I am currently getting sick often. On the weekend, usually once or twice a day. During the week, usually three times. It happens when I eat the following foods/foods of similar consistency: 1/2 fork of cooked chicken breast 1/2-1 hard boiled egg 2 bites of a hamburger patty, 10 minutes to eat both bites Ground beef/turkey/chicken - …

Here is a question for ya all, if we are supposed to chew chew chew to mush, why does it matter if we are eating sliders? Or protein shakes?

I was Banded the 07/06/14 i lost 8kg on the pre op diet and was so excited to begin my weight loss journey! I then started weeping from an incision site and being a nurse and also it being my body I kept presenting at the ER telling them I had an infection, my surgeon was away and they kept sending me home on the same anti biotics I had been taking for 72 hours telling me to give them time to work however I could see and feel the infection spreading! I ended up with cellulitis which the antibiotics cleared however the port site started weeping and I ended up out one day and looked down to find my top soaked in blood, ppl around me thought I'd been shot! Eventually after a…

Ok people, I have a fill appointment coming up in a few weeks and I can't decide if I need it. I want your opinion on if I should even keep this appointment or if I should cancel it (its an hour away) and save my gas. I currently have about 6 cc's (I think) in my band. I got this fill under fluoro in March or April. I'm roughly 2 cc's away from my green zone pre-pregnancy. Currently, it still takes an average sized meal for me to be full, although I can stop after about half of it and be okay for a few hours. I get stuck easily if I'm not paying attention or take too big of bites (which is more often than I'd like to admit). I have NO IDEA if I'm losing weight because …

I was updating some of the pictures I have in the house to include the newest Myrtle Beach pics and I realized that it's not so hard to remove the 'fat pictures'. Most of the photo's I had were of others because I didn't want to be reminded of what I looked like. I have to keep some of them as they are from important events, like both of my boys' weddings. But I'm updating others and finding that now I'm in most of them as I'm not ashamed of how I look. Can't wait to add to the collection when the newest grandchild comes in the spring and has a healthy and happy grandma to love him or her. (Don't know if we're blue or pink just yet... )

It doesn't matter what I eat, how much or how little, how slow or how fast, there are certain times of the day (which vary day by day) that my food gets stuck. Even after one bite and I know I am too tight to eat then. Keep in mind I don't eat bread, pasta, or rice. I find this frustrating. Does this happen to anybody else? I spoke with my doc about it and he said if I am eating too fast that is why it would happen but after one bite can that be considered eating too fast?

I was banded on August 12. I only lost 8 lbs. I don't have any restrictions. I am scheduled for a fill on September 16. Is this normal? I keep reading that pple are losing so much weight and I feel discourage d. Any advice?

A fill 3 weeks ago...I feel restriction finally and I get full fast. Now 3 weeks in this fill and it seems to still be getting tighter!?!?!? If it rains it gets tight, if it's cold it get tight...seems there are NEVER 2 days in a row that are the same. SUGGESTIONS ? Has anyone else experienced this?

Hello everyone, I am excited to say I made the decision to get he band. I am extremely nervous, but I must say this site has really helped me. I have been lurking for the last 3 months reading as much as I can from my fellow banders. My surgery is Friday 11/7 at he Day One clinic in Chicago. I start my liquid diet on 10/25.

As part of my band journey, I decided it was time to tackle my Diet Coke addiction (again). I gave it up about 6 years ago, but here it is back again. We're talking a minimum of 5 cans a day, plus 3 - 6 glasses a day while eating out at lunch and/or dinner. It's a serious matter in my life. I actually believe the aspartame poisoning aspect is worse than the caffeine portion. I know this, but I still guzzle it. Why!?! Not looking forward to my 1 - 2 weeks of detox headaches and other symptoms. Has anyone else successfully tackled this evil? If so, any and all tips are appreciated! According to Merriam-Webster: ad·dic·tion noun \ə-ˈdik-shən, a-\ : a strong and…

I'm 13 weeks out and I have some food and eating questions. So far I've lost 30lbs (so excited!!) but the last month I've had little help from the band. I was due for my second fill (which I discussed on another thread) but that was cancelled until my office finds a new surgery center. It looks like it will be another month for my fill. I don't feel like I need a huge fill but I'm definitely noticing changes. My major concern is portion size. A lot of people say they eat about a cup of food. I'm confused because my surgeon wants me to eat 3-4 oz of protein a veggie and a starch only if I still feel hungry. That seems like more than one cup of food?? For example, yesterday…

Hi all, So tomorrow I'm going ploughing with our horses all day and I need to take my own food. I really struggle to think of ideas that are good for me and the band when I'm going out like this. All I can think of is sandwiches but I don't want to take bread as it can get stuck! I'm trying to stay away from Pasta and rice too.. Since my op Iv really gone self-conscious and the thought of people stood around all day watching me petrifies me but I know it's something Iv got to do to get over it...anyway... Because I'm so worried I thought I would take some soft foods with me? Any ideas on good soft food?

For those lapbanders who can't tolerate bread and participated in communion pre-op, do you take communion anyway, post-op? Gluten-free option? Wine/juice only? If so, do you have issues with such a small amount of bread? I am not at the stage in which I can test my bread tolerance, but wondered what people are doing. Today, I just had wine.

In 1.5 years post op and about halfway to goal. I've noticed that foods I used to love and were eating recently stopped tasting the same. Had anyone else noticed a change in their taste? Is this part of the journey?

Anyone getting banded this month or has already and wants to share their experience? I go in tomorrow for banding @ 8:30 am! I am excited as well as nervous. Any and all advice is appreciated.

Im a 4 yr. bander and Im at a stand still. I just turned 60 in September. When I had the surgery I weighed 240 and Im now at 192. Its been a long 4 yrs and I just don't know what to do. I figured out this evening I need a band buddy that can help me jump start this adventure. My daughter has also had the surgery and lost over 100 lbs only to gain it back. We were going to be each others buddies but as you can see that wont be happening any time soon. Is there anyone out there who would like to be a buddy to me? Someone who can share their war stories with Me and maybe some eating ideas that have made them a success??? Help....

I was banded August 2013 1 month after the surgery I was pregnant.my lap band was un field at that time. I just finished breastfeeding and the baby is 4 months old.I had 3 fills so far and was up to 4 cc for over a month with little restriction. All of the sudden I ended up in the er. My bad out of nowhere was so tight that I was choking and throwing up my own saliva. Dr at the er took out my whole fluid. Now I am over a year and a half later.....back at square one...its so depressing. My next fill is scheduled oct. 30...most likely 1 cc....I feel fat and even though I have my band I still dont see myself skinny. Any positive thoughts?

So I had my band unfilled in August because I was getting so sick. They took as much as they could out. I've had very little issues for the last 2 months. This week I started having resistance with eating or drinking again and the last 2 days I've gotten sick after trying to eat. Literally eating 2 small bites and it comes up. And now liquid is getting stuck with an unfilled band. Anyone else have this problem? I'm self pay and already know what revision surgery costs :/

I everyone.. I'm very excited that my surgery is next week... I'm new here so hi!!

For those of you waiting to schedule the lap band surgery... How are you dealing with the anxiousness of it all? Ill more than likely be banned middle December just waiting on insurance approval. Good grief though I feel like im about to burst! Im so anxious and ready to start this journey and get my life back

So my primary care doctor had me do and upper gi barium swallow before referring me to a bariatric doctor.. my results came back perfect he said everything's fine.. n I'm telling him everything isn't .. I throw up alot and I'm not losing weight I'm hungry all the time things always get stuck n im tired of the battle. He said well the band is functioning perfect . He said he's just me n I have to eat slower.. I do sometimes it takes me 1.5 hours to eat a small meal cause I get stuck ..so he said again its all me n that he will proscribe me medication to CURVE MY APPITITE. Now doesn't thay defeat the purpose of weight loss surgery.. I'm really annoyed with my regular doctor

I need an accountablility partner! I struggle staying on track and I am 2 and half years out from my surgery and have slacked and put on 20 lbs since June. I need to get back on track eating slower, small bites and start over. Any suggestions???

I had a stuck episode yesterday for the first time. At least I think it was. It was in my throat/esophagus. Now I have this horrible sensation at the top of my esophagus, have been belching and have increased flatulance. It gets worse when eating solids. Anyone have this happen? I only have 3 cc in my band.

I was banded on June 29, 2014, have had four adjustments and am certain I am not in the "GREEN ZONE" yet. I am becoming very frustrated and discouraged as I have not lost any weight yet. I started at about 190 and this is where I am today. What were your signs and signals that you were there? Thanks for any feedback you can provide!

What do you really like now that shocks you, because before WLS it was NOT a food you liked or ate unless you had to for a diet? Mine: Celery Vinaigrette instead of creamy ranch Soup and salad on a menu instead of a burger Hummus Drinking Water

Giving in this weekend and buying a few outfits for work.

I was banded 09/14/12 and am 29 years old. The only people I have met in the support groups that have had lap band are over 70 years old and are having completely different issues than me. I would love to chat with someone young that is going through or has gone through what I have gone through. I think the reason why I don't know of anyone in my age group that has had Lap band is because we keep it a secret for the most part and the seniors love to share. Any who- if you are under 40 and have had lap band, feel free to comment or private message me. I would love someone to talk to. Have a great day!

I thought after lap band surgery there was ABSOLUTELY NO bread allowed? Just not white bread? So wheat and whole grain is allowed??? Any info will help

Oatmeal has never been a favorite food of mine. In fact, I've tried it many times in the past and gagged on it every time. I think it's mostly a texture thing. Anyway, my tastes have changed a lot over the last year and I find that I like a lot of foods now that I would've never eaten before. I try new foods all the time and even enjoy trying foods that I always disliked because, more often than not, I'm pleasantly surprised and find that I now like those foods. So while grocery shopping this morning, I picked up a box of the Quaker instant oatmeal with added protein(banana nut flavor). I hadn't eaten anything yet so I decided to try it when I got home. It actually tasted…

Hi!! My name is Ashlee and I am so happy! I just got word yesterday from my insurance company (Anthem) that my lap-band was approved!! I should know more about a date within the week. I am so psyched and ready for that challege that is ahead of me!!! I am 5'10'' and I weighed in at 322 pounds, which is more than I have ever weighed in my life (and I have NEVER been thin). I am so ready for this, does anyone have any advice for me?? Thanks, Ashlee

About 3 weeks ago, I really started walking more and a lot farther. I kinda like walking for the most part. There are some days I would rather just run and climb in my bed after my night shift but it seems to be working. I haven't seen a lot of movement on the scale but my clothes are fitting better and I feel a little fitter. Just wondering what you guys are doing to get moving. Best Wishes

My surgery is in August and I can't hardly wait. Reading all the good news here about how successful people are. It's very encouraging and hopeful. Soon I will be among the people able to relate my journey after WLS. Cheers!

Well my band has slipped. After 7 months and many many sleepless nights due to acid reflux and dreadful heartburn, I go in for surgery tomorrow to reposition my band. Thanks god he can reposition it rather than take it out completely because if that were the case I would be devastated. Looking forward to getting back to normal again.

Hello all ! So how many of you have what I have ever since 2 fills ago.! I feel like I have a monster in my belly ! I hear the gurgle sometimes all day long ! I drink some coffee and well there is the gurgle ! I berp a lot too ! It must be because of that time of month is comming! But I fell like something is wrong ! Or maybe it's me ! Latly I can't eat untill diner I think my body is just being strange ! I do burp a lot lot ! Has anyone had this

I am almost 2 years post surgery. I have not had any problems but recently i have been having some more stuck episodes. I have a pain on the left side by more port and I feel sick to my stomach. I dont have any fever and I can get food down for the most part. I am nervous about slippage? There have been tremendous turnover at the facility I went to and I haven't been back in almost a year. Any thought ? When should I be worried?

I have been banded doe 5 years and have never found the right fit for mr. I have to be in the zone to loose weight. I was either to tight or not enough. Thinking about taking band out and going with sleeve. My doctor said he hardly does any lap bands any more mostly sleeve. Tells me that he isn't happy with results of lap banding. Your thoughts

I was on vacation last week and found myself less than compliant. I didn't want to struggle like that but I found myself challenged to eat healthily as I was able to when I went on a cruise earlier this year. I was with my adult children and a grandchild and found myself no where near 'healthy' food options so I did as best I could. I had Cereal and fruit every morning instead of the egg/bacon/cheese sandwiches everyone else was eating. I tried to stay away from the 'snack' foods that were in the house...chips, candy, etc. I bought healthier Snacks like 100 calorie Cookies and pretzels to go along with the fruit. I figured I could minimize the damage that way. I chose a g…

I got my band on September 17th and have lost about 20 lbs, between the liquid diet and making better choices. I now feel like I am just on a diet.....need a fill for sure!! I was worried about thanksgiving but you veterans were right NOONE noticed how little I had on my plate and NOONE noticed how much I ate, it was wonderful and I felt satiated although I ate more than a cup of food, it was much less than pre band. I am in banister hell now waiting for fills to work, but I know I will get there!

Hi ! I am hoping to get some insight. I had my surgery back in 2008 and for the past month,my port has been sore,especially in the evening. I didn't think much of it because it's been sore off and on before but now this past week,my skin gets red literally around the port area. The redness comes and goes. I've also noticed that I'm really bloated and have had bad stomach issues (for weeks now) . Last night I noticed that my port was sticking out more than usual. I'm getting no help from my doctor other than they set up an appt for me on Friday. I thought maybe the stomach issues were a seperate issue but now I'm not sure . The issues i've had are diarreah and changes in…

I lost 30 pounds in total after my pre and 4 weeks after surgery. It has now been 6 weeks and I haven't lost a pound. I'm starving all of the time. Still getting shoulder pain on occasion. What gives?? Any ideas?? Thanks

This is a nautical phrase. When ships sailed across equatorial waters the sometimes got caught in the region known as the Doldrums where there was little to no wind activity. Which in turn meant they were stuck in there with no wind in there sail. In order to get out they would " kedge" their way out. This might include putting the anchor into a smaller boat, rowing out a distance and then dropping anchor. The crew would then"pull" the boat toward the anchor and repeat the process until the could catch wind in their sail..... My point? How do you 'kedge' your way out of the 'doldrums'? I could use some new ideas to get me out of this stagnant place and back on track. …

Can anyone tell me of a Dr. off base that can do band fills in Okinawa, Japan? There was a post at the end of last year from someone that was stationed here that said there was a Dr. in town that did them, but did not say where or the Dr's name. Please help!!!

I am almost 1 year post op and initially, I was doing fantastic. As far as weight loss goes, I have done very well, I'm down 147 pounds in 11 months. In February of this year, I started having issues with acid reflux. Prior to that I had had a fill in December and did well for 2 months, then bam, acid reflux. I went to my surgeon and had a slight unfill, but still continued to have problems, which I told my surgeon about. He blew me off and told me I wasn't following the band rules, so I took it all down to basis, continuing to still have issues. In March, I started having major pain, which turned out to be my gallbladder. My surgeon tried to blow me off about that too un…

Hi Banders I received bittersweet news from my Neurologist yesterday, he informed me that it looks like I have MS according to an MRI of the brain & neck and a visual evoked potential test.... With those test results both coming up abnormal and leaning towards MS my final test will be an upcoming Spinal Tap which after those results he will start me on treatment for this disease. I won't see my Lap Band surgeon until April 2nd but my Neurologists says that the lap band and losing weight will not affect my MS and "flare-ups" at all.. I have one co-worker who is 33 with this disease and that's it, so I am wondering if there is anyone on this forum who has MS and the Lap…

Hey all, so I've been using GNC total lean 25 protein shakes since my surgery 2 years ago. Typically this is my breakfast as my band is tighter in the morning. Lately I've noticed I have had more migraine headaches. I believe it may be connected to my protein shakes. I'm wondering a couple of things, 1) anyone else experience this? 2) what are some natural alternatives? I want to shift to eating more all natural, whole foods with less chemicals I can't pronounce. Thanks in advance for your help. Kate

I will start by saying I am going to the Dr as soon as I can. Military insurance is different as I have to jump through hoops. Ok..... Was banded 10/10. Had fantastic results. Had a baby 2012. Here we are 2014 and I am 25 pounds heavier then my last fill (which was in 12/11). I'm not having reoccurring heartburn, but last week is was horrible for about 24 hours. Decided I probably slipped. Had an ok time the next day but decided I really need to get my horrid habits under control. Next day had slight reflux like pressure but I totally went away next day. I've been fine for days now but still waiting on being able to get definitive answers from my dr. I've gone back to …