LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Just found this forum, first post. Banded a week ago, moving from Clear liquids to full liquid diet. Dr. advised full liquid for two weeks and wants 80 grams of Protein a day. i tried the strained low fat cream of chicken Soup and added a scoop of GNC whey protein. What an awful mess, was like glue and just unpalatable. Needless to say my dogs loved it! Any suggestions on getting the protein with the small 1/4 cup size portions needed during this full liquid phase. Thanks for any advise

Hi guys, I've been diagnosed with PCOS for many years, but just recently had a thyroid condition added called Hashimoto's. Does the Lap-band really help with all the PCOS symptoms?

For instance my upper body has lost at a faster rate than my lower...making my clothing sizes not match at all...so I am almost 2 sizes smaller in tops...what the heck? Has this happened to you all too? Feeling kinda lopsided...lol! Happy to be losing, just the same, though! :-)

Am I the only one who isn't losing weight? I haven't lost in almost a year! I lost about twenty-five before the surgery and about fifteen after. I have been out a year August 27. I had knee surgery on July 2014 and will have my second knee done on October 29th! I hopefully will be able to finally exercise now! I am using my portable bike now and doing therapy which has helped. Thanks for your feedback!!

Hello all My surgeon suggested the product Band Buddies to me but I have been to a few chemists and had no luck finding it. So I was hoping that a member living in Australia could direct to where it is sold. Or if anyone knows of any trust worthy online stockists. I have been taking a multi v tonic that is disgusting. So any advice even on other suitable products would be much appreciated. Thankyou.

I was banded on Monday 9/19 and 5 days later I'm still adjusting to it. I'm following all the rules and directions given but every time I take a sip it feels like it gets stuck in my esophagus and wants to come back up. Anyone else feel that way? I also feel a burning sensation on my chest and of course I'm still bloated. I know I'll be happy about this surgery in a few weeks after this initial stage but it sure feels bad now!

So, there are actually quite a few nurses that have been (or are going to be) banded so I thought I would be the first to post a thread here. Let's start by introducing ourselves here. Name: Jess Where you work (unit): Operating Room When were you banded/when you plan to be banded: Hopefully October Anything else you want us to know: I LOVE photography and scrapbooking/crafting. I have 2 kids 11 & 13 and have been happily married for almost 16 years (November).

I'm new to BariatricPal and will be having VSG in late April. I am a NICU nurse at a major medical center. I was hoping to meet some fellow nurses who have been there, done that. Anybody home???

Seeing as i'm almost 1 year post op and have met my goal weight you'd think i'd know what to eat. Nope. I'm trying to stay on a budget and I'm looking for meals to cook that I can have leftovers that won't go bad. I'm so tired of wasting money bc I never get to the left overs. I'm always at work and sometimes I'm not even hungry. But I NEED to eat. I'm also a VERY picky eater which makes meals even harder for me to find. I love chicken but since getting the lapband, no matter how perfect I eat it, It never ends well for me. I just want to eat and it be quick to make and can last a while. :/ :/

I had my surgery on Monday 9/29 in Mexico and now I'm back and in need of a mentor/buddy to go through this difficult time. I would prefer someone local if possible. The only person that knows about my surgery is my husband and he has never had weight issues so although he claims to be supportive, he really isn't and I'm alone. HELP!

Just feeling weirdly out of sorts. Not even sure why. I had a good experience at my rheumatologist today. I went for a cortisone shot in my knee, and I have not been there since April. The last time I was there, I weighed over 50 pounds more than I do today. So it was good to get the positive affirmations from his staff. It's also the first time that I only had a shot in one knee instead of both knees. But I don't know. Something weird happened to me when I got on the scale there. I have been weighing myself only on Sundays. I had a nice weight loss last week. I feel good this week, and I was sure I've lost some more. Sure enough, I'm 1 pound down since Sunday, at lea…

Hi, I'm new to this site, and desperate to find help. There is only one support group in my area and it's on a night when I go to school. I also haven't been able to find a counselor who has lap band experience. I've been really down since having my surgery. I have crying jags and "buyer's remorse". I think the remorse is normal, but what about the crying/depression? I have Bipolar 1 and am very worried that this will bring on an episode. I'm not sure what to do at this point. Any suggestions, or tips from people who have experienced this? Thanks

It's my 3 week surgiversary and I guess I'm looking for support to help me with the "break up" with food. I find myself eating half portions of much smaller meals, but still wanting to eat even though I'm not feeling the need to eat. I want food and don't want to waste food - but not needing it so much. I get my first fill today and am nervous how that will be. I've only lost a little so far, which was mostly the no carbs pre-op diet. Has anyone else felt this way?

Hey guys I had my band removed yesterday due to major slip. Insurance didn't cover for sleeve due to low bmi. I've had the band for 3 years and I've lost a total of 170lbs and have stayed the same weight for over a year but I'm now nervous that without my band I'll gain some weight back. I've developed good eating habits and go to the gym or workout at home at least 5 days a week... I plan on doing what I need to do to eat right but it's still a shock to my body and I still have that fear! The last 6 months I've had 2cc in a 10cc band to try to fix a minor slip and have had zero restriction and I've gained 5 lbs. I need some prayers for this fear... It's my worst enemy an…

I am very frustrated. I went to the doctor at the end of the last month to have a un- fill due to be too filled and not being able to get anything down - not even Water. So we took 1 cc out of the band. I am still having problems getting food down. I can eat a few bites and then I need to throw up. I went to the hospital on Sunday to get un filled and they could not even get the needle in the port and that was with a fluoroscope. So I am still having issues. I am leaving on vacation on Friday and can not get in to see the doctor before I leave. So I guess I will just continue eating very little and throwing up. I feel like I'm a bulimic person. The only good thi…

Hello All! I've been researching bariatric surgery for awhile. Today, I scheduled my first appointment with a surgeon for a couple weeks from now... yippee! Pretty sure I can work through all the surgical pain/recovery, "rules" and lifestyle changes I've read about. However, there is one question that keeps eating away at me. Can you feel the band squeezing your stomach, connecting tube and/or port inside your body on a regular basis? For some reason, the possibility of that really freaks me out! If so, do you eventually just get used to having a foreign object in your body? How long does it take to get used to it? Also... thank you to the veterans who humor al…

I had my lapband placed in 2007. Initially I lost about 35 pounds and then stalled. After my hysterectomy I noticed weight gain and went back for more fills and basically had 9/10cc. I have never really felt full and the only thing I can't eat is rice and a bun on a burger. Have never felt full but do produce a massive amount of slime that in turn makes me throw up nearly daily. I can actually feel food go down my stoma such as meat! I have gained all my weight back and then some. Earlier in the Spring I started to notice some refflux but nothing severe. Late this Summer it got really bad and I made an appointment with my surgeons office. She totally deflated my …

Does anyone have suggestions for "safe" protein bars? Any that we should avoid?

I'm due for my band on June 23 and I've started shopping for my new lifestyle. Has anyone used the boost shakes and, if so, what kind and how have u liked them? What r some good protein shakes out there? I'm always on the go and need something convenient.

So, I had to share. More people are noticing my more recent weight loss and commenting to me that I'm looking good. Awesome. I've also had a guy friend (married, damn it) tell me I needed to eat a biscuit. I was like "I don't need to eat biscuits." You know it was a strange way to say 'you're looking skinny, but it felt good. Wow. I looked thin enough, that I looked like I needed to eat more? Ahmahzing! Anyhow, my loss is slow (a one step forward, two steps back kind of thing), but still headed in the right direction. And, I'm pretty much 29lbs from my official goal weight. Wahoo. I keep that in the back of my mind. I've not come this far, to give up. Go, me!

I am from Missouri and I will be banded on October 2, 2014. I am looking for mentor.

I'm a 2008 bander.. I'm having some pretty bad back issues/pain, and my Doctor(back Specialist) advised me to take Prednisone for 1 week to help with relieve of the inflammation in my low back.. Now I know we banders can not do anti-inflammatory meds. Which the jury is still out on if steroids are somewhat like anti- inflammatory meds.....Called my lapband Doctor and he said it was ok!!! Well, I would like to hear from real bander folks!!! and if anyone has used steroids for a short period of time and if had any problems... Thanks!!!! My other option is therapy and tramadol for pain.. Of course this method will take longer time for my back to heal..... Help!!!

Hi All, I had lap band surgery around 16 months ago and I'm down about 120 lbs (10 from my goal). I'm 25 and looking to make a career change and was really interested in seeing if their are any careers out their dealing with the Lap Band (besides a surgeon). Was just curious if anyone has an opinion or suggestion feel free to comment. Also not opposed to going back to school to obtain another degree. I live in Illinois and currently have a marketing degree.

I went to Le Nordik in Chelsea Quebec this weekend. Walking around in my bathing suit all day sure was easier over 20 lbs lighter. I realize I didn't have the body of the bikini clad 20some year olds. This outdoor spa has many pools hot and cold, saunas and steam rooms. Also the steam room didn't bother me like before. I could breath in there!

I've been on this website for almost a week now and it seems that all the MS folks must have fell of the face of the earth?? :eek: I hope you are all doing well with your weight loss.. I am getting banded by Dr. Ortiz in Mex at the end of January.. I am so excited!!! I would love to have some more MS folks to share my experiences with and vice versa!!

I go to durham college and as some of you know tom did dirty bingo at the college as "Shirley" it was posted at our colleges pub that he has passed away. Once I know more details I will keep updating

Has everyone or (are you currently) been pregnant with the lapband? I have had the band for 2 years and recently had a baby.. I noticed there are not any posts in the group maybe you wanted to share your story(s)? Here is my prego pic of me with the lapband..share yours!

After surgery I know it's gonna be awhile before I can really eat solid food. An when I can it's going to be small small portions. But my question is on special occasions will I be able to eat a little cake for a birthday. Or eat out for a birthday. (Healthy of course) even though they will be tinny portions. Just wondering if anyone has had any troubles with eating these king of things occasional ( like in a once in a blue moon, kinda way). ??

Hi everyone! Happy Holidays!! I am looking to start a topic with bandsters in the Grand Rapids area. My surgery is scheduled for Dec 30 with Dr Beane. I am starting my liquid diet this Thursday. I had to go through the 6 month diet with Dr Beane and I have lost 19 pounds since May 2010. I'm very excited to get to this point and can't wait to begin 2011 with a new me!! Check in and introduce yourself and say hello! Chris

Hi just wondering if any saskatchewan patients out there with lap bands? I know one girl replied but for some reason I can't find her!?! So again just looking too see if any gals/guys with the lap band? Thanks

I'm down four stone three pounds since sept 2012.

.1).How much do you have in your lapband? CC? 2)How many pounds are you down? 3) Are you in the Green Zone 4)How many pounds to Goal?

for the last few months I have not been receiving notices when I post if someone responds so I never know if someone has responded, do you know why? I am not working from Iphone, its on my laptop or desktop. Thanks Donna

My port sticks out considerably and sometimes is right sideways. Anyone encountered this. Is painful at times. I am 4 months out

I'm Louise I was banded on July 1st current weight loss 36lb and haven't lost any weight in last month.. would be great to have people to talk to

So, yesterday hubby screwed my workout up so, I had just the arm twist on him to make him ride bicycles with me today. Bear in mind I haven't ridden in a month due to tailbone injuries, so you would think I would start out slowly. But, NOOOOOooooo. I don't do anything slowly. We ended up doing a route that I've been trying to talk him into riding for months. Granted it was only 7 miles, but turns out the last mile was uphill. Of course it was. OMG! I wanted to stop so bad, but my pride wouldn't let me. After-all it was my idea. Plus we didn't have any other way back to our vehicle. Poor guy, I thought I'd lose him. Heck I thought I was gonna lose me. Any way,…

Hey I was looking for anyone who was banded in GR or surrounding areas to chat and share info with. I am currently working with grand river facility, Dr. Jarret Beane anyone else.:yikes:

Is there anyone on here that can give me some of their knowledge on sagging skin and how to prevent or at least have as least as possible when losing a lot of weight? I am 25 and have already lost 100 lbs but I'm scared of sagging skin.

I am four weeks post op today. I had a great surgery and recovery. I was back at the work and the gym in a few days and doing great. I was even off pain meds the day after surgery. It is the last day of my full liquids diet, and it have been having what feels like butt contractions since Monday. I went to the doctor, thinking it is hemorrhoids related. The doctor gave me some steroid but no relief and The pain is excruciating. I have been taking a gentle laxative and I am going a little, but I feel like I have to go every five minutes. It feels like there is blockage or something. Has anyone had anything similar. My doctor just sent me for X-rays of my abdomen.…

Had pains below my breast bone and in my right shoulder three times and almost landed in ER because the pain was so bad. It took my breath away and lasted about 25 minutes. First time was about a month and a half ago and PA said my band was too tight and took half a cc out even though I only had 2 cc in it. I had an attack last Thursday at work and one on Sunday and went to my doctor on Monday. The PA have me the song and dance about band issues and told me I may have a slipped band. I told I don't have the symptoms and I thought it was my gallbladder. She said she did not think so and scheduled am ultrasound and an EGD for same day. I told them no I was not doing the …

Hi 40's group, my name is Juliette, I'm 46 and I was banded on July 15 th, almost 2 weeks ago. Really excited to be on this journey and wanted to say hi :-)

Welcome to a day in the life. We all experience what we term as bandster hell when we are first banded and we don’t have that right level of “restriction”. It’s the holy grail that we bandsters search for. It’s that spot between just right and too tight….and some of us walk that line pretty close and even those of us that think we are not walking that line, could be sitting right on it and all it takes is one small thing to push you over it and I'm over it. In July I had a fill that left me in my just right zone. I was feeling good and eating small portions and working out and banded life was just great. Enter my “real” life and all that goes out the window. I have gre…

So, today I decided to start a 5 day pouch test because I felt like I was eating more than I was previously and felt like I needed a "restart". I've done the 5 day pouch test previously and it helped me out of a plateau, so I'm trying to do it every couple of months just to keep myself on track. Anywho, all went well with my first day of liquids until I got home and started slicing up summer sausage and cheese for my little one. Without thinking, I popped a slice of cheese and sausage in my mouth and didn't realize what I'd done until I was reaching for another slice. *facepalm* My question is this for those of you who've done the test; do you think I need to start my fir…

Is it possible to loose weight while the band is completely empty and deflated? I feel restriction and my band is empty. I have also been loosing weight, nothing major or drastic but loosing... Would love to hear any thoughts, comments, advice , etc...

Hello Band Buddies I called Timothy’s today to confirm the reservation for the coffee group on Saturday and I was told by management that the store would be closed. I’m so sorry about this. I have found a new location which is about 2 blocks south of Bloor St. at Sherbourne and Isabella on the East side. The time remains the same… 2:00 p.m. I will be getting there early. Just ask for Tom. Gabby's at the Isabella Hotel 556 Sherbourne Street
 Toronto, ON, M4X 1L3

So I was banded in Dec 2012 by the end of June 2014 I was under my goal weight and felt great!!! Well here it is almost Oct and I've put 57 pounds back on 51 of which were in 12 days when I first got sick! I got sick in July I was swelling bad couldn't get nothing down not even Water to so I went and seen my doctor. I wanted her to take all the Fluid from my band but she wouldn't (which now I am so grateful for). Since then there is still no diagnoses with what was wrong with me (if i go off the meds i was put on i swell up). I am going to different doctors trying to figure it out hopefully I'll get answers soon. But I have gotten two fills since the the end of July and I…

One year ago I had surgery because the port flipped. I found out Friday that my band has leaked out the fluid and has a kink in the tubing. I have two choices, pay to have it fixed or removed. I want to hear peoples thoughts on life after it was removed. (I still weigh what I did the day of surgery.)

Hello! I haven't been on here in years. It's nice to see some familiar faces and soooo many new folks! Here's my story: Banded in 2007. Lost 140 pounds and maintained that loss until 2011. In 2011, I had a series of very unfortunate events happen and started to believe the toxic voices in my industry (performing arts) I went to food for comfort and with a cross country move, a wedding, having the moving truck stolen with everything we owned... Well, it was a very stressful time and I got through by using food. I'm not proud and I gained almost everything I had lost. In 2013 my band slipped and was removed. I was 308 pounds. Fast forward to 2014. Years of ther…

I won't lie. I fight head hunger as much as the next guy or gal. I more than occasionally give in. Well, last night, after going to bed, my mind drifted to the pantry where the "treats" I keep for the grandkids dwell. The fat little devil on my left shoulder told me it would be ok to have one. The skinny little angel on my right one told me what a fool I would be, after all, yesterday was my fast day and I did so well. These two little mini-me's kept me awake for well over an hour arguing about the pros and cons of treating myself. It's after midnight, so it's no longer your fast day. Yeah, but its solid carbs and will make you crave more. Yeah, but who cares, yo…

I hit onderland today and did the happy dance right on my scale. I am almost 6 months out from surgery and have lost 64 pounds and have 1.5cc in my band. So, happy i made the decision to get the lapband even though my doctors office was trying to talk me into the sleeve. i knew what was right for me!!!!