LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Hi guys hope your all well. I have a question for you well experienced banders. Do you have times ( I’m mean last for days) when you feel a lump in your throat. Not at the band site literally at the back of your mouth. Ive had this a couple times before and it righted itself with in a day but I haven’t had a meal in 4 days I’ve tried to have soup but threw it back up all with this lump feeling in my throat. ive lost approx 26kgs maybe more since weigh in, so loving that fact Just wondering if anyone has had this and what your experience is with it and what it is. Cheers

Getting ready to take a huge step in my weight loss journey and getting healthy. I’ve read several negative Lap band experiences on here. I’d love to hear recent success stories. If you had it to do over, would you do it again? Has anyone had to have one reversed?

Hey everyone *not complaining for once - everything feels so good with the band and just started my first stall but not the issue today* I had a fall where I landed on my side and I am wanting to know if this would be of any risk to the band slipping / port flipping etc at 5 weeks or would it be sturdy in place? I feel fine (was hungry after recovering lol) but when I read where ports flip etc idk the cause. Office is closed and will be calling Monday but if anyone has any advice greatly appreciated

Does anyone have severe bloating and if you do what is the cause? I have had my band for 9.5 years and lately I have noticed that my stomach blows up like a balloon. Yesterday I looked and felt about 10 months pregnant and it was very uncomfortable. I know there are some common causes:- Soda, lactose or gluten intolerance. I know it wasn't soda or gluten as I hadn't had any of those. I did have a shake for breakfast so possibly that could be the issue but I am wondering what the other possibilities are? Has anyone had similar symptoms and then gone on to find out it was caused by a slip or erosion or anything else band related? My band is coming out o…

Hi guys Newly into WLS this site has been of great help! ( I don't have any Lab Band / WLS friends to turn too) I have just moved onto pureed foods (and yet to have a fill) *Given the time of year I have reached out to my Dietitian a few days ago however have not had a reply so I am hoping for some advice. I am finding i am able to only eat between 5-10 teaspoons of food per day. Is this a normal amount being 3 weeks out? I am not interested in eating most the time but have been advised i should be putting something in? is this the case? Fluids are not filling me up (had Pho stock day before yesterday thinking it would be enough but it wasn't doing a thi…

Hi all! Soooo my story started a few years ago (I think 6). I was morbidly obese and felt disgusting. HW was about 244 lbs (and I'm only 5 feet tall!!). I didn't have the willpower to lose ALL that weight on my own and began to realize that I needed help. My mother had RNY a few years earlier and, while she DID lose like 75% of her excess weight, she never looked healthy to me. She suffered with anemia and vitamin deficiency, never worked out, had very saggy skin etc. When deciding on a bariatric prodecure I felt attracted to the lap band due to its reversability and low operating risks. The first surgeon I went to was VERY pro the LB- in fact I think he only performed …

Had Lapband procedure almost 3 years ago. (Wish I could turn back time...) Surgery was fine. Recovery was fine. Lost 25 pounds pretty quickly. Not too quickly, but was on schedule. Then stalled. Stayed stalled. Then started gaining. I am now back at my pre-surgery weight. I take full blame for this. The band is a tool and I have not used it properly. I have pretty much always been aware of the port. I can feel it inside me. If I move a certain way I am very aware of it. Recently I don't feel "right". It's hard to describe. But I feel a little queasy mixed with a little hungry almost all the time. I don't think I'm really hungry, but I eat to…

I got a fill yesterday- liquids for 24 hours. Can’t hold them down. I’ve felt this way and pushed through it once and it “fixed itself” after a few days and I lost a lot of weight. However, I’ve also had to get a couple of unfills since I had a baby 15 mo ago. Just can’t seem to find the sweet spot since the baby! Frustrating! I don’t want to hear from those against lap band altogether. I’m not financially at a place to get a reversal and other surgery. I just want opinions- would you push through for a few days? If so, how many? Is there a chance I just get extremely irritated after a fill and have to have more time to heal? I don’t feel like that’s the case. Long t…

I've had a lap band for 3 and a half years. One of my New Years resolutions is to recommit to the rules of banded living and get back to the conscientiousness that I (and a lot of us, I'm guessing) had back when our bands were new. Its not like I'm totally running wild with my eating and drinking; its just that I had gotten a little sloppy with the basics, like eating slowly, taking small bites, chewing thoroughly and drinking at least 64 oz. of water a day. A new year is a great time to resolve to do better. Wishing you all a successful 20191

Did anyone have their Band removed and then get reflux? I'm not asking about reflux after getting a new WLS. I had my Band removed and am waiting to get the sleeve next month (my Dr does Band removal and conversion WLS as two separate surgeries so the stomach can heal), and I've just gotten awful reflux that started after Band removal. Anyone else?

Hi everyone i was lap banded in May and I am having extreme troubles. currently have 5ccs in my band have lost 18 kgs but having complications story is early May had op given my instructions and followed them to the letter While in hospital had yoghurt, soup as a diet. Had first fill after 6 weeks post op and have had a few more since. Was still on soup and yoghurt diet. But was vomiting every time I took a mouthful. I was eventually filled up to 6ccs but couldnt get good or water down. Was sent to emergency room they took out 3 cc’s and I could drink water again but took a week before I got soup down again. Back to surgeon he says it’s my fau…

Hi Hi I had my first follow up from my operation (14th Dec) to where there was a few things that got to me and not sure if these thoughts are normal I had a fill - 2ml today (so I have a total of 3ml in me now )- the doctor told me that he didn't want to put a fill in as "the results are better long term with less fill" but wondered why he didn't put 1ml in to then try? (yet he is the pro i wasn't going to question) Is there anything I should be careful with the first fill (or fills ongoing?) I am on liquids for the next 2 days but it is feeling different when I'm drinking (not restricted but more of a heartburn type not sure if that will settle or because i…

Hi guys, I am starting to get a little worried - I had my band in July, I have since had 4 fills (having my 5th tomorrow). I have a small 10ml band and currently have 6.5ml fluid in. I have been steadily losing a few pounds since surgery, however I think this is more down to cutting down and eating healthier rather than the band itself. I don't feel restricted, I am still able to eat large portions and weight loss is very slow. I know everyone is different and some people need a full band to feel the full effects of it etc..but I am just wondering if anyone else is out there that has been through this and felt the same after so many fills? Just want peace of min…

I’ve had my lap band since 2004 and while I’ve had my fair share of difficulties, I am absolutely sure I could not survive with out it. I’m hoping others here can relate because it’s exhausting to try to explain to the well meaning family and friends who see me struggling and suggest I “just have the band removed”. I am definitely on the tight end after my last adjustment but am so desperate to lose weight that I’ve been trying to make it work. However now I am on vacation and having debilitating lower stomach pains and nausea after eating or drinking. This has been happening off and on for a couple of months but the last few days have been agony. It doesn’t feel ba…

I had my band fitted 30th October 2018. Looking for some people round about the same timescale so we can support each other through this. I'm currently 3 week post op and totally ready for food now. 1st fill scheduled for 11th December.

Anybody know any fill doctors in south Florida? Having trouble finding one! Please let me know.

Hi I have had my band for about 5-6 years and it’s been great. I never had an issue until I had to remove cc’s Due to pregnancy. Now, more than 2.5 years on from giving birth and having refilled the band slowly over this time I am having an issue. For the past week or so I have been extremely nauseas. I saw a gp today as I live in a small country town and my specialist is 1600kms away in the city. The Gp has filled my band for me before with no issues. I asked if removing cc’s Would assist in making me feel better and he said yes. So we took 1full cc out. I am still so nauseas. Has anyone else had this? If so- how long until you felt better? I’m worried …

Hey everyone! Haven't been around here in a while (mainly because I couldn't stand the negativity- But that's a whole other topic for a different time ) Just wondering out of curiosity- Do any of you have weight loss surgeons that are morbidly Obese? I have seen two surgeons (one did my LB surgery and the other one i switched to recently because he's closer to where I live so he has been doing my fills) and both of them are morbidly obese! I don't judge at all, I just find it sort of funny!

Hi. Have been banded for 4 years now and only recently I have felt so so cold in the winter months. I put lots of layers on but I’m frozen to the core. Am I the only one ??

MY daughter had lapband surgery 1 1/2 years ago and has lost quite a lot of weight, but has been plagued most of that time with diarrhea. She did not have it before the surgery. She is a teacher and often cannot leave her class to go to the RR, so it is a real problem for her. Also, she said when she does go to the RR, often within 5 or ten minutes, she needs to go again. It is not the kind of diarrhea where you can wait- it is the "right now" kind!!! I hope someone will have some suggestions for her- thank you!!

Hello all, I would sincerely like to thank all of you who participated in the survey I posted on here a while ago collecting data for research regarding psychological support post bariatric surgery. It is my honour to announce it has been published by 'Obesity Surgery' Journal in the US. You can see the article here: https://rdcu.be/bbOIJ Thanks Again, Ashley Ristanto.

I just got my band a week ago and eating a lot of soup. I drink protein shake for breakfast, soup for lunch, protein shake for snack, soup for dinner. Any additional ideas? Afraid the soup contains so much salt and may be retaining water. Only down two pounds this first week

I dnt know if any of you ever experience your band tightening up till the point you can't eat or drink anything!! I'd taken a sinus pill and now I can't eat or drink nothing. Any of you have any suggestions that may have worked for you so I dnt have to go the whole weekend without eating or drinking anything!!! My Dr. Office is closed until Monday!!!

I am 5 years post op and having some pain in my abdomen but only when I am full of gas. If I lay on my left side I could belch for a good 30 min straight, no other symptoms. I called my Dr. to find out he is no longer at the practice and this new Dr. wants me to come in but I don't believe anything is wrong, I just need something to alleviate the gas. Once I get it out I am fine, no soreness in my abdomen at all. I am here seeing if anyone else experiences this and if they take anything like Gas X to help alleviate. I will go into the office if I need to but just wanna try something first. Any advise is appreciated. I am also working on documenting when is happens to…

Here is a low calorie drink I just came up with. I absolutely love root beer, and haven't had any soda since my surgery in January. Well, on a trip one time my hubby got a root beer float from A&W. I noticed that all the gas had gone out of it because of the ice cream. I then realized that diet root beer with a small scoop of ice cream, was something I could have and I love it, however, it has calories. Then I thought of a trick. Diet root beer and sugar free creamer (french vanilla) = very low calorie float! The creamer does the same thing to the gas, but it takes a little longer and I have to stir it more, but it tastes great! I hope you all …

Hi everyone. I’m new here. I’m going to have a Lap Band put in next month (August). I have a Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass in 92’ and lost about 200 pounds. After two pregnancies and many years I gained about 100 pounds back. Currently I am about 60 pounds more than my lowest weight with the Roux-En-Y. My pouch lost its shape and the opening is stretched out so I am hungry pretty much 24/7. I meg with a doctor who said the Lap Band would give me my pouch back and I’d be able to be full again. I was super excited to FINALLY get approval (just waiting on the surgery date). I’ve been reading this forum and read all the horror stories. Am I making a huge m…

Hey everyone! Where do you go these days to get your band adjusted? How much? How easy/difficult?

Hi I just had a band fitted, I’m in the East of England area but would like to share with anyone [emoji846]

I apologize in advance, i posted this also in the band removal forum, please dont bother to read twice! ----------- Hi all -- I am new to these boards and new to this removal board. I want to share my story and perhaps see if there is anyone out there that can relate to what has been going on with this band. Its an odd feeling to be completely unique in an experience, even among fellow bandsters. After months of research and planning, i was banded on June 6, 2006. Let me first say that the date did not escape me (666) but I figured that if i were to reschedule based on the calendar date, that I did not have much confidence in my surgeon ... so on with the show. O…

was banded in 2012 never used it because port turned over..in 2015 band portal was supposedly fixed after going into hospital with extreme nausea and stomach discomfort..It is 2018 and went back to surgeon to find out if this band was the cause of my severe nausea...found out it flipped again..I never used this and think I have damage to VAGUS nerve GASTROPARESIS... WANT THIS REMOVED BUT AFRAID IT WILL DO MORE DAMAGE

Ok I am still trying to figure this forum out since I have never been on one before and I do not know if it is getting to people that can answer my questions. On 11/13/18 I had the band and scar tissue removed. It was very hairry!!! What was supposed to take 30 min. to maybe 45 ended up 4 hours. My family was beside themselves with worry. Today I am 3 days out and feel like I got kicked by a horse, but I know as time passes the pain and discomfort will lessen. My DR. told my Husband that the port that was inside was one that was used for cancer patients, it was not the right port. He asked an odd question about had I had other procedures done. My Husband told him only wha…

Hi everyone, I really need some advice. The guidelines are so varied throughout different places and consultants that I'm not sure what to do. I had my band fitted 16.07.2018 and my first fill on 25.09.2018 - Ive lost 31lb in that time but have had very little restriction. My fill was for 4ml but I definitely need more as I have been hungry and eating bigger portions BUT - I'm supposed to wait 3 weeks between fills which would bring me to 15.09.2018...the day I fly out on holiday. So, APPARENTLY, you're not supposed to fly within 2 weeks of having a fill, which would mean I can't have a fill until 6th October which would be over a month of no re…

The last couple of nights I have had quite a lot of tenderness in the port area.No idea why, I haven’t done any exercise that would aggravate it. Wondering if this has happened to anyone else and what the cause was

I've had my lap band for about 5 years now. At first I was loosing weight slowly (due to other separate health problems) then last summer, i lost a huge amount of weight very quickly due to extreme stress, and where my port is I was having discomfort, so i went to my new doctor who told me I had to gained weight and that would help with the discomfort, but did not want me to gain too much. I am 5'9 and I was 135lbs and he told me i needed to be at 160lbs. He is not my original doctor that did my surgery and fills. We moved to a different state. Over the last 5 months I (reluctantly) have gained the weight the doc told me to, and even though some of the port discomfort …

Okay so long story as short as I can get it...I had a lapband surg in Dec 2012. Within a year and 6 months I had lost 210lbs. About a week after hitting my goal weight I started getting sick, couldn't keep nothing down (not even water) and noticed I started swelling. I went to the hospital got my band let out and was able to start drinking and eating again. Well within 2 wks I had put on 50lbs (I know this is crazy and I was told that there was no way but I went from a size 10 in pants to a 16) Well here we are 2018 I have since put back on all the weight that I had lost but I still have restriction in my band. There are some days that I can't get anything down. I can't f…

Hi all - 5 days post opp and the chest pain has subsided a bit! Whew. Trying to move as much as possible. I know I shouldn’t, but I hopped on the scale and only lost 2lbs since surgery! I am eating under 1000 cal a day (simply bc I can’t get down that much liquid). Is this normal? Figured I’d be down more! Thanks

So I am scheduled to have my lapband revised/replaced tomorrow morning. Currently I have no restriction and a leak somewhere (port or tubing.) My doctor recommended I have it fixed, which I was surprised because the sleeve is so common. I feel like no matter what surgery, it takes meal prepping and planning so that’s why I want to try the band again. Any suggestions?!

Hi there; I am getting my band on July 10 and would like to know if there are any local support groups, forums etc. Thanks

They have added a forum for us - let's post here... So we can share with the new people....

Has anyone experienced feeling that a spouse isn’t being supportive? My wife brings up the fact that I’m having Duodenal switch surgery several times a day. She says she understands why I’m doing it ( she says I don’t need it ) but is scared that it’s so drastic. She also worried I won’t be happy when all is done. I know she doesn’t think is a problem but it’s draining but there’s no way to sway me! Any ideas ?

It’s been 6 years since I’ve logged on to this forum which used to be my go to for information! I guess it’s true when things are going good you tend to stay away. Initially, I weighed 238, my lowest with the lap band was 138. 100 lbs! But, i’ve been struggling for the last 3 years, my 19 year old daughter died in a car accident and I guess I just didn’t care anymore. I have put on 50 lbs. it’s not that I’m eating more because I physically can’t. My primary care says it’s hormonal (pre-menopause). I finally after a year went to the doctor and when they checked the band my esophagus is twice it’s normal size and I’m restricted so nothing was done. Basically, I was told to …

So last year I got my lap band, after 6 months I knew something wasn’t right due to no weight loss after the Initial first few weeks, no restriction, and In fact weight gain! I went back had fluid check tests, an ex ray and finally a consolation to get a replacement, nearly 1 year 1 month from the first surgery, I had my band replaced, they said on examination it was a manufacturers fault. To be fair the team were very helpful and I have no complaints, it can happen, and did happen unfortunately. So I’ve had my new band 3 months and I have just has my 2nd fill 4 days ago, and oh boy can I feel the difference, definite restriction, quarter of the portions and if I’m not ca…

Hi All, I went for an adjustment this past Thursday and my doctor added an additional two cc of fluid into my band. For the first time I am facing serious resistance in my band. I ate two small shrimp over the course of an hour on Saturday evening and could not keep it down. I had coffee on Sunday morning and could not keep it down. I had two pieces of penne on Sunday night and could not keep it down. I struggled to finish half a cup of Activia yogurt on Sunday night. I tried to eat a sous vide egg bite this morning and could only get through about a third before I started feeling sick. Is this what normal ideal resistance should feel like, or do I need to go and get…

Have you lost your lap-band? Trying to keep the weight off or lose more on your own? Please join us here! We CAN do this!

Hi everyone, I am 5 weeks post op for the lapband and I cant seem to find any information on the pain involved in having my band filled. Obviously the port is quite deep under my fat tissue so I assume its a pretty big needle to reach the port, so is it agonising or does it just feel like a regular injection?

Hi there, Just approved for a surgery consult after a 8 month pre-bariatric program of nutrition counseling, exercise testing and psych evaluation. Have some questions for you expert Lap-Banders: 1. What made you choose the Lap Band over the Sleeve? 2. Have you had hair loss with the Lap Band? 3. What can you absolutely NOT eat now with the Lap Band? 4. At what point did you know you made the right decision with the Lap Band surgery? 5. What as been the best tool you've used in keeping your weight loss progressing? Thank you!!

I’ve been writing about my left spine and stomach pain for a long time now. I have back pain and a few bulges in my spine discs for the past 2 years. I do stretching and use Tylenol but under stress I get a lot of stomach muscle and spine pain. Has anyone heard of this? Ice packs reduce the pain but it can be terrible.

I am going in for my last checkup with my doctor in NY. Once that is complete I will have finished all of the pre approval requirements. How long did it take for your insurance to approve the surgery? I want to have it done asap

Ive been banded since 12/07. I woke up this past Saturday and thought I was having a heart attack. I had a terrible pain in the middle of my chest. After I sat up for a while I realized the pain was really coming from my upper back and was being caused by my band. I can eat and drink but not without pain. It isn't getting "stuck" but I have this horrible squeezing pain across my upper back into my shoulders a little while after I eat. Part of it is that horrible left should pain a lot of banded people deal with. I have an appointment Thursday with my surgeon for an unfill. I have a feeling it may be a dialated pouch or something along those lines. I have been …

Hi guys, I had my first band fill on 28th August and feel no restriction when eating and can eat the same portion size pretty much as before - however the past week or so randomly throughout the day I've had an on-off sore throat. I am pretty sure it is not acid related as I take PPIs for acid reflux that I suffered with for years before surgery. Anyone else had this issue? May be totally unrelated but its so annoying!!