LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Had a fill 2 days ago, since then I've had a headache. I'm into mushies now and don't feel hungry. Do you think the headache could be starch withdrawal (I love starches). I usually associate this headache with hunger, which I would feed with starch and all would be better. I've been good though and haven't had starches yet. Any thoughts?

I have went through everything he has requested me to do.. He had me visit psych, I did that for a month and a half and the psych doctor approved me for surgery. He had me meet with several people over the last year to get things ready for surgery. I even have been doing calls with health partners for coaching..... His concern is that surgery will mess with my mental health..... I feel like in all reality it will help my mental health. I feel so discouraged that I did everything I was asked to do just to be rejected my my own surgeon. I have a seminar to go to at a different hospital in the cities area on Tuesday at 6pm..... Wish me luck!!

I have finally hit the -50 lb mark. I'm about 1 lbs to onederland but I just don't see it. I don't feel much different. Is it because I'm only half way there? Idk maybe it's because I haven't been doing the best with my diet and haven't lost any significant weight this past month. Feeling down that's all ????

Hello... I thought I would post this must read article by the surgeon who invented the "Green Zone" and how the band should "ideally work".... http://bariatrictime...1/#comment-2133 Gastric Banding and the Fine Art of Eating BT Online Editor | September 22, 2011 by Paul O’Brien, MD Dr. O’Brien is from the Centre for Obesity Research and Education (CORE), Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Bariatric Times. 2011;8(9):18–21 Funding: No funding was received for the preparation of this article. Financial Disclosure: Dr. Paul O’Brien is the Emeritus Director of the Centre for Obesity Research and Education (CORE) at Monash University, which receives a grant…

I started my pre-op diet May 20th of this year and was banded June 4th. From the start of my pre-op diet up till June 17th I lost 20 pounds--which made me feel great! I knew it wouldn't last as going from liquids back to solids is a huge change on the body. As I got off the liquid diet and began to eat normal food again, I realized that at 2ccs there was no restriction at all in my band...so I ate like I normally would before the surgery. I had my first fill June 27th to 4ccs--and I was super excited to see the LB in action. I stuck to my liquids for 2 days, and then...had no restriction. I was able to eat like I was before my LB. I could eat full meals--a full salad,…

I ask this question because a co-worker commented on how great I look. My response was thanks, I feel great and feel like people take me more seriously now. She looked at me kind of strange and I said yeah people just treat you differently once you lose weight, it seems that they take you more seriously, she said really I don't think so I think people still look at you as the same person . I have to disagree. I've noticed a hugh difference in the way people treat me now that I've lost weight, not necissarily people that know me but more so from complete strangers. The people who know me have complimented me along my journey and have been kind enough to recognize the…

Just wondering if someone know of a Doctor that does fill in Odessa or Midland,Tx ?

Hello fellow bandsters, ex-bandsters, and bandster wannabes. I am not posting this to beat anybody up or anything like that so please don't take it that way, but I'm just writing because I can't understand why so many people feel as though the band has fell them. So I'm ranting basically. I have been reading many posts in which people who have had surgery around the same time as myself and even after me are having or has had complications with their band and I can't understand that. Grant it, I do understand that many have had success and because of other issues with their body they had to have their fluids removed for either pregnancy or other surgeries and for whatever …

Posting this for my boyfriend who had the lap band as well. He has done extreme well and is considered a rare case of perfect lap band loss. In 8 months he lost 100+lbs. he has been in the green zone since February. But lately all of a sudden he can't keep anything down. How can this be? Any idea what's going on?

Hi everyone. I was banded 3/12/12. So far I have lost 45 lbs. I have felt kind of stalled lately and minimal restriction so I got a fill on Thurs 7/17 of 1cc. Friday afternoon I noticed some itching around the injection site. It about the size of a quarter not sore at all. Looks like an itchy raised red rash. Has anyone ever had this problem. I called the doc on call today to ask if he thought it was an infection. He said he does not think it is an infection. Just possibly irritation from the fill and that it will probably be that way for a week. . According to the PA that does my fills, my port is angled and deep she said. So it usually always bruises and she pushes pr…

OK, so after my surgery I was really good with wearing my CPAP for the first 3 months. Then I got a cold and stopped wearing it for a week, then I got a delivery of new tubing and a new mask and I couldn't get it adjusted right. I fell off the wagon and completely stopped wearing it. So yeah, 3 months of wearing it and 7 months of not. Now mind you, I don't really think I had bad apnea to begin with--My setting was only a 6 when I weighed 300+, and now at 220 I sleep just fine without it. The sleep doc wanted to see me next month, and now I feel awful that I haven't worn it. So I tried again last night but it was not very comfortable. I think it's just too much air…

So instead of feeling sorry for myself I am pissed at myself!!! So all the young girls at work are doing the 30 day squat challenge and I am trying to do it too...well I have to break it up more through out the day to get all of mine done...one of the larger young girls made a comment that it will take me forever....so instead of going with the desire to bounce her head on my desk...just kidding... I told her please use me as an example of how not to let yourself go, its a good thing you are taking charge now and getting back in shape. Yes it will take me longer cause I am slower and have arthritis but I do way better when I am pissed of then when I am feeling sorry for m…

How do you stay motivated when you're tired, busy, stressed out?

It's been a while since I've followed my plan, or any plan for that matter. I had a fill today, so I'm on liquids for the next 24 hours. I've forgotten what this felt like ... I'M SO HUNGRY!! I've had a protein shake, cup of coffee, more water than my bladder wanted and now some broth. I can't wait to go to sleep!! (but I don't regret it at all)

I figure I am spending about $330 to go back down to TJ for a fill with Dr. Kuri. But does anyone know of a doc here in Northern CA that will do it cheaper under flouro? I checked with Dr. McKeen"s office in San Jose and he is $475 for first one and $375 thereafter for pts who got their band elsewhere. Anyone know of anyone cheaper?

I HAD TO GO BACK TO LIQUIDS FOR A FEW DAYS AND NOW BACK UP TO MUSHIES. THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK OF IS YOGURT AND PROTEIN DRINKS. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT I CAN EAT? AND I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL PEOPLE ON HERE SAY THEY CAN'T EAT SCRAMBLED EGGS. THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS SO JUST WONDERING WHY THEY WOULD BE TROUBLE. IT SEEMS LIKE THEY WOULD JUST SLIDE ON DOWN. THANKS FOR ANY INPUT!!

I a few weeks ago I had an upper GI and found out that my band had slipped... Because I was feeling better after they took a small amount of Fluid out, they decided that they will wait and see. Last night was BAD- almost had to go into the ER, but I went to bed instead. I received a call this morning from the wls center and I have to go in tomorrow to be accessed. I am sure they are going to take out the remaining fluid from my band (I know this because of my last appointment). I know it's for the best, in the long run. I haven't even hit the "green zone" and now I have to start all over. Please, anyone that has gone through this, tell me it will be ok. Tell me yo…

So, I am finding it super hard now that it is summer and everything revolves around sitting in the sun with a cocktail. I am 26 and I love to mingle..... If anyone cares to know what I have been drinking it usually consists of Firefly's sweet tea vodka with water and lemons.... And today I found a new flavor fav which was stoli blueberry vodka with water and I used half a packet of propel's sugar free raspberry lemonade and seriously it was great. I don't drink beer or soda, but when I do drink with my friends I try to stick to sugar free drinks w/ whatever vodka... (What do you drink?!?) I probably sound like a major alcoholic! I do find I'm slowllllllly loosing wei…

Due to my altitude issue my doctor recommended an unfill. He said it was two tear drops. I sure hope this does not set me back. I have been losing steadily and I want that to continue. Has anyone had an "unfill" I have been in a lot of pain since. Not sure if that's normal?? Feels like I was punched in the stomach.

Am hoping to be banded in November. Putting in my papers in August for approval. However I have an international trip planned for early October and didn't want to be banded and then leave the country! Would love to connect with other November banners. MFP name briefs99

I have had significant left side and shoulder pain since I got the Lap-Band placed, August 6, 2013. I know that it is due to the phrenic-vagus nerve being stimulated. This nerve has to do with breathing and eating as well as your eyes and sinuses. I had very significant pain there directly post-op, but I passed it off as gas pains. Since recovery, I have had pain there at almost all times. I have not been able to sleep on my left side for 11 months, making my right hip have joint problems (that's a whole other issue though). I am wanting to know if anyone has had experience with this? My surgeon is recommending a complete unfill, so I will have an inactive band, causing…

I've been banded since July 2012. I lost about 60 lbs pretty quickly then came to a complete stand still for a long time. Now I have started to gain. I have been having issues with acid reflux on and off for awhile now. I have taken Prilosec to help, but it gets better then returns. Going through a really bad spell of it now. Couldn't sleep last night because every time I laid down and fell asleep the reflux would return. I've tried mylanta, tums, sitting up, etc. not sure what to do from here. Haven't been to my doc since Feb and it's July now. Scared he's going to take out all my fluid and wait it out. I don't want to gain anymore!!!!!! Anyone else with these issues?! …

I am 1 1/4 years with my band. Last week I had a stuck episode and it caused a lot of swelling to my stomach and I think my esophagus. I am moving slowly towards eating again but I still can't eat solids. Do you have suggestions for mushy foods that I can eat? I am so bored of just soups and ice cream.

I don't know why I'm so nervous about this? Sometimes I feel like I don't need one...like I'm in the green. Other days, I feel I can eat more than I should. Ugh. I also worry about them poking the tube and causing a leak in the thing. Silly, I know.

Just posting to actively join the month of Juners

Anyone interested in being a my fitness pal buddy or email buddy who is pre op? Let me know.

Sorry for the long post. I had surgery 3 years ago and I consider myself a lapband success story. I recently got a fill that I believe will definitely put me in the green zone (had to get a small unfill a week later so I know I'm in the right spot now). I was wondering, how do you all get the liquids, Protein and calorie requirements all in in one day? My day generally looks like this: -I'm usually tight in the morning so I'll start my day off with liquids (water/protein drink) which keeps me full until; -Around noon-ish I'll eat something small for lunch (which is all I can handle) but its low in calories/protein; -Then back to liquids to keep from getting dehydrate…

I have had 2 fills and I'm only up to 3cc. Yesterday I just couldn't eat anything! Is it normal for some days to feel really tight? Does my band have a mind of its own??

At night when I sleep fluid keeps coming up and threw nose out. I've been taking pepcid ac but nothing seems to help any suggestions.

Hello, my name is Audree. I was banded in January of 2007, so over 6 years ago. My surgery was done in Mexico by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. I am a self pay lower bmi bandster. I also have the Inamed 4cc band, low profile port. My highest weight before surgery was about 195. Prior to that after I had my daughters, my highest weight was 240. My lowest was about 160 and I am around 166. Its been a few years since I was able to go back to see him for a check up or fill, so I can eat with almost no restriction. The only exception to this is right before my cycle, if I am stressed or eat to fast. I recently got married and have a new insurance. I was happy to find out that I…

How much Protein should I be getting post op? I am 8 weeks out, completely slipped my mind. And how do I measure sliced deli meats such as turkey and chicken? Do I need to get a scale and weigh them or is a few slices (2-4 thin slices) enough or too much? TIA

I am 1 1/4 years with my band. Last week I had a stuck episode and it caused a lot of swelling to my stomach and I think my esophagus. I am moving slowly towards eating again but I still can't eat solids. Do you have suggestions for mushy foods that I can eat? I am so bored of just soups and ice cream.

So I've been sick since July 4th. I went to the hospital July 7th and got fluids for being dehydrated. Then on the 9th I went to my lap band doctor to get adjusted and talked to my doctor because I had thought I was bulimic but according to her it was all because my band was to tight. So Thursday I noticed I started swelling all over and thought that I was having an allergic reaction to something. By Sunday I was feeling a little better and the swelling had gone down. When I got to work Monday morning I weighed myself and had put on 25 pounds. I started swelling again Monday night. I went back to the doctor on Thursday (6/17) and had put on a total of 40 pounds in 8 days.…

Has anyone ever experience pain after eating under their rib cage, more like discomfort. Also soreness in their back on the left side that's all the time. Concerned have an appt tomorrow just wanted to see if anyone has experienced this. Help!

I had something stuck tonight when I ate supper...but I then started to throw up...drinking some warm tea right now...should I stay on liquids for a few days? or should I call my doctor right away. my stomach feels fine, just feel icky in my chest...is there still something stuck? had my fill last week...maybe I need to slow way down!

An you drink alcohol after the band?

Pawn Star’s Corey Harrison will be on Good Morning America today between 7–9 AM ET. He will be discussing his recent 193 weight loss thanks to LAP-BAND. Let us know if you watch GMA this morning and hear about his amazing transformation.

Had my band done on the 17/06 and ended up with cellulitis in one wound and golden staph in the other! As a result I have not yet had a fill as I was taken to surgery a week ago to reopen wounds and wash them out! I'm really frustrated as I feel like I've spent a lot of money that is going to waste because I'm not feeling any restriction. My meals are only slightly smaller than pre op and I'm starving like an hour or two after! Has any one got any helpful advice?

Hey all! It's been a while since I've been on, so I'm just checking in. I hope everyone is doing well! Since the last time I checked in, about 3 weeks or so now, I've been working on something that has been one of the scariest things for me throughout this journey, letting go. I'm almost 15 months post op and since my last weigh-in about 6 weeks ago I've lost 149lbs. I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to have this surgery! It has changed my life in more ways than I ever could have imaged and all of them for the best! One of the things this small but mighty tool has taught me is that it's in control not me, no matter how hard I fight it, so I need to j…

Any single bandsters in my area?

Okay so went for my fill today and was not happy with the scales...no where near green and no where near a weight loss that I like...but am told it will get better and remember it is a loss...so funny I used to hear this same thing at WW!!! Just frustrated folks, sorry!!! UGHHHHHHHH!!! Only thing good about the weight loss is I'm under 100 lbs to lose...LOL!

I had a fill over a month ago. Went on a trip to a high altitude and have not been able to eat much ever since. Does anyone know if altitude can cause issues. I can't even eat a half cup of food right now. Ugh...

Houston/Spring Banders. Looking for locals to get together with, share stories and talk about our ups and downs.

Hello all! I am a nervous mess. I'm happy don't get me wrong but all the same nervous. I went to my consultation appointment on June 19. I decided then that this was what I really wanted. I have dieted most of my adult life. My highest weight was 194 lbs. I lost weight that same year down to the 160s. That wasn't the healthiest loss I will admit. I was really stressed out. Over the next 4 years my weight hung around 150-160. Life really changed for me about 2 years ago. I began gaining weight and tried everything to ward it off. I went back to Level 1 Adkins, tried personal training (way to expensive for me though), even tried phentermine but it made me way too …

My name is Joel Sopp from Regina, SK. I am 6'3 and 437 lbs with a BMI of 54.6. I am currently on the Board of Directors for the Saskatchewan Bariatric Surgery Support Group (www.sbssg.ca) and we are a Non-Profit WLS Support Group. We have our Annual General Meeting coming up(Saskatchewan Bariatric Surgery Support Group, Inc.), which will take place at The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 1800 Prince of Wales Drive in Regina, and we have a speaker coming out. Allison Kapp, the Nutritionist from the new Bariatric Surgery Assessment Clinic in Regina, SK will provide a presentation approximately 20 minutes in length followed by a 10—15 minute question and answer period…

I have been having pain in the left side of my abdomen (the opposite side of my port) that feels like a pulled muscle but 10 times more painful. It hurts when I stand, walk, bend, sit and breathe. I have noticed it hurts more on days I work bc I am moving around more. I also have been feeling nauseous. For the last 2 weeks. I can eat fine and haven't had any heartburn. I plan on calling my surgeon first thing on Monday but I was just wondering if anyone on here has experienced similar pain?

HI Everyone So glad i found this site and this is my first post so would be so grateful if anyone could offer any advice/answers I am 2 months post op lap band and today went for my second fill, my first fill wasn't to bad, port site tender when nurse was pressing it but the injection done really quick then, but today completely different:( I had an appointment with someone different this time, she was pressing my port constantly and it was so painful, she had the needle in for around 15 mins trying to find the correct point to inject, she had to abandon it then as my stomach was so sore and she made an appointment with another nurse for me in a few days time, gutted i…

I got my lap band in December and I've been going to the gym at least 4 days a week since January. I always go in the morning and you pretty much see the same people all the time. People keep to themselves for the most part. Today I had my first comment on my weight loss from someone. This little old lady who rocks it on the elliptical. She came up and told me that she has noticed how much weight I've lost. It would probably bother some people but it made my day. I had a little smile for the rest of my workout!

Hello everyone! I'm pre-op and I'm trying to prepare myself for my new lifestyle after surgery. Do you guys use a food scale to weigh your food, use measuring cups, or just eat a small amount until you are full? I meet with my nutritionist the 23rd and I have been doing research but everyone seems to have a different theory. Any advice would be great!

I have experienced excessive gas and very bad breath sinc being banded and losing 75 # weight , so far have tried simethacon, gassx and charcoal tabs . My diet remains pretty much the same just less. Any suggestions. 747heavy