LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

My last fill was over a year ago, back in April 2013... since then I've been plateauing and I haven't been losing weight until I started pushing myself at the gym.... and there was a lot of grazing for snacks between meals, despite eating a healthy amount of protein and watching the carbs during meals. By pushing myself, I mean showing about 700 calories being burnt on a treadmill, etc. I had one episode where I was "stuck" on a Friday about three months ago--my fault, not the band's--and I had to go in have the band unfilled for a few seconds to let the food pass. The APRN asked about the need for another fill, but I decided against it. Too afraid, and to be honest, I…

Hey everyone! So I had surgery almost a year ago this month. I have yet to get in a swimsuit and hang out with people. My fear is I have not told anyone about my surgery beside my family and my best friend. Obviously I know have a scar on my stomach from surgery...If you haven't told anyone about your surgery, does anyone have any suggestions for me to tell people when they ask me what the scar is from? I haven't had any additional big surgery that I could say that is what it is from. I just am nervous about the questions that will get asked when we go to the pool in a couple of weeks. Thanks in advance!!

So my band keeps getting tighter. I have had 2 unfills in a row and I am slightly confused and wondering if this has happened to others. The last unfill was today and it was after a month and a half. For the last month and a half I have been fine, still a little restricted but able to eat mostly anything in 1/2 cup to a cup portions. 3 weeks ago I traveled oversees for work and was there for almost 2 weeks. I was a little worried about that because flying generally makes my band a bit tighter but I had no tightness issues (meaning it was no tighter than normal). I have been back for a week and 3 days and I was just fine (my band was slightly tighter but still nothin…

Today should be an exciting day for me I hit my first goal weight! But instead I am so nervous that I might be bulimic. I do not spit up every time I eat but I do 98% of the time which I know is not good. I don’t force it up I just bend over the toilet and it comes right out. I go to the doctor in August (cant go before then bc of work) and I plan on talking to him about it then I just want to get others peoples opinions and see if this has happened to anyone else. Also I've noticed that some mornings I wake up and feel like something is stuck and when it finally comes up it is black! Anyone ever experienced this?

Hi There, I am one of those TLBC/Slimand patients left in the lurch. Are you? When TLBC became Slimband we were told that Slimband assumed the contracts and that care would continue as per the contract that we signed, specifically care for life. I think that there is a breach in contract and that we can prove that we have been getting care from Slimband under the terms and conditions of our TLBC contracts up until the OMA began it's investigation of Dr. Lau and his medical practices. When I signed the agreement it was with the clinic and not with Dr. Lau, so when the contract was assumed by Slimband, it should have been with the clinic not with a specific doctor. Pleas…

Hello Guys... I am here... all alone and trying to pick myself up."I have fallen and I can get up" That phrase has a new meaning to me and I am so MAD at myself for getting here. Yesterday, was a hard day for me...I had to take the walk into a plus size store for clothing. This is actually one of my favotite stores... It was certainly there when I needed it before the surgery. I visit this store alot, but I haven't been there to purchase clothes for myself since the lapband surgery. I would go just to purchase accessories and look at all the beautiful fashion for plus size women. I felt so low and so ashamed of what I had done to get back to shopping for clothes in this…

I have been banded a year and a half and half and have lost about 50 pounds. I would like to lose about 15 more pounds to reach my goal. It took me awhile to feel restriction and I finally do now. The last 3 months I have been at a standstill. For breakfast I have a protein shake and coffee with Splenda for lunch tuna with light mayo send salary for a little crunch on my drive home I have some peanuts and for dinner I just had a protein with a vegetable at this point in my journey I do not exercise even though I know I should and I do not drink any water. I really struggle with this I carry my water bottle around with me all day but just have trouble drinking. Any advice …

I posted before but no one commented ; ( I just wanted to know if not being hydrated enough could caise acid reflux or other issues? I drink coffee In the morning 2 cups and then one bottle of Water all day.

So I was banded 5 years ago. I lost 150lbs within the first year and by a year and a half I had removed all of the Fluid from my band. My starting weight was 300.4lbs and I have maintained 150-155lbs ever since initially losing the weight. A few weeks ago I began feeling very sick and started having trouble keeping anything down. It turned out my band had slipped and was not allowing anything to pass so I would have to throw it up. In turn, I aspirated food into my lungs causing pneumonia. After about a week in the hospital they got the pneumonia under control and decided I should have the band removed. Honestly I had been considering removal for a while anyway because …

Hi everyone, I got banded on June 18, I was wondering if anyone has the Realize 9cc band ? What was your first fill ? At what point did you reach your sweet spot? And did you have any complications? I appreciate any response Thanks

I had my band removed last year due to slippage. I was only 10lbs from target when it was removed. I started gaining weight pretty quickly... a stone in the first 6 weeks or so and then got pregnant. I've now had my wee boy and he is 3 months old. I have put on 4 and a half stone from when I had band removed and am really struggling. I have tried hard not too regain but it seems to just keep climbing. I don't feel I am overeating and am going to exercise classes during the week. I keep track of my calories and should be losing. It just is not happening. Could this be due to seriously restricted calories for so long? I had a slipped band for a year or so and I wa…

Hello everyone! I was banded May 12th, and I actually had my second fill today. I was a little troubled by the fact that I haven't lost any weight since my first fill. However, I am trying to focus on the non scale victories....I've lost inches, I went to New Orleans this weekend and made good food choices, and I'm exercising regularly. I'm not in the green zone, but I hope to find it soon. I'm determined....a little discouraged...and pressing forward....wish me luck!

I went to the Dr on the 16th for my first fill. Had 1cc in the band and he added another 1.2cc. Doing ok with it, can't really tell a difference. He does want me on a liquid diet for a week though, yuck!!!! Clear liquid for 2 days which is over with then a full liquid diet for 5 more days. Have only lost 17lbs since Feb 21st. The fill hurt more than what I thought it would be, but since I still have sores on my tummy where the needle had to go that could be the reason why.

Have had my band 10 years and love it, lost 50# but after the years weight creeped up, I went for a fill in Dec and then again in March only to find out I have a leak in the tube near the port. It was repaired and doing ok so far but was wondering if others have had similar experience and/or how their recovery and weight loss journey continued (or not) after repair. Thanks bandsters!

I just had my son and since the day I left the hospital I've been having stomach pain. I think my band may have slipped. I can't keep anything down and when I drink it even hurts and when I start to fall asleep I get night coughs, chest pain and today my back is killing me. I'm in a new state and now and I have medicaid! At one point during my pregnancy they tried to find me a bariatric doctor because I'd been complaining of not being able to keep food down from early in the pregnancy and the one they found didn't take medicaid. They were supposed to keep looking and get back to me but never did. I finally just pretty much did my pregnancy on ensure and drinks or whate…

Well folks, we made it:thumbup:. Who would have thought 3 months ago that we would have made it to where we are today? I hope everyone is doing great and is happy with their progress so far. I couldn’t be happier:biggrin:. I am on my second fill and am down over 60 pounds (BMI is now under 30). I’m not done, but I definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am fitting into clothes I haven’t worn in years, people are really noticing the weight loss, and unlike any diet in the past I feel satisfied (from a hunger perspective) most of the time. I feel like I am really starting to know how to interact with the band inside me. How are you doing?

I went to the local support group here at the hospital but I'm the only bander as the hospital doesn't even do bands! Would love to meet up and share war stories!

Anyone in the Austin area interested in meeting up with other Austin bandsters once or twice a month for some one on one support ? A few Austin bandsters and I were talking that in less you belong to a few certain practices in Austin there are no local support groups for WLS . SO we thought about maybe getting together once a month , possibly even rotating peoples houses to not have to pay for meeting somewhere, and just get together to support each other . I know i for one would like some face to face contact some times LOL Anyone intersted ? If so contact me ... Thanks Mindy

No ones really posted anything new here so I figured i would chime in. Had my surgery jan 7. Have 5cc in my 11cc band. Down 40 pds. Feel amazing. How are you all doing in general?

Hi all I had my surgery on the 25th June... I am finding it really hard sleeping at night as the port feels like it's poking right out. I wondered if this is always going to feel like this or will the lump go after a while. Also I'm eating normally already. I started on liquids and now back to eating solids. Am eating healthy. My dietician said to move on to solids when feel ready. But most people tend to be on liquids for so long! X

With my extra skin actually starting to bother me, i am thinking about this surgery.. but I dont know anything about it.. can anyone help? Wondering how it works, does it leave scars, what is recovery time like... are there any other options besides surgery?

Had my 1st fill at 3 weeks 3 days post op. I have a 10cc band and received a fill of 2cc. The first day was a little weird with the filling of being tighter. Do you all have a weird feel to your restriction of the band? It is not painful but feel like the band is constricting as your food digest and it can be a little achy but not hurting or painful. My surgery was done in Kansas, MO however, I go locally to get band fills. After my 1st fill she has released me to cardio workouts only no weights as yet. I want to exercise but sometimes I just don't feel like 30mins a day. Do anyone else have this issue? I know as I lose my energy will go up and maybe I will have that des…

My 6th fill of .05 and I am so sore and swelled. The doctor tried like 7 times before hitting the center of my port. I just hope this will get me into the green zone. I did not lose anything, stayed the same. I am trying, but I am just on a diet until I get some kind of restriction. I can tell no difference. All my surgeon puts in is .05 each time. I had my lap band on 8-5-13

Well I am just about 3 months out so I wanted to take some progress pics. I had surgery April 1st and I have lost 46 pounds. Feeling great!

I am surprised at the emphasis so many people put on the Body Mass Index. It is very inaccurate, and often gives weight goals that are impossible to reach. Why do people like it? What do you use instead?

Just letting everyone know there is a new forum for stall talk and support! It is called, "Don't sweat the Stall stuff." You can find it here: http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1102-dont-sweat-the-stall-stuff-new/

For several months I am having so much pain where my port is on my right side and going into my back. Sometimes it can take my breath away, I have trouble sleeping can't sleep on my right side. I can be at work and sitting in my chair and it hurts just to sit there at times. I have to sit straight up and almost stretch my stomach because it feels like it gets stuck or something. Sometimes I have as much pain on my left side as I do the right. I haven't went to the doctor because my husband's insurance changed and doesn't cover this type of doctors anymore. I don't know if I should go to a regular doctor or make an appointment with the surgeon who did it and see if t…

I wanted to wish all my WLS friends a wonderful blessed, safe and proper eating day!!! God bless you all and may your day be filled with more family and friends than food... HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

It would be nice to know some people around my age who are thinking about WLS. What are you all thinking about getting? I'm thinking maybe the sleeve. I had the band before for almost four years until it slipped got it revised and devloped and abcess and had to be removee due to that.

Hello Everyone, I am looking into get Lap Band at the Maples Surgical Clinic and I would like to talk to anyone who has had surgery recently at the Clinic? Thanks you.

Has anyone with a lower BMI used compression wear to minimize loose skin? Once upon a time I lost a good amount of weight and had minimal loose skin. I don't know that I will be that lucky again without either plastics or even compression wear. Does anyone have any experiences to share.

HI guys, I'm new to this forum and am very nervous as I am having the band fitted tomorrow! I've been on the pre op diet for 10 days which I've found quite challenging-only due to the fat I wanted to enjoy all the foods I enjoyed for the last time!! Any support and advice would be very appreciated! Thanks xx

I just had surgery last week (Oct 14). I was a self pay because I had a low BMI (35). I know it's still early and I'm swollen, but my port is sticking out big time. I carried my weight pretty well (210 lbs), but I'm wondering if my port will stick out even more when I lose more weight. What if I get really skinny and have 6pack ABS (I know, I can dream) will the port be totally noticeable? I am really worried about this. I did a lot of research before the surgery, but I just didn't really think the port would be that noticeable. If I knew it was going to be a new addition to my belly, I would have opted for a different sugery (gastric plication). I know, I know i…

Anyone else experience a hard top section of their stomach a few weeks post-op? It feels like a potato is in there, or like I'm pregnant in my stomach. Is it normal?

I'm planning on starting C25K tomorrow...I'm only 2 weeks out, so will probably end up walking majority of it. I would love to hear what you all do. Love getting ideas to break up the monotony. If you found a workout really pushed you past a weight loss rut...please share!

Right now I think it is still in clinical trials and doesn't have FDA approval. It is a sleeve made of some material (probably a kind of plastic) that a doctor puts in your small intestines and it blocks absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. http://www.gidynamic...er-overview.php http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/19858703 I really hope that one works out, because that is another fairly safe tool for bariatric weight control. In a way you'd assume an endoluminal sleeve combined with a lap band would give the benefits of a roux-en-Y bypass surgery but it would be reversible and have a far lower mortality rate. I have no idea if the surgeries can be combined though, or…

I had my lapband removed 1 week ago. I have hot flashes (not fever) and the roof of my mouth feels real hot, burns when I rub it with my tongue and my right neck gland is slightly swollen which gets much worse if I eat something along with sore throat. anyone else have those weird symptoms? My body is almost reacting allergically to any food I put in my mouth.

My surgeon told me 1-2min between sips and I've been doing tht with bites as well. What do u guys usually do?

Anyone who is a low bandster and getting banded at the end of July? Would love to have a buddy to go through this with

I had my lapband surgery 25th June and today eaten a load of kit kats I now feel sick and sorry for myself that I have let myself down. And now wonder if this band is actually going to work. When it's filled it's obviously going to help me but I'll still b able to eat chocolate etc... Will I ever have the will power. I hate this thing with food I have.

Hello Band Buddies I tried this new recipe today... they were GREAT... I added vanilla extract and for a topping I also used a touch of low calorie syrup. Enjoy!! Tom, Toronto Banded: July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 160 lbs Ultimate Protein pancakes Ingredients: 6 oz plain Greek yogurt 1 large egg white 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (about 2/3 scoop) vanilla whey Protein powder 1 tsp baking soda **You can also add in vanilla extract and strawberries Directions: In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients (protein powder, flour, and baking soda), and mix with a fork until well combined. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients (egg white and yogurt) and mix unt…

Please take a look at my plans and provide feedback. I have been banded for years and am having a hard time recommitting and losing weight. For the last month, I have been following a paleo diet with much success other that the fact I did not realize I needed to take in more fats. My son wants me to drink my Protein rather than eating it so to appease him I will try to switch to drinking 3- 4 unjury Protein shakes. Will supplement calories with bulletproof coffee and fat bombs (coconut oil, butter, cream cheese) and one big salad with oil/vinegar a day to get the veggies in as well as one green smoothie. The smoothie will probably exceed my targeted carb intake of 3…

I was doing great with my lap band weight loss until my son suddenly passed away in March. I have gained 20 lbs back since March. I do not want to continue with this trend of gaining my weight back but I cannot get back on track. I live too far away from a city with therapists and cannot drive back and forth on a regular basis for that. Any other advice and encouragement would really be appreciated.

Ya been a while since I've posted. I was banded 10 months ago and down 43 pounds. I lost maybe a pound after a fill. I'm weighing my good and walking every night. I am gettin discouraged. I have about 50lbs more to go.... I'm frustrated and getting discouraged... I don't eat much honestly. What Am I doing wrong? I am hungry right when I wake up... I'm guessing I'm not in my green zone and that should def help... Has anyone else has this issue????? Advice to get past this please :-)

My last fill was about a year ago. Since then I've been holding, and not using weight. Recently, I started watching my diet more closely, and pushing up my time at the gym. That has resulted in a what is starting to show as a trend for a 1 pount a month weight loss, maybe a tad more. I guess that is far better than gaining! I've lost 50% of what I'd like to use. I feel a lot better, and even at this point I'd consider the band to be a success... only because it would be an effort to put on weight!! Being able to maintain loss is a big plus, but I really want to shed another 50 pounds... my BMI says I need another 100 gone, but with the lapband that would be a hard row t…

Hello out there , I'm a newbie on here and already love the info and support . Start weight was 380 after pre op diet 358!! I walked for about 20 min for the last two days and feel great . Looking forward to this new life Thanks guys ,I have read a lot on here that was a ton of support.

".....to be self evident.....that all Bandsters are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Non-Morbid Obesity.... .... That to secure these rights, surgery is instituted among Men, deriving their just Eating Activities from the consent of the Band.....That whenever any Form of Overeating becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the Bandster to alter or abolish their Old Bad Health Habits, and to institute a new Paradigm. laying its foundation on such Eating behavior and organizing its Exercise in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect …

Hi all! My name is Breanne and I just passed my 5 year bandiversary! I lost 103lbs slowly over 3 years and weighed in at 149lbs which was the smallest I had been in my life! It also put me in the normal weight range for the first time ever!! Wooohoo! The last 2 years have been a little stressful for me and I gained 30lbs back in what felt like the blink of an eye. I’m telling you this because I didn’t realize just how happy I was at 149lbs until I wasn’t there anymore. When I was 149 I was telling myself it wasn’t enough and that I still needed to hit my goal of 138lbs. I’m happy to report that I’m back on the wagon now and am working vigorously to hit my new re-eva…

I am down 50 pounds today. What an amazing thing to see in the scale this morning! It has truly set the mood for my day! So happy!!!!!!

I just got my third fill and am at 9.5cc's. I was able to drink a large glass of Water right after the fill and it stayed down. But now hours after leaving my appt. I feel very tight and for no reason my coffee and water are coming up. The coffee I had early this morning is coming up. Why would coffee from 6 hours ago and way past the band start coming up?