LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Support YOURSELF! I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support. In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before. This helped me deal with rel…

My surgery is set for June 4th, sooooo excited! Looking for fun people to have this experience with! Thanks and good luck everyone!

I've started using my fitness pal to track my calories and log food. I've noticed that when I exercise it adds calories I've "earned" to my total calories. Has anyone used this app? And if so do you eat back your exercise calories? Since I got an un-fill last week I've gained weight (as can be expected) and don't know if I should eat back the gained exercise calories or not.

First fill today - 6 weeks post op. My body shape is changing and I've gone down a pant size but only lost 1lb from surgery date of 1/21 (according to doc scales). Exercising, completely changed the way I eat (no soda, no junk food, Protein first, etc.). Doc said he was gonna put in fill, then have me drink til I felt restriction. He put in 3 ccs and I inhaled 2 glasses of Water with no problem. I told him I could keep drinking and he said that 3ccs is his max fill. He said "I'll see u in 4 weeks and I'm sure u will need a fill". Anybody else had similar experience with (1) not feeling restriction with first fill and (2) dropping a size with virtually no loss in lbs…

Hey all you slackers! How are you doing? I'll start! By August 2012 I had lost 97 lbs and FINALLY got into ONEDERLAND. It was so wonderful, I found out I was pregnant a month later! I had Xander Leon May 13, 2013... Just over 2 years after I was banded! I had half of my Fluid taken out due to swelling and not being able to eat well...I ate whatever I wanted (to a point) and gained 60 lbs during my pregnancy. Now, 10 months after the birth of my baby...I started getting fills in December 2013 but it's been slow-going and I've been super unmotivated and putting my child first (for obvious reasons). I just got another fill today and am ready to re-commit to my weight-l…

Hi, I had my lap band surgery in february 2012. I am still the same weight I was on the day of the surgery. I can not tell u how disappointed and sad I am. I thought this was it. My chance to be normal. I am more depressed than I was pre-Op. Can you please tell me your routine? Do you really stick to one cup? Do you avoid fatty stuff? Do you exercise 5 times a week? I thought with this i would eat less without trying and lose weight. I know it sounds lazy but i truly thought this is how it works. I am looking forward to hearing your methods.

Last month my mother in law was diagnosed with liver cancer. The doc is saying a year to a year and a half with treatment. I have been and will be the primary care giver. That's not the issue. I've only been able to fit in some walking a couple of times a week this past month and it showed at the doctors office yesterday. I only lost 3lbs last month. He said I'm ahead of his schedule and not to worry about it. Well I am. If I want to be at goal weight by November (my surgiversary) I need to lose a minimum of 8lbs a month. My question is how to I fit in the exercise and still do everything that needs to be done for my MIL. Or am I just being selfish?

Just looking for some locals. I am east of Cincinnati.

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, April 29th – 7:00 p.m. Second Cup 901 Brant St Burlington, ON L7R 2J6 (Just West of the Walmart) The Lapband Coffee Groups are open to EVERYONE who has had Lapband Surgery or if you’re looking into the lapband process, recently banded, or a long time "Bandster". This is a great way to find out about the lapband from individuals who have had the surgery and to ask questions or just listen to individuals share their lapband journey experience. No need to sign up… just show up and if you can’t find the group ask for Tom at the cash register. NOTE: This will be my last coffee group for while... I'm goi…

New bandster too on 02/14/2014.

My surgery is scheduled on Valentines Day! I hope to fall in "love" with my new journey!

I got banded today. I am having some gas pains and walking around as much as I can. Everything went great. Dr. Bagnato is my surgeon and he is great. I am excited to see my results. I will take a pic on the 4th of every month to see my progress. Hope to find a support group and clothing exchange in Warner Robins, Ga area...or at least see who would like to get one started.

Got banded February 11. Still recovering--a little slower than I expected. However, so far I am happy I did it. Lost 16 lb already! I know it won't keep up at that pace, but it's nice to have a good start. Slowly regaining ability to drink more than a sip at a time. But this morning, I was thirsty and drank my Crystal Light too fast--ouch! Guess that's what they mean about learning to listen to your body.

I need a new doc in Pittsburgh. UPMC where I had the surgery charges $695.00 for a PA to decide if you need any fill. Insurance does not cover the code # S2083. I cannot afford to pay that much. Can anyone recommend a more reasonable MD? If I had known in advance that most health insurance does not cover the fills ( which have never been effective) I would have gone for gastric bypass. Thank you, Debbie

I'm new to this support group. I just had my two-month "band"iversary. My weight loss is twenty-one pounds & it fluctuates. I know I should have lost much more at this point. I realize that I'm finished eating way before 20 minutes is up. I didn't wait between bites. I'm doing much more focused eating. I do not have a band buddy. I've had a foot issue, but I am now able to begin exercising this week. My doctor's office stopped the support group in January 2014. I'm glad I found this place; I look forward to learning how to develop this new lifestyle.

Let me start out by saying I am not happy with my progress, but I blame myself to a large degree. I know what I need to do. I have had three fills and go again this month. I was just wondering if anyone feels this way. Sometimes I can take one bite and get a stuck feeling. I know the band is there. Other times, I feel no satiety signals really. It's like the band is asleep lol . Just wondering if anyone has felt that way. I am currently not losing but I know some immediate changes I am going to implement.

So I confused on the signs I need an adjustment. I eat something's fine in day and the next it's getting stuck. I'm afraid if I go get it and end up too tight that's a whole other issue. Can anyone share an a answer to this? I feel like I'm eating for than I should and it's been 3 1/2 weeks since my last adjustment. Is it possible for it to get tighter this far out?

Had my second fill 2 weeks ago. Finally my hunger is curbed and I'm consuming much less - and the scale is moving! But, I'm finding that I cannot eat tolerate certain foods - particularly anything dry. And I know to avoid sliders. My question is - where is that delicate balance between food that is so dry it sticks and food that is so moist it slides? Or should I even worry about foods being too moist as long as I'm satiated, eating healthy, and losing weight? Any feedback is welcome.

So lately i've been feeling really down the weight is dropping soooooo darn slowly.. that i had to started to worry with all the what if's did i stretch the pouch. is all the Fluid still in there i was driving my self crazy... so today they had me do a barium swallow.. and everything is perfect.. we talk and agreed that we just need to continue to tweak the band until i get the help from it that i need but that they reminded me also that i shouldn't rely on the band 100% otherwise i'd fall in to bad habits waiting for it to make the right food choices.. it's not going to stop me putting rubbish in my mouth.. just the qty. so here's to a reset on my optimism.. i've got thi…

I have been banded since June 2009.

Breakfast is the worst part of my day. Anything I have tried to eat is a no go. I’ve done eggs, yogurts, Cereal and nothing seems to stay down. What else can yall suggest for breakfast? I need ideas. I cant stand Protein shakes by the way!!!

Has anybody gained weight right after surgery

Hello! I am from Alberta Canada and I was banded Nov.13th by De.Kuri in Mexico. I have had some struggles but I am down 34.4lbs. I am looking for someone who is looking for someone to chat with, hold me liable , give each other motivation and what not. I could use all the help I can get and I love to meet new people..

Hello all. Is yawning also a sign of being full I have noticed that I yawn and then the nose runs And it is is only if I eat before 2 pm. Ugh this has just started

Just wanted to get all my FIFTY-SOMETHING year old friends interested.... So much better than FIFTY AND FAT !!!!! I'm heading up a 40 year class reunion ( from my ELEMENTARY school ) and the reunion is in one month. For years, my mentality would have been panick mode about three months before such an event about RESTRICTIVE DIETING....... not any more..... For the first time in decades, my thoughts are about shopping for something fun to wear.... Not what piece of material can cover/hide this body.

I had lap band surgery in August 2013, everything was going well. In October I joined a cross fit training class (mon- fri). About two months ago I started having issues with keeping food down! Never did I imagine that my band had slipped!! My dr told me that if it doesn't go back in place in one mth I will need to surgery!!!!! Obviously he unfilled me, my appetite is back (I'm concern that I will gain my weight back) and not sure if should cont cross fit training so I renewed my membership a hath club. I thought I could do cardio but now I'm having second thoughts. What if I make matters worst!! Anyone has any idea what's the best thing for me to do?!?!?! Your …

I love this picture!!! Thought all of us working out would appreciate this.

I'm 4 weeks post-op and still on liquids only. Lately I've noticed that I can feel "something" when I wake up in the morning even before I drink my Protein shake. It's right where I'm guessing my band is. Not pain or anything, but kind of like restriction, even on an empty stomach. It might have something to do with a chest cold I've been slooooowly getting over for the last two weeks (post nasal drip? Ugh) but I'm not sure. I also took myself off Prevacid a week ago because I no longer take the NSAIDs that I used to live on for arthritis pre-band, and the NSAIDs were why I needed Prevacid. This may sound dumb, but when you sleep all night, does your band move down a l…

Chiberia is over and we've had a beautiful couple of days in Chicago. So why not pull out the bicycle and take a ride? I haven't been on this bike in a few years. My husband inflated the tires and adjusted the seat. I rode to the corner and remembered why I stopped riding a bike. My knees! Oh, my poor knees. I really didn't expect that intense pain, since I've been walking daily on the treadmill and am up to two miles now, no incline. I am a month overdue for my cortisone shots in my knees, but I postponed that on purpose because it was bearable lately with my recent weight loss, and I wanted to time the next shots optimally for my trip to Italy in May. Between the excruc…

I haven't had a fill in awhile but I used to use Fill Centers USA which is no longer in existance. Does anyone know of a doctor I can go for a fill in the Houston area???

Hey looking for a buddy in Spring, Tx. I got banded on the 22nd of November. It would be nice to have someone I can chat with or hang out with or work out with that's going through the same thing as me. It's tough facing this journey alone. Besides having my mother in my corner.

T an amusement park all day ....the food smells so good and looks so good. I have not had a fill yet so I am always hungry. Any tips on what I could eat?????

It may have already been addressed in another question, but I couldn't find anything I have my surgery in Aug of 2009 and everything went great. I lost 100 lbs in 2 years and was able to tighten my skin as I lost weight. When I got the lap band my concern was how often things got stuck in my throat. My doctor stated that it's normal for the first few months because we are adjusting to eating the smaller sizes and that we'd need to learn how to chew and let things go down. Soups got stuck. EVERYTHING got stuck and I was constantly throwing up the food I just ate. They loosed the band and things got better. Every now and then (about twice a week) things will get stuck sti…

Ok help people I need some tips!! I think I have hit a platuea I'm at about 84 pounds down my goal is another 50. I had my surgery last sept 2013 so it's been well over a year. I'm really frustrated!! I have had quite a few fills, I get stuck regularly so I feel like another fill isn't an option at this time. I eat 1000-1200 calories a day!! I use my fitness pal, and I just can't seem to budge the scales lately! I paid for my surgery out of pocket, and I'm really getting down on myself right now. I feel like a failure! Any ideas or tips to get the loss kick started again???

Woke up very uncomfortable this morning. Haven't over ate (that I know of) or done anything to cause this effect. Actually was thinking about going in Monday for a fill...but NOT NOW. I have noticed more burping and gas lately. I am not in horrible pain, but enough to be VERY uncomfortable. Enough to require to sit up very straight. Enough that I am writing the forum about it and asking others if they have experienced this as well. I am able to drink with no problem and had Soup today and a light Protein bar. If one has a slipped band what are the initial signs? Any ideas and or suggestions appreciated. Thanks guys!!

Well I had my 2nd fill yesterday and got to talk to a nutritionist...very helpful!!! Do good...staying on liquids for another day and will try soup tomorrow...hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Hi guys, I'm 3lbs away from 199. I've been trying to get there for about 3 weeks. I get to 200 then gain a few pounds back. I haven

I may have posted about this years ago under my other account that I can no longer access. So I'll do it again. Has anyone been experiencing leg cramps? I noticed that after my recent fill I have been getting them more and more frequently. Could my change in caloric intake be causing more leg cramps?

Just wondering how much exercise everyone is fitting into their schedule, if any at all.

I WAS PRIMED WITH 2cc. Problem is I don't feel new large fill at all. I know this sounds weird but seeing where they put the band aid I don't think it got put in my port. I can feel my port and the area it was given is WAY TO LOW. Dr. wasn't my normal but his partner and floroscope wasn't used. Am I nuts? Problem is I have major knee surgery on Tues. and won't be able to get back in for fill again for 6/8 weeks. Doing well otherwise, 32# down since Jan 22. Being unable to exercise because of knee I have to be super careful with diet. Maybe I will feel totally different with first chunky meal since its been liquids since yesterday afternoon. Help please.

I was "banded" in 2007 and live in southwest Missouri. I had to ride the Greyhound bus from near Branson, Mo to Detroit, Michigan to my surgan for my first fill. (about 17,000 miles) After that I found a dr four hours one way and now one who is close but charges $250.00 per visit. Can someone tell me there are other fill dr.'s in this area?

Has anyone else had any experiences with Dr Elli or a Dayone. Anyone else have a surgery scheduled around the same date there? I see they have several locations and i was wondering if they do fills at there other locations.

Making my ribs broth in preparation for my fill tomorrow. I get the broth, the dog gets the ribs. #WinWin

I was banded Dec 2013 and have lost 43 pounds. I have Pcos and periods are crazy. I finally had one last month and of course this month its no where to be found. I don't want to get pregnant yet but I did read up on a herbal supplement known to naturally help woman in any hormone state. For us woman with Pcos it can help with our cycle hair growth cysts ovulation and among many things help us to produce progestone naturally. I figured I would give it a shot in helping me with my symptoms and hopefully get me somewhat regular. I wondered if anyone else has taken or heard of this supplement. I will let y'all know how it goes reply if you are familiar to this herbal vitamin …

I got a fill 2 weeks ago and it was a really aggressive one ( 0 cc to 2.5cc!) I told the doc I was tight he said to give it some time since I haven't been filled for over 2 ½ years I would experience some inflammation. I have not been able to eat during the day until after 6 or 7pm and even then it has been tough. I get stuck more then eat and slime and I have developed a pain in my chest when I swallow, so I figured it's not inflammation but I'm too tight. Off I go to get an slight un-fill tomorrow I'm just apprehensive because even though I'm too tight and that is not good for me and my band I have lost 7 lbs in 2 weeks!! I guess I'm afraid that if I'm able to e…

Well I am a bit excited today...I get my 2nd fill...but the best thing is that I get to finally see a nutritionist...so looking forward to her telling me what I need to do to help me lose more weight...have had idea from my surgeons staff...but nothing set in stone. I hoping she can give me some good information that will help me eat more healthy. Hope you all are having a good day...talk with you all soon!!!

Hi all, I've had quite a struggle with my band. I'm 18 months out and had initially lost lots of weight (from pre and post-op diets) but gained most of it back as I added real food back. I pretty much decided to give up for about 7 months. Then recently, I realized I should give it another try. I went back and saw my surgeon's NP, enrolled in therapy and started seeing a new dietition. The first thing the NP did was order and upper GI to see where I was in terms of needing a fill or not. So, I went back two weeks later and he and the surgeon both read the films as being in good position with a small pouch and room to fill. When I got the actual dictated report by the …

Hi all, This is my first thread. I was banded on March 10, 2014. Today I am 10 days post op. I lost 13.8 pounds so far! This is very exciting for me BUT I AM HUNGRY! I can consume more then 4oz every hour and I won't lie.. I had a few bites of food (scrambled egg, a few bites of a mashed potato ..) I never got the "stuck" feeling and I took small bites and was satisfied. Am I horrible?! What did you eat 10 days post-op?

Do you use liquid acetaminophen or tylenol crushed up? I am not sure what to use for cramps and headaches and usually take a 1/2 of zanax.

David Mendosa posts his report on USDA study of saturated fats and diabetics. Impressive turn-around based on actual observation shows new evidence vs the bogus theories of the past 40 years http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/17/168338/saturated-back-people-diabetes