LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I turned 50 and am 100 plus pounds lighter! I was banded 3 years ago and although the journey has been rough at times I have no regrets . I have more energy am just more comfortable than I ever imagined. I am struggling a little right now with food choices but am confident that it will pass and I will continue my success!

I was banded in August 2013. I had my first fill two weeks ago. She put in 1 and told me to wait a res minutes in the waiting area to see if I could get water down. This being my first fill I had no idea what I should be feeling so I was delighted to sip water and feel fine. Fast coward a couple of days and I feel zero restriction. I called and asked if I could get another fill and have heard nothing. I paid a lot of money ( slimbAnd with no insurance) and I feel like I has to fight for a fill. I paid close to 20 I and I know slimbAnd has their hands full with Dr Yau but I am really frustrated. The customer service has been terrible and I would not recommend this compan…

Okay, I'm at 7cc's in 10cc band, I have okay restriction but to be honest I thought there would be more restriction at this point. I have NEVER had a "stuck" episode ( and no I'm not complaining about that) I could pretty much stomach anything if I wanted, like bread, crackers, .... The sole purpose for me getting the band is I knew it would help me eliminate those awful carbs from my diet. I however have been following the low carb lifestyle but when I have a weak moment it's hard not to want that piece of bread. Anyone else able to eat bread with no problems?

Is muscle milk good for us post op?

Hello, My wife and I are going on a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean. This is great but as you know they serve great food with lots of carbs. Here is my plan - fish and seafood for the Protein, stay away from breads, Pasta, breads, and the dessert bar. Eat small amounts in 4-6 meals... Ok it sounds good, but have you been on a cruise? This is going to a possible torture test. But my new stomach I sure will quickly remind me if I do some stupid. Any suggestions? Note: I am not taking my Protein shakes or mixer. If I did those suckers would be going overboard. Another question - Alcoholic drinks... Who can go on cruise or to an island without having a topical drin…

I write a blog about my LapBand journey and I was thinking one day that it would be helpful to know all the weight loss surgery "lingo" everyone was using. I posted a glossary of terms on my blog and I just wanted to post the link to it in the hopes that it helps new people feel more informed! I know it would have been useful to me when I first started, so I just want to help out my fellow weight loss surgery peeps Even if you aren't a "newbie," go ahead and read it and let me know if you think I should add any words or terms to the list! Thanks!! http://blissfullybanded.wordpress.com/2014/01/29/weight-loss-surgery-glossary/

If anyone mentions food I'm ready to eat anytime day or night. I stay away from sugar but crave things like taco salad, watermelon, brats. etc. (All in the summer season now.) I have denied myself for so long, I feel like I want to satisfy my longing by bingeing. I realize some of it is emotional eating, when my family came from a distance I cooked up a mountain of good food and then when they left I ate all the leftovers. I got off my regular routine and can't get my "zone" back.

I have a Subway within 30 steps of my office and went into to buy a bottle of water this morning, the girl behind the counter asked if I wanted my "regular" I said no, I'm trying to get back to being good - her response was "I try to do that and it usually lasts a day, see you for lunch" made me more determined not to go back for lunch and stick with my healthy lunch instead

I was banded May 2005. I have gone from 375 to my current weight of 125. I thought everything was going great until about 6 months ago started having acid reflux. Went to my Dr and we did an upper GI and found out band had slipped. Having it removed 1/21. I am truly heart broken. I feel like all my hard work has been for nothing. I worked so hard to get to this point and I DO NOT ever want to go back. No one seems to understand my sadness. All I hear from them is thats life or it will be fine. NO IT WILL NOT BE FINE!!!!! Just wish they understood. Thanks for letting me vent a little.

Hey All, I had my surgery 4 ½ years ago and as of July/Aug. 2012 was down 103lbs! However right after that time I had a lot of stresses added to my life and COMPLETELY fell off track and right now am up 24lbs! Hoping to find some others out there with a similar situation whom I can commiserate with and perhaps work with to encourage each other to get back on track! =)

I got married this month and went on a honeymoon. Had no scale and did not journal food, Water or exercise. Read my story here... http://www.debbiedanthony.com/vacationing-with-the-band/ your thoughts?? And I received another .5 cc in my band upon my return so I think I did ok.

I've done my 6 month process met all requirements and now I'm in the waiting game . Somtimes it hits me ; wow my life is fixing to change for the better . At the same time I'm scared . I'm worried about getting thru the pre opt diet , I'm worried what if I don't have enough funds to get what I need . Has any one else gone thru this ?? I really need support from anyone !!

Leave at 630 am tomorrow for Mexico. Problem I have is that no one in charleston that I can find will support me when I return. It seems they are biased against Mexican surgeons and/or the type of band they use down there. Does anyone know of any doctor in charleston that will help me with fills when I return?

Ive had my lapband for eight years and in the last 4 months my heartburn is really bad even with meds and i have a hard time swallowing and taking pills. I had an endoscopy and it said both of those things are from the band, so I saw my lapband Dr. Today and he unfilled my band and I go back in two weeks for an upper gi and if im doing ok he will put some more fluid in but it may be removed. Has anyone else had these complications and how was it resolved?

Hey guys! Long time member first time talker. I finally, after years of waiting for the right insurance and financial situation, got my surgical date for May 5th for the LapBand. I am super dooper excited! To help my family and friends understand what's going down and also track my recovery and weight loss, I've made a blog. It's still in Beta mode, the template is done but it's not populated with much content yet. But while I get the site launch-worthy, I'm wondering if any other banders out there would like a shout-out link, and maybe link back to me. So many of you have already motivated and inspired me, and I'd love to be able to network. Let me know what you guys…

I am in, I lost 30 pounds by last May then in August had to have all my fill removed because of a bulge, have my fills now but still have not lost one ounce since May. My bandaniversary was in November and I still have not lost any weight. Have not gained but not one single pound lighter. I need encouragement in getting back to exercising. HELP.

Hello, I'm 65 and have been wanting to do this for years, but, not able to pay for it. Now, I can, but I'm afraid I'm too old. Anyone know if there is a maximum age or have done this at a later age??? Thank you so much for any information you can give me.

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So far I’ve lost 154 pounds and I love it. But when I look in the mirror I see different. I can take pictures and I see the difference from when I started until now and that makes me happy. But I’m wondering how long it will take me to be able to look in the mirror and see the results. I have 46 pounds until I reach my goal and I’m nervous that once I get there I will be in the same mental state that I am in now. How do I deal with this problem?

I know a lot of people experience hair loss after being banded. How long does it typically last?

I guess it doesn't take much to get me excited, but I went to Chick-fil-A earlier. There was an employee walking down the drive-thru line giving out samples of their new grilled chicken sandwiches. They are VERY good and they're on a wheat bun. I don't do well with bread, so I tossed the bun. However, they now have grilled chicken nuggets on their menu! I ordered the 12 count combo with a side salad and Diet Lemonade. DELICIOUS lunch! I couldn't eat it all, so the other half will be my dinner. Try them, they're yummy!

I have a 10cc band and I believe so far I been filled to 7cc. My question is anyone out there filled more than 7cc. I been pushing off another fill for over 2 years now and now am gaining weight. I have always been hungry even after eating and I eat more then I should. I normally just stop myself and stay hungry. I do have stuck issues but I know it cause I didnt chew right. Am afraid another fill will be to much since my band is only 10cc and I have 7cc already. I need help and get back on track and lose this weight. Thanks

ok, I had a horrible stomach virus this weekend...thankfully for Pheregren I only tossed my Cookies violently 3 times....and on top of that, it's almost that TOM....with that said, it seems to me that now when I lay flat on my back I can feel the tightness of my band...is that crazy? Is it just muscles that are sore from being sick or has my band tightened because of the TOM or have I done something to my band? When will I quit worrying that I've done something to my band??? LOL

I have been a member here since last March but have not participated. I got an email and thought I would look to you all for some guidance. I have a 10cc band that was put in 10 years ago - I don't remeber the exact date. I did pretty well with it at first although did have problems eating many foods. I lost about 50 pounds. But after about two years things started to go downhill. I continued to try to work with the band. I went to support group meeitngs (they are no longer available). I tried to eat the foods I was supposed to eat. But I was having issues keeping food down. I had fills backed out. I had a fluoroscope a couple of years ago and the band hadn't s…

It's bittersweet but I have a surgery date of April 2 to have my band removed, have had probs from day one and need to get my health back, however am grateful for the weight I did lose

I have terrible sinus issues year round. I have found that eating is difficult when I am really "snotty"! Anybody else have these issues??? I know...TMI!

Okay today I am 8 weeks out from being banded (3/16/14), I have had one fill of 2 cc's and am trying really hard to stay on track with what I am eating. But I am having some concerns about am I eating too much at one time...because I am not feeling full. I eat Protein first and am trying to slow down how fast I eat (really hard for me though), eat veggies then fruits and trying really hard to stay away from carbs. Have found I have really a hard time with steak, so staying away from it. I don't feel full...but do feel like I get food stuck no matter how much I chew. So if you all could please give me some pointers on how to slow down and some suggestions also as far as ex…

I've had my band for almost three years. I'm a 43 year old administrative professional, married, with three children & one grandson. I love to ride motorcycles, boating, reading, music, and chasing after my granson. I've lost 30 lbs, which came off in the two weeks prior to surgery and the first three months post op. I've had two fills. Only two, mainly because my stomach is so sensitive to the restriction, I crave sweets like mad after a fill, and I feel the band is probably tight enough due to the fact that if I eat like I'm supposed to it works fine. I had the surgery because of escalating arthritis issues, I was 272 lbs @ 5'6" prior to the band, high blood press…

Hello all .. I need some advice . I'm feeling very hungry mostly at nite. Haven't had fill since December. N I'm stuck in my weight. Can't reach my goal .. wat to do!??

What in the world is up with these deep painful hiccups ? It's not when I'm eating or drinking, just random. I get them at least twice a week and never did prior to surgery. My surgery was 9/13 so 6 months out now.

Just wanted to check in with any other banders close my date! How is everybody doing??!! I'm great! Down 45 lbs and feeling good! I have trouble some days but keep powering through!

My story (briefly) is that I've had the lap band since 2008. I lost from my all-time high of 297 to 180 and then regained up to 240 over the course of a few years. I'm back in full force, eating well, taking care of myself, and excited about the progress I've made. Today, I weigh 202. When I lost all of the weight the first time, uncertainty began setting in ... ...how do people see me now? ...where will I shop now that Lane Bryant clothes are getting too big? ...now that I'm smaller, what new things will I do? The list goes on - and it's not important to me what the questions are (because, seriously, I could overthink anything given the opportunity). What does …

Hi all. Had my surgery at the end of January and my first fill a week ago: 4.5cc in a 10cc band. I've done well with everything up until now when I find myself hungrier and perhaps gaining. I have lost a total of 38 pounds since I started my supervised diet in July 2013 but now I swear I see the scale creeping up just a bit - maybe a pound or two. I know that can just be normal fluctuation but why in the world am I suddenly not satisfied with what I had been eating before? This seems to have started right after I got the fill!!

Hello, I recently moved and had to find a new bariatric clinic. I needed to have some taken out because it was too tight. I feel like they punctured my lapband. I had 1 cc taken out and now I'm at 6.5. I wouldn't even think about eating bread before because it always got stuck. I was able to eat 3 thin crust pizza slices the other night and 2 beers without feeling any discomfort. What is the best way to find out if they punctured it and,in general, who pays for this mistake if I need it replaced? . Thanks!!

Okay so I've got some.questions! How many calories should we eat?.. I'm on a low carb diet and only eat a starch once a day( crutons on my salad) or a small amount of mashed potatos with dinner. are starches okay once a day?

Hi! I know this will vary from person to person. I used to wait only 30 min. after like my doc said. Then I was reading in my info book 1-2 hours after!!! How do they expect you to get in all your fluid if you wait that long??? So, I noticed some days I'm getting hungry sooner then others even after eating same meal. I thought I'd try waiting longer befor drinking (maybe this will help). THANKS!

Had a .4 fill added to my band almost a week ago and think she missed my port and put the saline in my muscle. Anyone else ever dealt with this?

Once November 2010 I am only down 50. Help!!!

Just wondering if there were other bandsters in this community from Atlantic Canada - Nova Scotia in particular?

So I've been thinking recently of getting a tattoo. I want it on my back, at/between my shoulderblades. I want it to be fairly large (spanning the width of my back). Basically I want an oak tree, so it will be fairly tall and wide as well. So when should I get it? How have your tattoos fared with losing weight? I have already lost about 70 lbs, and I have probably 80 more to lose. I wouldn't get it until I've lost at least 100 lbs, and I don't know if I should wait and lose the final 50 after that. I figure the back is a pretty steady area (especially around the shoulder blades), but I really don't want to spend hundreds of dollars and hours of being poked with…

hi folks , I am having this done tomorrow ; I have had several fills since my op my last visit to surgeon just over 4weeks ago , at that point I had documented that I had a 6ml fill in my 10ml band ; but as some hospital paperwork seemed to dispute this I ask for it to be check . 4ml only was present , I got quite distressed and frightened but was assured all seemed fine and had no leak . 1ml was put in so I left with 5ml in ? I am having xray done tomorrow for 2 reasons ; 1st - check all looks ok ; 2nd- check current restriction is correct . Over last 2weeks I have had some days when eating has been very difficult and occasionally drinking ; latter giving feeling of lum…

I really just got serious over the holidays about taking all the necessary supplements, but so far I have fallen quite short of what is needed according to some research. I was initially on vitaFusion multivites, but after more research realized i wasnt getting much of anything that i need. I am switching to Alive! once daily men's ultra potency which for the same price has twice as much vitamins and more of the daily recommended dosage. my question's are do I need to be taking anything else? I dont really drink protein anymore and know i need to get back on that any suggestions for relatively cheap protein. also i keep seeing that there is a certain kind of calcium we a…

I once was told in 2008 when I got my band that you could never take anti-flam meds, like aleve.. Then about 2 years ago I hear that you could... Which is true????

I was hoping someone could let me know if something is normal. I had my first fill on 2/27/14 it was for 2 cc's, but I don't feel like it has done anything. I think I might be eating too much or maybe too fast. First of all I seem to beable to eat more than I was before the fill and now I have difficulity keeping what I am eating in-sometimes? Am I eating to fast? Am I eating the wrong foods? Am I eating at the wrong time of day? I tried some steak the other day and it didn't work well with me. I am just so frustrated. The nurse practioner said she thought I wasn't getting enough Protein so I am probably still hungry...suggested protein bar-ugh they taste terrible, but …

Another trip to the ER with extreme stomach pain... No slip no erosion per CT (and EGD a month ago) WBC and LFT slightly elevated but not worrisome. I am so sick of this happening and no one can tell me why!! Ready to get the band out!

I'm six months Post-Op and have started doing some new exercises focusing on my abs. I know there under there somewhere. Anyway, I digress. My port is placed at the top of my stomach just under my bra line and since incorporating abs into my workout my port site has become sore. All you Dr.'s out there.. this is normal right? I'll be discussing this with my surgeon on the 20th. I was just curious if anyone else has experienced this?

Hi All, I guess this is actually a good problem, but a problem none the less. I've lost over 100 pounds, am 8 pounds below my doctors goal and 8 pounds above my goal. I had a complete tummy tuck in December. As I get closer to goal my port sticks out more and more. I understand why, but this is so annoying. I seriously can't wear tight clothing without it poking up. It is about an inch higher than the surrounding area. Anyone else deal with this issue? I haven't been to my doc since last fall due to many, many issues. I see him again in two weeks, unless something else comes up, and will ask him about it then. I'm just trying to go in informed from other veterans here. T…

Hi! I"m looking for fellow lap-banders in Chicago's western suburbs. (I'm in Bartlett.) I can never find any local support groups or even workout partners and looking for others who can share in what I'm going through. I'm 27 months out and down 100 pounds, with about 20 still to go for my soft goal and 40 for my hard goal. Anyone out there?

Hi I have just travelled to Sheffield which is two hours away to have my first fill. It was done under x-ray and it seems like it was very successful as the doctor could see it was too tight and released some fluid. I am with the Hospital Group and the two following fills are done in a clinic by a nurse (not under x-ray). I am just wondering what everyone else thinks. Is it as successful without using x-ray??? :phanvan

Hi Is there anyone on the Island who is pre or post opp who could be a buddy for apre opper please?