LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

I am wondering why I have had left shoulder pain that goes into my neck after I eat sometimes? This is something new to me?? Help!!

So, I had my measly .5cc fill on Friday, and now I'm hungrier than ever! I figured out that if they only fill me .5 every four weeks, it's going to be the middle of summer before I feel satiated again! I am eating a lot of protein and drinking a lot of water, but I'm only staying full two hours at the most. It's not head hunger. I wish I didn't have to eat something, but my stomach is empty and growling. I'm not eating out of boredom, and frankly, with my new diet, there is nothing I could pig out on even if I wanted to. What can I do? I feel really discouraged.

I haven't been on the forums since I got my band... I'm bad at keeping up with stuff like this, but I'm needing resources at this point. History: Banded 8/21/12. Roughly 18 months. Was at 6.5 ccs in a 14cc band. Back down to 2.5 ccs so I can hopefully start over and get back to a positive place where I have restriction, but can actually get things down. The fullest I'd been was 7ccs, but was having trouble with sliming and getting stuck on a daily basis. With 6.5 I was still getting stuck weekly, having symptoms of inflammation, and generally being frustrated and feeling like a failure. Turning to sliders because they were easy. My highest weight was 233, I got down to …

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Hi all, just wanted to know what everyone's portion sizes are like? I'm 9 months post op and think I might still be eating too much as I keep going for the "full" feeling or until the plate is empty rather than when I'm satisfied. Iv never really weighed or measured out food as I always use small plates ect but think it's time I did so. Any advise on portion control would be great :-)

So I found out this weekend that cake and I no longer get along. We were having a nice family celebration on Sat for my birthday which is this Tuesday. Hubby bought me a bakery cake nice canola filling. Normally I would love this, and I have had cake before since being banded, but I really wanted ice cream cake this year. The hubby thought that was kiddy cake and wouldn't my guest like a real bakery cake better, but you know my whole week prior had been packed full of stress and emotional roller coaster ride my band is feeling mighty tight. When I tense up under stress my band tends to tighten up along with the rest of me. So I had a couple of bites of what was a real…

Why do it seem like some people lose good and some people don't but the ones don't is really trying hard to

I had a fill done last Wednesday. I have been having a lot of gas since. Is this due to the gill? Is it normal? Is there a cure? It's a bit much.

I know so many of us have become calorie counters, scale watchers, exercise nuts...blah blah blah. You know what I'm talking about. And...we obsess if we don't follow the rules to a T. Well, last night I went to dinner with the family and we shared several items. We do that quite often and I like it because then I don't wind up with most of my entree still on the plate. So as I sat at the table I decided to have a cocktail rather than a glass of wine...which I knew was more calories but that pineapple margarita was just calling my name. Then even though I only took a little of everything...I had everything. I weigh once a week every Sunday and was not surprised t…

The thought of spring and all the yummy veggies and produce that will soon be reaching us has me so happy. There is nothing better then produce markets. No more grocery store until fall. So here is a recipe for vegan chili. A little twist without meat but who needs meat when you have so much Protein in one bowl. The vegan crumbles you can get in any grocery store in the frozen section. Made from soy but you will never know it is not hamburger. 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 medium onion, chopped 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 tablespoons dried oregano 1 tablespoon salt 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 green bell peppers, chopped 2 jalapeno peppe…

ok I am making progress and want to reward myself for making little goals like a ten pound weight loss I am getting a pedicure. But beyond that I can t think of anything and it can not be food related any ideas?????

I just took the stairs to the 4th floor of the parking garage at work instead of taking the elevator. Am I becoming a healthy person with healthy habits? What is happening? Oh yeah, AND I passed on eating no bake cookies at the meeting right before I left.

Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon? I am absolutely freezing at all times since my surgery. My hands are like ice and I am chilled to the bone all the time! I'm assuming it has something to do with rapid weight loss but wondered if I was the only one?

I was banded on 6th nov 2013 and it is now 9th march 2014 . Port wound Refuses to completely heal! A little hole the size of a pinprick still there and liquid coming out of it ? Has anyone else had this problem?

I'm one week post op and I've just started my blended/pureed diet stage. I've been following my nutritionists guidelines but I haven't seen any mention of how many calories I'm supposed to be taking in during this stage. I've been tracking my food intake on myfitnesspal and I've been eating less than 600 calories a day, but I am getting my 60 grams of protein in most days. I worry that's not enough and my body will just start to store all the calories I take in (aka starvation mode) and it would kind of suck to start gaining weight back right now. So my question is was it recommended to you to stay within a certain calorie range during this stage? I would appreciate your …

Anybody planning on Dec2013 banding?

Hello. I am having my Lapband removed later this month due to a major slip. I work at a desk job that COULD turn physical (corrections officer). In the nearly four years I have worked there, I have never once had to physically engage an inmate. But the possibility always exists. I took two weeks medical leave just to cover my bases. When I originally got the band, I was not physically active at all, and can't remember how long it was before I felt closer to normal (6+ years ago). I was also about 70 pounds heavier. Can somebody who has had theirs removed tell me how long it was before you felt "normal?" I currently cycle 4-5 times a week. I'm holding off on weight train…

Lapband coffee Group - Durham Wednesday, March 19th – 7:00 p.m. Coffee Culture 1525 Dundas St. E. Whitby, ON. L1N 2K6 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. If you have any questions before the coffee group please contact: Tom – toma…

I just ate my lunch and it was so good that need to brag a little!! It was ground turkey tex mex chili with diced tomatoes and dark kidney Beans. I put on a little shredded cheese and had some avocado on the side. It was soooooooooooooo good, and I know it's super healthy! Just an idea for everybody!

Lapband coffee Group – Brampton Monday, March 10th - 7:00 p.m. Second Cup (Located in the Longo’s Plaza) 7700 Hurontario Street, Building E, Unit 504 Brampton, ON 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. If you have any questions before the cof…

I have had so may complications with my lap band over the past 2 years Its come to the time where I have to have it replaced. It started out by me getting a hernia from the orginal surgery in 2010. The doctor was trying to give me a fill and the hernia was sitting on top of my port so when he thought he was "drainging" my hernia he was actully drainging my band this was in 2012. So I had to start all over again with fills. My doctor didn't think at that time he was draing my band. well I didnt have any restriction for almost 6 months so I was questioning him every visit with whats going on why am i gaining and having no restrictin? So next visit he got into the port and …

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Hi all, I am in my 2nd week of the Bariatric Full liquid Diet, Stage II and I just don't know what to do. I can't stand the Protein drinks or the Protein powder. I feel so tired and sluggish all the time. Anyone have any suggestions for me?

I'm getting my first fill tomorrow. Yay! I had my surgery 6 weeks ago. I'm not staying full for long periods anymore. I called, and they told me to come in. I know I need to be on soft foods for at least 24 hours. That's what the instructions from my clinic are. Does it feel like a radical change when you get a fill? Will I notice a difference in my appetite or how much I can eat, right away?

Ok so saw the office Tuesday for a check up and a fill. That all went normal down 6lbs on their scale so YEA me ... however i asked them about a pain that i have been getting on my left side where i would imagine the Lapband is. it's not port related more internal... any way when i asked and explained the related symptoms and occurrences they told me it was all normal and nothing to worry about. so being that it's "normal" have any of you had mild pain in your left Band area - accompanied with Gas and or the urge to use the bathroom? It can be quite uncomfortable but have noticed if i manage to burp the sensation will go away not completely but doesn't last too much l…

I was banded 15 mo ago. I have reached goal 85 lbs ( although I wouldn't mind losing 3-4 more) the last few days my belly button feels "uncomfortable" i know the port is higher and to the side. I just feel like when I sit I need to unbutton top of jeans. Not pain but uncomfortable. Any thoughts? TIA

I would like to know if it is ok to eat chia seeds with lap band surgery. I have heard how nutritionally good they are for you.

I had my band out in sept 1. However I'm still not in the free zone. I have had 3 fills. I have not lost much at all. Please tell me this is normal until I find my green zone. Which I hope it soon. Loosing fair in the band. I have 5.5cc in my band currently. Thanks everyone

Alright folks! I need to know how YOU deal with head hunger? I've done really well up to this point and haven't struggled with it too much but I'm finding that, especially at certain times of the month, with hormone fluctuations and all, I'm having terrible cravings. Add to that the fact that the stores now have their Easter candy stocked and I'm really struggling now! I LOVE Easter candy! Sweet-Tarts Jelly Beans, Peeps, Chocolate covered marshmallow bunnies, Cadbury eggs......YUM! I don't want to give in and have any of those things because I'm afraid I won't stop eating them once I start but how do I stop these cravings? Help!!!

I have battled hypothyroid disease for 15 years. Weight being an issue since it went to crap. Just saw my endocrinologist yesterday and my levels are ALL screwed up since I have dropped 36 pounds. I am so over these roaf blocks. (pitty party) anyway... anyone else having issues with not losing and thyroid being dumb??? SO FREAKING FRUSTRATED. ????

Protein - or that you shouldn't follow your own doctor's instructions. I'm just reporting the news because I know so many of us are interested in protein quantities and (with any luck) we will all be old enough to care about this study at some point xoxo

Thank you all so very much. I had my lap band put in yesterday. Had I not found this forum, and had so much friendly and ACURATE advice, I would have been lost. I knew what to expect, I had a good idea of how I would feel, I know lots more about taking care of myself, I know that I belong to a community, and I know that this surgery was absolutely right for me. You give in great ways - by offering words of comfort, by advice (which often times is call the doctor), by support. Truly I'm grateful Thanks

I was banded almost a year ago. I've lost 75 lbs and am 25 lbs away from reaching my goal weight. It took 4 fills for me to feel restriction. However, I was only in the 'green zone' for about 3 months before I started to get hungry every 2 or 3 hours. Since about the second fill, I've been unable to eat any amount of bread at all. At my last dr's appt, I received another fill to attempt to get back into the green zone. That was 2 weeks ago and now I am hungry ALL THE TIME! I can eat small amounts of bread now also. I'm sooooo disappointed! I have only lost about 6-7 lbs this year, but my size 14's are falling off of me! I can't understand why the green zone keeps eluding …

I was given a sample today. I am going to try it for breakfast tomorrow. I have slowed down with my weight loss and was wondering if Shakeology would help? Thoughts??

Are there any fellow bandsters in the north metroplex area interested in starting a support group? I was banded this past March. Please post if you're interested!!

I have been so bad since my last fill. I am 5 months post op and have a hard time eating most foods. I have been eating a lot of chocolate since it goes down so well. Am I alone in this? I dont eat much other calories besides the chocolate. I have lost 40 pounds but feel like its so slow and I feel like a failure sometimes. I need some inspiration. Thanks!

So, I feel embarrassed to ask this question as I feel that I should know - but what is the proper way for us to 'measure' our food. I always hear that we should eat 4 oz. To me, that was more in reference to a volume type amount and we should use a measure cup (well half cup) to measure our food. Then on the other hand, I hear a lot of people that talk about what food scales that they have / recommend. Well, 4 oz, could be a weight measurement as well. So my questions are: 1. For our diets - the 4oz rule is that a volume measurement? Trying to eat 4 oz of chicken or whatever? 2. When you see nutrition information on a package (say deli meat) of 4 oz is 100 c…

I had my last fill about 5 months ago and everything has been great until today. I woke up around 4 am because I was coughing. I noticed that I also felt like there were bubbles in my throat. About 5 minutes later, I threw up a small amount of clear Fluid (maybe acid??). Throughout the day I've had some Water, part of a smoothie, and a cheese stick, but something doesn't feel right. I don't really feel like it's going down...it seems like it's just sitting in my throat. Send there are still lots of bubbles. I'm thinking things may be a little aggravated and I need to do liquids for a few days, but I don't want to make things worse by waiting too long. Has anyone e…

Hello I am 5 weeks post and I've lost 27 lbs . I need ideas on what else to eat please!

Congratulations All of u plzzz i need help till when we will have all these gases pain ?

I want to know if anyone has any commonalities with this situation. .... I had a fill last July all went well til October when I had heart burn 3 days in a row.... and a small unfill.... all goes well til February of this year when I spend 2 days vomiting... removed all my Fluid for 2 weeks to let everything rest.... had a fill 10 days ago and everything has been good since but today I have heart burn again. So back on liquids til I can see the surgeon monday for an unfill..... I am frustrated because I have to keep being on liquids and feel like I am going backwards. How does my band keep getting tight when I'm not having adjustments?

Hi everyone. I have had two fills. I have lost about 30 pounds in total, but between the last fill and this one, I have not. I have maybe gained a pound even! I know what I have to do, but I'm embarrassed to go for a fill since I haven't lost. Anyone else feel this way ever ? I was banded nov 25 2013 and am happy, just a little disappointed in myself. I know I am not in the green zone yet. I know I am going to have to make pickier food choices......

Hi! I'm looking for a mentor/buddy.. someone I can give my phone number to and text pretty regularly. I'm really looking to make a long term friend here! Here are a couple of things about me: I'm 23 Female Married, but separated for 2.5 years... still working on that divorce.ugh. I work in Elementary schools Arkansas Surgery is next week. I've lost 17 lbs preop I need to lose about 140 lbs. I'm really outgoing..

I woke up in the middle of the night and this morning feeling like something is stuck. I had some of my son's gummy bears before bed. (I know dumb move) n now i have so much pain especially everytime when i swallow my salivia. Idk what to do. Please help

I have not had a fill since the first of the year. I keep losing weight but for the last couple of days I cannot keep nothing down not even water. I am trying to figure something out, I do not see how I can be to tight if I keep losing weight. I hope someone has an answer to my question. The doctors office is closed today and I am not sure what I should do.

I am 4 years post-op and want to get a fill. I have lost about 85lbs and need to lose about another 50. Just wanted to know if any has had a fill this far out?

I know EVERYONE is different and I know surgeons do things differently. But I would like to start a survey to see how many CC's you got in your band on the FIRST fill.....and how many you currently have. Thanks

Hello people! I am so excited, today my procedure was approved by my health insurance, my only question now is, how long is the recovery time? My doctor's office said four days, but there is a girl here that had her surgery on Thursday came back to work on Sunday and she she is soooooo much pain. I cannot do that. As it is now, I am a light weight when it comes to drinking and pain medicine makes me loopy. With that said, how do they expect you to drive to work in pain? Tomika

Need help with food choices and portions Been banded 4 years but I feel I can still eat a little too much. Not sure if I need a fill ! I need ideas for high protein breakfast when on the go ! Triing to do salmon for lunches. My prob is also I can do bread with no problems at all. I want to looser 15 more and that's it. Been stuck the same weight for 2 years. Any suggestions to get some weight to come off.

This is a topic that's been on my mind for a while, and one of the driving factors leading me to WLS. I remember not too many years ago having the "full" life experience--hiking, taking family pictures, going on cruises, etc.--and not having to be ashamed of myself for any of it. Recently, I've withdrawn from most of those things and put my life on hold because of weight. I've already decided that, about a year down the road when my weight loss makes me feel like a human being again and I want to dress up, get out, and walk, I'm taking the family for a trip to Disney World. I plan on having the full experience--rides, souvenirs, and of course, pictures taken to comme…