LAP-BAND Surgery Forums

Ok..so I have a weird thing going on with me...I went and got my first fill Thursday 1/9/14..Yesterday 1/10/14 I went to work out at the gym at my college. All went good yesterday. Tonight, after having some intimate time with my boyfriend. I was cleaning up and seen a bulge coming from right where my port is. So I pushed in back down. I leaned over..BOOM there it was again. So..Im not sure if the port has come loose, or if its flipped. But something is definitely wrong, or just not right. Ok....heres where TO MUCH INFORMATION may come into effect. Can having sex,can that put to much pressure on your port and cause it to move, flip, come dislocated. It not moving freely.…

How is everyone going? I'm almost 3 months post op. I've lost 19kgs or 43 pounds. Can eat pretty much anything, but just not hungry at all. So exciting!

Hi, Recently I had the stomach flu, on December 31, 2013 and I was vomiting but nothing was coming up, only going through the motions but it was pretty violent and tiring and horrible. As soon as this began I took anti-emetics to prevent myself from vomiting and it helped. The reason that I am posting is because I have been having a chest pain smack dab in the middle of my chest that radiates to my arm and actually numbs up my arm and makes it tingly. I did an all liquid diet for about 3 days after being sick, then did mushies and I am now on solid. I am wondering if anyone has experienced anything like this. I am able to eat restricted as I did before, no issues keeping…

Lately I have been hearing the phrase that WLS is personalized to each individual, and I could not agree more.... It's "Personalized" because the band is adjustable....my band is not like your band as is the other person's band... If I never had a fill, or when I was just starting out, I could eat and drink anything as though I did not even have the surgery...it was all about will power and classic dieting... As my band got adjusted, things began to change, and become unique TO ME, and NO ONE ELSE....what other people experience is unique to themselves and no one one else....sure there are some common things.... People need to realize that there is no concrete answ…

I am having a bit of a rough time and need some input. I had an adjustment to my band in December. Doctor added a .25cc. Everything seemed fine for a few weeks. However, over the past week or so my band seems soooo tight. I am having trouble eating all foods and I have horrible heartburn. So much that I can't sleep. I have been taking antacids, but that doesn't help much. Tomorrow I am going back in for a small unfill. My question is....why did my adjustment start out fine and then eventually get so much tighter? Has anyone else had trouble with this? Is this normal/abnormal? Could it be an indication of a bigger problem? Thanks so much for your input!! Jen

...who else watches My 600 lb. Life? I never watched those shows when I was obese and out of control but I watch now as a cautionary tale. I have to say that I'm apalled when I see these folks eating with such relish even when they know every mouthful is killing them. It reminds me of who I was...and hopefully will never be again.

Hello. I was wondering if anyone has ever felt nausea after a fill? I got my 2nd fill today, didn't feel it after my first one, but feeling some nausea this time.

I am into my 4th month post lap band. I have been vet successful losing 60 pounds!! I live by my fitbit even get out of bed if it says I don't have enough steps. But I haven't felt that in the last 2 days. I want to and need to stay motivated. I need to get back on it tomorrow. I feel like I could eat anything and probably would have but kept talking myself out of it but definitely ate more than normal. Is this normal?????????????????

I was reading another post & it triggered some questions for me with regards to working out. I really wanted to post them on that particular thread but didn't want to hijack the thread as it was about something else. So, I'm really hoping some of the same people will see this post & respond. Questions: 1. Someone referenced that they workout in the morning because they want their body to burn stored fat and not the food they just ate. I workout after dinner, around 7-8 pm. Am I at a disadvantage for working out after a meal? Is there a more optimal time? 2. Should you eat after working out? Protein for instance. I don't as I am working out in the evening. …

So I have had a rough month. My weight has flucuated between 325 and 330..Never below 325 and never above 330...The last month my boyfriend and I have had some major issues and my emotions have been all over the place..well a year ago I would have just ate those feelings away...and I have found myself doing that. Eating a piece or two of candy or cake when I didnt want it and sure didnt need it. My well Ex boyfriend and I broke up on Saturday..and its reasoning was the connection just wasnt there anymore...3 years and no connection..hmm..I think he got used to me being over 400 lbs and was comfortable that i wasnt going anywhere because I thought no one else would wnt m…

Yesterday I got stuck -- again! Second time was last week so this makes three. Good grief. Anyway, I realized today that it wasn't the chicken thigh -- it was the mushrooms. There is no amount of chewing that can make a rubbery mushroom small enough for me to swallow comfortably. Thought I'd share my little brainstorm for other new people who may be going through the same learning process. And if I want mushrooms I will whir them up with the stick blender next time or enjoy them raw. But in the stews, etc. that I make: no more shrooms! It's a snowy Saturday and I've got a beef stew going. Here's how I make it: get a nice-looking piece of pot roast with plenty…

OR but have to hold myself accountable. I have been feeling discouraged since I haven't been losing the lbs like I thought I would. I have had some nsvs though so that is motivating me a little. But the past week has been a bad week food wise. ( I haven't hit my green zone yet so I don't have a ton of restrictions) start my support classes on Thursday. So hopefully that will help. I have definitely noticed that I have been a lot hungrier since I have been running regularly. I know Protein and Water will help curb hunger. But it isn't enough to stop me, the hunger is still there. Does anyone know how long this will last? Or have any other advice how to curb this hunger?

Hello Bandsters Was wondering if I could get some advice, just to give you some background; I had my first band fitted with ACS in 2007, it was a cheap band but it worked very well until 2011 and I lost 7 stone. However in 2011, it started to go funny and i started to wake up choking and as if that wasn’t bad enough, I ended up putting on 2 stone also. I was absolutely devastated and it looked like all my hard work was for nothing. Desperate as I didn’t want to go back to the way I was, I started looking at other places that provided bands, Belgium, my previous surgeon who now worked in France , places where the band is much cheaper to get. After going to see…

Has anyone had any issues with flying? I've seen some videos on YouTube where some banders have commented they have extreme tightness when flying. I asked my doc about it prior to surgery and he said he hadn't heard of any complaints. My plan is to visit my son in Hawaii mid-April so I'm wondering if there's any do's or don'ts. Thank you in advance!

Sorry in advance but this may seem petty and nosey? I can't help but look into other people's shopping carts to see what they're eating and of course, I tie it into their physical appearance. Petty I know? But the morbidly obese really do eat bad food. One shopping cart I saw this morning had 3 large sacks of generic cheese puffs, 3 other sacks of potato/corn chips, 4-5 boxes of highly processed sugary cereals(trix, choco puffs etc), 6-8 liters of soda pop and other sugary Fruit drinks. She was probably around 300 lbs and both kids were heading in the same direction. Yeah, I feel like a snob but I think back 3 years ago and my cart was similar except I've never b…

Giving up soda doesn't have to be a punishment... http://www.debbiedanthony.com/dont-fear-the-diet-drink/ What do you think?

Several years back i had to get another wedding band because my original one from 34 yrs ago was too small. Well now the bigger one along with my other ring is starting to slide off. Thought I'd try my old band knowing it won't fit yet and omgosh it slid right on. So now I wearing my original wedding band again. oh what a feeling!!!

Hi everyone! I used to donate blood and platelets on a regular basis before my surgery. How soon do you think is appropriate to wait after surgery (it's almost been 4 months), if ever? Of course I will have to read up on the Red Cross' website for their guidelines for after a surgery, but any ideas on the lap band side of things? Any of you regular donators?

Decided to start a blog to document my journey with the lap band, Just started it so there is not too much yet but here is the link if you are interested in checking it out. jessiesjourney22.wordpress.com Jessie

Does anybody else ever forget that they can't do things like chug a glass of milk in 3 seconds or wake up at 2 a.m. And have a bowl cereal..... I forgot I can't chug anymore I drink a bunch of milk fast and paid for it

I'm on my 2 week pre-op diet. All I'm allowed is 5 Boost Diabetic/Calorie Smart per day, plus any calorie-free drinks. No offense to the taste-testers at Boost, but this stuff is NASTY. That said, I thought I'd share a few recipe "hacks" I've come up with to make the drinks more tolerable. Katy's chocolate Mocha Frosty Blend together for a long time until smooth and creamy: 1 Chocolate Boost 1 tsp instant coffee granules 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 6 ice cubes Chocolate Almond shake 1 Chocolate Boost 1 tsp almond extract 6 ice cubes Other flavour combinations I've found that make the Boost more bearable - either mix together and serve over ice, or blend it u…

I cannot wait to chew something:) I was banded 12/4 and all is well. My main challenge is the cravings. Peanut butter usually solves it. I want to know if anyone has been able to eat popcorn?? Nothing like butter lovers, just plain and flavored with olive oil or olive pam spray?

I decided to do the 5 day pouch reset. For breakfast I had a coffee with sugar free creamer, lunch was blended split pea soup, blended white beans, dinner was blended lentils and a low carb chocolate shake with almond milk. I have had 2- 24 ounces of water with a Lil crystal light. I feel a Lil cranky but otherwise fine. I'm excited to get my bandie functioning at optimum capacity. I have a fill appt. Next week also. What have been your experiences? I'm wondering if the fill I got 3 weeks ago will "kick in" with doing this and if I will still need a fill.

Of course I know that you aren't my doctor, and of course I will ask him all this when I see him, I just want the bander viewpoint please. No flames, por favor!!! Due to an emergency unfill in Dec. after tightness in my chest, I now have the same amount of fill in my band as right after surgery (2cc). I am told to eat 1/4c of food at a meal, and if I'm still hungry continue to 1/2c. I try to stick with this and most times do a good job, though I could easily eat more (I really try not to because I don't want to end up in the ER again). Most times I can make it 3-4 hrs without feeling hungry again, though other times I do get hungry. Does that mean I am at restrict…

I am having Lap Band surgery on the 26th. I have over a 100 lbs to lose. Would appreciate the help. Cybercenters

I was banded Oct. 10th. I have had 3 fills. My last fill was 12-22. I did not go for a fill in January because I felt good and feel restriction. I am now a bit confused. Some days I can eaty half cup food for my meals just fine. Some days I take a bite of food and that's it. Does the band have its oen little mind and tightens and loosens when it wants to? Today I took one bite of my cottage cheese and it felt stuck. I am juat not sure....

I am almost 7 years out with my band. I have a love hate relationship at the moment with her. I got a fill last month and in the last 2 weeks started having issues in the am. So i cant eat my Breakfast or lunch but i can eat my dinner no problem. Well i am 20 lbs away from my goal and decided to join a gym. Now i haven't been to a gym for 4 years. So i am wondering if anyone can give me a few pointers.. I do an hour of cardio that consists of 15 min warm up on the bike and 45 on the treadmill at automatic that changes the speed and inclines thru out my time. What else should i be doing to hit my target? Thanks for the feed back and looking forward to making new friends …

Hello all! Im pretty new to this. I was banded on November 26th and had my first fill on January 7th (now have 5cc). Right now, Im trying to learn how to eat and what to eat. It's been quite the learning curve but I think Im starting to get the hang of it. Admittedly, I have always eaten too fast and not chewed well enough and, well, we all know how that ends up with a lap band. So, I'm taking the steps to try not to do that to myself anymore. But, Im really trying to figure out is when to eat and what to eat. Im really pushing the Protein and veggies and trying to really cut down on the carbs, but Im having a hard time really "feeling" satisfied/full (I know …

Haven't posted in awhile, but I am not finding anything really on GOOGLE to address the issues I am having. My one year post-op coverage ended last March (had surgery 3/29/12 - goal is 60lbs). The first year out I did pretty well, and the second year was weight wise a bust for me. I seemed to have lost/gain the same 5lbs all year...first year I had a net loss of over 34lbs...second year only 14lbs. Now here's the thing..I'm not necessarily concerned about my number weight because I workout alot, and it's pretty intense. I lost inches for sure and have put on muscle..continue to do so at this point. But the scale hasn't budged past 209...I was 258 when I started the …

Does anyone notice a difference between eating warm/hot foods and cold foods? I'm only one day post-surgery and am on lump-free liquids, and I'm noticing that the Soup and broth go down a lot easier than the Protein shake and the attempt at thinned pudding. Warm Water is way easier to get down than cold water. Is this common after surgery? Common later down the road? Just curious mostly - obviously I'm going to eat (drink) the foods that feel the nicest on my new tummy

This may have been discussed before, but I've discovered the soda stream syrups. I bought my family a soda stream for Christmas, and was sad because I can no longer drink soda. But I realized that I can mix the diet coke syrup in the water without carbonating it and it's good! Just like flat soda, which I've never minded anyway :-) So, even if you don't want the machine you can buy the syrup and the bottles and mix up some yummy, flat, diet soda :-)

I was I was banded may 2013. I went for a fill today done under fluoroscopy During fill Dr said something didn't look right and that I needed to have upper scope, Egd for possible erosion. I have not had any problems. Can anyone give any advice?

Hello.. I have 8cc now in my 14cc band.. After 6 days of last fill even water still difficult to swallow.. Couple of small bites stuck for hours or until i cough it back.. Suggestions please..

I was banded on September 11, 2013. I had my first fill on November 7th. I had my second fill January 9th. It is January 17th and EVERY SINGLE DAY since my second fill I have been (almost) stuck!!! Let me start by saying that my band is NOT too tight! I get my fills under fluro and that takes the guesswork out of it. THIS IS ALL MY FAULT!!!!!!!! I own it. I am eating too quickly. My bites are probably a little too big. And as a result, I get stuck, kind of. It's not horrible like others have described, but it's enough to get my attention. Before this second fill, my band was filled enough to keep me satisfied after eating but during the meals I didn't rea…

I had my first band surgery in November 2007, it worked well and I lost about 30 lbs pre-surgery and 40 lbs post surgery-approx. 7mos out. Started having episodes of getting completely blocked, would have to go in and get Fluid out. Then spent a few months getting filled again, a little at a time and never found the sweet spot again. In October 2008 I had a horrible gall bladder attack, thought it was a heart attack! Had it removed in November 2008 by my bariatric surgeon. While he was in there, he decided to remove my band, and re-place the whole thing in a different position. After healing a month or so, we started the process of re-filling....by May 2009 my band …

I know that my bariatric NP told me that for most who lose a bunch of weight, the bad usually gets looser by itself & requires a little fill. However I remember one girl from my local support group who said the opposite was true, as she lost weight her band actually got a little tighter. Now w/ my 3 yr ann'y approaching & down 85 from heaviest & 65 pre-op I am starting to notice this as well. Does anyone else share this? Requiring slight unfills w/ weight loss as opposed to the other way around? Thanks, Carlie

A good friend suggested I post the following below so here I go. I've just celebrated my first 'bandiversary' and so you are aware, I was one of the ones who was not excited about starting my weight loss journey. I was nervous, anxious, fearful of failing, fearful of the future...basically a mess. I just wanted to say that that It just breaks my heart to read about others who struggle, who are fearful and question their decision to go ahead with WLS, and I just want them to know that we all understand the fears and anxiety but that given time, almost everyone will find success. Wishing you all well! Also...for those who like the visual, I've attached before and …

I need ideas on what foods to bring to work for lunch. I have no idea where to even start. So what do you guys eat for lunch?

Besised the obvious to not get stuck, chew better, smaller bites, etc. When you are stuck what do you do? I dont get stuck that often but am just figuring out a way to get unstuck asap. The last time I got stuck I found myself trying to do all kind of things like bending down to touch my toes, putting my arms above my head, trying to sip Water, but ultimately In the end I end up panicking and just leaning over the sink, or garbage can and letting the slime roll. It took about 20 minutes the last time I was stuck, nothing ever came out but slime. But my goodness its a long 20 minutes. So what do you do if you are stuck?? Ps I am not currently stuck, just want some inf…

Hello fellow banders! I was banded Sept. 11, 2013. Since then I've only lost 26 pounds While I am happy I am down, I feel my weight is coming off too slow. Some months I don't lose at all and I'm on my 4th fill! I have about 50 more pounds to lose to get to my goal weight of 145. At the rate I'm going though, that's gonna take forever!! It seems like everyone is losing at a much faster rate than I... What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions or comments are welcomed. Thanks, Kelli Coley

On my diet it's high protein low carb low sodium sugar free so I get two shakes a day and one meal. Now I don't season anything but I'm on Day 4 and I was wondering if rosemary ans thyme are okay to season lets say chicken with? Has anyone asked their nutritionist? Please give me feed back. I'm fine either way, just curious. Don't worry no cheating for me.

Hi everyone. I'm new and just wanted to put myself out there. My journey started in August of last year. I'm still doing circus poodle tricks to satisfy my insurance company, but my final appointment is in less than 2 weeks. I hope to be banded in February. Reading all of your posts is very inspiring and informative. Is there anything you wish you knew before that you know now? I'm super excited and welcome any and all responses. ♥

Hi I got my band on Oct. 10Th and have had two fills.. it's been right at a month since my second fill. I am scheduled for 3rd fill this next week. Anyway I am just now feeling like I have a band and I'm having a bit of a hard time eating just the last 3 or 4 days all of the sudden. I m wondering if I'm just now noticing the 2nd fill. Would it take weeks to notice the difference? I'm hoping nothing is wrong. I was away on business for a cpl weeks wonder if stress and flying would make band feel tighter or what? Today was the first time I kind of threw up my food. It was eggs. Maybe Im eating too fast? I have a few more days til I go to Dr so wanted some input or opinions…

Well I was banded in Oct 13 and only had one fill! I'm losing and it's fine but I'm am weir ding out about a 2nd fill. I got on here today after weeks of not logging on and I see that I could be doing better and I was more motivated coming to this site and receiving support. So back on the train I go!

Hi - I am new to this forum and need some help. Weighed 348lb in March 2007, had Lap Band surgery in Feb. 2009 and date of surgery weighed 258lb. After surgery lost another 85lb. and my lowest weight was 173lb in Jan.2013. Became ill in Jan. 2013 with pneumonia and esophagitis and to make an extremely long story short, had to have all Fluid from band removed so esophagitis would completely heal and it did. Had several endoscopies and band showed no signs of slippage and was in the right place and appeared there were no other problems. Was checked for a lot of other stomach, esophagus and band problems all negative which was great! Except for that I have gained 80 lbs. …

Heyyyyyy, y'all. Advise time....! My last fill (.5 for a total of 7 in a 10) was last Tuesday. liquids for three days, soft for another three and that brings me to yesterday and today. On Monday I had steak, not too bad, except some parts were overcooked and I had a little trouble with those parts. I wasn't able/willing to try anything too crazy so I stayed with shakes since I had just gotten a case on Sunday and I missed having them (it had been more than a month without them). Today, I was invited to have lunch with my daughter's school's parent coordinator and I had to profusely apologize to her for not being able to finish the little bit of lasagna I set …

I have been banded since May 2013, done great lost almost 60# and am where I need to be. But this is embarrassing I have gas so so bad that it's getting to be where I so mot want to go out in public. I drink 2 protein shakes a day then have 1 serving of salmon or chicken with small serving of sweet potato and that's it period! I am eating gas x pills like candy. I am just wondering has any others noticed an explosion of flatulence after being banded for 5-6 months? Thanks!

I've had back pain for quite some time now, mostly due to the hip and knee problems. Even with the new hips, the back still gives me problems unfortunately. So I saw my doctor earlier today and he feels that I could use another epidural for pain management. I've been hesitant to get more shots because I have concerns about the steroids and the possible risks to other parts of my body. When I mentioned this to the doctor, he said that he'd give me a lower dosage. Then I questioned him about making sure it was even worth getting an injection if he lowered the dosage and he laughed and said that I would do fine with a smaller dose because I'm a smaller person. He looke…

Lapband coffee Group – Burlington Tuesday, January 28th – 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. If you have any questions before the coffee group please co…