The Lounge

4,946 topics in this forum

banded I was just banded on 2/27/04. Dr Tichansky, Princeton NJ. Pre-op weight was 312, I am 6 days post op and my weight is 287. I cant belive I lost 20-25 pounds in 6 days. I am obviously still on liquids for another week. It is tough wathcing my wife and kids eat and I have chicken broth or Jello. I am just nervous I am going to gain back weight when I am off liquids and I can not have a fill for 6 weeks. Tonight I was able to finish a entire campbells "Soup at Hand", strained of course. Is it possible my band slipped or am I just getting used to liquids. My Dr. assured me after the surgery, It went perfect. He also stitches the stomach to the band Yada Ya…

i hope everyone is doing great with their band or research. i had my band in nov 2002. i have lost 125 lbs and i now have skin hanging everywhere. i was wondering if anyone has had anything done and if so how long did you wait to get it done? i have been at the same weight of 160 for about 2-3 months and that is even with a fill! Please help me!!! Angela

About 2 weeks ago I started having lots of pain and vomiting while eating solid foods. At first I thought I was taking too big of bites or eating too fast. I have finally come to realize something is not right. Doc is sending me for Upper GI. Has anyone had a blockage before and can you tell me more about it. This is the most painful experience. Thanks, BB

Hi Everyone I discovered this board about a month ago, and so, so glad I did! I was banded 2 weeks ago and have found invaluable info, and the support you all show. To be able to read things people say that are feeling the same way I am.......I'm hungry mostly, and a bit fatigued, but I know that's normal from what I've read here. I am so ready for this journey! My name is Mary, I live in Washington state, and I'm glad to "meet" you all!!

Can anyone tell me about this guy??? Of course being a self payer i am going to look at this guy he is like 2.5K less then anyone else but I mean it's only 2.5K if he sucks and I die I think I'd wish i would have spent the extra 2.5K and lived OR at least be a little frusterated to say the least. Sorry for being so raw but i am just checking in to doctors in Mexico and there is not a lot of info on this fellow. I have heard Dr. R. Rumbaut Diaz is pretty good but I also heard he does not do well on follow ups. Of course beings I am in Alaska that may be hard for him. Here is a little about me and what I am looking for. I am a self payer I will be going alo…

I fear sounding like a broken record but here goes... I was banded exactly 1 month ago and have only lost 10 lbs. I am real happy with that but... I thought I'd lose a lot this first month (like a bunch of you lucky folks). Here's my question. Has anyone had a slow start (like myself) but once they had their first fill have the wl kick in to a good pace (1-2 lbs per week?). If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Hey guys: I have been reading this sight for awhile and have been inspired by all of your stories. I will have my lapband surgery in 2 days, 3/10, and am getting pretty nervous. I guess its normal to fear the unknown.... Did any of you have any complications the first week after your surgery? My biggest fear is nauseousness and throwing up. My Doctor wants me on liquids for 6 weeks, and I'm "hoping" these 2 side effects will not be a problem if I follow the program. Can anyone give me insight into my first few days after surgery... and what to expect.. to help me with my jitters?! thanks so much! bullit from Texas

I was wondering how many lapbanders have experienced keiloid scarring (raised scars that itch and are very unsightly) as a result of their lapband surgery?? I have had my lapband for over 6 months and most people I have talked to have said their scars are fading and they don't have a keiloid scar (including my husband whose scars are almost invisible now), I have really been depressed because 3 of my 5 scars are keiloids including the scar near my port---it looks like a stab wound. If you do have a keiloid that is healing, what have you done that has helped??? Thanks Denise

I am a journalist who is writing a story on weight-loss surgery abroad for a national women's magazine. (I was banded in Mexico two years ago.) I am writing this article to inform readers about the things they should consider when choosing a surgeon. I'm looking to talk to patients who provide such information on: --Difficulty in find follow-up care in the U.S. --Opportunity to get surgery with low BMI --Stories of mistakes/ bad hospitals/ unskilled surgeons (I know these aren’t the majority but want to provide information on how patients should avoid them and find the good ones – I don’t need to name doctors) I can protect your privacy. Please contact me direct…

Wow - lots of birthdays today!!! Happy birthday, everyone! (and those past, as well!)

I've had gas and the runs BAD for about 12 hours now. I can't try to release the gas without getting up and going to the restroom. I haven't slept and I'm getting nauseous from no sleep, too many gas-x, and not being able to get rid of the gas. The Gas-x arent helping much I don't think. I'm so sick of having to run run run to the toilet...and think maybe if I could stop the diarrhea I could get rid of the gas more easily and get rid of the nausea. HELP! Can you take Pepto Bismol? I have some and I'm tempted to go in there and swallow some.

Well, this morning I got the GREAT news, My insurance company has APPROVED me for the Lap Band Surgery, I had a date set for March 12th, I called PH Hospital where my surgery is scheduled, and told them my insurance company said it was approved, they told me as soon as they recieved the approval letter that they would see if they could move my surgery up. Then she said maybe she could call there and get my pre-authorization number and I could possibly have my surgery done on Friday...yes, this Friday. She called them, and called me back..I am having surgery THIS FRIDAY!! I am so EXCITED! At the same time I am so SCARED!! My greatest fear is dying, but I guess that …

i have not had the surgery. i am scared to do it as i am not "yet" morbidly obese, but everytime i diet, i regain more...i am not unhealthy yet ...but i look like a different person than i was... i am on the borderline of how much overweight you need to be to get the surgery at all...but i am in a pattern of going up and up and i am so depressed at how i look. but i am totally afraid to give up perfect health (no diabetes no heart problems...doc says i am healthy) for potential illhealth due to the surgery... i have been reading as many posts as i can and really think you guys have the answers as you have been there.

I udnerstand you being scared, I am too, I just wrote in just how scared I am and said exactly what you did. I'm scared of Dying. I hope more people write in to help you so I can mooch off of the advise. I'm going in for my first Dr's appt. tomorrow and we'll see what he says about my concerns, whether or not we can perform the surgery with a spinal or epidural anethetic instead of general . I don't do well with that kind. Lots of luck to you! Please keep us posted on EVERYTHING. I'm definately going to be looking into the board for all of your postings. M

Hey there everyone, I am please to say that I am now almost 6 months post op andhave lost 87 pounds I am so proud of myself and now have an amazing zest for life. I hope everyone is doing great and is as happy as I am. I miss you all.

In my case, it may be now. But she's pushin' 29, and I sure as hell don't want two almost-14-and-a-half-year-olds. WHY? She is a piggy-car person. Her father is a piggy-car person. I thought it was a recessive gene. IT IS NOT. It is dominant. And it may be incurable. (My father waxed his car and cleaned his carbuerator every couple of weeks; my father-in-law just flicked his ashes on the carpet when the ashtray was full. For years.) Her mechanic is VERY expensive, so we traded cars and took her car to our mechanic. So that's why I know that the three two-liter bottles of tonic Water and case of 8 ounce waters and stuff from the play she was in...in college.…

I'm back from mini-vacation and out-of-town guests and getting ready for some minor construction in the kitchen. ("Minor" meaning I have to empty only a couple of cabinets. I hope.) I'd pop in and comment in numerous threads (as I usually do) but I'm getting caught up on laundry and all. I'll try to choose wisely. Sue

i found this on obesityhelp.com's message board http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?RedirectEnter&partner=777701&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi%2Eebay%2Ecom%2Fws%2FeBayISAPI%2Edll%3FViewItem%26item%3D2985214172%26category%3D3149%26ssPageName%3DADME%3AB%3AEF%3AUS%3A1 this is a link to a banded person selling info on the lapband and selling links to other peoples websites. i wrote this person an email: what are you selling here? i have the lapband and i am offended that you are selling info that can be recieved for free on the internet and at $7.99??? do the people that you have links for KNOW that you are SELLING links to THEIR website? if you were truly trying…

For those that were shelf paid or have an excess of 7.5% med expences (includeing air fare/gas/prescriptions..out of pocket expences) of there adjusted total income. This is a reminder ... while doing your taxes. I'm getting back $2,400.00+$ additional for my Band placement.(both fed/state combined) :cool:even though I did it in MX. :confused:

My doctor set up a website log thing, which I haven't really tried except to look at it. I see where they put my ideal weight at 144 lbs!! Now in 1973 I was on the HCG shots program and got down to 167 and with a barrel chest and big bones at about 5'10", my wife said I was way to skinny. It wasn't a problem for long, of course. So I'm shooting for 190. Let the other 46 lbs go where they may. When I was too skinny I kept walking into people on the sidewalk. It seems that when I am larger, people tend to give me the right of way. Something I'd never thought about before. Maybe at the right weight I'll get the sense to pay attention to where I'm going!! LOL Ha…

Wow, I am SO PSYCHED about joining the Y!! We have discovered a whole new (and recently renovated) world of activities and diversions. I don't know if all Ys are like this, but the one near me has state-of-the-art facilities and great hours. Yesterday morning I took a "Back In Shape" low-impact aerobic class, this afternoon the girls and I went swimming (well, bouncing in the Water if you want to get technical), and any evening during the week both DH and I could work out while the girls are at the babysitting area. The babysitting costs $3.50/hour per child!! I am totally ramped. Everyone has a Y near them somewhere. Check it out!!

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you keeping this website going. I was suppose to have my surgery on 2/23/04 but now 3/2/04. I was just approved by my insurance on Thursday. YEAH!..I just find every support group at the hospital I am having the surgery is for Gastric Bypass. I can't seem to find one person having or had Lapband. Most of the material does not apply to me or at least I do not think it does. I am so glad I have this website to turn to so I know what to expect. Thanks, Christine:)

This winter weather is really getting to me!! We've had three snow days already this year during which I'm housebound with two little kids. This is a PRIME munchout circumstance. How do we entertain ourselves when we can't go out? There are only so many drawings to color, dolls to tear heads off of, and toy cars to trip over before someone has the bright idea to bake cupcakes (or brownies, or a cake, or something). By the time that's been suggested I'm ready for a margarita--but I don't drink so the baking commences. Suggestions, please, on indoor activities that don't involve eating? :confused:

Hi Every 1 I just had surgery on Friday the 23rd. I had diarahha after drinking that liquid (Sat afternoon) for my x-ray which i realize is normal but is it normal to still have it sunday at 10 pm. I have absolutely no desire to drink/eat and i am concerned about becoming dehdydrated. I am feeling that gurgling feeling in my stomach which i am assuming is the air still? Am i doing ok should i be concerned?

If any of you should belong to a gym that offers kickboxing, try it! Not just tae bo, but real kickboxing, with gloves and heavy bags. Oh man, I went today and it was SO much fun! Didn't know if I'd make it through the class, but amazingly enough, I did. Good for releasing stress and aggression too. If you've ever thought about trying it, DO IT! I had SO much fun.

Now you are as old as my husband. Hope your birthday is filled with lots of positive energy and you have a great day. I will see you at the next support group. Just know that I will always be younger than you!

Hi Everyone, I figured out how to resize my photo to know more than 50 x 50 pixels... but every photo I try is of such bad quality. How did those of you who have posted your photos, get such clear shots? Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks,

Hi every one!! I am new to the site. I am havin lapband in 2 weeks. Any one got any advice/words of wisdom? I could use it! I am excited but a bit nervous to fail. Nice to meet every 1! Mandy

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife. Please keep us posted. I know she'll be okay, someone's gotta keep a wiseguy like you in line!

Where are you? Are you okay? Are you all skinny and leading a happy, active life and too busy for internet bulletin boards? Keep in touch!

Has anyone "seen" Alexandra lately? She has not been posting or replying to us!!! She must be busy chasing the kidos!!! She is my twin bandster and sometimes I feel like a part of me is missing when she's gone!!! Help me find her!

A few short articles discussing obesity from the APA: http://www.apa.org/monitor/obesitytoc.html In particular, I find this article about fat bias among various professionals interesting (though not particularly shocking) http://www.apa.org/monitor/weighing.html

I was banded on 12/17/03, and I am actually surviving. I haven't had any problems at all. Still on the liquid phase, but moving onto the soft foods soon. I have lost 14 lbs since my pre-op date on 12/12/03. Thanksgiving and Christmas were really hard. I learned that where there's a will there's a way. Hanging in there. Continue the good luck everyone!

Had lunch a few days ago with some friends/former co-workers. One of the five of us is underweight, one is pretty much on target, two of us are wls patients (both still overweight, but nothing like pre-op) and then there's the other one. She is the nicest, smartest woman. But she is SO deep in denial. She actually said that her weight problems are not the result of overeating, because she doesn't eat very much. I used to have lunch with this woman on a daily basis. She eats much. Really much. And, as she was explaining that she doesn't eat much, she was finishing a HUGE beef-dip sandwich and fries. This is NOT a woman of limited intelligence. She is a brigh…

LapBand Surgeon Chat Original Post by Theresa C at 2:26 PM PST on 12/29/2003 ME - RNY (07/15/2003) Hello Members, tonight, December 29th at 6:00p.m PST we will be hosting a surgeon chat with a Lap Band Surgeon. This will be a one hour question and answer session about the procedure, pre op and post op care as well as various other issues. The chat will be held in the surgeon chat room and you can find that room by going to the main chat room or click on this link http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/chatroom.phtml Once you are there, click on the announcement banner that will be at the top of the page and this will take you to the Surgeon Chat room. The ro…

this is my boyfriend and our doggies...bear, star, and steve. I love them!!!!!

Well, I know at least Donali wanted to hear it so here it goes... Last night I had my first "date" with Steve, the 31 year old Anesthesiologist...we went to Max & Erma's... Now I know all of you are thinking...what did you eat...well I ordered a glass of Cabernet to calm my nerves...yeah...I was lit like a Christmas Tree! I also ordered a chicken salad and picked at it...didn't want to PB on my new found love...it was good... I am pretty confident it went well...I felt I looked nice...I had on a red turtleneck sweater and my cute new SIZE 18 Tommy Jeans...I was praying like hell I would lose 50lbs yesterday but it just didn't happen...now let's pray he likes a …

Of course after being healthy... cute summer dresses trying a waterslide(they look sooo fun) getting dressed up all cute to go dancing sleevless shirts high heels being carried by my husband easier time rolling over when sleeping actually like having my picture taken Geez, I'm such a girl!! :cheeky

hey donali how could you post your 232 pics on your webpage and not tell anyone!!! i just checked your 'page' and saw you! WOW you are very pretty!!!! what a difference in your face!!!!

Well, the holidays present several issues to a bandster...me being a bit new to it all I would love advice. How do you tell people who do not know? How do you avoid the "bad" foods? How do you not smack the ral thin girl going "OMG I just wish I could eat more than this one scoop of potatoes!" (j/K)... basically how do you plan on making it through this Christmas?

hi all! i got my hair whacked off! 11 inches! i donated to locks of love. i love my new hair cut it was donated by a trendy hair salon in nashville. in talking with the hairdresser about weight loss i got really irritated with her when she (super skinny like maybe a size 4) commented that while people can be predispostioned to be overweight it is a personnal chioce to be overweight!! it is calories taken in and what you burn. she runs 20 miles a week to be able to eat what she wants, and she has never had a weight problem. well if she had dealt with a weight problem i might have taken what she said to heart! Thanks for the haircut though! i'll post a pic tommorrow…

Hello! I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts. I am considering having the lapband. My first consultation is tomorrow. I have not been successful in following a diet thus far. What will change when I get the band. My doctor tells me the band is only good for people who eat large meals at one time. I am more a snacker. Do you think that statement is true? I would truly appreciate an honest opinion. Hope to be a bandster soon Christine

The 17th is the day for me. I am on liquids right now. I am starving. I could eat this computer right about now. It will be worth it sooner or later. I am more worried about the air bubbles, or gas pains more than the surgery. Good luck to all.

I whant to know how many patient had this band remove? do to complications . I had this band for two years and has to be remove because my doctor sead it was going in to my liver I almost died, I had nausea and everything I eat was vomiting . My douther olso had the surgery and is going thrue all this complications with gastroesophageal reflux. Can you please tell me ho have had problems with this surgery or is only me . thank you.

HELLO ALL I WAS BANDED ON 08/09/03 AND I HAVE LOST 80LBS AND I FEEL GREAT AND ITS NICE TO KNOW THAT MY IBMS ARE 49.1 INSTAD OF 94.1 BANDED BY Dr. Arturo Rodriguez 355/270/150

I have met a mini-goal and am working toward my first big one. I have lost 75lbs and have 4 1/2 months to lose the other 25lbs to my first big goal. I will still have 82 lbs after that to be at goal. I know I can do it and hopefully I will lose more than that. I want to be at -100 by my one year anniversary.

I had my surgery Tuesday and was doing great and so far liquids are going down great w/no problems. Well today I started getting REALLY hungry and my stomach hurts from the hunger pangs and let me tell you the liquids are not doing it. Anyways today was Thanksgiving and I was bad! I feel like such a failure because I had mashed potatoes and some other mushy stuff that I know I should not be eating yet. It went down fine and all I noticd now is that I have alot more gas -my fault. I gave into the smells and the food all looked so good. Today was a bad day food wise but tomorrow I know I need to be good BUT I can't stand the hunger pain! Did any of you guys go thr…

Hi everyone,didnt want everyone to think i fell of the earth.I've just been busy with Holiday ect.Hope you all have a safe and happy thanksgiving. Beth

Its nice to know I have so much support on here thanks every one for being there. Isabella 355/271/150

Hello everyone my name is Zhanna and I just had my surgery on November 17 with dr Shayani, IL. The surgery went fine, Dr S is great and very good in what he does. I am enjoying my liquids now for 3 days:) and they are going down fine. I still have some soreness in my port area and gas in my chest but overall it is not bad. I move around take walks for about 20 minutes outside. Can not wait to move to a next step my mushi/blanderized food to see what happens