crittlebird

Hi everyone, I am hoping some of you can help out. I had my surgery on April 20 of this year and have no fills, except what Dr put in during surgery. I am losing very well and am very happy with my band. I am just now in need of a fill. The last month or so, I have been having terrible gas (worse than the gas I have from just having the band, lol), My left side seems to swell with gas and eventually the gas works its way out. But it has been quite uncomfortable. Any suggestions or advice on what is going on, or how to fix it? Any replies would be appreciated. I go for my 1st fill 2 wks from today. Thanks!!!

I really enjoy the Any Whey protein powder, no taste. I mix it with sf choc carnation instant breakfast for 29 g of protein. It tastes great!!!! I believe you can get Any Whey in GNC's, I get mine from my docs office. Make sure it is "Any Whey".

Absolutely, without a doubt!!! Wish I had done it sooner!!! Good luck!!!

I bought a pill cutter and smasher. Some of my meds are quite large and I was told to break the x-large ones up into 4 pcs. They say anything bigger than an m&m needs to be cut. Hope this helps.

Hi all, I am hoping someone has some advice for me. First of all, I had my lap band installed on the 20th of April, this year. I have not had any fills yet (had to miss my 1st fill, no ride). Anyway, for the last 3 days my stomach feels distended and very uncomfortable. I am not vomiting or anything like that. I have a ton of gas and feel like I have to have a bowel movement constantly, but don't. I am not constipated. I am not able to eat much, trying just to do fluids. Even fluids make my stomach more distended. Does anyone know what this could be? Any thoughts would be helpful. I go in on the 21st of this month for a fill, but cannot make it to the doctor any sooner than that. It is quite a distance and I can't drive. The person who takes me can't do it until the 21st. Has anyone had this problem and what could it be?? What can I do to relieve the discomfort. I have tried gas medicine, it is not helping. I also tried tums, did not help. Any advice......

I wouldn't think you should be having this much pain at 4 days out. I would definitely call your doctor right away. My gas pains lasted a few days and I took a gas reliever that was a strip that melted on your tongue. That helped a lot, along with walking constantly. I hope things get better soon!!! Good luck!!!

Very informative and helpful. I agree, it should be available to all new comers. Thanks Wendell!!!!

Hi, I am 53 yrs old, with similar leg and back problems. I was banded on April 20th and have lost 19 lbs so far. I lost 11 before surgery. It is very hard for me to exercise, but I have been walking on my treadmill for 5 min a day. Now, I know that doesn't sound like much, but for me it is a lot. I will try to continue to up my time as time goes on, and as my back and leg allow. I also had 2 brainstem strokes at 49, so I feel I am doing great. Getting the lap band was the best thing I have ever done for myself. You will not regret it!!! Good luck to you!!!!

The things that I had ahead of time were: Chewable vitamins, protein powder or drinks ( I love the Any Whey protein powder you mix with things, no taste), plenty of liquids to drink, gas x strips, pillows for ride home, my port is right under my left breast (couldn't wear bra home, it is fine now), all ingredients for you protein drinks (many recipes in the Barix Book they give you), they make a cup with a wire whisk ball inside, I use that all the time, a blender and food processor (mine are together and only cost $39 at Walmart), soup broth (I agree the ones in the cartons work best, fat free), sugar-free gelatin and pudding, make ahead of time, I love old movies, so I had plenty available while I recuperated, also walk, walk, walk, even if it is just around the room, it helps with the gas and fluid retention. I did not have much pain after I came home, so I just took the liquid vicidin when needed. I also had my kids get my a good scale for my birthday right before surgery. I am sure they are things I am forgetting, but I think I came close. Great luck with your surgery and you will be losing weight before you know it. God Bless!!!!

I am new to the lap band, but so far I love it. I have had 2 strokes so I couldn't consider the bypass or sleeve. But, I will say, at my doctor's office you had to have a BMI of like 52 before insurance would pay for sleeve. Also, the part of the stomach they cut, they take out, it is gone forever. That was scary to me. At least with the bypass, they leave in the part of the stomach they cut. Search and search again, talk to people who have had all diff. surgeries, and see how they feel one year later. Good luck on your decision. I wish you the best!!!

I smoked before and after. I smoke about 10 a day, not good I know, but it is hard to diet and quit smoking at same time. You will be fine!!! Good luck!

I just had my surgery on April 20th, I am doing great. I have lost 7 lbs so far since surgery. I am 53 and have had 2 strokes, so if I can do it, so can you. I have been on liquids since the 19th of April, and now I am at the point where food does not interest me at all. That is since the surgery. At first, I would have cravings, but they go away after about a week or so. Good luck to all of you!!!

That is so awesome, gives us all hope. Any great advice is appreciated from us all, I,m sure.

Welcome, Hi, I have my surgery on the 20th of April. I think this forum is great. Hopefully you and I and all the other new comers will get advice and tips from some of the "old timers". Good luck with your surgery and I will post how things are going with me.

Hi, I will be banded on the 20th of April. Scared, nervous, and excited all at once. I hope and pray that all goes well for you, and this helps in your weight loss journey. Good luck!!!!

Hi, I will be getting banded on the 20th of April. It is very scary isn't it??? I pray all goes well for you and that it helps your weight loss journey. Good luck. Crystal

HI, Thank you so much for all the info you provided for us newbies!!! I can't tell you how much reading this has helped me. I am having surgery the 20th of April and am very nervous. I have so many questions and thoughts, etc.... You have answered many, so thank you very much. It is good to hear someone tell about their real life success stories. It is a journey and will be different for all of us. I hope and pray that I can be as successful as you, and I think if I follow the rules and stay positive, I will. I weigh in at 290 lbs right now and have many health issues, including 2 strokes, I am 53 yrs old. I also have many back issues, so exercise is going to be a problem. I am doing physical therapy 2x a week. Wish me luck and God speed on this journey. And again, thank you for your post!!!! Your Lap Band Sister, Crystal

Hi, I am new to this forum. My name is Crystal and I will be having my lap band surgery on the 20th of April. Yay!!! I am scared and nervous. I am so afraid I will not lose weight. A little background on me. I am 53 yrs old, I had 2 strokes when I was 49 (I know). I have serious back problems (am not able to exercise at this point), and other issues. I weigh 290 lbs (am even ashamed to say so, but the truth is better than a lie). What I am afraid of is that say when I am sick I don't eat very much and I never lose weight, so I am afraid that without eating much with the lap band that I will not lose. Please help me out with positive reinforcements. I so need advice and support on everything right now. I have done a lot of research and sometimes I see a lot of posts where people say they do not lose much with the band. And then other sites where people have had great success. Now, I know that is up to each individual on how dedicated you are (and I am), but I would love positive stories and support. I need to know everything right now, lol. I hope that you will all accept me and help me along my weight loss journey. As I will help and encourage you whenever possible. I feel support is truly a great "tool" in weight loss. Thank you for listening. All responses appreciated. Especially before surgery, I am very nervous and don't know what to expect. Your Lap Band Sister, Crystal One Day at a Time!

Hi, I am new to this forum. My name is Crystal and I will be having my lap band surgery on the 20th of April. Yay!!! I am scared and nervous. I am so afraid I will not lose weight. A little background on me. I am 53 yrs old, I had 2 strokes when I was 49 (I know). I have serious back problems (am not able to exercise at this point), and other issues. I weigh 290 lbs (am even ashamed to say so, but the truth is better than a lie). What I am afraid of is that say when I am sick I don't eat very much and I never lose weight, so I am afraid that without eating much with the lap band that I will not lose. Please help me out with positive reinforcements. I so need advice and support on everything right now. I have done a lot of research and sometimes I see a lot of posts where people say they do not lose much with the band. And then other sites where people have had great success. Now, I know that is up to each individual on how dedicated you are (and I am), but I would love positive stories and support. I need to know everything right now, lol. I hope that you will all accept me and help me along my weight loss journey. As I will help and encourage you whenever possible. I feel support is truly a great "tool" in weight loss. Thank you for listening. All responses appreciated. Especially before surgery, I am very nervous and don't know what to expect. Your Lap Band Sister, Crystal