lalinda1236

Hello, I've been banded for almost two years. I've had a crazy journey. Lost weight, gained some back, mainly my fault. For quite a few months I was too tight and didn't realize it. It got to the point that I was contemplating removing the band. I would throw up every single day, some days it got so bad that I couldn't even swallow my own saliva. Finally I went for an unfill, the doctor took out 1cc. I have a 10 cc band and was at 6.4, now i'm at 5.4 Once she removed the cc I was immediately better. It's been well over a month and I've only thrown up twice and that's because both times I truly didn't chew chicken well and couldn't pass it. Now here's my current problem. About a week ago I felt a weird tingling sensation on my port area. Not painful, but weird. Then a few hours later I had a sharp pain on my side (right side, closes to the port) and sharp shoulder pain. I figured it was gas because I had a laparoscopic procedure done two weeks prior in my pelvic area and was still dealing with the gas from surgery. However, the pain on my side and shoulder has not gone and I"m getting worried. I can't take a deep breath, when I do, I feel a sharp tug/stab like feeling on my side and on my shoulder. It's not so bad when I'm standing, but it is worse when I'm laying down. I"m a side sleeper and laying on either side now bothers me. It's almost as if when I lay on my side I'm pulling on something inside me which causes the tugging like feeling and shoulder pain. I was hoping it would have gone by now, but I no longer think it's gas from my recent surgery. I would go to my lap band doctor but of course, as soon as this started, my job changed our medical insurance and they are telling me they cover ZERO obesity treatment, including follow up visits or diagnostic visits for lap band. I was wondering if this has happened to anyone? Any ideas what it might be? All answers are welcome! Thanks, Niobe

Yes I still have it. Don't remember every having any issues with it. You think that might be it?

Yeah I was thinking my previews procedure had something to do with it. I had a lot of tissue in and around my pelvis and reproductive organs. The doctor said I also had a lot in my abdominal wall and some was attaching to my liver. She wasn't sure if some of it was scar tissue from the lap band surgery. They removed all the scar tissue. I made everyone in the OR very aware that I had a lap band in place as I was afraid they would hurt it. Which I assume the didn't as I've had no complaints until now. I'm supposed to go see my gyno for a follow visit on Tuesday. I will ask her then if this is common. Thanks!

Oh I forgot to mention. I haven't had in the past or now any acid reflux. Ive seen last of posts about how reflux is the #1 sign of band slippage. I don't have that.

Hello, I had my lap band done almost two years ago. About a week ago, my gyno found a rather larger cyst on my left ovary. They will be doing a laparoscopic procedure like the lap band. I just want to see if anyone has had this done? Or another laparoscopic procedure after lap band? Will my band be safe? I worry about the gas that will be used during this new surgery and what damage it can cause to my band in the long run? Help me!

Hello Everyone, I've had my band for like 6 months now and I'm doing pretty well. Did anybody encounter issues with oatmeal? I don't eat it too often but I do enjoy it for breakfast. A couple of days ago I had a small instant pack which I make with milk and I ate it with no problems. Today I made another pack and had to throw up as I got stuck. I didn't eat it too quickly, nor did I take a bigger amount than normal at one time. I got stuck and waited until it down as I didn't need to throw up. Then I tried again after a couple of minutes and at that time I had to throw up. Maybe it wasn't liquid enough? I always make it with milk. Has anybody encountered that they can't eat oatmeal anymore? I'd hate to let it go forever, I do love it.

Thanks everybody! I have found that my band is different each day. Some days I have no issues and other days it feels like it doesn't want me to eat at all. My personal trainer really wants me to eat breakfast, but early meals are really tough on me. I'll try the whole hot drink in the am first. I've noticed when I have a cup of hot coffee in the morning I'm usually hungry afterwards so that might help me. Thank you again! Good luck to everyone on their journey.

When I got my band, I was on liquids for 11days, not mushy but liquids like juice and water. I lost 15 pounds in 11 days, that was over a pound a day. After I introduced food, the weight stopped falling as fast because my body wasn't in shock anymore. I was nervous about my first fill too, but you will be fine. Surgery is a lot more frightening. They will talk to you to see how you're doing, then they will lay you down feel around the area for the port and they will use a very very small needle for needle. It's a very tiny prick. No blood or anything of the sort and the whole process takes about three minutes. You should do liquids for 24 hours after the fill, I don't follow this rule and always end up throwing up which is sooooo bad for you. So save yourself the headache and do liquids for 24 hours. Good luck!

Some of my friends have told me that they lost a lot of hair when they went through the weight loss and others say they didn't lose any. I guess it has a lot to do with how quickly you lose the weight? I was banded six months ago and I've lost 40 pounds. Just recently I've noticed that the front of my hair has a notable amount of hair missing. It happened gradually I guess, and one day I just realized that it was less than I recalled. I was also not doing good with my vitamins. Since I noticed the hair I started taking my vitamins everyday plus taking 5000 mcg of Biotin. Not sure if it's working or not but I'm not seeing less hair in that area. Either way, you won't go bald, and I guess losing the weight is more important to me than the hair loss. Hair will grow back according to my friends that lost some.

Hello everyone, I have the 10cc band and im at 5.5, I was wondering what type of restriction should I be feeling? How much were you guys able to eat at this stage? Thanks

Hello, I was wondering if anybody here has used some type of body shaper or girdle that helped with body shaping and reducing waste line in the long run? I've never been happy with my waste. It has always been wider than my hips and legs area. So when I buy jeans, they are tighter on the waste than on my legs and butt. But now that I am very overweight, it is very noticable, well at least to me. What I want to know is, are there any girdles in particular that any of you have used for the same purpose? Did they help you shrink your waste line in the long run? Which one did you use? I would ultimately like to get a body shaper for this purpose and that I can use it for every day wear as well as occasional work out. All related feedback is appreciated. Thank you Everyone!

Hello! I'm down 26 lbs and was wondering about my breats today. Do allaen need a breast lift? are there any exercises or tricks to prevent needing surgery? I know that insurance companies don't pay for plastic surgery.

Hey All, Almost 2 months banded and about to get my 2nd fill. I have a question about Protein. I've been drinking Muscle Milk brand because it tastes good. I've tried others and they are nauseating. Is this good protein? The only problem is that my doctor said I should replace a meal for these? When I drink a muscle milk I'm full but only for like 20 mins. What Protein shakes do you drink? Which are better tasting and satisfying?

Hi congrats on the surgery.... for me gas lasted about 3 weeks... I remember being so upset about the gas pain... but it does pass

im feeling the same way... I got 2.5 cc's two weeks ago and im so hungry

I was banded 11/30/12. I had my first fill 12/31/12, I was wondering do I really have to wait 30 days before my next fill? My first fill didn't really give me much restriction.

thanks everyone.. My doctor says min 4 weeks... i guess ill just wait it out.

Hello, I'm 20 days post op today and have been gaining weight. Initially I lost some weight but as soon as I had the go ahead to move on from the liquid diet I have been gaining the weight I lost back. I haven't weighed myself but I feel it. I'm not going to lie, I've done a little cheating here and there but nothing crazy! Can that be the cause? I haven't had any fills yet because my doctor requires 6 weeks post op.

Just a few days ago I felt really tight and now I don't. I'm also able to drink water much easier and faster than I was able to last week. I'm also able to eat my puréed food easily. I am wondering if I can have real food now? I'm not trying to go crazy or anything, but can I have a little rice? or a little meat? I'm getting hungry!

Day 10 and I'm thirsty! I know I'm a little dehydrated I know. But how can I make it better if I have to sip? I want to drink my 4 oz fast but I'm scared of making myself sick, but on the same token I'm so thirsty! Will I be sick from drinking too fast?

Today I've been banded 7 days and feeling better physically. But my emotions are all over the place. I'm beginning o see the pants get loose and the jackets zipping up easier than a week ago. But I'm mentally so hungry. I actually cried on my way to work today because I realized it's Friday and I won't be able to hang out with my family because I can't eat yet. I mean, technically I could hang out with them, but I don't want to be around food I can't have. I know it sounds selfish and childsh, but it's like this huge part of my lifestyle has been removed and I don't know what to do with myself. When lunch hour comes at work, I just sit there and continue working, just a week ago I used to go with coworkers for lunch and enjoy myself. Now i'm duckng my head whenever someone is eating. And if that wasn't bad enough, my mind is torturing me, I keep thinking about chewing my favoirte meal. This must be what drug addicts go through. I know that this is ultimately good for me, but no amount of talking to your doctor prior to surgery can prepare you for these days.

Thank you everyone!

Im not having luck getting the whole 48 0z down... it's just hard because of the gas pain. Today I returned to work and had a more or less good day except the horrible gas. But now I'm in class and feeling weak and almost faint. I don't see my doctor for my follow up appt until this upcoming Monday. Should I be concerned?