Forestcat5

I had my 3rd fill on Feb 29th. (6.5 in a 11cc band) Not too long after that I started noticing I have shortness of breath on and off throughout the day. I have very, very little restriction, so I've never thrown up or slimed or had much trouble eating. The shortness of breath is worrying me...... However - I've had a lot of stress (much more than normal), and I'm wondering if that is what is causing my problem. I plan on calling my surgeon's office tomorrow, but was wondering if anyone else ever had shortness of breath after surgery, or after a fill, or within the first few months of surgery? Thanks,

Shortness of breath --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I posted this in the General Lapband forum, but now I think I should have put it in this one......... I had my 3rd fill on Feb 29th. (6.5 in a 11cc band) Not too long after that I started noticing I have shortness of breath on and off throughout the day. I have very, very little restriction, so I've never thrown up or slimed or had much trouble eating. The shortness of breath is worrying me...... However - I've had a lot of stress (much more than normal), and I'm wondering if that is what is causing my problem. I plan on calling my surgeon's office, but was wondering if anyone else ever had shortness of breath after surgery, or after a fill, or within the first few months of surgery? Thanks,

My last fill was Feb 29th, and that put me at 6.5. Since my first fill, the only thing I feel different is I get full a little faster. The day after each fill I get the stuck feeling if I try to eat too much, but that goes away by day 2 or 3. I have my 4th fill on April 11th. I just posted a question on the main forum about shortness of breath. I've been noticing it for a while now - and wonder if it has anything to do with my last fill. (I think it started soon after that) Of course there's the worry of a blood clot - but almost 5 months after surgery? I've had a lot of stress the past month, so maybe it's anxiety. I plan on calling the surgeon's office about it. I'll keep you posted. Sorry to hear about your over-fill. Did you get in to the Dr for an unfill? If so - are you feeling better? Let me know.

Hi terrisch - I'm still plugging along. Had my 3rd fill last week and still little or no restriction. I'm getting very discouraged and having a heck of a time trying to stay motivated. Since this fill, I hardly care at all. But I'm trying to stay on low carb. I know maybe the next fill or 2 will do it, but until then.....:smile2: How are you doing? Do you have good restriction?

terrisch - I've been doing the "Walk Away the Pounds" videos, but I'm still on mile ONE. I have arthritis in my hips and lower back, so even doing 1 mile kicks my butt. I also have some "bands" that I'm going to start alternating days with. I'm on my feet almost all day at work, so some days when I get home the last thing I want to do is walk a mile. What kind of exercise are you doing?

Hello! I've been off line for awhile because I spilled a cup of coffee on my laptop and had to send it away to get fixed. :Cry: terrisch and sbee - how are you doing? How many fills have you had? I'm doing ok. My second fill is scheduled for Jan 22. The only restriction I have is in the morning - I can only get down liquids so I have an Atkins drink and coffee. Then around 9:30 I have some Cream of Wheat or oatmeal (I really CRAVE them!). For lunch and supper I basically do low carb - but have to fight to keep my portions under control. I gained a few lbs over the holidays, but managed to take them off, plus a few more lbs in the last 2 weeks. I've had a few "stuck" moments, but nothing major. My clothes are pretty baggy, and I can wear a smaller size in most things. And I started exercising....... So I feel like I'm on track - but I sure would like some of that all day restriction I've been hearing about!!! I hope to hear from you soon!

Hi dmrink - Welcome! I'm also from the Cleveland area and was banded at St Vincent Hospital on Nov 1st. Good luck on the Medicare!!! Let us know what you find out.

terrisch - I've hit a rough spot also - too many sweets, and I even had ice cream. I had my first fill on Dec 14th, and had about a week of feeling full faster, but then it went away. I feel like I could eat an entire dinner like I did pre-band. But today I'm starting low carb again. My next fill is Jan 22, and I plan to call to see if I can go sooner. But the Dr has been on vacation so his schedule is probably full. Still - I'll give it a try anyway. Does anyone know if you can stretch your pouch, and if you have - will it shrink if you go back to eating very small amounts or just liquids? I'm getting a little paranoid that I've done some damage by eating too much. Or is it the guilt talking??

I had a similar situation: After the surgeon's office sent in my info I got a denial letter from my insurance co saying I hadn't met all the requirements. I was crushed, and had a second or two where I considered giving up. But I really thought I HAD done everything I was supposed to. I called the surgeon's office and they said I didn't send them everything that was required (which made me wonder then WHY they sent anything??) But I contacted my family Dr (who was very supportive) and she called my ins co, then faxed over the info they wanted - and I got an acceptance letter the next week! So I would say don't give up, take a deep breath and send the surgeon's office what they want, OR maybe see if your pcp can step in and contact your ins co directly. These things happen - the people at the surgeon's office have many, many people to handle, and tons of paperwork. I know it doesn't make the waiting any easier though!!! Good Luck!!!!!

sbee and Terrisch - Isn't Holiday time FUN!? I must admit that I have succumed to a few treats, but no where near the amount I would usually eat. I had my first fill on Dec 14th and I notice a teeny bit of difference - I feel full a little faster, and feel a heaviness in my chest at that point. But I can still eat more than a cup at a meal, and I'm hungry 1-2 hours later. So I'm looking forward to my next fill. I'm basically doing the Atkins diet, so I try to have protein for snacks. I'm losing weight and feeling good - can't ask for anything more! Happy Holidays!!!

I've lived in Florida and Ohio and I'll take Ohio ANY DAY over Florida. Too darn HOT!!!!!

Tommy O For President !!!!!

Linetta - Hang in there! I also got a headache when I began the Optifast. I believe it's from sugar withdrawal. Does your Dr allow you to have other liquids while you are on the Optifast? I was allowed to have broth. The pre-op diet and the few weeks after the surgery are "challenging" to say the least! And not too far down the road we WILL get to eat those foods we are dreaming about, just in much smaller amounts - and we will be full!!!! You have begun a wonderful journey that will result in better health and a better quality of life. You can do this!!!!!!

Congratulations!!! Glad to hear the surgery went well and you are too!

terrisch - When are the support groups? ( I know they told me, but for the life of me I can't remember!)

Welcome ohbearly! I'm also from Ohio and had my surgery Nov 1st in Cleveland. The surgery went well, and the surgeon also found and repaired a hiatal hernia at the same time. Other than dealing with the "problem" of my blood pressure dropping and trying to regulate my meds :clap2: - things are going GREAT! My increasing health issues were the #1 reason I decided to have this surgery, and I'm very excited that my BP is already improving! You are off to a good start - attending a seminar, reading all that you can on this site, and doing other research - is the way to go! You will find that there can be quite a few pre-op tests, especially for people our age who have other medical issues. Even though the pre-op testing was sometimes a pain to schedule, I felt that each one was necessary, and also felt that any surgeon worth his salt would want as much info as possible BEFORE he cuts you open. Best of luck to you!

terrisch - Sounds like you've hit your sweet spot!? I could eat a horse! The followup appt went well, except I didn't get to see Dr Ben-Meir. He was tied up at the hospital. Not that I HAD to see him - I didn't have any pressing questions. I mainly just wanted to ask him about the hernia, and to tell him thanks for the successful operation. I'm still having a lot of dizziness, and I posted a question about it on a thread on the main board, and got lots of answers. Most people say they believe it is my BP dropping quickly when I stand up (there is a medical term for it). So I'll call my Dr tomorrow, plus have the nurse at work take my BP throughout the day. It will be GREAT to cut down on my BP meds, if that's the case! Got your Christmas shopping done? I don't!

Thank you to everyone who answered! I will call my PCP tomorrow and leave a message (she will be in the office on Tues). Plus I'm going to have my BP taken several times tomorrow by the nurse at work because I'm sure my Dr will want to know my numbers. I'll let you know what I find out.

I had my surgery Nov 1st, and for the last week have been having dizziness. It's almost always after I stand up from a seated position, and happens at least 6 times a day. I told my surgeons nurse about it and she said to take in more protein, and to make sure I get in 64oz of water. I've done that for the last 2 days, and am still just as dizzy. It's not just a little light-headedness....it's been stop in my tracks and grab the nearest object because I feel like I'm going to fall down kind of thing. :faint: I am on 2 blood pressure meds, and my BP has been normal every time it has been taken. But I was wondering if it could still be low blood pressure - and it only happens when I stand up? I feel fine otherwise - no more pain, able to eat and drink (just started soft foods today). Anyone else have this happen?

kacee - THANK YOU!

CONGRATULATIONS FREEBIRD!!! (from one CIGNA client to another :biggrin1:)

munchkin392 - My Maine Coon is the oldest cat we have, so we call her the "Queen Mother". She has always been a sweet cat, but now when I introduce a new cat to the house she looks sooooo disgusted. She doesn't have much to do with them, but puts up with their antics, and when she's had enough - WHAP! she smacks them up side the head. They soon learn their limits. The cat my friend gave me is a newer breed called a Ragdoll. She paid $700 for it! She was heartbroken to give her up. I offered to pay her something, and she said no - she said she prayed I would take her because she KNEW she would be loved and well taken care of, so she wanted to give her to me for free. So I have 2 very large, very long-haired cats! And then I have one more long hair, and 2 short hair. But they ALL shed, and we must "de-cat" before we leave the house every morning with the lint brush. Any more cat lovers out there??

I'm also a cat lover. I currently have 5, and they are a constant supply of entertainment! 3 of them are rescues, 1 is from a friend that had to give it up due to her childs asthma, and 1 I bought - she's a Maine Coon. I had wanted one all of my life, and when I turned 40 I bought myself one. Happy Birthday to me!! We had a cat that was a thief - he would take our jewelry and stash it away. I found many necklaces in the basement, or rings and watches between the cushions of the furniture. (my husband always said we should let him outside and so he could steal other people's jewelry and earn his keep) Most of our cats have loved to play with the plastic rings that come with milk jugs. They carry them around the house in their mouths, and there have been a few times when they are walking around with them on their "wrists" like bracelettes. When my mother-in-law passed away a few years ago, the day of her funeral my husband kept complaining of his foot hurting. It was a very long day and evening and he was practically limping when we got back to the hotel. He immediately sat down to take off his shoe - and out fell a plastic ring! We laughed so hard - which was good after a very sad day. I love all animals, but have a special connection with cats, and can't imagine my life without them. Everyone who knows me says they will not be surprised in 20 years or so when they see me on the News being hauled out of a house that is bursting with hundreds of cats. Dare I dream? :biggrin1:

Hi buckeye_jc! Welcome to LBT! I am also from Ohio. I had my surgery on Nov 1st in Cleveland, and so far - so good! I've had a few surgeries in my life, and this one was the easiest. Of course there was some pain, but the pain meds took care of it, and I didn't even need pain meds after the 3rd day. Best of luck to you - and let us know how it goes!

Hi Novbeginning - Does your Dr have you on CLEAR liquids, or anything as long as it's liquid? I wasn't on clear liquids after surgery, so I had sugar free pop cicles and fudge bars, cream Soups - tomato Soup, cream of chicken soup (strained), sugar free hot chocolate, and Protein drinks to make sure I got in a lot of protein. (I drank Atkins) I had my surgery on a Thurs, and just like you - I was hungry by the 3rd day. I was really surprised that I was so hungry so soon!! Some days I would 4-5 Protein Drinks, plus other stuff in between. I was a worried that I was taking in too much, but still managed to lose 6lbs during that 2 weeks. Hope this helps!