Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

BariatricPal

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
  • Appearance

Join BariatricPal free

  • Ask your own questions
  • Reply and follow topics
  • Message other members
  • No cost, no spam

lipstix64

LAP-BAND Patients
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by lipstix64

  1. First of all- calm down! It is as simple as the following: I went to a group of Bariatric surgeoins well in know in Westchester County , New York. This is how my surgery went-doctor procedure requirements vary; I couldnt have solid foods 3 days prior-just broth, liquids, coffee, clear Soups, etc. No dairy products 2 days before. The said I could have 1/2 cup coffee if I HAD to. They gave me a pill to alleviate nausea from the anesthetic and then went into surgery after they ask all their questions about allergies, what surgery you are having, who's picking you up and so forth. They bring you into operting room, put IV in your arm, and anesthesia. You dont even realize you;re getting sleepy and 10 seconds you're out cold. Surgey takes 45 mins to 1 hour. You wake up and feel like your chest has something on it. They ask you to cough with a pillow over your stomach to test your lungs, give you that thing to breathe into with the ball in it to expand your lungs, check your vitals and then wheel you to recovery. I stayed in recovery until my sister was able to pick me up, so I relaxed for a while. But they want to keep you in recovery for at least 3 hours. They gave me a couple of 1 oz cups of Water, thats all. You will be VERY dry and they limit the water. The heaviness in your chest goes away . I didnt have to dao an Barium. I went in for surgery at 9am and went home at 5pm. Take a pillow for the ride home-seatlbelt might bother you. They dont stitch you up, you get whats called Steri-strips. These are underneath the gauze whic falls off in about 3-4 days by itself. the steri-strips leave alone. Let them fall off also or until doc tells you to. You will feel gas pains like you never imagined. I thought my back was breaking. I had gas pains in my back, neck, and arm. You have to get up and walk around very soon after surgery to alleviate that and to prevent blood clots. I felt great. Take your painkillers whether you need to or not-they will help you sleep. You cant cleep on your side or stomach for about 3 weeks- I couldnt. I went out after about 4 days. I drank water, broths, sugar fee pops, tomato soups, and my 1 shake per day. You cant pick up anything heavy-no kids, no pets, no laundry baskets either. Walk around as much as you can. I had surgery on Thursday and went back to work a week from Monday. Bring Chapstick because your lips will be very dry. Good luck !! It so big deal, believe me! I was soscared to go under and I realized I had nothing to worry about. Neither will you.:sneaky:
  2. Im with ya! My band might be a little tight, too. But, thats fine with me. I am learning lessons the hard way. Just now, I had two crackers with tuna on them and I'm stuck, but I think its because of how fast I eat and the big bites. I cant seem to get the hang of eating small bites and chewing to a pulp. But, what is this pineapple pill?
  3. I forgot one more thing!!! Dont even try to drink water thinking it will help it go down-WRON!!!!! That DOESNT WOrK!!!! The water will feel like its coming back up too- itmakes things worse.
  4. OK- here goes. I got banded in October, 1st and 2nd fill didnt really work, got 3rd fill last week-WOW!!!! If I dont chew enough or take really small bites and eat slowly, there is a feeling of food not going down and not coming up; really uncomfortable. You will WANT to throw up just to get rid of that feeling of discomfort and pain. You will create a lot of saliva that is fairly thick and the food will just come up with the littlest effort. There is no burping sound- they just call it that.
  5. Once your hormones get back in check, the hair kiss will stop. Doesnt make a difference how much protein or biotin u take.
  6. I got my 3rd fill and first time I feel restricted. Third time is a charm! But what a difference it makes. I still want to eat, but I physically cant because it might come back up. I dont feel full, my band does!. But, I;m gratefull for this. I just have to tak smaller bites and eat slowly. Thats my biggest challenge. I am normally a fast eater who swallows big pieces at a time. Not anymore!! That causes pain adn discomfort and it is NOT woth it. But, if you have pain, you should call your doc. That shouldnt be happening. Good luck!
  7. I DO watch my carbs, that part of how we lose weight, but I dont drive my self crazy if I want to have whol grain bread, brown rice or a potato. I lose weight steadily every week and eat the way my nutritionist suggested, just like you said- Proteins, then vegetables and then carbs. Sometimes I dont eat that way and I still lose weight. Its important for me to feel like a"normal person" when eating not like some prisoner of food. This is what works for me, everyone is different. Good luck, all.!
  8. Nothing you can do. It has nothing to do with how much protein or how much Biotin you take. Its hormonal and as soon as your system gets back to normal, it will stop.
  9. You will be able to eat anything really. Its not like you can never eat that food again. Its just if you want to lose weight, you have to eat like your on a diet. Its no different. Some foods might not be so easy to eat anymore without a problem. I can eat anything, but certain foods like rice feel like its stuck in my chest, like indigestion. Dont think that this is a prison sentence where you will never eat hamburger or hot dogs or fried shrimp again, that is a big misperception. You just wont be able to eat as much as you used to. You will get "full" faster on a small amount. Let me clarify the "Full" part. You dont get full like you did where u feel so loaded up to your ears full- its that your little pouch is full where you cant physically get anymore food in. If you try, you will throw it up. This feeling you get is very uncomfortable and you need to stop eating BEFORE you get to this point and have to be aware of that. This is why the band is only a tool. You SHOULD chose foods that are low in fat, high in protein, and low in carbs, thts all. I had the band done in october and have lost about 35 lbs so far-Slow and steady. It takes willpower too-so good luck!
  10. I just bought something called Colon Cleanse- raspberry flavored- add two tsp to water 2 times a day and give it time to work. It is made with psyllium husk-the best ever - I was so constipated that I made myself bleed-(sorry so gross) I drink this twice a day and I'm great-never constipated and no diarrhea, regular stools. Youll just be a little gassy until your body adjusts to the fuiber intake. Here is the link- HP Colon Cleanse Psyllium Husk 17 oz.
  11. I was terrifed too! If you want to call me, I can talk to you about it and what to wxpect and what to bring with you. Dont be scared. You can call if you want after 6pm eastern tonite-914-302-7372. My name is Lisa. Good luck. nuthin to be afraid of . i felt the same way.
  12. My insurance company required I lose at least 5% of my body weight. The reason is to make sure you are "committed" and that you will try. My doctor suggested this as well so my liver shrinks. This is to have better access to my stomach and if my liver is fatty, it makes it harder to get to. You really have to try hard. I felt that if I could lose weight on my own, I wouldnt need the band. But, you have to work for this. It will be worth it. I had to lose 12 lbs in three months and lost 14. Do you know how fast you can lose that? Just drink two shakes(Isopure) per day and eat a regular dinner, drink a lot of water. Weigh yourself once a week. If you want to cheat, keep it to minimum on the weekends. We all have SOME willpower as we have all lost weight in the past. I just got my surgery in October, lost about 35 lbs, including pre=op its about 50. Good luck.
  13. The problem with your NO-CARB diet is the minute you eats carbs, you will stop losing weight and then gain it back. What youre doing sounds like the Atkins Diet. My doctors and nutritionists told us not to follow that diet because it not the right way to eat. We were told to eat low-carb, low-fat, ans high protein. I cant change my weight loss ticker, but since starting the pre-op in June up till now I have lost almost 50 lbs AND I eat carbs, like whole wheat bread, potatoes, rice, etc. I'm not perfect and have fallen off the wagon and have eaten anything I want in moderation and still lost weight. I dont keep track of anything. I just try to realize when I've had enough and if I dont, I go right back on track the next day. It makes me feel like a "normal" person when I dont have to scrutinize everything I eat .. I just got my 3rd fill and this is the first time I've have had significant restriction to where I really have to chew, eat slowly, and slow down. Since my fill on Wednesday, I have lost 4lbs. Maybe you also have hit a plateau. It happens, especially if you have been losing steadily all along. But, good luck. I know its rough, but you look fabulous! Great picture!
  14. You should speak to your doctor, but the Lap Band ISNT put in with Fluid. Mine wasnt and everyone I know hasnt had fluid in ther band when it was put in. That would be unusual. Maybe you have alot of swelling that is causing this or maybe the Realize band has fluid when inserted. In that case, you can have the saline drained. But dont panic. Its a simple procedure, just as if you get a fill.
  15. Hi, if thats ur pic here, you look fabulous for 41! I have always been compliemnted on how pretty I am and I am nervous too about how my skin will look. Anyway, skin elasticity involves a lot of factors: your age, your genes, the amount of weight you lose and how quickly you lose it, and if you exercise. I have better skin elasticity than a lot of younger, thinner people. It really depends. My mother had great skin elasticity. I also noticed that if you lose weight at a slow, steady pace, your skin might not sag so much. Exercise really helps as you lose weight too. Alos, I have read in numerous articles that you should wait at least a year and a half after youve lost all of your weight to give your skin a chance to get used to your new body and alot if will bounce back. But, I heard on here about some great creams. One of them can be bought at the Bath and Body shop and it is call "Bring up the rear". You can use it on arms, legs, neck and it smells great. Also, Palmer's brand makes a whole line of lotions and creams for firming up skin. I havent tried any of them, but a lot of people here have suggested both of them. Good luck to us all!
  16. You really dont need to be numb beforehand. Youre getting a needle so that the next needle doesnt hurt? I have gotten two fills so far and it was only a little pinch. My doctor was right. I dont need to be numb. I heard the needle that numbs you is worse. So, why bother? I have very little stomach fat, so its not like I have any cushioning that makes it easier. Try is once. I guarantee you will never get numbed again. Believe me, I dont like pain, but this is only a little prick-no big deal.
  17. Its just gas pains, believe it or not. You will feel it in your back, neck, and arm. I thought it was the chair I was sitting in. Take some gas X and walk as much as you can. It will help
  18. It means productive burp- your saliva gets thick and you throw up hwat wont go down
  19. You dont have to crush the pills- I was told I didnt have to, so I didnt. I had no problems. Try it.
  20. That doesnt sound right. They are ripping off the insurance company big time! This is what brings up costs to consumers. Fraudulent charges being submitted to your insurance. I would report them. My doctor group sent me an invoice for $5,000 and I was responsibile for $960. I was in recovery for about 6 hours. Thats way too much.
  21. u shouldnt go back the next day-u really need at least a week.
  22. Pysillium husk- miracle drug. comes in powder or capsules. It works great-I asked the doctor if I can take it an dhe said yes.
  23. Your doctor doesnt sound sensible. My nutritonist and doctor dont want us doing Atkins at all. Its not healthy. and once you start eating carbs, you will put all that weight back on. You need to unfill a little, so you can eat healthy foods, like vegetables, protein, and some whole grain carbs. Good luck

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.