KarenWB

Tell your doctor and ask for a fluroscopy... or barium swallow to see what might be wrong in there. They did one on me. All was fine but it is good to know that nothing is wrong!

It's demoralizing to hear such stories about the lap band. I have high hopes and am now feeling discouraged.
However, I wonder how many who aren't making progress NOT following the plan? I mean... eating two steaks (even if small) isn't supposed to happen unless it is one half cup's worth. Plus we are supposed to be doing a lot of exercise.
I can't imagine if we follow the plan and increase our activity levels we won't lose. It can't be all about the band. It also has to be about US, too. Our willingness to follow directions and cut back and start getting active, right?
I don't know... maybe in a few months I'll be groaning and moaning, too, even after following the plan! LOL
Just my two cents worth.

It's demoralizing to hear such stories about the lap band. I have high hopes and am now feeling discouraged.
However, I wonder how many who aren't making progress NOT following the plan? I mean... eating two steaks (even if small) isn't supposed to happen unless it is one half cup's worth. Plus we are supposed to be doing a lot of exercise.
I can't imagine if we follow the plan and increase our activity levels we won't lose. It can't be all about the band. It also has to be about US, too. Our willingness to follow directions and cut back and start getting active, right?
I don't know... maybe in a few months I'll be groaning and moaning, too, even after following the plan! LOL
Just my two cents worth.

It's demoralizing to hear such stories about the lap band. I have high hopes and am now feeling discouraged.
However, I wonder how many who aren't making progress NOT following the plan? I mean... eating two steaks (even if small) isn't supposed to happen unless it is one half cup's worth. Plus we are supposed to be doing a lot of exercise.
I can't imagine if we follow the plan and increase our activity levels we won't lose. It can't be all about the band. It also has to be about US, too. Our willingness to follow directions and cut back and start getting active, right?
I don't know... maybe in a few months I'll be groaning and moaning, too, even after following the plan! LOL
Just my two cents worth.

It's demoralizing to hear such stories about the lap band. I have high hopes and am now feeling discouraged.
However, I wonder how many who aren't making progress NOT following the plan? I mean... eating two steaks (even if small) isn't supposed to happen unless it is one half cup's worth. Plus we are supposed to be doing a lot of exercise.
I can't imagine if we follow the plan and increase our activity levels we won't lose. It can't be all about the band. It also has to be about US, too. Our willingness to follow directions and cut back and start getting active, right?
I don't know... maybe in a few months I'll be groaning and moaning, too, even after following the plan! LOL
Just my two cents worth.

I still had pain five days post op. But mostly soreness except where they put the port. I STILL have a lot of pain there, especially when I sneeze, cough or blow my nose!! They don't know why. I had my surgery last February. Just splint your abdominal area if you sneeze or have pain there. it helps. Put a pillow there and press hard. That helps.

Yes, I've had chicken stuck but it was because I didn't chew it well enough or it was too dry. You have to eat very moist chicken and chew, chew, chew!! )

I'm six months post op and I still have port pain. It is really bad when I cough, sneeze or blow my nose. Ugh Had to have a floroscopy test last Tuesday to see if anything was wrong but all was fine. Well, then why the pain? My surgeon said all he could do is inject anesthetic into the area and steroids to "calm" it down. ???

That is so not true, imho. I've lost almost 50 lbs and I eat well... I don't eat 2-4 oz of food. If I did, I would lose sooner. I do, however, walk a lot and that definitely gets the weight off. I love my lap band. It has changed my life!! I no longer have high blood pressure or glaucoma!! Your PCP is wrong, imho. This surgery helps a great deal. A lot of people have benefited from it. My sister in law has lost over 70 lbs. Find another doctor!!!

That is so not true, imho. I've lost almost 50 lbs and I eat well... I don't eat 2-4 oz of food. If I did, I would lose sooner. I do, however, walk a lot and that definitely gets the weight off. I love my lap band. It has changed my life!! I no longer have high blood pressure or glaucoma!! Your PCP is wrong, imho. This surgery helps a great deal. A lot of people have benefited from it. My sister in law has lost over 70 lbs. Find another doctor!!!

Yes, I've had chicken stuck but it was because I didn't chew it well enough or it was too dry. You have to eat very moist chicken and chew, chew, chew!! )

For that stuck feeling, get some chewable papaya!! I got some at the drug store in the Vitamin section. My surgeon's Physician's Assistant told me that trick. Try it!!

I agree.... stay away from potatoes, pastas and breads!!! I haven't had any of those things and don't plan to. You don't need those calories or carbs!!! My surgery was Feb. 17th of this year. I just had my second fill yesterday (Monday the 23rd). I'm down 48 lbs so far.

I was told at my last fill, a week ago Monday, that my port was tilted. But she wasn't sure and almost scheduled a barium swallow to have the surgeon check it. It has been VERY sore since surgery. I have to wear an abdominal brace/split to support that area because if I don't, it feels like muscle is tearing. I go back in for a 3rd fill on August 11th. She will check it again then and see what might be needed.
Did you have to have your "flip" repaired via surgery? How did they correct it, Christine?

That's scary. And I bet really uncomfortable, too. So sorry to hear. I never had any problems but I went two weeks on liquids and two weeks on soft foods. Maybe it is just too soon for any soft foods? Or did you have trouble with the Carnation Instant? If so, call your doctor's office and report this. It could be that something is wrong and needs attention! You shouldn't have to suffer like that and I'm sure you will be really paranoid to drink anything after this! GOOD LUCK!! (Take things SLOW!!)

Thanks for the advice. I'm feeling better now. I'm going back on the liquids tomorrow.

When the band talks, we have to listen -- and you are getting a prime example of that right now. Your body does not want those potatoes. Maybe later in the game, but many people eliminate the whites -- wheat, potatoes, pastas, rice, etc. -- as those carbs are not really good choices anyway. I hope you're feeling better (and if not call the doctor!) but know that many of us had a learning curve for finding out what is band-friendly. Sorry you had to go through this. My first one was beets. We are all different. You may want to back up a stage to continue full liquids a few days then ease into something other than potatoes. Good luck -- you are on your way! And do call it in if you're nervous -- they are there for you, your medical professionals.

you are right you shouldn't be having this pain anymore. sometimes activity might make the port site sore but not enough to have to wear a abd. brace. I had gallbladder surgery in feb. and all my scars are even gone. they may need to reposition the port or perhaps a stitch broke . since you are seeing your doctor for a fill you be sure he gives you a clear concise reason this is happening to you. be assertive, your goal is to be pain free and to get along with your life but you can't as long as you are reminded constantly with pain. wish you well

It's clear that she feels very threatened by your upcoming surgery. I'm sure she's afraid you won't be friends anymore since your eating habits will change and she's worried you will be healthier than she will be since her insurance wouldn't cover her surgery. It's sad but you can't hold yourself back because of her jealousy. You don't need that kind of pressure and negativity. I would tell her this and if she doesn't change her attitude, you might have to just move on. Good luck with your surgery! I had mine February 17th of this year.

Hi Joann!! I'm so glad I saw your post. I'm a mother whose baby was removed from her at the age of 17 while being held in a maternity "home" in Washington, D.C. This was 1966. I wonder if I can be of help to you in that regard? I'm very much into activism regarding this period of time referred to as the Baby Scoop Era (post WWII through 1972)... or anyone else here who is a mother like me or adopted. My project is the Baby Scoop Era Research Initiative, www.babyscoopera.com
I know many mothers and adopted people have food issues and weight problems. I'm so sorry that your afamily isn't supportive or that you are having problems getting them to understand, or whatever the issue is re them.
Congratulations on taking the step to focus on YOU!!! I did the same. I had the banding on February 17th. I've lost 47 lbs so far.
Please let me know if you would like to connect with me directly. My email is karenwb2@verizon.net I can steer you to some really good support groups!!
KarenWB
Richmond, VA

I had the lap band surgery February 17th of this year, Cindy, and just got my first fill yesterday (only .5cc). I lost 25 lbs before surgery on the liver shrinking diet and had lost a total so far of 44 lbs. I am down to 199 but want to get down to 160 or less.
Thanks for sharing your story. It would be great if we could all share the foods we are eating.
I like the Martins/Giant food frozen yogurt bars. They are AWESOME and the lowest in the "bad" stuff and highest in Protein.
I stick pretty much to chicken and chicken in salads so far. For Breakfast I usually have scrambled eggs with cheese and a slice or two of bacon. Not much of the eggs... my husband eats most of it. My problem is that neither of us cook very much. We eat out a lot but I'm careful in what to choose.
Karen
Richmond, VA

I had the lap band on February 17th here in Richmond, VA. I had a lot of pain afterwards from the port area.
I'm doing okay now but wear a midsection stretch splint over my stomach because a few weeks after the banding I somehow injured the port area... possibly tore the muscle a bit. OUCH!! It wouldn't heal so I had to get the support and I love it!! I wear it day and night except the shower.
I've leveled off at a loss of 42 lbs. since before my surgery (that includes the liver shrinking diet weeks). I get my first fill on May 12th.
Karen

If you go to youtube you can see actual fills and watch the entire process. Search for lapband fills.
There are no foods to avoid except the obvious stuff like pop, ice cream, sweets/sugars, nachos and chips, fried foods. Each of us develop a list of foods that are difficult to eat such as leftover chicken, beef and bread but I can eat all of them if I eat small enough and chew a lot.

I had the lap band on February 17th here in Richmond, VA. I had a lot of pain afterwards from the port area.
I'm doing okay now but wear a midsection stretch splint over my stomach because a few weeks after the banding I somehow injured the port area... possibly tore the muscle a bit. OUCH!! It wouldn't heal so I had to get the support and I love it!! I wear it day and night except the shower.
I've leveled off at a loss of 42 lbs. since before my surgery (that includes the liver shrinking diet weeks). I get my first fill on May 12th.
Karen