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I contacted my surgeon last week when I was in pain and thought my band might have slipped. Their only concern was that I was having trouble drinking liquids, but now that I can, it was attributed to a stuck episode. But now Im trying to do some more detective work and see if there were other causes. I am currently in another state visiting family but have an appointment when I return. Elcee, I don't think there is any harm in getting some feedback about personal experiences from other bandsters. Obviously my first line of defense is my physicians, but I always try to go into my appointments armed with as much information as I can. I assure you, and the world of lapbandtalk, that I am not replacing an internet forum for actual advice and care from a medical professional. That would be ridiculous. I do take the information I get on this website with a grain of salt, every time. But I find that physicians like to poo-poo things until the pain is bad enough. I don't want to experience anything like that again so I want to go in with as much info as I can and get them to test me for whatever is appropriate. My insurance covers everything and worst case scenario, I've ruled things out. So, again, Im really looking for feedback from people who have had similar pain, experiences, or who know about gall bladder issues.

Tori, it's as others have said - start with a referral from your PCM, and the rest falls directly into place. Just be sure your referral is to a Tricare-approved surgeon/clinic that is authorized to perform the surgery. I also live in Washington, and I have Tricare Prime. I just went through all this. I was referred to two different Tricare-approved places first, only to learn they don't/can't do the surgery. On the third go-round, I was finally referred to the right place, and everything was smooth sailing after that. If you're close to Ft. Lewis, they can do the surgery for you right at Madigan. They have surgeons on staff, and a very active bariatric program there. There are many others in your same shoes, so nobody will be judging you. In addition to lap band, they also do both RNY bypass AND the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, if either of those is a better option for you. I believe Madigan is the only place in Washington where you can get a sleeve surgery that Tricare will pay for. (I initially wanted to have that surgery, but found I could only get it at Madigan, which wouldn't work out for me. Banding was my second surgery choice.) If Madigan isn't an option for you, Swedish Hospital in Seattle is the next closest, I believe. (There may be others.) That's where I had my band surgery. Awesome program, excellent surgeons, great staff. They combine many appointments on the same day, which shortens the time from initial intake appointment to surgery approval. In my case it was about three weeks till I was approved by Tricare for surgery. Good luck with your journey! Dave

I bought some wedges also. I also bought a cute little top in the juniors section at kmart. I think it was by selina gomez. Omg, really!! But what the heck, if I can fit into it, im gonna wear it. Thanks hummingbird, I will keep it in mind. im basically just trying to get a little bit of a base tan so that I dont get all kinds of different tan lines like I did last summer. It was a free week, so I prob wont go after that

So far I have had my labs done and have attended the Welcome Group for Bariatric people who are going through the same thing. I have met with the PT and the NP both went very well. The NP prescribed me all my Vitamins I will need, she also said I would need to see their endocrinologist as some of my labs were abnormal. So that appointment will be made on Monday. On Tuesday I will be seeing the Nut and Psych. I also have to have a sleep study done, that will be done next week as well. Then I finally will get to meet with the surgeon, so I am looking at possibly a March sleever. Does everyone have to have an endoscopy done? Thanks

actually i chew gum no problem at all and my doctor didnt say anything, i even had gum in my mouth when i saw him so i don't think its a problem, though like everyone said, don't swollow... i did once about 4 weeks post op and i had abit of pain but since then i havnt swollowed but i do chew gum with np

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm getting my band on January 14. It's done outpatient here, I'll go home the same day. Just three more days. : > (P.S. Some protein shake ideas: add a Crystal Light Sunrise orange packet to vanilla for an "orange julius." Or add malt (a powder found by the chocolate syrups in the grocery store) for fabulous malts (chocolate in my favorite). It adds just 3 grams sugar per tbls.

Hi Magii.... I am in same situation as you. I just found out this Friday (10/10/08) that my band had slipped. My Dr didnt tell me to go on liquids, etc. he just told me to try not to gain weight since I got a total unfill. I have been eating the same as I was when I had a fill HOWEVER I am noticeably hungry and really have to watch myself. I have to go back in 3 weeks for another flouroscopy and see if part of my stomach went under the band again. Do you have to go back in one or two weeks? Did your Dr tell you what is next? I'm assuming that if there is no change in my slip I will have to have a revision. Hope you are doing well and wonder if you heard from anyone else who has had a slipped band and if they went on liquids or continued on solids. Angie Banded 3/29/06 down 75 lbs

I had my band done in 2012 and hardly lost anything. Had a baby in that time and now I am ready to get back on board! I am doing protein shakes for 2 weeks to get my band/body/mind all back in-check! I control my body , my body doesn't Control me. I am down 4.8 pounds in 7 days and I am ok with whatever amount right now. A loss is a loss!!! I am ready to use the tool I got. I can go back and forth about how I should've gotten a different surgery or how this is harder then I thought so I should have did it differently. But it is what it is SO... let's get this done right!!!! I am ready for a fresh start and to get to my end goal! We can do this!!! Motivation/dedication/ and determination! [emoji4]

I noticed on the talk board people talking about PBing, what is this? I'm new to the site so I haven't had a chance to really look around. But, one of the reasons I'm here is to find out if anyone else ever has issues like below: Today for lunch I had a piece of chicken and some sliced carrorts with almonds. I will say I ate really quickly, but now I have the worst pain in my lower back and I feel really gassy right above the band. What in the world is causing this? I've noticed this is happening more and more lately; at least once a week. Is something wrong or am I'm just plain eating to fast and gulping in a bunch of air? It really hurts.

My God Leatha, I cried when I read your post! How true, how true! Greg said something about LBT a few weeks ago, and I want to steal his thoughts regarding this weekend. You know how you get in a group of people and some personalities tend to clash??? That didnt happen this weekend! Everyone was equal. No competition, no proving to be better, no blacksheep.... just pure honest genuine people! Almost like a movie where strangers from different areas come together and their lives are changed. I know mine is! The stories that were shared were so touching. I feel honored knowing all 6 of these beautiful women.

I was banded by dr. ortiz in mexico and finally three years later found a fill doctor in chicago at the suburban surgical center that will accept mexico patients. $300 with furo $125 without telephone 847-290-9200 or 847-255-9697.

When a craving strikes ask yourself Am I stressed out? When you're under pressure, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which signals your brain to seek out rewards. Comfort foods loaded with sugar and fat basically "apply the brakes" to the stress system by blunting this hormone. When you reach for food in response to negative feelings such as anger or sadness (like potato chips after a fight with your spouse), you inadvertently create a powerful connection in your brain. Its classic brain conditioning; "The food gets coded in your memory center as a solution to an unpleasant experience or emotion". Stimulate happiness "Women especially have a profound emotional reaction to music". Create upbeat playlists to listen to whenever a craving strikes. The songs provide a distraction and an emotional release. Wait it out "People give in to cravings because they think they'll build in intensity until they become overwhelming, but that's not true," Cravings behave like waves: They build, crest, and then disappear. If you can "surf the urge," you have a better chance of beating it altogether Choose the best distraction "What you're really craving is to feel better," You've heard the trick about phoning a friend or exercising instead of eating. But "taking a solo walk won't help if you're feeling lonely," Instead, identify your current emotion--bored, anxious, or mad; by filling in these blanks: "I feel ____ because of ____." Then find an activity that releases it. If you're stressed, channeling nervous energy into a workout can help; if you're upset over a problem at the office, call a friend and ask for advice. Ask yourself "Have I been eating less than usual If you're eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day or restricting an entire food group (like carbs), you're putting your body in prime craving mode. Even just 3 days of strict dieting decreases levels of the appetite-reducing hormone leptin by 22%. Do This! Lift any bans--safely Plan ways to enjoy your favorite foods in controlled portions. Get a slice of pizza instead of a whole pie, or share a piece of restaurant cheesecake with two friends. Don't "eat around" cravings; trying to squash a craving with a low-cal imitation won't satisfy your brain's memory center. For example, if you're craving a milkshake, yogurt won't cut it--especially if you've been depriving yourself. You may even take in more calories than if you'd just had a reasonable portion of what you wanted in the first place. Munching five crackers, a handful of popcorn, and a bag of pretzels, all in the name of trying to squash a craving for potato chips, will net you about 250 more calories than if you'd eaten a single-serving bag Are you getting enough sleep? In a University of Chicago study, a few sleepless nights were enough to drop levels of the hormone leptin (which signals satiety) by 18% and boost levels of ghrelin, an appetite trigger, by about 30%. Those two changes alone caused appetite to kick into overdrive, and cravings for starchy foods like Cookies, potato chips, and bread jumped 45%. Do This! Have some caffeine; it can help you get through the day without any high-calorie pick-me-ups. It won't solve your bigger issue of chronic sleep loss, but it's a good short-term fix until you get back on track. Portion out a serving, you probably don't have the energy to fight it, so try this trick: Before you dig in, dole out a small amount of the food you want (on a plate) and put the rest away. Are you a creature of habit? You may not realize it, but seemingly innocent routines, such as eating cheese popcorn while watching TV, create powerful associations. "The brain loves routine". The thought of letting go of these patterns can cause a fear response in an area of the brain called the amygdala. "Once the food hits your lips, the fear response shuts off in a heartbeat." Do This! Eliminate sensory cues; smells, sights, and sounds all act as powerful triggers. Watch television in your basement or bedroom so you're far away from the kitchen and the cupboard full of Snacks Picture yourself healthy; try the "stop technique": Every time the food you crave pops into your head, think, Stop! Then, picture a healthy image (say, you're lean and fit). After a while, your brain will dismiss the food image and the craving will subside. "One of my clients did this four or five times a day, and within 2 weeks, she stopped turning to sweets every night after dinner." Shift your focus; Australian researchers found that distracting your brain really does work. When a craving hits, divert your attention to something visual not related to food, like typing an e-mail. Passing up one bag of potato chips and 1 pint of Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream per month can help you lose 10 pounds in a year

I Cannot add you because I do not know how. I would start your diet by reducing calories and carbs. Increase your Protein. You are lucky not having to do a preop diet. Mine was 2 weeks.

Lyn, both surgeons will be doing my op which is cool. As for WW been there done it. I've found the only thing that works for me is calorie counting. Lew, currently there is at least 120-150 referrals waiting on initial appointments in Edinburgh on the NHS, but because there is no bariatric service as such, they are not given the same status as other referrals ie you are guaranteed an appointment with a specialist within 18 weeks. After discussions with people involved in securing NHS funding for bariatric surgery, I chose to go private as I would wait at least a year to even see Mr Tulloh/Mr de Beaux on the NHS and another two years for the op itself. The last I heard is that funding should be in place in April 08, the new financial year for around 50 operations a year. So far less than 5 patients were seen at a one off clinic. No NHS bariatric clinic is running at the moment in Edinburgh unfortunately. Hope this helps a bit! Sadie

I thought I was dreaming and I had a very horrible cough and then I woke up and I was doing it in life! And really it was a bad cough it sucked! Ok I'm getting worried I really want to see my dr but he's on vacation and I don't know how long. I guess I've had reflux for 4 days now and my stomach feels like I've been punched also I haven't really had an appetite since Friday night. People said if I have reflux that my band is too tight and I have the kind of band that has the fill in it at time of surgery, people also said that if they have that kind of band they should take the fluid out if they have reflux cause some people can't handle it during their healing time, and I guess I'm one of them, I've had nausea the night I got out of surgery til the Saturday (week after) surgery because I had better nausea pills then I felt fine 2 weeks later and then I'm not feeling well for 4 days feels like i can't go anywhere without feeling sick to my stomach and I know it's gotta be the reflux well I'm kind of worried it slipped and I'm kind of thinking that maybe the band isn't for me? ): sorry for posting stuff that don't go in here

Hi StartingOver, I am five days post op from having my band removed due to intractable problems just like you have described. My obstruction was total just like yours so I had surgery 3 weeks ago to remove adhesions and scar tissue that the surgeon thought was causing the problem. Sadly it made no difference and nothing would go through, even though the band was well positioned. As my problems have escalated over several months and I was at a very low ebb by then we decided it was best to take the band out. So far so good as I have been slowly increasing fluids and am now on to Soups and milk which have all gone down. Just as well as I was without any calories or nutrition at all for 2 weeks during which I lost about 20 pounds, by starvation, and often dehydrated to the point of needing IV fluids. I have lost about 90 pounds plus in total but would have liked to lose another 20 pounds. Now my challenge will be not to increase my weight again, but I simply could not have gone on any longer as I was. Like you I had frequent PBs which must have significantly contributed to the problem. My advice to you is to avoid PBs at all costs even if it means staying on fluids for longer. I wish you all the luck in the world.

Give it time. I wasn't feeling full then I made the mistake of eating solids 6 days out and I can't believe I did that. Because now I'm two weeks out and just eating mashed Beans at 2oz a sitting is hard. Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App I think maybe ur body and mind needs time to adjust Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App Nvm. I guess I misunderstood ur post Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App

That's a good question! I'm still a bit confused. My lap band surgeon was out of town, but the ER doctor called him and the lap band doc requested that I was admitted. It all started when I had a fill and began vomiting a lot (approx 2 weeks ago), went back to Lap band doc twice and he finally removed all the Fluid out of the band. I was still vomiting so the surgeons office sent me to the ER. They did a upper GI series and nothing was going thru the upper portion of my stomach (not even making it to the band). The band has not slipped though. The ER doc said that my stomach was so inflamed and swollen from vomiting so much that it was closed so nothing was getting thru it. They wouldn't release me until Water was able to go thru today. So I went home today on a strict liquid diet and follow up with my surgeon on Wednesday when he comes back in town. But I am still very confused. Has this happened to anyone else or has anyone heard of anything like this?

I am a little worried that I may have a slip, I had the flu over New Years and vomited until I couldn't swallow my own siliva. I had an emergencey unfill and felt much better within a few minutes. I had all the liquid taken out and waited about 3 1/2 weeks to start fills again. I have gained 10 pounds and have had two fills in the last month. I feel no restriction at all and feel very different than I did before the unfill. I have no reflux but just have a feeling that all is not well. I am going back in later this week for another fill. I am hoping that I am just a worrier!!!

I was out for 2 1/2 weeks. It was plenty of time. Many people have gone back after a week. I'm happy I took a little longer. This week was my first full week back and the first week I can honestly say, I'm back to myself. I feel stronger and have so much energy. I think it's a good idea to stay out as long as you can. My surgeon would have kept me out for 6 weeks if I wanted it. I was more concerned about the liquid diet and adjusting to the band. I'm happy I stayed out. It was worth it. Best of luck.

Hi everyone! I was banded March 8th: _ 1st fill March 29th as I had no restriction - 2nd fill was April 24th I have had very modest weight loss, about 9lbs 2 lbs of which I regained last week before the 2nd fill. I have had a problem with vomiting often but inconsistently on different foods, ie. some days I am ok to eat salads with chicken and some days I am not. I am a little discouraged as I keep hearing there is a sweet spot but I am not finding it. I find it difficult to eat as I throw up and also don't feel full with little amounts when I can eat. I almost have my regular appetite. I was also told to take an antireflux medicine daily. Has anyone found this helps with getting food stuck/vomiting and pressure below the breastbone? I could use anyone's advice right about now. Savannah

I got a filll a week ago. And, I have had some slight heartburn for like 3 days. What's going on?

I had heartburn before my surgery - also had a hiatal hernial (not sure yet if it was repaired...doc said he'd repair it, but i was seen for my first post op visit by another doc and they didn't have the op report yet). Since my surgery 5 weeks ago, I have not had any heartburn, however, recently it's come back. I'm thinking it's because I'm eating spicier foods again. I go for my first possible fill on Monday...I'm going to take my Nexium and lay off the spicy foods and see if that helps...

I would call your doctor. I let mine go too far and had to have an un-fill, I am still taking Nexium 2 times a day, 10 months later. Make sure you don't eat too close to bedtime, I stop 2-3 hours before bed. Coffee seemed to aggravate mine in the beginning but I can have a cup or two or three. ( probably why I'm still on the Nexium) But it could be as simple a being a bit too tight, Mine seems to be aggravated by allergies too.

Hi! I am scheduled for the band next week. I have a BMI of barely 30. I would like to lose (forever!!) 40 lbs. I will post my experience starting next week. I know other low BMI lapbanders and they have done extremely well.