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That is exactly how I've had to view this operation. I call myself a serial dieter. I would go on all sorts of wild and wacky diets, fasts and alternative regimes and stick religiously to them for months only to have a weight loss of only 5 or 6 pounds, nothing like the losses I should have had. And I would inevitably fail because I would see all the effort and willpower I'd shown and not been rewarded by weight loss. So I'd say "screw this, I want to eat like a normal person" and within a week or so, that loss would be gone. I explained it to many people as a hike up Mount Everest. You get your supplies and Sherpas ready and say goodbye to everyone at base camp. You hike all day and feel you've done well and set up camp for the night. Next morning you wake up and there you are back at base camp again! Morning after morning you wake up after a successful climb and still find yourself maybe at the foot of the mountain, but still not getting anywhere. After a while, you give up as your Sherpas are getting tired (and secretly think that in the middle of the night you are moving them back!) and you feel like an idiot. With the band I feel that I haven't been allowed to ever give up. And although I still seem to be only making slow progress up that mountain where people who started after me are further up to the top, I can finally see that I am inching forward. I've never stuck to a regime before where it is so slow. But I feel that I don't have a choice and this is my last hope. I'm not letting go of it. Doddie and I are what Doddie calls Turtles. Slow and steady wins the race and we'll get there but won't compare ourselves to anyone else and will be happy in our own victories. Good luck tomorrow! Mary

June 18 Lap Band, now 2 weeks post surgery. Today I finally went to GNC to look for alternative protein shakes. The ones I had bought before were from NorthStar Weightloss (online) and were 8 oz/ 18g protein, BUT they made me soo bloated and gassy that I dreaded having to drink them. Today I bought GNC shakes that are 12 oz/ 35g protein and so far no bloat - I might actually like these. First week and a half, I stayed with liquids (water, vitamin water, jello, broth) and now I've switched to some stage 3 babyfood meals (not as bad as I thought), big people applesauce (to crush pills into), and mashed potatoes last night that were FABULOUS! I have no hunger but I am still very sore at 3 of the 6 incisions, especially the port one, and don't have much energy yet. I haven't taken naps in decades and I often want one now (might be lack of caffeine). First week I was down 5 lbs, not sure how much more yet. My first fill is scheduled for July 15 (just short of 4 weeks post-surgery). I'm a tad anxious as to what that will change...

My roommate and I went to Disney last year and she was on her 2 week pre-surgery diet. Those folks at Disney went above and beyond to accomodate her needs! One place made a chicken broth from scratch for her while we waited. They sure know how to make you feel like they care! They even have a special phone number to call if you are planning on visiting so that they can accomodate your needs at virtually any restaurant.

It is all up to you. I drank almost exclusively soda, but when I made the decision to do lap band I stopped. I have been off sodas for about four months. I had surgery a week ago. I don't miss the sodas. But it is as much a mind set as anything. The band is a tool not a cure all. You can do it if you want to.

No you dont take protein powder you will be on clear liquads for first week

gas pains stink! I had them for 3 weeks.. never got the shoulder pain. mine layed under my breast bone.. walk Walk WALK! It helps as does gas x and a heating pad. good luck.

I had my lap-band procedure done on Tuesday August 1st, which was less than two days ago. To make a long story short, the surgery went as planned in every way. Now recovery was a different story. Even though I told three different people within 30 minutes of surgery that I was allergic to Vicoden, what do you think they put into my IV directly after my surgery. VICODEN!!! I did not know about it till I woke up very sick late last night. My husband told me that I had a severe allergic reaction and it took just a minute for someone to realize what they had done. Apparently my face/neck swelled up and I had stopped breathing. I have no memory of this whatsoever. (I'm certainly glad about that). I ended up having to stay overnight so they could monitor me. I'm fine now, and thank god everything is ok. On a lighter note. I have EXTREME restriction. I can barely keep down two tablespoons of liquid. I was told it is probably swelling. Anyways, that's how it went. Thanks for listening.

Cindy, Some liquids/foods that our surgeons recommend are really a trial -N- error for each individual. Be careful with the V8 juice.. tomato's are SO acidic and could cause you discomfort. You may have NO problems with it, and then you may... try waiting a good week to test this one to your new tummy, k? Another good thing to keep on hand during this phase is s/f pop sickles. It gives you the chance to CHEW - which is something we start grieving for after 2 or 3 days of liquids only.

:mad:Don't feel bad. I do everything I am told. I exercise like crazy 6 days a week. I eat 1,000-1200 calories per day-protein first then veggies. I have only lost 5 lbs in the last 3 months. Frustrated? you can say that again!:tired

I am going to see my first set of Doctors next week and I am getting a bit nervous that they will find something wrong with me and I will not be able to get the band. I was wondering what kind of things would cause me not to qualify for the lap band. I have heard of so many conflicting things. and I know this should be a question for my surgeon but I forgot to ask. Also, did everyone have to have a stress test before getting their band. If so what is it like. Thanks so much. Amy

In the past when I have had a bad pb episode I have gone on liquids for up to 2 days and liquid maalox 3x a day for two weeks (as suggested by my doc) You sound very swollen - probably not a slip. Definitely call the doc for his/her advice and no way get a fill until you get this issue straightened out. take care, mary

I too was banded last week on thurs.. Have shortness of breath but mostly When going up the stairs... This post has me concerned. Please let us know if everything is ok... Sending Blessings ur way...

I was banded 8 weeks ago and tomorrow (8:00 a.m.) is my first scheduled fill in a large VG (10cc) band. (no saline was put in at time of banding) My doctor told me he would be putting in 3cc's. I'm not worried....to the contrary!!....I'm very excited!!! I just don't know what to expect. I realize all Dr.'s are different, but can anyone please tell me your experiences?? l. Should I eat even lighter today to prepare for the fill? 2. Do I eat Breakfast in the morning or would it be better if I didn't? 3. Were you put on a liquid or mushy diet for a day or two afterwards? 4. Does it hurt or is it just uncomfortable? 5. Any possible problems with "finding" the port? 6. What is the possibility of feeling some "restriction" with 1st. fill? So many questions! LOL To date I've lost 34 lbs. and I'm so happy with my band. I've had no problems at all. I have been living on "will power" the past few weeks, so I will be thrilled when I can actually "feel" the restriction again. Thanks to anyone sharing their experiences with me. I can't wait for the "fills" to begin!

it takes me so long to eat, my food is cold befor i get done. i guess thats a good thing. but since my first feel about a week ago i feel restriction. i got the realize band and i got a 3cc fill.

This morning was the first time I tried spinach in a smoothie and I couldn't even taste it! I added parsnips too but they wouldn't blend very well, I still found my self having to chew them! I have put carrots and squash in before but decided I need to do something with all the veggies in my fridge so I branched out today. I get locally grown veggies delievered every week so I never know what is going to show up! I think I will try the green smoothie in the morning. I have grapefruit at home too...Do you put the membrane of the grapefruit in or just the juice and plup?

Well it's done I was banded Monday (6/6/11) also found out I had a pretty good sized hiatial hernia. Thankfully my surgeon was able to take care of it at the same time. Yea!! two surgeries for the price of one!!! Other than all the bloating from the air they pump into you during surgery I feel pretty well. Reported to surgery at 6:30 a.m. ended up having to wait while someone was brought down from another floor in the hospital who needed emergency surgery I wanted to be grumpy but hey while I know this surgery is important to me mine is still an elective surgery. After a little over an hour and a half wait it was my turn. The surgery took longer than we thought it would we thought between 30min - 1 hour but it was a little over an hour and a half! Was transfered to my private (YEAH) room around 2 p.m. What can I say that has not already been said the air/gas they pump into your stomach cavity to aid with the surgery is just about the worst part of this whole thing. I have had a procedure done in the past that pumped air into my uterus so I at least knew what to expect. I also knew that after my c-section 3 years ago that the best thing I could do was WALK, WALK, WALK so by 9 p.m. that night I had made a couple of laps around the entire floor that I was on ...slowly The next morning I had a Barium Swallow at 9 a.m. and yes!!! everything was great. Now I could go home sometime early afternoon...oh the best laid plans of mice and men. Well in order to go home by 2 I had to have eaten (what a joke LOL should be swollowed) a clear liquid lunch to make sure it stayed down and that everything was still ok. Well it took the Dr. in the radiology department over 6 hours to make the official report! Finally had the report by 3 p.m. ... lunch by 3:30...walking papers by 5 p.m. and was in the car on the way home to my kids and my bed by 5:15!!! My 3 year old son was so sweet ...are you ok mommy? does your tummy hurt? can I see?! Took a nap then I got up and went for a walk around by cul-de-sac since it was dark and the temp was below 100 degrees. Came home got ready for bed and went to sleep for the night! The only time I have taken any pain meds were monday and tuesday night just to help me sleep. Took tylenol today twice but that is it. I feel great all things considered. Once the gas disappeared (UGH) I am just a little sore. This will only last a short time when put into prosective with the rest of my life. I know there will be bumps in the road that is to be expected. I have never driven any road that does not have any ups and own or twist and turns. We had to learn to navigate those roads and we did with a little time, a little more practice, and whole lot of patients. If I can do that then I know I can do this too!! I am ready to live my life at the front of the line not hiding in the back of it....!!! Good luck to those of you who have already had lap band keep up the good work and take it easy on yourselves we are only human and we all make mistakes see as far as I know there was only one perfect person in this world and while he may not be physically on this earth any longer he is still here when we need him. I thank God for allowing me this opportunity to find out how strong of a person I really am. I have already learned so much about me in the last few weeks that I had forgotten that each day is kind of like Christmas it brings something new every day that I have either forgotten or even things I did not believe I was capable of doing, of being, of becoming. To those of you getting ready for Lap-Band this site for me has been a blessing I read more than I post but each day i learn something new. I have gained strength by the kindness and generosity of others on here who have taken the time to help each other and those who questioned their choice/decision, those who have simply lost their strength to do this alone. God did not intend for us to ever be alone and I believe he has shown that through the kindess of those on this forum. Remember, take this one day at a time and if that seems to be to much then hour by hour, before you know it those hours equal a day. Life is a gift not a right and I plan on making the rest of my life worthy of that gift!

I had my first fill today after my Dec 18 surgery. I am sore at the stent area and some in my back, but not really bad. It was a painful but not unbearable experience. Good thing, as I will be doing this many more times in my life! Now back to liquids only for 48 hours. Doctor said I can eat any foods I want to now with of course the limitations that go along with the Band.I am about 3 weeks post surgery and have done fine with very small amounts of shrimp cocktail and grilled chicken chewed many many times.So far, so good. The doctor said I am doing well and I am about 20 pounds down from the first day of pre-op shakes.This is my first time responding to anything but I have been reading and benefitting from these forums for several weeks.

Hi everyone, thought I would finally post this question since the issue has not resolved itself as I was hoping it might. Did anyone else experience pain in the throat after surgery? It is hard to describe what I am feeling but I will try. I am 9 weeks post-op and have felt this pain in the back of my throat ever since surgery, especially when I lay on my back. When I go to bed at night and am lying on my back I can feel it. If I breathe deeply the pain intensifies. I had a bad experince a couple of weeks ago when I went for a massage. I started out on my stomach and everything was fine but when I turned onto my back, the pain in my throat was very bad and I immediately got very nauseous. I sat up immediately and managed to control the urge to spew everywhere. I have been discussing this with my surgeon and he has never heard of this but is still working on figuring it out. Has anyone else ever experienced this? Thanks for listening.

Thanks lizrbit I'm a vegetarian - so this rules lots of things out. I had not thought of veggie bullion DOH! The clear is for immediately post op until I can go onto mushy. Juices are good, its just others seem to be having lots of jello etc. So I've been on semi Optifast for the two weeks, it didn't need to be strict, so I've had opti 1 or 2 per day and a salad or veggies etc for the other meal. Thanks for the suggestions

Wow and I thought I was having some issues! I don't really have much advise but I am having some similar frustrations. Was banded 7/25 - Had no issues until October when had some swelling and leakage from the port site. I was told it was nothing to worry about by the covering doctor (regular was on vacation). When I saw my regular doctor he told me I was infected and it had to come out. So back to the hospital, port comes out. I get felt with huge whole in my stomach so it can heal on its own. On 1/9 I have port put back in. I go back to the doctor on 1/25 and have a huge hematoma - again nothing to worry about. A couple of weeks later I am in extreme pain - I go see the doctor and he is convinced that it is headed to infection. So I get put on antibiotics daily which requires a daily trip to the hospital which is 1.5 hours away every day. We are headed to the second week of this fun!!!! On the plus side I have lost about 100 pounds, put I would like to move on with my life already. I think that is what has me so pissed. Anyway - no words of wisdom, other then the Band does work and is well worth all the efforts. Just wanted you to know you are not alone.

My first fill was 3.6 with the vanguard; the second was about the same. I was scheduled for another one this week but cancelled because I'm doing fine just as it is.

You are not alone, I feel the same way. I started a thread agout a week ago on the same topic and got some good advice. It's under "introductions" and is titled "Was anyone else deathly afraid of surgery?". There are stats out there that say the death risk is 0.1% or 1 in 2000. However, no matter what the numbers for me it's all about the fear in general. My Dr (Spivak in Houston) has done over 2,500 surgeries with no deaths and no occurances of having to "open" a patient after surgey. So, I am feeling good about that. Personally, I have decided to go ahead with the surgey not so much because of the statistics but becuase I want to be the best mom & wife I can for my family. My surgery is in April & I am trying to focus on the evoloution afterwards and not so much the dreaded surgery day. What ever you decide, best of luck to you! :biggrin1:

It is amazing how every body is different in the healing process. I was very fortunate in my recovery. I was off pain meds and back to work in 3 days. I am almost 7 weeks post op and I don't regret my wls decision. Just hang in there and you will start feeling better soon. Best of luck on your weight loss journey. May you have a happy and healthy new you in 2015!!

Okay, I had this done on 7/10/06 so not that long ago. I didn't use any pain medicine. I didn't have any shoulder pain, but my port area was sore. I was up walking as soon as I got to my room and walked every hour. I had no nausea and they wrote me scripts for loritab and that phergran or however you spell it but hadn't had to use it. As I've said before, by day 4 I was doing everything I had ever done and day 10 we went riding 4 wheelers all day long with friends and when we ride we ride horrible trails that are steep and hilly and usually dangerous. My doctor gave me 2 valiums to take one day before surgery and one morning of surgery because I was nervous but If I had known then how easy and simple it was I would not have wasted my time being scared, so don't worry, everything will be fine. I lost about 30 pounds the first month or 6 weeks or so, and now I've lost real close to 40 pounds and it's been 2 months. My incisions healed up wonderfully and I just so far haven't had any problems. Good luck and we'll be praying for you and thinking about you as you have this done. Keep us informed on how your doing.

Yesterday was day 5 post op for me. I drove myself to walmart just to get out and pick up a few items. I did not have too much pain but in afternoon the "dreaded" gas pains in sholders and neck came along. My daughter and grandaughter (7 months old and light of my life!!) came over and we walked a 1/2 mile slowly. Walking definately with gas-x strips helped. I actually slept on my side last night!!!! I feel good today and am taking it really slow. I have this week off from work still. I am so glad I took 2 full weeks. My stomach bloating is going down thank God!!! I was a bit unclear what I would be wearing to work. I have an office job but I wore some regular capris yesteday with the button kind of undone and a shirt down over it. I could button them but did not want to bother my port area.