rcorn60035

I'm curious how this has turned out for you. I had to have my band replaced in Dec 08 (first surgery was June 07). I haven't lost any weight since the replacement. Contemplating another type of surgery. Thank you.

I'm so frustrated! I was originally banded in June 2007 with the older 4 cc Alergan Band. By December 2007, I had lost 60 lbs. which I was pleased with. Long story short, that band was found to be defective. The band itself, not the port or tubing was leaking. Under fluroscopy, we could see the barium going through the tubing and one it hit the band, it just shot out into my abdomen. UGH! I had a complete band replacement in December 2008 with the newer 10 cc band. I'm just gettin back into the whole fill thing. My first fill was 2.0 cc, the next fill was 2.0 cc however I ended up in the ER that same night because I couldn't even swallow my own spit. He took out 1.0 so I was up to 3.0. I didn't gain any weight but I didn't loose any either. I honestly felt no restriction. Yesterday I went again and my doc said he really didn't think that would happen again...unless you're me. He added 2.0 for a total of 5.0 I drank the Water, it went down fine but it didn't stay down. I tried five times. When he came back in he said "You're kidding, right?" I wish I was kidding. He removed 1.5 so I'm at 3.5. Has anyone had a similar experience? I want this thing to work so bad. Physically, I am not a candidate for bypass surgery (previous bowel resection) but I wouldn't have done that anyway for personal reasons so I really want this to work but I'm almost two years out from the beginning and I'm wondering if it just won't work for me. I never thought I'd be in this situation. I thought I'd be one of the Lap-band Success stories. Any advice or words of wisdom? Thanks! Renee

I had my second fill after being rebanded (that's a whole other story). My first fill was 2.5 and this fill was 2.0 for a total of 4.5 While in his office, I drank water and it seemed to go down ok but then on my way back to work, I started feeling a little weird. When I got to work about an hour later, I drank some coffee thinking the warm liquid would help. Not so much...it didn't stay down. I thought maybe my body just needed time to adjust but it wasn't to be. When I got home, I called my doctor and he said to just try to wait it out and if I wasn't better by morning to come to his office first thing. But after talking to him, it was so bad, I couldn't even swallow my own spit. I tried to wait it out but at 10:30 that night when I tried to go to bed, it was even worse. I felt like I was suffocating. I called him back and he said he would meet me in the ER and do a slight unfill. It was about 11:30 p.m. when I got to the ER and I had to wait for about an hour. When he did the unfill, he removed 1.0 leaving me with 3.5 Instantly I felt relief. I'm just wondering if 3.5 is my max. My band is a 10 cc band. I wonder what the average max fill is for this band. I'm thinking 4.5 was too much for me but I'm not sure 3.5 is giving enough restriction. Will I be able to tolerate more later? I'm so confused!!!

Yes, I had a hysterectomy just recently. My band surgery was June 07 and in December I started having more female problems. My Gyn sent me for a cat scan which also showed two hernias that also needed repaired. So I now had to have two surgeries (the hysterectomy and double hernia repair). As luck would have it, my lap band doctor had left the state but I called the nutritionist who was supposed to call the doctor. I already had my hyterectomy/hernia surgery scheduled. I kept waiting for her to return my call but she never did. (Sometimes I hate that woman.) Anyway, the morning I went to the hospital for surgery, my lap band doctor called me at home and left a message stating that I should have a complete unfill before any type of abdominal surgery. I, of course, was already in surgery and didn't get the message until my husband came home that evening. I would say your lapband doc will want you to have an unfill. I didn't and I was fine but I didn't really have the option since I was without a bariatric surgeon at the time. Sorry to be so winded. Good luck! Renee:smile:

I am now 8 days post op. My doc required a two week pre-op liquid diet. Immediately after surgery, he wants me on a two clear liquid diet. Since starting my pre-op diet, I am down 25 pounds!!! But...I had gained 15 pounds from my initial consultation in November. I think the weight gain was due to numerous things since November...Christmas, Disney Vacation in January and the whole fear of not being able to eat a certain food ever again. I feel good. I don't see my doc till Thurs. for a followup and release to return to work. I'm looking so forward to full liquids and mushies! Never thought I'd say I was looking forward to cream soups, puddings, etc. Later.

Just curious...are you considering other options? I'm not going to try to talk you into it. It's a very personal thing. The one thing I know for sure is that I love it. I haven't been sick like most of my bypass friends but I also have another friend who has the band and she has been sick. Best of luck to you!

Maybe this question has already been answered but if so, I couldn't find it. I'm coming up on my one year bandiversary. I've lost 65 lbs but I had lost that 5 months ago. I'm very happy with my weight loss. I said it the beginning that slow was ok with me. My situation is a little different. About 5 months ago, my surgeon told me he was leaving. He was the only one at this particular hospital doing the band. He followed by telling me the the hospital was actively searching for another doc. There were other docs in his group doing bypass but oh, by the way they're leaving too. What the heck? I couldn't believe this hospital (a state university hopital) would let this happen. They gave me a list of other surgeons in the area ( the closest of which was two hours away). I choose this hopital because of the very fact they were close if I had a problem. And I trusted them. I was 6 months post op and had only had 3 fills. Ok, I said my situation was a little different. Here's the thing...about the same time as my doc said he was leaving, I found out that I had to have a hysterectomy. In diagnosing my need for the hysterectomy, they found two hernias (ventral and umbilical) that needed repair. My point in telling this personal stuff is the fact that my doctor leaving really didn't matter to me because I was sort of on hold due to my upcoming surgeries. About a week before my hysterectomy, I had read on lapbandtalk.com that I would need to have a complete unfill before my surgery. I called my dietician who said she would call my surgeon and find out. Long story short, she didn't do that. I called her back on the Friday before my surgery. By this time, I'm quite aggravated with her. He finally called back on Monday, while I was the operating table to advise me to have a complete unfill. Well...I didn't and I'm fine. Thankfully. I'm sorry this is so long. Here's my question. Now that I've recuperated from the hysterectomy/hernia repair, can I jump back into the fills and get my weight loss started again? Can the band be used like this? As I said before, I've lost 65 lbs. but could easily loose that much more. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Renee

For me, I don't drink it. But I never did drink too much pop (that's what we call it in my neck of the woods). Even the diet stuff makes you feel bloated and gives you gas. And the kinds with caffeine make you hungry. In my opinion, it's just not a good idea. With the band, we're not supposed to drink when we eat anyway. I'm not saying I don't have a drink of my kid's or my husband's every once in while, but only a drink. The docs will tell you good old plain Water is best but I have found very good alternatives. I'm hooked the the Propel Fitness Water. It's available in different flavors. Special K also makes a flavored Protein Water. It's not too bad but it tends to be pricey for no more protein than it has. Crystal Light is another good one. Really, you just have to try a variety to find out what you like. Good Luck!

Mindy Thanks so much for the quick reply! The new doctor is coming in July. He's not new to lap-band, just new to my hospital. He's actually from Yale. I've already told the office that I want to be one of his first patients. And I think you've answered my question. I guess I was asking if there's any problem with being stalled for a while (six months by the time the new doc arrives) and then restarting the process. I didn't go to another doctor due to the fact that I wouldn't be able to get fills for a while after my surgery and by the time I would be ready, the new doc would be in place. Just curious...why did you have to have a couple unfills? I've wondered about that from other peoples posts. Thanks again! Renee

I'm not sure if I'm in the right place or not but my question is about having abdominal surgery after lap-band. My lap-band surgery was on June 11, 2007. I've only had three fills since then. I'm scheduled for a hysterectomy and double hernia repair (umbilical and ventral) on March 31. My general surgeon will do the hernia repair followed by my GYN doing the hysterectomy. To make matters worse, my lap-band doc just moved out of state. I have to find another doc to continue my followup for my band. As far as fills, should I wait a while before I get another fill? I'm just a little nervous about having these surgeries in the middle of my fills. Any advice?

I agree with Pattypoo1. The proctor isn't going to let anything bad happen. I would certainly want to meet the proctor. I would just make sure to write all your questions down so you don't forget when you go for an appointment. By the way, where in WV are you going? Just curious. I'm also in WV and had surgery at Ruby Memorial. Let us know what you decide.

I'm usually one of the lurkers but I have to tell you, I enjoy reading all your posts. I recently had my third fill and could notice a big difference! I don't want to eat. It's almost like I had to remind myself to eat something. I have also had a couple episodes of eating too fast/too much and getting that pain in chest feeling which I relieved by, uh, releasing some of the excess food. Yuck-but it made me feel better. My husband has been a little concerned. I told him that I just need to learn how to or what to eat since this last fill. Was there a certain fill for you all when you noticed a big difference? Now, my ah-ha moment...last night we were at a New Year's Party. I had wore a short sleeve shirt thinking that it would be warm at my friends house however, I was cold. I was sitting on the couch and looked over to see my son's long sleeve shirt, size XL. I picked it up thinking at least it would cover my arms, however, it not only covered my arms but wrapped all the way around me and buttoned clear down!!! AH-HA!!! Surprise-not only to me but to my family also. Now, there's a little voice in my head saying, well, maybe it was a really big XL or maybe it was sized wrong but nonetheless, it was an XL. Happy New Year! Renee:whoo:

I'm usually one of the lurkers but I have to tell you, I enjoy reading all your posts. I recently had my third fill and could notice a big difference! I don't want to eat. It's almost like I had to remind myself to eat something. I have also had a couple episodes of eating too fast/too much and getting that pain in chest feeling which I relieved by, uh, releasing some of the excess food. Yuck-but it made me feel better. My husband has been a little concerned. I told him that I just need to learn how to or what to eat since this last fill. Was there a certain fill for you all when you noticed a big difference? Now, my ah-ha moment...last night we were at a New Year's Party. I had wore a short sleeve shirt thinking that it would be warm at my friends house however, I was cold. I was sitting on the couch and looked over to see my son's long sleeve shirt, size XL. I picked it up thinking at least it would cover my arms, however, it not only covered my arms but wrapped all the way around me and buttoned clear down!!! AH-HA!!! Surprise-not only to me but to my family also. Now, there's a little voice in my head saying, well, maybe it was a really big XL maybe it was sized wrong but nonetheless, it was an XL. Happy New Year! Renee:whoo:

:help: Ok, this might sound weird but I have to ask. When I eat, I spontaneously make these weird sounds...almost a gurgling sound, sort of like burping. I guess it's coming from my stomach. Am I eating too fast? Too much/big bites? No one dining with me has said anything but I swear it's loud enough for other people to hear. It's embarassing. I've done a search and can't find anything. Thanks! Renee :help:

Meaning that I don't really want people to comment. I'm down 50 lbs. I've noticed my clothes, shoes, watch, etc are loose but otherwise, I don't really "see" the difference. There have been a couple people mention it but I only told a few people about it, for this very reason. I didn't want to be harassed by people wanting updates. Weight is such a touchy (depressing, upsetting, emotional) issue and I really think people, big and small, don't know how to tactfully handle it, especially with all the fad diets that people do. Weight goes up and down so fast. You wouldn't say something to someone that had gained alot of weight (at least I hope not) since you last saw them and I think this issue is in the same category. Most of have lost and gained, lost and gained, that alot of people who don't know about the lapband think we're just on another down swoop. Having given my ten cents, MM, you look great! For you, there's no way people couldnt notice. They do, they just aren't sure if you want them to acknowledge. If you do, you may need to mention it to sort of open the door for them. Anyway, congrats! Keep up the good work!

For some of us, we're approaching the two month mark. I was just wondering where everyone is as far as weight loss, food, clothing size, emotionally, etc. I can't be happier with my weight loss...I'm down 46 lbs since pre-op. But I have to admit that between my initial consultation and pre-op, I gained about 10 lbs! UGH. :faint: As for food, I don't push it but I don't deprive myself either. If there's something I want, I'll have a bite to satisfy. Last night, I had just a little serving of ice cream. One thing that's hard for me is looking at those small portions. For example, this morning for Breakfast, I had granola Cereal. I poured a very small amount in the bowl but before I finished it, I won't say I was full but I was satisified so I should have stopped right? Wrong...I finished it. That whole thing about not wasting food. I will tell you that I have thrown out more food in the last two months than probably the rest of my life put together. As far as clothing, all of my clothes are getting loose. Especially my jeans. The other day, my husband said "You've got to stop wearing those baggy ass jeans." They didn't used to be so baggy. :whoo: As far as emotionally, I'm good but I know that people are going to start to notice very soon. I'm one of those who didn't tell everyone, only a select few. I didn't want to food/diet police checking on me every minute plus I didn't want to answer questions all the time. I felt like if they wanted to know about Lap-band, do what I did. Go to a seminar. I'm not saying I wouldn't help people but I just don't feel the need to advertise. I'm anxious to hear from others. Feel free to elaborate. Renee

I think we all, at times, binge to verying degrees. I'll just say the thing that absolutely convinced me to go with Lapband was that it is reversible. I've had some pretty major stomach problems (bowel obstruction) in the past and knew that I needed something that could be reversed if it needed to be. I read here somewhere the following: "Nothing tastes as good as the weight loss feels." Oh, so true. Good luck with whatever you decide. You have to choose what's best for you and I'm not the one to tell you what that is. There are some that will tell you not to do gastric bypass. I've had friends that had great success with it but I've also had friends that died from complications. I don't mean to scare you but if you've done any research at all, you already knew that. Best Wishes. Renee

That is as long as I can get it worked out with work and childcare. I've never been we've always wanted to go! Has anyone checked into dates and pricing yet?

Since surgery, I find myself criticizing what my husband and kids eat. Now that I can only eat tiny portions, it's made me realize that the amounts I (and everyone else) ate, is really way more than we need. I find myself saying things to them without even thinking. I feel so bad. I'm wondering if anyone has done the same thing. For example, they ordered Chinese the other day. You know how big those portions are!!! My husband ate the whole thing. Even before surgery, I couldn't eat it all. I found myself thinking I couldn't believe he could eat all that food. I don't think I said anything to him but I didn't even like thinking that. I am certainly not in a postition to criticize anyone else. I now know why everyone says that Lap-band is a transformation in more ways than just weight loss. Anyone else have this problem????

Musicalmomma, There must be something about the switch from liquids to mushies/soft that does this to us. My pre-op started on May 25, surgery was June 11 and since pre-op I've lost 32.5 lbs but I had lost that a week ago. But then I started the mushies and have gained 2.5 back. No one said anything about this happening. I'm not sure if I'm follwing the diet correctly though. I've ate (and tolerated) things I probably shouldn't have. I need to call my dietician. All in all though, I'm happy with my results...I just need to make sure I'm following the diet correctly and stay focused. Good luck. Let us know how you're doing. :confused:

Happy Bandiversary! I have to tell you I think you're doing great! I also have to tell everyone else here that I know you personally and you look great!!! She and I have the same surgeon. This lady is so nice...she and I met through our nutritionist. I had asked if there was someone who had had Lap Band locally that would be willing to talk to me. I was just banded two weeks ago and blj5362 was a big help to me getting to this point. At my followup appointment, we actually got the chance to meet in person (she also had an appt) and she does look fantastic! If I do as good as she has, I'll be happy. Take Care! Renee

Hi All, I've been catching up all the posts and the one thing that totally confuses me is the post op diet. I was banded on June 11. I know all doctors are different but I guess I'm jealous of those of you who are even at the soft/mushie stage. My doc wanted me on two weeks of clear liquids and then two more weeks of full liquids which basically gives you milk products. I just finished the two weeks of clears. I've done pretty good and I will admit to a few chew and spit moments. Shouldn't there be some standards with regard to post-op diet? It's just all so confusing to me and I'm feeling a little frustrated. I guess my doc is just one of the most conservative ones!

In addition to my weight issues, I have other chronic health concerns. All of which are affected by the excess weight, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, etc. I also have hydrocephalus (Water on the brain), a condition that can require surgical procedures to treat. Luckily, my hydrocephalus has been mostly asymptomatic but last fall, I was having problems and had to have surgery on my brain. When I woke up, all hell broke loose. My blood pressure was through the roof and they couldn't get it down. They thought at one point I had a pulmonary embolism. They were giving me mega doses of bp medicine and ativan to calm me down but nothing was working. Long story short, I was all right (obviously) but it scared me to death. I knew that at least part of this problem was related to my weight and I knew I had to do something. Lap band or bypass??? Well, I know all surgeries are a risk but one of my best friends had bypass and died three days later from complications. There are fewer complications with lap band and it is reversible. I really liked that it is reversible and with bypass, once it's done, it's done.

For me, I'm not really afraid of being thin. At least, I don't think so. I can't remember back that far! I've always said I'm afraid if I get thin, of what I'll do to stay that way. I would never want to be back in the situation that brought me to Lap-band in the first place. But my motivation for having this done was health, not really to be thin. I do have some health related issues that I knew weight loss would help with. Through this website, after much reading, I've come to the conclusion that we just have to do the best we can. I'm sure I'll make mistakes but hopefully I will learn from them. Best of Luck!

I am now 8 days post op. My doc required a two week pre-op liquid diet. Immediately after surgery, he wants me on a two clear liquid diet. Since starting my pre-op diet, I am down 25 pounds!!! But...I had gained 15 pounds from my initial consultation in November. I think the weight gain was due to numerous things since November...Christmas, Disney Vacation in January and the whole fear of not being able to eat a certain food ever again. I feel good. I don't see my doc till Thurs. for a followup and release to return to work. I'm looking so forward to full liquids and mushies! Never thought I'd say I was looking forward to cream soups, puddings, etc. Later.