vanessah

I was banded in Oct '07 and lost 60 lbs, taking me almost to goal. I'd had some issues with reflux pre-band but none afterwards until a couple of years post-band. I then had my fill gradually removed over several months with no luck in resolving the reflux. Due to increased hunger, I was slowly putting on the weight I'd lost, eventually regaining 30 lbs. I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, due to other issues, in Mar '11; in May '11, I had it repaired, along with removing and reinserting a newer, more improved (!) band. My reflux hasn't really healed. I'd started having fills again with my new band, then unfills, again. This past May, my practitioner started me on omeprazole 20mg and gave me a fill since I was over-eating like a piggy. My reflux symptoms disappeared immediately and I've since lost 17 lbs! I have tried, a couple of times, not taking the omeprazole but would have reflux again that very night. I guess it's a trade-off. I'm not crazy about relying on prescription meds but am extremely grateful to not be hungry again and to have begun losing weight! Regarding my new, improved band: I see a huge difference between it and my first band. I do not pb or burp as nearly as often while feeling sated much sooner, much more noticeably. As are most of us bandsters, I am a work-in-progress. Good luck to you!

I had my LapBand done in October 2007. I have been taking the Centrum Adult Chewable vitamin since then but bought the Bariatric Advantage VitaBand vitamins (lemon cream flavor) last month. They taste hideous ! I can hardly get them down. I'll go back to the Centrum chewables but feel like I've wasted my money on the expensive, supposedly-better-for-you vitamins. Would anyone else share their good/bad experiences with chewable vitamins?

I agree with Kelvinsmom. I had a breast reduction several years ago, then gained a lot of weight. I had my LapBand done in October 2007 and, after having lost 61 pounds, I may need a breast augmentation! Isn't that crazy?!? When you have your plastic surgery consultation, ask the surgeon if he does a pedicle flap or a free nipple graft technique. The pedicle flap should not reduce any nipple sensation since the nipple is not removed from the breast during the reduction. My reduction was this type and I have had no problems with lack of sensation. The free nipple graft technique actually removes the nipple for a short time before suturing it back on: I understand there is a chance for varying degrees of sensation afterwards. As with all surgeries, don't hesitate to ask your surgeon anything and everything!

I'm telling you - the Bariatric Advantage vitamins taste horrific! I have challenged my bariatric nutritionist to investigate chewable vitamins. Concerning the sugar issue, surely the amount in one vitamin is somewhat negligible. Do any of you crush a regular vitamin and eat it with pudding/yogurt?

I, too, had diarrhea post-op. Mine was due to the antibiotics given me during the surgery. The antibiotics can kill off the normal bacteria found in your colon. If allowed, try yogurt for a couple of your meals. I also asked if I could take a couple of acidophilus capsules that I had from a health food store (previous problems w/post-antibiotic diarrhea!). Both of these helped me. Good luck!