barbie1978

@@windysample try walking more! The first time that I had my lap band surgery in 2009, I had a lot of gas pain in my shoulder... I felt like I was being stabbed in my shoulder! I tried to gasex strips did all of that, it did eventually go away. However this time, having my band put back in finally, I was walking a lot the day I had surgery, a lot every single day after that... Not that I was walking fast, but I had Friend take me to Walmart or the grocery store just so I could walk around holding on to a cart. For me that was key, because you can go as slow as you need to, you can stop when you need to, but the more walking you do the faster the gas actually dissipates. Don't stress yourself, and trying not to get frustrated... Because it will go away. @@Jenny Kile I was the same way after my first surgery as well. My doctor at the time did tell me that being a lap band I would see a big difference in the scale the first week 2 week and a half, and then I don't want to say it stop, but it definitely slows down. Your band isn't put in with a fill, so as you start healing you will have a little bit of restriction, but you're going to start feeling hungry you're going to be able to eat a lot more than you think. Once you get your first feel, that's when you really start feeling restriction. And yes it is different for everybody... One of the girls I had surgery around the same time as, she needed one fill in was good for almost 6 months, where my first fill back in 2009 I was good for two weeks and then I already needed another fill. Having my band finally put back in 2 weeks ago, my surgeon this time already has me on solid food and my first feel is on January 20th. The only reason he's comfortable doing that is because I did have a band for two and a half years and I know what it feels like to have restriction, I know what it feels like to feel full, & I know what it feels like to be stuck. I'm really excited for their first fill, and to see what kind of results I get this time. I know that the band I have this time is a different type, and its smaller. Last time I had a 14 CC band, & I believe this time it's a 10 CC band, so that alone should affect how I feel... Plus last time I had my surgery I was living in New York, and when I moved here to Vegas the my band was actually a lot tighter because of the altitude. So that actually makes me excited for this first though because I feel like I'm going to get really good restriction :-) Either way guys, try your hardest not to get frustrated... Yes it's a tool, yes it's different for everybody, and you will have to try for yourself to see what foods are going to work for you. Good luck to you guys! :-) :-) and please let me know if you have any other questions as you get started with foods and phyls... I think that's why I was so successful the first time and why I know I will be even more successful this time that is permanently inside me, because of the very first support group that I had... Yes we shared stories with each other and we shared what works for each of us, but it was literally different for every single one of us, and knowing that it's truly just trial and error for everybody and you will be different than the person next to you who has it, just know that you will absolutely figure out everything for yourself... And when you use the band as a tool the way it's supposed to be, which everybody in here sounds like they know that's exactly how you use it, you'll be very successful :-)

@@Paige Dukes what you described is a severe stuck episode. The first time I had my band, my first real stuck episode was almost exactly what you described, - any you know if you showing up on my face from vomiting so hard. But after having my that first band for two-and-a-half years, in getting stuck more than a handful of times for sure, unless you have a good size opening still, it didn't pass through your band at all. Because if it actually came all back up, it was literally just sitting on top of the stoma, which is what caused all that pain cuz you it was stretching the top part out. I say this with the confidence that I do, because I did actually have slippage with my first band, it was removed and was supposed to be replaced after 3 months... Now it's been 3 years and 11 months and I finally just got it back 3 days ago. Granted yes were all different, & I talk to people all the time about how each person with the lap band is going to tolerate things differently, and deal with things differently... but I know exactly the feelings that you're talking about, because like I said my first experience, which was pretty much my worst one, was almost exactly like yours. And I didn't have that for almost a full year after my first surgery. @@Miss Meg I also learned that answered the hard way, meaning if you end up with a stomach bug and you have no choice but to let it out? Do not wait, at all! Even if you just think you might have a bug coming on do yourself a favor and go get an unfill.... my first episode was what page Dukes described, my episode that slipped my band was a stomach bug. At first I thought I had just gotten stuck, but it was on food and that was normally a slider food for me, and then even after I realized I had a stomach bug I thought if I just did liquids I would be okay. I can't stress it enough if you think you have a stomach bug ever, do not wait just go get An unfill

I was banded Dec 18th, & was in clear liquids until today. ...today i can finally start full liquids! But I'm not hungry lol God that's a great feeling!

This stage is the worst part...but something that has helped is ice from Dairy Queen or coffee bean. ...it's the small crushed ice pieces are softer & satisfies the urge to crunch/chew!

Me too! Its interesting though ...i felt a twinge of hunger today & got nervous. ...but as soon as i drank some liquid Protein i was good. I'm excited to move to mushy foods soon..ask i cab think about is avocados, chickpeas, and cottage cheese lol The more you walk, the faster the gas l leave your body. I have almost no gas pain. ...

i actually found great recipes on Pintrest (actually, my bestie did)... look up Spaghetti Squash with cashew "sauce" (to die for!) Zucchini spaghetti wtih Avocado pesto I also love juicing, so as soon as i'm about a week to 2 weeks post op (im only 2 days post op now), i'm going to start juicing again. Baby carrots juice so sweet, so I usually use that as a base

Absolutely! A few months ago I bought this strapless, ruched black dress (the sides are flesh-toned with black lace over them)...i've NEVER worn a dress like that. I finally bought it and look forward to wearing it out when I hit that goal! I also have a pair of size 10 skinny jeans from Banana Republic that I fit into ONCE, the last time I had my lap band. I cant wait to get into those again! When I first saw them, i thought "no way in hell will i ever get into those", but when I actually did...i felt invincible lol

ouch, that sounds...fun. lol I actually had lap band surgery....so i just have that all over 'did-too-many-crunches' feeling

ok so how is everyone feeling? My surgery was on the 18th as well

I didn't read the rest of the thread yet to see if you found anything...BUT the only thing that has every worked for me is Alka Seltzer Cold & Flu....i was going to try to find other options (because obviously the fizz we cant do, nor the massive size gel caps), but they just came out with a liquid version of BOTH the AM and PM cold and flu formulas! I'm telling you.....they will knock that cold right out of your body. No drowsy during the day, sleep easy at night...

With my first band, i would get a drippy nose and/or hiccups. My first surgeons office had let us know that those were indicators, so i really tried to pay attention to them....but sometimes, you dont' know until you take one bite too many. Then you feel pressure, and i knew as soon as I felt that, that it was stuck and was not going to pass thru my band. I'm 2 days post op with my new band, and i'm interested to see what will work for me this time. Some foods i will not try (like broccoli) because that was hell. Which sucks because i LOVE broccoli...hmm, i also didn't have a food processor so maybe, MAYBE i'll try it that way when I can start eating solid/mushy

ok so...how is everyone feeling??!!?? Officially 2 days post op (i'm still in awe of the fact that I AM BANDED again, finally).... This time for me was so much easier. I was a good 22 pounds heavier the FIRST time (july 2009) and what a huge difference in how i felt waking up, and the first few days. I've been walking like crazy, went shopping for more broth, Isopure and greek yogurt....i do get tired out very easily, but other than SLIGHT soreness, i'm feeling fricken amazing.

@@kiba78 Dec 18th! Just over ONE WEEK AWAY! Can you tell I'm excited? Lol

I got some beef & chicken broth, SF Carnation Breakfast (that's what my doc in ny had me drink the first time), & I'll 6 get a bag of ice from Sonic. ...i LOVE eating ice & it feel like you're "chewing" which really helps (plus that Ice is softer, almost like eating a snow cone). I'm remembering other things like the Jello. .. *gag* i hate jello! I can't do it again. ...but we'll see because it does have Protein. I also have a juicer. ...i actually love juicing & im excited to see how i tolerate it after surgery....you get a whole days worth of fruit/veggies in one juice. Something to think about if you've never done it before!

So exciting!!!!! Thats my surgery date too....CANT WAIT!! I'd do it tomorrow if it was an option I've actually had a lap band before....i had it for 2.5 years, got a stomach flu and irritated my lower stomach and needed it removed. It was SUPPOSED to be for only 3 months but a new job/no insurance changed that. Now its 3 yrs and 11 months later and i'm FINALLY FINALLY getting my band back! Im so incredibly grateful... You will love it! Yes its a learning curve but its beyond worth it. GOODLUCK TO YOU!

I had my band back in 09 and it worked BEAUTIFULLY ...losing easily, not hungry....then at the end of 2011 I had a HORRIBLE stomach bug for a few days..and DIDN"T go in for an unfill....it irritated my band/stomach so much that after a complete unfill I was ok for about a week, then it flared up and I needed emergency surgery because I couldn't even get fluids down (from inflamation)... My surgeon left my port in place and told me to wait about 6 months to have it put back in, and that insuranace would cover it because it was a complication and not a choice, but I lost my insurance. I FINALLY have insurance again (yay yay yay) and I've made my appointment to see my surgeon here in Vegas. After trying and trying to keep the weight off, unsucessfully, I am BEYOND READY for my band again!! Anyone else have a similar situation???? Also, anyone have Aetna Choice Premier?? GOODLUCK to everyone on your own journies! Barbie

let me start by saying THANK YOU to everyone for the encouragement, positivity and support. I had a little hiccup in the road. I signed up with my previous company for AETNA, which does cover surgery...however, MACYS as a corporation OPTED OUT OF ALL BARIACTRIC SURGERY!!! So, I did not get to have the port put back in this past november.... GOOD NEWS! I'm with a faboulous new company, with the best insurance coverage i've ever had. I WILL be having my surgery in late may, early june at the latest! I couldn't be happier about this....now i not only work for a wonderful company that i enjoy going to work every day, but the insurance coverage begins as soon as i fill out my papers (which are in the mail and I should have them any day now). @@barbiegirl78 thank you!!! And yes, because your band eroded into your stomach, it isn't an option for you. if thats the case, i would do the Gastric Sleeve! No mal-absorption from bypassing any of your intestines. @@rayray2474 when I first had the band out, i was adamant that I could keep it off.....well i'm not where I was pre-band originally (THANK GOD), but i'm way too close to that. i've not wanted to admit it but i've gained 90% back of what I lost. This disease of not being able to keep weight off is something I will no longer struggle with. I am absolutely having my band back and lesson learned. I will always get an unfill if something is wrong. I knew better but thougth i'd be ok then...i truly know better now. Anytime it seems like I need an unfill, i'll go in immediately! I still talk to people about it all the time and I would love to run a support group with my dr's office. I feel like there is SO much education about the band that's lacking (at least here in las vegas) and people have gotten it so quickly thinking it's a quick fix, when those of us who KNOW how to use the band, know that it's a tool to help with weight loss and maintinence. it's been SO frustrating to me to watch people here get the band and abuse it.....NOT lose weight and say it does not work (when they are just being neglectful...eating the wrong foods, not ever going for fills or unfills)....and also seeing someone get the band AFTER she had bypass and gained all of her weight back....and then keeps her band very full, eats ALL JUNK food and food that does not pass thru the band, so she eats, throws up, and then eats more. drinks soda and carbonated drinks, etc, and has the biggest narcissist complex. It actually hurts to see that. I cant wait to be a good example of what a bariactric surgery SHOULD look like.....i believe in it, i KNOW it works, and i LOVE educating others on it! Such a passion of mine

Dr. Umbach!!! He's AMAZING...i had my original surgery in NY with Dr. DiBenedetto, moved to vegas and found Dr Umbach...and then my first visit to see my family back in NY I had emergency surgery to have it removed... Now that I have insurance again (almost 3 years later) I'm about to see Dr Umbach to finally get my lap band back. I still have the port.... When I first moved here to Vegas, I was looking for a surgeon to do my fills/unfills...I tried another office of a doctor who was the "top" dr in Vegas....the office was so rude, and they wanted $300 just to LOOK at my file....not even to take me as a patient........then I found Dr Umbach and was incredibly happy. I have even referred a few patients to him.

how did it go?

Hey everyone...i'm actually 2.5yrs post op and I didn't want to think I was having anything more than a severe stuck episode that started last week...even though i was in the ER with needing pain meds, iv fluids, iv pepcid, anti-nausea meds...you name it.. I felt better for a few days but still couldn't eat more than a bite or two bringing that back up....i flew to NY to see my family last sunday and that's when it got REALLY bad. Long story short, my lower stomach prolapsed and I needed emergency surgery saturday morning! They took the band itself out not the port) so that my stomach can fully heal, but the GOOD news is that as soon as i'm ready and healed, my insurance WILL PAY for the band to be replaced since it was a complication...so i feel better about that. I was scared, TERRIFIED of having it removed, but let me tell you, the pain was INTOLERABLE. Constant vomiting, just not good at all. And since then, i feel AMAZING! I only had pain meds my first night and tylenol since..AND my last dose of Tylenol was over 14 hrs ago because i DON"T hurt.... It will be an adjustment getting used to eating WITHOUT the band again and having to really be extra extra careful and work my ass off..BUT i'm 23 pounds away from my ULTIMATE skinny goal. And yes...i AM having the band put back in. It was meant to have for life, and I plan on having it for life If you're having pain, DON"T WAIT. You will survive, even if it means that the band has to come out and be put back in later...it WILL be ok

Just checking in! We're closing in on our 2 YEAR MARK...can't believe it!!! How is everyone doing? -I'm finally in ONEderland!!!!!!!! -I'm OUT of Lane Bryant/Torrid ..ie any "womens" sections or stores...WOOOOOOOOOOOO! -I'm feeling SEXY and actually getting checked out at the gym..what? LOL -I've had an unfill (by choice AND i've still been losing easily) and I actually think i'm going to get another small one... -I LOVE exercising!!!!!! FIll me in bandsters! **i'm posting this here AND in the POST OP boards***

Walgreens has a line called Finest Naturals...they only have one pre-natal that u can take 2 ways... Take one as a women's one-a-day (i can't take ANY OTHER BRAND without getting very very sick)...or take 2 as a pre natal.....they are VERY small & cause no reflux or nausea!!!!!! AND....they're not expensive...bonus! Lol

fi l me in please!!!!! I want my arms done SO BAD...and a breast lift/maybe implants...I'm 22lbs from goal, the rest of my arms are toned...i can wear SO MANY CUTE clothes & dresses...but I have to find a cardigan to go over anything sleeveless. I dont even care about the scars from having my arms done, but if theres another option i'd love to know about it....

If you're ready to meet someone, you will!!! I kept myself out of dating/relationships before surgery...too uncomfortable with myself. But since surgery, I've now lost 98lbs, just moved to Big city, gave in & went on match.com (after YEARS of saying I would never do that)....and hes wonderful! Going slow (still a little self conscious but getting over that REAL quick) but u couldn't be happier... My point being, that if you're really ready to date, he'll come along Just be open...and learn how to take a compliment...that part for me was like "really? You like my ass? Huh?" Lmao GOODLUCK!!