eejaydiva

I was banded almost 4 months ago and we're hoping to start "trying" soon for our first baby, hopefully in 2-3 months. Most of our friends and family are not aware I had lap band, and I would like it to remain that way. My biggest fear is that my belly will give me away for 2 reasons: scars and the port sticking out. I have uterine issues and we've been told to start our family soon at risk of not being able to conceive. As well, my bariatric surgeon has ok'd me to lose another 10-20 lbs and give it a shot. While not ideal, I am in great overall health and time is of the essence I am losing alot of sleep over how the next year of my life will be and I am very excited in anticipation of it all! PLEASE share your thoughts and wisdom regarding any ideas for the scars and any advice or experiences you went thru due to your pregnancy with a lap band.

hello, congrats on joining the bandsters. how are you feeling? is your 26 lbs lost a result of surgery, pre-op diet or both? if you have to ask yourself if you're chewing well, the answer is no. next time you take a bite of ANYTHING, try counting 30 chews...it will quickly become apparent to you that you've probably never chewed anything that well in your life! alot of bandsters say that constantly having to really chew certain foods well has actually led them to avoid certain naughty foods simply because you kinda get turned off of that steak after you have to turn it into pulp just not to swallow in pain. my first few weeks on liquids and mushies was frustrating trying to stay within the half cup or 1 cup limit. you feel hungry! they call it Bandster Hell for a reason. i finally gave in and bought some paper cups that were EXACTLY one cup. that way, it took the guess work out of it all and my weight loss sped up dramatically. from apple sauce to pureed chili, if it was going in me, it was going in the cup first. good luck.

hi juno, congrats on your pregnancy by the way! i'm worried about the scars being seen by my close girlfriends and family members that will inevitably ask to see my belly. we are a close-knit bunch and thru their pregnancies we have all rubbed the bare belly of whoever's preggo, or taken pics to show the kids later in life. hope that helps.

Snowbird, I suggest you re-read my original reply. Not ONE WORD of negativity was said about the docs themselves down there in Mexico. Being from Tucson, I have tons of experience in traveling to Mexico. The whole importance of Beans posting this thread was to hear various opinions and input from others. That's what I gave Beans. Besides, if you research the lap bands product listing, they are not even licensed to be sold in Mexico, so those docs often don't have access to the most recent band versions. There is a reason American docs won't touch Mexico bandsters. Beans, my main point was that if you're gonna have to pay minimum of $600 or $700 for a fill from an American doc who's fearful of touching a Mexico band, you would probably be better off just financing your surgery thru Care Credit or your doc's payment plan. I pay $146 a month.

I self paid $9000 in Denver for everything and I know for a fact my doctor flies people out here from various places. I'd shop around, chances are that there is a reasonable price in your neck of the woods. Mexican patients report mixed results, the biggest problem being that other docs won't TOUCH a Mexico patient for fills or after care, leading you to pay upwards of $600 or $700 for fills. As well, Mexico docs have been known to use older model lap bands, which are known to erode and cause slippage. Having been a USA patient, I'm only telling you of what I've heard and seen chatting with others. Good luck!

This is a great post! It came right when I needed it. Been a little down, no loss in 3 wks, but I had a 4th fill today, so keep your fingers crossed! Ok, my list of things I hope to achieve/be able to do again thru weight loss: NOT have to sleep with 3 pillows, propping up so I can breathe NOT have my shirt ride up and "plub" pop out above my waistband when getting in the car Be able to buy a cute pair of boots that will zip all the way up my calves NOT be asked "When are you due?" (when not actually pregnant) Do active stuff on vacation like zip line, horseback riding, parasailing, etc Buy a cute bra with fun details, not an orthopedic, thick shoulder pads, old lady bra Be able to run into old friends without feeling the need to make an excuse for my weight gain ("been a sad couple years", "having health issues", etc)

hello, i was banded March 19, 2008 and am feeling great, have lost roughly 30 lbs and had 3 fills, the most recent one finally resulting in some restriction (although I may have a tiny leak, as I feel less restriction every day). i am thrilled with my weight loss and emotional outlook every day, but the past week or two has presented a unique issue. i miss large meals...i miss gulping Water when i'm thirsty and being able to take a big bite of something and not have to chew it to pulp. there are just certain times where i miss chowing down! i know that huge bites and big meals are what got me into this mess to begin with, i just thought i'd take a poll and see how others felt? this site has been incredibly helpful and supportive, and sometimes it's true that it makes me feel better just to know others have felt that same way.... i'd love to hear your stories or experiences or words of wisdom.

thanks to one and all who replied to me in my hour of need. i'm doing a little bit better today, i have been exercising portion control and not testing the limits of the band because i am a big believer that the band is a tool, not a magic wand. i want to feel, even in a very small way, that i am being proactive and dedicated to this. it made me feel infinitely better just to know that others were in the same boat. like any addict, there was a co-dependancy on food and how it made me feel, so i think it's ok to mourn that a little bit, as long as i don't dwell on it or let it consume me. it's not food so much as liquids, i have dry mouth often and crave a big gulp of tea or Water...but oh well! i'm down 30 lbs and that is a HUGE thing for me. if i lose 10 more pounds, i will officially be more successful than any other diets before this. keeping the faith here in Denver, Diva

christy, you're gonna laugh, but my doc says sipping a little bit of liquid meat tenderizer usually gets any blockage broken up enough..try it.

As a member of the obese community who is hopefully and happily on her way out, I can identify with the pride and newfound surprise you feel at no longer feeling the need for food. However, for most people who are grossly overweight, such as those of us who have been banded, one of the main reasons we got this way is because we have addictive personalities. Food is still something to nourish and fuel you. It's ok to still eat in celebration and with enjoyment. Food is a joy! But like family, children, drugs or men, there's only so much we can handle before it becomes a burden. My brain argues constantly with my inner-skinny child. It doesn't like leaving most of the salad on the plate or paying $10 for a meal that will mostly get left untouched. You and everyone reading this may benefit from researching addiction transfer. Google it. It is a HIGHLY common thing found in those who go thru the gastric surgery journey. Finding we can no longer stuff ourselves, we drink more, gamble, do drugs, etc. Sadly, many people confess that weight loss dramatically alters their personalities, marriages and lives. At one point you were strong enough to admit you needed help with your weight and diet because you couldn't do it alone. Now is the time to admit you may need help dealing with the mental side of things. I wish you luck and much happiness.

hi there! it sounds pretty similar to what I had beginning after 2nd fill. It was under my breast bone all the way thru to my back and it turned out to be a combination of things, so i'll share my experience. After restriction at 2nd fill, i was waiting longer to eat and would get this burpy, air feeling, like a burp rolling up my chest, but it would stop at the band and i couldn't let it out. That made a feeling like a contraction in my chest for several days, it was awful. After that faded, I had a constant ache under breast thru to back and shoulder blades. It was deferred gas pain...my belly was sending pain signals to the back, which is common with gas pains. It got so painful I ended up having an Upper GI exam and X ray to ensure I wasn't blocked or that my band had slipped. It hadn't, i was fine. Since it was several things that caused this, i did a combination of things to fix it and have been fine all week since I started being more careful. Here's my list: 1. Don't wait too long between meals. It creates air in the tummy and causes chest pain. 2. Keep taking gas-x or any type of simethicone. If you're away from your meds, ask someone for pepto or tums, they pretty much will work in short term. 3. Be careful not to gulp or swallow air when eating, drinking, etc. As well, if you're on Fiber supplement, stop taking for a few days, as it expands and creates gas. 4. Maintain good upright posture, especially when eating. Keep me posted, I wish you a wonderful banding experience!

I had mixed feelings reading all the replies to this post. As bandsters, we have one large and important factor in common. WE ARE ADDICTED. To food, to feeling good, to the guilt, perfectionisism, etc. So you had ice cream. Well, ok. It WAS a silly and un-healthy choice considering how recent your surgery was. But you admitted it as well. That shows dedication and honesty to yourself about this journey. I don't subscribe to the theories that everything can be considered a liquid if blended, mushed or chewed enough. If that was the case, I would have been the 1st one in line to shove my cheesecake into a blender. Its true that beating yourself up will only have negative impact on how you feel about this entire experience. Its also true that PLENTY of people have done worse. What matters is if you do enough every day to be proud of yourself. That's all. You may not lose as fast as others, you may not get enough protein or enough walking, or whatever. But if YOU can tell an improvement in mind and body, and if YOU are already living healthier then before banding, then be proud of that and move on. I was banded exactly 2 months ago today, and I've had Dairy Queen several times. I've also lost 25 lbs and only "treat" myself when I earn it. There is a big difference in cheating and treating, and the healthier your relationship is with food, the easier it is to see. I'm no expert, just someone who wants to give the level of support I got from others, so here are my parting words. If you always do what you've always done, then you'll always get what you've always got. Heal your body. Your mind will catch up.

Been having great lap band experience and weight loss of about 3 lbs a week thus far. Two weeks ago, got 2nd fill. My doc has issues locating my port, usually digs around with a needle for about 35 minutes, lots of poking and such, making fills a pain and an annoyance. The issue is that since 2nd fill, i've been having the worst of both worlds. Weight loss has stopped. I can still eat just as much as before this fill, I still get hungry. Basically, the only thing this fill has done to assist me is keep me full longer. The downsides are: constant pain swallowing and when I wait too long to eat. My chest/center of back between shoulder blades are always sore when I swallow and during the 1-2 hours of digestion....it's this gassy, burpy sensation but I can't burp, just feel the air rolling up my center and then stopping at the band, creating a horrible, painful pinch, that comes and goes, like a contraction. I grimace, have to grab something, etc. Taking constant Gas-X strips only helps a little bit. So please please pretty please, i need you out there. Obviously I need another fill to get at least some restriction and resume weight loss. But this pressure and pain is getting old. I would love some input, some stories, ANYTHING. This is the first negative thing to happen since banding and I don't want my outlook to go south.

hello long2be and all other posters! i was happy to see mention of Dr. David Melniczek with Red Rocks Bariatrics/Associated Surgeons. I went thru his offices after going to an information session and have been thrilled with my experience. I was self pay, and he was the most affordable and reasonable doc in town. As well, he simply is a good person and a caring doctor...our sessions often go for at least an hour while we visit, talk about our dogs, etc...he is goofy and laid-back and his office ladies are quite friendly. I hope anybody who is in the Colorado area will consider him.

Hi there, Are you banded? I'm banded and sometimes its hard to me to stick to calories, so if you're not banded, then I can see how hard calorie counting would be! Anyway, if you are still working out and feeling good (high energy, clothes getting loose, more upbeat, etc), then remember that your weight is just one number in the many many things that make up who you are. Keep your chin up and remember that muscle retains more water than fat and is denser, so you may be gaining in a good way.

hi all, ok, had my 1st fill today and i'm a bit confused. i laid down and he numbed the tummy area and kinda started pushing around until he felt my port...basically was kneading and poking the needle around in the same 4 inch area for about 7 minutes. my entire tummy still is a little tender, so it was hard for me to know exactly where he was.... anyway, i have the average 4 small incisions and 1 decent sized one in the middle where i assumed they installed the port during surgery, especially because i can feel a hard, defined lump under the scar, must be a port, right? so all goes well, he puts a bandaid on, and i leave. getting home, i look in the mirror, and where he did the fill is about 3-4 inches lower than where i thought the port was! i CAN feel a lumpy spot where he put the needle..so now i'm confused. Question: Where the heck is the port if not under the big, main scar? Q2: If the lumpy thing 3 inches lower than my big scar is the port, what is the hard lump right under the scar?!? PS-Doc is out of town starting today thru next week, so i'd appreciate your advice while i wait a week to call him.

Hi there, You are indeed entering bandster hell, the period between surgery and 1st fill when the pain & swelling of surgery is gone and you are ready to eat, but can't! A couple of things. Most bandsters expect their first fill to make them suddenly eating the portions of anorexic models...it doesn't always work. There are tons of threads on here where your first fill barely allows you to feel any difference at all in how much you consume...I'm just trying to warn you so that you can mentally prepare for this. That being said, my advice is simple. Squeaky wheel gets the grease! Most docs will be happy to fill you early if you are eager and cautious enough to communicate that in the right way. Call and beg to get in for a fill. If the receptionist doesn't budge, call again and get someone else on the phone. Chances are, if you're at least 4 weeks out and not having bad symptoms or recovery, your doc will try to accomodate you. Especially effective if you tell him you're having cravings for bad food, or you find it hard to stick to your workout regime if you're constantly hungry. LOTS of us had to resort to being the annoying person who was begging for the first cancellation on the schedule to get filled. Don't feel badly about doing it or standing up for yourself. Surgery and treatment is not 1 size fits all. Its ok to ask for what you need. Good luck!

Hey all! I am SOOO happy to have found this group! I was banded 3/19/08 in Denver, so I think that makes me a Shrinking Shamrock! I'd love to chat and see the stories of others, especially because I'm entering my 4th week out and having some "shrinking pains" (i.e.- Diet Cheating, Hunger, Anxiety over upcoming 1st fill, etc) 1. Where do I get the fun Shrinking Shamrock logo to add to my profile? 2. Where is our homepage I've heard referred to? Ok! Looking forward to this! Hugs! :tt1:EJMDIVA

Hello, First of all i want to thank luscious for making a WONDERFUL point, in that it is unhealthy and can be highly disappointing to set weight loss goals in the first 5-7 weeks after surgery. The moderators and doctors who post on this site all agree that achieving long term, sustained weight loss should not even be a concern until you are healing and well after your 1st few fills. Any weight lost between surgery and 1st fill should simply be considered a wonderful bonus, not an expectation. I only lost 8 lbs the first 2 weeks and was devastated, because we all have that "WHAT DID I DO TO MYSELF?!" moment right after surgery, and i had read so many stories on here where bandsters lost 20 lbs in a week and so on. The fact that you are questioning the decision is quite normal, and with every life changing event, it SHOULD be re-visited and questioned, even after surgery. It is normal, it is ok, and I highly doubt you'll regret it. The energy and the pride you'll start to feel soon will be quite worth it, i promise. good luck on your journey.:biggrin:

Drod (and everyone else who is reading!) First of all, do not worry. While you may be a Murphy's Law type, I am a type that believes God or Karma or just good luck will always provide. There have been many times when I was broke, then an unexpected check rebate from escrow would show up, or just when I was getting sad, a great friend would fly into town for a surprise visit...everything will be ok with your lap band. I was banded 3/19/08 by a GREAT surgeon, and I had a very rough recovery, vomiting, nausea, lots more pain than his other patients, etc. However, I still would do this over. Despite the hunger, the clear liquid diet, the pain, meds, etc. Almost 100% of the bandsters i spoke to had the same experiences, in that the first 2-7 days after surgery, we all have that "OMG, what did I do to myself?!? :ohmy:" moment. After the swelling, gas, stiffness, general icky feelings pass, you will feel wonderful. I used to hate people in diet commercials or ads that would proclaim how great they feel and how much energy they have now, but I have become one of those people. I bounce around and i've only lost 13 lbs! Please have faith and I encourage you to visit the chat room (click on the CHAT tab at the top/middle of the home page). People are amazingly supportive and helpful. good luck and keep me posted! erica

Hello! I'm 15 days post-op and feeling pretty good! However, i have a few cravings that are going to win soon and I need to figure out what to do. I absolutely am dying for Pho noodles, which is a Vietnamese dish of beef broth, egg noodles and soft meat. I'm sure I could handle the beef and broth, but are egg noodles any easier to digest than regular Pasta? I know that rice, bread and pasta are usually no-no's for bandsters, but since I'm not filled yet, I am wondering if I can have one last farewell meal with a favorite dish? ANY advice or personal experience would be soooo nice. I'm literally losing my self-control! I REALLY want those darn noodles! :biggrin: HELP!

Hello! I'm 15 days post-op and feeling pretty good! However, i have a few cravings that are going to win soon and I need to figure out what to do. I absolutely am dying for Pho noodles, which is a Vietnamese dish of beef broth, egg noodles and soft meat. I'm sure I could handle the beef and broth, but are egg noodles any easier to digest than regular Pasta? I know that rice, bread and pasta are usually no-no's for bandsters, but since I'm not filled yet, I am wondering if I can have one last farewell meal with a favorite dish? ANY advice or personal experience would be soooo nice. I'm literally losing my self-control! I REALLY want those darn noodles! :biggrin: HELP!

Hi all, I got banded 3.19.08 and have lost 10 lbs so far. It seems like the past few days, I have slowed/stopped losing, which is normal for someone only about 11 days out. However, my concern is that I'm on mushies and it's hard to find things that are filling/healthy enough. I have a decent amount of hunger and am trying to stick to yogurt, pureed chili, kidney Beans, etc. But I admit I've had some ice cream and shredded cheese as well. Now that the band is on but not filled, I'm able to eat about 1 cup or a little more at each sitting. Is this normal? I'm afraid of stretching the band, but hungry at the same time. I stop when I feel full, but I'd love some words of support or just to know that this is normal! The diet oatmeal I found is pretty decent and filling. I would just really like to know what others found appetizing or nice "full" foods while on mushies because I don't know if I can go 3 more weeks on Soups and chilli. Keeping the faith here in DENVER.:crying:

First of all, welcome back to Colorado and congrats on your lap band success! I just got banded on 3/19/08, so I'm a newbie, but my doctor ROCKS. He's in Denver. Associated Surgeons/Red Rocks Bariatrics is the name of the practice. His name is Dr. Melniczek. He has a great sense of humor and has been very supportive. Having worked in a medical office, I'd recommend that you find a doctor BEFORE you move, so that you can go to your current doc in Virginia now and get copies of your charts, history, insurance, etc. If you wait until you've moved back, you'll have difficulty doing some of that over the phone. Here is the phone info for Dr. Mel's office! I'll be curious to find out who you choose for your continued care! 303-480-3565

hi all, my feet and hands have been constantly cold since banded 6 days ago (3/19/08). nose is also always running, and i'm not sick....any ideas? as well, i think i'm entering bandster hell early. hungry ALOT. still on mostly clears (jello, tomatoe soup, egg drop soup, milk, etc) other than that, doing ok. still hard to get my hydration in, but trying! feeling more active too. also, slightly nauseaous in the mornings, feel tight and gassy. is this ok? gimme good news!