dicev

HI I have an appt tomorrow at 11:30. My question is are there special instructions. Can I eat befo re procedure, like for breakfast a protein shake? I should have asked, but I didn't think about it.

Hi, Getting a Lap Band is exciting and I wish you the best. I love mine. It is a learning experience and you start to learn about your self too. I hope time goes fast and your date gets here quick. The Best

I was banded 5/6/08 and I can't answer about the Gall Bladder since I had mine removed before surgery.

Hi Sharzi, Deciding which surgery is what you want was the hardest part of the whole procedure for me. My sister had it at 66yrs of age (RNY). I also knew 3 people personally that had this bypass surgery. They were all slim, but I just wasn't sure. I struggled with the decision and I finally decided on the Lap Band. My major reason was I has afraid of my state of health after surgery. The Lap Band does require upkeep, but those who have the RNY don't get off that easy. Three were rehospitalized for some type of complication. Also, Ive seen they start out great--taking Vits., eating right ect. and after a few years they can start getting careless. With this type of surgery, you have to take good care of yourself. The good part is good good weight loss!! I didn't fully understand the fill part when I had the LB, it can be frustrating and I've only had two so far. Especially, when you don't know how is going to be doing it and not sure they can!! Weight loss is slow. Would I have traded the LB or not of had it NO WAY!!! I have lost 30 lbs since I first saw my Dr. and I love it. I really think once a person takes the time they need to decide what is right for them, and make their own decision--It's what is right for them even if complications should come along, you're losing weight that might kill you, you feel so much better about yourself, and you can smile again just being you. Good Luck and what an adventure!!!

I'm glad to hear you are having the band replaced, that says alot for the LB. I'm very happy with mine so far 4 months.

I don't think I understand what restriction is. I have had my 2nd fill. Rather then feeling like I can't eat anymore, I feel that's enough. Is this restriction? I have only had a problem with eating tortillas. Sometimes I have no problem (I think the brand of tortillas is the secret). Tortillas is about the only carb I eat, except for an occasional sweet potato. When I have a problem, I feel like I swallowed a small golf ball. Is this restriction?? Sorry if these are a stupid question.

I got a bit upset with my 2nd fill. My Dr asked if it was really hunger I was having that made me feel I needed another fill? Hummm, I said all I know is it's the feeling I always got before I had the LB. I wasn't feeling restriction I didn't think!! (I'm so screwy when it comes to appetite and eating). The first person tried to give me a fill (I don't know how much he was going to put in--I get mute. When I did ask a question once it was side stepped.) anyway he couldn't find the port opening. The Dr came back in. Changed my position, had the needle about 10 inches from the port and wham!!! I asked my husband after "Do you think that went in the right spot??") I went home a bit upset and quess what I did? I messed myself up. I gained 2 lbs, felt no restriction, and fought negativity. Three weeks passed, I got a grip, decided I would ask for another fill at my next visit 4wks. Basicly I decided to TRUST my Dr. I ended up back on. I lost the 2 lbs plus . Fills are funny things, it does take time for them to settle in as someone just posted. I just don't want to eat much now. I prefer protein drinks and bars because they appeal to me more. Eat a good meal once a day, but don't really feel restriction, as much as food doesn't appeal. I can't figure FILLS out, but I'm loosing slowwwly but loosing. YES love the Band!!!

I got a bit upset with my 2nd fill. My Dr asked if it was really hunger I was having that made me feel I needed another fill? Hummm, I said all I know is it's the feeling I always got before I had the LB. I wasn't feeling restriction I didn't think!! (I'm so screwy when it comes to appetite and eating). A new fill person tried to give me my 2nd fill. (I don't know how much he was going to put in--I get mute. When I did ask a question once it was side stepped.) anyway he couldn't find the port opening. The Dr came back in. Changed my position, had the needle about 10 inches from the port and wham!!! I asked my husband after "Do you think that went in the right spot??") I went home a bit upset and quess what I did? I messed myself up. I gained 2 lbs, felt no restriction, and fought negativity. Three weeks passed, I got a grip, decided I would ask for another fill at my next visit 4wks. Basicly I decided to TRUST my Dr. I ended up back on. I lost the 2 lbs plus . Fills are funny things, it does take time for them to settle in as someone just posted. I just don't want to eat much now. I prefer protein drinks and bars because they appeal to me more. Eat a good meal once a day, but don't really feel restriction, as much as food doesn't appeal. I can't figure FILLS out, but I'm loosing slowwwly but loosing. YES!! love the Band!!!

I can't see someone being denied unless they were unsure about the surgery. If you are highly motivated and want to loss weight like most of us have been this is the thing. If you were to go in and were more concerned with another issue than what you went in for or were unsure about getting it. What could the advice but WAIT. This is just my opinion. It's routine, and mandatory and no one wants to prevent you from getting the surgery if you've been approved.

I fought the water for awhile after I had my band put in. If you have to wait an hour after you eat, and have to sip how in the world can you get all this water in. I finally just relaxed and drink as often as possible. I am so thristy when I eat I can't wait a full hour after. I usually drink when I want to. I don't know if this is great but it works for me.

I read your post. I haven't the experience to help with advice on the problems you're having. I'm only on 2nd fill. I can however say I have experienced your left shoulder pain. I just told my Dr. yesterday if anyone complained of left shoulder pain Believe them. Luckily I had read here on the forum others talking about shoulder pain, and when it happened to me I used what I read. Thanks to this forum, it saved me an ER expense. The pain caused by gas pushing on the diaphram (someone wrote--take Gas X and give it time). I realized it was what I had eaten that day that caused the problem. Good luck to you on hearing from others with the advice on your vomiting, that can't be good!

This is my 2nd fill. I had it today. Something kind of unusual happened and I wanted to ask and see if anyone has had this happen to them. Dr's assistant went in and it was hard for the port to be found. The needle was in (no discomfort at this point), but he pushed farther and the needle went further in. I felt a hurting feeling and an odd sensation. I told my husband it was like the needle went where it shouldn't have been. I know no harm could have been done. If this were the case, they wouldn't be going in blind. Right?? I have been a bit uneasy since and dread the next fill. It wasn't painful, it's just eerie. No what I mean? The Dr was asked to come in right after the mess and going in deeper.. The Dr with alittle adjustment of a pillow under my back and head down on table, went in with one try and with zero discomfort found the port and done. Anyone know what i experienced and why it felt so not right??

Hi, Could you tell me where you get the Pure Protein that has 35 grms. I had a terrible evening and into the am with left shoulder pain. I have decided after reading posts it was gas. I have to get serious about eating more carefully, and want to give my pouch alittle rest. Protein drinks sound very good right now.

Hi Any new info on left shoulder pain? I started a thread, but it didn't show up, or I can't find it. In any case I will keep my question short. I'm 2 mos since surgery and last night I had quite an experience..

Hi, I had my first fill 6/11. I have good days where I don't eat much and days when I can eat alot and want alot.I will be seeing the Dr again in 3 weeks. Is this common? Is there something I could be doing?

I read your question about your band is not helping as much as before your fill. I just posted a question about the same circumstance. The Dr. said I was still swollen from surgery, so maybe the swelling went down. I will be checking to see if you get a responses.

I had my first Fill today. I wasn't scared, but I didn't look. I was surprised at how little I felt anything. NO PAIN at all. I have a question, and I can't believe I forgot to ask the Dr. I didn't ask how much of a fill I got. The only Clue is he said I was in the GREEN ZONE. Does anyone have an idea what this means? My husband said it looked like 2cc. tHANKS

I was thinking before I read your post that GREEN ZONE must mean safe zone. This really helped. Thanks so much

Hi 50 plus: I'm Dicev (Diane) age 64, Banded May 6th 08. I have had a very easy time so far. I've lost 16 lbs since surgery and get my first fill 6/11. I want to ask a general question--a friend wants to get a lap band, but is turned off because he has heard you get diarrhea very badly. I said, I had never had this happen, not even once. Has anyone any info on this? Thanks

I was told I have an AB Standard Band--(may be an AP Standard Band). Could someone tell me how many cc this will hold and is it used often? I mean't to ask about my band type before surgery and forgot. Thanks

Hi I had one-only because of preexisting problems. They also put it in after I was under. They left it in over night and took it out sometime the next day. It was after they took it out that I felt the UTI feeling. I felt uncomfortable and I was sure I had it. I must have just been alittle iritated--no problems. I can honestly say-for me everything was a very easy procedure. Good Luck Also, I want to say "There is nothing so good as eating like a normal person". I like me and don't feel the shame of over eating for the first time in years!! LOVE MY BAND TOO!!!

Hi, I was banded 5/6th. I had been told years back I had a murmur. They ran test then and it wasn't anything to be concerned about. So I forgot about it. My medical records mentioned it, (most Drs didn't even notice it, or didn't mention it). Anyway, I had to have the stress test you mention. I was about 5 months ago. It's time consuming and pretty easy. Only thing I would suggest is to take the fast seriously. DON'T EAT like they say. Luckily I did!! When they have the IV in, they put the nuclear medicine in. In a few seconds I felt nauseated. I said, "does anyone ever get sick". They said, "no, except for some woman last week who threw up all over". They were disgusted with this poor woman. The sick feeling left me as quick as it came over me and it wasn't bad. I wondered if what I had gone thru was harmful to the body. I haven't done any research into it. Good Luck!!!

Hi- I was 64yrs when banded this 5/6th. My sister was over 60 when she had a RYN surgery, and she had some serious health issues. It probably saved her life. I wasn't as heavy and didn't have any life threatening problems so I decided I wanted the band. I wouldn't loose as much and it would be a slower loss. I have only lost about 15 lbs since I started, but I feel so much better just having those lbs off. I have sleep apnea, high cholestral and am post polio so have physical bone and muscle problems.

Hello I had surgery 5/6. Doing great and love my band even without a fill it is working. I listen and when I feel satisfied I quit eating.. I've been on vactation and at first was a little afraid that I would be my old self. Eating being the first and second things to do on vacation. Someone on the forum--and I don't know who you are right now--ends each of their posts with FAILING IS NOT AN OPTION!!! Amen to this. Although, I haven't needed help, before I even think food I quote this saying. THANK YOU so much for this quote

I started a month before surgery at 215lbs, but found I started losing with the hope I was going to do something that would help me make it!! After 2 week diet I weighed in at Hospital 209lbs, and today I weighed 196.6.lbs. Loss has slowed alot, but because of being handicaped I haven't done much exercising. We got back from vacation and it felt so wonderful to loose weight instead of gaining. I had an easy time. El Loco Poco had steamed vegs, refried beans and tender moist chicken. I ate alittle and was satisfied. I got very weak and tired today and was told to eat more protein and eat around 800 calories. Increase the protein and iron. I'm having a great time. Depression has come and gone, but I know it is more a physical thing then a mental because it leaves so quickly and then I'm OK. I notice physicaly I feel so much better. Anyway, Cindy thanks for the use of FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION