tomjerry

Hi Mine is 12ml band and I have 10ml of liquid so far and havent had any for a while....Doctor will tell you when to stop. If you arent loosing weight then you need to go back to the doctor. One lady i met at the doctors office had her band done 2 years ago and put on weight and then lost weight and then didnt stick to diet. She then went back to the doctor and had the liquid all removed out and reinserted slowly...she is now loosing weight.....So keep an eye on your loss of weight and if you are loosing weight then no need for more fills....

Hi there I had my lap band on the 23rd March this year....I wont be having any fills for a while. I am upto 10mils....As for meat, well honestly I havent been able to have any kind of meat. I tried twice and like you it doesnt stay in....They say to make it moist and soft by adding maybe a sauce or some gravy so why dont you try that. I am not much of a meat person so it doesnt bother me at....Good Luck...Let me know how you go.....:cool2:

Hi all...just checking with you all and I am pleased to say that I have done it...my surgury was on Monday 23rd March..Went well..... Came out the next week and have been at my parents has being spoilt.... Have been a bit sore and tight around the stomach and where the cuts are in 5 place. A bit of pain but not too much. Feel a bit tight around the chest. Cant believe I was first on the list for the operation, went in at 8.30 and woke up around 1.00.....ended up in ICU has I had some breathing problems. When I woke up at 1.00 the surgeon was there so that was very assuring to see him. Was so sleeping and that slept til around 4.30. Was very very thursty but they gave me nothing until around 5.00 and that was ice cubs. So now at home on liquid diet til I go to the dietician end of next week. :thumbup:

Yes, congratulations..it will be worth the wait...I was banded last month so I am very very excited for you...Keep us posted on your progress

So sorry for you. Can I ask how did you know the band slipped...What did you feel....

Congratulations - you have made the first step to changing your future....We are all 100% behind him and here to help. I was banded 23 March so am still new to Lap Banding myself. This forum is great and keep us posted on your progress....Go Girl.......:smile:

Yes, I quiet like March Madness....as well.. How is everyone going....

I've had 2 fills so far - 1 one last of 6mil and one yesterday of 2mils so that makes it 8 mils to date. Going in for 1 or 2 mils next week, not sure exactly how much. Maxium he will go is 12mils....Feel great. End of this week go back to dieticican for next stage - solid foods (bring it on)....Hope everyone is ok out there and enjoying seeing the weight come off. The only thing i dont like so far is the scales show a difference amount from my/dietician and surgeons...Surgeons is always more so I have told him I dont like his scales plus there on carpet......:smile::thumbup::w00t:

FYI - Info I have gathered whist readying up on the lap band procedures At this time you may start having slightly thicker, creamier Soups. This will help you transition to more solid foods later. Some products like bread, red meat, and rice may still cause problems, so it is better to eat softer foods that are easier to digest. This might include food such as moist white meat (chicken or pork) and fish. Chew all your food well. If you have dentures, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew it thoroughly. If you don't follow these precautions, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have stoma obstruction. If solid foods cause nausea and vomiting, go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. Always ask for advice from your doctor or dietitian that is specific to your situation. Vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the band. YOUR NEW NUTRITIONAL PLAN When you can eat sold foods without problems you will need to pay close attention to your diet. liquids will pass through the reduced stomach pouch quickly and will not make you feel full. Avoid high-calorie drinks from this point on. Drink Water, broth, tea, and coffee (black, without sugar). Ten Important Rules These rules for eating, drinking, and exercise will help you get the best results with the LAP-BAND® System: Eat only three small meals a day. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly (approximately 15 to 20 times per bite). Stop eating as soon as you feel full. Do not drink while eating. Do not eat between meals. Eat only good quality food. Avoid fibrous food. Drink enough fluids during the day. Drink only low-calorie liquids. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Too much food or big chunks of food can block the stomach pouch outlet. You can avoid this problem by chewing food well and eating small bits at a time. Eat only three small meals a day and make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrients. A healthy meal includes vegetable, fruit, meat, bread, and/or dairy products. The general guide below can help you create good and healthy meals that contain adequate nutrients but little sugar and fat. Also, ask you surgeon and/or dietitian about your food choices.

My dietician gave me the following advice and I hope this helps you. After surgery your on a liquid diet for approximately 2 weeks. Must be in liquid form, thin enough to pass through a straw, smooth, has no lumps and no fizzy. Suitable fluids Commercial Protein drinks Plain Water Coffee/tea Drinking yogurt fruit juice Vegetable Juice Tin strained soup/stocks They also recommend you take a liquid Multivitamin. For constipation take prune juice or benifiber. Hope this information helps you, I could email you the information which will be in more detail if you like, just email me your email address.

Well its been 2 weeks since my surgery and so far all well.. Still a bit of soreness but not very bad. Have lost 10kgs so far since pre surgery on optifast til now....so 4 weeks all up....Still on liquid diet til tomorrow night when I go and see the dietician for the next stage - mussy stage..

Hi there Did you want to know what to eat pre surgery or after surgery???

Hi there Sorry to hear your having a bad time with you fills.. I am due at my sugeon next week as its been 3 weeks since my surgery so no fills for me as yet. He did say that he doesnt do the fills and that he would send me to someone else to do them. He said that he uses a x-ray machine when it comes time for my fills. Hope the 2nd fill works out for you. As for where the port is placed im not sure but i will find out next week...

Very sad to hear your sad news but like everyone has said so far hang in there....think about how much you have lost so far and having surgury again will be worth it as you can achieve it and you will continue to achieve loosing weight..hang in there...we are here to support you..as for work, take things further and make sure they look after you....

Hi all I just wanted to tell you all that I love this forum.. I was well prepared when I went and saw my sugeon. He tried to put me off the surgey at first, saying that its not guaranteed etc etc....but after he could see that I was keen and really wanted to go ahead with the procedure, he booked me in for 23 March.....yes.....cant wait....bit nervous as I dont know how it will all go......:thumbup:

Please note that although the experience described below is typical, your experience may be different. How Will I Feel? After you get home from the hospital, you need to allow yourself enough time to recover properly. Get plenty of rest, but do try to walk as much as you can comfortably, to prevent blood clots. Do not lift anything heavy. You can expect some soreness the first few days after surgery, but your surgeon will prescribe medications to treat any pain. You can most likely return to light work in a few days to a week, but if you have a physically demanding job, you may have to wait two to three weeks. You should also be able to return to normal activity and regular exercise within four to six weeks. Be sure to follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon and medical team. Beginning Life with Your LAP-BAND Your weight-management team will help you with your new lifestyle and eating habits. It is very important to follow their instructions immediately after the operation to allow your new stomach structure to heal completely, allowing your LAP-BAND® System to sit in the right position. This is very important to your weight loss surgery success, so stay focused on allowing your body to recover from surgery, and feeling good. For the first 24 hours after surgery, you can have an occasional sip of Water or suck on an ice cube. For the first couple of weeks, you will be on a liquid diet as you gradually move toward pureed and soft foods. About six weeks after surgery, you should be able to eat solid food again. During recovery, it is important to drink plenty of water, although never with your meals. Remember that eating the wrong foods or eating too much can cause vomiting and interfere with your healing process. You also need to start engaging in physical activity and exercise within a few weeks after surgery. At first, it may be hard for you to exercise as much as you should, but it's important both physically and emotionally to get started. Taking it slow at first, try to walk as much as you comfortably can. It's a great way to regain strength and prevent blood clots.

Congratulations...you look great.....

Hi...I went to SIOS in Ashfield and that is the price they told me as well..I am booked in for Westmead Private and it will cost me $2.5k plus cost of top of that for Dietician, 2 visits to the surgeon but this can be claimed through medicare. I will know the exact price next week when I go back and will finalise the details and will let you know. Baulkham Hills private hospital is $4,500 so both alot cheaper than Ashfield....Dont know why you have to wait 1 year for Ashfield they were going to book me in 1 month after I saw them which was early Feb this year....Happy to provide more details if you want..:thumbup::scared2:

Naturally, everyones recovery will be different. Some may find it a breeze and some might struggle with the pain and the fact that your have just had lap band surgery and how much your life will change. Our experiences will be different from each other. My note was a guide that I had found whilst doing some research about the lap band..:smile::tongue2::smile:

You know I have a whole folder hear of info. I certainly did alot of research. We need to know what to expect and what we are getting ourselves into and the more info we know prior to surgery the better we are at ensuring that we are successful in loosing weight......Keep a look out I have plenty more to provide you all....Happy Reading......:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::frown::thumbup:

Your First Adjustment The first adjustment usually occurs about six weeks after surgery, although the exact time varies from patient to patient. The LAP-BAND® System is designed to help you achieve steady and safe weight loss, so don't be in a hurry. You and your surgeon will decide when the time is right for you to have your first adjustment. At your first adjustment appointment, you should expect to discuss your eating habits, exercise, and rate of weight loss. This will help determine if it's time for you to have a band adjustment. If it is, you can expect the following: An evaluation of your pouch size and stoma size before adjusting the band (this isn't always done. Your surgeon may or may not evaluate your pouch size and stoma size before the adjustment.) Adjustment of your LAP-BAND® System Evaluation of your pouch size and stoma size after the procedure to confirm that the proper band adjustment has been made. When the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is first placed, your surgeon usually leaves it empty or only partially inflated. This gives your body the chance to get accustomed to your LAP-BAND® System during the first few weeks after surgery. It also allows healing to occur around the new LAP-BAND® System site. It's critical during this time to avoid vomiting and/or putting any pressure on your new small stomach above the band. The first time the LAP-BAND® System is adjusted is usually four to six weeks after surgery, although the exact time will vary from patient to patient. During the first year, most patients get between five and eight adjustments. Sometimes, small adjustments are made over the years. During each adjustment, a very small amount of saline will be added to or removed from the LAP-BAND® System. You may feel a pricking sensation during an adjustment, as the surgeon will use a fine needle to inject or withdraw Fluid from your access port, which is located under your skin. The feeling is similar to the pinprick you feel when you give blood. Sterile saline is used to adjust the LAP-BAND® System. Saline is a type of salt Water, just like your body's natural fluid, similar to tears. Adjustments are done either in the surgeon's office or hospital using a palpation method (simply pressing down on the skin to locate the access port) or via X-ray equipment (fluoroscopy). The surgeon may also use fluoroscopy to guide the needle into the port or to evaluate your pouch size and stoma size after the adjustment. As you take a drink of a special liquid (usually called barium), your surgeon will be able to watch it travel down your esophagus into the small upper stomach pouch, through your stoma, and into your big lower stomach. To get the best results, you may need more than one adjustment. The most common reasons for adjustments are not being able to eat without feeling uncomfortable or vomiting, being able to eat too much without feeling full, or not losing weight. Get into "The Green Zone" The LAP-BAND® System Journey is different for each person and the exact amount of fluid required to make the new stomach opening the right size is unique. An ideal "fill" level should be just tight enough to let you gradually lose weight. That means you should still be able to eat enough to get the nutrients that you need, while still reducing the overall amount you can actually eat.

Dietary Guidelines Once you can eat solid foods without problems, you need to carefully follow your new diet: Avoid drinking liquids during or immediately after meals as liquids tend to flush food through the stomach pouch. This prevents you from getting that prolonged feeling of satisfaction needed to help you eat less. As always, staying hydrated throughout the day is important, however. Drink at least six to eight cups of Water per day, and make sure you consume them between meals. Chew your food thoroughly and eat small bites so that the food can easily fit through the opening to your stomach pouch. This will help you avoid the problem of food blocking the stomach outlet. Only eat when you are hungry and no more than three small meals a day, but you must make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrition. Remember, your stomach can only hold about one-quarter of a cup of food, or two ounces, at a time. Stop eating when your hunger is gone or when you feel comfortable. The general nutrition guide below can help you create good and healthy meals that contain adequate nutrients but low sugar and fat: Good Food Choices Fruits and vegetables One to two servings of fresh fruit daily Two to three servings of fresh vegetables daily [*]Breads and cereals One small portion of low-sugar cold or hot Cereal Half to one slice of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day. Note: Some patients have difficulty eating bread [*]meat, fish, poultry, eggs One to two ounces of meat, fish, or poultry-or one egg each day. Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove the skin from poultry. Prepare the meat in ways that need very little fat. Grilling, steaming, microwaving, or boiling are all good ways to do this. Note: Some patients have difficulty eating meat. [*]Dairy products Milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form. However, these types of food have Calcium, which makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet, so choose a maximum of 2 cups of skimmed milk or low-fat yogurt and 1 ounce of cheese a day. [*]Fats Restrict the use of fat to 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter, or oil per day. You can have low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise in moderation. [*]drinks Drink as many calorie-free liquids per day as you wish (though not with meals). Suitable drinks are tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener, water, non-carbonated beverages containing few or no calories Some doctors have reported that carbonated beverages may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch and recommend they be avoided. Foods to Avoid Some foods deliver a concentrated supply of calories but little nutritional value. These foods should be avoided whenever possible. They include: [*] syrups cakes jam chips pastries Alcoholic drinks should also be consumed in moderation: for example, one glass of wine per day. [*]Common Problem Foods Some foods have difficulty passing through the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND® System and may cause blockage. These include: dry meat shrimp untoasted or doughy bread rice Peanut Butter fibrous vegetables like corn, asparagus, and celery nuts greasy or fried food membrane of citrus fruits Introduce these foods slowly and individually to see if you can tolerate them. Always be careful, chew well, and follow your surgeon's or dietitian's advice.

Will I be sick a lot after the operation? The LAP-BAND® System limits the amount of food you can eat at one time. If you feel nauseated on a regular basis, it could mean that you aren't chewing your food well enough or that you aren't following the post-surgical diet rules properly. However, it could also mean that there is a problem with the placement of the LAP-BAND® System, so contact your doctor if you continue to get sick. You must avoid vomiting as much as possible because it can cause your small stomach pouch to stretch. It can also lead to slippage of part of the stomach through the LAP-BAND® System, offsetting the effectiveness of your surgery. In some severe cases, damage due to vomiting can mean another operation. Will I feel hungry or deprived with the LAP-BAND® System? The LAP-BAND ® System makes you eat less and feel full in two ways: first, by reducing how much your stomach can hold at one time and second, by increasing the time it takes food to get through your digestive system. After a small meal, the amount of which varies from person to person, you should feel full and satisfied for some time. If you follow the nutrition guidelines when you choose your food and then chew it well, you shouldn't feel hungry or deprived. Remember, the LAP-BAND ® System is a powerful tool to help you change your eating habits. Can I eat anything in moderation? After your stomach has healed, you may eat most foods that don't cause you discomfort. However, since you can only eat a small amount at a time, it is important that you choose nutritious, vitamin-rich foods as outlined on this site and recommended by your surgeon and/or dietitian. Remember, if you eat foods that contain lots of sugar and fat or drink liquids full of empty calories (milkshakes, sodas), you will still be consuming more calories than you burn, and your weight loss with the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System may be greatly reduced or even cancelled. Can I drink alcohol? Alcohol has a lot of calories and breaks down Vitamins. An occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage, though, is not considered harmful to weight loss.1 Can I go out to eat? Order only a small portion, such as an appetizer. Try to eat as slowly as you can. It will help if you stop eating at the same time as your dinner companions. You might want to let your host or hostess know in advance that you cannot eat very much. Ask your surgeon for a LAP-BAND® Patient Card included in the Post-Op Patient Packet provided by Allergan. The patient card explains what the LAP-BAND® System is and states that you cannot eat very much (this card can also be helpful if you have an unrelated medical emergency). Am I allowed to have my LAP-BAND® System opened for a special occasion? While it might seem tempting and easy, your LAP-BAND® System should never be opened to eat a big meal at a special occasion. The LAP-BAND® System can be opened for medical reasons, though, such as pregnancy, when you will need to increase your nutritional intake. Does the LAP-BAND® System limit any physical activity? The LAP-BAND® System should not hamper any type of physical activity. You should be free to do aerobics, stretches, and any strenuous exercise you enjoy once you've completely recovered, and your surgeon gives you the 'ok'. Do I have to be careful with the access port just underneath my skin? The access port is placed under the skin in the abdominal wall, and once the incisions have healed, it should not cause discomfort or limit any physical exercise. The only sensation you may experience from the port occurs when you go in for adjustments. If you feel persistent discomfort in the port area, talk to your doctor.

During the first few weeks after surgery, you need to take the time to recover and to start adjusting to your new life with the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System. A big part of your long term weight loss success will be your motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle that includes a new diet and exercise plan, routine check ups with your surgeon, ongoing LAP-BAND® System adjustments, support group meetings, and more. However, be patient with yourself in the first weeks after surgery. You've already taken the biggest step - the first one. Now, it'll be a new life and lifestyle you create over time, not overnight. Your doctor will work with you to address your needs specifically. Below are some guidelines: Recovery Here are some key points for your recovery in the first few days and weeks. First Days You can expect some soreness, especially where the access port is, but it should subside (Please call your surgeon if the pain persists after a few days). To prevent infection, your surgeon may tell you not to shower for a day or so after surgery. Try to walk as much as you can comfortably, so that you'll regain strength and prevent blood clots, but take it slowly. [*]First Week(s) During the first week after surgery, allow yourself to recover and get plenty of rest. In about a week, you should be able to return to work, provided it's not physically demanding. For more physically active jobs, allow yourself two to three weeks to recover. Within four to six weeks, you should be able to resume all normal activity and start a new exercise program. Note: Before engaging in any physical activity or exercise program, first consult your surgeon. Many surgeons see their patients weekly or biweekly during the first month after surgery, so you will be sure your recovery is going well, and have any questions answered. Dietary Guidelines After surgery, you'll need a new nutrition plan. You'll learn about the positive changes you can and need to make in your diet and lifestyle from your surgeon and/or dietitian. It's very important to follow your new eating and drinking instructions beginning immediately after the surgery. In the first few weeks after your LAP-BAND® System surgery, you will be on a liquid diet since only thin liquids will be tolerated by your stomach at that time. As you heal, you will gradually progress to pureed foods (three to four weeks post-op) and then soft foods (five weeks post-op). Finally, after about six weeks, you will be able to eat solid foods. The First Few Days Post-Surgery It's extremely important to follow the eating and drinking instructions immediately after the surgery. This allows your new stomach pouch to heal completely and the LAP-BAND® System to stay in the right position. In the early weeks, it's crucial not to stretch the small stomach pouch above the LAP-BAND® System. Vomiting will do this, while also increasing the chance of stomach tissue slipping up through the band. Right after the surgery, you can take an occasional sip of Water or suck on an ice cube. Don't take any more liquid than this, though. The day after the operation, you can take a little more Fluid but only a small amount at a time. Besides water, you should also choose Clear Liquids that have an adequate number of calories. To prevent nausea and vomiting, do not drink too much. [*]liquid diet (1-2 weeks post-surgery) Your goal during the first few weeks is to protect the small stomach pouch so that you can heal properly. It can only tolerate thin liquids at this time. It's also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water (small amounts at a time). Other liquids recommended during this phase include: clear broth or Soup (with no vegetables or meat, and not creamy) skim milk fruit juice no-sugar-added popsicles [*]Pureed Foods (3-4 weeks post-surgery) Now, you can start adding slightly textured foods. Think of the consistency of baby foods. This stage will help you transition to more solid foods later. Protein is very important for maintaining muscle while you lose weight. So, you should eat protein-rich foods first, and then move on to fruits and vegetables. Foods in this stage may include: pureed skinless chicken or fish mashed potatoes peas low-fat yogurt or pudding [*]Please note: In the first few weeks you may be able to eat foods that might not be allowed in your diet later, because they may contain too many calories. [*]Remember, it's more important in the first few weeks to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND® System than it is to lose weight. Also, your personal timing and progression into each dietary phase depends on your progress. In general, when it comes to your nutrition, you should follow the advice of your surgeon and/or dietitian. [*]Soft Foods (5 weeks post-surgery) Your meals can now include tender, cooked foods like fish and ground turkey. Now that you can chew, make it a habit to chew foods well. If you have dentures, be sure to cut your food into small pieces and chew your food thoroughly. By not chewing properly, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have stoma obstruction (obstruction of the stomach opening created by the LAP-BAND® System). Some products like bread, red meat, and rice may still cause you problems, so it is better to eat softer foods that are easier to digest. These might include foods such as moist white meat (chicken or pork) and fish. If solid foods cause any nausea and vomiting, go back to the liquid diet you had earlier. Then you can slowly add soft foods and eventually transition to solid foods. Always ask your doctor or dietitian for advice that is specific to you. Again, remember that vomiting may increase the incidence of band slippage, stomach slippage, or stretching of the small stomach pouch above the LAP-BAND®.

Long-Term Overview LAP-BAND® System surgery is a big step on the road to your successful and sustained weight loss. However, you must take that crucial next step by adopting a lifelong program that will help you meet and continue your weight loss and maintenance goals. This multifaceted LAP-BAND® System program may include: new nutrition and exercise plan routine check-ups with your surgeon and working with the rest of your weight-management team regular attendance at the LAP-BAND® System support group meetings. ongoing LAP-BAND® System adjustments if necessary First Few Weeks: Diet Nutrition: After your surgery, you'll need a new nutrition and exercise plan. Since you will only be able to eat a small amount at any meal, you need to make good food choices. It is recommended that you eat only when you are hungry and no more than three small meals a day. Make sure that these meals contain adequate nutrients. You will also need to learn to eat slowly and chew your food very thoroughly. Drinking high-calorie liquids (like milkshakes or soda), or drinking liquids during or immediately after meals can drastically reduce the effectiveness of the LAP-BAND® System. However, it is important to stay hydrated and drink lots of Water throughout the day. Exercise: You will also need an exercise program to help you lose weight. You can start with walking. The more weight you lose, the easier it should get. Gradually, you will be able to expand your program to include more active forms of exercise such as bicycling, jogging, and aerobics. For suggestions on exercises,