FailureIsntAnOption

My surgeon tells me nothing but water for 6 hours before a fill.

Some people don't start losing until they have restriction. If I were you I would consider checking out a Curves membership. They have many machines that you can do even with bad knees. You might also try some weight training. I have to work out everyday or I just don't seem to lose. Good luck to you. Donna

This is the first good possible cause I have heard yet. Thank you I will get some flaxseed or flaxseed oil this weekend. It is certainly worth a try. Donna

Give it about 4 months and then let us know if you are losing hair.

I believe that not using your band the way it is meant to be used is failure. Come on, you put your body through surgery because you want to be healthier. Now is the time to get to work. I too suffer from depression and some days I get a little down about the slow progress I am making but Coloradobanding put it into perspective for me. As long as I am doing my part and the scale is still in the downward cycle, the goal should be to live a healthier lifestyle and the weight will come off. You have to start moving. Believe me, exercise will certainly help you with your depression. When I come out of the gym I feel like I am on a natural high. Those endorphins kick in and I feel great and you will too. That high will last me almost all day. I don't necessarily enjoy sweating but I do enjoy the results and the improvement in my attitude and physic. Try to find something you can manage. Buy a bicycle and ride it around your neighborhood, do a work-out video, join a gym, get a stationary bike, anything that gets you moving. I don't mean to preach, I'm just trying to motivate you. We all need a kick in the ass sometimes to get going. Consider this your kick in the ass. Donna p.s. When I get stuck, I welcome the vomiting because it is a relief to get the food out. The occasional vomit is not going to slip your band if it is installed properly.

What do you post-op instructions say? You need to follow the doctor's orders.

I was given IV medication: Remifentanil (Ultiva) plus Propofol (Diprivan). If a mask was placed over my face it didn't happen until I was already out. Hope this helps. Donna

I have Kaiser of So. Cal. and I just had to list the different methods I have tried to lose the weight over the past five years and my weight at the time of each diet such as, Jenny Craig, Lindora, Slimfast, Adkins, etc. Since I never self documented any of my weight loss attempts I just kinda guessed at it. However, I ended up going to Mexico and paying for surgery myself since they refuse to do the lap band procedure. (long story I was given misinformation). I wasn't about to let the insurance dictate to me that I had to have gastric bypass when it wasn't what I wanted and something I felt strongly against (my personal preference for personal reasons).

The heating pad was a tremendous help with the back pain. The surgeon loaned me a heating pad. I thought my back pain was from laying on my back too much in the hospital but come to find out it was the gas. I had no pain in the shoulder like most people have I just had a back ache and an elephant sitting on my chest My port was placed in the center of my belly about six inches up from my belly button so I was able to lay on my sides which gave me great relief. The pain meds I was given knocked me out each time I took them so I had no problem sleeping. I was up and walking within an hour of coming out of recovery and had no nausea at all. The experience is a little different for everybody. I wish you much success on your weight loss journey.

I had over-eaten a few times and when I went for my first fill my doc commented on how my pouch was still perfectly shaped. I realized then that I was worrying needlessly about over-eating since I really didn't have much restriction at all. We all tend to worry more than we probably need to about damaging our bands in my opinion its just fear of the unknown. Try to relax a little.

Rubbing alcohol did it for me. There is another thread somewhere on this same topic and there were many other suggestions as well. Good luck!

Sounds like you are looking for a clear protein. If you are interested in protein powder, I really like the vanilla flavored Matrix2 or Matrix5. I mix it in a blender with a little non-fat milk, a banana and ice and I really love it.

You have a really good attitude which I'm sure will be very helpful for your LB journey. Best wishes for much success!

What did you eat? Sounds kinda like a niacin flush.

If I don't get all my Protein in for the day I have to rely on the IDS protein vials. It is my opinion that the hair loss some of us are experiencing is NOT from lack of protein. I am getting all my protein in and I am losing hair like crazy. I have not heard one clear reason for the hair loss and don't buy the trama of surgery excuse. I have had surgery several times before and NEVER lost my hair from surgery. I suspect it has to do with the trama to a vital organ (having a band on it) or our bodies adjusting to drastic decrease of fat or carb consumption. Funny, in all the literature I read while researching the band, hair loss was not listed as a side affect of the lap band. Anyway, I'm sure somebody would love to argue the point with me but I'm pretty much not interested in debating the issue. I just wanted to make my point for some food for thought. I sure hope I look good as a bald woman because with each passing day baldness is becoming a reality for me.

Yes, if your fill is done under fluoroscopy then you will have to drink some barium.

Have you taken your temperature? Maybe you have an infection.

How funny! My PCP gave me a complete physical prior to me going to Mexico for my surgery. When I asked his opinion he said he has many patients who travel out of the country for surgery. He actually helped me investigate the surgeon that I used.

Mine did not

Hello again lml, What is lapband inc? And do you know if all the Curves offer this discount or could you find out for me?:confused: Thanks, Donna

I went to Mexico for surgery (not Dr. Otriz). I was pretty darn nervous about it too. Once I arrived at the hospital all my fears left me. Everything went as smooth as silk and I was actually pleasantly surprised. Just be sure to investigate the surgeon thoroughly and find past patients to talk with.

I totally disagree with the previous poster. If you feel you need the band to assist you in your weight loss I say go for it. My son is also overweight and I have seen his struggles to fight the battle of the bulge. If he came to me and said, "Hey Mom, since the band has worked so well for you that I want one too". I would certainly help him anyway I could to make it happen. You are still young enough that you can lose the weight and most likely not have a lot of extra hanging skin, something us older folks have to deal with. I say if you can change your life now by learning to eat in moderation (which the band will help you do), DO IT! Best of luck to you on your weight loss journey. Donna

Hello bayareanan, My goal for the first year is 100 pounds. My starting weight was the same as your weight and I'm the same height. I will exercise myself to death if means I make my goal

I noticed you like the Malibu (rum). You have to try the coconut Malibu with the V8 Fusion/light. OMG! it is sooooo good. Donna

I get my fills under fluoroscopy and they get it on the first try. Fluroscopy also lets them view the band and the barium passing through so they can tell if there are any problems.