ziggledog

Hey Rand - its definitely a big thing to get one's mind around. Not only was I scared witless about surgery, but I was philosophically opposed to having a band, i.e., "I should just be able to eat less, etc.". At this point I feel very comfortable with my decision. I think the complication rate is relatively high (20% long-term by some estimates, and a leader in the lap-band installation field recently testified that the long-term complication rate is "unknowable" - scary stuff ). However, I've found it reasonable to ask myself what the long-term comp rate for being 75 lbs overweight might be. So, with that in mind i went ahead. Good luck with your insurance co. zig

I know this is an old thread, but I just stumbled across something that might be of interest to Lap-Banders with a-fib. I am 46 and have had paroxysmal (episodic) a-fib since age 17, typically an episode every 2 or 3 years converting back to sinus rhythm on its own (after 12 or so hours) or through cardioversion (if longer). I was banded on 4/26/20 @ 237, weighing in today at 207. Very satisfied with the Band. Last night, just as I flopped into bed, I popped into a-fib. Went to see cardio-electrophysiologist this morning, was cardioverted several hours later, back into normal rhythm and feeling fine. My doctor noted my surgery and said that he has seen a disproportionate number of gastric-surgery patients - especially banded patients - with new or increasing a-fib. He was careful to say that this was strictly anecdotal/experiential, but also that he was personally convinced that there is a connection between the procedure and a-fib. He communicated his sense that this was NOT about nutritional deficiency, but rather about the disturbance of the Vegus nerve - - the one responsible for the hiccups and left shoulder pain that many Bandsters experience. Hmmm. Any other a-fibbers out there?

Hey Rand. Yup - the co-morbidities had set in: hypertension and dyslipidemia (sp?), both reasonably well-controlled with meds. Sugar started to creep up, but was still within normal limits. Also snoring with occasional sleep disruption, but sleep study was negative. Hope that helps. Zig

Hi All. Banded 4/26/10, outpatient. Began pre-op diet at 237 (bmi 37), weighed in this morning at 209. Depending on how I calculate the start date/weight, I'm down about a pound per week. Insurance paid 100%. No particular "guy" issues, I don't think. The whole notion of the band being a "tool" is totally on target - but I think its impossible to understand before you have one. Its not a cure - you really do have to learn how to use it, and be willing to do so. There is definitely a learning curve, and you have to be pretty thoughtful about your eating (content, timing, etc.) That said, I still get stuck about once per week, and when it happens it just sucks. I've puked in some interesting places (my mother-in-law's backyard, on the interstate while driving, in the bathroom of a home I was considering for a purchase), and it can really put a damper on the day. I've been surprised at the kinds of foods that "work" and those that don't. For example, I can still eat a bagel (well, 1/2 a bagel), but bananas and some yogurts cause problems. I eat at least one salad per day (with Beans, walnuts, other veggies, a bit of olive oil, etc) which I find very satisfying and easy to eat (I'm a vegetarian). I try to have some Protein with every meal, but I don't really count protein grams. I usually have 4 small meals (a bit less than 1 cup, by volume) of 300-400 calories each. I don't drink for 60-90 minutes after a meal (and NEVER during a meal), and try and drink 12-16 oz 10 or 15 minutes before I eat. I eat every 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 hours, and can stretch that out a bit by drinking. Diet Snapple has become my new best friend. Mostly, problems arise when I am rushed or distracted and don't concentrate on chewing, or eat too quickly. i could probably have the band tightened a bit to quicken my weight loss (8 cc in a 14 cc band), but I am committed to the idea of wanting to eat "normal foods in normal amounts", which is basically where i am. Also, I don't want to increase the frequency of vomiting. Once every 7-10 days is plenty. All in all, I am VERY pleased with the band. For the first time in my life, I can eat a meal, feel satisfied, and not be hungry again five minutes later. I feel better physically, my numbers (bp, cholesterol) are all way down, and, while I am by no means at a normal weight - yet - I look a lot better. Nice to hear from the guys on the board. Good luck to those of you who are going for it. Unsolicited advice: (1) Make sure you have your surgery performed by a reputable, well-trained physician who does A LOT of bands - practice really does make perfect. (2) Go to a practice that provides good follow-up care and support (fills, nutrition advice, moral support). This is key. (3) Don't expect a miracle - it takes work, attention, and a willingness to endure some "unpleasantness" while you're learning how this thing works. Best, Zig

Simple: Never. Banded 4/26/10.

I'm a relative newcomer here, having had my surgery on 4/26/10 (BMI 37, 236 lb, now about 214lb), so I am certainly no authority. I have been at this long enough to have learned a couple of things that work for me. First, I have to use my band properly - that means, for example, that there are foods that don't seem to work (e.g., sushi with seaweed wrapping), or that I can't eat to quickly or not chew enough or else I'll puke. It also means that I have to eat enough food to feel satisfied, otherwise I'm just hungry all the time - the way I was when I spent all those years dieting. For me, that seems to be my (Dr. recommended) 1 cup of food 4 times per day. This includes lots of fruit and veggies. I simply cannot imagine how an adult can possibly be satisfied on 1/4 cup of food per sitting**. You've got to stretch your pouch a little bit (with food) to activate the nerves that push your "satisfied" button. Tiny portions seems like a set-up for hunger and grazing (and misery). **I try to keep those 1 cup servings averaging between 300 and 400 calories each. Hope that helps!

Do you mean you ate 2 cups of food in one sitting/meal, or 2 cups total for the day? I've been directed to eat 1 cup per meal 4 times per day. Losing about a pound a week since surgery 4/26/10.

Hi. Age 46; BMI was 37. Dyslipidemia, mild hypertension. Approved on first request.

Sounds to me like you're a bit too tight. I've become committed to the idea that this process should not be torture - if the weight loss takes a bit longer, so be it. I want to eat normal normal portions of normal foods - so far so good. I cup per meal, 4 meals per day, has gotten me down exactly 1 lb per week since 4/26/10 (began @ 236, BMI 37). If I eat too quickly or don't chew, I throw up. Happens maybe once per week - more frequently right after a fill. Not that this process should be fun, but it shouldn't be torture. Fills are trial and error - its not a failure if your band is too tight. It happens. Get some Fluid removed, follow the rules, go easy on yourself. Hope that helps. Good luck!

Out same day. Barely remember barium swallow - but definitely had one.

Hi. My understanding is that the AVERAGE weight loss is in the neighborhood of 50-60% of excess weight, and that that is considered a good result (though not the one we all hope for). So, for example, if one is 100 lbs over their ideal weight, he or she can reasonably expect to lose in the neighborhood of 50-60 lbs. over two years (I can come back with citations - this is from memory). As this is an average, we can expect to see people fall on either side of this average - including people who lose (for example) 110% of excess weight and people who've actually gained a bit. It would be interesting to know what variables are associated with different outcomes (like exercise or food choices, for example). If that wasn't exactly encouraging, I do hope its helpful.

Thanks, Spartan. I appreciate your reply and advice!

Hi All. Was banded 4/26/10 with a 14 cc band. Weighed 231 (BMI 36) on banding-day. I've had 2 fills for a total of 6 cc. I feel some restriction in that I certainly can't eat in the quantity I once did, and on the 2 occasions I've eaten too quickly I learned all about being stuck and "sliming" - not much fun. The thing is, I'm 8 weeks post-op and down just 5 pounds, all of which I lost in the first week after surgery. I am able, without discomfort, to eat 1 1/2 to 2 cups of food per sitting. I know this is too much. I felt greater restriction in the day or 2 following the fills, then very little. I also seem to feel greater restriction (that is, satisfaction with much less food) early in the morning. By dinner time, again, very little. Is this (weight loss, restriction) typical? Is it just a matter of needing another fill? I'd sure appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

Hi All. Banded 4/26/10 with 14 cc. band, 5'7", 236 lbs (BMI 37). I'm down 11 lbs since pre-op diet. First fill (3 cc) last week with no restriction. Second fill 6/14, another 3 cc. After day or liquids, then another of mushies, started real food this morning: 2 scrambled egg whites on whole wheat toast, strawberries. Chewed very carefully. (This part may be gross) Was aware of the egg on toast traveling down esophagus - not painful, just aware. I could feel the food sitting high in my stomach area. I could also swear that I felt food moving through the stoma. Anyway, didn't feel full, exactly, but after taking a single bite from my first strawberry, I simply felt like I didn't want anymore, that it was too much. Is this typical? Is this what we're aiming for with regard to a "sweet spot"? Were any of you also "hyper"-aware of the sensation of eating at the beginning? Are the sensations I'm aware of more in my head than in my stomach? Thanks!!! Z

Hi All. Banded 4/26/10 with 14 cc. band, 5'7", 236 lbs (BMI 37). I'm down 11 lbs since pre-op diet. First fill (3 cc) last week with no restriction. Second fill 6/14, another 3 cc. After day or liquids, then another of mushies, started real food this morning: 2 scrambled egg whites on whole wheat toast, strawberries. Chewed very carefully. (This part may be gross) Was aware of the egg on toast traveling down esophagus - not painful, just aware. I could feel the food sitting high in my stomach area. I could also swear that I felt food moving through the stoma. Anyway, didn't feel full, exactly, but after taking a single bite from my first strawberry, I simply felt like I didn't want anymore, that it was too much. Is this typical? Is this what we're aiming for with regard to a "sweet spot"? Were any of you also "hyper"-aware of the sensation of eating at the beginning? Are the sensations I'm aware of more in my head than in my stomach? Thanks!!! Z

Is the the study you're referring to? SpringerLink - Journal Article

I know that the group @ NYU medical ctr (Dr.s Ren & Fielding) has done research on low-bmi candidates. They have a great reputation - just banded the head coach of the NY Jets.

Hi. Banded last Monday morning, 4/26, BMI 37 before pre-op. The first day (spent in hospital) was rough, went home that night on Tylenol 3 liquid, took it twice. Wednesday Extra Strength Tylenol and then no pain meds. I do feel a nasty "pulling" near my belly-button, but this is getting better, and a gassy feeling in my neck-shoulder, which is not too bad. Still very careful about lifting and vending over - the latter being a bit painful. Feel a bit bloated but have lost 9 pounds since surgery, 14 total. I'm thrilled. On the advice of my surgeon, I've been walking every day, up to a couple of miles of light hiking today. The worst after-effect is this odd, unpleasant, and kind of painful burpy/hiccuppy sensation after drinking (very slowly, of course). My surgeon's nurse practitioner says that this should abate over time, that there is a good deal of swelling and as that goes down, the problem should go away. ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE? Thanks! And good luck to all of us new bandsters!

Had my surgery last Monday (4/26). My surgeon (part of a bariatric practice working out of a large teaching hospital) and his staff have recommended Clear liquids for only 2-3 days post-op if things go well, then on to "mushies." I've ben following their program very closely. Crystal Lite and sugar free popsicles are a must. Pre-op I like Muscle-Milk Lite (chocolate), if you need a tasty Protein shake. Good luck!

Hi - this is my first post - couldn't resist topic. I'm 46, a stay-at-home dad (4 y.o. boy, 20 month old girl), bmi 36. Our house is always on the verge of chaos, and recently my mother became ill with cancer and I'm the go-to person re: her medical issues. I'm scheduled for 4/26 (two days from now) and going ahead with the surgery. There will never be a perfect time and my kids need me healthy and I'm afraid of losing momentum. Maybe its selfish, but it could be "constructively selfish". With regard to the pregnancy (congratulations!), its only going to get tougher for you to take the time for yourself. I'd love to know what you decided and how you're doing. Good luck!