hiddnstar

HI! I didn't have to do a strict pre-op diet for my lapband removal, just the regular not eating after midnight. But I didn't have a slip. I had mine removed because of intolerance. So, I imagine there may be a different pre-op protocol based on what the issue is. Hang in there! You're almost done This will also give you a headstart in continuing on to your weightloss goal without your band's assistance. Hunger is no fun, but it's important to follow your surgeons instructions. He may also be making sure your liver is nice and small when he operates -- just like when he implanted the band. I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Your day will get here! ~hiddn

Great question! And I have appreciated the answers. I need a new scale, too. ~hiddn

Yay! Im glad it was what you wanted and that it went smoothly for you. Thank you for reporting back to let us know how you're doing! I really like that people here support each other through whatever comes up. Support for having the band put IN....and then equal support if it ever has to come OUT. Im so glad you have gotten some relief at long last! ~hiddn

I love your insights and motivation!!! Great going! I hope your healing goes well and that you're up and about feeling good, soon. When I had my band out, my surgeon told me to walk 5 times a day while I was healing....which at that time meant I needed to get up every 90 minutes to walk. That sure helped me keep active and snuck exercise in there without much discomfort at all Very clever surgeon! I was walking over 2 miles a day without realizing it! Thank you for sharing your story here. ~hiddn

I think it's misleading, bordering on threatening, to declare people are "guaranteed" to regain their weight. I hope studies/articles like that will not deter people from having their band removed when it may be medically necessary or scare them into more weightloss surgery before they may be ready. I believe it's possible to continue to lose weight after lapband removal (and with no further surgery) despite the numbers listed in the article. One can learn an awful lot before, during, and after being banded that will assist dramatically in continued weightloss if the band needs to be removed. It's good to get documented info and read different studies while researching, but no one can guarantee anything --- you may lose weight after being banded, you may not. Not everyone does. You may gain weight with band removal, you may not. Not everyone does. I take responsibility for my health and do what is best for me, using my own intelligence and common sense to act accordingly. I guess the "guarantee" of weight gain really struck a nerve here! and Im not intending this to be a negative comment toward the person who posted the info....just what the info, itself, said! ~hiddn

My surgeon would not have performed the surgery, but I don't know what yours will decide. You might reconsider having this surgery for now. Wait until you are sure you want it so bad that you will follow the doctors orders both pre-op and post-op no matter what. The surgery is really not a miracle on it's own. It may be the hardest thing some people have ever done in their lives. But when you realize you are worth every sacrifice, every moment of discomfort, every bit of emotional pain and all the necessary changes that have to be made to be successful---you'll do it. This surgery is not something to mess with. Be very serious, very sincere, very honest with yourself --or don't do it. Bow out now. Get clear and make your decision. Here's a warm hug for you I know the feeling of being caught between a rock and a hard place; we all do. You're not the lone ranger out there struggling in this way. Love yourself. ~hiddn~

HI! I had my band removed last September. I was not on any special pre-op diet. Just nothing to eat or drink after midnight, basic surgery orders. I recovered quickly from the surgery, nothing like having the band implanted! I stayed in the hospital over night. My biggest problem was nausea, but they put meds in my IV that really helped. I was sore and took pain meds once I got home. I made sure to walk at least 10 minutes every hour and a half during waking hours. Im sorry you are in such pain right now. I hope you get the instant relief that I got once it was out! Take good care. love, ~hiddn~

I used to get Thai curry at a local restaurant and put it in my blender That was always a treat! ~hiddn~

Sounds like you know what is best for you and that's the way to go. And it's great to have a head start!! Having the band removed was life changing for me since I had been so miserable for so long---and it sounds like it will be the same for you. Enjoy feeling good again!!! It just about knocks me off my feet every day I am grateful for it all: Being banded, being unbanded, band-friends I made, everything I've learned along the way, and especially to know how very fortunate I am in so many ways. You're going to do great! ~hiddn~

HI! I was banded in 2010 and unbanded 3 years later, just last Sept. I didn't have the symptoms you are talking about or infections (my body simply could not handle the band), but since I had the band removed, I can comment on that part. Removal for me was pretty easy. I spent the night in the hospital; nausea was my biggest complaint. They gave me nausea meds and by the time I went home in the morning, it was gone. My surgeon ordered 5 walks a day during my recovery time at home, which was great! I structured my day around that and it really helped. I feel so much more healthy now, my hands are warm again and my digestion feels natural again. Since you are having repeated infections and pain, I think you will most likely feel a lot better after removal and healing---and complete healing of the infections. My thoughts for your situation are to heal completely (including emotionally), eat healthy, exercise as you can, and then see where you are and what is best at that time. I don't regret getting the band and I lost a lot of weight; I had it removed because my body rejected it and could not tolerate the fills. I will not be revising. I lost 10 more pounds right after surgery, then gained, now am back to losing again. It is slow going, but I feel so good and healthy now. The band simply wasnt for me Once you feel good and healthy again, you may have a much more clear view of what your next step should be. I've heard lots of people have success with diet and exercise after band removal because they learned so much while they had the band! They also have lost enough weight, while they had the band, to be more active--and have a real sense of what is possible. So keep your chin up and stay motivated to reach your goal! I'm so sorry you have had these problems with pain and infections. It was a brave thing to have the band placed and it is a brave and intellegent thing to have it removed when it truly needs to come out. Hang in there no matter what! ~hiddn~

Hi! I had my lap band removed on Monday Sept 16th and it is now Wed morning. I had immediate relief from the symptoms I was experiencing in my throat (like a tennis ball was stuck in there). The surgery was easy! I was given an anti-inflammatory and nausea meds in my IV, but didn't need pain meds for several hours. I felt good enough after surgery to go home, but spent the night because the hospital and my surgeon are an hour away from home. I wanted to stay close by in case any problem came up. I was on clear liquids from the time of surgery until I went home. Now I can eat soft foods for 1 to 2 weeks and progress as I feel is right. My surgeon wants me to walk 5 times a day. Tylenol is taking care of the discomfort. I took some percosett before bed time last night. My surgeon said the only "damage" he saw was the thickening around my stomach where the lap band had been, which was expected. He said it will be 6 months before we know how the scar tissue will affect me, if at all. He said there is every reason to think I'll feel great! But he did warn me that I could have a different set of "symptoms". The surgery took about an hour and then he also did an upper endoscopy while he was there to have a thorough look at everything. It's amazing how good I feel!! The only time I feel something is when I get up out of bed, or out of a chair...and then I feel kind of punched in the stomach. But already that discomfort is lessening! I'm up 2 pounds, which I figure is swelling. I'll check in from time to time and am open to questions if anyone is considering having their band out and would like to know more details of my own land band removal experience. Thank you everyone for being supportive of me and my decision to give up the band! ~hiddn

HI! Did you decide about your lap band? My doctor did not mention the symptoms of scar tissue. He just said we won't know for 6 months what we really have here. That will be March for me. ~hiddn

No, Im sorry I don't have an idea why you'd become congested like that. Have you tried drinking them at room temp? And does it make a difference? I hope your doctor can figure it out soon! ~hiddn

HI I don't blame you for being very hesitant to try another probiotic having had a stuck episode! You might try Pearls. They are very small and round. I used them when I had the Lap Band and had no trouble. Get the triple strength if you can. I also used the RAW probiotics capsules from Garden of Life, but had to dump the contents in a cold shot of Water to take it (I couldn't take anything big like a capsule at the time). I'll be interested in what other members have to say in reply to your post. I didn't realize you also get queazy; I was just responding to the gas issue. I hope things settle down for you, soon! If it were me, I would probably consult my doctor now since it's been 9 months. At the very least, you'd get the peace of mind of having spoken to them (even if they just say it sometimes takes a while to adjust). ~hiddn

Hi Coach! Good for you for listening to your body and eating healthy. People are funny about other people's eating habits! It seems they sincerely don't really "get" that it's really none of their business...but for those who are simply curious, maybe the term "partial vegetarian" makes it confusing. So, if you decide to respond at all, maybe saying you eat mostly vegetables and Protein would take away the mystery that draws them to comment! And when offered something you don't eat, a simple No Thank You is sufficient. If they persist, you can always try giving them the "look"-- like they have two heads or something. I don't pursue it, but I've had impulses to turn on someone and ask why they are so curious about what I'M eating. Of course, doing that would just continue the thing I'm not wanting -- keeps the focus on my food. So, I keep things lite and let their actions/comments be THEIR thing, their issue, not mine. And as others have said, eat what is good for YOU - you owe no explanation to anyone Sounds like you're doing well! ~hiddn

Hi! I had that also when I had mine removed. For me, it took awhile for my body to adjust, but I'm fine now. As it was explained to me, the liver has to take over dealing with all the bile that the gallbladder had previously been doing. So it's important to decrease your fat intake drastically (at least for now) to let your body really heal and adjust. Then you can add it back slowly, but still be fairly low fat from now on. You might ask your doctor if that is how he/she sees the situation. Do you take Probiotics? That has also helped me. Yes, it's very embarrassing to be so gassy! ugh. Don't give up hope, though. If you can be really rigid about reducing your fat intake for several months (or even a year--I just don't want this to sound daunting!), you'll be doing your body a huge favor. Hang in there! ~hiddn

Hi Amy! How are you feeling now? I hope the pain has dissipated and you're feeling more like yourself again. I've found that the more I can relax my body, the better I feel. Sometimes I don't realize I'm tensing something, so when I stop and tune in (and find a tensing!) I can relax it. I had just gone back to work, after surgery, and worked 1/2 a day (just for one day, then I was going to go back full time)...and the very next day I had horrible sciatica! I was out another month! I bring that up because I think I wasn't really paying attention to tension in my lower back which may or may not have been caused by being off work and out of my regular routine --- and being lazy I don't want that to happen to anyone else! Also, if you like massage --- get one! Treat yourself to a facial or a pedicure/manicure. Things like that are such nice treats, feel good, and make you feel pretty (when you're feeling lousy). Hang in there! ~hiddn

Hi We can all hear your pain and desperation. I am so sorry to hear what is going on for you. First off, deal with the infection. See a doctor ASAP; you may need an antibiotic to knock it out. Get your mind focused on healing the infection. Then take steps needed to keep more infection from happening. I don't know if you can keep the band or not. From what you wrote, it sounds like the lap band served you well and you reached your goal weight. However, it does not seem to be serving you now. So, it may be time to look at other weight loss strategies. But first, you have to get the infection under control and cured. See the doctor, follow their instructions. Get rest and fluids. Eat all your meals. Doing these things will help you keep a more clear head about your situation so that you can think with intelligence rather than panic. Keep all options open. My body rejected the band, which was heart breaking. I had it removed. I now feel so good and healthy; I learned a lot while living with the band and am continuing to lose weight (which has really surprised me). So don't give up hope! I hope you can settle down and get some much needed rest. Please see to the infection immediately. Here's a gentle hug for you. ~hiddn

HI Have you had a barium swallow recently? My first surgeon would do barium swallows to check band placement (and he reported there was nothing wrong, the band was in the correct placement and had not slipped)....but my new surgeon did them to also check the function. What was discovered by the radiologist, who looked for specific functioning aspects as he took pictures, was that my band had migrated up. I had no small pouch! I could eat just about anything, including bread. I felt restriction, but about 10 minutes later I could eat more. I didn't have any symptoms I've heard described for a band "slip". Anyway, I wanted to mention it to you since what you describe sounds familiar to me. Dont give up! Just give up the bread, bagels, pasta, etc. and see if the weight starts to fall off again. And the next time you see your doctor, you might ask about a band function test. ~hiddn

Hi I'm completely sympathetic about your situation and more than a little angry with the responses you've gotten from your doctor. With just the info you provided, I would move in the direction of having the band removed. I have considerably low tolerance for doctors who say certain symptoms one brings to their attention have nothing at all to do with the band. In your case, you didn't have these symptoms before being banded, so how can the doctor say that so unequivocally? GRRR. (my surgeon did the same thing...so that's where my anger comes from) You've seen specialists to rule out other things, but I don't hear anything that rules out the band as the cause. The doctor also says he will not take out a properly functioning lap band. What tests has he done to ensure the band is properly functioning? Reading what you wrote, it sounds to me like it is not functioning properly for your particular body. I can't imagine he really thinks someone losing 30 pounds in 3 years has a band that is functioning correctly. The band can be such a life saver for many people, but it can also not be the right solution for some of us. I'm glad you are taking a probiotic. My new surgeon suggested taking Metagenics Acute Care. There is a particular ingredient in it that really impacts some people (in a positive way). I think the ingredient is spelled S. Boulardii. I would suggest you try that particular probiotic. It worked absolute wonders for me. If you don't see a huge difference in a week, then it's not the miracle it was for me. My surgeon says you'll know real soon; some people feel the difference immediately. I, too, saw several specialists when my lap band surgeon said my symptoms had nothing to do with the band. In the end (after 2 years of specialists and misery), I saw a different surgeon who was open-minded about complications. He saw immediately what the problem was and said the band needed to be removed. After 3 years of being banded, the band came out and the symptoms are gone. So, hang in there. Get your medical records together (test results, etc) and see if you can consult with a different surgeon about your concerns. Try the Metagenics Acute Care probiotic. You might want to add a prebiotic as well. You've lost 30 pounds in 3 years, which is low. So the lap band is NOT functioning as a weight loss tool. It seems worth it to me to take it out and see what happens. You won't have a lap band, but you don't really have one now, either. Im really sorry to hear what you've been through. I don't think this is something to wait on; get an appointment as soon as you can arrange one. I'll be interested in hearing the outcome! ~hiddn

HI I understand the need to rant sometimes! I'm sorry the doctor emptied your band instead of just removing some -- but it's done and Im sure the doctor had their reasons (or perhaps that is their protocol to address the symptoms presented). What I wanted to suggest, though, is that you take the word "failure" out of your vocabulary, out of your definition of yourself, and out of any description having to do with you or how you're doing. As silly as it might sound, the words we choose to describe ourselves can have a great impact on our actions and beliefs. You are courageous and able and willing to do what it takes to get the unhealthy weight off. It's good that you are identifying having no will power. And maybe you have more than you think! You might experiment with that; see just how powerful your will can be. I think maybe you just need to settle down from the unfill and the new fill and the one you will be getting soon. Remember you have been successful with this band. Go forward, no matter what. So what if you gained back 12 pounds. That is all it is-- You gained 12 pounds. ok. That's done. Go forward from there and never ever give up. Stop the "failure" crap. It's not helpful to you nor does it keep you moving forward toward your goal. Remember the beautiful being that is YOU, the one who came out fighting and got this surgery done! The one who, along with most of us on this site, struggles at times, messes up at times, likes to eat and doesn't like to feel hungry. That's all ok. And it's what is really happening. To define any of that as "failure" is like kicking yourself when you're down. Give yourself a big hug. It takes courage to start and to continue this journey. It may possibly be the hardest thing you'll ever have to do--and exceptionally rewarding! Keep reaching out and trying new strategies. Get excited about the whole thing again! And drop the "F" word, it's a waste of your time. ~hiddn

Hi Amy I don't recall the specific kind of pain you're describing. I remember being sore and taking heavy pain meds. I imagine the bloated feeling might be some swelling; maybe pushing against your innerds, My surgeon wrote down orders for me to walk 5 times a day and that helped me a lot!!! I dreaded it, but I think he did me a big favor. I think walking kept my stamina up plus it helped the gas they used to dissipate. You might try some easy movement, like short walks. And relax See if you can tune into your abdomen and relax it. Breathe. I was sore for a while. The second week, I think I felt kind of sick and not wanting to walk --- but that passed. I think maybe you're just going thru a phase. Your body is probably shocked at the invasion. It's major surgery as we both know. So give yourself time! And stay as active as you can with several short excursions a day. And, of course, if fever develops you call your doc right away I took almost 3 weeks off work. I hope you feel better soon....but don't rush it. ~hiddn

HI! With no fill and still vomiting several times a week, it seems to me that it's time to remove the band. I hope you will see a doctor as soon as you can to discuss your situation. It is concerning that your throat and teeth are now showing damage caused by the complication. I am so sorry about what you have gone thru and continue to go thru. How very frustrating. I can understand your being scared to eat. I am glad you are reaching out to people who may have an understanding from personal experience or from their own research on weight loss surgery. I don't see any good reason to leave the present band in. It is not working for you and you are sick and uncomfortable. When I was first having problems with my band, my surgeon did a barium swallow to see if the band was still placed correctly. It was. So he declared my symptoms were not caused by the band. However, what he didn't check was how it was actually functioning. I had trouble for a long time until I finally went to a different surgeon who checked the placement as well as the functioning. What he saw while looking at the functioning, was that the band had migrated (which was not seen on the "placement" pictures) and I no longer had a pouch. He also determined that in order to get true restriction, I needed a lot more fill -- and my body could not tolerate any more fill. Basically my body rejected the band. I was fortunate that this second surgeon checked the function aspect so that we had a complete picture.. I had mine removed. I have heard the newer bands work better than the old ones. So, be sure to write down questions you have about what your options might be now. Maybe you could have yours removed, heal up, and have a newer model put in. It's something to ask, if you are interested. It was important to me to have something in place before I had the band removed, to address continued weight loss. I hope you will see a bariatric specialist who can help you with your situation --- and soon. You don't want to continue causing damage to your body (you mentioned your teeth and throat). It also sounds like the easiest foods to eat are the highly processed, high sugar, high fat crapola, That was true for me, too. And that is another reason to see someone ASAP, so you can get back to eating and digesting food that will nourish your body. Take care of you And make an appointment for next week if you can! ~hiddn

I know this part is hard. Some hot Soup might feel comforting on your tummy. In your post you said you wanted to take a bite of something "amazing". You will be even more amazed at how you look and feel once the weight starts falling off! THAT will knock the socks off any food item that, at this moment, you imagine might be amazing...plus weight loss can be a permanent amazement!! Whereas food needs to be eaten again and again to get that same kind of "amazement" sense. Something I learned from going thru the pre-op and post-op liquid diet, is to no longer be afraid of being hungry. I hadn't realized I was actually afraid to be hungry -- so first I learned THAT and then I experienced that I could be extremely hungry and nothing bad happened. It was a very valuable lesson for me. Hang in there!!! Figure out something comforting for yourself -- hot soup, bundle up in a soft blanket, take a hot quiet bath, help someone you love. Everyone here who has had weight-loss surgery (and there are a LOT of us!) understands what you're going thru and can sympathize. This phase does not last forever, but is very important for future success. Best wishes to you! ~hiddn

Hi! My suggestion for a way to get back on track is to get rid of whatever food you feel is creating a problem for you -- and do that TODAY, like as soon as you read this. Make a pact with YOURSELF, not your doctor, for the next 7 days. Buy and eat only the food that supports the pact you make. It will be a challenge, but it's only for 7 days. Some kind of movement may be helpful, too, even if it's just a 10 minute walk outside each day. But it could be 10 crunches a day or a set of leg lifts-- something you can realistically, easily set into a schedule. This is just to get something started. Not something uncomfortable or hard to arrange. Something you might feel like adding to at the end of 7 days! Make the 7 days your only goal and notice how your body and your outlook on life feels when you reach that goal in 7 days. Personally, I would make part of the pact to stay off the scale so that it doesn't influence you emotionally either way. When I set a short-term goal like this, I feel excited at the end of each day because I was successful! The excitement and commitment starts to build on itself and creates it's own momentum. One key is to not plan a reward at the end. (for me rewards usually mean food!) OR another "method" is to put the money, you were about to spend on "goodies", in a jar...and at the end spend it on a movie, clothes, some non-food prize. I have caught myself losing weight seemingly for my doctor, worried about what they will say or think, and giving them much more power than I will acknowledge for myself --- so, if you do that, too --->empower yourself, continue with the intervention you made on your own behalf. And remember: Doctors come and go. You will be here throughout your journey! I know this is just a lot of words, but it might provide a spark or some encouragement that someone reading the words might be able to run with. Nothing works on it's own In my own life, my downfall was the first time I tasted holiday cookie dough, 5 months after surgery. For me, it's best to just not do it. I know for others, it's fine to indulge on occasion (and actually can be helpful psychologically for some to indulge on occasion). My "on occasion" would have to be maybe once a year for now! And most important, continue to love yourself NO MATTER WHAT. Without condition. I'll be away for a bit. Merry Christmas! love, ~hiddn