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I had my band put in Oct 10ccband. First fill blind poke three tries 3cc in. Second two pokes dig dig 3cc in, third three pokes dig dig 1ccin RESTRICTION!!! Ya good weight loss happy. Fourth wanted to tweak a little only had restriction in the morning fill 1cc five pokes dig dig. Next day no restriction I think I have a leak. Drive another 200 miles for fluoro and she is able to get 5cc out I should have 8cc plus doc put in 2cc at time of surgery (that is 10 in a 10cc band) she adds 1cc more Fill # Five now I should have 11cc no restriction at all I have a leak. She said sometimes the tube collapses and you can’t get a true read. She said you don’t have a leak because I got something out. They don’t want to take any responsibility for f-ing it up. The obvious problem with having bands in Mexico is the after care. I knew this and yet chose to go for it. If I go back to my doc it is $2500 to replace port and tube. Then what who do I have do the fills? I should have had a sleeve that is what my doc is famous for and there would have been no fills, no leak and it was $2000 more than a band so in the long run cheaper after you factor in the cost of fills and heart ache!! ANYONE OUT THERE DO NOT HAVE NORTH WEST FILL CENTER IN ARLINGTON WASHINGTON DO YOUR FILLS. QUACKS!!! So where do I go from here?? Right now after I beat myself up I am doing nothing can’t afford it so I am trying on denial to convince myself that I have restriction. Any suggestions???

Week 1 post-op is done! 10 pounds down! This means 25 since I started the pre-op diet on 12/30/09! Other than a nasty reaction to the steri strips on my incisions, I don't feel too bad. I still have a little gas pressure but gas x is keeping it controlled. The only time I feel hungry is late at night. The other problem I have is the handful of meds I've traditionally taken at bedtime. This did not sit well. The solution is that I take everything 1 hr after supper and only take my ambien at bedtime. My first fill is scheduled for 2/26.

Ever hear of hair falling out before surgery, I have been losing for about a month and a half and surgery is not til 10/14. I did lose 50 over the last six months on the preop diet. Very stressed and menopausal to boot. Hoping my stopping point will be sooner because of it, but doubt it.

My periods have never stopped, but were very mild and light. After surgery and 40 lbs, my periods were horrible. I should have about 10 more years before menopause. I can't wait. I hope for your sake they don't return.

I am a smoker(trying to be nonsmoker) who was sleeved. I quit for 6 wks before my surgery, then started about 2 weeks after. I started wearing the patch this weekend. I noticed this weekend, that my indigestion got 10 x worse whenever I smoked. So, as an experiment I stopped smoking on Saturday and started wearing the patch. I still have indigestion, but it's not nearly as bad. I know smoke effects your esphougas and stomach, I'm not sure but somehow only being one month out of surgery and still healing it's doing a number on me. I'd rather not smoke and feel good, than get my fix and feel like crap drinking Maalox all day long. It's not worth it.

Are you getting up and around? I was done on the 27th and given 40 oxycodone and haven't even used half. I take Tylenol as needed (1-2 times a day) but I've been up and about since day 4 and at first it sucked but I think it's what helped with my pain. My only pain left is abdominal wall below my largest incision and its a 1/10, 99% of the time. I have also used a heating pad since the day I got home, it lived on me the first 48 hrs I was home and now as needed (note: don't fall asleep with it on I actually left marks, they faded but essentially I burnt myself) If you continue to be in pain I would call back and demand an appt at this point you should definitely be turning a corner. Do you know how many doses you had? I'm just curious if you used too much too fast and they are resistant to fill because of that.

Eggs!!! Those are OK. Take sausages and press between napkins to remove excess grease! I have actually done this with fast food patty's off of hamburgers! hahahaha We don't eat much, so I've found that it works in a pinch. I just travelled this last week and carried with me; jerky, baby bell cheese, Protein shakes and a couple Protein Bars. I've never eaten the bars before (I don't have a sweet tooth). But the ones I picked up were in the "sugar free" or diabetic section of my grocery store. I do NOT remember the brand, but it was Peanut Butter. 100 cals and 10 gr protein. Not bad, but it saved my bacon on the plane! If you can carry a little insulated lunch bag...I HIGHLY recommend the Hormel Turkey Pepperoni. It travels real well and 17 slices and a cheese stick will give you abt 19 gr protein. A nice little meal on the go... Good luck,

Hi. I have a few motivations: 1. To be healthy. When I started this journey in January I weighed 230. I had surgery on May 2nd. And I lost 20 lbs Preop and 10 lbs post op. 2. Family history. My father died at 55 after numerous heart attacks and stroke. He was seriously overweight. I don't want to be like my father. 3. My family. I have a very supportive and loving husband as well as 2 sons ages 3 & 4. I want to be around for them. 4. To do things I want to do. I have an aspiration to obtain my diving certification and dive in the caribbean. I want to go camping, hiking, bike riding with my family. I want to go sky diving with my sister-in-law.

Hello everyone! I just recieved my card in the mail. It comes from the lapband company. Someone did day you should have recieved a packet with a temporary card and some 7-digit number on it....however, i never recieved that. On the lapband site, they list a number if you do not have the number or access to your surgeon. That's what i did..... All you have to do is call 1-800-lap-band and press option #6. They will ask you a few questions regarding your surgery. You have to know what size/type of band you have. I.e. Lapband ap, your surgeons name, city, date of surgery, your address and a few other ???. They tell you it will take a few days, i think 5-7 or 7-10 days to recieve your card. Mine took 3 days to come. Be sure all the info on the card is correct when it arrives. I had to order mine twice. It had a max fill amount listed that was incorrect. Mine is a 10cc band and it said max 4cc. Good luck and please order your cards today.... 1-800-lap-band option#6 have a great, banded day!!!

I've had my band since 24 May 2010; lost 71 lbs. in 10 mos. It was the easiest weight loss I've done (& I've done them all) and KEEPING IT OFF IS THE EASIEST THING EVER!!! My lapband is the ABSOLUTE BEST thing ever ~ I swear by it!!! It is "an insurance policy" to be able to take/keep the weight off, but you still have to do your part. The first few months after you start ARE weird but, that's because you're learning a whole new way to eat and think about food. If your friends will support what you are doing, it will be MUCH easier. If you can find a weight loss surgery (esp. lapband) support group (yes, there are some ~ ask your lapband clinic), that might help, too. If you make sure the way you think/act about your band stays positive, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. It's a good thing that you want to lose your weight by the time your brother moves back from Japan. That will help you with what you're doing (yes, you should be able to lose at least quite a bit, if not all, of it). Once your brother sees you, you won't have to say anything! But, when you tell him about it, he should feel good that you're doing something so positive for yourself (seeing the results should convince him). By the time he does get back, the "lapband life" will be totally normal for you! The most important thing for you to remember is that if you have a question about anything concerning your band, ask the clinic that's doing it for you!!! That's their purpose in life! I haven't had any problems with my band that couldn't be "fixed" (remember to talk to your clinic and do what they tell you). Just BE READY FOR YOUR LIFE TO CHANGE (not in a bad way, just change) with your band. If the clinic you go to offers counseling to help you know what's going on and how to handle it (maybe how to tell others, too), USE IT!!!! If other people have trouble understanding/dealing with your lapband, that's their problem. Do not allow anyone (even your brother) to affect what is right FOR YOU!!! (may take some time/work to adopt that attitude but, it will help you succeed with this ~ I promise). GOOD LUCK!!!!!

A couple things. 1) As far as I know you can only change your profile stats from the web application (not the app). To do so is Under your profile (Link). This is where you can update for your surgery and add your weights if you choose. 2) I believe the newbie stat (and all those stats) are a function of how many posts you have made (I think it changes at 10 posts)

Hi Sherri, I'm sorry you're feeling so lonely. I know how bad that hurts. You're husband is our hero too!!!! I was curious by what you meant you were realized on July 14th? By my best guess since you're on this website is that you're overweight? Well if that's the case, you're in the right spot. The Lap band has changed my life. I started at 237 when I had the surgery (260 Highest) and now I am down to 179. This has not been the easiest journey for me, but nonetheless, I would do it again. I have never possesed the willpower do get this weight off. The band helps me stay in check. God bless you and your husband. I want you to know the two of you will be in my thoughts. Take care and I hope to see you again. Cindy BTW surgery was 10 months ago 9/25/07

I think its all a bit individual but I'm typing this from my desk at work on day 6. I'm a family doctor and have managed to sit through a three hour session dealing with about twenty patients without any major problems. (phew !! .... touching wood as he types !!) I think you should be fine to return to studies by day 10. If watery stools are a problem then taking some medicine that you can buy over the counter in a pharmacy should resolve things. Good luck Gordon

I'm fitting in the surgery during a 10 day window between semesters at school (I recently returned to work toward a degree in nursing). Am I kidding myself in thinking that I'll be able to sit for 3hr classes Mon-Thurs 10 days after surgery? Technically, I guess I can skip this summer session and give myself a six week reprieve to heal. Though, I kind of hate to lose that time in getting the credits I need. I think I'm probably most worried about the whole 'liquids in/liquids out' scenario more than anything else. Any insight, experience would be most helpful/appreciated. Thanks! -m

hello folks! my husband and i will be traveling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia soon to meet the baby girl we are adopting. my doctor and i are considering unfilling my band for the trip for a couple of reasons...1.) the high possibility of getting sick and throwing up, which could cause a slip. 2.) medical professionals there have no idea what to do with the band, so if i were to having problems, i'd be out of luck with getting help. has anyone else done this while traveling? does the hunger come of fast? i have 6 cc in a 10 cc band and have lost just over 80 lbs. i'm scared of gaining weight, but near as scared as what could happen in Ethiopia with my band if i got sick. any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the food tips I would of never thought of adding favoring to my liquid drinks. Now I won't be making those messed up face as I try and force the drink down .You asked how I feel well I can't even find the right words ,but excited and scared do come to mind .I have never been so nervous in my life and I've had plenty of surgeries. This one is so different because someday in the near future I'm going to wake up to seeing someone I don't know . That really freaks me out in a way ,but I look forward to that . Make sense ? I can't believe you've already lost 10 pounds your doing so good you should be so proud of yourself .Now I gotta get my butt in gear I really should walk ,but my knees are so bad and with this cold air here in New York that's not likely to happen .I have had surgery on my right knee twice so far and the last one really made me worst then ever . I know once the weigh comes off I'll be walking like a normal person again. I had lost 98 pounds in the pass with Weight Watches only to gain it back in a year (after the second surgery). I was in so much pain I was crying all the time ,but when I had lost all that weight walking was no problem . I was a manger of a hotel chain Best Western,then the knee surgery put me out of work and I just could not stand on my legs all day . Now I'm a stay at home house wife .(not for long I hope ) I miss the people and the excitement hell I miss my fat pay check . I say let my new life begin now!!! I'll be here if you ever won't to talk ,and keep me updated talk with you soon .

PS You should not drink Water or anything with your meals, you should wait at least 1/2 hour after eating to drink anything. Drink a hot beverage, like hot decaff tea before dinner (that curbs the appetite) of course do not drink with your meals. Also, chew each bite at least 20 times. Set your fork down in between. I lost 10 pounds a month each month pre-surgery. Basically I lost 70 pounds before I had surgery.

My doctor tild me about 10 days

At pretty much exactly 4 months my weight loss suddenly stopped to. After a one month stall I dropped 10 lbs pretty fast.

I had to lay down my rant about my mini emotional breakdown during the pre-op diet. I have been taking my time to get ready for my pre and post op diet, since August. Buying some little things here and there to make sure I was completely stocked up. My surgery is not scheduled until 12/12/2018. I knew I would have to do the diet for 2 weeks before my surgery, so I had plenty of time to get everything together. One of the last things I purchased was my broth. I decided to wait until around Thanksgiving to purchase it, thinking it may be on sale since it is a thanksgiving hot item. A few days before Thanksgiving, I went to my local Wally world (I live within 10 miles of 2 Walmart superstores and a Walmart neighborhood Grocery Store) and picked up 2 boxes of the chicken broth and a bone beef broth. And stored it away I the pantry. Fast forward to 11/24 I was required to begin the pre-op diet until 11/28. I decided to jumpstart my pre-op diet a few days early, just to give myself a few days to work any kinks out. For the first 3 days. I took in protein shakes for all 3 meals per day. But by the 4th day, I wanted something warm for dinner, because I was fighting off a cold. Now by this day, I was definitely feeling the sugar and carb withdrawal. I was tired, cranky and had a little bit of brain fog. I decided that today I would have broth! I was super excited. I took my broths out of the cabinet, got my pot ready on the stove (yes, I was so excited I was going to heat it up on the stove to make me feel as if I was really preparing myself a grand meal). I opened the top, only to find the security seal was broken. I told myself “Okay no problem, I have 2 other boxes.” I proceeded to open the next box only to find the same thing. I looked at the last box and thought, “well this it, I will go back to the store tomorrow and get more.” I opened the 3rd box only to find the seal on it was also broken. I was furious! I collected myself and decided to take all 3 boxes back to the store, the only problem was I no longer had the receipt. Dag Nabit! By now I am thinking “Well just chalk it up and go to the store.” Now by this time, I am getting very hungry and I am ready to have my dinner. I leave my home and head to one of the other Wally Worlds that are close to my home. I go to the store and purchased 2 new boxes of broth. I get home and open the first box…safety seal is broken! I open the second box and the safety seal is broke! WHAT, HOW AND WHO WOULD DO THAT TO BROTH! BROTH! By this time, I have broken down crying. I mean balling! My poor husband hears me in the kitchen and comes in and asks what’s wrong, I just slide to the kitchen floor and through tears explain what happened and that I have nothing to take in for dinner but a shake, and I really wanted something warm on my stomach. I sat there and cried for about 5 minutes while my husband looked in the cabinet to attempt to find something that I would be able to have for dinner. (eventually, he did but after my breakdown.) I wondered if I was making the right decision to have the surgery. Never once did I even think of eating any of the other food that was in the kitchen or pantry. I was purely upset that I had now purchased 5 boxes of broth and they were all tainted. And Now I have to drink a cold shake. Then I thought, you’re not crying about wanting the other foods you’re not supposed to eat during the pre-diet, your crying about the food you can normally have but can’t because of the broken protective seal! Right then and there I knew I was committed, and I was making the right decision and could make it through this. Thanks you for letting me share

Kathy made some good points. I am scheduled to be sleeved on August 24th. I am an emotional eater too but slowly over the last few months I've given myself "food funerals" (one last time foods) and staying away from them from then on. I don't drink coffee anymore. I do have tea but decaf. (Many great flavors). It's something you will need to mentally prepare for. I start preop on August 10. I've already started with just having a Protein shake for Breakfast. ( Aware: only a few Protein shakes are good, premier and muscle milk light are my two faces) I am no longer doing pastas, potatoes only veggies and meat. My hardest battle will be a couple foods I enjoy eating everyday, Cinnamon rice pudding and Noosa yoghurt ???? I will miss these but later maybe the yoghurt I can add some back in. After the surgery your body may react differently to food too. Some people have no problem eating what they want but others can't eat certain foods at all. I.e sugar Once you stop eating the sugars and starches and heavy carbs within a week or two it will be easier. There are tons of recipes out there. Pre-op diet will depend on your doctor. Amazing how different they can be. 11 days I am on a strict diet but luckily I can have foods I enjoy. Plus for the sweet factor we can have sugar free Jello and pudding. Then the last two days uo to12 hours before surgery it's liquids only. Protein Shake, broth, Water, sugar free jello or popsicles. You will and MUST take Vitamins the rest of your life. You can learn more about those if you choose to do the surgery. There is so much more but that's why it's important to do your research before jumping in. I am going to ALM, Dr Ortiz in Tijuana. My insurance puts me through the ringer and still has no gaurentee so for me this is the best option. Good luck! Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

I am 10 days post-op. I had some issues with my largest incision. I thought it might be infected. I went to the doctor right away, luckily it was not infected. The stitches fell off or popped off and my large incision is healing open. It looks disgusting. The dr is not too concerned with this. They just told me to keep it clean and covered. Did anyone else have to heal with an open incision?

The day I've been waiting for, I finally broke the 200 lb mark this morning. I'm so thrilled. I've lost a little slower than some but as long as that scale keeps going the right direction, I'm ok with it. Loving my sleeve today! I started my preop diet on oct 19. Lost 40lbs pre surg. Sleeved 1/9. Today I'm down 69lbs total.

You might even speed up that 10 pounds by trying a bit of the pre-op diet I was on. 2 protein shakes per day (make sure they contain whey protein) and 2 lean meals that consisted of 3 oz lean protein (about the size of a deck of cards) and a steamed vegetable. I lost 17 pounds in 2 weeks, so even if you added a little carbs to those 2 meals you'd probably lose 10 pounds quick. I know you want to get that surgery date set. I was a giggle-box that day. I knew my surgery was 2 weeks away and I was so excited. No matter how you do it, or how long it takes, remember that every pound lost is not just a pound lost but a pound you DIDN'T GAIN...and step on the road to better health. I wasn't nervous about the surgery, just carried the excitement with me and believed I would be back on my feet in a couple of days. GOOD LUCK

I have had the lapband for a year now. I still do not understand one thing, and I read the post-it which was good but still did not hit my exact question. When I eat, I thought the upper pouch that was made by the lapband was supposed to be my "new stomach" and that it could only fit a small amount of food and then I would feel full. If it was tight enough, I would get full there first and then slowly the food would drain down into the old stomach. So I left it really tight for a long time and I could only eat a bite or two at at time and mostly threw up until it became so swollen that I had to have an unfill - gained 16 pounds in 10 days and am now back to a refill. I feel I can eat a lot. I am so confused!! You would think I would get this by now, but I think I had it all wrong all along. I think the post it leads me to believe that by placing the band, I am actually just restricting the size of my original stomach and that I have to have restriction for what? To prevent too much from coming up over it? See - I am clueless. Somebody please clarify to my stupid self. Thanks