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I had an open band that needed to be done due to scar tissue from previous gastric bypass 9 yrs ago. Dr. Bhesania in Port Huron also repaired a small hernia. I was cut over 12 inches and had 39 staples. I've been back to work three days and really struggling. Struggling for more protein, tired, hungry and anxious to get my first fill on MLK day. I'm two weeks and two days post-op and started on Cream of Wheat w/skim milk to help get me over this hump along with Slim Fast. I've lost 20 lbs since I've started and hit a bump where I'm not losing now. A little worried... any ideas or encouragement would be really helpful for me. I'm not good at asking for help.

Saw the surgeon today and I guess I lost track of time. Here I was thinking I'm 2 months post op. but I'm only 6 weeks. Lol. I know I know. Technicality. Anyway, I am down 24lbs and he asked me if I felt full. I told him now. He told me I needed to start eating more solid foods. Like chicken breast. ( not the mushy chicken salad I make). And steak. Etc. I have been a little scared to try it.

You are welcomed. I'll be a month out on Monday. I was right where you are now. It will be over soon. The best news I can give you now.....I care very little about food. I have to watch the clock to make sure I eat. Also I was on two weeks of clear liquids after surgery. I breezed through it hunger wise, but had very low energy. Best wishes.

Good info for me too. Going out of town for our anniversary, i will be about 7 weeks out.

My surgery weight was 284.3, in the first month I lost about 30lbs. I've had a couple big loss weeks, and a couple of barely any loss weeks. On average I've been losing 4-5lbs a week.

I know how you feel...I finished my 6 month diet on Dec 19th and the only person in the office that could submit my info to the insurance company for approval was out on vacation for two weeks. Are you serious? Nobody else in the office could help? I was so angry, I had done what I needed to do with all my tests and diet and I got all my little ducks in a row and then had to wait on them. It's so frustrating. I did finally get a call this monring that I'm approved and we just need to schedule the date now. Again, waiting to hear from a different person in the office to set the schedule. Keeping my fingers crossed that I can still get in this month. Keep me posted on how you're doing. I wish you the best of luck!

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.

I got banded 4/21 by Dr Geiss. I lost 11 pounds the week before doing the liquid. Ready for the ride of my life so here we go.:rolleyes2::thumbup:

msinnapa I'm with you on this!! I have to get a heart monitor next week and wear it for 48 hours and then because the local cardiologist will be out of town for a week I have to wait until Aug 14th for the stress test... then wait until the 20th for my appointment with the cardiologist... sigh... hurry up and wait seems to be par for the course!!! My surgeon for the sleeve is 6 hrs away so most of my interaction is through email at the moment. I sent the nurse this info about the cardiologist yesterday (I'll probably hear back Monday) so I don't know if this affects anything yet? I don't have a surgery date yet anyway, waiting for the approval paperwork back from insurance (I was told verbally yesterday that I have been approved --- yaaaaayyy). LOL patience is NOT my strong suit... I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!!! Steph

Welcome to my world! I'm writing this as I am on a plane bound for SLC tonight. i will be working all day and flying back tomorrow night and will fly out again Saturday morning. Day started early so I was able to eat eggs at home, coffee Protein shake on the way to a client meeting, Quest bar at the airport, 1 oz of cheese from the "protein box" I bought on the plane (the one with very little protein), and will probably eat the dried edamame I'm carrying it's me once I land at 9 pm. I will have walked 2 miles by the time the day is over just running from one place to another and that will have to do for my exercise today. I have some Jerky that I may have to nom if I don't make my protein today, and I bought stuff to drink at the airport. I also have one packer of Protein powder that I will sweet talk a barista at Starbucks into making for me at some point I thus trip. You get used to planning ahead, carrying acceptable Snacks, and being utterly shameless about eating in the middle of meetings when NO ONE ELSE is eating! I often cook like a mad woman on the weekends and we eat that through most of the week,and rarely eat out more than once a week if I'm not traveling. I also know what I can eat at airports: Wendy's chili, the insides of any places sandwiches without bread, and SF geek yogurt. That's it really. So a lot more planning and forethought but totally doable.

I am with kaiser perm. I had to do a 12 week class then all the tests. It was hoops but somewhat organized but overall ok. My referral went through and approval went through in the time they told me. I'm in so cal. Surgery 7/25/12

I met a small group of women for coffee and "Bandster Boost" session this afternoon. They were all recently banded. Four of the ladies met two of women from one of my coffee groups at a recent gathering of bandsters and they contacted me. Two ladies told the other ladies about my egg timer trick... they wanted more information and then we connected by phone and agreed to meet. The ladies wanted to pick my brain on how I have done on my lapband journey. Together as a group we laid the out their goals of what they wanted to get from their lapband journey. We set out a plan... and short-term goals EVERYONE agreed to TRY the follow for 1 week... - plan your meals for 1 week ONLY - try at least one new recipe every week (for those of you that know me I have a HUGE library of bandster friendly recipes that I have collected since being banded) - write down EVERYTHING you eat - listen to you body and your clinic - MAKE SURE you take tiny bites of food and swallow each bite before you take your next bite - only weigh and measure yourself ONCE a week - take time 15 minutes a day for yourself... walk.. or do simple exercises We have exchanged contact information and will be staying in touch. I was telling the group about my Bandster network of friends... not only the ones I meet at the coffee groups but also the many individuals that I speak with on the phone on a monthly basis. Let's face it the lapband journey is not easy... and who can afford to throw away the cost of the procedure. As many longtime bandsters will tell you... you must work with the band and use it as a tool. If you go into this journey with a positive attitude and take it one day at a time and seek support from fellow bandsters YOU WILL HAVE SUCCESS. For any bandsters that have fallen off the "band-wagon"... wether you have just been banded or banded a long time... it's NEVER too late to jump back on and ask for help. Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 140 lbs

Yes I had the same pain. I had to hold my stomach up when ever I walked. My dr. Thought it was a hernia as well and I also had a CT with contrast. Everything was normal. But you didn't mention how far post op you are. I am now 5 weeks post op and it has completely gone away. Once in a while depending on how I sit or move It comes back but only for a few seconds. I'm guessing your about 2 or 3 weeks out. Don't worry it will go away.

I had my band 6 years and have had off and on good and bad experiences. I lost 70 lbs but have put 25 back on since I had my gallbladder removed. Since June I have had severe heartburn that does not go away. I have had numerous swallow test and was on liquid diet for three week along with the fill completely removed. Nothing has helped and I was told to get it removed is my only hope. I'm scared to go back through this again and pray no complications happen. I trust my doctor but it's that fear again what if I go through this and this isn't the problem. I'm also a little sad for having to remove it and my husband thinks I'm silky because I've been so sick and I should want it out. I do bit also scared I will gain weight back. Wish me luck as I become unban dedicated tomorrow.

I am having a problem, 2 weeks ago I had a fill. I was fine and eating well. Then suddenly things began to get stuck, now when ever I eat anything I get sick because it seems to be stuck. Anyone else have this problem before. I am hoping that I just irratated something.

LOL... Did i make it sound like my kids were topping up on junk? Not really...just me! We bake muffins (usually fruit of some description)and when i haven't eaten the choc bits then we add choc bits to the muffins or biccies. Like you we bake for the lunch box. I have a policy that the kids don't actually take ANY prepackaged foods to school. we don't even have museli bars. They always take a salad sanga, 2 pieces of fruit, and for recess they will have a muffin or a cookie along with their fruit. 3 days a week and crackers and cheese the other two days. The muffins and Cookies we bake are from the simply to good cook books, so they are pretty healthy, low in fat and sugar. The only problem is that although they are rationed, I am not. LOL This week will be a good start to change things around as the kids are sick with the flu so no lunch boxes to worry me. There are no more choc chips left to nick and i won't be buying any more! You have my word on that! When I looked at my signature the other night i realised that I haven't had a fill for more than a year...that probably isn't helping how much i can eat also...hmmm Thanks for the kick up the butt though!

yea - things can be a bit touch-and-go the first few weeks. If the vomiting continues, though, let your surgeon's office know as it could be a sign of a stricture.

Oh...gotcha! There are soooo many steps that i dont even know whats reaaly next. I guess i just assumed they wont schedule my surgery date until we find out if im approved. Hope this week flies by for you!!

I'm 27 years old and I live alone and my family lives about 2 hours away. My cousin is coming to stay with me during and a few days after the surgery. My family would like her to bring me home after that for a week or so. Is traveling for 2 hours a bad idea? How long after surgery do I need to see a doctor?

Does anyone know a fill doc in egypt i am in Saudi Arabia now and there are tons of fills Doctors but my collage will start first week of October (in Egypt) and i don't know any doctors there Could someone guide me?

Hello, Im Francis and just joind this site, i came across it looking for help on hair loss, i had my surgery on Dec. 17th 2010 so i just turned 6 months post-op. i was 194lb and even though i have not checked my weight this month i was at 138lb last time i got on the scale I had my surgery done in my counrty of birth Nicaragua, I didnt have any complications at all, no pain after surgery and had no real issue with the post-op diet, i was back to work 3 weeks after surgery, dont regret having VS i am very happy with the choice i made, i have been reading some post of people having issues with people commenting on with how fast the weight is lost, it has mainly happened with family members for me and yes it is annoying to have people looking at your plate everytime you eat, having family saying after each meal i havent eaten enough and i have lost weight too fast is , i have decided not to hide the fact i have had WLS with family and friends i thought it be best so i dont get the comments "your not eating" and "whats wrong" but i still hear it sooo right now what im struggling with and has me worried is hair loss never thought i would be loosing soo much, hair comes out while showering, some more when i coumb my hair and some more during sleep i wake up and there is hair on my pillow, im trying everything im told could work for hair loss and nothing is working, hopefully it stops soon before i go bald.... beside this issue everything else has been good and just as i hoped it would be

You're not doing anything wrong. 12 days ago, you're body endured something traumatic, your system is in shock, and is confused. It's more than likely water weight, and I promise if you stick to your program, drink your fluids, walk, and get your protein in, you'll lose again. Your hormones are all over the map right now. Estrogen is shooting through you like torpedoes and your body is just pissed off. Breathe, now breathe a little deeper. Don't get down, and you didn't invest in something that is going to fail you. In maintenance currently, I bounce up and down 2-4 pounds on a daily basis. If it was a 10lb gain, you could freak out. 3lbs is a couple days of urinating and sweating some when you walk. I was obsessed with the scale. It's what worked for me. It kept me accountable, but I never hit a true stall (no loss for 14 days straight) so I can not empathize on those feelings. I hit a bit of a stall close to goal, but it didn't last 2 weeks. If you think it'll help, put the scale away. If you need to keep on getting on it daily, do it. You have to do what is right for you, and the mental part of the journey.

Thanks Tiffykins and Goodlife, I feel very reassured. I put the scale up high in my shoe closet; I will try to stick to a once a week schedule...and definitely not until my period is over!

Well, I had a blood clot. It sucked and really hurt, but I'm ok now Andy blood work has never looked better. I just hit three months out.

I think it's good you are really thinking this through. And asking questions on forums like this is always a good idea. I struggled with the potential complications. I was a ball of anxiety the two weeks leading up to my sleeve day (2/13). Yesterday was six weeks out for me and I can't believe the difference this has made in my Life. I knew it would be a good change. My type 1 diabetes has never been better and I'm down almost 30 pounds. I decided the potential risks were worth the payoff. And I was right. Keep doing your research and asking questions. If you see a story from someone that you appreciate or want to ask them questions, private message them. I have made so many friends on these forums which made my process so much easier. Good luck!