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After surgery, you'll eat much less than you could before surgery! Some of that comes from the fact that you'll just feel less hungry in general (although some people say they don't get the appetite suppression like others do) and some of that comes from the fact that you physically cannot eat over a certain amount. Overeating with a LapBand is really uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful so you'll learn pretty quickly what your limits are. The problem is when people constantly push those limits. You don't want to constantly overeat with the band or you risk complications like stretching your pouch or band slippage. The band will also not work for you if you don't eliminate "grazing" behavior. The band works when you eat a healthy, but small proportioned meal because the food has time to sit in your little pouch and your brain gets the message that you're full. When you eat a little here and a little there, snacking away, it goes right through the band and your brain won't get the I'm full message like it's supposed to and you'll be hungry. So you'll be surprised how much you really can still eat after being banded if you don't follow the LapBand "rules."

So here it is, a tuesday night. I'm getting ready for bed, but I'm frustrated....with just about everything in my life. My boyfriend is in town and I love him, I know that, but I'm beginning to question is I'm IN love with him anymore.....? He's my best friend, but he's sooo agrivating! When he says he's coming to see me, I'd really rather tell him to keep his butt at home, but I know I can't do that to him. He's been pretty much fantastic to me, but we are soo different! Why am I feeling this way? What's wrong with me? We've dated for 3 years now and talked about marriage, and now ...I'm home, for good, love being here, love my Dad, after all the problems with my sisters and their men I sit here and wonder if I even want to get married....? Why is life so complicated??? :blushing: My Dad's out of town with his girlfriend, and of course everything around here goes to crap. All of a sudden we're getting snow and ice, our cows are knocking down fences, my uncle (God bless his heart, but he's lost his mind and needs to retire) is about like asking a 3 year old to do stuff around a farm....My friend Lauren called, her mom and hubby got into another fight. This time the cops got called, and he got taken to jail. The judge told her mom that it was her fault he hit her, HER FAULT!? WTF? Because she threatened to break his cell phone if he came any closer to her, boy did he, he got so close his fist touched her face! :thumbup: So not only am I dealing with the usual crap from my sisters, not having a job and bills piling up, I've been sick, my boyfriend is driving me crazy, my dad's out of town and everything is going to crap on the farm, my friend's mom was beaten by her husband, and yet, all I want is to lose weight.......Which while sick apparently now viruses kill my appetite, so I apparently stalled my weight loss because I couldn't make myself eat near enough during the day. I'm down 28 pounds, right at 300 pounds now, and dieing to get under it! But haven't had the time or energy since I've been sick to really exercise. figures. I feel like I'm running and running, and doing all that I can for everyone else but it's never enough. Why am I second guessing my boyfriend? Why do I feel like everything is hopeless in life? To top it all off, I really want to take a little vacation in march or july but I don't know if I'll be able to because of money, but yet my cousins apparently have money to blow and go gamble like every weekend....What's wrong with me? Why is it bothering me what they do? Are all of my questions just me being an unusually worrysome form of myself or is this part of that rollercoaster that's part of having the band? I just feel frustrated and angry right now, and I'm not sure why. I've lost 28 pounds, and I hope to go have another fill soon....so we'll see. Maybe this will just go away.

Hi All, I'm still doing research on the band - my doc appt is October 2006, but what happens 3-4 years later? How long doe sthe band stay with you? I have seen so many posts of people who have had the band taken off due to slippage, erosion, pain etc etc - does anyone know on average how long will the band remin in? Doe w eall have to plan a second surgery for removal in a few years? If life long - doe sthis mean all life - chew mushie food, eat extremely slowly and very small qty - once you have reached ideal weight, wontthe small tiny qty cause malnutrition? Lastly - when theband is out the scarring on the stomach - does that cause serious complications? How does one get aroudn these probelms?

Well, everyone's different, that's the thing. The amount you should be ingesting may be different to the amount you CAN ingest. I think the thing is, you really have to eat according to what your body can handle, and whether you're hungry or not. I could probably only eat that much at that stage but over following weeks, I loosened up till at 12 weeks I could eat pretty normal amounts of food. So whilst nutrients may have been low there for a while, it evens out over time. And just FYI, there's no emphasis put on Protein at all as the one and only nutrient you need here in Australia, and we're not all keeling over . But the truth is, as a bandster, its probably going to be impossible to get the full amount of everything you need all the time, so supplements are a good idea. But really, its a lesser of two evils - you're far more likely to die from complications of being massively obese than you are from not getting quite enough Iron, protein or Vitamin whatever.

first thing you need to do is see your doctor. he may want to do a endoscopy or barium swallow or take out some Fluid. do not ignore this. it is not normal to be getting stuck this often. you can cause some complications unless this is address by your md. but you are likely right in assuming that you are eating incorrectly. it is hard and the way we have to eat doesn't come naturally. right now I would give your band a break and go back to liquids for a few days. you may be swollen from all the stuck issues. call your doctor

Hi! Good luck to you! I DO live in WA and had my surgery in Federal Way by Dr. Srikanth. I had a complication post surgery, but everything ended up ok. I am 12 days post op and feel fantastic! 31 pounds gone forever! Let me know if you have any questions.

That is much bigger than what I think most surgeon's are doing these days. That being said, the differences could be compared to say a pen, marker, sharpie, etc... (just for examples) and many will say it doesn't really matter- there has been MUCH debate on that already, so I'm not going there. Personally for me that was part of my requirements up front was to have the smallest sized stomach possible without having risk of health complications. My surgeon used a size 30 bougie. Now, there are other things to keep in mind that have to do with how your surgeon did your surgery because every surgeon has their own "technique". Some will just use the bougie as a guide and sew just a little outside the bougie, others just inside. It's supposed to be used as a guide for them to know how to size your new stomach. Again, lots of debate about whether having a larger size bougie affects long term success. I guess at the end of the day, if you have a larger stomach, then you can eat a little more than someone w/a smaller stomach- simple physics. I don't know that there is enough solid long term data that proves what size bougie has what types of success rates. I have seen some research, but it's not comprehensive. You have had the surgery, so just focus on staying on track with your Dr.'s eating plan and don't worry about it. You can't change anything at this point. If you are still curious, ask your dr. to explain to you a little more about how he used the bougie as his guide in creating your new stomach.

Hello all, Since I'm thinking of moving to Florida, and since more then likely, if I do I'll be teaching, I started checking out BCBS of Florida. I read the federal employees policy and weight loss surgery is covered, but what about after care? I had my surgery done here in Portugal and I want to know if they will cover fills, and/or any complications I might have even though the surgery wasn't done there. Any one had any experience with this?

I just finished all my pre-surgery test yesterday. I am schedued to meet with my doctor on 02/01/12 to schedule my surgery date. Her assistant told me that it would more than likely be 2 weeks from the 02/01 date. I am concerned because I am scheduled for a business trip at the end of the month (02/27). Do any of you know if I should postpone my surgery to after my trip?? will it matter or will a flight complicate my recovery? I plan on telling my doctor about the trip and asking her for her advise..... But it seems like I am stressing out over this because #1 I want to schedule the surgery asap and #2 I cant cancel my trip

Well I passed my Psych evaluation yesterday. I also started the three month diet and exercise program. So Now I wait for three months and then I am scheduled for surgery. I called my friend who had the bypass in late December hoping she would be a good support source and she was totally negative. She has had complications but should be accountable for some of them. First i think she rushed into surgery and decided to have the procedure that she could loose the most weight on. Second, I dont think she told the truth about her medical history as she has had several surgeries from previous accidents and has needed and steroroids. That is why she was big to begin with and she slound not have has the bypass with that history. So now she had the bypass, and then got her gall bladder out and they just told her she needs to have her pouch made larger. She called me begging me to leave my nutrition appoinment and not to get this done saying I dont need it. That her hair is falling out in handfuls and she is so weak all the time and regrets her choice. I was so mad! I feel like if she would drink the water, eat the right foods, exercise, and take her suppliments she would feel differently. She has lost almost 100 pounds and isnt complaining about that! I dont care if she cant eat chipoltle anymore..we shouldnt eat that anyway. I am not doing this to be skinny! Is is not an easy out for me!This is for my lasting health! My dad died at 50 years old. i do not want the same fat and thats my motivation for this. i also hold myself accountable for my failures as well as my successes and I feel like those who don't should not be on here or in the community dissing people who are considering WLS. I care about my friend but she is not helping herself by eating the same crap foods and not drinking water. I advised her she needs to get her vitamins in some how and she just said they are gross and she refused to take them. So i feel like its your choice just like this is mine, just dont discourage me because you arent taking advantage of this...SHHHHHEWW!! That is off my chest now!

Hi! I have about 7.5 cc's in my 10 cc band and still have VERY LITTLE restriction! I don't understand. Could there be something wrong with my band? I haven't had ANY complications at all. I had the band put in last September but have only managed to lose 40 lbs. He takes the fluid out and measures each time I get a fill so it's in there. I'm not sure what to do/think. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Thank you for the link! Someone gave it to me earlier today and I spend all day on their forum looking for complication post etc. Yes, there are many success stories but even the success stories usually experience some complications that can be fixed but without insurance it can be quite costly. Even just going back and forth with fills to find the Green zone etc. I don't know... such a hard decision to make : ) They are both wonderful options.

I can tell you from my own experience that the hospital process was incredibly smooth. It was kind of like hanging out. Got a beeper when I checked in. Beeper went off, went to the pre-op room, met with one nurse to go over medical history again. Told her I am a tough person to get an IV going and she called a different IV nurse into the room. Changed into the hospital garb, and then talked to the bariatric coordinator (who had been sleeved herself), until the anesthesiologist came in and put me in happyland. Woke up 3 hours later and it was over. The first week was not a lot of fun...the first full day home was the worst as I now had to get my own fluids in. Only pain I had was at the large incision point, no nausea at all. After a week, pain virtually gone. Averaging about 5 lbs lost per week. You will do fine. Complications are extremely rare in this surgery. My surgeon has done thousands of these operations and has never had a leak. Worst case if you have a leak is they do a bypass...not the end of the world.

Hello, My name is Miranda and I'm from NYC. Going to see my surgeon this upcoming Wednesday(at NYU) to discuss getting the VSG done. I had the lap band before but had too many complications so it was removed. Has anyone else had revisional surgery? How long is the hospital stay ? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Having my vsg surgery is one of if not the best decision I have ever made - I had complications with surgery that were a bit scary, and it took close to 6 weeks post surgery until I started to feel better. I would do it again in a heartbeat. No question.

Congrats on your weight loss. I agree about home care. But many travel to other places due to the price. But my personal opinion is the cost of traveling, haveing to find a fill center afterwards, complications(possibly) doesn't equal saving money. Plus you don't know for sure about your Dr. or fill center. Of course I know that can happen near your home also, but I would be more comfortable and would have recourse if something did go terribly wrong.

It all depends on YOU!! If you follow the guidelines given to you by your surgeon. A pre-op diet helps get you into the groove of eating less. Exercise will help to not only lose but get stronger.Everyone is different, and it's sooooooooo True. As far as I'm concerned any WLS can be Successful if you want it enough. and ANY weight loss is a GOOD thing if you get healthier Their is allot of good advise here on LBT. SO make a note of all your questions that you want to ask before going for the consult, It's allot of information to take in at once. Write down the answers as well. Ask the doctor how many patients he had banded, what is the success rate of those patients, what is the average weight loss for his patients. What are the complication rates, and what complications If any has he seen. Ask if he finds a hiatial hernia will he fix it while he places the band. ( I had one that I was unaware of prior to the band) He will probably tell you also about the tests that will be needed prior to be banding, endoscopy, Phys. eval, stress test, sleep apnea, Ask what pre-op diet they recommend, ideas for protein drinks, meal plans etc. He will probably tell you that you can discuss all of this with the nutritionist, but that may be a separate fee? Ask if he is going to be available to discuss problems if any arise some offices always instruct pt's to "just go to the ER" When in fact most ER's don't know how to handle band problems. I could probably think of more things ...but you will find answers here if you just put it in the search it's full of information from allot of good people.

Hey everyone! I just joined the site about a month or so after discovering it. I first considered weight loss surgery about 6 years ago. It was put on hold for varying reasons. Last year, I finally decided to move forward, then COVID hit. My first choice was the Lap Band, but after reading personal experiences on this site and others, I changed my mind. Also, my surgeon was willing to do the procedure, but he had made clear it typically was not as successful and had more long term complications (erosion, slippage, etc) than the sleeve or bypass. After scheduling an appointment to further discuss my options and the pros and cons of each type of surgery, I will now be having the gastric bypass procedure. Surgery is scheduled for next week (May 18th). I'm excited and also nervous. I have mild anxiety, but it's controlled without medication and I see my therapist occasionally. For anyone with anxiety, how did you limit nervous or anxious feelings prior to surgery?

Can anyone recommend a surgeon who does VSG who offers BLIS insurance? Thanks! I am a self-pay patient and concerned about complications following surgery. Also - does anyone have experience with complications insurance after having surgery in another country?

Kath4. Thank you for recognizing the positive in me. I am truly excited about my life after surgery. I think having a best friend that has already been through all of this helps tremendously. I have first hand knowledge. I also watch tons of youtube videos about successes, setbacks, and complications. I'm fully aware of what could go wrong. You will do great. Just check off each hoop as you jump through it. It will go pretty fast. I can't believe that I'm going to have surgery in 9 more days!

1, Date of banding. May 9, 2006 2, Weight/BMI on date of banding. I think it was like 48.6, weight was 331 pounds 3, What band do you have. Swedish 9cc Midband 9cc Vanguard Lap Band 4cc or 10cc :biggrin1: 10cc Heliogast 7cc or 9cc A,M,I soft band 7cc or 9cc 4, What was you own person reason for WLS Cosmetic :biggrin1: To look better and not feel like everyone is staring at the fat guy Health To lower my blood sugar and blood pressure. Both were high and doctor wanted to put me on meds for both 5, Why the band and not Bypass or DS. Safer, wife was not supportive of RNY 6, What were you’re expectations about the band. After much research and doctors advise, I knew I would have to work hard. This is a tool and not a magic potion to loose weight 7, What were you’re expectations about the impact weight loss might have on you’re life. Longer and happier life 8, What is you own personal target weight/BMI. 170 pounds 9, What is the realistic target/expected weight loss/BMI. 160 pounds 10, How much was you’re band and how did you fund it. Insurance :biggrin1: - about $500 out of pocket Re-Mortgage Loan NHS (uk patients) Savings 11, Do you consider the cost of your band justified or expensive. Yes, much cheaper than a lifetime of taking medication for health problems, not to mention doctor's visits and possibly hospital stays. Also much less likely to have to have joint replacement because of the reduced weight 12, How many fill’s/unfill’s have you had. 4 fills, 5cc I beleive 13, How did you have you’re fill’s Blind 3 fill's 2 unfill's Under x-ray all 4 done under flouro 14, How much are you’re fill’s $15 co-pay through insurance 15, Does your surgeon do your fill’s or a fill provider. Surgeon or Physicians assistand done at his office 16, If you travelled for your band why did you travel. N/A17, Did you experience any complications/Difficulties. No 18. When did the problems begin. N/A19, what problems did you experience were they resolved and how was they resolved. N/A 20. Would you be banded again or chose another op. In a heartbeat. Best thing I have ever done. I feel like the band has saved my life or at the very least made it worth living.

Also, remember that women's sizes are different from regular sizes. I only just realized this in the past month.. The sizes go from a Women's 18, 16, 14 to a regular 18, 16, 14, etc.. Why can't they just have it go by your measurements or something? It would be nice if they just TRIED to make it a little less complicated.

He's probably talking about bougie size. A bougie is basically the guide they use to staple and overlap and staple the stomach once they close the remainder up. It doesn't have a lot to do with stomach size, but a smaller bougie could mean more restriction as it's a bit "tighter" than a larger one. Or possibly he took more than the typical 80-85% of your stomach? Which actually would alarm me, because usually the more they take, the higher risks of complications. I would totally ask him to clarify for you and ask why he did yours smaller?

Just had surgery on 1/7/15. Everything is fine except I've been experiencing some wicked muscle cramping in my right upper obliques. It started the day after surgery. I assume it was dehydration but I'm now wondering if my muscles got pulled from being inflated during surgery. Anyone else with this possible complication? I can't sit for over an hour and walking for more than 10 minutes aggravates it as well. Only thing that settles it is lying flat on my back on my memory foam mattress.

Okay, I am hoping that there is someone out there that can give me advice, words of wisdom, or just plain old Ive been there and it is possible to get back on track. I got my band three years ago. Lost 100 pounds. Had complications, band slipped and severe acid reflux. Surgery to put band back, then way off the good trail on eating, followed by divorce. Now 80 pounds are back and I want to get back on track. I just cannot seem to stop eating and kick the habit. Any advise? I know it is up to me. I just don't know how to get started again.