Search the Community

I was banded 10years ago and lost all my weight. Generally I found if I followed a healthy eating food plan, kept a food journal, exercised... I did well. I would “fall off the wagon” once in awhile... but then I’d get back on track. Any weight lost surgery is one of many tools we have to help us. They are not the total answer to weight loss. This is key and one reason I think some people fail to lose the weight they want to lose is they rely mainly on the surgery. There is a lot of maintenance with the lapband. Ie. Fills that work one time are too much/too little other times. Also sometimes exercise, flying and other random times the band would be affected. But I was Ok with it....until about 4 months ago. I had a really bad virus. It was the first time I️ threw up from illness in 10 years. All of a sudden I couldn’t sleep at night with a lot of reflux, I couldn’t eat many times, etc. I went 2 weeks ago and I have a serious slip. I’m getting the band out Friday. I can’t switch to another surgery until my body heals a bit. I was a big cheerleader for the lapband. And it really served me well. The one thing i really like about it, after it’s taken out it’s as if there wasn’t an operation because the body hasn’t been surgically changed But medical advances give us more choices nowadays. I am going to try to go without any replacement surgery doing everything I’ve done to lose the weight. If it doesn’t work, down the road I will do the sleeve. (Discussed with my doctor as my best option) Your doctor will recommend what’s best for you based on weight to lose, lifestyle etc. And you decide after your research what you think is best I wouldn’t recommend the lapband to my friends based on the other options.

I had my revision in January 2013. I have gained 10 pounds since then. I feel like I can eat a lot. In the beginning I couldn't tolerate anything but now I feel like I am always hungry and can eat a lot. I'm confused about wether you can stretch your sleeve out or not. If so could I have done it in this short of time? How do you know if its stretched? I have a hard time knowing when I am actually full because it doesn't feel the same as with sleeve and I get over full easy. I exercise daily so it is totally a nutrition issue. I am hungry constantly and food is consuming my thoughts. I'm so mad for gaining ten pounds but I literally am thinking about food all day. I have also introduced foods back into my diet that I couldn't eat with the band (carbs). I was at goal weight when I had my revision. I just can't seem to stay full all day on limited calories. Anyone else have this problem? Suggestion?

Every one is different...i guess it depends on your self control. Yes I hated food at first and I completely avoided junk food...but family started to say I was getting too small and it madee eat more and eventually id taste a piece of donut here and there and now recently ive bern binging on junk. I feel helpless I habe np self control and I have gained ten lbs. Im trying to practice self control and get to my goal weight of 140. So you just stay away from old habits and stay in control. However, my doc said that research does suggest that rny patients do gain 10-20 lbs back eventually. I don't ever want to be big again either.

Yes, I remember when I first got it. They warned not to do it more than 10 minutes at first or you would get bruising. I too spent the first 5 or so "10 minute workouts" bending over picking it up off my feet - it really was a workout still though LOL. I eventually got frustrated enough that I looked on utube for a tutorial and was able to do it after just a few tries then. The reason I bought it in the first place was because the company had indicated that you could burn up to 800 cal an hour and said that it burned the same calories as boot camp. Sounded good to me, hoola hoop or boot camp ?? Pretty easy choice.

Got my tentitive surgery date of 6/15/10!! I still can't believe it and feel crazy happy. It almost feels too good to be true. Had a mini celebration tonight, but right back on track 2morrow. Would like to be down some more and as fit as possible before V-Day!! Anyone have some pre-surgery advice?

I have a 10 cc band. I had 2 cc put in at the time of surgery (I didn't know this until I went for the first fill). They put in 2 more at 1st fill. Just had my 4th fill and now have a total of 5.5.

I had surgery on October 2, and at first I lost 10 prep and then another 14 post op but then nothing...... Can't understand how I can be only eating 700 calories a day and nothing is coming off!!!! I am back to work, working on improving my protein intake which was only 30 or so a day up to 60 yesterday and working on drinking more water but I am stuck at this weight. It's really discouraging after all I have went through. Everyone tells me to be patient but after over two weeks of nothing lost, how am I to be patient???? Any thoughts????

So all day today I have had a throb or a pinch that comes and goes. It is not to bad. It is like a 3 on a scale of 10. It happens like every 5 to 10 min and really is not painful just irritating. My concern is it is right under my ribs on the right side around the upper stomach area. I called my doctor bu it was late in the day. They called me back and left a voicemail that I need to go in for an ultra sound tomorrow. I am 6 months out. My questions is for anyone that has had their Gallbladder removed. Did it start off like this and then get more painful or was it like bam and hurt right at first. I hope I don't have to get it removed. I am down 100 pounds in 6 months and I know that rapid weight loss is one of the causes. Anyone had this?

I'm going to politely disagree with the responses you've received here so far. Since even the initial consultation is a bariatric service, they want to verify that your insurance will cover it prior to scheduling. The initial consultation is a billable service. You either have coverage or you don't. The facility wants to know if insurance will pay or if you will be paying on your own. It is possible after the initial consult, that you choose not to proceed. However, they still want to know that you have coverage for that visit. Example: my insurance policy through my employer specifically excluded any coverage for weight management and/or bariatric services until 2020. In 2019, I was aware that coverage would be added in 2020. I tried to schedule initial consultations and dietician visits to get started but was unable to unless I wanted to pay for them out of pocket. Since I did not want to self-pay. I had to wait until benefits began in 2020. Even having a conversation with my primary care doctor regarding any potential weight management had to be done as a discussion during an appointment coded as something else. Otherwise, I would have had to pay for it. I hope this makes sense.

Sounds to me like you are suffering from regular post op pains .... and guilt! 4 days post op your stomach will still be swollen, the stitches to hold the band in cause pain till they heal and the gas that they use during surgery to expand your abdomen settles under your diaphragm and causes pain for anything up to 10 - 14 days, maybe less. Eating all that stuff so soon is not wise but i am sure it shouldn't cause any major damage unless you ate until you threw up. If you are concerned, the best thing is to ring your surgeon, you will feel awful having to tell them you jumped the gun on mushies but it is better than getting sick if there is a problem. As for you BM's anything goes post op as your body adjusts. I was constipated for about 4 weeks, others suffer from what you described. Think about how you feel now if you are tempted again. Maybe you need to only buy things as you are able to eat them so they are not sitting in the pantry tempting you. I know what it is like, it is there, you want it and it is on your mind until you can resist no longer! (this is why i needed the band) Good luck.

When I went to my one and only nutrition class, the nutritionist said we should be aiming to eat one *cup*. Then proceeded to show us a 10" dinner plate that was loaded. Looked to be a 2 oz piece of meat, *at least* a cup of broccoli and well over a cup of mashed potatoes. In one of my follow-ups, the doctor's surgical nurse (does fills) said I should be aiming for 3-4 oz of Protein, 1/2-3/4 cup vegies and, if still hungry, 1/4 cup carbs. When I actually got a chance to see the doctor two weeks ago (first time since my two week postop surgical visit over a year ago), he said I should be aiming for 1200 calories, make sure I get 60gm of protein a day and keep my carbs under 40 and the bulk of them should be from vegies (which will ultimately limit any other types of starches as a result). .

Has your medical team cleared you to lift more than 10 pounds? (That was my initial restriction after surgery.) I was cleared to lift as tolerated at my 2 week post op visit. Start slow and go with lower weights than you were lifting pre-surgery to give your body some time to adjust.

I was doing cardio in the gym 2 weeks post-surgery, but my doctor said to wait 6 weeks before doing any lifting greater than 10 pounds and to be careful and increase weight gradually.

Congratulations, Mike!!! It is a wonderful feeling when your clothes get too big for you and it's time to downsize I've transitioned from 24/26 slacks and 3X tops to 22 slacks and 2X/1X tops and sweaters. For me, it takes about 20 lbs. to lose a size, but with exercising, the inches are changing even when the scale doesn't. Find you a great consignment shop for transitional clothes. I finally went shopping last weekend for a couple pairs of slacks for work and some tops to go with them. Most were purchased at a nearby consignment shop and the slacks were on sale at 70% off - couldn't resist a $10 pair of slacks! So I bought two pairs - sizes 20 and 18 since those sizes are on the horizon. Seems like I've read on BariatricPal about a clothes swap for those of us who need to get new sizes and get rid of the old sizes. I'll have to look into that option. Again, congratulations and keep up the great work!!

So I'm coming up on 5 years since my gastric bypass operation. I weighed 384 lbs the day of my procedure, as of today I have now broke 170 lbs range that's with the excess skin still hanging on there lol which I assume is probably around another 10 to 12 pounds. Its has been a struggle but worthwhile I look at myself in the mirror and feel like just got out of a concentration camp... Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I "spontaneously" dumped (at least I think that's what it was) once about 4 weeks after surgery. It's now about 10 weeks after surgery and it's not happened again. I say "spontaneously" because I have no idea what triggered it. I'd been eating a sugar-free popsicle every day since surgery, it was my daily treat. That morning, I'd had a few blueberries with low-fat low-sugar Greek yoghurt (something I'd eaten successfully before). About 3 hours later, I had my usual popsicle and within about 15 minutes... WOW. Chest pain and pressure, nausea, the sweats, drooling... it was awful. (But no diarrhea.) It went on for about 90 minutes and I was pacing my house, trying to lie down, getting back up, hanging over the toilet, etc, until suddenly -BLEH- the popsicle came back up in one swoop. I immediately felt 100% better! I told my surgeon about the experience when I had a follow-up visit a week later and all he said was that he didn't know why that would have happened. If it ever happens again, my finger is going down my throat and I'm getting it over with quickly. Anyway, my surgeon's info booklet warns to stay under 5g of sugar to avoid dumping. It doesn't mention carbs or fats.

GOOD cuz I need it. This pre-op diet SUCKS. If I was any good at dieting I would be a skinny B already, AND I know it's all mental. Like I'm having a hard time losing 10 lbs because I've been told I have to. I'm pouting today.

Hi, Lisa-- The hospital will supply you with whatever diet your Dr. orders. Do not worry about Protein in the beginning, it will be a bigger job to get enough fluids in so that you don't get dehydrated. You can go without protein for a while, certainly until you get home and maybe even later. I could not get all my required protein in until 2 weeks out from surgery or all my fluids in until 10 days out.

I'm to do a 2 wk diet of 2 Protein Shakes and a no carb dinner. chicken, fish, or veggies. They want me to lose 10 lbs before my surgery date and I'm already down 6 lbs. without really working too hard at it. HOWEVER, that has been my pattern for the last 8 yrs. Lose 5, gain 6, ~ lose 3, gain 5, ~ lose 8, gain 12..... Ya, do the math and it's been a steady gain for years of struggling. So, I'll lose the 10 as required and can't wait to NOT put back on it back on this time! I'm also stocking up on supplies for after my surgery. Tomatoe soup from costco, butternut squash & carrot soup, my Protein, will start buying yogurt in the next few weeks and mashed potatoes. I think I'm going to start bagging up things in 4 oz containers or ziplocks so I have it handy. My sister had bypass (lost 125lbs) and suggested re-fried Beans with cheese. I love Mexican food so that could be a real treat for me. I'm off to go shopping, julz~

I am 10 days out since my balloon procedure and have lost nothing. ZERO. I am maintaining 1100 calories/day diet with protein at every meal. Eggs, shakes, fish, fruit, yogurt...is pretty much all I have eaten. I had my thyroid removed 2 years ago due to cancer and am wondering if the balloon has messed with my meds and have crashed my metabolism or something. Am having blood work done later this week to figure this out. Anyone else have no thyroid and the balloon? I would love to hear your story.

So, I know that this is hard to believe, but again it's Friday and no surgery date! I called there 5 times today and kept getting a voice mail. I'm not sure, but maybe they aren't there on Fridays?? Anyhow, I have to wait until Monday again and call them again. What I wanted to tell the secretary was I cannot do any date from 6/1-6/19. My daughters are coming to see me in Texas from upstate New York. I am excited to see them and hug them! I haven't seen them since last summer. I went up to New York for my younger daughters high school graduation. Today is her 19th bday! And my other daughter is 21. I can't wait to see them! I don't want to have the surgery while they are here. I am still overly frustrated about no date yet, but I can now focus on my kids coming and keeping me occupied. So, I will wait some more! Ugh!

I agree...your body will find its new normal. When I reached my surgeons goal of 160 I started eating in maintenance mode. Mostly just added more calories, healthy fats and carbs than when I was in "losing mode". My personal goal was 150 and I hit that a month later. I then lost another 13 pounds over a couple months to my all time low of 137. I continue to eat "normal" and my body has fluctuated between 137 and 140 for the last 7 months. I'm 5'5" and am in size 6 jeans, too (down from 22). I do feel I'm a little thin, but I figure I'm in a good position in case I gain 5-10 pounds as I get further out. I had VSG, not bypass, so I don't know if this makes a difference. I have a good friend that had bypass 8 years. She worked really hard and temporarily got down to a size 4, but once she let herself eat "normal", she bounced back up to a size 7/8 and has been there for at least 5 years.

Hi Norma, When did you get your band. I got my on 01/07/05 and I started at 243.5 and I am down to 227, so when I had my first fill back in 02/17/05 at 2"cc I thought I was going to be very restriced and at first I would eat and I could feel that I was tighter but now, I can eat anything, I really have been watching what I am eating and I still can't lose any weight. I am going for my second fill on 04/16. Good luck!!

Subject: One year and 85 lbs later The time has come for me to post my long awaited 1st year bandversary entry. What has my band meant to me? I have asked myself this question many times over the last 12 months. I’ve come up with a laundry list of ramblings. Preband – it represented HOPE, Anxiety, and the What if’s of life after WLS Early Post Band – the what the heck did I do? And WHERE THE HELL IS MY RESTRICTION? 1st Fill anticipation – I AM HUNGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where the hell is my restriction???? 2nd Fill anticipation – I am hungry but not AS MUCH or as often 3rd Fill anticipation – Restriction lasts for about 3 weeks 4th Fill anticipation – OK lets clamp this puppy down!!!!!!! 5th Fill anticipation – HOLY CRAP .3 cc’s was too much fill! I am only able to smell foods and sip soup 1’st UNFILL – removal of the .3cc’s was the difference between soup and FOOD……. And is where I’m maintaining at since January 2008. Also…. Getting an unfill and eating real food is what started the scale moving again. Things that have amazed me: I have POWER over my hunger. I have actually FORGOTTEN to eat. I CAN eat without drinking I CAN be full on very little food. Things that I have realized about myself: Restriction Wise I swell (get tighter) when I’m on my period or when I’m stressed I am tighter in the mornings and more open in the evenings. Foods that worked last week, might not work so well this week. I can raise my hands and do a little shimmy to pop up a stuck item of food Things that I have realized about myself: Non band I am a stress and emotional eater. I crave sweets around my cycle I am pretty happy and comfy in a size 12 It scares me to HOPE for a size 8 or 10 (because it is unknown to me) If I COULD eat pizza…….. I WOULD, so keeping a decent amount of fill is what is needed for ME not to be able to. Dairy Queen has become my go to place for stress eating (and this is NOT a good thing) Things that I had to overcome once banded: Realizing that you don’t HAVE to eat multiple plates of food at a buffet in order to “get your money’s worth” Realizing that people REALLY aren’t LOOKING at how much or how little you eat! Realizing that you CAN keep your band a secret if you want! Realizing that fast food joints don’t really offer much choice, Its cheaper to order an appetizer or alacarte, or split a meal with my 4 year old. Being banded is NOT rocket science, and for me it has worked well because I knew going in that FOR ME and MY GOALS I needed to be in diet mode, and truth be told the scale moves when I am IN MOTIVATED DIET MODE. It stalls when I Go to dairy queen for a small blizzard… but I don’t gain I chose the band for its adjustability and the hopes that I will for once in my life MAINTAIN a loss! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat Will I be rebanded if needed in the future? In HALF a heartbeat! My band has really given me the power over my appetite and that is priceless. Journey with me as I enter YEAR TWO of my Banding Experience