Search the Community

Has anyone developed a hernia their first year post-op? I had a consultation with a plastic surgeon last weekend and when I pointed out a section on my stomach that I thought would need lipo along with my tummy tuck, the surgeon felt it and said, "you know that's a hernia right?" and I said "well no, or I wouldn't have asked you to lipo it out.....lol". When he said he could repair it at the same time as my tummy tuck/thigh lift I explained that I was not planning to have the procedures done until December, he said as long as it was not bothering me, December was fine. The hernia was obviously not the reason I was there, so it didn't really sink in until on the drive home, then I had a hundred questions. So, if you developed one, was it because the intestine that was relocated during bypass is now weaker? What causes them? Did you know you had it? Did you change your daily activities? Did you change your workout routine? Now that I know what it is, it's obvious, so I can't stop thinking about it. Any other information/advice would be helpful - thanks in advance!

I met with my surgeon yesterday to discuss band removal/revision. He recommended a sleeve because there are fewer complications and it is a simpler surgery. He also said that if it is done correctly, the weight loss is close to the bypass. Because I have worked hard the last 3 years to lose 80 lbs and get down to 230, he said I can reasonably expect to get to 175, more if I exercise and work hard. Next I have to go for an EGD test to assess the condition of my stomach and esophagus. I'll be swallowing a tiny camera! Luckily, there will be some sedation. They don't submit paperwork to insurance until after the test. My band can be unfilled at that point. I really like this surgeon. He removed my daughter's gall bladder 2 years ago and I researched him thoroughly. I'm starting to get excited, even though he expects surgery to be 6 weeks away. This week I need to ask my GP and therapist for letters saying I'm a good candidate for surgery and can be expected to follow my post-op diet and be successful. I'll keep you all posted! Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Welcome & good luck. I still haven't gotten my computer fixed at home - I'm just using my work computer over my lunch. I do not have the lapband, but I do have an appointment in November. That was the soonest they could get me in. However, I did fill out all the paperwork they sent me so if there is a cancellation, my appointment will move up.

I am soooo confused. Since the fill I had in early October I have felt that I was at my "sweet spot". I was supposed to return for a doc visit just for a check up in early November but, since I didn't think I needed a fill (and since my doc moved to Beverly Hills the parking is RIDICULOUSLY expensive and impossible to find on the street - yuck), I opted not to return for a while. Well, now I can't decide if I need a fill or not. My weight loss is pretty slow but steady and in the right direction -- down. Lately though, I have been feeling hungry -- like right now -- AND, I know longer feel as tight in the morning and at lunch as I did a month or so ago. I had scheduled and appointment for December 3rd but cancelled it because I am afraid that if I get even a small fill I won't be able to swallow my breakfast (a protrein drink). My daily regimen has been pretty satisfying and filling for the last couple of months (breakfast = protein drink, lunch = Lean Cuisine, dinner = protein[meat, poultry, fish], starch, and veggie. But, of late I am getting hungry during the day AND I am able to eat more at dinner. I am sorry if my post is a bit confusing, but I am confused myself. Do I need a fill or not? Should I just stick to my current food plan and eventually the hunger will go away or what? Any and all advice would be helpful. Thanks.

Hi Sharon, I am still learning this banding/diet process as I go along, but since you and I were banded only 8 days apart, I thought I would throw my two cents in for what it's worth............ 1) I think exercise is really key, and unfortunately there is just no way around that. The good news is that once your workouts become habit, you will probably start to enjoy them. I know that this has happened to me, and for the first time in my life I actually enjoy and look forward to my workouts. 2) Portion control. I have learned from others on this board to portion out my food on the plate and once I have eaten that portion to stop eating, even if I am still hungry. I do occasionally have slip ups and eat more than I had planned to, but most days I manage to do this. 3) No eating or snacking after dinner. This has always worked well for me -- even before I was banded. The band makes it so much easier for me to do this now. 4) My current diet consists mostly of Protein, fruits and vegetables. I try to limit my intake of bread, Pasta and starchy vegetables as much as possible, but have not eliminated them completely from my diet. As I said, I am still learning this as I go along, but this is what is working for me at this point in time. Good luck and congrats on your weight loss so far! Crazy Ates November Exercise Challenge 17/16 Days of Exercise Banded 8/07/07 Dr. Miguel Zapata, Monterrey Mexico 9.75 cm/4cc Inamed Band 2 fills (both under fluoro): 9/07 & 11/07

Happy New Year everybody as its been a while since I was last on here. I'm quite confuzzled & concerned as I have booked my consultation on 6 March 2013; only to be told that I am meeting a Dietician, then the second consultation included in the price is to meet the surgeon & nobody told me that I have to meet the Dietician first? I'm worried that the Dietician will try to put me off for having / wanting the Gastric Bypass Surgery even though I have to pay £11, 000, 00 for it. I thehen I'll have further regular consultations once I've booked my Gastric Bypass. Can anyone help me & comment about their own experiences starting from their first consultation process all the way through up to the Gastric Bypass Surgery, as would very much appreciate it? Kindest Regards Lucii Xx Kindest Regards <br />Lucii24<br />Sent From Samsung Galaxy SIII Using RNYTalk

Congrats to you.. I have my last Nutrition appointment in November ... I'm Hoping for a date in December !!! :girl_hug:

If your blood sugar is skyrocketing, call your doctor and let them know it isn't working for you. My doc and I have been adjusting and adding, trying to help me get there. I have a similar story. I've been Type 2 since 2004. I changed doctors a year ago because the doctor I had didn't seem overly concerned that my A1C had climbed to 11 and nothing was bringing it down, even when I ate really low carb, walked everyday, took my medicine. My new doctor was on board with the surgery when I went to her last August, I did my 6 month diet that my insurance requires and I had hoped that I could have surgery in the spring but my A1C had only come down to 9 and the surgeon said that was not good enough. I am not on insulin but I am taking 5 oral medications, and we keep tweaking the dosages and times I take them. I started taking Jardiance last month which is a newer med and costly $180 per month with insurance but it seems to be working. My fastings are down to 120, as long as I watch what I eat it doesn't go much higher. I test like crazy and feel like I'm obsessed with my blood sugar. I don't have labs again until September, but I am hopeful to have better results. If not I don't know where to go, my 6 month diet was Sept thru Feb and my psych visit was last November so my insurance may make me repeat all of that. I have been so frustrated too, it seems like I'm working so hard and not getting there. I've seen so many people have their surgery already and I'm still waiting.

I'm in france and they only require two week liquid diet for the band. For the sleeve and bypass their prefer just a low fat diet. It's all about cleansing the liver of fat to shrink it. I'm no expert at all but as long as it's not fried chicken on the salad, I would think it ok? I could be completely wrong mind you... Sent from my SM-G920F using the BariatricPal App

My apetite is back some and now I feel like I did this in vain Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

http://clos.net/ am day 3 post op, had mine on 26th March. I had omega loop gastric bypass done it is a malabsorbtion procedure and can be reversible Website above . I felt nausea this morning but I think from the pain meds. I am sipping apple juice now and it's lovely. going home tomorrow and can't wait. Surgeon saysbibshould loose about 30kg. I will be happy with that ! I only weigh 98

I finally decided to do something for myself.........I am going to have Lap Band!!!! For the last 12 years, I have taken care of my husband and then my twins. I went to a seminar on Thursday, and filled out all my paperwork today. My husband had lap band on November 23rd and has lost 97 pounds, if he can do this , i can do it. I am so glad that I stumbled up on this website during my search for information. Hope to be banded by the end of July!

hi the side effects are worth the wt loss.i do not have pb so far but i be careful not to overeat too much.pb is a productive burp where you spit up excess food less forceful than vomiting.the shoulder pain from gas is pretty much all the pain i had from lapband surg but it hurt bad on and off for about 6 wks,pain med help. no one will force u to have a g bypass my bmi was high also because i'm 5'3 but i had the band and i have lost 45 lbs (15 prior to surg) i was bandded 11/27/07.i was able to do nromal activities by 7days post op but some people do better.

Hello All, I am new to this site and I am happy I have found it. I plan to have my surgery in next 2 months once I get my date. I do have concerns about... PBing... what exactly does that mean?... What can I do to not loose all of my muscle tone? How much pain are you in the day after surgery, i live upstairs and want to know can I climb them. what is the real recovery time.. can you really go to work in 3 days. ( I have a desk job). My BMI is at 50 and I am 4'11 / 232 will they force me get the gastric bypass, or should the 2 week liquid diet beforehand help? how bad is this gas, and does acidophillus help? I see alot of people take activia... also what exactly is w/ the pain in your shoulder.. does that last forever? I mean are the sife effects really worth the weight loss? I have my consultation with my Doctor next week and I have Oxford health insurance, does anyone have them, or has anyone been banded by Dr. Christine Ren? from NYU Medical Center??? She was on Oprah. and she has done thousands of procedures... I would love to know more about her.. Thanks in advance

I'm here to introduce myself. My name is Lindsey and I have been banded for almost 7 months now. I've decided to try out this blogging thing to see what it's like so here is my first entry. The issues that I'm having has inspired me to start this blog to see what kind of feedback I would receive if any. First let me tell you a little bit about myself. Like I said my name is Lindsey and I am 23 years old. I have been over weight for as long as I can remember. Like a lot of people it has led to low self confidence and the feeling of not wanting to live in my own skin. I am a Cosmetologist and with those two problems, in my mind I have already set myself up for failure. I've wanted to be skinny my whole life. Constantly trying those fad diets. When I was in junior high, my mom and I joined Weight Watchers. We attended for one meeting and never went back. Go figure. When I was in my freshman year of high school I decided that I wanted to try one of those pills to help you get skinny. I immediately took to Trim Spa. I believe I took only three pills until I was over that. I've always been a person who wants to see instant results. After that I tried the Atkins diet. Losing twenty pounds in two weeks wasn't right. I was literally starving myself because all you were able to eat was meat and I've never been a meat person. I love chicken though. My senior year I met a new friend who was on Slim4Life. It worked and all if you enjoy eating bland chicken and steamed veggies at every meal. It just wasn't for me. My final attempt was to rejoin Weight Watchers where I lost forty pounds. I couldn't keep it off of course. My parents and I had basically given up until my mom came across the idea of the Lap Band. I was instantly excited. The thought of a tool helping me with my weight loss seemed like a dream come true. We followed all the steps through the insurance. The six month nutrition plan, going to see a psychiatrist, and a nutritionist, yada yada yada. After all that we got approved right away. I was the first up for the surgery and everything went smoothly. I had the best surgeon and nurses in the world. They were amazing. I've had great results up until now. Here is where I ask for advice from the reader of this fine entry. My battle with snacks. What are your tips on snacking? How do you bypass the temptations of these deliciously salty and sweet treats? I tell myself you can have one taste and that it is. Four tastes later and I regret even giving into my temptation. My other battle is with water. I'm so used to drinking water with my meals that I have a hard time not getting a glass when I eat. What are your suggestions on that topic? I'm needing some advice and I thank you in advance. I hope you enjoyed my first entry and I hope your personal journeys are treating you all well. Until next time.

Same. I'm only 6 weeks post-op gastric bypass so I definitely don't have a lot of answers. But often when I drink I suddenly feel hungry. Whenever I eat I definitely feel thirsty. I'm working hard to meet my water goals (100 oz) and when I do I rarely feel hungry at all. My best guess is that a lot of the times that I felt hungry before I was actually thirsty. I think my brain has the signals mixed-up so I just focus on that water and eat when I should.

Hello all - new poster. 11 days post op for my gastric sleeve, spent the first seven days post op on liquids only and have been on a pre-select soft food diet for the past 5 days (oh what fun). Coming up with more and more odd combinations of refried bean, greek yogurt, egg white, sugar free pudding, and cottage cheese. Sad what passes for an "omelet" at the moment. Something odd I noted almost immediately upon arriving home was my sense of smell, particularly with regard to how foods smell, seem particularly altered. Have a household that has always enjoyed cooking and have done so several times for my lady as a thank you for how well she has been nursing me and the aroma of the foods is just nowhere near as full as pre op. Is this common? At least one other full bypass patient at my 1 week check in mentioned a similar change. Is it permanent or something that changes over time? Thanks all - and best of luck to all those on or getting ready for the same journey.

Well to be honest I always belch at every meal and I too get sick from eating too much sugar. I guess everyone's side effects are different regardless of which type of surgery you have. I just hate for anyone to read this and think these side effects WON'T happen to them simply because they are choosing to get the sleeve. I think everyone should pick the very best surgery for themselves. Some folks do better with the Gastric Bypass because of the type of health issues and risks they have. Who know? That said, I too love my sleeve! In spite of my few issues, I'd still do it again this very moment if I could/had to.

My wife is getting the sleeve in November and she currenty is 430 pounds, and she has a hard time walking a long distance and has knee pain and was told her cartilage is gone on both knees but one is worse than the other, my question to you on this forum is how much can she expect her pain to improve as she loses the weight.

Im new here and hope to get scheduled for Surg in June with Dr. in Oregon. Anyone here have surgery in Oregon? I have three members of my family who had Gastric Bypass but I am self pay and the lap band seems so much safer and less expensive for Self payers. My question is anyone who previously ate large amounts before lap band, are you now satisfied with less and truly feel full sooner? Dumb question but I want to learn so much. Thanks in advance for any help.

Thank you so much, I haven't talked to many who have had the band. I went to a seminar but they really went into the bypass surgery. I know it is slow, my PCP says that is the best. Heck, I have been obease for 30 years, what is a little longer......... Slow is good, healthy and slow.

I was just told today I may have to get the bypass instead of the sleeve since I have barrets esophagus and some reflux I never knew I had. I'm looking into an April surgery. Any one else out there getting ready from Pittsburgh or near by? I'm actually in Washington Pa

I received a fill in July of this year. I had not received one since November of 2007. (That's when I thought I was a know it all and could do it myself. I was losing weight and didn't need support - of any kind) Boy I was I wrong. I had dropped 30 pounds in 2007 since my surgery in July of 2006, but when I decided to get my a$$ together I was 10 heavier. In April of 2009 you could say I was reborn. I decided that I did need help—OF ANY KIND! I started searching the web, keeping a food journal, joined a support group and went to see my doctor (for the first time since 11/07). I rec’d a fill in July, the doc and I thought there was only 7cc in but we soon found out I had 8cc. He added only .5cc but it was enough. It took a good 2 weeks before I could really feel the restrictions. I’ve always been tight in the morning but now it’s a bit more. I drink before I eat to help loosen things up. I can only eat half of what I used to in the morning and I’m hungry w/in an hour. This is new; Yesterday I became concerned while trying to eat my lunch: [/b]:%20void(0);"]Mission Tortillas - Yellow Corn Tortillas - Super Size (Approx 6.5"), 1 tortilla [/b]:%20void(0);"]Cheese - Cheddar, 0.5 oz [/b]:%20void(0);"]Lettuce - Iceberg (includes crisphead types), raw, 0.5 leaf outer [/b]:%20void(0);"]Sun Vista - Black Beans -- No Salt Added, 0.025 cup [/b]:%20void(0);"]Taco Bell - Taco Sauce - Medium, 1 tbsp I started having heart palpitations after having 3 bits. I put my hand on my chest and could feel it move. It didn’t last long but boy is was scary. I waited a few minutes and it stopped and I was able to finish my taco. I had another taco for dinner and didn’t have any problems. I get stuck more often now I’ve noticed too. I need to remember to chew, chew, chew.

I am looking at having either gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. I have recently found out I have gastricparesis. I am being asked to provide a 6 month diet journal. Does anyone have an example of one that the insurance company accepts.

I am new here as well and I am considering revising to the bypass from having the sleeve last year in May. I have vertigo and very much confined to my bed accept for when I am working, which is quite difficult. However, I have been stalled for quite some time and have picked back up 30 of the pounds I lost. I started at 326 and the scales 279 now, I am seriously considering the bypass. Some days I can eat more than I should and other days I don't eat nothing.I do a lot of bored snacking sine I work from home. I wold love to follow your journey and perhaps be each others support.