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Mike, the two people I know asked me not to post their problems, so I deleted what I wrote in respect of their wishes. Having a LapBand is just as dangerous as any other surgery. Hundreds of things can go wrong, from problems with anesthesia and drugs to band erosions. I've asked why Inamed claims Dr. Lopez has the lowest level of complications. Why do we hear every Lopez problem but we don't hear about other surgeons' complications? If Lopez has the lowest, that means all other surgeons are having a fair share of problems. So far all I am is frustrated with the lack of honesty because I don't know who to trust. Trust in a surgeon is very important to me, and when surgeons aren't reporting complications to Inamed, which they are required to do regardless of how menial they believe the complication to be, that's a huge breach in trust that should make people think twice. Even if the surgeon does everything immaculately, things can and do go wrong. It's not a reflection on the surgeon but the nature of practicing medicine. I would rather have a surgeon tell me he's had 10 complications than a surgeon that claims he's had zero because there's no such number as zero when it comes to practicing medicine.

Today is the beginning of a new you. I was banded on 11/19/09 and have lost over 60 pounds in five months. I have always made food my best friend. The adjustment to a new way of looking at food is amazing. I wish you so much luck and I am sure you will be successful. Just remember you no longer live to eat, you eat only to live!!:glare::tt2::bored::tt2::sleep::thumbup::thumbup:

wow gj is that since the band was placed? I dont let my doctor get any credit for anything I loss b4 the bsnd cause I did all the work without any help for him lol. so since the band 18 lbs 10 while waiting for the band line-dancer

Hi everyone! I'm getting very excited about my upcoming lap-band surgery on 12/19/06! What a Christmas gift I'm giving myself! Believe it or not, the only person I've told about this so far is my orthodontist, because I don't want to hear anyone's negative comments before I have the procedure done. I'm hoping that my teeth will be straight at about the time I've lost all of my weight (I'm only two months in to a 28-month treatment plan). I went out and bought some high protein powdered drink mix, Tums for calcium, and a chewable multivitamin today. I also stocked up on sugar and fat-free Jello and Jello pudding, tomato soup, chicken broth, and sugar-free popsicles. I think I'm just about ready! I'm not especially worried about the surgery, but I'm just hoping I won't have complications and have to stay at the hospital for more than a day. My new year is going to REALLY be a new year!

Is this not something anybody is concerned about? Do most people realize that if you go SUPER low-cal, your body thinks it's starving and will fight for its life to hold onto every pound? I'm just curious. I totally forgot that I used to buy into the "eat as few calories as you possibly can" camp. It's very unhealthy. Perhaps I should "introduce" myself because I have not been around in awhile and I don't think I ever was that regular of a poster in this particular forum, anyway. I had LAP-BAND surgery in November of 2007. I lost 55 lbs in a 5-month period by eating VERY low calorie and low carb. I yo-yo'd back up by 13 lbs over the next 4 months due to stress from a dissolving marriage and also going back to school at the same time. I managed to get back down the 13 lbs, plus 5.5 more lbs over the next 3 months. Again - being VERY calorie-restrictive. I can't say I got a very healthy view of diet from my nutritionist or the class we had to go through. It felt like elementary all over again. "This is a portion size...." But nothing truly useful that STUCK. I have yo-yo'd around since November of 2008 with the same 10 lbs. I go down some, I go up some, I go down some, I go up some. Anyway - after doing some thorough research on what works...I discovered that very low calorie is NOT GOOD. Not only does it lower your metabolism (people get used to eating 800 calories a day and then "lose" their band...then what?), but if your body doesn't get what it needs through nutrition, it eats your muscle. Muscle also keeps your metabolism firing high. You lose lean body mass and you are left with what is often referred to as a "skinny fat person." Meaning your WEIGHT might be low, but your body fat % sucks. I'm just going to say - No, I have not been perfect. I have struggled to "get" this band thing. I have become major exercise monster. (It is IDEAL to exercise on top of eating better. Don't just rely on your band to get you there. Exercise ALSO fires up your metabolism.) Most recently, I ran a half marathon at the beginning of this month. There's NO WAY I would have the energy to run as much as I do if I was eating 800 calories. For instance - after this day is over, I will have logged 22 miles for the week, which included a 9-mile run yesterday. When I was doing super-low-cal before, I couldn't run that intensely for more than 3 miles at a time. I also have picked up strength-training 3 days a week to build up my lean body tissue. I have been running regularly since August of last year and I picked up the strength training in December. So why am I still at my 2008 weight? Because - I was eating very high cal. It's not easy to stay in super low-cal for life, nor is it realistic for most people. I feel like my body was trying to compensate for the "stealing" I did by keeping the calories so low. This is actually quite common for many people. I am now in a slight calorie deficit, calculated based on my basal metabolic rate (how many calories I use on a daily basis just living). The slight calorie deficit plus the huge amount of calories I burn through exercise (btw - it's MUCH better to burn the calories than to starve your body of them) is causing weight loss. And you know what? It's easy. I don't feel like I'm dieting at all. The band does make this tremendously easy because it's pretty much next to impossible to go over my calories for the day. I also have to add that losing weight at break-neck pace isn't good for anybody. It makes it hard for your body to adjust in many ways. But also, if you lose OVER a certain amount of weight per week, again, you're burning muscle to get that weight loss. It's not worth it to me. I'd rather keep the muscle and lose slower. So I have to agree with the thing I have read on this board MANY times: The band is a tool. Period. But it shouldn't be used as a tool for starvation if you want life-long, healthy results. I'm open to comment, discussion, insult (kidding). I am training for another race in October and probably December - lots of running. Still weight training, and keeping my calories at a slight deficit rather than a major one. I think I have about 6 lbs to go to get down to the lowest weight I have ever gotten with the band. But I plan to THIS TIME blow past that and keep going...losing the final 23 lbs below that to get to goal. I'm willing to admit I was wrong if I STILL can't get there. But I'm positive that this time I can because I don't feel deprived.

Bread, Pasta and bananas! My advice, if you are very hungry, drink a Protein shake and wait 10 min so you have the self control to eat slow. Works for me.....

I am trying to find out why an adjustment wouldn't kick in for a week or so. I had and adjustment a week ago tomorrow and am beginning to feel more restriction today than any other day last week. Why does it take a few days sometimes? Anyone else have this happen to them? I'm also slightly discouraged because I have only lost 10 pounds in 8 weeks. I guess it's better than gaining 10!

I was having this same problem and spoke with the NP yesterday. She said to take Prilosec each day for 7-10 days, to have full liquids for a couple days and to limit spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol for a week. The Prilosec has made a HUGE difference. I haven't had any heartburn since I started taking it a couple days ago. She said the stomach lining in the pouch can become irritated and these changes can help it settle down. Good luck! Joan

Drinking more water has really helped. 10 more days till surgery.

I use infant sippy cups.... Measure out my target for 15 minutes and keep it by me... So every time I see it, I take a sip. I learned this trick on my Lapband journey nearly 10 years ago.

10 1/2 weeks out-43 lbs lost since surgery, 129.5 lbs total lost

I am so stoked to see just how people have gained health back from having this surgery.... People often say "it's a cheats way of losing weight", in fact too many people initially said "you dont need to have surgery". However, at size 20 on average for nearly all my clothes, and now size 10 - 12, they are now going "WOW i wouldn't have recognized you", and some don't actually recognize me. But hey, for me it was more about health....not looks. And yes i am extremely pleased with progress. Oh yes, I do have saggy upper arms and inner thighs but nobody sees that inside my clothes so that's fine for now. I am looking at another 8-9 months before thinking about further surgery to address the saggy bits as I said I would give it years... But for now I will keep on keeping on I sincerely wish you all the best of luck for your futures xx

Kelly111 I was where you are when I first started this journey. I could eat anything I wanted. However, like you....I didn't because I wanted to lose weight. However, once I had my second fill....I knew I had it. It took me a while to get use to it. I really did have to slow down, eat smaller bites, and could only eat about 1/4 of a cup at a time. I threw up a lot for the first 2 1/2 weeks because I was not use to eating that way for the first 10 weeks after the band. However, I am learning to slow down and really listen to my body. You sound like you do not have enough of a fill just yet. There is no way that I could eat what I want now. I am thankful for that. I would call the doctor and tell him that you are still not noticing a different. As a stated to another member...be your own advocate until you get the fullness that you need to make the band work for you. Good luck on your journey!

I just worked it for 10 days. I was ready to move on, and had gotten kind of bored with the first level.

I totally understand the feeling like a failure. In 2001-02, I lost about 100 pounds all on my own. I dieted, excercised and just totally changed my lifestyle. I met my now husband in November 2002, and in the course of dating and getting married, I put about 20 pounds back on. Then came the babies...two of them in a span of 21 months. I put on 50 pounds with them and was very close to being back where I was when I initially started dieting in 01. I thought to myself, well I did it before on my own, and I can do it again. Well, it did not happen that way. I would lost 20 pounds and then put 10 of it back on. I did NutriSystem, Weight Watchers, and even did a medical weight loss program that used drugs. Nothing helped me. I used to look at all WLS as the "easy" way out, but after having a nervous breakdown in my dr's office over the fact that I just couldn't lose the weight, I relized that this was something I needed to look into. I am so glad I did, as I am down 43 pounds and so much happier with myself and in turn, I feel like I am a better mom and wife. Good luck to you!!

I have completed 5 days, and it is a butt kicker. I am taking Sat/Sun off and will continue with it on Monday. I may have to do the first level for more than 10 days, however, because I am not sure I will be able to move on after 10 days.

I'm in about the middle of my healthy weight range at 72kg (about 158, 160lb). I really really want to drop another 14lb. I'm tall and finely boned, thin is what I should be. I'm not one of those people who can weigh 180 at my height and look my best. And I love my running and really, for a runner, the lighter the better. I've been at this weight for 6 months now. But I've done jack sh$t about it, lol. I run, I eat well but I am not dieting, which is what I really need to do to lose weight when I have so little left to lose. I really need to get strict, count calories, etc. For me, maintenance is absolutely effortless, I simply dont think much about food anymore, but I'm sure running has a lot to do with that. Since I got to about 180, weight loss was no longer steady or easy, I'd plateau out and maintain for a few months, then have a few weeks where I ate much less (like on holidays when I was busy) then 10 more lb would suddenly come off, then I'd maintain again for months.

What are your doctor's instructions??? Each are diff and just cuz mine had me on mushies at that stage (I had to do 10 days each stage full liquids - mushies - soft - regular) so by 21 days out I was moving to mushies.. Refried Beans (fat free with a little 2% cheese) And at the end of my full liquids I was eating about 1 cup of soups. Are you getting 60 grms of Protein in daily??? Or I should say what are your doc's instruction on protein - but I would say that most want you to get 60 grms a day - and on the 1st 3 phase I had to incoporate clear Protein drinks (like crystal lite but with protein - ck out Bariatric Choice - they have the clear protein drinks - 70 calories and 15 grms pt...

I totally understand how you are feeling. I am 4 weeks post op and have only lost 12lbs, 10 of which were in the first week! I exercise 5-6 times a week and I really don't eat a whole meal but several times during the day I will eat small amounts of food. As the others have said you need to find some type of way to get your body moving and to sweat! I have gotten very bored of the treadmill so I am looking for some other ways to exercise. Also since you are still fairly new to the lapband I'm sure you haven't gotten to your "sweet spot" yet and once you do I hear the weight will melt off of you !! I can't wait for that time to come. Don't give up on yourself we didn't gain all this weight overnight and it isn't going to come off over night either. Be encouraged and just keep going!! Good luck!

I am leaving tomorrow for TJ. I fly into San Deigo in the evening and I will get to the hotel late. I know there are lots of people that would like more feedback on Dr. Lopez, so when I get back I will post a detailed account of my surgery with Dr. Lopez. I would have liked more feedback when I was doing my research. (But I didn't find any negative). I also confirmed that he was a Lic. Surgeon in Mexico. I'm on day two of his required pre op fast and doing well. Yesterday was challenging. I think tomorrow I will be too busy and nervous to care about food! I also did 10 days of a pre op diet and so far I am down 9 pounds! Yay! I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm second guessing myself but I am sure I need to do this!

You should be able to call the surgery scheduling center and they should be able to give you an estimate of what you will have to pay out of pocket. It really shouldn't be much with it being just 10% of admissions costs. You might be looking at just a few hundred dollars.

Don't give up! My insurance does not cover any weight loss surgery....I was self pay. We were struggling financially when i approached the subject of the surgery with my hubby....he looked at me like I had a horn growing out of my forehead! We have two kids in college and my once very successful business went belly-up last year because of the economy! I knew I had the option of a home equity line of credit (very low interest rates right now) or a health care credit card. It was scary to spend so much money ($9,500 total)..but now, looking back, it was the best money I have ever spent! You have to look at it as an investment in yourself! At 10% out of pocket, you shouldnt be paying any more than $2,000 out of pocket....and YOU ARE WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN $2000! Do what ever it takes for your health....I've even sold some of my things on eBay to help pay for this! And...one other thing...at only 7 weeks out and 32 pounds down, I have already saved a lot of money on my grocery bill!

Geoff, Had to do a double take on your surgery date. It looks like 10/2013. I assume you mean 10/13/2014. As the others have said. First off, follow your surgeons guidelines. That being said, I have been going to the gym and doing cardio and complete weight regimens since 6 weeks PO. And I'm sure that without the workouts, this whole sleeve thing would not be working for me. Some cautions. - I had a unbilical hernia repair during my sleeve and subsequently avoided any strenuous stomach type exercises for a few months. And when doing workouts, keep the hydration up. Another point to keep in mind is to be able to build any muscle during the process and certainly avoid losing any while losing fat weight, you must get in your Protein. I do whatever is necessary to get in at least 100 grams of protein a day. At six months my weight loss has slowed alot, but my workouts have not. As I get stronger, I am able to do more and even with the low calorie diet, I need to maintain the workouts in order to keep losing weight to reach my goal. The process has convinced me that even when I reach my goal, exercise will be the only way of maintaining my weight and avoiding any weight gain. Good luck with your surgery. Keep us posted with your progress. FYI - Check into "My Fitness Pal". Makes it easy to keep track of your diet, your workouts and your weight goals.

this is surprising to me to read also. i have been banded 10 months and not thrown up once. i was told by my dr it was bad/dangerous for that to happen and to try not too if at all possible (of course you get sick/flu, it can happen) i agree with missy, a new doctor maybe in line here for you.

I am going to have surgery with Dr. Garcia on 01/30. I am so excited. Sending well wishes to everyone.