New Lap-Bander from Texas

a173601 · May 14, 2008

Hello Everyone :tongue2: I am a post lap-band patient and feel all/most of the struggles that I read about on these blogs.

I had my seminar/consultation on February 5, 2008 and then 10 days later I am wheeled into surgery and had my lap band done on Febuary 15, 2008. I was not a candidate for insurance since my BMI wasn't high enough so it was financed which was why they did it so quickly. I did get a GREAT deal though because all the doctors in Dallas are competing for cash patients.

I have had 1 fill on April 3 they put in 4 cc and it feels like NOTHING!!! Luckily I get filled again tomorrow and they need to double it. I have referred back to overeating unfortunatly. The only food my body can't tolerate is rice everything is fair game.

I just have this overwhelming fear that I won't be able to eat something again so I eat it. You know how most people have a 'last meal' before surgery...welll I had like a 'last meal week'. I wrote down all the restaurants that I wanted to eat at before my surgery..the total came to 6 and I hit all of them. I did loose 10 pounds by week 4 after surgery but I have gained it all back and afraid more will come. That 'dumping' syndrome that they talk about I have never experienced so I guess for me I feel like well my body can take it so lets keep going. Well I'll stop harping on myself and get ready for tomorrow since I will be on liquids for awhile after my fill...gosh I hope this one does the trick..thanks for listening :thumbup:

****Update*****

Well I got my second fill today they added another 2.5 cc I told the doctor my concerns and he said it's common...luckily no stretched out stomach which I was concerned with. He said for most people 1st fills don't work so right now I'm back to liquids for a couple of days ..so here we go I'm gonna start over and drop some of my pounds because not only was this an investment financially but also an investment in my future health

Edited May 14, 2008 by a173601

saleel22 · May 14, 2008

Hi a173601, You sound like you were done before you had time to think about it. Don't think you won't be able to eat all the things you enjoy. I was banded in January and had 6ml already in my band then have had 2 fills so now a total of 7 1/2 mls. I still eat a small meal with no problems at all. I love rice and even when it is a bit dry can still eat it. Funnily enough though the one thing that gives me a bit of pain is bananas. My dietician thought that was a bit unusual. I think because they are soft, I mustn't chew it enough and it gives me a heavy feeling for a little while in my chest. Good luck on your journey with the band.

Saleel22

2befree · May 14, 2008

Well, my story probably sounds even more bizarre. My seminar and first appointment were on April 2nd and surgery on April 4th! However, I had been researching the Lap Band for weeks. I have done great so far - down 22 lbs. I love my band! I had first fill last week. I had 3cc in a 10 band. I had minimal restriction for a week and now It is pretty restricted in the morning, but not at night - think I need another small fill?

newimage · May 14, 2008

You need to be positive. Stop worrying about what you won't be able to eat anymore and start caring about your overall health. This surgery is a life changing decision. The band is tool that you have work with. Get the fill and start from there. Good Luck!

shardin · May 14, 2008

Did the fill hurt? I'm worried about the needle. Can you feel your port underneath the skin? Does the doctor "hit" the port on the first time or does it take a few attempts? I'm worried that this is going to hurt.

kathystrick · May 14, 2008

Hi and welcoem to LBT! Hope that fill does the trick for you and you can start feeling successful. Good luck!

Also, banders don't suffer from dumping syndrome. That is associated with RNY. Banders PB (productive burp) and slime, but thankfully, no dumping!

a173601 · May 14, 2008

Did the fill hurt? I'm worried about the needle. Can you feel your port underneath the skin? Does the doctor "hit" the port on the first time or does it take a few attempts? I'm worried that this is going to hurt.

Hello Shardin,

The fills don't hurt at all. The doctor will give you a shot to numb the area. You do feel the pressure of the needle hitting the port but NO pain associated with that. Both times it took the doctor one attempt and it takes less then 5 minutes for the whole thing. I was so nervous the first time I was shaking..I guess not knowing what to expect...so hope this helps.