One of my concerns is that if I am not able to control myself now, what will be different with the band? This fear is intensified after attending a support group and the discussion from all but 1 participant was about how they have gained weight and need to get back on track. Specifically they are talking about going back on Optifast for a couple of weeks.

I am paying out of pocket and do not want to be in the same rut after surgery as I am now...$10,000 is a lot to waste!:tt1:

I am in the same boat. I here some neg and some positive. I am really worried something will fail. I am spending 16800.00 out of pocket and I want to be sure this works as they say. I have other issues like I dont want everyone knowing whats going on. I work in a office where everyone is against this type of surgery. Good to here someone is questioning it. Are you male or female. Whats your starting weight and where do you wnat to end up. If ou dont mind me asking.

I had my surgery one week from Wed and no one but my husband knows that I had it done. I also feel others in the office wouldn't understand and against any type of unnecessary surgery.

I will be completely honest with you. I was banded on 7/22/09 and it's a LOT harder than I expected it to be. I have always had problems with food, I'm addicted. The first four weeks after being banded is called banster HELL for a reason...it truly is HELL. The reason you feel like it is hell, is the fact that you really can eat like you did prior to the band for the most part. There typically is no restriction and most food goes right down. The problem with that is, if you eat things that are not on the plan as given to you by your doctor you could risk pulling the stitches out of your stomach because the stomach has to work to digest what you have put into it and that's why they have you on soft foods. You HAVE to have will power and be able to resist temptation in order to get through this time. It's really tough, I'm still in bandster hell haven't found my sweet spot yet and I have had three fills.

My best advice on the band is:

1. becareful getting the new lapband ap...it comes with a fill and everyone that I know who has had it done ended up going and getting unfilled right after surgery.

2. Go into it knowing that this is not the easy way out, it's not a magic pill. It is a TOOL that's all it is.

3. Get creative and have fun with exercise.

Sorry to have been so long winded there...hope this information is helpful.

bashful- Just a note. The LB AP doesn't come with a fill...some docs choose to put in a 'primer' fill (meant to only fill the port and tubing) at the time of surgery (I've heard that the LB manufacturer recommends this). My doc does not put the primer in so I left surgery with zero fill (He has some patients who NEVER need a fill). And yes, you're right, I know some who had too much restriction just post-op who had the primer, so it's a good thing to ask your doc at your consultation.

Hi I was banded June 29. I am not sure if I ever had bandster hell? I could eat what I wanted although I found I had trouble with grilled or roasted red meat and pork I just could not chew it enough to get it to go thru easily. I love red meat. I have found my food needs to be moist. Dry foods is something I have not been able to eat. I never drink with a meal and I stay fuller longer. I had a primer fill and have felt restriction since day one. I will get a third fill Oct 5 it was to be earlier but I pushed it back because I am full all the time. I have a 10 cc band with 5 cc in it already. I have to force myself to eat three times a day. I know with my next fill I will not be able to eat anything and will need to take it slowly again. I have been learning in stages what my body can handle. I have not had soda or much sugar, no baked goods, bagels, breads, or pasta and I do not miss that kind of food it never made me feel good when I ate it. I know I have lost over 50 pounds and I feel great today and I am post op 12 weeks. I think I am doing well. I love this tool it is working for me as I am playing with my band well. I eat little to be little. BG is correct always consult your Doc. I went running back to Doc after 3 and 5 days thinking I had blockage, it was I was eating/drinking to fast. Best wishes on your journey. imaluckydog Kathy