Ollie

I decided not to tell everyone about my surgery either. Only my husband and two sons know. I was having a hiatal hernia repair when I was having my lapband so I told my employer that I will be having a hernia repaired and used my sick time for it. I also told my immediate co-workers that I needed to lose a few pounds before the repair could be done, this way they wouldn't make a big deal about the weight loss. It has worked out perfectly. After the surgery I told them that I am still seeing the nutritionist for continued weight loss as I had done so well before the surgery. I returned to work with a doctor's note with no info other than the clearance to return. My opinion is to be honest about having surgery because somewhere down the line, you will refer to having had surgery at work without thinking about it. I just made it seem like it was not a major health issue, I wanted to relieve the constant heartburn I had. It wasn't a lie....just was a half truth. Now when people want me to "try" a taste of something I can't have, I just say that I can't have it because of the hernia surgery and no one argues with me to go ahead and have a little. I have no regrets, don't feel guilty about keeping the secret and can still talk about 'dieting' without giving away the store. I knew that I would slip at some point about having surgery so the hernia repair fit the bill. I am happy about not broadcasting the details. I work with people who talk nice to your face but stab you when you aren't looking and I didn't want to give them any more info than they needed. Best decision I ever made. Good luck to you I hope you do what it best for you.

I have a hard time with chicken since the band as well. If I cut it up small and add it to some soup for extra protein, then it goes down a little easier but a roast chicken, isn't easy.

Wheetsin is exactly right! It would have been better to have seen the dietician in preparation for your surgery but since that didn't happen, you need to get your Doctors office to arrange that visit. Again I will repeat what everyone has said here, that you need to have protein, for energy, for your hair and for your nutritional needs. Call today and see about that nutritionist appt.

I really hope ILLUDE comes back real soon because she is the living example of what a lapband can do for you! such an inspiration for me....her success will give us the strength to follow in her footsteps. What a lovely lady...thanks for sharing those photos!

I had the pain for about four days....keep walking and moving around, it does get better. I also drank peppermint tea which made me feel better. Good luck!

I want to wear a "little black dress" and have it really be a little black dress and not the curtain from some theatrical stage show! I want to walk into a store and head for the misses dept instead of the plus sizes. I want to be able to dance at my sons weddings and see my grandchildren and not be ashamed of the way I look. nothing major.....:heh:

I know that you have connected with this one person but in my experience I have found that everyone at my clinic was kind and the best in their field. maybe you take ten minutes before the whole prep experience to talk with the nurse who will be with you. that may put you at ease. good luck and try to remain calm. look forward to the beginning of the "new" you.....

I also had a hiatal hernia and like the others it was repaired while the Dr. did the lapband. I haven't had heartburn since the night before my surgery 11/21. I feel great, have no problems and I am at a 39 lb loss. I would ask a lot of questions before discounting the band. good luck to you!

I can't imagine going back to work so quickly....I think you should rethink this. you need to mend and get your drinking and food situated first.

I had to see a psychologist as well as a requirement by my insurance company. I haven't heard of anyone needing multiple visits....I suggest checking with your surgeon to see if it is his requirement ....what would happen if you decided not to continue seeing the psychologist? Would they repossess your band? Only kidding but lets face it, I am sure you would pass on the band if this mental health person had the magic bullet in his/her therapy session....

hi....my doctor said that caffeinated coffee was not allowed due to the irritation the caffeine causes with the band. also I was told that the caffeine is an appetite stimulant. I stopped as the decaf just didn't taste the same. Just letting you know what I have been instructed. I find so amazing that each doctor has their own rules for the same procedure.

hi...I think we all wished we had a crystal ball to be sure we were doing the right thing by having surgery. I was scared to death to have it but I was even more terrified realizing that I was getting heavier and unhappier by the day....you do have to understand that it isn't a magic pill....you still have to work at it everyday. I had surgery on 11/21 and I have lost 38 lbs. and I don't feel hungry. I go for my first fill 1/30...that is making me nervous. I don't really know what to expect. good luck to you....

Your hard work paid off. congratulations to you and thanks for the inspiration for those of us who want to be where you are! Savor the good feelings!

hi mary rose....I had my surgery on 11/21 and Dr. Shen from the Center for Weight Mgt at LGH did mine. Dr Jeiser is an associate in the same office. I am going for my first fill on Tuesday. I have lost 38 lbs. since surgery. I am happy with the center. They try really hard to prepare you for the surgery. Good luck.

I had the same shoulder pain and it lasted about 10 days. I used a heating pad...it seemed to make it feel better. Also I drank peppermint tea...celestial seasonings makes it. It really helped the gas. Make sure you keep walking and moving around! Good luck to you. It does get better and soon you will feel great.

I had my band done 11/21 and haven't had a fill yet. I can tell when I have had enough alto the last one or two days I have been ignoring the full feeling and having "more piece". I don't want to get off track....but getting back to the topic here, I can feel when its time to stop. You will too. After surgery you will be paying really close attention to the signals your body sends. Good luck to you!

Can you tell me what the fluoro is? I am new at this...surgery date was 11/21/06 and haven't had a fill yet. Please describe what happens with the fluoro.....