Greengage

I had surgery two and half years ago, and never lost any of my hair. My doctor also told me not to take any vitamins as to quote him " you'll, be getting all you need from good quality food and thinking about every mouthful" we'll he's right! My hair now is actually in better condition than before surgery! Funnily enough, a few years ago ( a traumatic divorce) I did lose lots of hair, so I know it's not pleasant at all, but it all grew back! Good luck with whatever you decide to do, the surgery is a life saver.

Hello, I had my surgery just over a year ago. You will feel very light headed after surgery. I had very little pain in my stomach, but had quite a bit in my shoulder. I know it sounds strange, but it's to do with the gas they use to help the procedure. I'm telling you this in case you get it and find it unnerving! It does go though, and most people don't get it! The other thing is to follow exactly what you are told about weaning yourself on to different foods, it is baby steps and baby bites. I still, even a year on, have to remind my self to chew to a paste, or things will get stuck. By the way when things do get stuck, (and this is inevitable) really try not to get too anxious, it will feel like very bad indigestion, but the food WILL pass down, or up, and you will feel better then, and add it to your list of things/foods to watch out for! It's a worthwhile journey you have started, good luck with it all. Best Regards Greenage

I was banded six and half weeks ago had my first fill last wednesday. My doctor put me on a very strict no fat diet for three weeks before the band, but after the band, and before the first fill I was allowed, to eat anything, but to stay away from pasta, rice, bread and beef, this is because they have a tendency to get "stuck" and cause a blockage. During the fill. which was meticulously done by the doctor, he asked me when I could feel "full" when the saline was going in and out of the band.....I answered straight down the line...thought we had reached the correct point. He had put in 3mls. Here I am 4 days down the line and I COULD eat almost anything...I can't feel the restriction at all! I am due to go back for a check up in 6 weeks time BUT he said during the procedure that if after 3 weeks or so I didn't feel restricted enough to make an appointment and he would see me again. So I feel I'm in the same position as you in a way, and next wednesday if this isn't getting any better, (and I suspect it won't) I'm going to make an appointment for an increased fill. Will post how it goes.

Hi Germanmom, I had my band put in 6 weeks ago, and had my first "fill" yesterday. The band does give you a feeling of being full up more quickly and for longer. But getting the right a mount of restriction is tricky and needs to be adjusted carefully by your doctor. I come from a large family, my brother had the procedure nearly three years ago and has lost 91 lbs. He has diabetes , and the weight reduction has helped with this. The thing about the lap band is that it is not actually stitched to your body, and can be removed, if you wish. A gastric bypass is more radical surgery. I didn't have any problems with the surgery, except shoulder pain, which was a surprise! The incisions have healed nicely. I'm watching what I eat as you can "Cheat" the band, if you were to eat lots of ice cream or fried food for example, it would slide down and gain weight. Hope this helps....I have no regrets, Iv'e tried many diets, and I think this one is really going to help! Good luck to you in any case!

I have had my lap band in for two days. Im bruised and feeling light headed because of a clear liquid diet. I chose the band because after looking extensively into the options it seemed to suit me because, as others have said it is reversable, and controllable. It was interesting what my Doctor said about the long term prognosis for obesity...He thinks scientists are close to a "cure" within the next ten years ..... Who knows, by then I hope to have lost and KEPT OFF this time around 80lbs!!