Dbackfan

It takes over a week to begin to feel normal. A slow process that needs your hard work and input constantly to make it succeed. You got this. You know you do. I'm living proof that this was the best decision I've ever made. I don't regret one day. But remember: garbage in, garbage out. You'll get what you give, so give it all you have and this process will give it back ten-fold. I promise.

Believe me when I tell you that the pain and discomfort passes. Patience, walking and keeping ahead of it all with the meds. They may not seem to be working right now, but if you keep on top of it, it will kick in. Life without them right now would be much worse!

I dunno, bubbles. I kind of like your name and ID. Pretty face, perfect eyes, great smile. I think bubbles is perfect and I wouldn't change a thing!! Just a thought...

Listen to Hazel, she's very smart. She always has well thought out suggestions and solutions and has helped answer many of my questions just from my reading her responses. Sure, she totally forgot to wish you a happy bday, but brilliance has its limitations!! Good advice, Hazel! And have a big cup of birthday soup, just ease into it and start with a clear broth, then purée some other healthy goodies in there as the days progress. Just don't rush it.... And from all of us, Happy BDay!!

I have the Fitbit wristband and wear it everyday, all day. Swim, shower, whatever you want! Works like a charm, tracks my steps, water intake, sleep patterns and more. Love it.

It is normal for the most part. Give it a good two weeks. You'll have good days and bad days, but eventually it all subsides and before you know it things start to come together and you feel better with each days passing. Take it easy, take it slow and don't do any heavy lifting or strenuous work. Patience will be your toughest battle. Once you master that, life gets much easier.

Kickboxing? Now I'm just afraid of you!! Be gentle with me. You're my favorite poster and besides , I have tuba lessons thursday. Lol.....

Good for you, hot butterfly!! A couple more weeks and I'm hoping to be celebrating with you! Looking forward to my second fill. Keep me posted!! -Dave

Thanks, Mary! I'm managing to keep steady on the weight situation so far. Like you I'm making good food choices, but still anxious to get more fills to curb the hunger. But encouraged that I'm not alone! Keep me posted on your progress and I'll do the same. Together we'll look like movie stars!

When I went in for my first fill they said I had 5cc's in there already. They added another 1.5 and I felt the restriction right away. It was very cool and I was excited, but now about a week later I don't notice the restriction as much and wish I could go in sooner for my second fill. I'm getting hungry too soon and can't reach that satisfied-but-not-full feeling anymore.

Emma, how are you doing? -Dave

I had that same pain with my lap band surgery. What they gave you for pain amounts to regular aspirin! That won't cut it. They should have given you a narcotic for the first few days! I'd get on the phone and have them call in something much stronger!! The gas pain can be remedied with either gas x, a heating pad or best yet, lots of walking around. It really will help. For the non gas pain, call them or hit an emergency room for a quick dose until your doctor can get something stronger called in to the pharmacy. They gave me lots of liquid Vicodin. It saved my sorry butt! You'll thank me later. Please keep me posted. Now I'm worried and hurting for you! Poor thing.....

What did they give you? What kind of pain are you in, gas or more severe than that? If its more severe and you can't contact them right now, try an urgent care but make sure they know you had a lap band. One thing is certain, it will get better, I promise. Just stick with it and ride it out as best you can until they give you something better. And keep us posted!

So far I've lost a 2 year old. (He was a pain in the butt anyways...)

Best of luck to you! I'm sure you did great. Keep us posted, we are here to help!! Now REST! -Dave

Excellent!! Congrats and happy thoughts sent your way. It'll be a rough couple days but I promise it's all worth it. Keep us up to date and ask if you have any questions! Again, congrats and happy healing... -Dave

Phoenix, Arizona

So, been banded two weeks from tomorrow. All the bandages are off, incisions look great and I feel terrific. Ok, a little twinge every now and then near the port but nothing that I can't handle. Shut up and ask the question, dave.....My question is the port area still protrudes out there a bit more than i thought it would. It's like a lump near the incision. Not infected, not red, just more noticeable than I thought it would be. Do you think there is still swelling in there and that it'll settle in after awhile? Maybe be less noticeable? Just wondering... -Dave

Thanks everyone! I'll wait and see what happens as time goes on. I want my six-pack back eventually, but maybe I'll have to settle for a seven-pack! Oh well, totally worth it in exchange for my health.

I started the day getting prepped at 6 am and before I knew it I was being wheeled to the car heading home by 8:15 am!! Felt great, wide awake and very happy I made this leap. Pre-surgery jitters? Dozens. Thoughts of backing out? Hundreds! I was lost, confused and full of self-doubt. And let's just say it....I was scared. Complications, death, you name it. What saved my soon-to-be-small butt was reading everyone else's story explaining their surgery from start to finish. It helped me get past the unknown surprises and showed me what to expect. The minute they rolled me in, I was all thumbs up. Anxious, sure. But ready to start my journey! My wife and two teenage boys (my frogs as I call them) have done a great job making me as comfortable as is possible given the fact that I've just been drugged, stabbed 4 times, prodded, poked, lassoed and stitched in under 2.5 hrs. But you know what? Aside from the pain tonight, some moderate, some a bit more, it really wasn't bad at all. Would I do it again? Without question. Tonight will be a rough nights sleep, no doubt. But the rewards will far out weigh these little discomforts. I hope this helped someone? Maybe not. Either way, I'm more than willing to share the specifics of my whole day from the surgery center to my pillow laden bed for recovery. Message me if ever you have a question, fear or panic attack. There are some really good mentors on here and I will NEVER pretend to be as wise as they are. But I am here, for what it's worth. Congrats to all of us for at least doing something to control our own destiny of sorts. I'm proud of you all!!