nora33

At the psych. evaluation prior to surgery, they ask me alot of questoins about my marriage. When I ask why, they sad they were conducting a study and would I like to be part of it. Turns out that if you were heavy when you married and then lost weight there is a 50% increase in the rate of divorce at the 3 year mark post WLS. I was always heavy, and at the three and 1/2 year mark we are still together, but things are rocky. I can't really blame him, I am the one who has changed. I lost weight, quit smoking, went back to school and the most dramatic change of all is the confidence I have now. He hasn't cheated on me, but he did say sleeping with me was like sleeping with a stranger. I'm sorry you have to go through this and hope you can find yourself in a place where you feel the love you deserve.

Are you happy with your decision to be banded? I'm over 3 years out and the answer is still YES!!!!! Do you have any regrets and if so what are they? Not doing it sooner is my only regret. Would you do it again if you had the choice to make over? Yes, yes and yes What are some of the physical difficulties you've faced post op..such as diet, health? The fist 6 weeks or so post op were really hard, it was like losing my best friend. Learning how to say good by to old eating habits was very tough. I felt like I was going to be a "freak" and never eat "normal" again. Once I could eat solid food, that went away. Did you have any complications and what was the outcome? I dehydrated and had to stay 2 nights post op. No lasting problems Do you feel better or worse now compared to pre banding? 100% better! I no longer have high blood pressure, my asthma is almost gone, my knees don't hurt, I don't have sleep apnea anymore and I can do way more. Did you tell people you were having or had the surgery? This is a very personal choice, but I have no trouble telling people I had it done. How did your friends and acquaintances react? My family were shocked, but most supported me, even if they didn't agree with it. One person did say they though it was "the easy way". I just laughed, trust me surgery and life long changes are NOT easy How hard was it for you to stay on the pre and post op liquid diets? My Dr. doesn't do pre op liquid diet, so that was easy. Post op it was six weeks. The first four were easier for me, because for the first time in my life, I wasn't hungry. But the psychological adjustment was harder. How hard has it been for you to learn new eating habits? That was one of the easier parts for me. I love to cook and thought it was kind of fun to try to make my favorite dishes into high Protein, low cal, yummy foods. How do you overcome eating temptations or do you even have them anymore? Ahh, here is the tricky part. The temptation is always there, but how I handle is is very different, and if I give in once in a while it is much easier now to forgive myself and move on. The band helps, but it is not a magic fix. Why do you think this surgery was successful when so many other dieting attempts failed (assuming you are like me :tongue_smilie: in this regard) This was my last chance, end of the line kind of thing. I knew if I didn't do something food was going to kill me, worse yet, I was killing myself. My youngest was very ill when he was born and during many hours of sitting helpless in the NICU, I did a lot of soul searching. I made a deal with God (I swear its not as crazy as it sounds;-). I promised that I would not take another day for granted, that I would never sit passively on the side lines again. I promised not to let my fear of failure keep me from going after what I wanted, and Ipromised I would do what ever it took to be the best Mom possable for my children. For me that ment learning how to value myself and once I started to really believe in I was worth loving and started to feel good about myself, I wanted the outside to reflect how good I felt inside. I hope this helps! -Nora

Hi Babytea069! Welcome! Do you have any questions we can help you with?

Hi! Gallbladder problems are VERY common after weight loss. If fact some Dr. will check the gallbladder prior to sugrery and remove it if there is any indication of trouble. If they leave the gallbladder some Dr. will prescribe Actagall (sp?) which is a drug that helps prevent formation of gallstones. Think of it like this: Your liver makes bile and stores it in the gallbladder, until it is need to break down fat. If you are overweight, you tend to have a higher amount of bile production/ storage. Your body is making all this bile and suddenly the amount of food you eat is drastically cut as is the amount of fat you take in. Now you have all this bile and no where for it to go. This can lead to gallstones and or inflammation. Gallbladder pain can be so bad people think it's a heart attack. You may want to ask you Dr. to check your gallbladder (ultrasound), before it gets too bad. Good luck! -Nora

Dear Taz, First let me say this; you are not alone. You have has some MAJOR life changes, (surgery, lose of job, moving, ect..) any one of these can send even the "best" of us to the kitchen to seek comfort in our life long friend/foe, food. Please stop beating yourself up for being human. As corny as it sounds you really need to belive that you are worth the time and effort it take to change your life. You have not failed, this is a life long event. You have had setbacks, not failure. The doctor should be your partner in this fight, but if he is not, find peolpe who are. This is not like a diet where you have regained weight and you feel ashamed and alone. There are lots of us band people and we have been there and we are here for you. Take a time out to think about all the reasons why you got the lap band, list out some goals, (not weight, but life long), and write down ten things you like about yourself. Find out how much you have to offer to the rest of us and try to use that as inspiration. YOu can do this! Let me know if I can do anything to help! -Nora

I had the left shoulder pain with 2 other lap procedures. Bad news It HURTS, good news is alot of people find relief by using the gas relief drops that they sell for babies. It worked for me, but be forwarned; take it in private because you will fart and burp for about 1/2 hour and we're talking loud enough to impress a teenage boy :-)

Bjean, so far my sense of humor is the only thing that has kept me from running, screaming into the night. I agree with you, most of what has been deamed "election coverage" is nothing more than a bunch of talking heads drawing conclusions and telling us whats going to happen instead of facts, like say voting records on key issues (and hey, how about mentioning everything in those bills including attachments ) and an honest to goodness platform. Trying to find a canidates stand and plans is like looking for a needle in a hay stack, and sometimes the things you find on their wedsite are contrary to their ads. UGHH!!! The ads are a bad joke and a prime example of why I don't like to talk politics. I'm all for the thoughtful, insightfull, open exchange of beliefs and ideas done in a respectful manor where all sides can both talk and listen. Sadly, like the t.v. ads most of the time it's more like WWF smackdown. When did intolerance become the rule? I may not agree what what people say, but I have a deep belief and respect for their right to say it. In my first post on this thread I tried to explain what I didn't agree with, give my reasons why and examples, and not launch into personal attacks. The vast majority of replies were respectful and interesting to read, which I find refreshing and unique. For the most part I'm tired of the ads, the spin, the smear and the frustration. I will keeping work for change and a better way, but I'm not pass up a chance to thank someone for giving me a smile. It might be simplistic, but I think the world would be better with more laughing and less name calling. Which reminds me, thanks for the laugh Carlene! P.S. Please vote!

Paladin, love the photo...Huked on fonics werked fer me!

How about a diaper cake? You can have one sent or make it yourself (google "diaper cake" for instructions or to have one sent). I've used this for the last three baby gifts and everyone loves them.

Carlene, thank you so much for your words. Its amazing the power that words can have. One day we went to dinner with my in laws and the man at the next table said, loudly, that the holocaust wasn't as bad it had been made out to be. My very quite Father in law jumped up and shouted " I was there and it was worse than you could ever imagine!" and then, this grown dignified man burst into tears, he cried so had we had to carry him out. It was the first time he had ever said anything about the war. I have never forgoten the effect that one sentance had on him. He is not a Bush supporter, but when he heard someone in his dinner club compare Bush to Hitler he was so upset he left and hasn't gone back. He said he didn't want to be around people who don't know what they are talking about. Thank you again for understanding that my first post was a cautionary tale and not condemnation.

I am not accusing anyone of treason for speaking out. I want people to speak out, I love the open exchange of ideas and beliefs. I am tried of the use of the terms "nazi" and " Hitler" being used as emblishment. They mean something and that thing is horriable. Sunta, I agree with you that we should always watch for similarities between us and fascist regimes. One of the first things Hitler did was ban smoking in public places, but I'm not going to call someone a Nazi for supporting non- smoking bills. I do not support a lot of what has happend in this country and I will express that at the polls and in the efforts I chose to support. How many leaders from the "vote or die" campain voted, most of the celbs. involved didn't even regester! We do not live in Nazi Germany, we have a voice, use it! We have choices, make them! Demand that canidates stop telling you how bad the other guy is and start telling you what they want to do to fix things! Write senators, congress people, councle people,help a campagin you believe in, incourge people to vote, heck run for office! I don't want people to "love it or leave it" . I want people to feel free to get involved. I just think if we stopped name calling and hatred more people would be willing to listen. I took me a really long time to work up the courage to put my feelings down in the first post and I tried very hard to write what upset me without being condeming or deaming. Just because I don't agree with everything people write doesn't mean I don't have respect for your right to express your beliefs, I was just looking to express mine.

I hate talking politics, but I just can't stay silent about this thread anymore. First let me say I am so glad we live in a place and time where you can say what you really feel and no be put up against a wall and shot. Yes, that is a blessing that a whole lot of people in this world don't have. The reason why I feel complelled to type can be sumed up as " fanaticism is scarry". I don't like it in the eyes of the protesters at planned parenthood and I don't it in the words of someone who can compare the president with Hitler and the anti-christ. I am not a right winger, or republican and I have never voted a 'party ticket" . I am not even a fan of Mr. Bush. I am the daughter in law of a holocoust survivor. To compare America today to Nazi Germany is ludichrist and demeaning to the lives and memories of every person who suffer at the hands of madman who truely deserves to be compared to the anti christ. Hitler made himself leader of Germany in 1934, in 1935 German jews lost their right to hold government jobs and were no longer considered to be German citizians. By 1938 jews were rounded up in put into "camps", that same year he was deamed Times "man of the year. In 19369 Hitler roled through Poland, his armies killed everything in their path. Man, woman, children, babies and even animals. By the time he was done the deaths of 2 million gypsies, 6 million jews, and millions more could be laid at his feet. Many had been put into camps, used for free labor (the gates of Auschwitz say " arbiten macht frei" "work made free") starved, torchered and then when they got too sick sent to ovens to be gassed and burned like trash. what happened to the Iraqi prisoners is awful, shameful and should never happen again. The solders who did this were punshed, in Nazi Germany the would have gotten medals. Is the miltary perfect, no way, would American solders force men, woman and babies into ovens? No. Please keep talking and expressing your beliefs, but befor you call someone a Nazi or compare America to Nazi Germany, really look at history and relize how lucky we are to live right here, right now, and never ever forget how much futher and more evil man can be. You don't like whats happening, I get that, but when fanaticsm seeps though people stop listening

I had My first colonoscopy (sp?) at 32. 50 is the normal age, but since my Grandmother and 3 of her siblings died at 52 from colon cancer, the Dr's told my Mum to be tested at 42 (the fecal test are really unrealable) she had 3 pre cancer polyps, so the Dr's told all my siblings and myself to be tested at 32. Thank God because I also had 2 pre cancer polyps removed (so did my sister) . The Dr said if I had waited until 50 it would have been too late. I can't wait for a hystertomy (sp?), My Dr's will probable give me one, but the do not usally take your cervix and they only take the ovaries if they really have to. Taking the cervix can sometimes lead to painfull intercourse. The ovaries control hormon production, so if they take them it's instant menopause, no waiting. If they just take the uterious, no periods, no b.c. , no cramps ....please sign me up! P.S. We call it "coozie".

Hi, great question! I've been banded since June 05and have lost 114 pounds. A typical day was yeaster day: Egg and salsa in a low carb high protein wrap for breakfast, peanut butter on a 1/2 a low carb english muffin for snack, grilled chicken salad with low cal dressing for lunch, south beach pizza for dinner and diet pudding. When I'm out with people who don't know I'm banded some type of salad with meat or fish dish does the trick. For about 2 months after the surgery I was kind of down and certian I was going to be "different" and stick out like I had a huge scarlet L.B. on my chest every time I eat in public. Instead I now eat a "normal" meal, just a little bit less than most. Good Luck!

When I eat too much, or too fast ( Dr.'s say you swallow more air when you eat fast or eat liquids like soup) I hurt until I burp, that might be whats happing to you. Carbonation can overfill you pouch and cause discomfort or some Dr's think it can lead to slippage. If you really, really need to burp try the gas drops they sell for babies, but be forwarned, I can tell you they can make you fart too. Good Luck! nora

My Dr.'s say carbonation is a huge no-no, but I love beer. In desperation I stirred a beer till it was "flat" and drank it. YUCK!!!! You might want to switch to wine

The last day I had to take b.p. medication was the day I left the hospital after my lap band surgery. The Dr.'s think thats because of the diet and oddly rapid weight loss. If you have taken the time and done your homework and you think this is for you, don't be swayed by others. This is your body and nobody knows it like you do. Good Luck!

Reflux can lead to pre cancer condition called Barrets esophagus (sp), but it takes a long time to devolp and in most cases it never moves to cancer. Esophagul cancer is Very rare not a side effect of banding, must likly it is a mutaition of the same gene that carries colon cancer. If they are talking about removing the esophagus she most likly has esophagul cancer, which is highly aggressive. They would remove the esophagus and then make the stomach into a long tube which would allow for swallowing liquids, she would require a feeding tube. My Mum has this, she is tested every month and as soon as the cells advance she will have her esophagus removed. She did have uncontrolled reflux for years and then controlled reflux for about 7 years. But she never had weight loss surgery, or smoked, or drank. The Dr.s' say the reflux has sped up the process, but she had to have the rare underlying gentic predispostion for this to happen. I wish your friend all the luck. Nora

Don't panic! What you are feeling is normal and healthy. You are going to radically change your life, and these nagging worries are just proof that you understand how serious this is. In order for the band to work, you have to change and change is scarry, especially when you are changing something that has defined you for a long time. If you were saying you had no worries, doubts, concerns, fears then I'd say you were in for a HUGE shock when you get the band, but as it is, it sounds like you get that you are charting new territory. It's strange and different but you will adapt, overcome and beat obesity. As for extending the length of your life, I don't know about that, but I do know lossing weight will vastly improve the qualty of your life. I have a 2 and 1/2 year old and almost 4 year old. I did not understand how much enegry the weight was taking from me and them. I can do so much more with them and for them and i have the enegry to enjoy them even more than before. It's o.k. to have doubts, just keep your eye on the prize. The road is bumpy, but it is so worth it! Good Luck! -Nora

Hi! I was banded 6/14/05 to date I've lost 106 pounds with no fill. This is NOT typical. For me, it's because for the first time EVER I feel full. When I eat enough, I get a pain in my left shoulder and if keep eating it gets very painful. My Dr. thinks I got lucky and my sweet spot happens to be no fill. So It's rare but it can happen Good Luck -Nora

As of this morning I've lost 106 pounds!!!

I'm right there with you...I'll be folding laundry and come across a pair of pants and be like "Who the heck do these pants belong to?! Oh yeah...there mine...opps" When I go shopping, I go right to the womans department. For some reason I can't rember that I'm not a plus size anymore. No, I'm not complaining, but after a lifetime of being overweight, being a "regular" size is kind of shocking.

Another June bandster here. I've lost 91 pounds, haven't seen this weight since I was 12. When I look in the mirror it's like I'm seeing myself for the first time. The only thing I regret is not doing this years ago!

Exercise, and if that doesn't work ask Dr to check your hormone levels. If neither one of those work try buying a new pair of shoes :-)

It's all about the right bra! I had a place here in New Jersey that did fittings and they were true miracle workers. They were so good that my sister, mom and cousines would come up to vist just to go get a bra. This place was so awesome that when the New Jersey store closed in Oct., our hubbys got together and arranged for the "New York Bust Trip" as a Christmas gift to us. They will watch the kids and pay for gas, tolls, and lodgings in NYC so were can get good bra's. As my sisters hubby said, " it's cheaper than surgery and I like the outcome".