Hi all. Decided to share my experiences. I have lost about 50 pounds so far (go back to the surgeon this Friday). I am a very heavy person, if I lived at Seaworld I would rate my own aquarium. When I went in for surgery (for large-size lap band) I weighed 460 pounds. I kissed my hubby and said I would see him in about an hour. I woke up 3 days later in the ICU. Because I had abdominal surgery about 20 years back, doc had to cut away mondo adhesions. The surgery lasted 5 hours. They put me on a pain pump afterwards and evidently I just kept pushing it. It seems that due to my great weight and the length of the surgery, my lower back nerves were compressed, giving me neuropathy in the my legs and to a lesser extent, in hands. (areas without feeling to pin prick, but tingling and EXTREME pain to touch) I could not walk. My legs would not function. They did an MRI. It seems lying there had caused my lungs to collapse as well. I was on happy juice and oxygen for 8 days in the hospital, came home on a walker and a portable tank. I'm off oxygen now, but still have some neuropathy in my feet and right hand. I kind of doubt it will ever go away. The surgery wasw 6/21/05. ANYWHO. After 6 weeks, I went in for a fill. He gave me 0.7 cc, which I felt gave me no restriction. Seems it really didn't. The fill when measured at my next visit in 6 weeks only measured 0.2 cc. After that he gave me another 0.9 cc. (keep in mind I had the larger band, size 14?) Minimal restriction. This last time, in December, he gave me 1.3. Finally- I'm really starting to lose weight. If you're still reading, wish me luck. MaryCh
