New Life

I only told my immediate family and one co-worker. I am glad that I only told a few people because my weight loss has been slow. Besides, I don't want people monitoring what I eat. My mother unfortunately told several of her friends which really bothered me. Hopefully she will respect my wishes in the future. The decision is personal. Daisydoodle had some good advice, "You can always tell later, but you can never untell."

I have been banded for six weeks now. Things started off well. The first week I lost six pounds. The second week I lost a few more pounds. For the past four weeks I have not lost any weight at all. I have never had any restriction whatsoever (even after having been filled once). I am frustrated. I'm sure many will respond with, "You must exercise and eat right." Since that has always been the case, then what is the point of the band? How is it supposed to be helping me lose weight? Please give advice. Should I get another fill right away?

I am happy for you but a little disappointed with me. I was banded on 3-29-05 but have only lost 10 pounds (according to my scale although doctor's scale says only 6 pounds lost). What is your secret? I have absolutely no restriction and I have had one fill already of 4cc's (my band can hold 11 cc's).

I had the same concern as you about the gas. I was so fearful of this issue that I considered not having the surgery. I went ahead with the surgery anyway (5weeks post-op). I am glad to say that it was not as bad as I anticipated. I thus far have had no gas pain, just air. Chewable Gas X works for me. It tastes good and works fast. Luckily, I only had gas for the first two weeks after surgery. But I keep a pack of Gas X at home, at work, and in my car just in case.

Gas X Chewable Peppermint Creme flavor tastes good and works fast for me. I am 5 weeks post op and no longer having the gas problem.

Wow, that's scary. I had the opposite experience. My sugar was normal for the first time in years following surgery. See your doctor ASAP. 550 is a dangerously high range. Good luck with your weight loss.

I was a self pay. Total $18,250 in Orange, California at Chapman Medical Center by Dr. Owens. That includes 10 fills.

$18,250 by Dr. Owens - Chapman Medical Center in Orange, California (self pay).

I was just banded on Tuesday, March 29th. I have been very emotional these past few days. The day before surgery I broke out in tears over frustration with Kaiser who would not pay for the Lap Band (I paid $18,250 for my surgery) and then Kaiser had the nerves to charge me full price for the liquid pain medication. Nevertheless, I felt better on the day of surgery. All went well and I left the hospital the following morning (the hospital staff was fantastic - Chapman Medical Center in Orange, California). The next few days were marked with stomach pain, but only when I moved. Each day the pains got better. Saturday was the worst day...gas, diarrhea, and an emotional wreck. I got so sick of those nasty Bariatric Advantage (BA) shakes. So I went out and bought some Slim Fast shakes which taste much better. Slim Fast does not have enough protein however, so I know I cannot avoid drinking the BA shakes. I guess I just have to grin and bear it. I can't wait until this liquid phase is over. Today it is Sunday and I feel so much better (emotionally and physically). The good thing is that I weighed myself today and see that I have lost 6 pounds since my surgery (probably water weight, but I'll take it). I go back to work tomorrow (not looking forward to that). I have a few questions: 1) Will the gas ever go away? 2) Has anyone used any of the scar therapy treatments to shrink/smooth the scars? If so, what brand and how soon should I begin using it? 3) Does anyone know where I can get any good multi-vitamins in liquid form? 4) I am still debating over whether to tell friends and co-workers about the surgery (only my immediate family knows). Does anyone regret telling friends about it? Thanks in advance for your support in answering any of my questions. This website has been a Godsend.

My surgery is tentatively scheduled for March 29, 2005. I am getting nervous and I have so many questions. This website is awesome so many of my questions have been answered. But here are a few more: 1) I am worried about the gas and noises that bandsters talk about. At least once a week I present to a staff of 40 people. I can't imagine having my stomach making noises during my presentations. How loud are the noises? Is it easy for people around you to hear them? Over time, will the noises ever stop? 2) Do you always feel the device in your body? 3) Is it a probelm to do rigorous exercise (not that I do any of it)? If you jump up and down can you damage something? 4) Does it hurt when food passes from the small pouch to the larger part of the stomach? 5) Do you regret having had the surgery? If so, why? Thanks so much for your time;)

How did you know that your band eroded? What were the signs? Why did you choose to not have a new one implanted? Thanks in advance for your response.