gottabehappy

I have had my band for almost a year. It is the best thing I ever did for myself. I have only told 2 people of my surgery. I don't like being the center of attention. That works for me. I don't care to hear anyone's opinion on the banding that I thought would work best for me. It is a very personal decision. I look at it this way, I didn't gain the weight over night and I don't want to lose it overnight either. It is hard work. Harder than I thought, but I am becoming a healthier person because of it. I exercise a ton! I feel good that I am affecting my weight loss because of good habits that I am making. I hope that I will have less issues in the long run with health. I am also hoping that my skin won't sag as much. I was told from day 1 that the band is only a TOOL. It is up to me to decide how to use it. I am far from perfect in using the band. But, as I get fills, the corrections that I get from eating too fast or too much reinforce the healthy lifestyle that I should have had all along. I am proud of me and what I have accomplished. I think this surgery is a heck of a lot more work than the bypass. It really makes me happy to know that everything is still intact just incase. Who knows what they will find in a few years with the bypass. Maybe the complications and risks just aren't worth it. Even if I never lost another pound and only made it this far, I wouldn't change a thing, nor would I want to get the bypass.

I told ony my husband and my sister. When people asked why I was having surgery, I just told them "girl stuff". I am a very private person and I don't like to be on display. I love all my family, but I don't like the judgements they sometimes make about others and their situations. When people ask how I am losing so much weight, I just tell them I am eating smaller portions,drinking water and exercising. I don't regret not telling anyone. I think it was the best thing I did.

I was banded April 21st. I returned to work May 11th. The last week has been tough. I too am hungry. But, I think some of my hunger is mental because of work stress. I called to make an appointment for my 1st fill and the nurse tried to encourage me to wait a little bit. She told me to make sure I don't drink 1 hr before or after meals. Especially after, because it just washes the food right through and you become hungry faster. She also told me to work on my thinking. Are you really hungry or is it mental hunger? Since that day, I have really put that conversation to good use. I was drinking too close to meals (especially after). And I think sometime my hunger is really mental. I won't be able to get a fill until July (because of a vacation I will be taking), but I am sure that if I can control my brain and use this band as a tool, I will be able to make it until then.

I was banded on 4/21/05. I was a surgery virgin until then. I honestly expected to come home and in 1 day feel like normal with some slight pain. Boy was I wrong. Everyone is different, but I had a very hard time until my 4th day out of surgery. I was depressed, hungry and in pain. The pain in my port area worsed on days 3,4 and 5. But with walking and resting I am now day 9 and feel great! I do take it easy. I try to keep a somewhat normal schedule, but I do nap and go to bed earlier than I use to. Lay off the housework for a while. Your body will tell you when it is time to do more activity. Listen to your body and do what is best for you not your house.

I had a bad reaction to the anesthia. I felt like I had the flu until this morning. I was also on oxygen and have developed a cold. I do feel much more human today. I still know that this was the right thing. I am just trying to work my way thru the emotions and physical symptoms right now. Thanks for all the support!! All of you are a terrific help.

Thanks I really needed that. I slept a little better last night and hurt a little less this morning. I didn't think I would need this forum, but I am sure glad I have it now. I know this is the right thing for me, I know now that I could never do the other types of surgery.

I am so scared I did the wrong thing. Will this get better? I was so confident throughout the entire process. I would normally freak out at the littlest thing. But this I was totally committed too. I was banded 4/21. I am sore and sick. I am terrified to eat the wrong thing. I have stuck to the diet 1000%, but I have gained 3 lbs since before the surgery. Tell me everything will get better, please. I need to here that now. What can I expect in the next couple of weeks.