MMDLynn

Hi JS - Congratulations on becoming a bander neighbor (I live in Chicago). I too am scheduled to take this road in June (awaiting insurance approval). Could you post a copy of your pre-op & post-op diet plans? I'm very curious and a little nervous.

WOW Nana - you're pictures are really encouraging. I'm really concerned about scaring - can you tell me more about your pre & post-diet, exercise and post filling diet since your surgery date last summer? I'm new and thinking in the introductory stages of the band process. I want to do it, I believe I'm a good candidate - but I'm afraid of the scaring on my belly, being able to return to work right away, negative impact to my sex life, and the ability to exercise. All of these worries are making me quite anxious. Help -

Hello I'm new too! I'm in the initial stages of becoming a bandito....I just love this web site. You all have answered so many questions. I go for my initial pre-op testing next week. Wish me luck. Hey how soon were you able to start exercising after the surgery? My doctor is talking about out-patient surgery has anyone experienced that? What determines where the doctor places the port (sternum vs. lower abdomen)? I'm big breasted, I would think the port on the sternum might cause me some problems with my underwire bra...don't you think?

Congrads to all - this is my first posting and I'm really excited about the band procedure. I'm awaiting approval and my first round of pre-op tests. I know that I'm an excellent candidate as I have a BMI of 51 and my current weight is 326/height 5'6. Diabetes and high blood pressure runs in my family and I've been steadily gaining weight without control over the past 5 years. Now at the age of 40 I can't seem to control it no matter what I do. I've tried every diet known to man and exercise but I can only drop 3-5 pounds after 6 months of trying. My metabolism has all but left the building it seems. I also suffer from PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrom) which has lead to me being Insulin resistant, this triggers my metabolim to all but shut down and store everything I consume. The only way to reverse this process is through weight loss and exercise - but the moment I restrict my calories my system shuts down and insulin levels spike. I'm currently taking Metformin to counter act the effects of the insulin resistence, but nothing is helping the weight issue. I've been hearing a lot about the band method and I think it just might be the answer. Could anyone share info on pre-op preparation, i.e. diet & exercise instructions, as well as post op? I am also interested in how your sex life is impacted post-op, could someone share that info as well? I've really enjoyed all that I've read so far and I'm hoping you all will be just as helpful to me as I start this life altering journey. Thanks, Lynn