loosinit

Thanks for sharing! You’re right, some things can be controlled by our perspective. Can I ask how much weight you’ve lost? Are you glad you did it?

I had the lap band surgery in 2008 which was largely unsuccessful. I lost about 30 pounds and then gained it all back and a lot more. This band has been so frustrating and living with it is so difficult. I am now 200 pounds overweight and have considered either the sleeve or bypass for the last few years, but find myself paralyzed with fear about the healing and side effects since the bad would also have to be removed. Your experiences with the following would be greatly appreciated! -Band to sleeve or bypass is a double surgery and requires additional healing time. Is the pain awful and even worse than if just one of them was to be performed? I'm very afraid of the healing process. How long until I could expect to be pain free? -Sleeve or bypass? I had been considering the sleeve but my Doctor keeps pointing out that bypass is the gold standard and I have the best chance at losing the most weight and keeping it off. Are my chances for long term success really that different between the 2? -With bypass, I have read there is hair loss? How much? Does the hair grow back? -With bypass we have to take supplements for the rest of our lives. Even if they are taken, are we still at increased risk for disease or disorders? I am hesitant to sign up for a surgery that could mean health problems further on down the road. -Are there any other side effects that I should be aware of for either the sleeve or bypass? I don't want to get the surgery and then find out there was a major side effect I had no idea about. Thanks!

Thank you so much for your detailed responses! I am a little concerned that my surgeon did not bring the issue of scar tissue sensitivity when going from band to the sleeve. He encouraged bypass instead of the sleeve but not for that reason, I hope he is trustworthy because that issue makes sense. So you think that the increased surgery time needed to remove all of the scar tissue from the band didn't lead to a more painful recovery? I suppose since I will be under I won't know if the surgery was 1 hour or 6

I just had my first fill on 3/27 and I still feel no restriction and have the same appetite I have always had. I am starting to get worried and wondering if I did the right thing. I got the lap band for 2 reasons: The physical inability to eat carbs and the appetite suppresion. Neither has happened so far and I am 2 months post op. Am I panicing too soon? Thanks-

Thanks so much. Your words help me feel a lot better. Sometimes I just need encouragement from others. :biggrin2:

Thanks so much for your response. Are you finding more appetite suppression now or is mostly just the restriction?

I was banded on 2/13 and I am still in a lot of pain (abdominal.) I have started to get depressed because I am in pain everyday and it never seems to get better. I am going to call my doctors office on Monday, but I thought I would see if anyone else has had pain this long after surgery? I am just worried that something may be wrong. Might the pain be from the incisions healing? Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks.

I was banded this past Wednesday, February 13th. I have been resting and healing, although it has been a lot more difficult and painful then I expected. I am 30 years old and I have been quite over weight my entire adult life. Before the co-mordities kick in, I wanted to take a proactive measure and get the surgery while I am still in good health. I am excited about the future and the prospect of being able to live again and enjoy life without all of the worries, stress, and insecurities of being overweight. I look forward to reading and learning from your posts.

My liquid phase has been anything I can get through a straw, not neccesarily just clear liquids so I have been drinking smoothies and a few milkshakes and tomatoes soup, etc. I hope this is ok, this is what my Doc has instructed me.

I have only lost 20 lbs, which I don't feel is that much considering I haven't eaten anything in over 3 weeks (just liquids.) I think everyone is different, and my goodness, you had open surgery and will need more healing time. Don't be so hard on yourself!

Hello! I too was banded on the 13th and I am on 2 weeks of liquid, which finish tomorrow and I can't wait! Then I am on 2 weeks of pureed food, and then slowly build in regular food again. I have mostly been drinking protien shakes, smoothies, some milkshakes (even though they are high in calories) and chicken broth. I have just been strapped by a desire to eat real food, this has been really tough for me. But I know that I have to let my body heal so I am trying to stay on track. Anyone else been craving real food and always feel hungry no matter how many liquids you have?

Hi there! I too was banded by Dr Pinnar (Jr.) on the 13th. I have had more pain then I anticipated, and, I am starving! He said patients aren't hungry until 4-6 weeks, but not me! I drink my shakes and soup but still find myself craving real food. I guess until we get a fill the band is just sort of sitting there and not really able to do much. I have lost 16 pounds since I started the pre-op diet, so thats the best part of this all! Are you planning on attending the support group meetings at the synchrony office? Would love to keep in touch and share experiences. Thanks! Lomy

Anyone have advice on how to best avoid scarring from the 5 incisions that I have on my abdomin?

Thanks for your response. Congratulations on your weight loss! It would be nice to have someone to keep in contact with for support and encouragement, and we are practically neighbors! Send me a message if you like. :wub: