karook54

First of all hi and welcome to Lap Band Talk. I can't speak for everyone but for me this has been the best decision I have made regarding my weight loss. I never thought I would be where I am today, but here I am. Before surgery I had tried so many different diets, fads,etc. that I felt that I was never going to lose the weight and keep it off. I guess I decided that I would always be fat and I couldn't change that, but when I began to have joint problems, high blood pressure, back problems and absolutely zero energy, I knew I didn't want to spend the rest of my life that way. Really it wasn't living, just existing. So I made the decision to do the Lap Band. It was a slow weight loss but a healthy weight loss and that was what I was after anyway was to be healthy. I do enjoy being thinner but I FEEL so much better. I wanted to be able to keep up with my kids and eventually WAY down the road, my grandchildren. It isn't an easy journey by any means, but with the support of your family and friends and especially YOU, you WILL be an success. Good luck to you and keep us informed.:biggrin:

I have trouble if I eat or drink within an hour or so before I go to bed.

My doctor gave me two weeks and I felt I wasn't ready but I have a very compassionate boss so I could take it easy each day until I was back to normal. The best I can remember, it was 3 weeks post op til I felt human again. But each person is different. Hope all goes well for you.:cursing:

It took my third fill before my band worked best for me and even then my weight is still coming off slowly but I feel healthier and happier than I have in a long time. Don't get discouraged, because you are right on track.:scared2: Each fill you will feel the difference until you get to were you need to be. Good luck and keep us posted.:wink2:

My thoughts exactly!!! Just because someone is thin doesn't mean they live in the gym or eat a healthy diet. I know thin people who eat more than my fat butt ever did and never gained a pound and also never did an exercise program in their life!! So I wouldn't be so quick to blame laziness and lack of exercise only on heavier people.

My hair began to fall out around 4mo post op and continued falling out for about 4 more months. I'm 9 mo. post op now and my hair is begining to grow back ( I have new hair sprouting out all over my head)so just hang in there. It does get better.

Hang in there. The begining can be very frustrating because you haven't had the fills you need and your body is still healing. I went through the same thing and I began to wonder if I made the right decision, but within a few months, a few fills, and learning how to eat with my band (they tell you to chew well, take small bites,etc. but you don't really know until you figure out how your band works:smile:)and realizing that it is ok to lose slowly, I finally understood why I made this decision and that it was the right one. I've lost 61 lbs. since Oct.08 and I know if I didn't have my band I would have gained that amount so I fell truly blessed to be banded. Be patient and remember that when you find that "right place" things will get better. Best of luck!

I could not agree with you more. I used to eat and eat and eat before my band therefore packing on the pounds but since having the band and experiencing the pain that comes from one too many bites, it completely changes your outlook on overeating. In my case it is impossible. I can eat around half to 3/4ths of a cup and I feel so full but if I try to force in one more bite, OMG!! the pain. It makes me alot more alert of my eating habits including what I put in my mouth as well as how much. Each person is different but I truly love my band because it keeps me in check with everything I put in my mouth and the fear of the pain,pbing,etc. helps me make good choices.

It sounds like gas. It seemed like forever before mine finally went away. Walking definitely helps with the discomfort. Hang in there it will get better soon.

Hang in there, you're about to turn the corner. It will all be worth it. Best Wishes!!

This is normal what you are experiencing right now. You should have a empty band at this point and this time is for healing and not weight loss which is nice if you do lose right now but no big deal if you don't. Don't beat yourself up. You are exactly right. If it is so easy to eat right then why get the band in the first place? I don't want to live my life on a strict diet. I do eat right but I also enjoy eating a slice of pizza with my family on occasion and I don't feel bad about it. I don't want to constantly be counting calories, fat grams, etc. for the rest of my life. I take each day as a gift and make the most of it. I would suggest talking to your Dr. about a fill sooner than 2 weeks. After my surgery I did have some restriction but after my food stages I could eat about 1-2 cups of food.Even though this was a large amount for a bander, it was significantly smaller than before surgery and my Dr. knew I was struggling and he told me it would get better after each fill. He was right. After my first fill I could only eat about 1 and 1/2c. then #2 fill is now around 3/4 to 1 cup. Just be careful about certain foods that can cause you to PB because that isn't pleasant. I'll tell what my Dr. told me last week, everyone is different and something that works for one person might not work for you so don't compare yourself to others and become discouraged. This is a life long journey that we are truly blessed to be traveling so overlook those who choose to criticize and judge instead of uplifting and supporting. Good luck to you and keep us posted.

Don't worry. There's nothing to it. My first fill I was so nervous that I was shaking. My Dr. gave me a local then he gave me the fill and I didn't feel anything. Not even a sting. I went for my second fill last week. My Dr. said he had started filling without the local to see how it does so at first I thought it might hurt but again I felt nothing. ( I think the scar tissue helps with the feeling) The worst part for me was the position he had me lay in. Hang in there and congrats on your first fill and one more successful step in your lapband journey.

Congrats on being banded tomorrow. You will be so glad you did it. I will definitely say a prayer for you and you do just fine. Keep us posted on your recovery. Best wishes!!

I totally agree. I think the band is about portion control. I have spent most of my life dieting and depriving myself with little or no results. I don't want to live the rest of my life on a diet, counting calories, etc. I want to be able to eat with my family instead of preparing me a separate meal. This is why I am so excited about my new life with the band. It allows me to continue with my life and keep my food intake under control. I can't wait to be able to say I have lost 120 lbs.!! Thanks for all of the inspiration you guys give me!:biggrin:

Congrats on your decision to have the Lap Band surgery. I live about 15 miles west of Birmingham and I used Dr. Cottingham at Brookwood Medical Center. I would definitely recommend him. He and his staff were the best! I noticed you live in Madison and Dr. Cottingham is moving to Cullman Regional Medical Center at the first of the year which would be closer that Birmingham for you. Best wishes to you and keep us posted on your progress.:cursing:

Hey, I haven't logged on in a while so I'm updating. I will go for my 6 mo dr visit on 8/28 and I'm very surprised at how fast it has went by. I must say though I have really struggled to lose weight and have tried (and have failed miserably).Will my ins. co hold it against me for not losing? I haven't missed any of my appts. I wish everyone lots of luck with their journey!

Well said!!

I didn't feel myself again until 1 week. I took off 2 weeks because I do have a demanding job, but I think you should give yourself plenty of time to heal. I'm 10 post op and still have alot of pain from my port and a hernia repair ( which I didn't know I had until after surgery)so I agree that you should have a plan B. Good luck w/ your surgery!

I didn't care if I was naked, as long as I had pain meds. lol!! Seriously though, I wore the hospital gown until the next morn. I put the same clothes I wore to the hosp. back on for the ride home. (less to pack) Good luck w/ your surgery

My dr. gave me the option and I choose to stay and I'm sooooo glad I did. That first night was very restless for me and it was nice to call the nurse every 2 hrs. for pain meds. I also was getting something for nausea through my IV. So if your dr. gives you a choice, I would strongly recommend staying overnight.

I'm 2 weeks out and I'm still having alot of pain also. The incision site looks ok but it really hurts and stings sometimes. I'm wondering too if this is the norm.

Congrats on your surgery date! Also welcome to LBT. Hope all goes well for you and we are here for support!!

I live in Alabama also and I used Dr. Cottingham at Brookwood and he was wonderful. His office staff were very nice and quick to get the ball rolling. After my 6 mo. diet ended, his asst. summitted my info to the ins. co.and I had an approval that same day.Then she had me scheduled for my dietitian, phys. therapy, etc. within days. Ihad my surgery 10/20 and I would recommend Dr. Cottingham to anyone.

I agree. Walking and the heating pad was my only way to get any relief. Just hang in there because it does get better. I'm 6 days postop and hardly have anymore gas pains.

I too am allowed runny mashed potatoes so I think it depends on your dr. and dietician. I think we all can learn from each other's mistakes and also when something works out so I don't think anyone has the right to judge here especially someone who hasn't even been banded yet. Good luck to you :eek: