amyz

No, I think it all depends on your doctor where your port incision is located. But from the sound of it yours is exactly where mine is. Mine is slightly above my belly button and slightly to the left. Don't worry so much...I know it's all very scary at first. I even regretted doing it at first but about 10 days post-op you start feeling like yourself again and it just gets better from there.

I was banded June 13th and I had the same surprises that you had. I didn't expect my port scar to be as big as it was and the gas pain was a total shock! My doctor never even mentioned it. It does go away in a few days though. All I can say is WALK WALK WALK!! It is the only thing that helps the gas pain. Also, be prepared for the tight pulling shoulder pain that most people have right after the gas goes away. It's just pain from the muscles tightening after they were cut. That also goes away! But I am almost 20 weeks out and down nearly 70 pounds...WOOHOO! My scars are all fading, including the port scar! It's all worth it and it all gets WAY better. Hang in there...you will be fine.

I am not sure why you are drinking at all?? You are really not supposed to be drinking until several months after surgery, if at all. Were you drinking beer? Beer is carbonated which can stretch your pouch back out. Try to refrain from drinking and think about why you put your body through the surgery in the first place. Think about your long term goal and stick to it. You can do it!!

You should really check with Aetna to see if you qualify based on your BMI before the 6 month dieting or BMI after your 6 month dieting. I know with my insurance co. (BCBS IL) no matter how much weight I lost during that 6 months of dieting they still went by my starting BMI. Also, I didn't lose a whole lot in the 6 months that I dieted but I showed effort and made significant changes. That is what my insurance co. looked for. Call and talk to someone at Aetna; they really should be able to answer your questions. Surgery date: 6/13/2008 291.5/260/140

Hi grsha46! Don't be scared. You really have to choose what you want...the food or a longer healthier life. I LOVE food but made the choice that I wanted a longer healthier life. I was banded on June 13th and I would do it again a million times over. I am not going to lie to you, you will be in pain the day of the surgery but they give you plenty of goods meds to control the pain. The week after surgery you will not really have any desire to eat but you have to and you will more than likely have gas pains for about 1 week. Going forward to the 2nd week and beyond it gets easier and easier. Your appetite will come back but you just have to make better choices. At least this is how my experience has gone so far and if you are lucky this is how yours will go as well. Good luck and stay strong! Just make sure you know what you want...in the end you have to live with your decision. Amy

Hi everyone, I thought I would check-in. I am 17 days post-op and down 25 pounds since my surgery! I am sooo excited but seem to be at a stand still. I am trying to have patience and just work my way through this plateau but it is so hard. I upped my exercise routine and added extra brisk walks throughout the day but the scale will not move...UGH!! I have been doing the stairs at work and am hoping that I am adding muscle mass and that's why the scale isn't moving but it's still upsetting. I have to stay strong and not get discouraged by every stand still...I know there will be many more!!

You are doing GREAT!! Don't get discouraged...the weight loss will come with your dedication.

Wow, thanks Gwenn! I thought I was the only one that ever really had the thought "Do I REALLY want to give up the food???" It is very reassuring to know that there are other people that have the same thoughts as me. I finally decided YES!! My date is June 13th and I couldn't be more excited. Yes Teri, I have been going through this for months. I went to my surgeon's office last Thursday just to buy the Impact Advanced Recovery shakes and I was sick to my stomach...I wasn't even seeing any doctors. I know the feelings that you are having very well...it's fear and excitement all mixed together. I know it will be worth it in the long run. Good Luck!! Amy

Congrats everyone!! I will be banded June 13th...finally a light at the end of a very long tunnel :cool2: