BeGail

I was banded on August 6th of this year, and have had unbelievable amounts of gas ever since. When I questioned by doc, he said that I could have gas up to a year and that it would dissipate over time. No changes, so far. I mean, I have gas every 20-30 minutes and not a little. It's embarrasing to even talk about it and if I hold it for very long, I get bloated and painful. I even have lots of gas in the middle of the night. Hope it goes away sometime!:biggrin:

If you haven't already, grab the book " Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band; Everything you need to know before and after surgery to lose weight successfully"... I was banded 8/6 and talked with many beforehand and read at least 5 books... this one helped me really understand the whole thing and has many personal stories in it. It helped me make my decision to have the surgery, was my pre-op information guide, and has been my "bible" ever since.

As a counselor and halth care professional who was recently banded, I can tell you that I have seriously considered exactly what your concern is and have also experienced what happens through my clients. So here it is. If you and your spouse had issues that have gone unresolved before the weight loss they will be exacerbated with the weight loss. The issue is that one of you is "changing" and when one changes both parties have to be willing to work at creating something new... hopefully together. In a relationship, there are really three "people": you, your spouse, and the marriage( which is how you operate together). Have you had any serious discussions with your spouse about what to expect and how to prepare for it? Although I love my husband dearly we do have issues that each of us tolerate about each other. I know that my changes will result in increased risk for our marriage and we talk about it frequently. We have both put some plans into effect to enhance our relationship, and my husband has made it clear that he does not intend to lose me. and I really don't want to lose him. So we will work at it now, as this is really his journey, too. Hope this helps.

Topaz: I live in Vancouver, Wa and had my surgery on 8/6. I am 52 years old and own a home health company, married, active, and also am just getting into RV camping. I am 5'4" and did weigh 234.8 when I started this journey back in June, and weigh 210 now, most of the loss is pre-op. However, I have read just about everything there is to read on this subject and talked to many many people who are successful and not successful. I have come into this with my eyes wide open and feel like I really know what to expect and when to expect it. I would be interested in being your buddy if this sounds good to you... you can privately email me at northwesthealth@aol.com if you'd like. Gail

can you send your response to northwesthealth@aol.com ( my email)

Hi: I live in Vancouver, Wa and see you got your surgery in Portland. I am having surgery possibly on Wednesday, one week here in Vancouver. I have thought about cancelling it because I see so many people not losing on this and i know surgery is risky. I also asked my doctor how many people she has seen living successfully with the band into their 70's and 80's and she had no answer except to say they would be dead w/o the weight loss. My grandmother lived to be 89 with diabetes and she was way overweight the whole time. I am 53 ( I know wrong forum, just wanted to see who was in this group and found a "neighbor"! Please tell me how the band has benefited you before i change my mind. Thanks!

Good day to all of you! I saw my surgeon for the first time FINALLY on July 3rd after having all of my pre-surgery tests in early May. Looks like my surgery will be last week in July first week in August...so I am just "weighting" (play on words, HAH!). I weigh about 224, 5'4", and am 53 years old. Two questions: Anyone about the same who wants to "buddy" through this process?:thumbup: Anyone wish you had chosen the gastric bypass instead of the band? My physician has suggested that maybe I want the bypass because it is so much more successful for people my age.:tt2: Thanks, in advance, for any feedback, especially from the fabulous fifities people.

Hi SSDown and other 50+: I am 53, 5'4", and weigh 224. I have been waiting to see my surgeon and saw her today for the first time. I am qualified for the surgery, but my surgeon suggested gastric bypass because she said most people my age don't lose very much with the lapband... as little as 10 pounds! She also pointed out that you MUST exwercise 45 min x 5 days a week in order to assure weight loss, and that the avg. loss in a good band is about 1 pound per week. In the end, we both agreed on the band and now I will get mine in late July... but now i am worried. Since you have lost so much, what advice would you give me for success. I am dedicated to making this work but wonder if I should have chosen the other??? Encouragement, anyone??

Hi Ellies Mom: I am your age and have 90 pounds to lose, as well. Getting my surgery in late July. Would be great to have a "buddy" since we are so similar. What do you think?

Hello..this is my first attempt at this site and i'd love to join the 50+ group...my surgery is in late july and i am 52 1/2. I'd love to hear success stories from women in my age group and your secrets to success! Thank you! Also, how do i bookmark this so i can see it again?

Thanks very much! Congrats on your success with your weight loss.