Jamers42

Hi all, I was banded 7/8/08 and had everything you are all discussing. Don't worry, it goes away. The heavy feeling in your chest is because the anethesia is heavier that the air in your lungs. I was also given an Incentive Spirometer to get the breathing back to normal. If you don't have one, deep breathing and walking will help. There is also the issue of the gas pains. I had them so badly in my shoulder, and again...you have to move around. Short walks always made me feel better. I spiked a low fever of about 100 on the third day after surgery and it lasted overnight and then broke. I will be 4 weeks on Tuesday and only have to wait 2 weeks before my first fill. I can't wait!!! Basically, you have to remember, you had a major surgery, and the first 6 weeks is for healing. Don't stress, after about 7-10 days you will feel almost 100%!! Good luck, and Congrats!!

Hi Momof3Boys! I had Dr. Judith Park at Richmond Kaiser and she was amazing! I have been to several support groups and it appears all of the patients rave about their doctors as well. Which Doctor are you scheduled with?

Hi All! I just had by Lap Band Placement thru Kaiser Richmond, CA on 7/8/08. I am so glad to be done with the procedure and looking forward to many positive changes moving forward. I am not having any bad issues and wanted to join up to hopefully offer any advice/motivation/support to anyone that needs it. I am sure that things will come up for me and will equally appreciate any advice from those of you that have already been thru it! Overall...just looking forward to a great, happy, healthy life ahead!!!:frown:

Hi all! I was banded 7/8/08 and noticed the same pain. Mine was mostly due to gas, and I agree that walking was the best medicine. I also noticed that I did have some issues with inhaling deeply, but Kaiser gave me an Incentive Spirometer to help with getting all of the anesthesia out of my lungs. I would have sort of a crushing feeling in my lungs until I got all of that out of there. Make sure that you are breathing deeply several times a day for about the first week to make sure your lung capacity gets back to normal! Believe me, it gets better. I am going back to work tomorrow and can't wait! I was 210 on my surgery date and was 198.8 this morning!! GOODBYE 200's!!!!

I had surgery on 7/8/08, so today makes me 9 days out. I felt much better than I thought I would, but still was sore so sleeping was difficult. I am starting back to work this Monday, but had initially thought I would take only about a week off. Sure glad I took the extra time, mostly because a trip to the grocery store, or even doing some cleaning around the house really wore me out. Just don't push yourself, and if you do go back earlier rather than taking the extra time, make sure you are prepared to need breaks to move around and you will be wiped out the first few days once you get home. Good Luck!!

I am not sure exactly how often they are held, but I can say that I had my first Orientation Class at the end of January and had my surgery a week ago today on July 8th. Going thru everything, it did seem like it took a while as there are lots of steps, but honestly, in retrospect, I sailed thru the program and really feel like I got the best possible "training" for this huge life change. I live in Martinez and had the whole process thru Richmond.