amberstar

Good luck with everything!

I'm not sure how the insurance thing works. I was self pay. But I found my own surgeon and made an appointment with him. Then after my first consulation, the nurse set up my tests. Which included blood work, EKG, and chest xray. I haven't heard of doing any testing before meeting with the surgeon, but for insurance companies it could be different. And every doctor has different requirements.

Just wondering if anyone else had these pains I'm having? I have been feeling great, except for the past 3 days I'm having sharp pains in my upper chest area. (where my bra strap would be ladies,ha). It only happens at night and early morning, especially if I take a deep breath. I know it's not acid reflux or anything. But it feels like something is strained. Did anyone else have these pains post op? I know I'm still recovering. It only scared me because I had been feeling perfectly fine for the past 2 wks then all of a sudden this happened. Thanks for any info!

Thanks for the info, I'll try liquids for a day or two and see if that helps

I haven't had any problems with my band. But I can tell you why I picked it over gastric bypass. The bypass is permanent, you can never "undo it" if it causes problems for any reason. It's a very invasive surgery that re-routes your stomach. The lap band surgery is a laproscopic procedure, usually a day surgery. Not very invasive. And it's not permanent unless you want it to be. It can be removed at any time or even adjusted if you get pregnant. Which was a plus for me!

Congrats on your success!! I can't wait till I'm there!

My doctor told me in our initial consultation that he repairs the hiatal hernia on about 80% of his patients. So I was aware that this was a possibility during sugery. I did have it repaired, but my doc did not charge extra. Thank goodness. But my main source of pain was the incision where the port is and the gas.

I am so glad you wrote that! I was beginning to feel like a failure and wondering if what I was feeling was normal! I've lost 16lbs, I haven't had a fill yet and I am starting to get my appetite back after surgery. I don't want it back, lol! I'm noticing I"m eating more and feeling no restriction. But I'm just hoping this will change once I get my fills. Thanks for not making me feel alone.

Are you getting the recomended amount of protein?? My nurse told me that lack of protein could lead to loss of energy. I know I have a hard time getting it in but I'm trying to do better so I don't feel dragged down.

My surgery was a pretty normal expierence! I showed up that morning, put on a gown, and they put these things on my feet to help against blood clots. The nurses gave me an IV and some pepcid for any heartburn. I laid in my bed talking to my husband while waiting on the doc for about an hour. Then nurses came in and put something in my IV for pain and to put me to sleep. Not sure what that was. I waved goodbye to my husband as they wheeled me in to the room where the surgery would take place. I remember I then started feeling a little sleepy. Then they put a mask over my nose and mouth, I did not like that! Made me feel chlosterphobic (spelling?). But within 30 seconds I passed out. Last thing I remember is them pulling on my gown to get it adjusted and telling me I had a pretty butterfly tattoo, lol. It was over so quick. I woke up in the recovery room with some pain in my chest. They gave me more pain medicine. Then wheeled me to my room where my husband was waiting for me. I stayed there till about 3 or 4pm, sleeping mostly. They had me drink some water, made sure it went down ok, then walked me to the bathroom. And then I went home! It really was not bad. Now the next couple days were a little rough, pain wise. But I really was happy with the experience, anesthia was great. Everyone is different, but I have no complaints!

That's awesome Mitch! Don't get down, for some it comes off slower than others. I lost 10lbs with the liquid diet and only 6lbs since the surgery. So I'm trying to keep positive that it will fall off soon! lol. Sounds like you're doing great, don't worry

I'm right there with ya! I was banded 8/25. I felt the same way, could feel something the first week, now not so much. But I've talked to others and they say it's normal. That the fills will help alot and you'll be able to notice a difference as soon as you start them on a regular basis. And my nurse said right now I'm not getting the full affect of the band, that will come when I start my fills... I'm sure you'll feel different soon. Good luck!!!