MariaC

I hope someone out there can help me. I was banded September 2nd at NYU. In the 5 weeks since the surgery, I have only lost 4 pounds, and I don't understand why. I don't eat junk food, amd I'm probably only eating 1000 calories a day. I had my first fill last week, and so far, no difference in my weight. My sister-in-law, who had the surgery 2 years ago says I won't lose weight unless I exercise. I don't understand - why did I go through this surgery if I won't lose any weight without exercise? I'm eating so much less and so much healthier than I did before. I was 270 before the pre-op diet, 259 on the day of my surgery, and now 5 weeks out I still weigh 255. HELP!!!

Hi! This is my first post on this site. I was banded by Dr. Kurian at NYU on 9/2/2008. I am going to check out the support group meeting at NYU tonight. I'm hoping that I'll be able to learn about living with the band, what foods work and don't work, how to order food in restaurants, etc. Has anyone attended these meetings? Are they worthwhile? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Maria

I was extremely constipated after the surgery (I just started solid foods). I bought chewable Fiber supplements, and they helped a great deal. I was afraid of becoming dependent on laxatives, so I thought fiber supplements would be safer. Good Luck!

Make sure you have a written estimate of how much the surgery and incidentals cost for a self-pay. My suregery was completely covered (with the exception of my insurance deductible), and to date NYU and Dr. Kurian have billed my insurance company over $60,000. That was for a one night stay with no complications. I know the prices would be cheaper for self-pay, but be careful. When I went to the seminar, Dr. Ren stated the surgery was about $30,000, and they have billed my insurance for double that amount. Good Luck!

I don't think there's a support group for pre-banded. There were several people at the support group meeting that were going to be banded in the near future. The program has 2 support groups for lapband patients, one is for patients 0-12 months after surgery, and the other is patients who had the surgery 1+ years. I went to the support group, but I didn't realize there was going to be a guest speaker. I didn't care much for his presentation, but I did get alot of information from the people who were asking questions and sharing information during the time before and after the presentation. I'm definitely going to go next month. I'm starting on solid foods on Sunday, so I'm looking for ideas and suggestions about eating in social situations, recipe ideas, etc. Good luck with your surgery! Maria

I told my immediate family and a few close friends but chose not to tell my coworkers. I didn't feel it was any of their business. I did tell my supervisor I was having surgery to correct a hiatal hernia (which is true). It is done laparascopically so the recovery time is similar to the lap band surgery. You can look up hiatal hernia repair to learn what the symptoms are to formulate your story. I work on a large-scale technical project where the people are very gossipy. I know my supervisor told a few of the high-level managers on the project, and some of the lower-level staff who handle timesheets and doctor's notes spilled the Beans too. It was good that I had a cover story, and now I can use my sick time for my fill and follow-up appointments. As for co-workers noticing the liquid diet- I told them I was trying to lose weight. I ate Soup for lunch almost every day on the mushy phase, and no one batted an eye. Good Luck! Maria

I had the surgery on Tuesday, Sept 2nd, and I went back to work on Wednesday, Sept 10th with no problems. I could have gone back 2 days earlier, but I wanted to be sure I could be out for several hours at a time without getting tired or feeling sick. I am almost through the mushy stage, and I haven't gotten sick once. I am following the post-op diet carefully and thoroughly chewing my mushies!

Hi - I was banded a little over 2 weeks ago, and only lost 1 pound when I weighed in at the doctor's office. I have been following the post-op diet faithfully. I asked the doctor what was wrong, and she said that only about 25% of patients lose weight immediately. 25% stay the same and 50% gain weight, especially once you start eating mushy food. She explained that my body might be holding on to the weight after the shock of losing 10 pounds on the pre-op liquid diet. She even said that some patients don't lose any weight until after their first fill. I have been noticing that my rings are looser,and I have more room in my clothes. I'm trying to maintain a good attitude, although I do get discouraged when I read posts about people losing 20 pounds the first month. I have to keep thinking that I'm in it for the long haul. The weight has to come off eventually, it just does! Good Luck! :thumbup: MariaC