wookiewatcher11111

Before I had it removed I was looking everywhere to find information about what it is like after removal. Can I eat normal and without pain again? Will my left shoulder pain go away? I couldn't find this anywhere so I wanted to let those who are looking for these answers know about my experience. I realize not everyone will have the same experience, but it would of been nice to find someone who had the lap band removed and could tell me how they felt and if their situation improved. I had my lap band for a year. I had a really difficult time with it, mostly because I could barely eat anything of substance. I found that when I tried to eat meat/vegetables/anything with texture basically it came back up. I really tried so many things, chewing forever, small little bites, baby silverware, liquid to help it go down, no liquid, etc, etc, etc. I was in pain whenever I would eat and felt like I couldn't breathe. That just didn't seem right to me. I missed having salad! And chicken, oh how I love chicken! But no matter what I tried I couldn't get it down. I had my lap band loosened, tightened, they had so many suggestions and I tried every one of them. I finally decided I didn't want to live this way. I was tired, didn't ever feel good, was depressed. I didn't feel healthy. I lost 50 pounds sure... but what good is that when I felt terrible all the time? It wasn't a fair trade off to me. I am lucky that my insurance paid for my lap band removal as I know that is an obstacle for many. I am so thankful it is out. I can breathe! I can eat real food! My left shoulder pain is completely gone! I feel alive, and healthy, and like I can get back to my real life. I don't regret getting the lap band. It was a year of learning to eat slow and small bites. That hasn't gone away. It has been almost 2 weeks since it was removed and I was afraid once it was gone I would eat like crazy just because I could. But I find that instead I am thoroughly enjoying every bite, because as I swallow I can still breathe, my chest isn't tight, I don't have pain just because I eat food. And so far I haven't gained any weight back, yay me! The best way of describing it is that I feel FREE. Free to be me, Free to eat healthy! I am very happy for the people this works for and I wish it had worked better for me. But I don't consider it a failure in my life. I look at it as a learning experience. I now know more about what I need to be healthy and live the life I want to live. Only bad part about having it removed, a sore tummy where my incisions are for about a week. I call that fair for having my life back. :biggrin:

When I decided to get the lap band I was at 386. I starting changing things in my lifestyle before surgery (more active, eating healthy) back in August. I started my pre-op diet Jan 6 at 370, weighed 352 when I was banded Jan 27th. Went in for my first post op and was down to 339. I can't wait to get under 300, it will be the first time in over 10 years!

Sorry to hear you are so uncomfortable with everything you have gone through. I am 13 days post op and also had the shoulder pain. It has gradually decreased and is now almost completely gone. I have used a heating pad, and ice pack as well. Both help with the pain for me. I also am trying to walk as much as I can and that seems to really help me. I hope you are feeling better soon. :thumbdown:

The pain in my shoulder is decreasing and is better, I keep on walking and moving around. The gas keeps on coming so I'm assuming there is still more to come! I never thought one could have gas in their shoulder. I can't imagine a Charlie horse in the belly, how terrible!! :tongue2: I hope you are feeling much less pain now. I know where Mt Lake Terrace is, go through there all the time. I live about 5 min from the Alderwood mall. I love WA, been here almost my whole life. Take care!

I am able to have cream soups as long as I strain the soup. I am only able to take in about 3 oz of soup, but it is very filling, and so comforting. I was banded Jan 27th this week and am on the full liquid stage. I was instructed to make a milk mixture of skim milk and nonfat powdered milk that I use to mix with condensed soups. This gives me extra Protein which helps.

My stomach growled for the first time this evening and I had to double check with myself before I even realized that's what it was. I was banded Jan 27th this week. Haven't been hungry, but am keeping a steady flow of liquids in and am making sure I get in my protein throughout the day. I was starting to feel a little strange going days with out feeling that "hunger pain" my body normally sends me. I am on full liquids for the next 2 wks, I definitely wouldn't be trying regular foods. That thought just scares me after all the hard work I've gone through to get to this point.

I was banded Jan 27th. Seem to be doing good for the most part. That first night was the worst, they were having trouble managing my pain. I was on clear liquids the first 2 days, and then switched to full liquids for 2 weeks. I am on full liquids now, just having trouble getting all 64 oz in as well as Protein, hardly have any appetite. Soup seems to be my favorite by far as it is warm and comforting, feels good going down. The thing that bothers me most is the pain in my left shoulder. Does anyone know the cause of this? I have been using a heat pack and liquid Tylenol for it, but it doesn't seem to want to go away. Overall I feel like I've made a wonderful choice, am able to get up and walk around quite a bit, which definitely helps with the gas. My tummy is very bubble/gassy, but that is getting better the more I move about. Am anxious to get back to work, have to wait 4 weeks, since I can't lift more than 10 lbs for 4 weeks and the infant I care for is 25-30ish lbs. I know I need the recovery time so I am taking full advantage of it. Audrey Woohoo Jan 27th Bandsters! :redface:

I'm also January 27th. I'm excited at this point, it's been a long wait. Started my pre-op diet a week ago. Doing pretty good with that. Some days are easier than others.

I'm from Washington and just found out my surgery date. I will be getting my Lap Band on January 27th. I'm really excited and thought I would join the forum so I could talk to others going through the same things. My name is Audrey, I'm 31, engaged, and work as a Nanny for a 12 month old little boy. Audrey

I'm going to be a January Bandster, just got my date a few days ago. January 27th, 2009!! I'm happy it's going to be in January, because I didn't think it was happening until March, but my surgeon had an earlier opening. Yay for me!