inri09

I'm a Massage Therapist who is being banded later this month, so I'm obviously biased, but: massage other than on the stomach can be done right away. I've even read people suggesting a hand held massager on the back helped reduce gas pain after surgery.

After the incisions have healed and inflammation gone, it will be fine for massage. You need to let your therapist know about the surgery, you may want them to avoid the port area if still sensitive there. As far as the incision sites go, massage can help the muscles heal better, breaks up adhesions.

Also, many forms of massage, light massage or energy work can be relaxing and help reduce pain and anxiety from surgery.

be careful about binge eating with the band. Pay attention to portion size. I'm getting banded later this month, but doctor said that pouch dilation is the highest complication rate he sees. From regular stretching of pouch. Many threads in here discuss the issue / potential problems.

Good luck, I'm know I'll have the same struggles. Hard to get used to the idea of what a real portion size looks like...

ever hear of...fox in the hen house?

so far, only told my spouse and sister, will tell our son & daughter, mainly b/c we need someone to watch the dog when I go to hospital. I may tell others as I go ( and success shows), but I don't want to tell people at work yet. I don't want the constant questions of how it's going, what am I eating, how much did I loose this week etc...I know there will be enough people with negative comments or people who expect I should immediately loose a lot of weight, it doesn't seem worth it to bother talking about yet.

Thanks, the person I talked to when scheduling the band operation said the doctor will not do both at once. Band is 2/27, I didn't want to delay that.

He said I don't need it out before it. I'm going to talk with my PCP about needing it out or how likely to have problems later. I'd need to have it done by a different surgeon anyway if done later. The band is being put in a couple hours away, it would normally be out of network, except the local hospital does not perform lap band.

After I posted I started finding some other threads about gall stones, feel better about options at this point. Don't think I'll need an immediate operation. Glad I found them prior to having the pain, sounds like quite an unpleasant experience...

I just scheduled my band surgery for the end of Feb. Found out today I have gall stones. They will proceed with the banding, but I'll need an additional surgery later to remove gall bladder. Any idea ~how long after you need to heal before the 2nd surgery? I haven't had any pain / problems from the stones yet, found them during the ultrasound, so I figure that's why it's fine to wait a while. I wouldn't have known about them if not for this surgery anyway.

Surgery sounds sounds similar to the band, looks like I'll have to go through recovery twice.

L&M has some good support group meetings. I've gone there to get some questions answered while investigating lap bands. I'm scheduled to be banded on 2/27 at St Vincent's.

This site has been great for info on many subjects. Congrats, good luck...

how's the 1st week been for you recovery wise?

Found out I was approved today, will schedule a date for surgery tomorrow. I've been reading almost every thread on here over the last month or so. I know it's really a lifestyle change not an easy fix, so think I'm going in with reasonable expectations. In talking with my surgeon and through reading here, it sounds like the most common problem is pouch dilation. From threads, it sounds like some people get it ~1yr. after banding. I know that watching portion size is the key and hope I can keep from getting complacent. After waiting so long (had to switch onto wife's ins this Jan) I'm excited to finally begin and get the bandster hell behind me.

you can either ask your doctor if (s)he can recommend anyone, or: go on line under lap band. It should be easy to find a site that offers info on seminars in your areas. Many doctors performing the surgery offer informational seminars, they will then set you up with appt's as needed if you're interested. After I went, I held off for a year giving dieting another try. I'm back, currently waiting for ins approval and a surgery date.

good luck

hi, I'm new to the forum, but I've been spying on all the conversations for weeks. My pre-op visit is tomorrow, hope to find out surgery date then. I started looking into lapband 1 yr ago, decided to wait and try to diet again first (plus, found out my ins did not cover). Obviously the diet went as normal, now I'm looking forward to a band. The year gave me time to make sure it was right for me and investigate all aspects. I changed ins this Jan 1st to a plan that covers it and it looks like all is set. I've completed all prelim visits, just waiting for a date. Will have to figure out how to make a ticker for weights etc....