EvieM

Any chance your GERD is related to a hiatal hernia? I had horrible heartburn pre-op, and my surgeon actually repaired a very small hiatal hernia I had at the same time that he did the lapband. I didn't even know I had the hernia, but he did tell me that he'd fix it if he got in there and found one. Guess what? I've been banded for 6 weeks and have not had ANY problems with heartburn, GERD, etc. It's the most wonderful feeling! He did say that most people, even after just losting the first 20 - 30 pounds, notice a major improvement with any sort of acid indigestion. Also, my surgeon gave me a 2 - 3 cc fill when he put the LB in. I've lost 30 pounds since New Year's, when I started the pre-op liquid diet (had a second fill about a week and a half ago). I realize it's going to be different for everyone, and maybe I'm biased, but I think the LB is the best way to go!

My first fill was done two weeks ago, and it was done under x-ray. I laid down during the procedure, so I couldn't see anything at that time (the x-ray machine is placed over your abdomen as you lay down, and the doctor does the fill then). It was very easy! Once I got up, I could see the picture of the x-ray on a screen next to where I was laying. It was weird to see it! I didn't have to drink any cream stuff; just a few sips of water to make sure it went down okay. Piece of cake! :smile:

Hello from a fellow Minnesotan who doesn't live too far from you (Owatonna)! I was banded on 1/14/09 and have lost about 26 pounds since then (about 7 of which were lost on the pre-op liquid diet). Hang in there, as it'll be well worth it! I go for my first fill in about 2 weeks -- looking forward to it! I'd say the biggest "surprises" have been with my recovery. I didn't go back to work for a week, although I was under the impression I'd get back quite a bit sooner than that. I was just too sore... I also didn't do well with the narcotics in the hopsital. I was dry heaving and had to be put on liquid IBuprofen, which was disgusting. I graduated to chewables, which did help the pain for that first week or two. I was mainly just sore, so the pain wasn't unbearable or anything like that. It was my first surgery, so it was all a learning experience! Other than those couple of things, everything else has been great. I can usually only eat about a half-cup of foods at meal times; next week, I finally start the "regular" diet. I still have hunger sometimes, but it's nowhere near as bad as it used to be, prior to surgery. With each day, I'm more and more grateful that I did this. I started at the gym this week, which has boosted that metabolism. The one thing I haven't fully mastered is getting my Water in (at least 48 oz.), but I'm trying! Anyway, I thought it might help to tell you a little of my story, especially being banded so close together, all right here in MN (where it was warm today -- 32 degrees)! It'll be great for you, I'm sure of it. I wish you the best, and keep me posted!

I'm so glad you posted this! I'm nearly 3 weeks post-op and am experiencing the same thing. I am following the diet closely, so I'm confused by the stall in my weight loss. In the past two weeks, I've lost about two pounds, prior to that (including pre-op liquid diet), I lost 20 pounds in a month. The slow-down is confusing, and I hope it's temporary. The only thing I could be doing better is my Water. I've only been getting in about 40 oz. a day, but I still think that's pretty good. Other than that, I'm joining the gym and hope that boosts the metabolism. Best of luck, and keep me posted! It's nice to hear that someone else is experiencing the "stalls"!