JamesGate

Hi Mike, I think I was in a similar position as you about a year ago. It took a while for me to get to the point where I could acknowledge that I wasn't in control of my health and needed a tool to regain that control. You seem to be at that point. We have a lot in common as I maxed out at 305lbs BMI 41. Same story with sleep apnea, back and joint pain and swelling. As far as my research and experience, being younger helps with quickening the recovery and lowers a few risks of problems. The lapband procedure only had me in surgery for an hour and I was only in the hospital from 6am to noon beginning to end. I was moving well on the 2nd day and I was back to work and exercising without issue on the 5th day. I'm at the 1 week point, so I'm still "mourning the loss of my former pal, food" a little, but I'm holding up ok. I'm also a part time grad student and I have been able to keep up without missing much. The lapband with laparoscopic installation is much less debilitating than other methods. Its not a walk in the park, but it doesn't have you on bedrest for days and days. Good luck to you as you work with your doctor, insurance company, etc.

Hi everone. Been a reader here for a while and finally got my profile going (thought it was only fair). Thanks to all of you who post about your triumphs and struggles. It makes me feel like I know a lot of you personally and this seems like a very good place to interact with even greater people. I started this process last June. Got through all the insurance fuss after 6 months and was banded last week on 2/4. Went to Dr. Schram at Barix in ypsilanti, mi. My wife went to him in 2004 and the facility is less than 5 miles from my home. Procedure went like clockwork. Swelling was minimal, only took the pain med because I thought I might need it. Stopped that the next day. I've been walking a good deal to get myself going. I'm back to work today and not feeling bad at all. My only complaint it that my back aches a little because my stomach muscles aren't fully supporting their load. So far I am down ~15 lbs from my preop visit 2 weeks ago. I'm happy to learn that most seem to lose a bit in the first few days. Best wishes to all!

Hello, I got banded on the 4th, so it looks like we are in a similar boat. Everything went real smooth with my procedure and I'm back to work and school today. Hope your doing well 6 days out.