julesings

Hi Doug, Im a professional singer and teach at a university. Nice to see a fellow musician online. Have you been banded yet?

Hi Island Girl! I traveled to Italy at 3 weeks post-op and sang at 4 weeks. It was just one aria on a gala.....not a whole role or anything. I felt absolutely fine. Not sure about the port thing....mine is under my ribs about 3 inches right of my midline. One thing to consider is the intubation. I was awake when they intubated me....not fun, but then they can have you inhale deeply when they insert the tube minimizing the possibility of damage. This is something to talk to the anesthesiologist about. Dont let anyone tell you that losing weight is going to ruin your voice! After losing weight EVERYTHING feels better including my voice. Its so cool to meet another singer!

I had my first fill today and both the PA and the surgeon who was finally called into the room had trouble finding my port. I think they stuck me a total of 21 times. I realize now that I should have said "enough" at some point but they kept saying they almost had it.....eventually they got it, but it was fairly tedious....took about 30 minutes of jabbing. Now Im worried that the tubing could have been punctured....God knows they punctured everywhere possible in a 2 inch area. Anyone else have something similar happen?

I went to Europe for 2 months at exactly 3 weeks postop. Now problem at all.

OMG you asked the VERY question I have been wondering about. I am 2 weeks post op and about to go on a European vacation with my BF. I cant imagine NOT doing this.....its one of my favorite things! Also I was wondering if swallowing was going to fill me up....haha! Not sure if I want to waste the calories! You are my kind of gals LOL

Hi Everyone, I am a newly banded girl! Your comments have helped me already on this journey. I have been home for 3 days now and am starting to feel better. I also had a hernia repaired on the same day, so I assume the extra surgical site sets me back slightly pain and recovery wise. Cant complain though! I did have one question. I lost 20 lbs on the pre-surgery diet, but have apparently GAINED 5 pounds since coming back from the hospital. Since I am eating pitiful amounts of puree, I am assuming this gain is about fluid and bloat. Have any of you encountered this? Its a real kick in the head! Thanks again for such a great site!

Thanks ladies! Im now dropping that weight. Phew! I attribute it to the many bags of fluids they kept pumping into me. I seem to be on the way down (in a good way) now.

Hi Poodles, I just had the lapband and hernia operations on the same day last Wednesday. I honestly feel pretty great right now...the hernia site is somewhat more tender...but the lapband stuff is no pain at all. I guess what I am saying is that the lapband will most likely be a piece of cake for you and you should be able to tackle the hernia sooner or later without fear of substantial pain. i got my hernia from a c-section too. I think you should take your Docs advice and go for the lapband. You will be glad you did! Best of luck to you. Jules

Thanks! Glad to hear its not some cosmic joke! Jules

Dear fellow travelers, I am getting banded in Madison WI this coming Wednesday! I am excited and nervous and absolutely humbled by what Im about to do. Any advice from you veterans? Anything I should take to the hospital? Tips and tricks for those first few days? Im sure there is no way to really prepare physically and mentally.....kind of like having your first child! Just do it and go with the flow. Id love to hear from some of you soon:)