wishinghoping

I've gone to a couple of different seminars and they have each emphasized that the lap band system is much less intrusive on your body than gastric by-pass. As I've read here I've been very surprised at all the pre-op and immediate post-op restrictions. The latest surgeon indicated there were basically no pre-op for banding. He was also very clear that it might be months before the band was fully functional and giving the restriction you want. Until they reach that "sweet spot" (his term), he said he's had quite a few patients gain weight after having the band installed. So that leads to my question. If the stomach is not being cut and you do not feel much restriction until after you are filled, what exactly is your stomach "healing" from? I've read through the frequently asked questions and it emphasis not eating any food until the doctor allows while you "heal". I'm not challenging the rules. If I'm told not to eat solid food for 3 weeks, I won't. But it does confuse me as to what exactly the stomach is healing from if it isn't being cut. Thanks for any help in understanding.

Thanks all. I'm still trying to get up the nerve to watch the video ( squeemish here ) but it does certainly make more sense!

I think that if our bodies liked to lose weight easily we would not be here. : ) Personally, I am hoping for that 1 to 2 pound a week loss. I don't want to offend anyone, but I don't really want to be a walking advertisement for weight loss surgery. So slow and steady would be great by me. And, while my personal experience has been that people who have these operations DO gain weight back, think of it this way: you are doing this the right way in learning how to eat right. So slow means you WILL have long term success. One year from now you will be a very happy camper!

Has your success with this made you reconsider whether you should even have the surgery?

Hi - Brand new here too. I'm on the east side of Columbus. I hope to get a lot of info here. Seems like a great place to learn.