summer83

I have been thinking about the way men and women treat a person based on their weight. As you all know, overweight people are often treated with bias, regarded as lazy, weak, or unclean. When people who are overweight begin to lose weight, attitudes shift. As a person who has undergone weight loss surgery and has been slowly losing weight over the last two years, I can attest to this. As I get slimmer, I notice that I get more unwanted attention from men who would not have given me a second glance sixty something pounds ago. I have noticed that some women are less friendly towards me. I have even detected jealousy from a few. I'm sure I'm not the only one experiencing this. What do you notice about people's attitudes towards you as you lose weight and start to look different?

Thank you so much, Carol. I called Dr. Rohrscheib's office and he has agreed to do my fills!

Hi, all. I had my surgery done in my home country, Kuwait, 2 years ago and I've just moved to Normal, IL to do my Ph.D at Illinois State. I'm looking for a doctor who will do fills for me even though I had my surgery done elsewhere. Does anyone know of a doctor around here who might do that? I'm going to call around, but I thought asking about on here would be helpful too. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm ravenous, feeling barely restricted, and really need a fill.

Recovery was fast for me. I was pretty much back to normal within a few days. It is uncomfortable the first couple of days, but pain medication will help. Have you had a wisdom tooth removed? I found that the recovery from lap band surgery was less uncomfortable and painful than recovery from having my wisdom teeth out. You'll be very well hydrated with the drip they put in you (I kept having to pee all night), so try not to fret about not being able to drink before surgery. You'll feel so amazing when you weigh yourself over the days right after surgery and see the weight fly off. You won't believe your eyes. In the first week or so alone, I lost about 20 pounds. You're going to do great, my friend. We're all here to support you and you'll be in my thoughts tomorrow! :laugh:

I felt exactly the same way as you. It's normal to feel nervous, but believe me, you're doing the right thing by choosing to make yourself healthy. You'll feel great and you'll be really happy about your decision. The band makes you get used to eating less and after a while you think nothing of it. I eat at least a quarter of the amount I used to although it doesn't feel like it. I admit that I don't eat super-healthy all the time nor do I exercise a lot. However, thanks to the band, I've lost 70 pounds in a year and four months and I feel great. You can do this! :thumbup:

The only thing I can suggest is to drink more slowly, though sometimes belching is unavoidable. I think it is just the band's way of working things down through the stoma, especially when it is tight.

Don't be scared. You will be very glad you had the surgery, believe me. :thumbup:

The hurtful gas does go. The best way to get rid of it is to walk as much as you can manage. That helps your body absorb it. The painful swallowing also goes. I remember that feeling of wanting to rip the band out and of wanting to eat. It does all suck at first, but after the discomfort passes, I'm sure you'll be glad you went through with getting banded. Hang tough.

Keep in good touch with your doctor, but hang in there, Derek. The first few days are a bit rough, but it gets better. :cool2:

Welcome, Lingra. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. This is indeed a wonderful forum if you have any questions or just need some encouraging words. Try not to be scared - there's nothing to it all. :thumbup:

Hello and welcome, Katie! :thumbup:

Hi Emily. Nice to meet you. Though I had my surgery in Kuwait (where my parents live), I too currently live in St. Louis. I go to UMSL. I also find myself surrounded by rude big mac eaters, so I empathize! I was banded on June 29 and have lost 20 pounds so far (I was 300 pounds). I had my first fill on Tuesday. It was a bit soon after surgery but my doctor said I'd healed enough for it. It was not very painful or uncomfortable - mostly it was just a strange sensation. Still getting used to eating very slowly. Keep me posted on how things are going with you and let me know if you have any questions or anything. :thumbup:

I'm new to the site and just wanted to say hello to everyone. I'm having my lap band surgery tomorrow - pretty nervous. :thumbup: Anyway, I'm glad I found this site - it will be nice to have people to talk to who are going through the same experience as me. :smile2:

Iris, good luck tomorrow. You'll do great and it will all be worth it. Linua, thanks for your advise about pets. I've been keeping them at bay. And CampingQueen, congrats on getting approved! My surgery was not bad at all, especially after the initial sedative. I was as high as a kite after that. My lungs are feeling a bit compressed since there's less room around them, but other than that, things are going well. The pain's pretty much gone already and I'm already seeing a change in my sides, my arms and under my chin. I was surprised at how soon these changes became evident, but I am so pleased! Keep me posted on how you're all getting along.

Iris, thanks so much for your encouragement. Good luck to you too, with your meeting and with your surgery on Thursday. Everything will be fine. :thumbdown: