BrentinLA

I was just wondering if there were people in a similar boat to me. My better half likes me "thick," for lack of a better term. I just got banded about 10 days ago. We've been together for over 8 years and I would like to think that we are both secure enough in our relationship not to have to worry about it. However, everyone has a "type," and when we met I was definitely overweight. Is anyone else going through this? Has anyone had relationship difficulties because their partner likes them big and they are losing weight? Just curious. I know it seems like a taboo thing to discuss, but it's been on my mind.

Just remember that the Band is not a magic cure-all. I was banded on Sept 14, and it hasn't been easy. However, I would do it again in a second. The best advice I can give you is that the Band always wins. If you do something you shouldn't, you'll know - fast. It keeps me compliant without the hassles of being hungry. So far, I love it. I'm down 35 pounds in 6 weeks. It requires modification in your diet, but it's not that hard once you get used to it. It's far easier than any diet I've done. Just make sure you have surgeon that you feel confident with, stay on top of managing your fills and follow up appointment, and follow the diet. Best of luck.

Hi Tiffany, Glad to hear I'm not the only one..lol. I figured there had to be other people who were in similar situations. Although I couldn't help but wonder. Thanks so much for your post.

I was banded on 9/14 and have lost 25 pounds in 10 days!

I see "PB" often on the board. I was hoping someone could tell me what it means. Thanks!

Hi there...I went through the exact same thing as you. Except, I spent 5 days in the hospital after surgery because I couldn't keep ANYTHING (even Water, no matter how small a sip) down. I know what you are describing, and it does go away. The pain after you swallow and the burping are normal. Call your doctor and see about having an unfill with your band. In my case one of the problems was that my surgeon partially filled my band during the procedure which made it impossible to swallow the smallest sips of water without pain, burping, etc. I also had a hiatal hernia repair and know what you are experiencing. The pain from breathing can be really frustrating. Did they give you a spyrometer in the hospital? If they didn't, practice deep breathing every hour. Take huge deep breaths in (even if it's painful) and exhale slowly through your nose. Do this 5-10 times an hour..it helps to expand your diaphragm and move the gas out. The other thing is that your body is still swollen and inflamed from the procedure. It takes a good week or two for the swelling to go down. I'm on my 10th day out and today was the FIRST day that I actually feel somewhat normal with minimum discomfort. I know what you're feeling. Try to get some rest, and stay ahead of the pain by taking the pain meds even if you aren't having pain. They are more effective if you take them before you're having pain. Trust me. If the codeine isn't working call and request liquid Lortab. Best of luck to you..you will get through it.

I know what you mean. Everyone I told has responded with the often heard, "You don't seem like you need it, you aren't THAT big." Regardless, who cares what anyone thinks. Ultimately it's for me. I'm tired of struggling with diets, and battling weight. I'm even more tired of having hypertension, apnea, knee pain, and more. That's why I'm absolutely psyched I had my operation a week ago!

I've had sleep apnea for several years ( I found out when I did a sleep study). I was given a retainer to wear that holds my tongue down and pulls my jaw forward. Part of the reason I was approved by insurance for the band was because of this diagnosis.

Hi, I got banded Monday at Olympia Med Center in LA. I'm looking for a group local to me as well. I have a couple of friends who would probably be interested too!

I had a similar thing happen to me. My doc had to remove saline from the band because it was too tight. Ask him if that my be a possibility. I felt better right after he took out 2.5 cc.

They told me the same thing prior to surgery. They were especially concerned because I'm a smoker, and I have apnea. Apparently they did take the tube out while I was waking up, but I don't remember a thing. The only thing I remember is having an oxygen mask over my mouth and nose. Otherwise you'll be so out of it from the anasthesia that you won't remember or know. Don't worry.

Hi Everyone.. I got banded yesterday morning. Yesterday I could tolerate ice chips with no problem. Today I was told to move more towards Clear liquids..(between 4-6oz every hour...but can't do it). My problem is whenever I drink anything (no matter how small) I feel like I have to burp, and get pressure in the middle of my chest until I burp. This happens with the tiniest sips. I took the liquid Vicodin, but now whenever I take small sips I feel naseous and feel like I want to vomit (but I haven't). Has this happened to anyone? Is this normal?

I saw my surgeon early this morning. He took out 2.5cc of fluid from the band, and I seem to be able to hold down fluids pretty well. I'm gonna cross my fingers and hope that I'm past the worst of it.

I spoke to my surgeon..he said not to drink anything for 2 hours and let things settle down. He then said to drink hot broths. He said if I was still having problems that he would need to adjust my band tomorrow. He seems to think that it's the swelling too.

I am allowed to have other clear broths, but have really only wanted water. I should also mention that I vomited just after I posted this and feel tremendously better, but am worried about getting fluids down.

I forgot to mention that sometimes when I burp I get some foam-ish type of stuff that comes up.

I got banded yesterday and the burping has been nonstop. Whenever I drink even a small amount of water I burp. It' making me a little crazy.

How did all the 9-14 folks do today? I went in at 7am and was banded and had hiatal hernia fixed. I'm still pretty sore, and the gas is bothering me. How's everyone doing?

I was just wondering who is having surgery tomorrow: Sept 14? I'm scheduled first thing in the AM. I have to be at the hospital at 6am and am scheduled for a 7am procedure. How is everyone holding up that's scheduled for tomorrow? I'm freaking out a little. I never did entirely quit smoking...(however I've cut WAY down). I told my doc and he said that it slows healing, but he was still going to operate.. Also, is anyone sure about the whole magnesium citrate thing? Are we supposed to take it the day before surgery, or two days before, or both? Best of luck to everyone tomorrow.

I share your fear. I'm my docs first case tomorrow morning and keep having moments of utter terror. I went and got a massage this afternoon to relax me and take my mind off of it. I'm spending the rest of the day cleaning my house, doing laundry, and making preparations for when I get home. Find something to take your mind off of stuff. I can relate.

I have ulcers and a hiatal hernia. I'm having sugery Monday morning. My surgeon is going to fix the hernia (which will help with the acid reflux), and hopefully being on a restrictive diet will heal any ulcers. I know another person who had ulcers and had no problem with the surgery.

I just saw my surgeon today for a final appt to answer a bunch of questions I had. I spent all week doing blood tests, stress tests, and all the other pre-op tests required for surgery. I start liquids tomorrow until midnight the night before. I'm also supposed to drink a bottle of magnesium citrate tomorrow..eeek. My doc gave me the option of spending the night at the hospital and I decided to stay overnight. I can't say I'm not freaking out a little..but I'm ready to get this done.

I have SAG-Producer's Health Plan; it took about 4 days to get approval after my MD submitted to them.

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Dr. Carson Liu in Los Angeles. I'm scheduled to have surgery with him in 6 days. Thanks!

I had my cursed gallbladder out last year, and am supposed to be banded in 6 days. Do yourself a favor and get it removed. The operation is quick, and relatively painless afterwards. I waited 6 months to have mine removed because I was terrified of having surgery. If I had known then what I know now I would have done it immediately. The pain only gets worse and more intense as the gallbladder gets more infected and filled with stones. It's true that you feel like a new person about a week after having it removed..I did! I had mine out when I was 33, same age as my mother was when she had her's removed (genetics do play a part..lol). The best advice I can give is to avoid ALL fatty foods and high fat dairy. I went on a vegan (no meat, no dairy) diet until my surgery and had no attacks. Get back on shakes, and eat tons of fruits and veggies. Any fat you eat will cause your GB to constrict, and that will cause stones to try to pass, and create tons of pain. Hope this helps..and best of luck.