BrentinLA

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 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.

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.

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.