nocticula

I'm new here as of today and I posted some cool pics up in an album. I'm still trying to figure out my way around here. Where do you post your before and after pics? LAP-BAND

That's great to hear. You are new to this and it will take some time for you to get used to all the changes that have been made to your body. Best of luck to you on your goals! We all can do it!

Do you sleep with a CPAP machine? I wasn't sure from your post if you stopped breathing at night when asleep. I am 5 years out and would like to tell you that from what I know, this is the best option for weight loss surgery because it is adjustable. I was a size 22 and am now a 6 for a few years. I was scared too. It's scary making life-changing decisions. If you weren;t scared then that would be abnormal. You have to be aware that this is only a tool that will help you along with proper diet and excersise. once you come to terms with that, you will be ok.

I couldn't find liquid for adults at the time of my surgery, so I took children's advil and tylenol. Yes, you will have to take a fair amount of it, but it works. Your doc should not have a problem giving you percocet for at least another week or two. We are all different and our pain experiences are too. My pain lasted longer and so got a total of 3 weeks of pain meds. It happens! You have to sleep and be able to move around pain-free!!

Hi Janet, I'm Carolyn. I was banded 5 years before you, but I was wondering if you experience a sense of swelling in the morning making eating difficult to impossible. I don't recall having this issue two years out.

I am down from a 22 to a 6. Is that 8 sizes? I don't know how it's counted. (oops, I realized later that you all were banded at the same time. I have to watch carefully where I post)

My entire family, except for my husband was very unsupportive, but they can't ignore the fact that I now have normal cholesterol levels and am no longer taking high blood pressure meds. In the end it's your decision and yours alone. I made the right decision.

What is causing the sensitivity? Over-eating? residual surgery pain? Having the right person do your fill is very important. My original surgeon stuck me 11 times with the needle before he listened to my cries of pain and stopped. I found another surgeon to do my fills after that. The hardest part is our mental eating. I do still suffer from the want of comfort from food, luckily the band restricts me. I guess just take it easy and let time work on your side and don't put too much pressure on yourself. It took me years to get here and it was worth it. It gave me the time to learn about my body all over again.

I had my surgery in 2002 and I'll tell you that I still have port pain on occassion. I do believe that it is due to over work of the muscles in that area. Just take it easy and if you need more pain meds to get through another week, your doc should give them to you. Maybe a lower dose. When I was big into Pilates (which I so need again) the pain and tenderness was more apparent.

Hi! I'm new to the website and to support groups as well. I am as you would say "homeless". Would love to join a group and feel a part of something.

Hi, I'm carolyn and I was banded in July 2002. I am at my goal and have been for a couple of years. I am not having a problem with weight gain, but rather weight loss. I have to continuously eat in order to maintain my weight. Anyway, looking for fellow old-timers who may be experiencing the same swollen feeling in the mornings like I do. I am also here to help anybody who would like it, any advice I can give to any of you who are new to this. I was not one much for support groups, but have been thinking about it for a long time. So here I am.

I have the band now 5+ years, and can tell you from experience that you need to be very careful and try really hard to stick to what your doc says as far as eating guidelines go. I know it's hard and we don't change our eating habits because of surgery overnight, but you have to try to get your mind wrapped around this new you and take care of this tool you received that will help you reach your goals!