Gracie'smom

I would not recommend Lap Band. I got mine in 2010 it worked fairly well but lots of reflux. Finally after 4 years my Dr insited it be removed due to esophagus problems. It was very disappointing. My Dr. said he removes more lap bands and never will put another one in. I am finally going to get gastric bypass in just a few days. You need to really do your research on Lap Band before you choose it.

I was banded in May and had my first fill July 12th. I did not feel much different. I remember reading on this site somewhere that sometimes it can take 3 weeks or so for a fill to "kick" in. And for some reason after 3 to 4 weeks I really notice it now. Last week I even had a episode with a little pain and foaming after eating. So now for real, I feel I have to chew and eat slow. This whole banding is a learning experience and different for everyone.

I get my 1st fill July 13th and that is 2 months after my banding. The delay was because I was out of town. I feel better reading that several of you have had a slow-down in weight loss also. I lost quite a bit pre-diet and right after but now I seem to eat more than I should too easily. I have to make myself stop or I could just eat like the old days. I hope the fill will help "remind" me to eat slow. I will let y'all know how the fill procedure goes.

I had my lapband on May 12th. Almost 2 weeks. I am 5'31/2 and weighed 216 lbs. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure and a mild heart attack 2 yrs ago. It has been so easy. I was never in much pain after surgery. I took the pain meds about 4 or 5 days but was never in real pain. I was sore in specific spots. I have been lucky. No shoulder pain (gas pains) I have learned to burp real good! I went back to work after 5 days. I did get tired that first day. I am on my second week of Protein drinks and I don't really get hungry but I do wish I could eat some things when I see them. I did try apple sauce and sugar free pudding and it went down fine. I can tell I don't have any restriction so I am anxious to get that 1st fill. As you can see my experience has been good. You are normal to be afraid because it's something you have never done. Basically I went right to sleep in the Op room and woke up in recovery feeling very rested. I have lost 8 lbs since starting the pre opt diet 1 week b-4 the surgery and another 8 lbs since the 12th.

Im doing good physically. But I know what you mean about wanting to eat. I have to turn away from the TV commercials! I just have another protein drink in a flavor I like and everytime I get on the scales I feel great. Try some sugar free jello or sugar free pudding.

Does anyone know how I can get my "weight loss ticker" thing to show up on these pages? I got it on my personal profile page and can change it as I loose but I cant get it to show up on these pages.:laugh:

7 days since surgery. Today I was hungry or I seem to be thinking about food! I can have protein shakes with milk and jello and soups. Not much pain anymore unless I bend over of stretch. I have to look away at TV commercials for food!!!! :laugh: I will try to stick to Dr. orders for liquids...but after hearing what other Dr. orders are I really don't think starting soft foods 1 week early is that big a deal.

I have to continually look at all my notes and papers or I get confused also.

Maylsa Talk with your Dr.s office and tell them how you are feeling. My post op was 2 to 3 days of clear liquids then after checking in with them if all was ok (and it is) I can have protein shakes to finish out the 2 weeks. After that it is mushies. Go to the UNJURY web site and check out their chicken broth protein powder its really good and counts as a clear liquid but with the protein. They also have a unflavored that can be used with Crystal light, Gatoraide or juice but gets that protein in as well. About 20 grams I think. I was banded on the 12th and aside from some soreness at the port site I'm doing pretty good. Went back to work today and did get a bit dizzy and tired and went home after 1/2 a day.

Kerri I was banded on the 12th. The next day when I weighed I had gained back 4 of the 10 lbs lost on the pre opt diet. Its got to be the surgery and swelling maybe fluid. This morning (14th) I was down a couple of lbs from yesterday. I guess I will stay off the scales for awhile - my belly does seem puffy and bigger:thumbdown:.

Angie Glad your doing well. I am too. My headache finally went away when I drank a small amount of warm tea. My dr office says black coffee is ok too so I'm having some now. I never did cut back on caffine like is suggested so I'm sure that is why I had the headache.

Hi everybody. I had my surgery today at 12:00 noon. Its 9:45 now and I am doing pretty good. Surgery went smoothly - no pain. I was out of there and home by 5:00. My port area is really sore but I'm not really in pain (if that makes sense). Of course I have good meds! I can drink just fine about a 1/2 to a ounce at a time. Nagging headache though. We will see how I feel tomorrow. Good luck to those for Thurs. and Friday.

I too have my surgery Wednesday morning. I am a little nervous but sooo ready. I am more worried about the after surgery pain but it helps to hear from those of you who had your surgery the last few days and to know you are doing ok. I will post again soon.

I asked my Dr. how long the band would last and if it would have to be replaced. His reply was "it will outlast you". I am 52! I am also to be banded on the 12th. I have been on so many diets and lost and then slowly or not so slowly regained it. I think about that when ever I start to wonder if this is the right thing for me. This site has helped alot. Try reading some of the threads from people who have already been banded for awhile. Most are very happy with it.

Kellsby, I am also on May 12th. I have worked with my Dr. and insurance for almost 2 years so I really feel this is right for me. But I am nervous and I'm sure it will get worse over the next few days. I am more unsure about the 2 to 3 week post surgery. Hope there will not be alot of discomfort. We can cheer each other up.

Yikes- I did not know about the recall. I found the Slim Fast High Protein at Tom Thumb. I live in Texas and don't know what other states they are in but they are part of Safeway.

Regarding the preop diet, my dr. has me drinking protein shakes two or three times a day or more if needed but I can have a "sensible" meal once a day. I can do this up to the day b-4 the surgery. Sam's has a good price on the EAS Whey powder or you can get the low carb premixed containers. The "high protein" Slim Fast is really good but hard to find. UNJURY has a good web site for their products. I like variety so I keep looking and tasting:tt2: I am 6 days away!!!!

This was really helpful reading. Thanks to all of you. My surgery is May 12th. I want to be prepared.:thumbdown:

Quinny You can do this. I am on my 1st week of pre-opt diet. It's not easy but of course I can still have a light 3rd meal. Next week will be harder for me too. I am to be banded on May 12th. You have come this far. Don't give up..... Just a few more days. Now is the time to go all liquid. Stop the salads. Try prayer. This next week is such a short time compared to the rest of your life!!!! Good Luck:smile: