Jennim89

I'm also just over a month post op and feel the same discomfort. It hurts when I bend over, twist, or put pressure where my port is. Also kind of strange that I can actually feel my port, that is very weird to me. I also notice that if I get really tired or am up late at night, my port starts to bother me. Hopefully as time goes on it will get better!

I absolutely felt like that. I'm only 4 weeks out, but it does get better. I still have my bad days, and I'm sure we all do, but once the weight starts to come off and you get into a new routine, you will feel better. Good luck and hang in there!

I struggled with what to do. At first I didn't want anyone knowing. My mom knew, but that was it. As the process got going, I started to tell just very close family. My boyfriend and best friend and that was it. I wanted it to stay that way. I wasn't ashamed or embarrassed of my decision, I just knew it was what I wanted and didn't want to deal the people passing judgements or thinking I was taking the 'easy' way out. Little did I know...this is NOT the easy way out! No one knew I had surgery, I bounced back quickly and it was easy to hide. I had dodged the "lets go out to eat" or "lets grab a drink" initially with no problem, saying I was on a diet and didn't want to spend the money. Now, three weeks post op, its getting harder and harder to keep dodging the questions, especially now that I'm noticeably losing weight. Last night, my boyfriend said to me that he thinks people are becoming suspicious about what is going on...so, he said it best. If they straight out ask, then there is no reason to lie, just tell them, But if they don't inquire, they don't need to know. I still believe it's really no ones business, but this is a life long thing and I don't think it'll be easy to hide forever. It's something I've struggled with every day since I've started this journey and come very close to telling many people. Hopefully, when it does come up, people will be supportive, I don't need to be judged.

I'm 21 and had the same concerns during my journey before surgery. Although every surgeon is different, and mine is more conservative, he said the same thing. All the fluid can come out of the band to allow for good nutrition for both you and your baby. My doctor does make you sign a contract stating that you won't become pregnant until two years after your surgery so your weight can stabilize. That's one reason I chose to do mine at such a young age. You should be able to have the family you've always wanted with the band. Weight loss can even make you more fertile and therefore easier to conceive. Just something to think about, good luck!

I'm 21 and a senior in college as well. Banded a week ago and starting to get anxious about returning to school and living with 6 girls that don't know I had this done. I'm feeling your pain and I'll let keep you posted if I find anything that works really well for me. goodluck!

I'm 6 days post op and woke up in the middle of the night last night on my stomach! (I'm usually a ONLY a stomach sleeper, so this back business has been difficult!) But I was really nervous that it would cause me more pain, so I tried to stay on my back the rest of the night....I feel fine this morning so I may just let myself get some sleep on my stomach tonight! Hopefully we aren't doing any harm!

I have been on full liquids since my surgery on the 29th. I'm too afraid to stray from the list my surgeon gave me, fearing I'll cause a problem. However, I am getting so sick and tired of broth, jello, yogurt, pudding and protein shakes. The thought of having to go another week and a half on this diet makes me crazy!

I am being banded on Wednesday, first thing in the morning. This means tomorrow is clear liquids only. I'm trying to fight all the emotions. After 2 weeks of a preop full liquid diet, my emotions are going crazy so tonight is especially hard but I dont want to give in. I'm trying to be optimistic because I really am so excited although I can't help think that I've gotten myself in way over my head. I know so much but feel so unprepared. I don't know how I will be able to mentally break off my relationship that I have with food and I just want to succeed and not fail, for once in my life... Ahhhh, so many things crossing my mind. Am I crazy?

Ever since I decided to go through with the surgery, I knew I didn't want to tell anyone, other than my mother ( I still live at home, and need someone to take care of me! ). As I started going through the process, all the doctors appointments and classes, I realized that I did need some support. I decided to tell my boyfriend of 5 years, and 2 of my best friends. I struggled with who to tell because it is not something I want to be judged for. I have made my own decisions, and I need support, not scrutiny. I am still withholding it from my my 3rd best friend because I know she will have nothing good to say. For me, it is not something I want to broadcast. I want people to know to support me and help me through my journey. Good luck to you all, it is not as easy of a journey as I originally thought.

my surgery is on the 29th, starting my preop diet on the 15th. Its been such a long journey, can't believe they day is so close

Other people's opinions can be one of the most challenging things through this whole process. I live in a college dorm about three hours away from my surgeon so this has been quite a drawn out process. The other day, I was sitting in my room when my suite-mate returned from dinner with her family. She was ranting about her sister-in-law and how she is going to get the band and how she thought it was "the easy way out" and people like that should just get up and go to the gym. "Diet and exercise is all you need" is what she would say... now just remember, she has NO clue that I'm getting the band in december...no one does besides my mom, boyfriend, and best friend. But hearing that from her, or your sister, or anyone is really hard. This journey is not easy and we all need people to be there and support us. After that little rant, my best friend just kept telling me that people like that are uneducated and have never felt this way before. It would be wonderful if people like that could walk a day or two in our shoes just to see how it feels to be the "fat" one in the group and not be able to do everything they can. Its hard to understand unless you've been there...Just remember, you're making an extremely brave decision to do this and in the end it will be worth everything. (I have to tell myself this every day) Keep you're head up and surround yourself with the positives. You're doing a wonderful thing, don't ever forget that! Goodluck! :biggrin:

I also work in a hospital...the hospital i will be having my surgery in. This means that there is no way around my coworkers knowing. So I have decided that if they know, they know but I personally don't want to offer it up. Most would be overly supportive, I just don't want judgements to be passed that don't need to be. The only people that know are my very supportive mother, unsupportive father, and my bestfriend. I'm contemplating telling my boyfriend of 5 years but even though I trust him, I live in a small town and am afraid everyone would soon know. So i agree-it is a personal decision and neither is wrong. Its whatever works for you. Just know, there is nothing better you can do for yourself then improve your health...and when it comes down to it, who really cares what others think!! Goodluck everyone

Hello all, Today I am going to my doctors office to enroll in the program. Since its a 500 dollar charge, it means that I'll be going through with this and essentially there isn't any turning back. I am really excited but also really nervous and keep continuing to go through periods of doubt and apprehension. Just wondering if others feel/felt the same? I know I want to go through with it, it just seems scary to actually commit. Also- I'm going in for my endoscopy tomorrow and am rather nervous...any tips? Thanks :thumbup:

My name is Jenn and I'm very new to all of this. I am attending a seminar on Tuesday to get the ball rolling. I am really excited to start this journey as it seems life changing but at the same time selfish. As I start this, I'm very worried about other people, my friends, coworkers, and family, judging me. I work at the hospital I will be having the surgery at so it puts my in a tough spot. Just looking for some advice and thoughts as I start my journey. Thanks!

I have met a fee people that have had it done, all with good results. My hospital is small, only about 250 beds, so everyone knows everyone! And congrats! You must be very excited. I am still afraid to involve my friends and my family other than my mom, who is very supportive. Selfish propably isn't the correct word. Although I still have my doubts, I need to do this for myself. It is something I want... But my health is at risk. There's a lot to think about and I appreciate you're response!!