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First of all welcome, good luck and congratulations. There are pros and cons with everything, so far I don't really have many cons other than I can't eat the amount of certain things anymore that I'd like to lol, but then again this is also a pro. Many people have complications, many do not, many succeed, many do not. But so far, almost a year out, I have no regrets. Some days it's a struggle, some days I couldn't be happier. It is no magic pill and it does take work, but I never forget why I did it, it's truely been a life changer (and saver) already, and I'm very happy with the results so far. To answer some of your questions... How difficult was the surgery? It wasn't very difficult, I was asleep lol. But seriously it's a low risk surgery, but there is some risk as with any surgery. I woke up and a few hours later I was on my way home, with no problems. How long was recovery? Everyone is different, I was up and moving around the next day. I was full of gas so I had to be, plus moving around quickly after surgery helps you heal faster. It's usually a very fast recovery time for most people. How long were people out of work? Some people are back to work in less than a week, some longer. I was greatful that my employer gave me 3 weeks no questions asked, they were very supportive. Although when I went back I did have some port pain from sitting and rubbing against the desk in my port area, and some pain from my bra rubbing one of my incisions (I don't think you'll have that problem lol). I was fine when I was up and moving around, it was the sitting and desk rubbing that really bothered me. I was also very tired when I came back, this was probably because I was getting used to eating such little bits and from being a slug for a few weeks lol.. Yes I milked my surgery and was lazy for a while. What did you tell people when they asked about the weight loss, and did you tell anyone before the surgery what you were going to do? I told who I felt was important enough to know. I didn't hide it but I also didn't go around volunteering information. It was and still is on a need to know basis, if someone asks I'm honest but if it doesn't come up I don't talk about it. It really is a personal preference, some shout it from the rooftops, alot of people don't tell anyone but close family members and sometimes no one at all, to each his own.

Welcome I'm from Baltimore! Good Luck with Everything! I am 2 weeks post op and recovery was both good and bad!

I had the surgery 7 weeks ago and had my first fill on the 4th. Find my brain still doesn't really accept the idea of such a small amount of food being OK. Had the surgery at Baptist Hospital with Dr. Morton. I think anyone who has access to this combination should seriously consider it. Surgery went good and support is great.

I am in Hitchcock out by you! I am 7½ weeks post op. I am happy for you that your getting this surgery if that is what you want. It has been great for me, I have had no problems so far and hope I don't. I have had only one fill so far and lost about 23 lbs so far. I did not have to do a pre op diet because I was self pay and the Dr. did not require it. Are you going locally or in Houston. I went to Dr. Spivak in Houston I loved him, but I need a support group to go to close by. His meeting are in downtown Houston at night. I have not gone yet. Feel free to private message me with any thing I can help you with. I do not know about the insurance process, but there are a lot of helpful people on this board. Keep in touch!:thumbup:

HI, my name is Jeanine and I've been on this site for a little while but realized I haven't made an introduction. This is the most resourseful site I have found on the Lapband (and the most interesting, too!! ). I'm 40, married w/2 children. I'm 2 weeks into my 26 week journey to the lapband and though the insurance hoopla. Going pretty good, I think. The big thing with me is that I'm sitting on a 40 BMI and was told that I can't lose any more then 5 pounds and can't gain anymore then 5 pounds. I can gain/lose that much in a week from that time of the month! BCBS of Arizona has very stringent requirements (6 months Dr visits, weekly dietician discussions, and 3x a weeks at the gyn w/a workout plan from a trainer). I've been heavier, and have only been slightly lighter than I am now and know that I won't lose or gain during this time. It will be hard but I can do it. This is too important to me. Does anyone have any suggestions, tips or/and adivce for me? I want to lose the weight and get healthy NOW but not risk losing the surgery. Thanks your help!

Hi and welcome to LBT! We have all failed at previous diet attempts, so you are far from being alone in that boat. Fortunately, we now have the tool of the band to help us be successful where we have never been able to before. Good luck to you! I see you have quite a bit of pre-op stuff going on this week. Let us know how that goes.

Obiviously, I'm new here. Getting banded in 3 weeks, and I'm nervous (probably normal). I just don't know what's ahead of me and I'm pretty uptight. I know I need this, I need to drop the weight so I can go back to a "normal" life and start living again. What's next?

I am so happy to have found this site! I am due to be banded the last week of April and I am starting to feel a little nervous about the post-op pain. I know that I will have some pain but was wondering if anyone could share their post-op stories regarding the amount of pain/discomfort. I have had abdominal surgery before and I know that everyone's pain tolerance is different. I guess I am just trying to prepare myself in advance. I would welcome any advice to make things easier during and after my surgery. Thanks!

well I finally got approved for surgery! WOOOOO HOOO less that two weeks

Hi All, I am a little confused and I am sorry if this issue has been addressed somewhere in this forum already...but, I am confused about slider foods. I always thought slider foods were things like, puddings, Jello, Soup but I have read about chips, pretzels, cake, crackers being slider foods, this is causing my confusion. Are slider foods things that pass straight through or do they stay in my pouch? Should slider foods be avoided.....or are they ok in between meals. I am working very hard to stay with the program and work through the time I am a little hungry. I am 3 weeks post-op on soft solids, and am down 21 lbs. and have only had 2 days where I felt really hungry, sugar free jello cured it :smile:

Hi Everyone - just recently joined - have been reading posts for a while though. Hoping to get the lap band in September - have an appointment with the surgeon in 2 weeks. Anyone here from NYC?

I was banded on May 11th and have lost 45lbs. I go in for my first fill today....the Dr said I am going to get 6CCs in a 10CC band. That seems rather high compared to other posts I have read on this site. My biggest demons are chips, nuts and drinking liquids during meals. I love spicy foods and this has proven to be very difficult...I see the band as solely a tool and only weigh myself once a week. Its frustrating if you try to weigh everyday. I have had weeks where i have actually gained so I just try to hit the gym even harder to make up for lost weight. When i feel weak i think about the surgery/recovery and pain i went through during that time...it helps me realize I didnt go through all of that for nothing...much less the money spent on surgery! Good luck! Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Weight Loss Tools

Hi, Just wanted to pop in and introduce myself. My name is Cor'. I am pre-op, and just got the OK to meet with the surgeon in my program. I am about 6 weeks out from meeting them, but I've done all my program testing and just started a six week class. I'm a 26yo female, 5'11" and started the program in January at 326. The year previously I was at my highest weight ever at 342. I just weighed in yesterday at the hospital and am at 311 (my fav band, I kind of laughed at that). My bmi is 43. After months of searching on the web, I'm surprised that I just found the site today! I can't wait to read more about everyones' experiences. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process so far, but am starting to get really nervous now that I'm coming up on the final legs of preparation to start my new journey! Does anyone have any advice to calm the nerves? I think I'm a bit nervous about all of it- surgery, what life will be like after, what if I don't lose the weight, what if I stop enjoying the whole thing, what if I don't like my new body... yadda, yadda, yadda... I just keep trying to stay focused on what I want out of this - to be an active person again! Running, cycling, hiking - being outside and having fun -enjoying my body for being a tool, a utility, for all the fun things I want to do in life. :thumbup:

I was just curious at how much u guys lost the first post op week.....I started at 257 and I an six days pot op and have lost 11lbs already! Don't get me wrong it's GREAT!!! I did not have a pre op diet to follow....I know it will slow down soon. Is this an average post op weight loss???

hey melinda... i live in LaVergne and was banded by Dr. Dyer at Centennial because he was the only in network MD my insurance would cover. He is very nice and I will be seeing him today for my week 1 postop. My first choice was Dr Morton at Southern Hills, he probably has the most experience. I also have heard good things about Dr. Houston, he is at Centennial. Good luck!!

Michael, Welcome aboard As they say in the 12 step programs, "One Day at a Time." I think you are looking too far ahead. You have to get to your goal before you get concerned what to do once you get there. Lapband surgery does not come with a guarantee of losing a single pound. Many fail with it. Fortunately, many succeed as well. The lapband is just a tool and comes with quite a few rules in order to make it effective. You should be asking yourself whether you can adhere to these rules for the rest of your life. Eat only three small meals a day Eat slowly and chew thoroughly (15-20 times a bite) Stop eating as soon as you feel full Do not drink for 30 minutes before or after eating Do not eat between meals Eat only good quality food Avoid fibrous food Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day Drink only low-calorie fluids Exercise at least 30 minutes a day You'll learn a lot more on your journey and it is definitely a worthwhile one. Remember, it is not too late to turn back until the day of your surgery. So, take it slow and if you find the lapband is not for you, call it quits. Good luck!

I am 3 weeks post op today. All I do honestly is sit on my butt answering phone calls (I work for US Airways in reservations). I don't know if it is the amping up the workouts or actually being at work but I am exhausted. New shift is 5pm to 1:30 am. Pray for me that I can survive this.

I am 3 weeks post op today. All I do honestly is sit on my butt answering phone calls (I work for US Airways in reservations). I don't know if it is the amping up the workouts or actually being at work but I am exhausted. New shift is 5pm to 1:30 am. Pray for me that I can survive this. Like This wow your working out already? are you superwoman? op 8-24-12 and still in too much pain to reach the floor. lol had a fight with the vacuum cleaner and a big spider.( think they ganged up on me!) they sure did kick my butt! lol

Hello Everyone, I'm new to this forum but not to WLS. In September 2015, I'll be 6 years since WLS. I started a little less then 300 lbs at 5'2 wearing a size 48 in pants and I got down to 170 with the RYN procedure. Within the last five years I've gained back 15 lbs. which is Ok according to to my doctor. I'm currently in a size 34 pants, working towards a 32 by July 2015 which happens to my around my 50th birthday; OMG. During these five WLS years, with all the energy I have, I've gone back to school a earned both a MBA and a DBA (Doctorates in Businesses Administration). I currently have a full-time career at a nuclear disposal facility and two part-time jobs (evenings as an adjunct Professor teaching Computers and Business classes and a weekend job as a cashier at a local convenience/gas station). My workout consists of the elipical (30 min during lunch and late evening on week days) and playing racquetball (Wednesdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 10am). Here is where I answer "at night" to the question as to when I sleep. I'm looking for a support group for older men (like me) who is at their "maintained stage" of WLS. I believe support groups are very important. I'm also looking to find other men to encourage them on their WLS. I'll also help anyone who asks. Thanks RlopezNM

naw, its been 3 weeks. I have been feeling pretty good. Surgeon wants me exercising everyday (blech!) you will get there hon.

Its going my starting weight was 250 was down to 221 on June 11 th were i stalled for a week i wasn't getting enough Protein in. Haven't been on a scale since.but my clothes keep getting bigger on me so i am happy. How r u ?? Eating? ? Sent from my DROID RAZR using RNYTalk

Okay guys I'm 5 months post op & 63 lbs down. Lately though I noticing that I can eat a lot more & I'm hungrier than I use to be. Is this normal or have I stretched my sleeve out? The last month I've only lost 1 to 2 lbs per week. I'm starting to become very worried about blowing this great blessing. It's just hard to get past the mental sabotaging.

Hi all. I had surgery on July 26th (last thurs). It's been a rough few days & I'm hoping this won't last too long. Does anyone have any suggestions, advice, or words of wisdom to get thru the first few weeks/months?

Hi all Ok so I'm kinda new to this forum and new to using forums in general so be nice lol. I was approved for lap RNY a few weeks ago and f

Hi all Ok so I'm kinda new to this forum and new to using forums in general so be nice lol. I was approved for lap RNY a few weeks ago (took long enough lol) and for some reason I have a distinct lack of excitement. Is this normal? I guess I still believe it's not going to happen. My family keeps trying to reassure me, but for some reason its still not sinking in. It's strange, I even have a date and everything (June 18th, 2013). Maybe I'll be more excited when the date gets closer... Despite this, I was worried about some things. The number one that scares me about this surgery is being left with great billowing folds of skin afterwards. I saw pics on google and now I'm terrified lol... Will this happen to me? I am pretty young (turned 18 last December). Any help is appreciated <3