Thinking and researching the lap band

[cindyn 0]

My Dr has refered me and I am waiting for the weight loss center to contact me to see if I am a candidate and insureance will cover. (I am sure I am a candidate, My Dr suggested it last year and I bit his head off!!) Now here I am eating crow at 10 pounds higher than last year. I would never ever consider the bypass but the lapband seems to be a good tool. I am going to 47 in April of this year, 5'10" and very heavy with high blood pressure. I am looking at this as a tool but it kinds of creeps me out about the port. Is it me. Is this an inconvenience to anyone? I have so many and many are dumb questions but I want to be sure. I work with a girl who had this done 18 months ago and she told me this was what she had done. She looks so healthy and not the gray yucky look from the bypass surgery!! Any input would be greatly appreciated!:phanvan

[Wheetsin 714]

Hi Cindy, and welcome. I was banded on the 1st. Why does the port creep you out? I don't know it's there unless I stop and think about it. If I push hard and know what I'm feeling for I can feel it, but only if I try. DH still can't feel it.

Not sure what kind of input you're seeking, but please feel free to ask any questions you have. That will help us make sure you're getting the information you're seeking.

[Alexra 0]

Lots of people find the port creapy because they think it is on the outside. It is actually sewn it into the muscles of the abdomnial wall, u can feel it if u push on it, but it is not abtrusive in any way. Just blends in with the rest of my body.

[PhotoNut 7]

Hey Cindy, welcome to LBT!

I was banded on Jan 9th, this year. My port is located just under my ribs on my right side. I'm still aware of its presence, because it sticks out like a lump but it's not gross or weird at all. At my last Dr. visit, I asked him why it was sticking out so much and he said, 'Well, it's because you don't have much fat here.." (which made me smile) ".. all of your fat is hanging down here." (which made my smile go away! LOL).

I don't ever plan on wearing tops so tight you could see the lump anyway, so it doesn't bother me. It doesn't hurt, or feel uncomfortable at all. It's just... there.

I understand that they are doing clinical studies on a remote control band which adjusts in size without needing fluids in a bladder. There is a tiny antenna just under the skin on your chest. When and if this is approved in the US, I'd switch to it and get rid of the port and the need for fills. My luck though, someone would open the garage door down the street and my band would close up right when I'm swallowing a bite of food! hehe

[cindyn 0]

Thanks for the quick replies. I guess it is just an "object" that will be left inside me. I am so impressed with all the results I have been reading. I am so tired of Monday being the day I "diet" then fail due to hunger!! Or at least I feel like I am!!! So how much time did all of you miss from work. This is another of my many questions. I have a desk job and hope not to miss more than 2 weeks!! I am not telling people what I am having done. What did you all tell co-workers or did you?

[Wheetsin 714]

I missed 4 days, one was my last day pre-op that I took off to make sure everything was in order, house was clean, etc. I missed three days of actual work, surgery day & 2 days posts-op. I told my co-workers. I had no reason to hide anything.

[cindyn 0]

Is the first fill usually 6 weeks after the surgery? I assume that this is for the healing process. Is it all liquid up to that point?:nervous

[Wheetsin 714]

My first will is scheduled for 5 weeks post-op. I was only on full liquids for the first 3 days post-op, thick liquids for 3 days after, then on to mushies and semi-solids. I can now eat chicken, turkey, fish, well-cooked veggies, fruits, cheese, etc.

Keep in mind pre and post-op diets vary GREATLY by surgeon.

[PhotoNut 7]

Is the first fill usually 6 weeks after the surgery? I assume that this is for the healing process. Is it all liquid up to that point?:nervous

I got my first (and only) fill at the six week follow-up appointment. My first few days were on Clear Liquids, then I progressed to full liquids for the remainder of the first three weeks. I was then on mushies and slowly progressing to solid foods on week 5. On solids and doing well by the end of week six. All doctors are different though. Your nutritionist and/or doctor should be able to let you know ahead of time what you can expect.

[Alexra 0]

my first fill could have been as soon as 6 weeks post op, however, I was losing weight fine and didn't have a fill until 12 weeks. Even after that fill I had little restriction and kept losing weight. I had my second fill in November, had a bit more restriction and my last fill was in January and I think I have enough restriction.... could I use more, sure, however I'd rather be comfortable and losing slowly rather than PBing all the time and losing fast.

[JanetC 2]

Alexra, you look AWESOME!! :eek: Congrats on all your hard work! (Saw your pic at the bottom of your sig & had to comment.)

Our doctor was very, um, lenient on the post-op diet. Clear liquids 2 days, all liquids 3 days, then 1 food was added per day (mushies & eventually solids). Some docs seem to require a month of liquids, then a month of mushies. It really varies per doc.

We got our fill moved up to week 5 (it was scheduled for week 6). Some surgeons require 8-12 weeks... it really varies.

I only told my family & a couple of friends that don't live in town. Mostly, I don't want folks looking for change. Especially not in the beginning. The first 6-8 weeks are for healing... ANY weight loss during this period is a perk. So I didn't want people asking me how much I've lost this week, lol. Too depressing! Now that we're in week 6, I'm all for telling the world!

Keep asking questions! We love answering!

[cindyn 0]

Imet with Dr on Friday April 7 and am waiting for the next appts. She plans on doing the band at the "end of summer". I am excited and a bit anxious about it all. My husband is very supportive but gets nervous if I have surgury of any type but I have always had good recovery. I hope 2 weeks off from work is enough! That is all I can spare!! Most people seem to be right in that range. Thanks for your help.