hi from Massachusetts

[SweetJephy 0]

I'm thinking about the band but I'm really scare :success1:. Also can somebody let me know if the site where they will do the fill is visible or is it like a G tube that they place in you stomach and how long does it takes to feel normal again.

[SherryW 4]

Welcome and where they give you the fill is called the Port. The port lays under your skin and cannot be seen other than for some people a mall lump...but usually that's AFTER people have lost alot of weight otherwise it's hidden under your fat layers. The port has a tube that's connected to the band that is placed around your stomach. Usually the port is located just below the ribs.

Each person is different as far as healing time. I stayed out of work for a week and went back. It still hurt in one area a bit but, it wasn't too bad.

[SillyWillyMommy 2]

Nope.. it goes under the skin... I'm still waiting for the procedure, but I think re-covery time is different for everyone.

[SweetJephy 0]

Thanks guys for the info. I will keep you posted on my decision

[maryrose 2]

I pondered the idea for quite some time.

Is there an informational meeting you can go to? That meeting pretty much sealed the deal for me.

This board really, really helped me know this was the only decision for me.

I'm from Mass. too! Some great docs in the area.

Good luck with you decision. I have not been banded yet, but hopefully sometime in April.

Good luck!

[SweetJephy 0]

Thanks Maryose I will probably have it done at Beth Israel Hospital. I already sent my application I am just waiting for the first interview hopefully everything will work out.

good luck to you too

[Berry 0]

HI

I'm having lapband surgery on Monday, March 19th at Beth Israel. I researched the lapband for about one year then decided to have it done. I started with going to Beth Israel late December for an informational meeting and 3 months later I have my date. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time!! Kept wondering if this is what I really wanted to do because I love food. The thought of not eating my favorite foods is scarey to me. But eating those bad foods got me into this mess in the first place. I need to take control of my life instead of the food having the control.

Sherri

[maryrose 2]

That's great Sweet & berry. Nice to converse with Mass. neighbors.

BE is a great hospital. I was just recently approved and will be having the surgery at Lowell General. The docs there are highly recommended and I am so fortunate to live closeby.

Good luck on Monday Berry!

[SweetJephy 0]

hey maryrose

how are you feeling I am going for my first meeting session on 4/12/07

[SweetJephy 0]

berry

how are you feeling? are you still in pain

[SweetJephy 0]

I read some of the complications that people are having with the band and

to be honest they scare the ****** out of me. can someone please,please help me get over my fear:help:

[mpalen 0]

Hey I was banded on march 22 its been a week the 6th day I started feeling back to myself thank god other than being hungry cause they put you on a liquid diet. I am also from mass what hospital are you going to?

Honestly the first few days at home are pretty hard but its the gas pain that kills-- it goes away.

[SweetJephy 0]

Hey I was banded on march 22 its been a week the 6th day I started feeling back to myself thank god other than being hungry cause they put you on a liquid diet. I am also from mass what hospital are you going to?

Honestly the first few days at home are pretty hard but its the gas pain that kills-- it goes away.

my pcp want me to go to Beth Israel hosp. where did you had yours done? the nurse called me this afternoon for my first phone interview but I was still at work, I will call her back on monday.

I really need the surgery but I am scared of complications just because I have a heart condition, my pcp think the surgery will be good for me and I will be just fine but I know how it feels to be in pain I had four procedures done to help my condition, plus last year I had surgery on my right ankle. so you see I am really, really, really afraid.

[Berry 0]

HI Sweet,

I'm 11 days post-op now and I'm doing great. Like other people have said, the gas pains are the worst. Takes about a week for them to go away, at least with me but everyone is different. I'm still on a modified liquid diet but I can also have other things other than liquid like cottage cheese & yogurt, both of which I don't like so that didn't help! But I am allowed to have runny mashed potatoes which are delicious!! I have one more week of this and then on to mushies. I also got my surgery done at Beth Israel and had a good experience. The nutritionist is wonderful, my doctor was nice and the care I got at the hospital was wonderful as well. I know surgery is a tough thing but if it's going to improve your life in the longrun, I would suggest doing it. They suggest going on a two week pre-op diet with 2-3 Protein shakes per day and one sensible meal. I had surgery on March 19th, I had to be there at 6:00 a.m. and my surgery was at 7:30 a.m. I was in the recovery room from 10-12 and rolled into my room around 12:00 with yummy pain meds. I was very scared too and I cried before surgery but I made it through!! If I can do this, you can do it too! Lot's of support from your family and this website and you can do it!

[SherryW 4]

Sweet....I think you've had some major things done in your other surgeries. This is definately surgery but, I don't think this one is anywhere near what you've already been through on pain level. I would think this surgery would be far less painful compared to what you've been through already. I went to Beth Israel and it was great. Wonderful care, great nutrionists, docs are a bit rushed sometimes but, they always answer your questions and the staff I can't say enough about. They've been so nice every time I've gone up there. The nursing care after surgery was awesome and very friendly. Good luck with your decision