Newbie....hope you don't mind me posting this here.

[myfunlife32 0]

Ok ladies...I need some help. I've been deciding whether or not I was going to get the lapband for the past year, lurking on here and learning so much. I really appreciate the posts. I decided that it's time, finally.

Here's my story...I have one and half yr old triplets (dont freak out - its not as crazy as it seems - they are highly scheduled and well behaved so that's not a concern :tt2:

My questions are:

• how soon after the surgery will I be able to care for the children (without lifting, of course) ?
  
• will i feel ok (pain/nausea) / how soon?
  
• did you ever regret it?
  
• how quickly did you lose the weight?
  

I have to do this. I have been over 200 lbs since I was 18 yrs old, high cholestrol since 19, asthma since childhood, back/hip issues. I weigh 252 lbs, 5'6", BMI 40.7...I'm very concerned that I won't be around for my babies. They need me. They already get so much attention being triplets, I don't want them to be embarassed that I'm their mom. :thumbup:

I know everyone can relate to me. Thanks for the vent and the posts.

[Bea1128 1]

I thought about lap band for a year as well, doing research, soul searching etc. I have two children although not as young as yours, mine are 8 and 4.

I'll try to answer your questions as best I can. As for the question about regret, the only regret I have is that I didn't do it sooner. I would go through it all again and again and again. Even at my most miserable moment, I never once thought I wish I hadn't done this. The pain and lifestyle change are insignificant compared to the benefits, in my opinion.

I've lost 21 pounds, I had surgery 6 weeks ago. Most of your questions are different from person to person. I can tell you that I didn't have much surgical pain. The pain I had came from the gas they bloat your abdomen with. I had that for almost 10 days. Although, that didn't keep me from going on with my life after about 4 days. It got better every day. My port site was the most sore incision, but that only lasted maybe a week. I started walking right away even though I was miserable from the gas pain. I had my surgery out-patient and was home in about 4 hours, but that varies from surgeon to surgeon. I've had one fill and will have another next week. As you read through the posts, some people have a lot of pain and are down for a couple of weeks and still others are back to work after only a few days off. You can take all of these with a grain of salt because it may be a completely different experience for you. You won't know until you get it done. And because of this, my advice to you would be to make sure you have plenty of good help in case you are down longer than expected. You babies, I'm sure, demand a lot of your attention. You'll just want to make sure you are able to get the rest you need to recover fully. Good luck to you and keep us posted on your decision.

Edited May 30, 2008 by Bea1128
awkward wording, needed clarification

[myfunlife32 0]

Thank you so much! How inspirational to hear your story. I try to tell myself - I was pregnant with triplets and had a c section with triplets - no issues with either - I can do this! Trying to stay positive! :thumbup:

[Bea1128 1]

It's perfectly normal to have anxiety about this. It's a huge adjustment. For all of those people who say this is the easy way out should walk a mile in our shoes. Just know that there have been hundreds who have gone before you and are doing great. I applaud your willingness to do your research and make sure it is right for you. Good luck! You'll do great. Like you said, you've had triplets, this is a piece of cake compared to that! Right? :thumbup:

[wanabthin 0]

My son was not quite a year old when I had surgery. I had surgery on Friday and my husband cared for him over the weekend. My surgeon said I was fine to lift him by Monday and I also went back to work on Monday so sugery was pretty easy for me. I just couldn't let him bounce around on my stomach (he is pretty active). I didn't have any nasuea but they gave me something to make sure i didn't . The only thing I regret is not doing it years sooner! Best thing I ever did, I've lost 65lbs in 10months. I went from tight 18 to a comfortable 10. I hope to be at my goal by my one year anniversary date. I eat whatever I want and I never exercise so I'm thrilled with my progress.

[Maddog 0]

I applaud your studying and carefully considering your decision. I was banded in July of last year. On Wednesday of this week, I had to have my band removed and another one put on. My band had slipped. Even with all of that, I'm glad I did it. I've struggled with weight all of my life. I think I've gained and lost 10 people in my 45 years. I've lost 55 pounds with another 30 left to go. What I love about it is that it is a lifelong tool. My daughter is also doing it next week. I'm 2 days post-surgery. While I don't have much pain, I am still really sore and having a little problem with the gas. But, the worst issue is that the pain meds make me irritable. With young children, I would suggest getting help for several days. You really shouldn't be lifting them and you need to focus on you for just a few days. Just plan to be selfish for a week or so. Lots of Luck.

[myfunlife32 0]

Ladies I really appreciate all of your support and answers. I will have a lot of help with them (husband, mom, stepdad & sister - all available). I'm so excited to hear that everyone has done well. I will keep everyone posted.