Questions before I get banded

May 15, 2005

I am new to this website, and have questions about the LapBand.

I have read that people have their port in different places in their abdoman, I wanted to know how this affects physical activity. I have a very physical job as a paramedic, so how will this affect me if lets say i have to lay on my stomach on the ground or carry someone? what about even sleeping on your stomache?

I also wanted to know if there are any other websites for research other than lap-band.com.

once the band is installed and you have the right "fill" is there a way to get around the band? (i.e. eat slower and more?)

for those who lost all or almost all of the weight they need to loose, is the port obvious under the skin, is it a freakish looking bump or what?

how would the band be for a 5'3" 350lb 59 year old woman? (mom) is it still better ?

thank you all very much.....joe

the best me · May 15, 2005

Wow, okay, I'll do my best here...

I can sleep on my stomach now, and could after 3-4 weeks, but I kind of prop up on one side to take any pressure off my prt site. I hike my left leg up over a pillow. sleep great!

Exercise or movement that strains the port area is a tough one...you don't want to rip stitches. But once everything heals in and you have good scar tissue around the port site, it's fine. Check with your doc about where he/she likes to put the port. Each doc is different and prefers a different spot. Mine is on the left, around my waist band area, or just above it. Comfy spot, no problems.

Taking it easy with the lifting and crawling into places might be tough at first...I'm not sure about that. You may need more time off work than folks with a desk job. Could you somehow do "light duty" for a few weeks, or more? That would be your best option, I'd think, just to stay on the safe side.

Google Lap Band. There are lots of sites. Yahoo has many message boards but this one is SO much easier to navigate. Plus everyone her is so nice.

Someone may post a link to other informational sites...Inamed (maker of the only FDA approved band) has a site, too. Maybe google Inamed? Wish I had the links...sorry.

You could also do a Search for any word on the bar above and look for posts on ANY topic. That has helped me lots.

You can "eat around the band". There is a thread on here somewhere about a man who lost 5 lbs in one year by not eating the bandster way (hard protiens first, then veggies, then starches, if any) and you can drink high calorie liquids, do all kinds of things to sabatoge your weight loss. You have to eat slower, but youcan eat smaller and more fequently and get around it. It's just a tool. A very helpful tool, but it is work. But it's work for the long haul, not just short term weight loss. But you gotta do it right.

Pokey ports happen. It's probably more freakish to the owner of it, than it is to others. I am 5 weeks out and 15 lbs down and can see mine (the bump) when I look for it in the mirror. Noone else would notice, but I see it. Most folks don't seem to have a problem with it being very obvious.

Okay, about your mom, is what better? Lap Band better than one of the bypass procedures? I'd say yes, if she's prepared to do the work, and knows what she's getting in to. Search bypass and see all the interesting stuff that comes up. If that's not what you are asking, sorry, please clarify and I'll give it another shot.

Good luck with your research, Joe!

Jammin & Losin · May 15, 2005

Joe This is 8th week since banding and being able to sleep on my stomach has been no problem! As far as laying on the hard ground that might be uncomfortable depending on where your port is located.I would ask my Dr. and tell them what type work you do. This might get them to be careful with how they place your band.

I think the easiest way to get around the band is drinking while eating and also drinking high calorie liquids. These two things will deffinatly slow/stop your weight lose! It is very important to drink 1-2 hours after each meal and also to always drink liquids that don't contain calories.

Speaking for my port I can't see mine when I'm looking in a mirror ... but I can lay on my back and feel it very well!!! It does not get in my way and I can do anything that I could before banding!

I would say the band is a great tool for almost any age. I feel it is a great tool that when used properly can help lots of health issues and I have deffinatly heard of people older than your mom getting the band and have done great with it!!!

Good luck to you on getting your band and also to your mom!!! May you both regain lots of health from this wonderful band!!

Alexandra · May 15, 2005

Hi Joe!

I just met a bandster who is an EMT recently. He was taking about three weeks off but after that expected to go back to work full-force. My doc's instructions about exercise and strenuous work are basically that by the time you'll feel like doing it you'll be healed enough and it won't be a problem.

Laying on your side/stomach is just a matter of time and healing. I sleep on my left (port) side all the time and while I can feel it there is no discomfort at all. The only time it might be a problem is if you're laying down on a hard surface, but then you could just shift around a little till it's comfortable. By the time you've lost lots of weight you'll be more concerned about your bones sticking out than your port!

The port is not at all obvious under my skin, but I have a ways to go yet. If it ever becomes a problem I know there is a smaller port that can be installed, a "low-profile" port. But that would involve another scar so I'm probably not ever going to go there.

Of course it's possible to "eat around" the band. Calories are calories, and if you take in too many you won't lose or may even gain. The band makes it MUCH easier, though, to eat healthfully and in appropriate portions. That's really all there is to it.

And IMO, the band is perfect for anyone who wants to lose weight and who isn't in immediate need of results. If the patient is willing to see the pounds come off at a measured pace of 5-10 lbs a month, banding is the answer. Measure that pace of weight loss against the risk of complications with other surgeries, and you'll see why we picked the one we did.

Good luck, to both you and your mom!

Tamiko · May 15, 2005

I also have a very physical job at Federal Express I took 6 weeks off to be on the safe side. I was banded on Feb 3 2005 and I am now able to do mostly everything I did before. I am still cautious of lifting or pulling anything that might cause me to strain too much.

HarleyNana · May 16, 2005

Joe, I'm 55 and had the surgery in December, still at 54 then, but my mom who is 73 was banded April 7th and doing great. My port is on my right side and today was the first time I've been fishing since getting my band, wouldn't you know my port is right where I put my rod when I'm reeling in my big catch. I learned to place the rod in a different spot real fast.