Helpful Tips to Newbie

Terrilen · September 12, 2005

I will be banded as of the 26th and I was wondering if you could share some helpful advice to a newbie. I guess... what info did you wish you had known? Thanks in advance!

the best me · September 12, 2005

I wish I had known how swollen and tight I would be (in the band area) post-op. I would have slowed waaaayyy down. Everyone said to sip sip sip walk walk walk, but I guess my sips needed to be much smaller than even I realized. I had a rough start, and by week 2 felt like I was starting over. BUT, it got better quickly after that and I'm so happy with my band so far.

I did lots and lots of reading on LBT and felt very prepared for everything. That's my best advice to prepare you for banded life. Find folks on here who are recently banded and read what they are dealing with.

There is another thread on here with some good advice...similar to your question...I just did a search and I can't find it...anyone remember? It was titled "if you could go back and do it again, what advice would you give" or something of the like. It's been within the past 2 months or so. Anyone?

Good luck!!

CatLover · September 12, 2005

This is a good thread. I am a newbie also with surgery scheduled for September 22. This is my first day of all liquids. I am anxious to see replies to this question.

Cindy

mousecrazy · September 12, 2005

I still consider myself a newbie, but it has been about 6 weeks since my surgery, and I have had 1 fill. One thing I think is very important is to understand that each and every one of us is different, although there are some common situations. All of us must decide what level of fills we need or want, what weight loss goals we have, and what foods we can or cannot eat. I definitely use LBT as a starting place for figuring out if my situation is experienced by someone else, and then evaluate my own experience. Another really critical issue is that LBT should not be a substitue for medical expertise...I have seen posts describing situations that seemed like a dr. phone call would have been a better choice.

I am very happy with my lapband...it keeps me honest.