JourneyGirl

WOW!!! I am not sure what to say but need to say something. CM- I am newer to this site and have not been around long. I don't know your story and don't need to know it. It is clear that you are not a fan of the lap band. In every area of life there are going to be people for and against things. To educate one's self on the pros and cons of things is an intelligent thing to do, especially when someone is looking into something that is life changing. So telling others of how it doesn't work for everyone is fine, that is your opinion. If someone posts that it is a tool and does work if you follow the the guide lines is someone else's opinion and is fine too. What I don't understand is why you seem to have something (not positive) to say to many people who are for the band? Anyone who has read this thread (and a few other threads) know that you strongly feel the lap band is not a tool and does not work for everyone. You said it, but why repeat it over and over and be rude about it at times? Maybe I am misunderstanding/reading your posts. I am sure you are going to try to slam bast me as well but I am only asking so I can understand when I read the replies by you instead of ... honestly,,, starting to dislike you, when I don't even know you. If there is an area in my life, whether it be struggling at parenting, being a wife or WLS that I am feeling like I am not making it at I like to hear success stories. That is one way we learn. We can see/read what others have done, what has worked for them and not worked. We get ideas that we may not have thought of ourselves or been told by support groups or doctors. It isn't always a "rub in your face" attitude. This is a support site I thought. If I find that I struggle with the band then I want to come and have others tell me what works for them, what didn't etc... I want to hear there success story because when I feel like giving up (and don't start on my saying that I think one who stops using the band gives up, that is clearly NOT what I am saying) I NEED to hear that the band can work! I will need the motivation and encouragement to go on and try again! I can understand where you are coming from by saying that the OP doesn't want to hear about others success when they are struggling. I am just saying that maybe it will be the "umph" they need. GNY is going to take work too. I know it may have ticked me off if I was the OP'er but after time it would sink in too and be encouraging too.

I have heard of some using a baby spoon to help w/ the amount they put in there mouth. This may help if you are taking to big of bites.

Thank you for being encouraging! I don't think your post is being snobby at all. I always enjoy hearing from those who have succeeded and have something positive to say. I know that the band does not work for some but I, for one, like hearing from those that it has worked for. Despite the controversy on this thread, thanks!

The band IS A TOOL. It isn't "preaching" when someone asks for the advise! "Any advise would be welcome."is what was said. There is a difference between preaching and answering one's plea for help. Do you want to see others fail? Or would you rather have some tough love and tell it like it is? The lap band isn't going to do any of the work for any of us. We have to work our butts off, why? Because it is a tool. We need to exercise, make healthy food choices, eat the right proportions. Is it hard, sure it is but it's also reality and I, for one, am glad that there are others on this board that will tell it like it is. To be successful one has to understand how the lap band works and then work with your band. No where have I ever heard that the Band will do it all for you. You can't try to drive a car in auto pilot and get anywhere, just like you can't sit and wait for the band to make us loose weight when we have our old habits. I thought that all of the advise given was great. I am a new bandster and appreciate all those who are honest w/ what we need to do to be successful! I count on that so I can learn just what needs to be done. @Bandme - There is great advise here. Start from scratch, as if preparing for the surgery. Go back to the basics. Learn as much as you can about healthy choices. Prepare good choice Snacks, bag them up and have them in a spot so when you want something you have something right on hand that is good for you and will work with you and not against you. YOU CAN DO THIS! We all can. We all, at some point, have been in your situation (food addict) because we are all here. We are here to support you, not preach at you. You want to know how to be successful, that is what others are sharing. Make sure you are getting your Proteins and fluids in daily! And go into your kitchen and every stash place and toss the TRASH FOODS OUT!!! Take control of your life and decide to beat this food addiction!! 20K is alot of money to flush away!!! GOOD LUCK!!

It completely depends on what your doctor follows. The practice I go to keeps there patients in for 24 hours, longer if there are problems. My surgery was at 11:30 and they were ready to have me released by no later then noon the following day. My husband had a minor surgery so I stayed until 4pm so I didn't have to make other arrangements to be picked up, but I didn't have to. Didn't your doctor tell you if it was an outpatient or overnight? I had no pain what so ever so the ride home for me was easy. I practically danced out of the hospital. lol Good luck tomorrow (CindyUdy too)!!

Name, real or screen~ JourneyGirl - Wendy Age~ 37 Weight on February 28th~ 236 Goal Weight for March 31st~226 Exercise Goal for March~ 5 days a week, sit ups, sit ups, sit ups!! Dietary Goal for March~ Eat only when hungry Personal Goal for March~ Listen to what my stomach is telling me, get down 1 size in jeans, 50 full sit ups with ease! Date Banded~ 2-22-11 Total Weight Loss Since Banding~ 5 pounds (started at 253 one month ago)

Try to remember that there is negativity about everything that people do whether it be WLS, exercise, the kind of car we purchase, etc... 1) What is this "nerve pain" people talk about that the band can cause? I have not had any of this. So far everything is going great. 2) IF you could pick your band, which would you choose...Realize or Lap-Band? Do I ask for a low profile port? Can I ask where the port is going to be located? My doctor uses both bands. We went over both of them and they are both good, so I told him whatever he had on hand the day of is fine w/ me. I ended up having the Lap-Band brand. My port is located 2" above and to the right of my Belly button. I have ABSOLUTELY no pain, and haven't from the moment out of surgery at my port site. I even started sleeping on my side that afternoon while in the hospital and have ever since. 3) What do you wish they would have told you before surgery? Do you ever feel like you were mislead? I know this is a "tool" and it needs to be worked, I'm not asking for an easy out, but I also want to be deceived with false hope and promises, know what I mean? I need a tool that is going to help me, not hinder me. I was going to get the band 2 years ago then read some "bad" things people were saying and switched to the bypass. I didn't want my organs redone so I canceled surgery 1 week before. 1.5 years alter I got banded (last week) and I am so very glad that I did. I wish that I would have let my doctors office know of how I was feeling and talked to them, if I did I may have done the banding 1.5 years ago. The LRD was hard to do! And I"ll admit that the first week I cheated at times, I had a few bites of chicken, or peppers. Nothing "bad" for you but some veggies. My diet consisted of Protein shakes and liquid only. I wish that we (doc and I) would have gone over this more. You know what you want to do. Don't let what you read scare you off. There is a chance in everything in life we do, driving, walking, going to school/work, etc.... If we didn't do things we wanted to because of the "what-if's" what kind of a life would we have? it sure seems that once we start seeing posts on what could go wrong then all of a sudden they are popping up everywhere. I don't know why that is, it happened w/ me too. Keep your chin up, think positive, and you will do great!! In your heart, you know what to do, go with that!! Good luck, Wendy

Faith, My banding went AWESOME! I have an amazing doctor and the practice he is at is great too. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I am sure that this added to my great experience. I have read that many can't sleep on there sides for days after surgery. For me that wasn't the case. From the day of surgery I rolled over to nap on my side and was fine. Just a small about of "uncomfortableness" but not "pain." The only thing that bothered me was the gas pains. UGH! I still have some discomfort with it but it is, slowly, getting better. I meet with my doctor this Friday (1 week 3 days after surgery). RIght now I am on a Full liquid diet which includes low fat/ fat free cream Soups, Jello, pudding, cream of wheat along w/ the "normal" liquids. I am really hoping that he moves me along to the next stage at the appointment. I have no problem with anything so far. I pray it stays that way. So on the 11th . . . is this your first meeting w/ the doctor? Do you have your surgery scheduled yet? Forgive me but I forgot. It is hard to keep up with everyone. lol I have tried a few different Protein shakes and I could barf!! They are all so gross with the exception of the fusion Protein Shakes. Those are to die for! But it is pricey, which is why after the first container I tried others. I wasted more money trying other shakes that stunk when I could have gotten another of the good stuff. Now I have to finsih this gross one because I refuse to waste the money. Keep me updated on how things are going. My e-mail should be on my profile page. Please feel free to e-mail me at anytime. I am certainly no pro, but am learning more and more. I am always here to lend an encouraging word!! Wendy

Same thing here. Milk of Mag for me. It works pleasantly.

They all sound so good. I will have to try them all. Can't wait to get to the mushy stage! Thanks for posting.

4 day post op and every time I burp or hiccup I have this wonderful pain. I have been thinking that it is air and hoping that it is because it is a rather unpleasant feeling. Mine is also on the left side and seems to also be right in the middle of my chest. I completely forgot about gas x strips. Going to send the hubby out to get them asap. I bet that is what it is. How did your surgery go? Other then the lovely gas pain how is everything going?

I am only 5 days post op so I can't really help you. But the nutritionist told us that if we notice that we are not losing then to check our protein and fluid intake. She say 9 times out of 10 it is because our protein intake isn't where it should be. HTH, Wendy

I hope that your experience, as everyone's, is as good and easy as mine too! What time is your surgery? March 4th is my first post op appointment. So excited!! I live in a suburb of Buffalo, NY. We got a lovely snow storm yesterday, Friday, so I couldn't walk outdoors. I go to Synergy Bariatrics and Dr. Pham is my doctor. He is awesome and so informative! Love the man! I had the surgery done at Sisters Hospital in Buffalo. They all even asked me to come back and update them. I loved it there. Good luck, less then one week and you'll be a bandster!! As soon as you can update and let us know how you are doing!! Wendy

There isn't any need to feel concerned. You won't feel any restriction or lack of appetite until after you get a fill, and even then it may take more then one (fill) before you do feel some. Right now it is about getting your fluids and protein in and healing on the inside.

1/28/11-SMOKEY2112 2/2/11 - Shawnypoo 2/7/11-ruthiesmg 2/7/11-soon2besexynslim 2/09/11-Mrs.Mustang 2/09/11-Bunnykins 2/09/11-Loozer2B 2/10/11 - JMH80 (Jackie) 2/10/11-Elle23 2/11/11-Justplaintired 2/11/11-KeeKee99 2/14/11-Alikitty 2/16/11-TexasMama 2/28/11-~Post Modern Retro Pretty~ 2/10/11__Trns4md 2/22/11 - Journeygirl

Good luck on your journey!! How exciting! Hope all went well and I look forward to hearing how it all went.

I was banded 2/22 and doing great!! No pain meds, nausea or anything. Couldn't even tell I had surgery, but that is normally how I am, I bounce back like a rubber band. lol To all those coming up for surgery, GOOD LUCK!!! Can't wait to read your surgery story!

I am only 3 days post op but the nurses told me to have 40 ounces of fluid a day. As long as I have that I will be fine. 64 oz is ideal but 40 is good. I know that everyone doctor/ nurse is different. That is just what mine is saying and I am just making it to 40 ounces at this point.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I have wondered why we are on liquids again for so long. This makes total sense to me and also helps me not want to "cheat". I am 3 days post op. Day of surgery and the day after I had broth, tea, juice, Jello and popsicles. Now I am on to a full liquid diet. This includes the addition of pudding, yogurt, and cream of wheat! I did cheat last night. I had a small bite of pork chop, chewed until it practically melted in my mouth. I think it was the moistest pork I had ever made. Also a small bite of rice, talking few grains here, and a teeny tiny bite of croissant. It all went down just fine but then had some minor pain, and decided that there was a reason why the doctors say to wait. So I am going to have to deal with it. lol I just wish that I could have some cream Soup. I love tomotoe soup, slit pea, etc... If it was pureed very well with no lumps and very runny can I please, please, please have it?! lol Wendy

I have been so blessed to have a wonderful experience getting banded. My surgery was Feb. 22nd. I arrived 3 hours before hand and they did the usual "before surgery" stuff. Gowning, urine test, heparin shot, IV, questions, etc.... Everyone was so kind and thoughtful. I was taken to the room where the anesthesiologist and nurses got all things ready. I wore these wonderful foot pumps. Again, very kind and loving. We were laughing and chatting away. The doctor and his peeps came to see me and we all chatted and joked for a bit too. They started the meds and off to neverland I went. I woke up in recovery, in a bit of pain, as expected and I was given some wonderful pain meds. No nausea or chills, just sleepy. About 1 hour after waking up in recovery I was taken to my room where I saw my hubby and friends. We hung out, laughed, chatted, walked, etc... Things went really well. I had another dose of pain meds but my discomfort was air, not pain from the surgery. I was able to have jello, water, juice, popsicles and broth. Eating and drinking went just fine. I felt bad that the gal in the room next to me couldn't even handle jello. The staff at the hospital was AWESOME! It was also great to have the opportunity to encourage a girl who had RNY and was in alot of pain and wondering "Can I really do this". It was nice to talk with her and see her doubt turn into a "yes I can" attitude, and by the end of that day she was already feeling better. I had an overnight stay in the hospital with a total of 3 heparin shots. The only discomfort I have is the air that is right under my rib cage, but this to shall pass. Walking is helping and I am going to get some gas x strips. I seemed to have amazed the nursing staff, they all said that no one would ever know that I had surgery. They rarely see this. I was able to sleep on my both sides with no problems, get out of bed and go to the bathroom and remove and put on the foot pumps all alone. It was all good. I am doing so well and feeling great. I don't need pain meds (haven't since day 2 in hospital), I am exercising (what they told me I can do for the first 2 weeks) eating is fine (although nothing tastes good) and I am walking around the blocks already. Well, not today we have a nice snow storm. So far, so good! My experience up to this point has been great and I attribute that to the awesome doctors, there staff and the wonderful hospital! Good luck everyone!!! Wendy

I was just wondering who is scheduled to be banded this week? I just wanted to say good luck! I am being banded on Tuesday @ 9:45am.

I know 4 people who have had RNY. One nearly died from it. One has lost all her weight and started gaining some, 20 pds,back, one can only have liquids 3 years out, and one has gained 50% of the weight lost back. I know 2 people w/ the band very well. One has lost 80% of HER goal weight. One had to have it removed but was loosing and doing well. Bottom line is this: Weight loss is work! With the band and RNY. You may not have to work so hard initally to loose weight w/ the RNY but 3 years out you will. You will HAVE to eat good, low fat/low calorie meals, and workout to keep the weight off. JUST LIKE THE BAND. We have to be ready mentally and emotionally to succeed at WLS, whichever one we choose. We can't go in expecting it to do the work for us. Rules are there to help us succeed. And only you know if you were giving it your all. Even with GNY you are going to crave foods. It isn't going to stop that. You are the only one who can control what goes in your mouth and if/how often you work out. To tell others that the Lap Band won't be there for you in the long run isn't fair to those looking into things. Where is the back up. It wasn't for you for whatever reason. But to say that it doesn't work for anyone, come on. RNY nearly killed my Aunt, but that isn't to say that no one should have that type of WLS. Maybe one day the band will be obsolete, does that mean that it wasn't "good?" Not neccesarily, research may come to find something that works better. To those considering WLS remember that many people have been EXTREMELY successful and YEARS later they still are. Do your research and make whatever decision that is best for you. llcarlos48 - Good luck w/ the RNY. I am glad that you are happy with your decision.

Welcome to the board! There is so much information here it is amazing. I didn't think that the 2 week liquid diet was that bad until today. My surgery is tomorrow and I am just so done with it! lol The Protein shakes really filled me up. broth helped as did popsicles. Jello makes me gag but I did try it sometimes. Your mind definitely plays games with you. I was never truly hungry but I thought I should be if that makes sense. I just did something to take my mind off of it and that worked for me. I was on 4 shakes @ 27 g of protein daily and 64 fl. ounces of clear liquid. The waiting until the day is finally here is worse. lol Good luck and again, Welcome. Wendy

I just want to say good luck to everyone this week!! I will be praying for you all (us all) and to have uneventful surgerys! I got a call this afternoon that my surgery has been moved to 11:30. That actually works out good, now I can see my children before I leave which will make them feel better. I will talk to you all when I get home. Again, GOOD LUCK!! :welldoneclap: Wendy