Jim1967

I was not able to sleep on my stomach the first week or so after surgery due to the swelling but after that no problems and I actually sleep better now. ***Beware if you have pets you should sleep with a pillow over your stomach for a couple of weeks or until fully healed. I learned that one the hard way with one of our Cats. Not a big deal if your expecting the cat to jump but if you're sleeping and not expecting it could be a jolting experience.

I guess I better buckle up then!! Bandster Hell has begun....

I had surgery on April 16, 2012. My last weigh in before surgery was April 9th one week prior to surgery. I have since lost 28 lbs to date from that last weigh in but have not lost anything in almost two weeks. 28lbs is great in the grand scheme of things but I am having a hard time not getting discouraged that things are not moving along a little faster. I know I didn't get like this over night and I know the band is a tool and not a miracle fix but jeez I am really beginning to wonder if I made the right choice. I am eating far less than I ever used to and I am not always thinking about food like I always used to. Next Wednesday will be a month since surgery so I guess I should look at it like 28lbs in the first month is damn good even it was due to liquid and puree diet. My first fill is scheduled for May 29. I hope to really step it up and see the effort start to pay off. So many people know I had the surgery. Not sure how it got away from me like that where everyone knows but they do. I am so worried about being looked at like the fat guy who couldn't lose weight with weight loss surgery....

Two weeks out your stomach is still healing and settling in with the band. Your restriction level could be all over the place during that healing period. I remember after surgery I was never hungry and when I did eat I couldn't eat much. I am now 23 days post op and finally on solids I find I can eat a lot more but not nearly as much before surgery. Real fun starts when the fills start coming...

This is a worthy thread to read for those recent bandsters who are stuck in bandster hell

Thanks I think I needed to hear it from someone whose lived it. My wife kept telling me I am putting to much pressure on myself to soon and that less then a month out I should be happy with what I have done so far.

This is a great statement. I just posted on my blog about how I questioned my decision to have the band or bypass. I think I am done with that. I have the band and now I am going work it. I lost a lot of weight before without the band (gained it back) so in theory I should be able to do it again with the added tool.

I took a weeks vacation for my surgery but I did it only cause I had the extra time available. I had surgery on a Monday and I felt fine to go back to work on Wednesday. I have a sit down job a computer all day. I was told no heavy lifting over 20lbs for 4-6 weeks while I heal. They worry about hernias and the incisions.

For example...Carnie Wilson. She is now on her 3rd weight loss surgery...I hope it works for her.

I was supposed to get a realize card from the hospital on day of discharge but strangely enough they couldn't find it. I have a blank card sitting at the Docs office waiting for me to pick it up...I know it's such a small thing but I was very annoyed when I was told it was "missing".

Sorry to hear you going through this. This has been my biggest fear. Everyone who knows me now know I went for this and I am afraid of personal failure but I also don't want to be known as the fat guy who couldn't lose weight with weight-loss surgery.

I was banded on 4/16 and my doc told me to let the steri-strips fall off on their own and to not worry about showering with them on either. All but the big one came off on its own. I went in for my post op follow on 4/24 and the Doc removed it to investigate and said all looked fine. Everything has since healed up nicely and already starting to fade. I did not have staples either.

Stupid forum software asterisked out S K E E T

I haven't been in quite a while but I enjoy ***** and trap.

No, it is not used during the surgery because they have a breathing tube inserted. You bring the cpap to the hospital with you in case you need to stay overnight. I didn't use mine in recovery but I did end up staying overnight and used it.

Wow that Nurse is so full of ****!! I had a BMI over 78 and my Doctor told me if I make the changes and follow the rules he sees no reason why this wouldn't work for me. So far I have lost 28lbs since surgery on April 16. My BMI is still over 70. Have no fear if you make the effort and work with the band change will come. If I were you I would tell the Doctor exactly word for word what that Nurse said. Those types of statements are reckless and does nothing but plant a seed of doubt...

I was banded on April 16 and I am on mushies stage until next Tues. I cannot stand puree food. I am doing protein shakes, liquids, jello, broth...

I like the chocolate body fortress from walmart for 20 bucks. 1 scoop of powder, 8oz of simply smart milk and a little ice. Tastes great and gives 36g of protein.

Great thread ladies...good info for the pre-banders and us newbies who have yet to experience that. I go for my first fill 5/29 and have often thought about this. I will be sure to experiment for a while before going out to eat.

Congrats on the approval. It does seem like a long time and at the very end you cross your fingers you'll get approved...

Hi Rebecca and congrats on joining the banded ranks!! I was banded on April 16th. My Doc had me on Clear Liquids the week after surgery and now I am on a puree until may 8th. I am not a fan of the puree stage but I am doing what I gotta do to get through it. I am down 28lbs so far since surgery. Looking forward to solids again and my first fill. Good Luck!!

I believe the reason you hear more negative than positive is because the people who are successful are just plain busy getting on with their lives and those with problems post to either complain or for help and support. While I also believe there are some with legitimate issues I do think some of the issues are either from a lack of education or down right not following the rules of living with a band. Now before anyone jumps on me I did say I do believe there are some out there with legit issues but I see posts made daily about stuff that if people did Band Class 101 they would know better. Sorry but if you're in puree stage of a diet and you're stuffing bread down your throat and it's getting stuck then well...you asked for it. You are either uneducated or ignorant. I have only been banded a short time (4/16) and so far I would not change a thing. Jim

Great article Jean. Thanks. I am newly banded (4/16) and I am amazed at how un-interested food has become. Perhaps it is because I am still on the puree stage or perhaps I have prepared myself mentally more so then I first thought. I have had no cravings and no feel of hunger and in fact my Wife has reminded me a few times that I have to eat something. Now I am starting to wonder if I am taking in the calories enough to burn fat. I am losing weight but I am hoping its not muscle. I guess I have to get better with documenting my intake. My first fill is scheduled for May 29 and I don't know what to expect from that. Hope you are well and your recent procedure went off without a hitch... Best..Jim

Congrats on the loss!! Sounds like you are determined and I am sure you will hit your goals. - Jim

I had surgery on April 16th. I officially went back to work last Thursday but I have not been in the office since before surgery. A lot of people knew I was having the surgery but I think they will be pleasantly surprised how much I've lost already. I am about 28lbs down post op.