ImMaria01

Haven't dealt with either of these two clinics, but I can tell you that if you are going to be going in for fills every 6 weeks at first, and then occasionallly after that, I don't know that I would worry so much about after care, as I would about finding a surgeon who has performed many, many ops. My surgeon's office provides many opportunities to attend free support group meeting with psychologists and nutrionists, and I find that very, very helpful. Also, my doctor is laid back about dieting the weeks before and after the surgery. (Some doctors put you on nothing but protein shakes for 3 weeks before and very regimented 6-week liquid diet afterwards). Sure, I followed my doctors orders, but it was easy -- two shakes a day, followed by a low fat protein rich diet for two weeks before; then, a progressive diet going from all liquids one day to full liquids, soft foods and then finally mushies. No big deal. Just find the doc that shares your beliefs.

Hang in there. I was told your hormones can do crazy things soon after you get the lapband. I def. believe it, since I'm NOT a crier, and one day I suddenly felt upset at something and started crying my eyes out. It gets better, but I found it so helpful to know that it is very normal to be in a funky place every now and then.

Great, great, great!

I was told 5-6 days I could resume work (I'm a secretary, so I sit a lot). However...I decided to get the lapband during summer when I'm off from work. That was the best decision for me. Sure, I could have gone back to work after 5-6 days, but it would have been uncomfortable to wear pants. I ended up getting a couple of dresses without a waistband and that really helped. Plus, I would get soooo tired. I know some people can do it, but at 52, maybe I needed a little extra time than 5-6 days. . This was the best decision! I've just recently had my first fill (painless, by the way), and have lost 35 lbs in the last 2 months. Good luck to you!

Six weeks out and this has been the toughest part for me. I had left a bottle of water on the table and later when I started eating my dinner, there went my hand, reaching for it! I stopped myself, and I know it is getting a little easier to get used to this. My doc says I have to wait 90 minutes to be able to drink, and since I've been successful, I will follow my doctor's orders. I make sure I get my liquids in 15 minutes before my meals.

OMG! I thought I was the only one who still has to unbutton my pants while sitting! lol This phase, too, will pass!

Hi! I'm about 5 weeks out and little by little have been getting very hungry. Sometimes drinking makes it go away, but I've been struggling trying to stay under 1/2 cup of food at a time. First fill will be in two weeks..hope it helps! Good luck to you, too!

Good job!!! Doesn't it feel grrrrreeeaaattt!

It's not that bad; more like soreness. I was banded on July 5th, and I could press down on my port after about two weeks without any problem. It hurt me every time I stood up for the first two weeks, so support your abdomen with your hand, but really, it's over before you know it and it's not something you need any meds for.

I'm right there with you. I stepped up the exercise and changed what I eat (even though it was food on the list). I hope the scale moves again.

I'm 2 1/2 weeks out and feel great, as long as I am kind to my abdomen. I did, however, have to go out and buy a couple of loose fitting dresses to return to work since I'm not up to buttons and zippers yet. Sleeping and energy are also back 100%. Hang in there. Every day it gets better!

Don't forget pain meds. Call your doctor if in doubt. It's rough for a day or two, but then you should be feeling much better painwise. You won't have regained all your energy, but you will shortly.

Me too! I only eat about 800 calories now that I'm at stage 2 foods (banded on 7/5). My scale won't budge, but my clothes are fitting better. Hang in there!

Try supporting your abdomen with a pillow when you get up and when you turn in bed. This goes away, too! I'm a side sleeper and the first week I couldn't get comfortable sleeping on my back. I was banded July 5 and only hurt a little bit and energy is back to pre op status. Good luck, and I know you will be feeling better soon.