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Hi Teri, I was banded 2/3/04, so if it makes you feel any better... I have only lost 12lbs... so you have me beat! But, I am trying to be happy with my 12... hey that's an average of 3lbs per week and far better than anything I was able to do in at least 15 years prior to the band plus it has all been with a minimum of exercise... something I am not use to since I normally have to work out like a dog at least 4-5 days a week to keep losing and gaining the same 3 lbs. We can look at the glass half full or half empty. I feel that the band has put me on the winning side for the first time in my life, so my new motto is the glass is half full. I hope you are feeling better. Take care,

I don't have keloids, but I don't like my scars as they are either... so I have been using the Curad's Scar Therapy and it seems to be helping a lot. I didn't see anything on the instructions about keloids, but if you cannot afford to see a dermatologist as suggested by Denise... probably the right way to go ... you might try those first. They are about $15.00 for a 21 day supply, but that is assuming you only have 1 scar to treat. I am cutting them to size and covering all 5 of my scars... 2 of which are almost unnoticable. Take Care,

Congratulations!!! Everything you have described sounds normal to me. I am glad that you are not hungry, I felt like I was starving to death... thankfully my clear liquid phase only lasted a week. If you are anything like me, you will begin to feel better with every day that passes. Take care and remember what they say... this time is about healing, so be good to yourself.

Hi again... the surgical nurse told me that if I went to the bathroom just before they wheeled me into the O.R., I would not have to have the catheter. So, of course I took that option. I have heard that some others have had it once they were asleep and it was taken out before they were woken up. Hopefully, you can have one of these options. Good luck,

Hi Karen, I would agree with Donali and Alexandra... everyone is different. I am pretty hardy stock and thought I would be one of those that bounced back quickly... but I was shocked at how much pain I had and how much I couldn't even think I wanted to rest so badly. I had surgery on Tuesday and left the hospital Wednesday and went back to work Thursday... but I work from home, so I stayed in bed with a laptop most of the day and napped when I could. I would suggest that if you can set some time aside if you need it, then you won't feel like you have to go back if you don't bounce back as quickly. I still feel like I need a nap every other day or so and it has been 3 weeks for me. Take Care and good luck!

Hi JoJo, Congratulations on being "banded". I know what you mean about the soreness. I still don't feel 100% back to normal, but it gets better every day. This week I have far less aches and pains. Get as much rest as you can and just remember you are still healing and deserve to "baby" yourself. Take Care,

Hi, I am 38 and had to have a chest x-ray, EKG and full blood work.

Hi Lupe, You cannot see your port once you have been banded. It is under the skin, so you can feel it. I have to push in some, but I have heard that others can see the form of the port poking out from under the skin. You can find a picture of the Lap-Band which shows the "port" at the following website: http://www.inamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/patient.html#lapband

Good for you Nikki! It won't be long now. Keep us informed on your progress. Take Care,

Congratulations Bob! I had a similar experience as you after surgery. I didn't feel the need to take out my IV, but I wanted the oxygen mask off!!! I tried to pull it off immediately upon waking up and they kept putting it back on, then later I was begging to take it off... it made me feel like I couldn't breath. I thought that stuff was supposed to help! Anyway, I am glad you are doing so well. I wish I had felt as good following my day on the table. I have my 3 week check-up today and I do feel 100% better. Take Care,

Hi Linda, I am newly banded, but I have been using Adult Liquid Tylenol. I have found two versions: One clearly states Adult Liquid Tylenol, located near the pill forms and the other is noted for use with sore throats and is located near the sore throat sprays. Both are maximum strength and have worked on my headaches... but not my monthly cramps. I have been crushing up Pamprin for those and taking them mixed with juice. I haven't had any antibiotics yet, so I cannot comment on that one... sorry. Take Care,

Hi Babs, It is very inspiring to hear of your successes! I am soooo happy for you! Congratulations,

Wow Audrey! You look absolutely fabulous!!! Keep up the great work! Congratulations,

Great Job Audrey! I am so happy for you. It sounds like "your little friend" is really working for you! Do you have any pictures to share? Congratulations

Hi Carmen, I am sorry to hear that you are having so much pain. I remember my first 2 weeks post-op... I kept getting a tickle in my throat which made me need to cough, or I would have to sneeze or just plain blow my nose... ALL of it was extremely painful and made me feel like I was busting a gut. I finally determined that if I layed on a stack of pillows before doing any of the above, it was much less painfull. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Hi Kim, Just a comment on the pain you are feeling at night. I have seen some comment that you shouldn't lay down too soon after eating. I have been very careful about this because I noticed the time I did, I got some discomfort. Now, I make sure I wait at least an hour to 2 hours before laying down. Very hard habit to break... I like to eat and then lay on the couch all evening. No more of that! Hope you are feeling better.

Hi Nikki, Welcome, I am in the Sacramento/Roseville area... so we are 'practically' neighbors! You will get a lot of great advise and support on this board. Glad you will be joining us! I heard there are some great doctors at lapsf. Good luck!

Hi Nicolekiper, Thanks for checking on my status. I am doing OK, but feeling a little bit of that depression I have seen some write about post surgery. I think it is because I was so active before surgery and I really haven't had the stamina since surgery. It was 2 weeks yesterday and I have good and bad days. I am just trying to remind myself that it may take me a little longer than some to bounce back to my old self. It sure helps to read messages like yours, gives me hope that I will feel better soon. Thanks again for your inspiring message.

Great Job! It is nice to see you have such a zest for life now. I hope I feel as good as you when I hit my 6th month. Keep smiling!

Hi Bright, A crunch is when you only lift your chest and shoulders a few inches off the ground. You do not come all the way up to your knees. Check out this link for more info: http://www.bodytrends.com/articles/injury/abworkoutgf.htm Hope this works for you.

Hi Baileymb, Now, that just sounds ridiculous. Why would your doctor be opposed to trying??? What is the hard of putting in the referral and seeing what happens? Does this doctor just wish to not waste his/her time? I have experience with the rollercoaster you are going through and happily it worked out in the end. My suggestion would be not to give up and don't let you doctor out of this one! If you employer says that it is covered, then the doctor should at least try on your behalf... Heck, to see you lose weight and get healthy... you doctor should be willing to help with an appeal if necessary. I hope it all works out, just don't give up!

We are here for you... I hope everything goes your way. Best Wishes,

I am sorry Lisa, but I am in California as well and I have heard that BC/BS will not cover Lap-Band. I have also heard rumors that they are going to stop approving all WLS by 2005. I don't know if there is any truth to the later, but my surgeon has tried on a couple of occassions to get them on board with the Lap-Band and the patient has always been denied. Perhaps an appeal will work, if you do get denied. I will keep my fingers crossed and hope the best for you.

I have 2 cents to add as well... You might try crunches instead of sit-ups. Sit-ups really are not good for your back and crunches are less strenuous, but still provide a good stomach workout. Listen to me... I have yet to get my big butt back in the gym following my surgery, I could be on light cardio according to my surgeon... but I just don't have the energy! Maybe this week. Take Care and congratulations on making this commitment to yourself... In about 3 weeks, you will be loving it!

Donali, you make an excellent point: I think that being overweight, we often feel that everyone can see "what's wrong" with us, so this becomes the first reason we turn to when things don't go our way. I am going to remember this point and I think it will comfort me as well. Ginger, hang in there! You must kiss many frogs before your prince arrives. Focus on letting those losers leave the picture quick, so that your heart is fresh and open for the right guy! Take Care,