Yungmasta

Hello all, I am new to these forums and have just been banded on 5/29. I know I will not recieve my first fill until about the 4th week, but I have been wondering how often many of you are needing to get them done. I am a self payer and know that fills can be expensive, also I opted to have my surgery done by a doctor 4 hours away from my home, so going to see him is all day affair. I know that once everything is set and seems ok I can go elsewhere for my fills but would still like to know how often that could be. I also would like to know how soon after a fill can you tell if need some taken out? My plan atm is to get a fill and then try to have some lunch, if it doesn't go down have the doctor take some out. Any and all information and or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Gman, I too just had my banding done on 5/29. I did not have a hernia but was also surprised at the amount of pain, everything I had read or people I had talked to said there was little to no pain, well I found that not to be the case. I did find that it actually only "hurt" the 2 days following surgery, since then its been more discomfort than pain, most of it comming from gas. Today is actually the first day I have not felt bloated and swollen, but then I havent been shy about trying to expell that gas either so maybe its all finaly out. Walking around did seem to help me move the gas out, and the more I walked the easier it got. As far as sleeping I was able to sleep in my bed the first night home, however I had propt myself up with pillows. I have also found that if im gentle with doing it I can lay on right side some as well, my left is still pretty tender due to that being the side my port is on. I was also able to eat some Jello today with no pain or difficulties, slowly of course, but I am still primarily doing broth and slimfast shakes for my meals. Today has been the first day that I actually felt hungry. I read something here about constipation, I don't think I am, but I have not gone since the surgery, I'm guessing its more because I haven't really ingested anything until today. I hope some of this was usefull so that you know its not just you having some issues and that it does seem to be getting much better by the day. Good luck to you!

I have just recently had the lap band surgery and the fact that I had sleep apnea was not an issue durring surgery. The only thing they were concerned about was the amount of pain medication they were giving in recovery right after the surgery. They wanted me to stay awake so that my blood oxygen levels stayed normal so they did not want to give me too much since I could fall back asleep. As far as your apnea going away after surgery, that would depend on what type you have. I have what is reffered to as central sleep apnea, which means that my brain actually forgets to tell my body to breath when I fall asleep, and no matter how much weight I am to loose will always need the machine. I do think the more common type obstruction, can go away with wieght loss. I was diagnosed almost 6 years ago with sleep apnea and I have to say, life was WAY better after getting the machine, at first I would have so much energy I would be almost bouncing off the walls and could only sleep maybe 4 to 5 hours with out being fully awake, that has since slowed down and normalized. Anyway, all I can say is that getting the machine could be a great addition to your life and to keep a positive look out.