papaJohn

I wasn't prepared to have any part of my stomach removed. Every persons situation is different; I won't be having children, I had about 80 lbs to lose and no certain timeline to lose it in, and I needed to be back to work ASAP so opted for the less invasive Lap Band.
My surgeon favored the sleeve, especially since my insurance would cover all three (band, sleeve, bypass). He didn't think I was a candidate for bypass since my BMI was just barely above qualifying. I just explained my reasons to him and he honored that. I felt ready for the "bandster" lifestyle though. I was, and am, completely committed to my new way of living. My surgeon had reservations with the band because he said the last 10 patients he saw, 2 were doing exceptional, 5 were right on track, and 3 were not losing at all. It all comes down to patients choice on whether they follow the rules or not.
I use his optimism as encouragement. I want to prove that I can be successful with the band, and so far I'm going above and beyond the typical expectations. My surgeon considers "success" if you can lose 1 lb every 7-10 days, and I'm averaging 6 lbs a week, BUT, I'm working my butt off (literally) to get there.
Maybe sit down and weigh out the pro's and con's of each. Making a list always helps me
Good luck which ever route you chose!

Two things papaJohn focuses on now, are "small bites" and "chew-chew-chew" it keeps everything working just fine. Take your time!

My surgery is the 27th as well! I hope all goes well. Keep us posted.

Hi guys, I am 5'4" 215 lbs with small bone frame, I pray they will approve me. I'm going for my first doctor visit this Monday. I have been reading everything I can and watching people's YouTube videos for the last 6 weeks, hours on end. One moment I'm inspired and excited and the next terrified , because of all the different opinions. I have to do something, I have tried so hard, but can't keep the weight off and the last 3 years my physical abilities having been declining and I'm only 56. My feet hurt so bad these days, they truly feel broken and I'm a hair stylist, so I stand all day. My arches are collapsing , my ankles and knees hurt and feel like they are turning inward. I have united healthcare and I know they cover wls, but some people are saying I am not over weight enough, I hope the doctor doesn't say that. Does anyone have similar story and give me some hope please? I live in Louisville ky

It has been forever since I last logged into this site. Life has been crazy and hasn't allowed me the time to touch base with you guys. All is well, I've been maintaining the same weight w/n 3-4 pounds for the past year. Initially it drove me crazy that I couldn't get rid of the last 10 pounds, I won't lie, there are times that it still bothers me but I just make myself remember to be thankful for how far I've come.
I've scheduled an appt with my lapband doc for the 28th, perhaps it's time for a slight fill as it's been about 8 months since I've been to his office. Thankfully, I've not gained any weight but I am able to eat more than I'd like. Cold Kosher pickles are now my new thing ~ 20 calories and I'm full, I resort to pickles when I get the munchies...
The Tummy Tuck is great!!! I had the right side of my scar tattooed (sp?) a few months ago and plan to have the left side done this fall as I don't want anything to interfere with swimming this summer. Crossing my fingers that things will turn around financially for many reasons including (but least important) getting my saggy breast done. I plan to start a fund for the girls and once I'm 3/4 the way funded schedule my appt. Yes, I'm going with the same doc who did my tummy tuck - I love him, he's attentive, very easy going and a genius at his craft.
I will touch base more often and lean on you guys for support when band life gets a bit bumpy...
Wishing you all continued success.

I have felt that myself and I am not newly banded. I did notice it seemed to hit more when I stood up vs sitting down.
Double check your Water intake, and you could have some swelling going on.. I notice it more after I get a fill, and it could just be agitated. I have found that it goes away...
then with a fill it can come back for a short time.. follow the diet, get in the fluids but if it is uncomfortable talk to the doctor about it.

Ok so heres my first post on the forum. Going to Mexico next week to get banded by Dr. Kuri. Excited to get it done and get my life back on track. Starting weight 325 and I'd like to weigh 175 sometime in late 2013!

As others have posted earlier...this forum is a valuable resource for information and insights into the band, and more importantly the real life experiences of individuals who are living with their bands. Some are going to have problems, an inescapable reality with the law of averages. This forum is an excellent resource to read from others who are actually on the weight loss journey, and to visit when they have questions and/or problems.

Post op anxieties that you are describing are normal; there are numerous adjustments that you are going through now. Everything from hormones to a radical lifestyle change can cause anxiety, especially when it all comes at you at the same time. The anxiety should resolve as you continue to live from day to day, and discover that you are able to be successful with your weight loss journey. If in a few weeks time the anxiety is still with you, then it would be advisable to consult with your surgeon or a therapist. Another important insight into anxiety is that we create it in our minds...because we create it, we can also control it. This takes some practice, but is readily "doable".

Yes, there are risks to just about everything we do, or don't do in life. The risks of obesity related/caused health issues are real...for some of us more real than others. I also side with those who chose a path to restore some of the health that my weight was stealing from me.

The single most important thing you can empower yourself to do is to remain compliant with your surgeon's instructions...and to not hesitate to get in touch with them or the office staff if you have questions or concerns.

I have experienced a couple of complications which were band related, but nothing related to not following the surgeon's instructions. I also have never had a stuck episode with food or vomited (knock wood )!

In time, after your anxieties are in the past, you will understand with better clarity the opportunity you have to become healthier and happier.

Best wishes to you as your journey continues...

Some other posters commented on why people come to this forum and it's really because they are searching for answers. Most of the complications aren't really problematic, they're just fears and concerns that need an answer. So of course, the comments may seem negative but look at how many replies from successful bandster there are?
As Mis73 said most of us would rather take our chances with the band than die from obesity. Think about how many comments this forum would receive if it could reach the heavens and allow the millions of people who have died an early death due to obesity? I think most of those comments would have been, woulda, coulda, shoulda?
tmf

No. 1, stay away from the complications section on this message board. No. 2, follow the band rules and you will avoid some of those complications. No. 3, listen to your body, and if you have a complication, you can have your band removed. The reason I chose lapband is because it is reversible in the event of a complication. Try not to stress, stressing about something always makes things worse. When you start seeing the scale moving down, it will make you feel much better about your decision!!

honk is right. Unfortunately the people having problems post at least 5x as often as those coasting along happily with their bands. I encourage you do some actual research on the band statistics and not base your fears off posts here. Especially considering the majority of band issues you read on here are self-caused to begin with.
Look at it like this- your have a far greater risk of dying from obesity related health issues than you do from band issues. At worse case scenario, it slips, and the doctor either fixes it or removes it. But if you remain obese, the risk is literally premature death.
Personally, I'd much rather take the risks with the band than of dying before my time because I'm obese.

Remember people who are stressed out from complications are more likely to come on here to talk about them than people who are doing well. Almost 2 years out knock on wood I've never had a PB or vomitted. I've had a couple stuck episodes: cheap white bread and raw baby carrots.
If your band slips you will have trouble keeping down liquids. But remember not everyone has slips.

It is all completely normal. Just remember the true reason you got the band in the first place. Your health and to better your way of living. I too was very scared after reading so many complications on here but the truth is that many people go without any complications. It just seems like there are so many people with complications because they group together on here. All you need to do is follow your drs rules and diet and you will be fine.

Get banded on June 27...how long before I can start golfing again? Anyone else have any experience with golfing after surgery? Thanks!

Gee Wiz, that doesn't sound like fun
Well, my motivation came from our Family Doctor after this winter of what we thought was a heart attack. He said, "loose weight or die!"
My thought is there is to much to live for and I want to make it another 23 years to make our children and grand children nuts!
Hang in clacognata74
take it slow, do what you have been taught, you can do it........!

Thought you all would enjoy this, and it's actually good advice. Don't eat before getting your teeth cleaned. Seriously. I know most people don't eat anyway because we don't want stinky breath before the appointment, however my appointment was at 9am - after being awake for three hours, getting ready for work, getting the kiddo ready for preschool, etc.
I grabbed some turkey slices and a slice of cheese for a good, quick Protein Breakfast. I ate it about 15mins before my appointment. Bad idea. As the dentist chair was going down with my head slightly below horizonal I thought, "Oh sh*t, my breakfast is still in my pouch and not in my stomach. With nothing stopping it from coming back up, omg, calm down, this is not going to be good *weird hiccup burp*." I had to stop the cleaning a few times, apologizing profusely (my hygenist knows about the band). Gravity was not my friend. Since the food was sliding back up (or down given the position I was in), my esophagus kept making more mucus thinking I was stuck. Awesome. The hygenist even said, wow, a little soupy in your mouth referring to the extra saliva from the incident - totally laughed at that. I finally stopped the cleaning, stood up, did a big no no and jumped up and down hoping gravity would make it all get past the stoma and into my stomach which worked. Of course, you have to imagine the most polite way to jump was to cross my arms over my chest to hold my boobs in place so it wouldn't totally be obscene or so I wouldn't hurt the tatas. Total comedy.
So my advice, eat way earlier than you dental cleaning to avoid looking like a schmuck jumping up and down in a dental office.

I know I thought the same thing about going to mushies so soon after reading on here about everyone. I think I will call the dr in the morning but I also think I will go back to Jello, puddings, Protein shakes etc. and see how that does. Also, thank you for the tip about the hot tea, his nurse did tell me to drink warm or hot prune juice which I forgot to mention that I have done two days in a row now but did not do the hot tea which she mentioned too. Thank you all so much for your input.
hugs
Donna

You hit the nail on the head!
You are detoxing, it is an addiction and you are going through withdrawals!
Hang in there with it, it will get easier but the first few days are the worst. Know it for what it is and you will find your body also purging itself, you mightg even have a bit of skin breakout.
You will be hitting the bathroom, you might be cranky, you might get some thoughts such as you can eat this or that. It is your body saying to you to just eat it, continue on... just like someone coming off a drug.
If you are having a rough time just come look on the posts and see what everyone is saying, it will help you keep focused!
Read a book, or watch a movie without commercials. Listen to music, or meditate... I even took some naps to help me get through. Hang in there...

Well, that's disappointing? Gaining weight sucks.
You need to start with something small like walking around your favorite park or lake. Taking small exercise steps is the first step in making yourself feel good again. Don't compare your now with your before.
Your stomach probably adjusted itself to not being filled and some of the wrinkles and twists have gone away or are in different spots now. Ask for another small fill if you think it's necessary?
Just do it all slowly. No rush.
tmf

I would focus on liquids before foods, that's a pretty quick progression to mushies. I know I had no appetite the first few days because of the swelling, etc. I also was on full liquids, which allowed for puddings, yogurt, Jello and found that I felt extremely nauseous when I ate some of those foods.
Do you know if you received a fill at time of surgery? This could also be a problem if you have a fill

Good Day Boys and Girls.......!
Had my 3 week check up today and our group meeting to get the next 3 weeks of food information.
Very happy with how things have been going and are going!
Swedish Medical Center has been the best!
Thank You to all of the fine folks who have made this possible!
Regards, papaJohn

Congratulations on being BANDED! I can't wait....keep us posted..
Blann

Awesome!! You have so many incredible and wonderful things ahead of you!! If you didn't take before pics and your measurements before your surgery, be sure to do that as soon as you can -- you will want that info later.
Do your very best to stick to your post-op diet, and try to keep it on the straight and narrow during "Bandster Hell" as well as you can (that's the period when you're on normal food but don't have restriction yet.. I gained 5 lbs during it... mine fell during Thanksgiving...).
The band really works. Embrace it, make a plan for success, and get ready to finally stop feeling bad about your weight and what you eat.
With very best wishes for your success,
Catherine

Hang in there. It will be a tough few days at first. I really regreted having the surgery for the first 3 days, then things started getting better. I was banded in Sept and have lost 87 lbs. Nobody noticed the first 35 so don't get discouraged if that happens. Follow all the rules, eat slow, small bites, stay hydrated and enjoy the results.

Well I'm getting ready to go in for my very first surgery. I'm nervous and exited all at once wish me luck! I'll try to let yall know how I feel. Here we go.