kandikay76

I am down about 65 lbs from surgery in September 2012. Has not been easy that's for sure! The summer heat an humidity has really affected my band I think. Anyone who says this is the "easy" way out to lose weight needs to be slapped! :-)

Hi September Bandsters! Hope all is going well for you! I got my band Sept. 6. I have lost about 40 lbs so far. It's been slow going but we are going. Learning to take small bites and chew chew chew has been hard for me, I'm still working on it. Hope to see more September people say hello and update as well :-)

I only told my husband, and a friend that also has a band. I don't feel like dealing with everyone else's issues about my body, and my choice to do something about my weight. And the band is definitely not "the easy way out". This has been no walk in the park. But with out it I wouldn't have lost as much weight as I have. If someone asks me I won't lie, but I certainly won't volunteer that information. I have friends who have bands that constantly get asked stupid questions and have everything they do scrutinized. I'm happy with my decision to not tell anyone.

Don't listen to the negative advice, and definitely stay off the threads about everyone's horror stories. I made the same mistake. Got me all freaked out, and doubting my decision. Three weeks post band and I'm feeling pretty much back to normal, and down 20 lbs. It feels scary but its worth it!

STEP AWAY FROM THE SCALE! lol I did the same thing, I'm sure there's a ton of people here had done the same thing. It's hard sometimes, curiosity you know. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! I'm 9 days out and dont feel too bad aside from some port site soreness.

I Got my band on 9-6. I must say I've been having a LOT of thoughts of what the &$@? Did I do? But after some soul searching I think this is because I am really so very sick of this liquid diet! It's been almost a month now on this diet and I have been so so very good, I only strayed once (three pizza rolls). I have friends that were at McDonalds two days after they got thier band. (that's no lie) I have my follow up this Tuesday, and I am looking so forward to being upgraded from liquids! So anybody who is having a hard time with this part of your journey hang in there! If this was easy none of us would be here, and I'm pretty proud of myself how strong I've been so far! :-)

I'm day 8 post op and I think this is the first day I haven't been really bothered by any gas other than some burping. It does get a little better every day, and walking and moving around seemds to help. I think the gas was the worst part for me personally. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Awesome news for you! And sounds like your diet shouldn't be too bad either! Congratulations! :-)

I'm 6 days post op too. I am in the same boat as you. I went back to work today and I wished I hadn't. I had a bout of gas today that kicked my butt! Took some more gas-x but that only helps for a little bit if at all. Let me know If you hear of anything, but I think we are SOL.

I'm so sorry to hear of your disappointment. Especially when you have gone through what you have for the last several months. Best wishes to you and hope your recovery is swift.

Trolls are people that will come on here, and make a WAY off the wall comment, "just to get you going". Some people can spot them right away, others feed them by responding.

Hey everybody- I am 5 days post-op, and I think I had a breakthrough today. I have been having the same issues with the shoulder pain and the gassiness. So last night I took a laxative, and sorry if TMI but had two BM today and it has definitely helped with passing of gas. Also, I got a bottle of children's liquid ibuprofen, and took some of that today and it REALLY helped the shoulder pain. (I took 400 mg) So not sure if this will help anyone else but it sure made me feel better!

I agree with Sojourner. All you can do is research, and talk to as many people as you can. If you are willing to take one person's word for it good or bad, you are missing out one way or another. I did a lot of reading on this site, and the "official" lap-band site, good and bad. I also have a couple friends (they were kinda my guinea pigs lol) that have been through this which helps. Don't be afraid to ask questions there are a lot of helpful people on this site.

minkypop hang in there! I feel the same way. I want to cry and gag at the same time I'm so sick of Protein Shakes. I have a week and a half left of this "diet" before I can move to mushies and I am looking VERY forward to having to chew something. Sending positive energy your way, you can do this!

Split pea Soup has a lot of Protein too! Keep at it! You'll be back to eating savory food soon!

Split pea soup has a lot of Protein too! Keep at it! You'll be back to eating savory food soon!

OMG I LOVE YOU. I am in the same boat as minkypop, and I forgot about split pea soup, and I love it! (well, I might not after the next week) But Thank you!

Im doing good' date=' but today I've just felt bloated and weak.[/quote']

I'm four days out and feel the same way! I have to be back to work on Weds so hoping something gives before then.

Why is it people only see the Band as a way to lose weight and not a way of getting healthy? Yes the 2 go hand in hand, but most only see the weight. I'm rather frustrated with my family right now. I know they want me healthy, but they only see it as weight loss. They also have a issue with the portions. You're not eating enough.... How much have you lost? Over and over... I'm not even a full 30 days out. I've explained the first 6 weeks are healing and the portions are smaller the goal is getting healthy through proper eating habits etc. They only want weight numbers. They don't care if cholesterol or anything else goes down or a goal of mine is to get rid of a number of pills currently have to take. It's only the weight, weight, weight. Yes the loss helps in getting rid of pills and getting blood tests with good numbers, but the goal is healthy. Any thoughts or suggestions?

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This is precisely why I haven't told anyone about getting banded. I don't want to deal with any of my family or friends issues about me having a band. I am doing this for me, and my future. Most people seem to think that you are after some super model body or something, and that this is a magic band that just makes weight fall off. I just want to have my health improved, and feel better! I hope your efforts to educate your family about your band work and they become more supportive for you. Best wishes on your journey.

Keep taking your pain meds! Let them do their job and help get you over the first days. I thought I could be tough yesterday and not take them, boy was I wrong. You will have plenty of time to feel alert in the coming weeks. I'm on day 3 post-op and I think day 2 was my worst day so far. I haven't had much appetite and am basically forcing myself to eat. Have you been using a heating pad? It seems to be helping me a lot. I have some shoulder pain too which I think is just from all the extra gas in my system, not much you can do about that but try and walk and wait for it to pass. Hang in there and I hope you are feeling better soon!

I agree with Mis73, don't try to eat the whole bowl of Soup at once. (if that's whay you're doing) My post op diet instructions for the first week is to only have 4 oz. (1/2 cup) of what ever liquid every hour. I haven't had a hard time sticking to that, due to nausea. But that includes protien shakes and everything. Plus your still healing so take it easy on yourself! :-) I've been working on the same 12 oz Protein Shake all morning in small sips, just to try and get something valuable in my stomach. Good luck!

Hi there! I'm 2 days post op and feeling about the same as you. Had some pretty wicked gas pain yesterday even with walking, but better today. Actually not in much pain at all if I stay still. Best wishes to you on your journey!

Well, it's two days after my surgery. I feel better today than I did yesterday that's for sure. The gas pain was the worst yesterday I think. Not so bad today. I have one dose of my pain killer (lortab) left and I don't think I will take it anymore after its gone. The heating pad has been an awesome thing to have. Haven't really had much desire to "eat" anything, I have only had two small shakes and a half cup of yogurt since surgery. I almost wanted to gag trying to eat the yogurt, but I am trying to keep up the Protein.

I have been doing some light chores around the house, and went to the store and walked around a bit, trying to be up and moving to get rid of this gas pain which I think is the worst part so far. I am able to remove the dressings today for a shower! Pretty excited about that.

Haven't really been nauseous thankfully. Just gassy sore and the port incision is pretty tender. I'm sure tomorrow will be even better yet!

I am a side sleeper, so sleeping on my back hasn't been real fun, but I'm hoping to be able to get back to normal there in a couple weeks.

Husband has been SUPER AWESOME and I am blessed to have him to help.

If anybody wants to keep in touch e-mail wise or anything I would be more than happy!

Blessings to all!

Hello! Glad you are feeling better. Sorry about the hiatal hernia. I assume he repaired it for you? I am feeling better. Sore, but better. He had to put my port on the right side. He usually does the left side, but said because of the way my muscles were, it wouldn't fit there. Hmmm... My biggest disappointment was gaining 7 pounds back! I assume it is Water weight due to swelling and IV fluids, but still...what a bummer! I had worked so hard to lose 18 pounds prior to surgery, so to gain 7 back stinks. Did you gain any after surgery? I don't recall hearing anyone talk about that. Anyway, I'm happy for us! It's done! Now we can look ahead!

I got my band yesterday too and had the same thing with my weight. I lost 10 on the pre-op diet and gained 5 back during the course of the day. I'm going with the IV fluids and swelling too. Still pretty sore but i'm sure it will be a little better every day. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

SO I FINALLY HAD A CHANCE TO MEET THE SURGEON TODAY, AND I SAT THRU THE SEMINAR...PRETTY COOL...I REALLY LIKE THE DOCTOR, I'M FEEL REALLY COMFORTABLE WITH HIM SO FAR...BUT HE DID MENTION THAT HE WILL NOT DO THE SURGERY IF I SMOKE CIGARETTES...NOW I KNOW THEY ARE NOT HEALTHY AND I DO EVENTUALLY WANT TO STOP, BUT THE TRUTH IS: ITS EASIER SAID THAN DONE...AND IF YOU ARE A SMOKER YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN..NOW I CAN SEE MYSELF SLOWING DOWN AT FIRST AND WORKING TOWARDS QUITTING, BUT TO JUST UP AND STOP WILL PROBABLY DRAW ME BACK EVEN QUICKER AND I'LL PROBABLY SMOKE MORE...ANYWAY..HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD A PROBLEM WITH SMOKING AND BEING BANDED, OR BEING APPROVED FOR SURGERY AND BEING A SMOKER??? I GUESS I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT SMOKING CIGARETTES CONFLICTING WITH GETTING BANDED...

You have to quit smoking! I have had doctors say that your healing process is slower (for any surgery) and you have a higher chance for infection in your incisions when you smoke. I used to smoke 2 packs a day (sometimes more depending on the day) and belive me it was probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I loved smoking, but you have to stop and ask yourself what those cigarettes are doing for you besides costing money and making you sick. And think, if you can quit smoking you can prove to yourself that you have the discipline it takes to stick with the diet requirements this band requires. Trust me, I know how much it sucks to quit. Do you have a smoking cessation clinic nearby? They do help, and a lot of insurance companies will pay for it. Best wishes to you whatever you decide in your future.

The fact that you are self pay should be great motivation for you to follow all of your instructions, and look forward to a better quality of life! You will have the effort from the process and the payments to make it all worth it, knowing that you did it all by yourself!

Wow you did it! Until I actually GET my surgery I still feel its entirely possible I might run for the border at the last minute. Please share all, the good the bad and the ugly. Hang in there.

I was thinking about backing out too at the last minute, but I think a lot of people have "stage fright". Over all it the surgery itself hasn't been a bad experience so far. I was outpatient and just took some chapstick, (chapstick a very good suggestion i picked up on here from others) and a pillow to hold on my stomach on the way home. I've been staying on top of my pain meds and had the heating pad on pretty much since I got home. If it wasn't for the hernia repair I don't think I would be having much discomfort at all. It was not as bad as I thought it was, and I don't remember a thing once I got in the OR. You will do great!