hummingbird7

Welcome! Best decision I've made for a long time! Best of luck.

What a horrible journey! I have to admit, I get a little nervous when I hear stories about band erosion. I was banded on 12/31/12 and (knock on wood) no problems at all. I wish you the best.

As as psychotherapist, I've had just a few clients over the years that were referred to me as a precurser to having weight loss surgery. There are several reasons why an individual may not be in a good state of mind to have surgery, but most of the issues can be addressed in therapy. Hope that helps.

That's fantastic! You can definitely see the difference

I think I paid $3500 five years ago.

I just had a few places that looked to me like they needed a lift. I was 47 at the time and wanted to do something before it looked like I needed it and this worked for me. I still have 80 pounds to lose, and if I see some sagging from the weightloss or aging, I'll have it done again. This time I'll make sure I schedule a few weeks to recuperate

There were three people who had the procedure the same day I did and returned for their follow-up when I did. All three were in their late 60's and they looked pretty good after, but I'm sure it's different for everyone.

I actually had the procedure 5 years ago. I loved the results! Gotta say, it IS very much a surgical procedure. They advertise as if you can have it on your lunch hour and go back to work...not so! My face was swollen like a huge pumpkin for at least a week. A lot of pain went along with it, but as I said, I love the results. Maybe I was one of the lucky ones, but I have no scars.

I compare my weightloss to the 10 pound bag of potatoes...lol! So far, I'm not lugging around three bags of potatoes

Great job! I've only had one fill and have 4cc in my 10cc band. I feel great. Probably go 4-5 hours without getting hungry. If things continue this way, I won't be getting another fill.

Wes,

First of all, it's amazing that you lost so much weight! Congratulations. Secondly, how frightening this experience must have been. I hope you are feeling better. Like many of the others have said, it's strange having a foreign object in your belly. I really think I will have my removed after I lose the weight, because the thought of having some of these complications are too scary. Please let us know how you knew there was a problem. Best of luck.

I was banded on 12/31/13. I've only had one fill since. There are only 4cc in the 10cc band. I don't feel any restriction. Never been stuck. I've lost 30 lbs and rarely feel real hunger. I'm actually afraid to get another fill because I don't want to take a chance on it being too tight or causing complications. Hoping to leave it alone as long as I continue to lose 1-2 pounds a week. I really make an effort to watch everything I eat and had to change the way I think about food. I'm sure if I had more restriction, I might lose faster, but think I'll stay where I'm at for awhile. Best of luck to you. I hope you get where you need to be:-)

Fantastic! I know that must feel great! Keep up the good work. Can't wait til I can get into a size 6

When I went in for my consult for the band, I mentioned that I had a hiatal hernia. I was planning on total self-pay because I didn't want to wait for six months to get insurance approval. Because of the hernia, which the insurance paid for, i only had to pay $3300 for the lap band. Not a bad deal:-) I haven't had to take any prilosec since the surgery. All negative effects from the hernia are gone! Good luck.

That's fantastic! Congrats!

For the first two or three weeks I would have a sharp pain near the port when I would bend over. About week three or four, I started moving around a lot more and it felt like I pulled a stomach muscle. That pain was tough and lasted almost two weeks. I thought I had dislodged the port. It's been almost two months now, and it's still tender at times, but nothing like it was. My doc says that's normal. Hope you feel better soon

I was banded on 12/31/12. It was not a lot of fun for the first week, but by the beginning of week 3, I had so much energy and felt amazing! For the past 7 years I have not been able to stick to a diet for more than 2-3 weeks. The liberating thing about the band is I don't really think about food and I don't worry that I'll regain my "slow but sure" weight back. I'm working with the band and I honestly don't think about it being there. It's amazing the things I have time to think about when food isn't dominating my mind, or planning the next new diet. Now I plan the next new outfit or vacation It will get better.

I had a hernia repair at the same time as the lap band. I did feel some discomfort, but it didn't effect my ability to drink liquids. The pain went away in about a week. Hope you feel better soon.

5 weeks from consult to surgery. This was a good thing for me, because if I had more time, I probably would have backed out. I'm so glad I had the surgery. Good luck with your journey

I was banded on 12/31/13. I went for my first fill on 1/31. I've lost 21 pounds and feel so much better, but I look like I swollowed a softball in my upper abdomen! My doc says there is still swelling and it will eventually go down.....I sure hope so!

I only told my son that I was getting the lap band. I don't think it's anyone's business, but I knew he would be supportive. My MIL once said to me (when I weighed 140 pounds) "how can you have such small feet and wrists when the rest of you isn't?" The things that just pop out of people's mouths is incredible! Best of luck with your journey

That is so scary! I can't imagine going through such an ordeal. Get well soon and best of luck with your sleave.

I chose the band for many of the same reasons Missy did. Two family members had the gastric by-pass and had every possible complication you could imagine. It was just too drastic for me. My surgery was almost a month ago and I've lost 19 pounds as of a few days ago. I feel great! I go for my first fill on Thursday.

That's fantastic! Good luck with everything. My only regret is not having done this sooner:-)

Welcome to the site and congratulations on nearing the end of this part of your journey and the beginning of the next

That's great! Get lots of rest....you deserve it!