Fit2btied

This is strictly my opinion, but I would definitely insist on an overnight stay at a hospital. My doctor insisted on a one night stay for pain control and he was right. The last thing I'd want to do is deal with a car ride so soon after that surgery. Plus, the hospital pain killers are so much better than anything you get by prescription.

Ok Im playing devil's advocate for a minute..
Yes, there are situations where a person may have a cane due to some medical ailment not related to weight, however, there are a fair share of those who have canes because of their weight too. It's impossible to discern between the two, and thus people are making rapid judgments because our brains are designed to do just that.
So let's take that snapshot judgement and analyze it... why do we change our behavior when obesity vs disease (assuming you see it differently) is the culprit.
Disease is easier to discuss. We have empathy for anyone who is 'inflicted' with a disease, disorder, condition outside their control and must live with the disability it renders. Thus we want to diminish their pain and inconvenience.
But the key phrase, might be outside "their" control
Now let's look at obesity. I would presume the majority of our society sees obesity as self driven, not as a disease. Thus the inconveniences that go with being overweight (joint issues, inability to fit in standard seats, lack of clothing options etc) seems avoidable. It's the same mentality with cancer. Horrible when it's breast cancer, not so horrible when a smoker gets lung cancer because they ignored the warnings. The result seemed predictable and thus is sympathy and pity warranted? Most would say no.
I think people are naturally uncomfortable with the concept of self abuse. It's taboo and poorly discussed in our society. People don't know how to cope with family members who are drug users, alcoholics etc. Same goes for dealing with obese people if you've never had to deal with it. People become judgemental because they are ignorant, but also because of the emotions it arises in themselves. Examples include: disgust that someone would abuse themselves despite the apparent health issues, frustration that the person would rather live poorly than seek help, even anger when their disability becomes a burden onto others as well as themselves. The list goes on...
SOME of the thinking is off base. Without full comprehension of what obesity is, that it is indeed a disease, and how difficult it can be to manage, people are not ready to offer their sympathy and concern. THey receive negative feedback in public by obese persons and that's hard to refute. Examples include overweight woman using handicap carts instead of walking, obese man eating a dinner for 5 while sitting in a wheelchair and has a nasal canula blowing oxygen, than there's the those who live out the lazy/dirty stereotypes who cant keep up with hygiene or sit in front of tvs all day instead of joining their families etc. This is a very hard thing to contend with when trying to educate the public that being obese warrants sympathy. People resent being enablers and sometimes their actions are a form of tough love to counteract the mentality that obesity should be supported.
Personal example: I was a 250 lb nurse. I worked with another nurse who was closer to 400 lb. It was an absolute embarrassment and infuriating experience working with her. She elected to sit all day on a rolling chair. She would roll from one side of the room to the next, patient to patient. She would yell across the room and ask you to do her tasks since you were in the area (like if I was in the supply room, that was her cue to ask me to get her supplies) to avoid the extra steps (or leg sweeps in this case). I was embarrassed that patients/families would see this. Nursing should not be seen as limited or lazy. What happens in an emergency..imagine doing chest compressions sitting in a chair for instance. We carried a huge burden compensating for this nurse. And even though she didn't want to be discriminated against, she sure didn't mind inconveniencing the rest of us. Does this warrant help and sympathy? Not for me
Even I struggle with not being judgemental and I use to be obese. Am I at fault? It's a visceral feeling to not be ok with someone else's choice to allow themselves to go that badly before getting help. It's the equivalent of self preservation. Because you react to it poorly it tells you its not accceptable for you and thus it discourages that behavior. Some of this is surmised at a very subconscious level. Some are just fortunate to not be inflicted with obesity and thus don't understand how some things can't be avoided, only managed. There lies the distinction.
So without knowing people personally you will always be subject to making snapshot judgements. And yes, even the obese are judgemental!
By no means am I trying to not be sympathetic to your specific experience/situation. I'm just trying to shine light on a very old argument.

OK I'm going to answer the question upfront and than explain.
You are NOT READY for the band. This is not to say you are not a good candidate and that you cannot benefit from the band. It means, from your line of questions, that you have not done enough research and have a poor understanding of the lapband lifestyle.
I would encourage you to concentrate some one on one attention with some of our oldies who have been successful on their bands for years. Get a real inside perspective of the pros/cons. Ask the q's that concern you the most and than make an informed decision.
To quickly address some of your statements above:
1) vomitting is not common and it's to be avoided at all cost
2) there isn't a single exercise I know that is contraindicated by the band (except when you are recovering immediately after surgery). There are professional body builders, cardio teachers etc here with bands and most bandsters workout combining cardio and circuit training
3) any procedure has risks and complications. The goal is to be educated on them to know how to prevent them. This requires compliance and a can-do attitude. Our stats show a small percentage of these risks, some of which are avoidable
4) We are individuals. Some can eat bread, others can't, some can eat eggs, others cant. There's no definitive list of what ALL bandsters can't eat. It's a trial and error process. However, most bandsters come through this not missing these foods and have lost their appetite for problem foods. As a newbie it is impossible to relate and understand a life without a fav food. We were all there. But for the most part, you can incorporate any food back into your diet once you establish good eating habits.
This is just for starts, but all of your worries are unfounded and this is why I feel strongly that you can benefit from more learning. At the bare minimum, attend any educational seminars your bariatric center may offer. Go through the tests to qualify for your procedure. In this timeframe, research!!!! and when it's time for surgery you can make a definitive decision and not feel you wasted time or should have done all your requirements sooner.
Best of luck

My preop diet was for 2 weeks.
2 - 3 Protein shakes per day and 2 high Protein meals (60g protein minimum). No carbs. Snacks were okay - SF Jello and ice pops, 64 oz. Water.
The name of the game from here on out is PROTEIN - chicken and fish are best.
What I can eat differs depending on:
How tight I am - the first 2 weeks after a fill are VERY restrictive and a lot of things just won't go down. bread and doughy things are out completely - that's a good thing, you don't really want or need carbs anyway.
Each fill is different...each week is different...sometimes each day is different! It is a learning process and an intimate connection between you and your band. No two people or bands are alike, through trial and error, you learn what works for you. When I was first banded, I could eat eggs and drink milk but after my 1st fill I could no longer eat eggs - scrambled, fried or hard boiled. After my 3rd fill I can no longer drink milk. My 4th fill is coming soon, so I wonder what I'm going to loose this go-round.
There really is no exact science to this, you really just have to pay attention to your body and know what will work for you. I have no regrets, I am very happy with the decision I made to have this surgery. It has done exactly what I needed it to do - even though I doubted myself and feared that I would be one of the few people the band didn't work for...but alas! I am having a very successful journey and I'm very proud of myself.

Hi! I'm considering lapband, consult is in 2 weeks. I would like to know a few things.
How many weeks were you on pre surgery diet?
What were you able to have?
Then what are you no longer able to eat after the band is placed? How strict is the new eating plan for the rest of my life?
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Cc

(As a point of reference - I've been banded almost nine months. I've had fills and if I'm not in the green zone, it's at least sea foam green. ???Š)
I did not have to do a pre surgery diet. That varies by doctor/insurance.
There are no foods that I cannot eat. I do not have carbonated drinks very often. I've had a beer at a couple of social events but drank them very slowly as I could feel the gas. I have gotten stuck before but if I chew, chew, chew I can eat anything. But there's a lot I don't eat as I count calories and get in the needed Protein. And I eat a cup or less of food per meal so that doesn't leave much room for a lot of things. I have had a cupcake at a birthday celebration or even some chocolate just because but I count the calories and usually a bite or two us enough to feel satisfies.
For me the band has not been about giving up foods. It's been about eating healthier and smaller amounts. Hope this helps you.

Hi
I didn't have to do the pre-op diet because I didn't have much fat around around my liver.
I can eat ANYTHING except rice or apple skins... and no carbonated beverages. While I was losing I did have to "diet" but I have no regrets at all about having the surgery.
I find maintenance with the lapband VERY easy.
Tom, Toronto
Banded July 6 06
Wt. Loss: 160 lbs
tomander@belll.net