Fort Bend Band

I had left shoulder pain for about 10 weeks off and on. My doctor and the nursing staff told me all along to expect this and that most people have it. They explained that since the surgery is laproscopic that they blow air in your body cavity to see while placing the band. Not all of the air escapes when they sew you back up. The air takes time to work out and causes left shoulder pain off and on. Mine was pretty bad but I could stand it. I found that when I was at home if I lay on my left side the pain would go away. A nurse also told me to stand and swing your arm up like you are going to do a jumping jack and that seemed to help when I went back to work. They say everyone is different in how long they last. I have noticed that it seemed to be worse if I felt gassy or after I have had a fill.

I started walking 1 week after surgery and then tried to biuld up my pace. I found the walking really helped those gas pains you get in your shoulder. I have had slow weight loss but do think I continue to lose inches because of the exercise. I am also trying to have a "healthier lifestyle" and I think some type of exercise definately plays a role in that!

I am newer to this discussion. When first banded I walked every day without missing. Now I average 5 days a week. I am trying to view this as a healthier life style and not totally just weight loss, although weightloss is good too! I started jogging for just 1 minute for every 10 minutes I walk to keep pushing myself. I usually walk about 45 minutes. I am hoping that I will be less wiggly with exercise as well.

I was attending a lapband support group through my doctor's office for a few weeks after my band. I noticed that when I asked the thinner people what they did to lose all of the weight most of them were exercisers. I think it keeps the weight loss going, keeps you firmer, and is good for your overall health (blood pressure etc.). I think the people that don't exercise are missing the point of the opportunity for a healthier you.

The saline also would not hold in my band so I had to get the thicker stuff which has seemed to stay in place because I always feel restricted. I have huge and long lasting burps like I have never had in my life ever since I got the band but I do think the thicker fluid can increase the gass bubbles since it keeps your pouch tight. My doctor assured me that that fluid stays in place. He also told me that if it did leak it is totally non toxic. I would try not to worry too much but do discuss it with your doctor on your next fill. Gass X does help! Good luck!

I was banded March 7th 2007. I have lost 10 pounds since my surgery and lost this 10 pounds within the first two weeks. I have had 2 fills and on the second fill I got the thicker solution which has done its job in making me feel much more restricted. April has passed and May is almost gone with NO weight loss. I walk 45 min. at least 5 days a week. I have eaten some junk food but not that much and my portions are so much smaller. I know I have to use the band as a tool but now I feel like I need to go on a diet. I got the band so I could finally stop all of these diets that I have been on for over 20 years! I know I need to be patient and am trying to be, but 2 months have gone by with no weight loss, I exercise, watch my portions and feel restricted. What can anyone suggest? I have that horrible feeling of failure that all of us that have dieted know too well. The feeling that this is not working and that I am failing. I wouls love to hear opinions and suggestions!!!