hestie

My journey began about a year and a half ago. I had seen several people I work with have the gastric bypass and was always scared of the complications and results. I had heard about the lapband and decided to research it. After spending several weeks researching it I bit the bullet and made an appointment for an information class. After the class I was torn between the gastric bypass and lapband. I once again researched the band and told myself why I was choosing it in the first place. I filled out my paperwork and turned it in. Soon I was approved through insurance and my journey really began. On September 28, 2007 I had surgery and have never looked back since. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself! On March 4, 2008 my husband also had lapband surgery and we are now much healthier and happier. It has also helped our young sons with their weight control. I am now 105 pounds down and feel like a new woman!! I exercise five (5) days a week faithfully and my energy level is through the roof. It is still a struggle to stay away from certain foods I have always loved, but carbonated beverages, bread, rice and Pasta I have not touched in almost a year. It is unbelievable but I do not miss it a bit. I have read the horror stories and please realize this is only one person's story. Do not let the negatives get you down. I know you have to weigh all your options, but I have not had any complications nor has my husband. I am healthier and happier. Plus everyone says I look 10 years younger!

Louise Marie, I was also very nervous, but here I am almost 2.5 years out and am still feeling great. It is the best gift I have ever given myself. You will not regret it. I am still on my awesome journey. Hestie:smile2:

Exercise does help, but with the cyst on your knee you may be limited. I would definitely check to see what you may be able to do. You can lift weights while achieving cardio with more reps and a lighter weight, this may be an option. Also when I plateau making sure I get in all my water consumption really helps kick it back in gear. Good luck!

I was banded in September of 2007. I find I get the cramping when I am full. It could be a sign that you have eaten enough. I know that is when I cramp. Good luck on your journey!

I had surgery in September of 2007 and have lost 84 pounds. I have went from a size 24 to a size 12. I was the same way at first with the undecisiveness. It is a personal decision, but I was very fearful of the gastric bypass and did not like the idea of them rerouting my digestive system. A lot of people comment on how healthy I look now and how I don't look "gray" like those who have had the gastric. As a matter of fact my husband was so impressed that he actually had the surgery March 3 and has lost 33 pounds. I am the type to research things to death before I make a decision. I know now I made the right decision. It is hard being on the other side of the fence, but know I have not had any complications and I feel 20 years younger. Good luck on your journey!!!

I was banded on September 28, 2007 and had a lot of the same thoughts as you. Now that I am 4.5 months into it I would have not changed my mind for anything. It is definitely a personal decision, but I researched everything out before hand and am so glad I did it. As a matter of fact my husband is getting ready to do it soon as our insurance just approved him. Yes I still eat out once in a while. A lot of fast food restaurants do not have options for you to eat, but if I go to Wendy's I will have chili or something like that. I have not eaten any bread, rice or Pasta since before surgery but I guess you get used to it. I eat a lot of homemade Soups now and fish which we did not really eat before. I feel 100 times better and am really liking the way I look. It was a great decision for me and I am not sick at all. As far as he reflux I had it terrible before and was on the prescription Protonix. I am now off that medicaiton and have no reflux problems at all. Good luck with your decision.

I was banded on September 28 and have lost 64 pounds. I work out 7 times a week and feel great. Best decision I have ever made in my life. Keep up the good work everyone!!!!

I was having health issues and had seen people at work having the gastric bypass. I have young children and the complications of the gastric bypass procedure scared me too bad to take on that venture. When I seen the Lapband and started researching it, as I am a research freak, I knew it was for me. I was banded on September 29 and it has been the best decision in my life. I am 53 pounds down and feel 150% better that I could ever imagine. My friends and family are really noticing and I am getting compliments on how great I am looking. This is great, but the way I feel is better. It is definitely a very personal decision, but one I am glad I made. Good luck on your journey!!!

I was banded on September 29 and have had two fills. I feel the same way and am hoping to get to my sweet spot. I go again on 1-10-08 and am hoping that will be it. I just throttle back at meals even though I still feel like I can eat because I want to keep losing because this is what we did this for right? It is frustrating and I am looking forward to the sweet spot so I feel full fast and am not hungry. Good luck!!

I am three months post op and get the same thing. I think it is air or gas because if you "relieve yourself" the pain lessens. I don't get it a lot, but I have had the pain and believe this is what it is. Good luck and you may want to check with your doctor.

I was banded on September 29 and am doing pretty well. I go in for my first fill on November 1. I am starting to have some hunger again but have been sticking to my diet and losing weight. I have been working out three days a week and am increasing to five this week. Hope everyone is doing well.

I was banded on 09-28-07 and am going back to work tomorrow, 10-08-07 and feel pretty confident to do so. My chest soreness is now gone and my port does still kinda hurt when I bend over but I sit most of the day. You need to do what you feel comfortable doing and if you are not ready by all means take care of yourself. Good luck on your journey!

I really think they just want you to drink slowly and not get a lot of air which could be miserable. I was banded on 09-28-07 and have been drinking a little faster just not gulping and I seem to be doing fine. Good luck.

I was banded on September 28 and am up to eating mushie food and tolerate them fine and am feel full. I also still have gas pressure especially in my left shoulder. Things should be better in a few days for all of us. Remember we are only a few days out really. Good luck to everyone!!!

I lost 7 pounds on my pre-op diet. I was just banded on Friday, September 28 and the gas is bothering me the most. Good luck to you on your journey!

This is definitely a personal choice. You really need to weigh the pros and cons for both. I personally chose the lapband, due to be banded Sept. 28, because it puts you a lot more in control and I am very concerned about the extra skin and complications I have seen with the bypass. Do your research and you will know which one is right for you.

I am due to be banded on Friday, September 28 by Dr. McKinlay in Salt Lake City, UT

I am also being banded next week on Friday, Sept. 28. I have to drive about 3 hours to get there and be away from my family and home for three nights. Nervous is a key word I am feeling the exact same way. My husband is being very supportive and has been with me every step of the way. I know I will make it through, but sometimes I have doubts also. I really think this is normal. I have been overweight since a child and am really looking forward to the new me. I know we are all making the right decision I think the fear of surgery is just overwhelming and when the hospital and doctor ask you all the "pre-op" questions you start to wonder. Good luck and I look forward to seeing your progress.

I started my pre-op diet yesterday and am having surgery on September 28 in SLC. I am nervous and very excited. My journey begins to the new me.

September 28 for me!!!

Baby oil works wonders on sticky bandage glue

I am being banded on Sept. 28 very excited and a little nervous. Will be getting it done in SLC at St. Mark's

I am scheduled to be banded on September 28 in SLC. Start pre-op diet on Monday, September 17. The journey begins to my new life!!!!

Darn it I have been watching it every week and missed it. Hopefully they will feature more so I can see it.

There is a place called Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians. It is affiliated with St. Mark's Hospital. That is where I attended my class and am waiting for insurance approval. I also have Blue Cross Blue Shield through Wyoming. They seem to be great doctors. Four of my co-workers have had the gastric bypass done through this office and were very pleased. I am selecting Dr. McKinlay, however, there are two other doctors but Dr. McKinlay has been doing it the longest. Good luck on your journey!