shanatx

I agree with B-52. I'm only 5 weeks out from surgery but still have pains at the port. I keep thinking that between maintenance, band corrosion, band slippage, and port flip, maybe sleeve WAS the better route. Aside from staples, there is no "device" being implanted so maybe less recovery. Maybe less chance of infection too.

Everything that was sore calmed within the first week, however, the port area (not the incision) is still sore but finally getting better. Not sure one has anything to do with the other, but I carry my weight more at my hips and below as opposed to my stomach area. Even with the soreness hanging on, I'm still happy I did it! NO REGRETS!! Enjoy the journey!!!

Has anyone had any issues with flying? I've seen some videos on YouTube where some banders have commented they have extreme tightness when flying. I asked my doc about it prior to surgery and he said he hadn't heard of any complaints. My plan is to visit my son in Hawaii mid-April so I'm wondering if there's any do's or don'ts. Thank you in advance!

BillieG - I do too! I also keep it so I don't have to guess how long meals hold me. I plan to carry it to the doc office with me as well.

Thank you! I don't know if TSA will let me through with my own food, but I may give it a try. Maybe I will show them my Allergan card that shows I've been banded! Sure can't hurt to ask!

HealthyNewMe: For me, it's that first burp! When I was researching doing the band, I went to YouTube before finding this forum. Several people on YouTube discussed "Soft Stops". The most common "thread" was that first came a burp but if you continue to eat then hiccups and if you don't stop at the hiccups, WATCH OUT!

Sounds to me like you are feeling deprived of your old life. Unfortunately, after living however many years doing what we did before, of course it's near impossible to just stop. My dietician reminds me constantly about "moderation". For me personally, if I REALLY want the junk or not to workout one day - OKAY. But just once - whether that's one meal or one serving or one skipped workout. know I will feel guilty immediately and that will be the end of it. As long as you give yourself permission, I think you will bounce back better than ever. Lapband is the tool - not the cure. Just like all the diets we have ever been on, we have to find what works for us.

I did it because "my mind out talks my body". A friend of mine said that to me about why she had surgery. I thought about those words over and over all the way into the O.R. It is SO true. I am no "vet", and I'm still in recovery (1-month post-op) but I can tell you I'm still happy with my decision. The first week I was happy, the 2nd week not so much, and each week I am working through the emotional more and more. Strangely enough, the closer I get to being on regular foods again, the more scared I am. This forum is a FANTASTIC resource - WAYYY better than watching YouTube! Before surgery, I was concerned about the caution foods...that's what they are, "caution" because some people can eat them and some can't. Now, those foods scare me enough that I don't want to find out. I haven't thrown up and I don't want to. I've taken getting to food VERY slowly so as to heal fully. Good luck! This is YOUR journey!!

Thank you to everyone - I wasn't worried about eating at all...surprisingly, food never even entered my mind. My concern has been that the band would get so tight in flight that you could feel it restricting WAY more than normal. Based on these responses, I think it depends more on what and how you eat prior and during the flight. Being in the air for 11 straight hours, I'm just trying to prepare myself for anything.

Y'all are MUCH more encouraging than YouTubers! I'm feeling much better about flying now and I will stick with light foods, maybe just soup! The other tip I have received is not to get a fill 6 weeks prior. I'm not sure how that would make any difference though.

2muchfun: THANK YOU for the graphic! I have had moments where it felt like my ribs on my left hurt and/or all of a sudden someone punched me in the lungs. Those feelings have begun to subside some but now it makes sense as to why my ribs feel sore!

I use the Gas X strips Extra Strength. Dosage on box is 2-4. I start with 3 and if no relief within 10 minutes then I take the 4th. The nurse told me to lie on my left side slightly to relieve gas pains. This ALWAYS works and no chance of injury

I was banded 12/18/2013. I still have pain at the port area when I bend slightly. Just brushing my teeth can spark pain. All incisions seem to be fine. If anyone remembers, how long did it take for you to have no more pain at the port area?

That's GREAT! I think he's pretty smart coming up with that!!

Congratulations! This forum is the BEST I have found!!

Thank you - I'm just praying nothing has happened with my port! Unfortunately, I don't know how I would know.

All of you just nailed everything I feel and have gone through these last several months. I was banded 12/18/2013. I'm still in the recovery stage of surgery, still have port pain when I bend over even slightly, still have major stiffness if I don't move for long periods (like sleeping or working at a desk). I keep thinking this pain will never go away but it's you-all that remind me that it's just a process. Thank you for this forum and speaking up...it REALLY helps others in this new journey like me!

That's good to hear! I was banded 12/18/13 and still can't bend over on my left side. Feels like I have a huge blob in abdomen and I am too afraid to push myself to bend. Maybe still swelling - I HOPE!