mss

ouch....reading some of these posts is making me wince....but I acknowledge that I am a big chicken when it comes to pain. Remember that the first 4 - 6 weeks are the time for the lap band to heal and sit comfortably in your body so strenuous exercise may hamper this. The difficulty with bowling or any kind of strenuous activity is that the pain may not hit you till the next day. Just my thoughts.

Congrats on getting banded.

I definitely would do it again. I was banded 6 months ago, have had three fills and still get such a thrill when I dig through my wardrobe and find clothes that I haven't worn in years which now not only fit me but are loose on me. I have had to make big lifestyle changes eg. eat slower, chew more, no drinking with meals and it has been so worth it. I kind of wish that I did this ten years ago but I actually feel that psychologically this was the right time for me to have the band as I was so ready to make the changes.

My doctor suggested that I give it up or at least reduce the amount I drink. I very rarely drink carbonated drinks any more as the bubbles make me feel funny but I have a friend with a band who is able to still drink them daily. Weirdly since the band I have lost my craving for hot drinks of any kind so I am down from having at least 3 or 4 cups of tea or coffee a day to maybe one a week if I am out with friends!!!!!

I went and saw two surgeons before deciding on the band. I decided on the band because I had a pulmonary embolism after major surgery a couple of years ago and didn't want to risk that happening again by having a more invasive procedure. I also liked the idea of learning to make healthier food and lifestyle choices which I feel the band helps me to do. I also like the adjustability of the band. I am really happy that I chose the lapband, my weight loss may be slower than with some other procedures but for the first time in my life I feel proud and confident that the lifestyle changes I have made and continue to make will be forever. All the best with your decision Becky.

Maybe you could write down everything you eat and drink for a week and take this with you to your next appointment with the doctor. sorry I have no idea what shape my pouch is meant to be. Is there another surgeon that you coud see for a second opinion?

I had my third fill last month and wow have I noticed a change. I feel full really quickly and even better, I feel satisfied for hours after a meal. The scales had plateaued for months and I was worried that they would never move again and then since the last fill I have lost almost 2 kilos.

You have had a really rough few months bandster, my thoughts are with you. In regards to the fill personally I would hold off until you return. You will be honeymooning once in your life - enjoy the time you will have together. Also...are there doctors nearby in case you need an unfill while on honeymoon? That would also be a deciding factor for me if I was going for another fill. You mention that you could be losing weight now if you were following the rules, maybe you can focus on making healthier choices with the restriction that you do have at the moment. Congratulations on your wedding and enjoy your honeymoon.

I have never seen one of these rep things before and I had been racking my brains trying to figure out what the numbers meant. I am glad that the negative one has been taken out - I could see how that could be hurtful to people. I am a big fan of giving people compliments though and will probably continue to do this through my posts to them on the threads.

Welcome to the forums Deb. I had an incisional hernia and the surgeon still operated and he decided to leave the hernia for now. I know that a number of people here also had their hernia's repaired when they had the band put in so maybe it all depends upon the type of hernia and it's placement. It is already May so I iamgine it will be the end of June and surgery time before you know it!

Welcome to the forums TC. The gastric sleeve is another type of weight loss surgery. I had my lap band put in around October last year and it was the best decision I had made. One of my surgeons had actually suggested the gastric bypass however the surgeon I eventually chose said that he thought I was too young to have this major surgery (wow me young at 40!!!!!!!! YES! haha).

I pretty much didn't feel any difference at all until my third fill and then WHAM - omg I feel full so quickly now. It is awesome. Good luck with everything.

Hi Min I was thinking about you the other day and wondering how you are so I am glad you posted. You are doing fantastic with your weight loss. Well done!!!!! Mel

Sorry I haven't had the open surgery but I have a lot of scar tissue and adhesions from previous surgery which the surgeon was aware of. because of previous complications he told me that he would go in laparascopically and if he wasn't able to place the lapband this way he would have cancelled the surgery. When I woke up my first question was 'did he do it??'. Thankfully he did and from what I understand he spent a lot of time having to separate all of the scar tissue and had to make fewer incisions due to the scarring but it all worked out.

Not sure if it was you who asked a similar question a little while ago so I will reply again. I spent a week in Thailand in April and had no problems with the food. had been banded for 6 months at the time. I ate from some of the stalls and smaller food places. I always drank bottled water though. Have a great holiday.

oops just read the end and saw this was an old post. Glad your surgery went well marie

Obviously it depends on the doc. For my first appt the surgeon explained what the lapband was and how it worked, he weighed me and worked out my BMI - yikes, talked about the lifestyle and eating changes I would need to make to live with the band, risks, costs, etc. There wasn't any poking or prodding though I did have to show him my previous surgical scar as I had major liver surgery about a year before my op and he wanted to see how this would impact on the band placement. All the best on monday

So very pleased to hear that you are kicking George's butt!!!!!!

It may help you to read the information on the pages here about how fills work and about how the lap band works in general. This isn't a miracle cure, it isn't a quick fix and it does require lifestyle changes. As you get more fills you begin to feel full quicker....I am 6 months post op and have had 3 fills and only now am just beginning to notice the difference. It may also help you to reread any information that was given to you at the seminar or by your surgeon about the lap band. Exercise, drinking Water, getting your Protein in, chewing food and eating slowlyare all an important part of weight loss with the band. If you feel you hae been conned it may help to voice these concerns to your surgeon.

haha I had this conversation with one of my workmates last week as I have noticed the cuffs of a pair of jeans now get caught in the back of my shoes when I walk! I thought I was shrinking also...which isn't good when you are barely over 5ft!

Thanks for posting that Mini-me. It helps to hear from other slow losers. I lost a stack of weight initially and then plateaued for 3 months. I have had my third fill and am finally seeing a little movement in the scales. woohoo On the bright side, I have maintained my weight loss whereas without the band I know I would have gained it all back by now.

My concern would be that if you get an unfill for the weekend will you also be getting an unfill for the work party you go to, the friend's birthday, getting an unfill because it's christmas? Maybe talk to your surgeon and get their opinion as well. Enjoy the time with your family whatever you decide.

Just want to add my best wishes for you Jen - I am glad you are home.

Hi Ray Hope all goes well with your second lap band. I was in Phuket for a week last month, I had no problems eating the local food or travelling around...if that is what you are wondering. Mel

Wanted to let you know I am thinking of you tonight Kendra. We had earth hour earlier so I lay in the bath with candles and sent some positive vibes your way. Mel