cookks

Hello-I was banded on 1/31/08. I have lost 30 lbs. I think the key to losing weight with the band is to know that the band, alone, will not be enough. You must commit to going for frequent fills, etc. I have had 3 fills and am not there yet! I go today for my 4th fill and each time, I know we are getting closer. I can eat too much if I want to. Sometimes, it can be depressing, because of course, I was NEVER going to mess up after my banding. I did-a couple of times-and I was able to eat a lot more than I should have... but less than I used to! I know people who were banded and just kind of gave up. They don't go for fills and follow ups. You cannot succeed on this without being consistent about the fills after the surgery. I hope to be in the "zone" soon and getting full faster. Until then, I MUST try to stay on program. I don't regret doing it at all.

UPDATE-All is well now. I found out from my Dr. that the shoulder pain was caused by my hiatel hernia repair. It seems that there is a connection or correlation between the diaphram and the left shoulder muscles. Anyway, it was very rough for 1 week and 1 day only. It stopped as suddenly as it began. I am about 4 weeks post op and doing great now. It was not easy! Laying down on my left side was the only remedy. Kim

Hi, I had very bad pains in my left shoulder. My doc said it was due to the healing of my hiatal hernia. The nerves in the diaphram are somehow connected to your left shoulder. Anyway-the only thing that worked for me was laying on my left side. I was ready to be up and moving, but every time I did, the pain came back. I went for 1 week checkup-still in pain. He said it would go away soon, and it did-the next day. I feel for you!!!! Kim

I told EVERYONE. My theory is that I need accountability. I think just knowing that everyone is watching me will help me stay on track. I really hope I'm right about this. I quit smoking and drinking the same way (10 years ago/smoking-2 years ago-drinking) and it works for me. If I keep it as my little secret, I have no one to "own up" to and keep me accountable.

My doc. said the reason we can't have caffeine is because it is a dieuretic and might make us dehydrated. I came off all caffeine-which was very difficult. I have heard from other banders that you can have some 3-6 months after surgery. I may just leave it out, already used to decaf now.

Hi, I am picking up my 2 year sobriety chip on valentines and was banded 2 weeks ago. The steps have been wonderful for me. I had to "ADMIT" that i was out of control and turn it over to God. I am a new person, and I have a husband and 2 kids who are so happy for me and my new lifestyle. I did seem to switch the addiction to eating somewhat, but now I am working the steps again. I highly recommend to anyone who is struggling to go to a meeting. It can't hurt, and you might just fine that there are other people "JUST LIKE YOU" who have been hiding behind their addictions. I am so excited about the band, and I will use it as a tool. I know that I still have to do my part. Kim

Yeah, I was taking Alli and went on a business trip/trade show. I'll spare you the details, but WHATEVER you do, take an extra pair or pants...........................and underwear............................and maybe socks.

Hi, I had 2 c-sections. This was so much easier. I was up and walking around 1 hour after surgery-went home the same day. I am one week post-op today and no pain. The soreness, to me, felt like you would feel after doing WAY too many situps. Also, it surprised me how high the incisions were on the stomach. In my C-section, they cut the muscle which has to repair itself, etc. There is none of that with the band. Kim

Hi Everyone, I am not very good with these message board things, but I was banded on 1/31. I did GREAT that day-got home by 5PM. Now I have had several sore days, but the biggest problem is an INTENSE pain in my left shoulder. I sometimes can't breathe because it is SO sharp. BTW UGA girl-I went to UGA-GO DAWGS.