Brockbabe82

In the western ma area it is about a 3-6 month process to have the lap band. good luck.

Congrats on the start of a happier and healthier you. Keep up the good work.:crying:

my prayers are with you and congrats on the start of a happier and healthier you.:crying:

This is the worst part of getting the band done, like it was said before take it day by day, and keep yourself really busy doing things that do not invole eating or food. Good luck hun.

My incision tape did not come off for over 2 1/2 weeks. In fact, the incision that was the largest the tape did not come off for almost 4 weeks, the only reason it came off to was because my sweatshirt got caught on it. It's tempting to rip them off, I know, but be careful and check with your doctor first. Good luck.

Bizzy bee, I would get to the doctor as soon as you can, if you are feeling a lot of pain then just to make sure nothing is wrong. I cannot feel my band either. I can definitely feel the port but not the band.

Hi Sweet pea, The imformation one does not count as a support group. I also think they make you wait because you have to be registered for the support groups. Hopefully you will be able to attend the May meeting which is May 20. You will also have to get blood work done . I did my blood work right when I left the office. I am unsure of whether they will count the things you have already done as things you need to do, I hope they do. The meetings are usually around the 2nd or 3rd monday of the month, the office will let you know more. I would wait like 1 1/2 weeks and start bugging them to get you an appointment, thats what I did. You seem like you have the right things started and you are being a good advocate for your health. Let me know if you have any more questions.Good night.

They are both excellent doctors. I love Dr. Haag he is straight forward and brutally honest, I love that. lol Sweet pea I hope your process goes fast but I will warn you they are very backed up in that office. It will probably be about 4-6 weeks till you will get a appt with one of them. Depending on who you choose for the psych , and nutritionist . Also you have to attend 2 support groups and they are only once a month . I wish you the best and may your process speed by.

Welcome to LBT.Congrats and goodluck on the start of a happy and healthier you.

Hi Trish, Welcome and congrats on the start of a happy and healthier you! Good luck.:rolleyes2:

Congrats on the start of a happier and healthier you.

amen to that!

First thing to start to go!!!lol

Good luck to both of you! :rolleyes2:

hi Brenda, As far as my surgeon was concerned there was NO falling off the band wagon . If I was an ounce over my goal preop weight he would not do my surgery. I had a horrible time during my preop phase my surgery was even postponed because I had not shrunk my live enough. I wanted this surgery so bad that no food was going to get in my way. I feel like success is going to taste better then nything I was to cheat with. I know it is hard though, really hard. Take it day by day. As far as the no fill thing. Most surgeons do not fill the band till approximatly 4 to six weeks after banding. Each surgeon is different so I would double check on that. Good luck hun, and keep you head up.:rolleyes2:

Welcome to LBT Chris! If there are any questions you have don't hesitate to ask! Good luck hun.:rolleyes2:

Is the sensation of tightness in your chest extremely uncomfortable, or painful? About how much food are eating before this happens? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself. I know if I eat too much or too fast I get a feeling in my chest like no other , it hurts I can't breathe, it actually brings me to tears. Try eating a little less at meals and see what happens. Also make sure that you are chewing, chewing, chewing. I hope you figure out what is going on, because I know having food stuck is no walk in the park. Good luck

Congrats on your date! Good luck !

Thank you for the great info!:sneaky:

I still can feel my port area when I do things like exercise. Its funny because everyone that knows I have had the surgery wants to feel it and stuff, it's like an alien in my stomach.lol It did take a good month before I felt back to my normal self though, very tough recovery.

There are multiple reasons to stop smoking. Patients overall will have fewer complications if they no longer smoke. Smoking damages the lungs and this can lead to higher anesthetic risks and pneumonias following surgery. It takes about a month for the lungs to recover - so stop now! In addition, weight loss surgery is about improving your health. Smoking directly contradicts this goal. **** This is what was given to me during my consult, although I am or never was a smoker. Good luck to all those quitting, just think of how much better you will feel being a non-smoking bandster!

I definitely hear you on that. Maybe it is time to start going to the gym on your own for a while or only going with her one time a week. Do your thing independently, and maybe not have weight loss, dieting, or exercise a part of your friendship. I mean still do your normal thing but have that be a topic that is not brought up. Use the aggression and annoyance that this situation is causing you and work your butt off. After a while maybe she will stop making it such a big problem between the two of you.

That is one very unfortunate part of trying to lose weight with others. Jealousy is an evil thing and can hinder people's success. I would sit down with your friend and tell her that it makes you uncomfortable to always have to have a competition. Tell her you need her to help support you, and you want to be able to support her. For that to happen you need to be united not divided because of her jealousy. Your number one goal is to lose weight and become healthier and there should be no competition on that especially if she is a good friend.

I have definitely learned that it is important that I not be near any stress, chaos, or rushed environment when I am eating. I cannot eat driving, nor should I,lol. I think stress plays a significant role on how our bodies respond. I am glad I am not alone in this. I am usually on the go, so basically the band has slowed me down in the sense of taking my time eating. I hope that now you feel better when eating , knowing what works, and doesn't work for you.

2flyguys, you have done amazing!!!! The whole getting used such a big loss so fast seems to be the part most struggle with. I think once you have lived for a while being overweight we become accustomed to that way of thinking. Don't let it ruin all of your accomplishments. Bask in the weight loss, the positive decisions, and what the future will hold for you. Easier said then done, I know but that is a major accomplishment hat not many people can grasp in a lifetime. Like it was said before find a counselor or a nutritionist who can help you with the self image stuff, sometimes we all just need a little extra guidance, when it comes to change. I know I do. Live it up girl, you are doing great.