Cappy

Hi Bunny! First, let me start off by saying that I'm not here to "convince" you to have this surgery...this is something you need to decide for yourself! Is there pain involved with this surgery, YES...the first few days after surgery were painful, I'm not going to lie! My surgery was on November 20th, the first two days were pretty painful and then it quickly got better...it took me about a full week to recover. You mentioned how others complained about feeling the band, the gas and general discomfort...I do not have any of those problems...sometimes you feel the food passing through the band, yes, and that is generally when you've eaten too fast or took too big a bite and swallowed too fast, but you don't feel the actual band itself. And as for the potential for hernias and gall stones, well, I guess that's possible....there is also the possibility of erosion and leaks in the port...don't get me wrong, sometimes I do think about those things and wonder, 5 years down the road, if my band will still be working properly...however, what concerned me more than worrying about those things, were the facts that 1) I have sleep apnea and found out that I had 120 breathing disruptions per hour...with the hopes that I don't develop heart disease, I now wear a mask every night to bed to help me breathe properly, and 2) for the first time in my life, my blood pressue reached 130/90, borderline hypertension... never mind the joint and foot pain I've been suffering with for the past 8 years....all these issues are due to being obese! I definitely had some thoughts prior to surgery about, "Am I doing the right thing?" But honestly, those thoughts didn't last for long...I made a decision....I decided that I didn't want to be obese anymore...dieting doesn't work, I tried it for years...I've already wasted a lot of years being fat, I don't want to waste anymore time! I researched A LOT, came to this website almost every day and read through as many posts as I could because I wanted to be as prepared as possible...I was "aware" of the negative effects of the band because I felt it was important to be prepared for anything, however, the negative effects weren't my focus! I wanted the band to help me, so instead, I focused on the things that I knew I needed to do after I was banded in order to keep my band "healthy". Being educated about the band is the best thing you can do for yourself, if you haven't done this already then I don't believe you will be ready for this operation. If there is only one thing I have learned in this lifetime, its this; negative brings on MORE negative! If you convince yourself that you will have problems after your banded, then you will! I am VERY happy with my band...don't get me wrong, I don't want to come across to you like this has been easy, because its not...you have to work at changing your eating habits, learn to recognize feeling satisfied as opposed to feeling full, etc. But its been worth every second to me, its the best thing I could have done for my health! I'm down 23lbs since November 20th and I feel pretty awesome! I can only imagine how great I will feel when I reach my goal! I wish you all the best and hope you make the right decision for you! Sorry for such a LONG e-mail, I hope I helped you in some way! Keep us posted on what you decided to do!

Like everyone said here, you WILL know! I had my first real "stuck" experience the other day and let me tell you, it sucked! It hurt like hell, I didn't know what to do! I ate a small piece of italian bread (yeah, stupid, I know) dipped in this lemony sauce...I didn't chew it well enough and swallowed too fast...it was a horrible experience...I was afraid to throw up because I didn't want to hurt my band so I kept trying to keep it down...but when that stuff wants to come out, it will! So I tried coughing and whenever I did, slimy stuff came out (sorry to be so graphic)...after about a 45 minutes of this, I finally felt better. Lost my appetite completely after this, which is good because your not suppose to eat any solids after this happens...you should immediately go on liquids for 24hrs (at least this is what my doctor suggested). I hope you never experience this! Chew the hell out of your food and when you think your good, chew some more!

Hi All! So, I went for my first fill today....wasn't bad at all! I had 2.5cc's and she added 1.2cc's so I currently have 3.7cc's...hopefully that gives me more restriction, I really need it! I am up 1lb from the last weigh-in and I go back in 6 weeks to see how I'm doing....now its time to add in some exercise that I've been putting off for so long! How is everyone else doing? How did you guys hold up through the holidays? I found myself eating things like chocolate and sweets a little too much...but definitely less that I would have last year....so that's a good thing. Hope all is well with everyone!

Hey Sue! And a big hello to ALL my fellow LI'ers! Yeah, where does that willpower go? Its just too easy to get off track...but recognizing what we are doing wrong is a good thing....that isn't something I cared to do over the past 10 years, so its a start! I'm back on track and actually feel a little lighter the past few days, even with my "enemy" visiting me this week! I will keep you guys posted on my visit to Geiss on Friday! I'm praying for my first fill...wish me luck! Happy New Years to all! Be safe!

Sistasassy, I'm crying right along with you....I am so sorry for your incredible loss....I feel your pain, as my beloved Boxer, Duke, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge 2 1/2 years ago...he was only 8 years old. You are NOT stupid, you are a loving, caring person that fell in love with your pet and there is nothing stupid about that! Mourn your loss, cry whenever you feel the need....you will never forget Jesse, she will always be a part of your family...I think about Duke all the time, he was our "first" baby....it was such a special time for me and my hubby! I pray that the angels come to you and your family and help you all get through this terrible time....may the Lord bless you all!

Happy Holidays All!!! I haven't been on the site much lately, sorry! Thanks for all the advice and kinds words, Shrinkinmom, Susancarole and Slim2be...I appreciate all the help I can get! The holidays have been rough....I had gained 6lbs since starting solids....then lost 3 of those pounds the last time I weighed myself (about a week ago) and haven't gotten on the scale since because I just got my period yesterday....that always adds a pound or two, so I'm waiting until Friday to weigh in....I go to Dr. Geiss on Friday also, so I'll get weighed there also....I'm hoping to get my first fill!! Oh yeah, I had my first real PB two nights ago...HOLY CRAPPOLA that hurt! We had just ordered in some dinner....was getting ready to eat a delicious chicken in lemon sauce dish, I weighed out my food and everything....then I notice there was some Italian bread in the bag...since I haven't had any problems whatsoever eating bread, I decided to have a piece, dipped in the lemon sauce....well, I didn't chew enough and maybe the piece was too big and WHOOOOOAAAAAA....I'm stuck...I cannot begin to tell you how much that hurt...seriously, I wanted to scream! I was afraid to bring it back up because I'm thinking I'm going to hurt my band if I do that....after trying to keep it down for about a 1/2 hour, all I had to do was cough and it came right out (sorry, don't mean to be so graphic)...I had a couple of experiences so far where I ate too fast or didn't chew enough and it hurt a little but the food always passed through the band in a few minutes. Not this time, that sucker wasn't going anywhere but OUT! Anyway, for those who haven't experienced this yet, I hope you never do...just remember to chew chew chew...and when you think your done, chew some more! I hope we can get a date in January....can't wait to meet with all of you! When I get a chance, I'll send you guys my schedule and let you know the days that I'm available to get together....unfortunately, I have to work around hubby's schedule....he's a police officer and works days one week and then nights the next....so its not always easy to coordinate....it will be easier for me to just let you all know the days I can make it and then hopefully we can all agree on one of those days. I hope that's okay with everyone! I want to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy 2009! This is going to be a great year for all of us!!! Have a good night! Fran

Your very welcome....any way I can help, I am happy to! This board has been a godsend to me...I've read through so many posts over the 5 months or so and I really learned a lot! So many nice people here to help! The best reassurance you can give yourself now is to stay positive! Don't let any of the negative nay-sayers get to you! Having a good attitude and really educating yourself on the band and being as prepared as you can be, are the two best things you can do for yourself! Your right, at some point everyone being banded needs reassurance that they are doing the right thing! You just have to BELIEVE that it is and it WILL be! Best of luck to you!

Congrats on getting your band soon! I've been banded since November 20th...everything went really well, had a very good overall experience...the second full day home after surgery was the most painful day for me, but the pain didn't last long...all I needed was some Tylenol and rest. I needed a full week to feel like my old self. I had lost 21.5 from the start of my Pre-op diet up until I started mushies (4 weeks)....after two weeks on mushies, I gained back 6lbs...but my doctor's office told me not to worry, the first 6 weeks are for healing not losing, so I'm okay with that....not exercising yet either, so I know once I do that will help. This whole new way of eating is a process, its going to take time to get use to. What I've been struggling with the past couple of weeks is knowing when to stop eating when I feel SATISFIED, not FULL...someting I have struggled with my whole life...so between that and not having a lot of restiction right now, I've put some weight back on...after my first fill and after having some time to get use to the band, I'm sure I'll get through this! Overall, its been a great experience for me and I'm very happy that I chose the band! I was nervous too, but you will be JUST FINE! I wish you much success on your new journey!

I am so sorry to hear this happened to you....I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be a simple fix! Please keep in touch and let us know how everything turns out! Your in my prayers!

Hey Lisa: Please, don't apologize! I don't get on the computer that much so sometimes it takes me a while to respond...not a big deal! Anyway, hubby is getting better...he had Thyroid Cancer and had to have his entire Thyroid taken out...I felt so bad for him, after his surgery on Monday he looked so out of it, it just broke my heart...he was in a lot of pain Monday and Tuesday, slowly getting better....the best part is, the cancer didn't spread to any of his lymph nodes and they got rid of everything! That is a blessing in itself! Now he just has to rest and heal....it should take about a week or two. I know how miserable he felt, that's how I felt on my second day after surgery...it was horrible! Thank you for asking, I really appreciate it! I'm glad to hear that your son is doing well now!!! What a relief that must be for you!!! I live in Lake Grove....we should try and meet up, Patchogue isn't very far! Shrinkinmom: I e-mailed you earlier today at that address you gave us because I thought I might be able to make it tonight....I never heard back from you, did you get my e-mail? Turns out, my hubby was tired and I felt bad leaving him so I decided to stay home....I'll catch up with you girls another time! Hope you all had a nice time meeting! How is everyone doing with the band? I tell ya, I started mushies last Thursday....did well for a few days, put on 2lbs right away, which I read is normal, so I didn't freak out completely...but now the past couple of days I feel like I have no restriction, although there have been a few times where I have eaten too fast and it hurt a little....so maybe I do have restriction? I can eat way too much food at one sitting, and have been! So the past two/three days haven't been good for me at all...my biggest concern is screwing up the band, I don't want to do that...yet I still made bad choices! I feel like the old habits, that I've been so good at keeping away the last month, are creeping in....I need to get a handle on this...I know this is a process and it will take time, so I'm trying not to beat myself up....but I still feel slightly disappointed in myself, I know better than to eat crap but I still did! Ugggghhhhhh....this battle sucks! I'm praying that I get a fill at my next appointment at the end of the month...I think that will help! Anyway, I hope you guys are having a better few days than me! Take care...and have a good night!

Hey Slim! I was looking forward to meeting you girls but it turns out that my hubby is having thyroid surgery on the 8th and he will be laid up for a while...I have two small kids at home that he won't be able to tend to...its really going to depend on how he is feeling on Wednesday, but I'm thinking no. I will have to catch up with you guys the next time:sad: Hope you guys have a great time! Hey Chris! YOU DID IT!!! So happy for you...sounds like you got through surgery with flying colors! So glad to hear that! If you can wait to get weighed at Geiss's office, do that! I've been addicted to the damn scale! And now, I started mushies on Thursday (YIPPPPEEEEE) and weighed myself this morning and was up a pound! But, I'm not freakin' out over it, I know this happens! The weight is going to come off, I don't have any doubts about it! Hope you continue to feel great and wish you all the best on your new journey! I'm sad that I "probably" won't be at the first meeting, but I will definitely catch up with you guys another time! Miriam, it was SO GREAT to meet you at Geiss's office! Your so sweet! Are you enjoying mushies? I think you said you have alot of restriction still, your lucky....I don't feel like I have a lot...I can eat all my food, no problem! Can't wait for my first fill! Question for you guys...on the paperwork that the nutritionist (I saw one of Geiss's nutritionists) gave me it says, when starting mushies have 2oz of Protein and 1oz of carbohydrates....then, you know how they gave us a sample menu to follow? Well, on the menu one of the meals listed was 4oz of cottage cheese (pretty sure it was cottage cheese) along with a fruit...now, I don't understand that....I thought we were only suppose to have 3oz total at each meal, like it says on the prior pages that lists all the proteins/carbs you can eat. I'm a little confused about this...can anyone clarify? Does it mean that, if your hungry, you can go up to 4oz in one sitting, but really should only have 2oz if you can? If anyone has an answer for me, I would so appreciate it! Okay, gotta run for now...I hope your all doing great, keep up the great work guys! Speak to you all soon!

Hi Gentylwind! I can really relate to what you wrote! I started my pre-op diet on Nov. 8th and up until yesterday I've lost 21.5lbs...some people have noticed that I've lost weight and have commented. I don't like having attention drawn to me either, makes me a little uncomfortable! I've had friends ask me what I'm doing, which is a hard topic to discuss since I chose not to tell anyone about my surgery. So I explain that I'm on a liquid diet and then plan on following the South Beach diet! I'm sure we have a lot more attention coming our way....I guess we better get use to it:ohmy: Glad your doing well!

I agree with everyone here...to tell or not to tell is a personal choice that only you can decide on. I chose not to tell anyone but my hubby and my aunt. It's been a little hard because I've had parties, get-togethers, Thanksgiving, ect., over the past month and I couldn't eat anything....of course, everyone asks why aren't I eating? So I tell them that I'm on a liquid diet for about a month or so, which is true...I try not to get to into too much detail about it because a small part of me does feel a little dishonest that I'm not divulging the details of my surgery...however, when I do feel like this, I remember WHY I chose not to tell...I, too, do not want to be judged or scrutinized with everthing I put into my moutn....if I happen to loose slowly, I don't want people thinking, "she needed surgery to loose that?"....unfortunately, there are certain times in my life when I do care about what other people think....my weight is one of those things. I've been morbidly obese for about 4 years now and I know that friends & family talk about my weight behind my back, and that hurts. However, since starting this journey I've been keeping a very positive attitude and wanted to keep my spirits up. This is why I chose to keep this surgery to myself, I didn't want anyone or anything to try and bring me down. Do what's best for you! Good luck with your decision!

Sorry to hear the test was so awful! The good thing is, its over now and hopefully you will find out soon what the problem is! Keep resting, that's the best thing for you! You'll be up and exercising before you know it!

Your welcome! I'm doing well...when I reached a week post-op I finally felt like my old self....I'm still a little swollen but not too bad...I have, however, developed a bad cough for about 6 days now....I called my doctor's office....they asked if I was vomiting, fever, not able to eat? No, no and yes...she didn't seem too concerned...I was concerned I would do something to the band but she said I would be fine...said I could take cough medicine, tylenol...I have to go back on Friday for my first post-op visit so I guess he can check me. Good luck with your test tomorrow...let us know what happens!

I agree with you 100%....I too would rather use a little will power than be too restricted. My biggest fear with the band is getting something stuck...I truly do not want to experience PBing! Glad to hear the fill didn't really hurt...I'm not afraid of needles, but being that the port is in a sensitive area, I thought it might be a little painful. Thanks for your input! Sounds like your doing great....keep up the good work!

Totally sucks, I know! But you WILL get there! Make sure your drinking all your liquids...I think that was my problem...I wasn't getting enough calories and wasn't drinking all my Water....once I made sure I did this, the weight started coming off again....good luck!

I totally agree with Melolo!!! I have faith in you too! What an accomplisment it is to loose as much as you have...so your having a little set back right now, so what! You will get right back in there and do what you need to do once you correct your problem! And way to go on your walking to and from work....that's great!!! Don't you feel so much better? I've only lost 21lbs, with no exercise yet, and I already feel like I'm walking with my head a little higher...such a great feeling! Keep up the FANTASTIC work! All the best to you!

Hi Lisa! Thanks for answering my question! I'm sure he told me at the consultation, but I really don't remember...I'm not feeling a lot of restriction anymore....the first 4 or 5 days I definitely had a lot of restriction but since then I don't feel as much....I figured I probably didn't have much in the band and had restriction due to swelling....I'll find out for sure on Friday, I go for my follow-up then. You sound like you have just enough restriction, which is awesome! Can't wait till I'm there...by the way, did the fill hurt at all? Thanks!

I feel so bad for you!!! Be careful driving and good luck with the scan! Keep us posted!

Hi PinkLady! I was also told I could walk for now...Friday is my follow-up visit with my doctor...I will ask him then about using my elliptical machine and when I can start using weights and taking classes at the gym. I went to the gym the other day and only used the treadmill.

Hi Heather....sorry to hear your not feeling so great....how is the pain today, getting better? I hope you feel better soon! Let us know what the doctor says.

Yes, I was banded 12 days ago....I'm down 21.5lbs since the start of my pre-op diet! I'm soooooo happy! I feel different already! I have a ways to go yet, but I'm DOING IT and that's the part that feels great!!! Its always the last 20lbs or so that is the hardest to loose....do you exercise too? I haven't started that yet but plan to! Click on my ticker and it will bring you to the tickerfactory website...you follow the directions to make your own ticker and once your done, copy the formula that's listed under "Boards/forums" (I think its the first option)....once you do that, go into User CP, then edit signature and paste the formula into the "edit signature" box...click on save and viola....its done! Let me know if you have any problems!

Hey Valstal! Sorry I'm getting back to you on this question so late! I'm suppose to have 6 liquid meals a day; (4) 8 oz Protein shakes and (2) of either yogurt, instant carnation Breakfast, Soup or pudding. I don't always get all six meals in. Day two was my worst day with pain, it was really bad....after that I was fine. I'm 12 days out now and I feel great! How are you doing? Where were you banded?