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nessa259- I had the lap band for 4 yrs and it was a horrible experience for me. Almost two years ago I had Dr. Hoffman remove it and 2 months later I had the gastric sleeve. I was terrified to do it but now i couldn't be happier. I work out 3-4 times a week, started running 5k's and feel like a normal person. I did end up with two drains post op but I was one of his most difficult cases.... I am down roughly 85 lbs( I'm 5'8" and 172 now) and would like to lose about 15 more but honestly this is a "happy"weight for me. I love love love the sleeve. The beginning was rough, only Protein shakes and little sips, everything tasted strange for a while but I guess that can happen. It eventually returned to normal and all I can say is I would recommend Dr. Hoffman and the sleeve to anyone looking into weight loss surgery. please ask me anything you want about the sleeve. Good luck!!

Hi everyone, I haven't been on in a while but I have a (kinda gross) question. Is it normal to not actually bring anything up when you vomit after having lapband done?? I was sick on thursday/friday and would wretch and wretch, but not actually vomit. It was gross...anyway, just wanted your opinion. I was banded 9/22(Dr. Hoffmann) and this was my first episode of being sick. Don't want to do that again for a while!!! Other then that all is well! I am Down from pre-op wt 43lbs and loving my band!! Also,this is a bit random but are oranges on the forbidden list??

Hi gigim.... I was banded 9-22 so tommorow will be two weeks. I feel great. Don't rush yourself..in the past three days i have really started to feel back to normal. everyone is different but i bet in a few more days you will improve greatly!! Hang in there! Oh.. I couldn't stand the taste of the lortab so i only took it once and then tylenol managed my pain pretty good. Let us know how your doing in a couple days!!

Hi Chris!! I was banded last Monday and feel pretty good!!! my advise to you is get up and walk at the hospital as soon as you feel you can. The sooner you get moving the better!!! also take chapstick and loose clothes to go home in!! Be patient with yourself -- it took longer than i thought to start feeling back to normal, but 1 week out and i walked around the block today and finally didn't look like an old lady-- :cool2: Good luck and let us know how you did!!

Hi girls!! I was also banded on the 22nd and have had all the same issues. I think it is great to have this site just so you can realize you are not alone! Tylenol helps the shoulder pain and also laying on my right side helps it too... good luck with everything!!

Oh- I thought the shoulder pain would be gone by now and am very surprised that is still lingering!! I would love to know the answer to that as well. For now it is just taking tylenol and walking ....

I just want you to know youuare not alone. I was banded 9/22 and have been coughing too. I feel like I will pop a stitch or something i cough so hard. usually if i get a drink and walk around it subsides, but it is no fun. Hold a pillow on your stomach when you cough and for some reason it doesn't feel as awful. This can't last forever right??

barilla plus pasta is one kind that has extra protien and nutrients added and it is delicious... check it out!!!

my friend had gastric bypass at sisters and it was a great experience for her. asa far as I know they do not do lap band there. the physician who used to do them left. Now that might have changed...not sure. Dr. Hoffmann banded me 9/22 and I know it is early but i feel pretty good!! It was 5 mos of jumping though hoops for them but well worth it. I had to have sllep studies done, before and after cpap, and all the other tests. the pain was managed well in the hospital and by the time i was discharged i was on tylenol gelcaps for management. Dr. hoffmann is great!! Highly recommend him!! (also he doesn't catheterize you and the other 2 docs do...)

sugarbear--thank you for the advice!! I probably should take it easy but i finally feel almost normal(except for my stomach growling like crazy!!!) I will be a little more cautious and maybe only go for a walk instead of side the garage!!! :thumbup:

Tomorrow is the banding day for me and i am so nervous about anesthesia, and so excited about the road ahead!! Any advice for a newbie??? I know the bowel prep was lots of fun!!lol Any tips would be great!:girl_hug:

hi- i am 6 days post op and was told no lifting anything over 15 lbs, no vaccuming,pushing pulling ect for 1 mos. I say take the 4 weeks if you can get it approved....you've come so far and don't want to jeopardize anything!! good luck!

I was banded 9/22, so i am 5 days post op and found that sipping campbells creamy tomato soup really helps the hunger when i am inbetween protein shakes. I have taken the mind set that this phase shall pass and then i'll be better. My husband took off too so he could cook for the boys(8,13) and that was a huge help. We are all in this together and just remember you are strong and can do this!! Keep up the good work!!

the banding was 5 days ago and today i feel great. I have been walking every day but today it wasn't a chore to do it. I even helped my husband hang some siding!! :thumbup: Found that the shakes arent my favorite but muscle milk makes some that have enough protein in one shake for the day. That is easy to do. I have developed a cough which doesnt feel good on my abdomen but other wise i feel pretty good.

Hi Rosemary3, I was banded on monday and not really liking the protein shakes i had. My friend(who had gastric bypass) brought over some muscle milk chocolate peanut butter protein mix. It has 45 grams of protein if you mix it with milk and then i just sip it all day. the one shake is enough for the protein. I also like the carnation instant breakfast sugar free. I had cambells creamy tomato soup yesterday and it was a hunger stopper!!! I figured if i could have v8 then why not the soup?? Today is the best day yet and i figure they will keep on getting better!! Tuesday i go to the docs and hopefully it will be mushy foods by then. I find it kind of hard to watch hubby and two boys eating when i cant but i tell myself "This too will pass!!" My gastric girlfriend also recommends cookies and cream by muscle milk. I have yet to try it but she did give me some to try. I will let you know. Hang in there!! It is only temporary!!

well guys I'm newly banded and home!! It wasn't bad... the referred pain in my left shoulder is really bothering me but otherwise i'm doing good. thanks for all the tips!! now onto a new me(hopefully about 80 lbs lighter me...lol) mmmmmm..i love protein shakes!! :confused:

oh my goodness, thank you for the advice!!! I am hoping to be off two weeks(i work in a hospital..lots of pushing,lifting,ect) That should be pleny long enough i think... I will let you all know how it went when i am back home!! Thanks again!