Cindy C

Sue Magoo did a good job answering your questions so I won't repeat. I would like to just add a tidbit that helped. The 2 drainage tubes have pumps at the ends the shape of an egg but slightly larger. The were there for about 5 weeks and quite as nuisance to deal with. After a few days, I got the brilliant idea to stick them in the bottom of my bra. Worked great. Not only were they out of the way but I had great cleavage! LOL!!

"I'm having an elective procedure that will put me out of commission for a while. At this point, I'm really not comfortable discussing it. Just know that I'll be fine and will tell you all about it when I feel more comfortable. In the mean time, I could really use your help with________________. Thank you so much for understanding." Good Luck.

My son came home from college last week. After 9 months of dorm life, he was aching for some of his favorite foods. Being the good mother that I am I started cooking! As a result, I gained 3 lbs! So here I am, checking in at 182! Sorry, Adam. I love you like crazy, but the kitchen is closed for a while!!!!

Yes, it's because the swelling is going down. Right now your band is loosely around your stomach causing little or no change.

Seriously?????? You're less than 2 months out! Did you expect to be to your goal by now? You didn't gain that extra 65 lbs overnight. Did you think you were going to lose it overnight? Lap band isn't a miracle cure....it's a tool and you need to use it appropriately. You aren't going to have restriction after one fill. You might not have any until 3 or 4 fills. Just keep watching what you eat and exercising. And keep going to your monthly appointments. You have NOT been scammed. I think the problem is you weren't properly educated. Go through this forum. There's a lot of good information.

My doctor also insists on inpatient. He does a swallow test the next morning before he discharges.

Try putting them in the blender. It's not like baby food but more like applesauce.

I know exactly how you feel. I started at a 28 and am now a 12. What a feeling!!!!!

I get pain in my port area too if I over eat. And yes, it feels similar to a strained muscle. For me, it's never been as bad as you're describing; however, I have a pretty high pain threshold. There was one Thanksgiving tho that I got really carried away. I wanted to die for 2 days! (My darned sister-in-law and that cranberry stuff she makes that I love so much! LOL!) Never made that mistake again!! You probably have some swelling and should put yourself on soft foods for 2-3 days and give it time to heal. It's not likely that anything flipped or moved. Good luck.

I voted for you and bookmarked the page so i can go back every day and do it again. Good luck to you!

It's perfectly normal. It'll will take 3-4 days for all of the weight from the IV's and gas to disappear. I also gained 8 or 9 lbs after surgery but 8 days later I had lost all of it plus another 13 lbs.

Cheese and chocolate! (not together)

Do you see a chiropractor? I know a lot of people don't believe in chiropractic but then again a lot of people don't believe in lap band either. As strange as it may seem, when I get a headache I go straight to his office and have him adjust my neck. The headache is gone before his hands are off of my neck. EVERY TIME!!! An upper back adjustment also alleviates the shoulder blade pain from the gas after surgery.

Thank-you. You're going to do it too!

The only person I didn't tell was my mother, but only because she's elderly and quite the worry wart. As soon as I got home from the hospital the first thing I did was call her and tell her. She was pissed at first but I told her I just didn't want her sitting at the hospital and worrying. All my siblings agreed this was the best way to do it. 3 years later and she's still my biggest supporter! Anyway, I got a lot of mixed reactions from everyone else....most were supportive but there were a few that were negative and judgmental. To those people I simply said, "I'm doing what I feel is best for me. If you think it's a mistake, well it'll be MY mistake. In the meantime I will thank you to keep your opinions to yourself!" At some point we have to say the Hell with what everyone else thinks. This is my life. I never have any qualms about telling anyone who asks. In fact I would shout it from the rooftops!

Thanks. The really cool part is this is the first time I've ever weighed less than him!!

My doctor has NEVER numbed me before a fill...never even offered. I really don't think he does it for any of his patients (he's done 2700 lap bands). I barely even feel it. If you've ever had to prick your finger to test your blood sugar, that hurts more. Don't let yourself stress over it. It's really nothing.

You really should go get a little taken out but I understand the financial issue. Mine is always tighter in the morning and loosens throughout the day. I never eat anything the first couple hours that I'm up. I just sip on coffee. That helps. I know that hair ball feeling all too well. Try going on liquids for 2-3 days and see if that helps.

WTG, guys!. Its an awesome feeling!

My 20 year old son just finished his Jr year at college in St. Louis. (I live outside of Detroit) Anyway, He came home today for the summer. I haven't laid eyes on the boy in 4 1/2 months. When he got here, I ran out the door and hugged him in the driveway. He pulled away and stood there looking at me and said "Holy Crap, Mom! Are you getting skinny!!" I just love that kid!!!

Something is definitely stuck. If it doesn't get any better by morning you should probably go get a little fill removed. If it is better I would still take it upon myself to go on liquids for a couple days until the swelling goes down.

I used to wear 11 Wide. Now 10 Medium.

That's funny! Guys and Dolls?

You should be fine. Just remember that you will have little food in your stomach and the booze will hit you harder than it ever has before.

NO NO NO NO NO.........Carbonation can cause so many problems. You risk your band prolapsing...you don't want that. There are plenty of other things you can drink and your friends will understand. I have cocktail hour with my neighbors once or twice a week in the summer and they always make sure to have something there that I can drink.