~Michelle~

I had been thinking about WLS for 5+ years before I finally got it done. The final straw for was after being diagnosed with PCOS, and metabolic syndrom, I lost 50lbs. Then after going through a depression because I could not pregnant after trying for 3+ years I gained half of it back. Then when I snapped out of my depression I tried getting back on track of eating healthy and trying to loose weight. I would do ok for a few days sometimes even weeks then back to my old habits. I told myself, last summer that WLS was my last option. I was terrified of surgery, and really wasn't ready for it. I didn't want to give up fast food, and buffets, and margaritas, so I was detrimined to do it on my own, and thought that the idea of surgery would get me back on track. I ended up going up and down in my weight, and then slowly just gained 20 more lbs back, which brought me back up to 275 lbs, and my health was just getting worse. I went to a seminar and decided it was time to get the surgery. I was tired of being overweight. Tired of always trying some new diet with little to no results. Tired of feeling out of control. I was finally willing to give up the fast food, buffets, and margaritas. I went back and forth about wich surgery to have, and came to a decision that I felt was best for me. I weighed out all the pros and cons about each surgery. I have done good with LapBand so far, and I am glad I have it. As far as the cost went I started thinking about how much money I would be saving on clothes, food, and insurance.

Being able to fit in chairs in public places and be comfortable Shopping at Hot Topic instead of Torrid Buying bras at Wal-Mart Hiking steep hills without loosing my breath 1/4 of the way up no meds PCOS under control no more knee, foot, and back pain being healthy

I was diagnosed with PCOS back in 2004. I had no idea what it was until my sister was diagnosed. We both had issues with irregular periods, from the time we were teenagers. After she was diagnosed, she told me I should see a Dr about my issues because it is very likely I have it. I didn't want to listen, I didn't want to have to face the truth, or even worse find out I have even worse problems. So after a couple years of pretending everything was ok, I decided I wanted to have a baby, and went to see a Dr. I was then diagnosed with PCOS. I was put on diet, prescribed Metformin, and was told if I lost some weight I could get pregnant. I lost 50lbs, started taking Clomid, and after trying for 3 years with no luck I gave up. Went into a deep depression, and gained all the weight I lost back. I started to consider getting Lapband about the same time I was diagnosed with PCOS. At first it was to hopefully get pregenant, but by the time I made my mind up about it, it came down to getting healthy. If baby comes along with it, that's just a bonus. I had surgery June 5th, and I am no longer taking Metformin, and my blood surgars are good. I haven't seen a Dr about my PCOS for some time now. The Dr I had moved away, and now there is really no one in my area that knows anything about PCOS. So my next step to getting healthy is finding a Dr that can help me with the PCOS. My family Dr helps a little, but really his experience with it is limited.

I never had side effects from Metformin, but my sister did. She was always feeling sick, so her Dr prescribed her Actos, and that worked well for her.

Since surgery it has been pretty easy sticking to my diet plan until the 4th rolled around. We had a BBQ, and had friends over. This was the first party I have attended since surgery. I completely blew it, I ate crackers, chips, dips, not-lean burger w/o the bun, and even a damn hotdog w/the bun. I did manage to stay away from the alcohol though. I was pretty down on myself for going off the wagon, and still kind of beating myself up over it. I feel so guilty, and a little ashamed. I am back on track now though, and plan to stay on track. I just wonder if everytime an event rolls around I am going to fall off again, and that is a bit discourging. On a good note, I am allowed 4oz of food now instead of 2. I am also allowed to start adding more solid foods, salad, and even fruit on occassion. Last night was the first time I tried 4oz of food, and it seemed like so much food too me. I still have no restriction, so I am still getting hungry between, meals. But it is so nice to go up to that 4oz. I am just worried I will start gaining weight now. I am having a hard time getting my 64oz of water in a day too. I come close like maybe 50-60oz. Its hard to just sip all day. I tend to gulp, and learning to sip is a real challange.

Since surgery it has been pretty easy sticking to my diet plan until the 4th rolled around. We had a BBQ, and had friends over. This was the first party I have attended since surgery. I completely blew it, I ate crackers, chips, dips, not-lean burger w/o the bun, and even a damn hotdog w/the bun. I did manage to stay away from the alcohol though. I was pretty down on myself for going off the wagon, and still kind of beating myself up over it. I feel so guilty, and a little ashamed. I am back on track now though, and plan to stay on track. I just wonder if everytime an event rolls around I am going to fall off again, and that is a bit discourging. On a good note, I am allowed 4oz of food now instead of 2. I am also allowed to start adding more solid foods, salad, and even fruit on occassion. Last night was the first time I tried 4oz of food, and it seemed like so much food too me. I still have no restriction, so I am still getting hungry between, meals. But it is so nice to go up to that 4oz. I am just worried I will start gaining weight now. I am having a hard time getting my 64oz of water in a day too. I come close like maybe 50-60oz. Its hard to just sip all day. I tend to gulp, and learning to sip is a real challange.

No warmness....just sore. I does not appear to be inefected. Most of the swelling is down now, but still sore. I am hoping it goes away soon, it has gotten a little better since I posted this. I am also very flexible, I have gymnasticts to thank for that.

Lindsay, I had surgery on June 5th, and I too have had some of the same feelings you have. I got depressed thinking about having to give up something that was really important to me. Although I wouldn't call food my best friend, it was the one thing I could count on to get me through something tough, and now I am going through one of the toughest things I have gone through, and I can't turn to food. I started to feel this way one week post-op, I just had to remind myself why I did this, and think about what the outcome is going to be. Right now is really hard, because I have no restriction, this past weekend was hell. I cheated, but got back on track something I couldn't do without the band.

I had surgery on June 5th so I am four weeks post op. My port is still sore to the touch and sometimes when I bend over. It is not so sore I can not stand it, probably more tender then sore. Also it feels swollen around the area of the port. All my incisions are healed up, and they only have a tiny bit of scabbing left. Does anyone else have this? Should I be concerned?

I lost 18lbs pre-op (2 wk slim fast), and have lost another 15lbs post-op. Also have gone down about 1 size. I only had a full liquid diet the first 48 hrs post-op. On day three I was allowed to start on cream of wheat, and cottage cheese. By day 6 I was able to add eggs, lunch meat, and also start adding different soft foods like boiled chicken breast and green beans. My surgeon told me I might start to gain weight because of adding foods to my diet, but if my scale is accurate I am actually still loosing. I follow the diet very carefully, and I walk every night just about.

So I am almost 3 weeks post op now. My incisions are healing great, and I don't think the scars will be too bad. My visit with my surgeon was pretty quick, and unfortunately I did not get a fill, that will be at my next appointment. Basically went over how I was doing, what kind of foods I can start introducing, and answering all my questions. I really like my surgeon he's an easy going guy, who is very patient. He was pretty impressed with the weight I had lost, but informed me that the weight loss is going to slow, and I may even gain weight as I introduce food into my diet. I was kind of bummed out by that, but so far no weight gain. On the down side no loss either. I have gone down a size though. Now I need to learn how to sew. I would hate to buy more clothes until I go down at least a few sizes, and I have some clothes I just hate to give up. Last couple of days there has been stuff posted on the forum that really kind of has me worried about my decision. I am reading so much about how that years after people get the band they start having problems. I knew going into this that there were possible complications, but the numbers seemed so low, but on here is seems the numbers are very high. The other surgery I was considering was the sleeve. And on here it seems that a number of people have converted to the sleeve, and have had much better results with no complications. Its a bit depressing reading these things, and it has me kind of freaked that 3-4 years from now I am going to end up with some major problems. I wanted a life change, but a good one. Now everytime something feels a little funny or when some pain kicks in I am wondering if its the beginning of something major. I have to keep reminding myself that I am only 3 weeks pre-op and I feel pretty damn good considering. I also have to keep reminding myself why I chose Lapband over the sleeve. There is no getting back that part of your stomach they take away. If I do have problems with the band I can have it removed. But all the talk about has gotten me pretty discouraged about the whole thing. I already am dealing with some serious emotions of loosing food as a comfort, and quitting smoking. So I guess I need to stay away from the threads that shed a pretty negative light on banding, and has posters bashing eachother left and right.:crying: I started comming here for support, because there is no support group where I am at, and the nearest one is 2 hours away. So I will just stick to the threads that are more supportive, even though the ones that become a day time soap opera can get interesting its hard not to want to see what is next. But those threads just aren't productive. I like this site a lot though, and it has been very helpful so far.

So I am almost 3 weeks post op now. My incisions are healing great, and I don't think the scars will be too bad. My visit with my surgeon was pretty quick, and unfortunately I did not get a fill, that will be at my next appointment. Basically went over how I was doing, what kind of foods I can start introducing, and answering all my questions. I really like my surgeon he's an easy going guy, who is very patient. He was pretty impressed with the weight I had lost, but informed me that the weight loss is going to slow, and I may even gain weight as I introduce food into my diet. I was kind of bummed out by that, but so far no weight gain. On the down side no loss either. I have gone down a size though. Now I need to learn how to sew. I would hate to buy more clothes until I go down at least a few sizes, and I have some clothes I just hate to give up. Last couple of days there has been stuff posted on the forum that really kind of has me worried about my decision. I am reading so much about how that years after people get the band they start having problems. I knew going into this that there were possible complications, but the numbers seemed so low, but on here is seems the numbers are very high. The other surgery I was considering was the sleeve. And on here it seems that a number of people have converted to the sleeve, and have had much better results with no complications. Its a bit depressing reading these things, and it has me kind of freaked that 3-4 years from now I am going to end up with some major problems. I wanted a life change, but a good one. Now everytime something feels a little funny or when some pain kicks in I am wondering if its the beginning of something major. I have to keep reminding myself that I am only 3 weeks pre-op and I feel pretty damn good considering. I also have to keep reminding myself why I chose Lapband over the sleeve. There is no getting back that part of your stomach they take away. If I do have problems with the band I can have it removed. But all the talk about has gotten me pretty discouraged about the whole thing. I already am dealing with some serious emotions of loosing food as a comfort, and quitting smoking. So I guess I need to stay away from the threads that shed a pretty negative light on banding, and has posters bashing eachother left and right.:thumbup: I started comming here for support, because there is no support group where I am at, and the nearest one is 2 hours away. So I will just stick to the threads that are more supportive, even though the ones that become a day time soap opera can get interesting its hard not to want to see what is next. But those threads just aren't productive. I like this site a lot though, and it has been very helpful so far.

I saw my surgeon last Thursday, 2 weeks post-op. He told me I might stop loosing weight, and also I might even gain some, and that it is normal as I start introducing foods into my diet. Luckily I haven't gained any, but I am not loosing either right now. I also had surgery on the 5th and I do get hungry right now. It is taking a lot of self control. Drinking plenty of Water has helped me, and also having a protien shake or a glass of milk, or some cheese between meals helps. My surgeon ok'd this though. Hopefully after I get a fill I won't be as hungry.

This thread and the Anges thread really has me second guessing the decsion I made to have Lapband. I mean I went to two seminars, seen 2 different dr's, did all kinds of research, but seemed to have failed on the band revision to bypass, or sleeve research. I've only been banded a short time, and really there is not much I can do now, being a self pay, but I am feeling pretty down about things right now. I feel like I just made one huge big mistake. I really tossed around the idea of the sleeve, but truely felt in was more invasive, and I didn't like the idea that I would loose a part of my stomach, but now I am thinking it would have been better then the band. I do hope there are some people out there that are happy with their bands.

I was very, very sore the first 5-6 days after surgery. It was hard to get up and down, and bending over was very painful. I had surgery on a Friday. I thought for sure I'd be able to be back at work the following Monday, because my friend was back to work that quick, but there was no way. I started working from home that Tuesday, so I could work, and still take my pain meds. I was ok enough to get out and about a little. It was a 3 hour drive home the following day, and right after they let me go after surgery I went and did some shopping. I didn't walk, but I managed to hang in there for about 45 mins. I didn't feel like doing much though the first few days. Everyone is different, and everyone will handle the pain differently. Some people get shoulder pain, I didn't get any of that. Most of my pain felt like muscle pain.

Thanks for the encouragment. I think it will be easier when I can have a real meal. Right now it's still mostly mushies, and slowly introducing new foods. I am only allowed 2oz or 4 tablespoons of food per meal, with very little restriction. Its good to know I am not the only one who feels this way.

Pain has gotten a little better, but I am still sore where the big incision is, and still have some bruising and swelling. Also I pulled my steri strips off too soon I think. They were very itchy, and I am somewhat OCD. Thankfully I go to the DR tomorrow. I have lost 30lbs since 2 weeks pre-op according to my scale. But tomorrow could be a different story when they weigh me at the Dr's. I didn't own a scale before. I hated seeing how much I wieghed. Mushies stage is going really good for me. I even had some chicken breast boiled in broth, and that was probably the best chicken breast ever. Only problem so far is that I get hungry between meals, and sometimes my meals leave me feeling hungry afterwards. Hoping I will get a fill tomorrow, and that will help. I have also been feeling a little down. I knew some drepression was a possiblity, but really didn't think it would happen to me. I was so sure I wanted this surgery. But there have been a few days where I really felt like I made the biggest mistake of my life. I think about how I can't have fast food anymore, and all the other foods I am missing out on, and it just makes me sad. I never noticed before how many food commercials there are on TV. I hoping that this will get easier with some restriction. I also have come to the realization that food has always been my comfort not only when I am stressed, but when I am sad. I really enjoy food, and I almost feel like I took something from myself, that I can't give back, and the I worry because of the way I am feeling I am going to end up failing at this. But then I look at the overall picture, and think of the benefits, and know I will learn to enjoy food in a healthy way. I know I am going to slip up, and that's ok as long as I get back on track. I am going to be thin and healthy and that's the most important thing. I do want the lap band, and I wouldn't change anything. :thumbup:

Pain has gotten a little better, but I am still sore where the big incision is, and still have some bruising and swelling. Also I pulled my steri strips off too soon I think. They were very itchy, and I am somewhat OCD. Thankfully I go to the DR tomorrow. I have lost 30lbs since 2 weeks pre-op according to my scale. But tomorrow could be a different story when they weigh me at the Dr's. I didn't own a scale before. I hated seeing how much I wieghed. Mushies stage is going really good for me. I even had some chicken breast boiled in broth, and that was probably the best chicken breast ever. Only problem so far is that I get hungry between meals, and sometimes my meals leave me feeling hungry afterwards. Hoping I will get a fill tomorrow, and that will help. I have also been feeling a little down. I knew some drepression was a possiblity, but really didn't think it would happen to me. I was so sure I wanted this surgery. But there have been a few days where I really felt like I made the biggest mistake of my life. I think about how I can't have fast food anymore, and all the other foods I am missing out on, and it just makes me sad. I never noticed before how many food commercials there are on TV. I hoping that this will get easier with some restriction. I also have come to the realization that food has always been my comfort not only when I am stressed, but when I am sad. I really enjoy food, and I almost feel like I took something from myself, that I can't give back, and the I worry because of the way I am feeling I am going to end up failing at this. But then I look at the overall picture, and think of the benefits, and know I will learn to enjoy food in a healthy way. I know I am going to slip up, and that's ok as long as I get back on track. I am going to be thin and healthy and that's the most important thing. I do want the lap band, and I wouldn't change anything.

I did have a problem with faintness, and weakness, and my blood sugar dropped way down. That is why I was allowed some salad and chicken. But really after the first 5 days or so it got much better. Still got a little shaky, but that was about it.

For me the pre-op diet got easier around day 5, but then the weekend came, but I just kept telling myself it would all be worth it in the end. I did cheat a little here and there, but I did eat healthy things. My dietician and nurse said I could throw in some chicken breast with salad, and FF dressing, and some SF jello. My dietician really didn't want me to, but said if I do to follow those guidelines. So at night I would have a very small portion of salad. On surgery day, my liver was not fatty, but it was still kind of large. It made my surgery go longer, and it was harder for the surgeon. I imagine if I would have stuck to the slim fast, my surgery probably would have been easier. So hang in there, it will be worth it when surgery day comes. If I could do it over again, I would have stuck to the slim fast to the book.

Never blogged before, but figure I need something to keep track of things. I am now on day 5 post surgery. Surgery went smoothly for the most part, I kind of freaked when I woke up, and I am still sore and gasy. I am trying not to take any pain med today, and I am still haning in there, but don't think I can for much longer. I am back at work, and probably shouldn't be, but have to get some very important things taken care of, and then I will answer the phones from home. Tomorrow is my first day that I get to add some solid food to my diet. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I really don't want to do anything to screw this up. But I am starting to feel some hunger for the first time today, so I am ready for some solids. :crying:

Never blogged before, but figure I need something to keep track of things. I am now on day 5 post surgery. Surgery went smoothly for the most part, I kind of freaked when I woke up, and I am still sore and gasy. I am trying not to take any pain med today, and I am still haning in there, but don't think I can for much longer. I am back at work, and probably shouldn't be, but have to get some very important things taken care of, and then I will answer the phones from home. Tomorrow is my first day that I get to add some solid food to my diet. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I really don't want to do anything to screw this up. But I am starting to feel some hunger for the first time today, so I am ready for some solids. :wub:

Funny I was going to ask this very same question. I have several tattoos, and a few of them a very new. The one on my calf is not finished, and I have decided to wait until I loose most of my weight to finish it. It is a lotus on the outside, and then a betta fish on the inner. It will come together with some more wind bars, waves, and such, to make a half sock. I also have one on my outer thigh. I plan to walk a lot, and ride a bike to keep my legs toned. My Dr said that I shouldn't have problems with them, because the skin won't sag much there.

Friday I had surgery, and went well for the most part. My first surgery ever, and I woke up pretty freaked out. I guess my liver was a little big, so it took a little longer. I didn't get to talk to my surgeon afterwards because he had another surgery, and I was released before he was done, but he did talk to my husband. Yesterday we had to drive 3 hours to get home, and that was rough. Today would have been a much better day to drive home, because I am not as sore. I am still sore today, mostly the gas I think. My incesions only hurt when I get up and down. My stomach is still a little swollen, not sure if I should be worried about that or not. I have never had any kind of surgery, so not sure what to expect really. I got to have some cream of wheat today so that was really nice. I am really happy I had this done even though I am not very comfortable right now.