kshallow

Give it a couple days for the swelling to subside b/c it will go down. Everyone is different with re: amount of fluid in band. I actually have almost 7 cc in my 10 cc band and that is after having .5 cc recently removed so it just depends. The test will come when you resume a normal diet of protein, veggies, solid food diet. Make sure to take it slowly and chew really well. Best of luck to you

Dgallas : dr. Weiner is my surgeon too. I was banded last July at Harper but all my appts have been at HV. (I live in Waterford) how are you doing at this point?

I thought the c section pain was a million times worse. Lapband was very definately not a cakewalk but recovery was much easier for me than c sec.

Is that just her opinion or is that something she's going to submit to your sugeon? Only you truly know what you're ready for. It's good to take what she says into consideration and think about it but you're the one who will be committing and living a new eating lifestyle. Sounds like it's a complicated situation for you! I wish you the best!

Cleo's mom: I think your posts are very well articulated and represent all the different things that can happen with the band, not JUST the success stories. It is the holier than thou listen to me and other "the band is a tool" posters and let us set you straight that irks me to the bone. If you are on this site and had to have undergone surgery to get your weight under control, please dismount off your high horse immediately. I'm all for asking/receiving suggestions but this whole "let ME be the one to offer your needed tough love" is so ridiculous. And CM: I thought the list you posted about the four kinds of posters not only made for a good chuckle but was so true too!

Shirley Dr. Weiner's number is 248-413-2670

Her band BUSTED inside of her! In what way is this a band that is working properly? Her surgeon then would neither repair it or provide an alternate solution. I know this isn't my story to tell but can we stop being so damn hard on each other and just BE there for one another? I have no doubt everyone here has had enough "tough love" to last a lifetime.

Wow!! I am sooo sorry to hear what a miserable experience this has been for you!! I read your posts in another thread and it's so unbelievable that this is the situation you are left with! I decided to reply because I'm also in Michigan and have an absolutely phenominal surgeon. I know you said northern Michigan but I was banded by Dr. Matthew Weiner out of the DMC (both Harper Hospital and Huron Valley Sinai) He is in private practice and has two diff. office locations at Huron Valley Hospital as well as in a medical building called the Lakes. One of the reasons I really liked him was because he was completely honest about both the benefits and limitations of the band and the ongoing follow up care required to be successful. He is meticulous in his care with his patients and makes it his business to know what's going on with each patient he sees. You can go to him with any concern or question about the band and he will never rush you. He has always taken the time to talk/address ANYTHING that you're concerned with or any problems you're experiencing. One time, I started crying in his office at a check up b/c I was discouraged with my progress and he took time to sit with me, talk to me about what's going on, etc. I also believe you'll find glowing reports from other people who have gone through him. Might be worth the drive for a surgeon you can trust and who will restore some sort of healthy solution to what you've had to endure. Best of luck to you!

Courtney I'm a Michigan bandster!! Thinking about you today as well as those who responded so openly with some tough struggles!! Thank you all for being so open and honest.

Mattie what does your dr say? Will he give u another fill soon? How many cc's are in your band now? I feel your frustration!! When I've posted previously looking for some specific suggestions the LAST thing I needed to hear was "remember the band is just a tool" we KNOW it's a &"$@:& tool!!! You know how to lose the weight and you DO deserve for the band to be doing what it's intended for. Call your dr, tell him all this, talk to him re your fills.

Depends where u live. I went through dr. Matthew weiner out of DMC. He's a center of excellence surgeon, great pre and post op care and guidance! Highly recommend

That's awesome!! Hey! 8 lbs is 8 lbs! Isn't it encouraging to watch the numbers drop? I love Leslie sansone too. She cracks me up

Hey detroitjenny, I had my surgery at Harper hospital in Detroit. Do u live in the burbs?

Truly amazing!!! Congratulations on an incredibly fantastic accomplishment!

I told two people, mom and husband. It was my way to protect myself. I was putting enough pressure on myself to succeed, I definately didn't want the pressure of anyone scrutinizing either my success or failure. Thankfully it's been a success and if people ask me about how I lost all the weight, I will gladly tell them I had lapband surgery.

Banded July 9th. Am down 67 lbs. 18 more until goal. Weightloss has slowed down considerably though so I'm aiming to be at goal by my "bandiversary" Feb has been a really slow weightloss month for me and my frustration is setting in a bit.

You are not alone! I think sometimes we get lulled into thinking the food demons are gone forever when we've been doing so well with the band. I've had long periods of doing really well and then for no apparent reason binge on whatever sugar and chocolate I can find. Definately a work in progress. I think one of the greatest things about the band is not eliminating any unnecessary eating but the ability to recover from it. I feel your frustration and wish you all the best

Fantastic!!! yes it IS a huge accomplishment! Take a moment and be proud and excited!

You need to give yourself a huge 'ole break sweetie! It's OK to be a little obsessive about this right now. I think if you weren't, I'd wonder a little.. This is a huge change in your life, a huge "start-over" a way to hit reset on your body. Anyone who is going to have surgery is apt to be thinking about it a whole lot as the date draws near whether it's elective, mandatory, whatever... lapband included. Of course you're going to be thinking about this nonstop! A new way of eating WILL become your new normal in the future. It felt strange for ALL of us in the beginning and anyone who says different is not telling their whole story. But take it one day at a time.. hell! take it one hour at a time if that's better. Don't try to wrap your mind around this whole thing emotionally or physically in such a short time...cause you WILL get overwhelmed and make yourself crazy. And it does affect those around you especially family members. And this will become a new normal in time, too. Lighten up on yourself and as much as you're feeling down, feel excited!!! The anesthesia alone will be fun!