Hi everyone, I am so nervous about the operation and I really don't know why. I've had 2 C-sections and people tell me this will be a piece of cake! I've been on my pre-op diet and my surgery is January 28, 2010. I've heard after surgery you experience severe pain (gas), and soreness...is it really bad?? :biggrin:

I have a consult appt Feb 2 and would like to know why and how any of you decided on lapband vs bypass. I know the pros and cons of both, my doctor prefers bypass, have been on the internet finding info but that makes me more confused. HELP!!!

I was not a candidate for bypass and what was the biggest factor in my decision was the long term success I will have with the band. I have never had an issue losing weight once my mind was set but to keep it off has always been a challenge.

Jodi--curious, why are you not a bypass candidate?

Ok, Heres to the future: Only you can make the decision of which is right for you.

The reasons I chose the band for me:

I was a "lower" BMI, I started the process at 38.

I did not want my "innards" scrambled (the malabsorption and subsequent need for high amounts of supplements were a deterrent for me).

I wanted to be able to still eat some sweets.

I thought I would still be able to eat "all" foods, unlike bypass where I would have dumping. I have learned now that I cannot eat soft breads and dry meats like chicken breast.

The surgery is less invasive and is reversible.

I was not diabetic; my surgeon will not do a band on diabetics. He feels that bypass is the best treatment for them.

Those were my reasons for my choice, you need to make your own list of pros and cons for each procedure. It can help you to see which is best for you.

Best wishes in your decision.

The worst pain I had/have has been a burning sensation around the wounds and the muscle that has been cut in to. I hate coughing - that realy hurts. And I agree with the get up and walk mantra 100%. As painful as it is, it gets easier every time you do it. In Australia, my specialist lets you stay in hospital as long as you need so I stayed 5 days and felt really well supported by the staff. I also agree with the sitting up thing... the gas is a real bother and it's far less painful resting in an upright position than trying to lay down!

I just had surgery on the 20th and today is going better (even though I can't sleep). Walking is really good I haven't had much in the way of gas pain just sore mainly from the port and one incesion thats a little higher up. Getting out of bed is easier today than it was yesterday but since I sleep on my side I use a pillow under my stomach so it doesn't pull as much and that helps. I'll be honest that first night I was thinking "oh lord what did I do" but it gets easier every day.

These posts have been very helpful to me too - thank you!

As for your ticker...on the last page of setting it up should be the codes for placing it in your signature. Highlight the code for Intel boards, right click and select COPY.

On here, go to Customize Profile - Edit Signature...right click and select PASTE.

Should work!

Good luck to you with your surgery. Be sure and post YOUR experience.

The worst pain I had/have has been a burning sensation around the wounds and the muscle that has been cut in to. I hate coughing - that realy hurts. And I agree with the get up and walk mantra 100%.

For coughing, which you should do to clear the lungs from the anesthesia, holding a pillow to your abdomen while coughing really helps. It still hurts, but gives a lot of support.

The hopital's bariatric program where I had my procedure done has "Barimoose," a stuffed moose they give each patient to hold when coughing. He is so cute. But I am a sucker for stuffed animals.

This is Shari = ), forgot my password and couldn't get a new one to work. I want to thank everyone for their advice. I did have surgery on Jan. 28 and I can't tell you how much of what you all had told me came in handy. I am so glad I did it...I can't wait for the skinny person inside of me to come out!:sifone:

This is Shari = ), forgot my password and couldn't get a new one to work. I want to thank everyone for their advice. I did have surgery on Jan. 28 and I can't tell you how much of what you all had told me came in handy. I am so glad I did it...I can't wait for the skinny person inside of me to come out!

Congrats Sheri!!! Welcome to your new way of life and the start of the new you!!! I look how far I have come in 5 1/2 months and cant believe it... I am not at my goal(I think these last 35lbs are gonna be the hardest!) but still working hard to get there! Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing or if you have any questions. Enjoy your journey to the skinny you!