HI all im waiting for my date for surgery with dr. Jawad in ocala florida and the closer it gets the more nervous im becoming. ive never had ANY surgery before so i was hoping you all could tell me your experiences and what i can expect from surgery. thanks ROGER-FL

Rodger,

I haven't done this either, but feel that someone should reply! As to what it is like, have you tried FLBANDSERS or BANDSTERS on yahoo groups? They have lots of people who have been through it, and FL bandsters often meets at Crispers on Dale Mabry in Tampa, and it is a wonderful friendly group.

Judy

Hi Roger, sorry but i hadn't spotted you post, I was banded just over a year ago and can honestly tell you this was the best thing I have ever done for myself. Because I am a lower bmi, I had to go to Mexico to have my surgery. I started at a weight of 190 lbs and have a goal of 137. Being as short as I am, I have always struggled with my weight and have yo-yo dieted since a very early age. Many times, I had lost 30-=40 lbs only to gain them back again, well then I met a lady that had the lapband and I decided this was for me. The surgery itself was less than I expected, after the surgery I had some discomfort, but I wasn't in any pain. The discomfort I felt was due to the anesthisia gas, so my shoulder was sore, but other than that, the incisions themselves were so small that they were a little sore, but not at all painful. I stayed in the hospital overnight and went home the following day. It is very, very important to follow the diet instructions, do not think you can cheat, that is the biggest mistake a bandster can make. Three days after my surgery, while I was supposed to be on liquids, I ate a bite of solid food and that irritated my band and made me get very tight, I had problems keeping fluids down and well it was a mess, but this complication would not have happened if I had followed the dr's instructions to a tee.. So don't be afraid, I have heard many good things about your doctor and you will do just fine. I had my surgery on a Thursday, flew back to Florida on Saturday and was back to work on Tuesday (I have a desk job), so it was quite fine. I did try to rest when ever possible, I was a little tired probably more to the traveling part. Don't worry everything will be just fine, please be very careful to follow your doctors orders and get ready to start your new life. This board is full of wonderful, caring people that can offer such a wonderful support system. We are here for you, let me know if you have any specific questions regarding your surgery. When is your surgery and your starting weight? Don't stress out and good luck.

Thanks stella appreciate everything and i will be back. and like you said i hope i can follow the rules to a tea and not try to test anything . I think ill be too afraid of eating when i shouldnt. Roger-fl

thanks april dont know where i got stella at LOL

Hi Roger,

I underwent banding on a outpatient basis. The first thing my physician did was pre op blood work, an ekg and history and physical.On the day I was banded I could not have anything by mouth after midnight the night before.I showed up to the surgery center, was placed in a gown , a iv started and was medicated to go to sleep. I remember waking up feeling tight across my upper abdomen and some slight nausea , i recived medication for the nausea and fell back asleep. a couple of hours later i took a pain pill by mouth , started ambulatimg with assistance and was able to take fluids by mouth. I was discharged to home with minimal discomfort.

I had 5 tiny incisions with bandaids in place.I had minimal discomfort relived by pain meds and was on a liquid diet. Not a big deal at all, just be sure to follow all of your physicians and nurses instructions and most of all the prescribed diet. Good luck, it was well worth it to me , I was banded 6/15/05 and have lost about 45 pounds to date.

thanks everyone im almost 6'4-6'5 350 lbs my surgery is going to be outpatient, found out today ive been submitted and ill have approval ( hopefully) in about a week. so the closer it gets the more real its becoming as well. I feel totally good about the surgeon ive selected, after all im driving about 2 hrs away for him, dr jawad has an impecable record of being a perfectionist. thanks Roger-fl.

I just wanted to say good luck, and come here often for info, support and encouragement. It has helped me, and I know it has helped many others. Glad to see you found LBT! Cindy

HI Roger!! Just wanted to tell you your in great hands with Dr. J!! He's my surgeon also!! My husband is scheduled to get banded on the 28th of november. I was banded on 7/13/05 and I've lost a total of 51lbs so far. If you need to talk to anyone or have any questions about surgery and what Dr. J expects feel free to e mail me at raazzberry@cfl.rr.com

Good luck with everything and keep us posted on your progress!!

Jo Ann

Hey Roger, your confusing me. I am Miss April and Estela. NO really, my name is Estela, but a while back ago, the girls here on LBT came up with the idea of doing a lapband calendar and sell it and profits would be used to help Delarla get her port back, and I had called dibs on the month of April, so therefore I am also Miss April.

Did that explain why you were confused. Cause I'm a bit confused myself. Well good luck and let us know if we can answer any questions.