Hey Everyone,

I've recently decided that I was going to look at lap band and its options for me. I'm excited about the opportunities and the new life the surgery has to offer me, but I am also nervous as I have also read some not so good stories (post op) for some people. I'd like to talk with anyone who's willing to share their stories pre op and post op. I can't wait to hear from you!

Hello!

Welcome to our neighborhood!

I am 8 months post op. I lost 72 pounds... I have hit a few bumps in the road over the last month or so... I just stopped working out and began eating too much sugary foods... but I'm back on track now... and have an appointment with my surgeon's office tomorrow for a possible fill.

The worst part of this experience was 1) having to pay for it all myself, and 2) quitting sodas and caffein... I quit both of those things BEFORE my pre-op liquid diet... just thought it would be easier to deal with one loss at a time... so i quit sodas first, then 2 weeks later I quit caffein... so when I started my liquid diet, I only was dealing with the urges to eat, the caffein and soda deprivation was already gone... ya know?? Anyway...

Anyway - what I want to share with you is that if you have the chance to do this surgery and you have truly strggled with weight and keeping it off... then I think you absolutely should do it! I've had some struggles with pain and vomitting... and i would have this surgery every month for the rest of my life if I had to... I just would... No problem I've had since my surgery has been worse than feeling the way I felt before my surgery... does that make sense?

I wish you the best! I hope that you are able to do what your heart decides to do.. and if it's surgery, then great! If you life in Texas, I can recommend my surgeon 100%. His staff is awesome!!! And they offer so many great perks!

Anyway - I hope 2011 will be fabulous for you.. and that soon you will be posting your experiences on the post-op forum!

HUGS

I just got my band on 12/31/2010 and after two days I'm doing okay. The left side where the port sits is pretty painful and it does hurt a bit to get up from my bed or out of a chair. I have not experienced any vomiting and have been really careful to follow directions give to me by my doctor of what I should eat right now. Like I'm sure you've been told, the lap band is there to help a person lose weight and is not a cure-all. One still has to work by eating right and exercising. Some of the negative stories I've read on this site are due to people "pushing limits" with respect to food. In fact, I know a friend who continues to try eat bread - when he knows he cannot. With the money I spent on my lap band (I did not use insurance) I am driven to make this work for me. I think that if you go in with that mindset and you follow directions from your doctor, you'll be successful.

Good luck to you!

I was banded May 6th 2008! The worst part was the day before having to be on liquids and the cleaning out meds made me sick. As far asa surgery goes I was scared but when I woke up I did great. I was sore but not the worst surgery I have ever had by far! It was hard the next few weeks on liquids , then soft foods, then learnign what full was! I lost 100lbs the first year! I got pregnant and I am now starting back over. I was refilled about a month ago and I have lost 20 lbs. It is something that you have to work at if you eat the wrong things or eat to much you will know! I have had a hard time learing to chew my food up better and not eat certain things. But I can tell you it is worth every bit of it. I am no longer on any blood pressure meds and was able to get pregnant and have a wonderful baby boy. Things i never dreamed would be possable. I am a little discouraged having to start over but I know I can do it. Just becareful not to get a fill that is too much! Always drink soemthing before you leave from getting a fill. If you have any problems at all tell them I promise it does not get any better. Just because the band is tighter does not mean that it is better! Good luck!