Hi everyone! Well I did it I was banded on 11/09/11 and it was a really great experience. I was at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. My surgery was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Things went just the way Dr. Vollinger told me it would. I wasn't nervous at all the thing that smewhat stunned me was the shot in my stomach but I survived When I woke up I had discomfort around my incisions but the gas was a whole other subject but I did as I was instructed I walked and walked and walked and it help alot. It will be 2 weeks on WEdnesday but I am a little concerned that there may be something wrong or mat=ybe it it normal and hope someone can help me figure it out. AS I stated it will be 2 weeks this Wednesday but I am hungry and I have eten a very small amount of mashed potatos and refried beans but nothing else. When I do have those things it is only maybe 3-4 bit and I feel like Ihave had a full course meal and at time s I feel I can eat more but I don't. I am having alot of trouble trying to get my fluids in and I know I'm dehydrated but I am not thirsty but I try to sipp all day. I want this band to work but how do I know if it has slipped. Are these genal worries or am I overeacting. Please help.

Hey...grats on getting the band!!!

I just had my band on 11/10/11, so I can share some newbie patient perspectives with you

It's perfectly natural to have your appetite returning around now. My surgeon said it would take some time, as the stomach is nice and swollen from the surgery. As far as the liquids go, keep doing what you're doing. I had a heck of a time getting down much liquid at first, but as your stomach's swelling goes down, it'll get easier. I find that if I sit straight up in a chair, I can swallow liquids much easier than if I'm reclined in a chair.

As far as band slippage, I think there's surefire symptoms of it...but I will defer to the more experienced bandsters here.

You will be 100% fine I assure you that you're in a good spot. If you do have concerns, call your surgeon. I ended up calling mine on day 3 , as I was having all kinds of issues getting liquid down. He explained that my stomach was still swollen, and that it would get easier with time. Thankfully, it did. I'm down 17 pounds, and I'm looking forward to my new life.