I'm new to this site but am overly pleased with all the positive people I see on here. I'm scheduled for the band on Aug 30th and am so excited for my new life to begin. I'm so nervous however about the healing process, I HATE vomiting and the thought of dealing with that when your in pain scares the $+*# out of me!

Hi

I've been banded 6 years.

I've never been sick or choked on foods because of the band.

I don't eat rice or apple skins because they feel strange going down but all other foods are fine. I eat all carbs in moderation.

I take tiny bite and make sure I finish what I have in my mouth before I take my second or third bite.... and I don't drink carbonated beverages.

Try not to compare yourself to others... don't go into this journey saying... "I'll never be able to eat this or that ever again."... take it one day at a time.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

Hi I'm new to this site too and scheduled for my op 28th August. Excited and nervous sums it up for me too.

Welcome and congrats ! Ur new life is waiting just ahead . Vomiting is not normal ! I was banded 4:6/12 and have not vomited yet.I have been instructed by my dr to call him immediately in his cell if I ever do.:-)

It's normal to become anxious any time you are confronted with the realities that some aspects of your life are about to change...inherently people don't embrace change. We all have our reasons for wanting/needing this surgery; stay in touch with them as you are on your journey, as this will enhance your probability for success with weight loss and odds of increasing your health states.

Having a band does not mean that you will experience episodes of food getting stuck, or vomiting. You will be realistic to anticipate some pain post op. It is temporary and if you are prepared with the necessary prescriptions from your surgeon you will feel remarkably better in only a few days post op. To resolve pain post op, walking short distances in your house will go far to help resolve post op gas pain.

Most "stuck" episodes with food are attributed to distractions which contribute to incomplete chewing, or to eating too fast; then food may get stuck depending on the amount of restriction in your band. If you follow the rules, and don't have too much restriction, you will find over time that with following the rules( portion control, diet compliance with healthy choices for food) life is pretty much the same as pre op. Also remember that for every post you see regarding pain and stuck episodes, there are many, many others who have not posted about how many uneventful meals they have had.

Yes, there are the real possibilities that you may experience complications with your band. I have had a couple thus far, however these were not related to my band, only my weight loss. Since having my band placed, I have never vomited, PB'd, or gotten food stuck. I make the effort to remain aware of my actions while eating to be certain to chew everything well.

Yes, you will need to give up excessive carbs, carbonated beverages, over sized portions among the most common. These items are not conducive to successful weight loss.

All surgeries come with risks...and if you have never had surgery, it can be highly anxiety provoking. It will be essential to stay in touch with your surgeon's office if anything out of the ordinary occurs, and they will tell what to look for.

I hope some of this information is helpful...

Best wishes...