I started seriously thinking about lapband these past few months. I've never been under general anesthesia so that's my main concern, plus the first few days post-op. any advice or suggestions?

Welcome!

I think most of us felt the way you did. I was pretty freaked out about getting the band because I'd never had any surgery, never been under, and had a fear of needles. I have a low pain tolerance. Even up til the last moments before surgery i could not believe I was actually doing it. haha. I promise you the entire process is safe and the recovery is fast. You do get to speak with the surgeon and anesthesiologist (sp?) the day of surgery to ask questions. I was out of surgery in under an hour (average band surgery takes 1-2 hrs) and into recovery. The pain and discomfort sucks the first few days but it is never unbearable. They give you wonderful meds. Make sure to have a friend or family member around you those first couple days to provide support.

No regrets with my band. Best decision I ever made.

To be truthful it is really not that bad. I read all kinds of stuff on here about how painful it was and I was really worried because I am allergic to opiates (codein, morphine). I was fine. I just took liquid tylenol. No problems. I did not have any of the gas pain that some people talk about.

To be truthful the blood clot in the brain (otherwise known as a stroke) that I had at 39; totally out of left field (I was a very healthy fat person) was MUCH worse.

Petrifying!!! And yes major health problems can happen to you. They aren't something that only happens to other people.

It's normal and understandable that you would have some concerns regarding general anesthesia and even having surgery. Unfortunately (or fortunately) by the time I was medically released to have my band surgery, I had already had 2 surgeries...so I experienced no real anxiety.

Every surgery does come with some risks, and the band surgery has fewer than other types of WLS. You should not worry about the care you will receive in the hospital; the staff are well versed in what they do, and they will take good care of you. I really have no recollection of the anesthesiologist administering the drugs, and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room with my husband.

Let me share that post op recovery with the band surgery was faster and had less pain than the other 2 abdominal surgeries I have had.

The best advice I can share for post op recovery is to stay ahead of the pain, and use your prescription pain meds as you need them...no need to be a hero and tough the pain out. The discomfort post op with the gas is helped immeasurably by just walking; others have written that a rocking chair also helped. I don't know about that...I never tried it. Walking is also important to lower your risk for development of DVT. I was advised by my surgeon to get up every hour I was awake and walk around the house.

I have no regrets for having my band placed...I only wish it could have been done sooner. But the delays only gave me more determination and less hesitation to move forward towards a healthier me.

Best wishes as you consider your options...

Thank you all for the advice and encouragement! I'm going to my first seminar tonight. I hope all goes well and I still want the band after this.

It's scary to go under anesthetic, especially for the first time. But rest assured, the Lap Band is relatively minor surgery and a pretty quick recovery time. I've had four other abdominal surgeries besides Lap Band in recent years, and I have to say the recovery time for Lap Band was by far the easiest and quickest. It definitely had the least amount of pain, too.

The best advice I can give you is to do your homework thoroughly before making a decision. Reading these forums to learn the experiences of others is great, however it's even more important you do the research on the actual facts. The Lap Band is an amazingly useful tool, but it's only useful if you fully understand how to best utilize it.

Best wishes to you on whatever you decide

Welcome. The surgery is fast, so the time under anesthesia is short. I have had numerous experiences with anesthesia, but the Lap Band was the shortest recovery. Ask your questions here, there are great folks on board who will be happy to help you. This first group meeting is milestone number 1! Congratulations!

Thank you, Chaznoel! I went to a seminar last night and I definitely still want to do lap band. It seem right for me.

Thank you, Cheznoel! I went to a seminar last night and I definitely still want to do lap band. It seems right for me.

Thank you' date=' Chaznoel! I went to a seminar last night and I definitely still want to do lap band. It seem right for me.[/quote']

I started seriously thinking about lapband these past few months. I've never been under general anesthesia so that's my main concern, plus the first few days post-op. any advice or suggestions?

Lots of good advice so far so I won't repeat it but think about it.... If surgery was so Risky why would so many people agree to it. I am sure your dr had or will have you get a physical to make sure your are a good surgical candidate and the anesthesiologist is an expert and is only worried about you breathing... So I know it's scared but honestly you will be fine.

Thank you, FLORIDAYS. I agree. The benefits outweigh the risks.

Btw, you look AMAZING!

Honestly I was so excited about how the band could help me I could not wait. After your seminar and your talks with the doc you will start having visions of the new skinny you! I was super excited. Do research ask questions and go for it! Best wishes

I was looking forward to it but just found out that my insurance doesn't cover it.....pretty devastating...