Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a few days now reading about things that I've found out are all common after having the band. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the advice you give! It seriously helps! .

My story:

After having 3 kids and reaching a high of 296 I decided enough was enough. About 2 years ago I got down to 231 on my own through serious diet and exercise in 5 months. But since then I have maintained around the 240ish area. Just shortly before Xmas I found out that my new insurance would cover my surgery (well besides the 1500$ deductible) and decided to start the process. And boy was it a process just to have surgery!! I had my dietician, psychiatric evaluation, exercise assessment, and bariatric visit all the first two weeks of January. I had my first surgeon visit January 16th then waited about 2 weeks for insurance approval. My surgery was March 4th.

My first 2 days were rough compared to other stories I read on here. I have so much co2 pains and the pressure on my chest area was horrible, no pain killers would take it away. On top of that I was extremely nauseous. I ended up throwing up my first night after going for a walk with my nurse. Day 2 was just as bad cuz I was feeling really sore! I was super afraid to leave the hospital because my pain control was not good.

I'm happy to say every day has gotten way better and I'm currently 5 days from surgery and the only problems I seem to have are no bowel movements yet since surgery (plan to start taking something for that today) and gas. Holy man it's a rumble factory in there. It's freaking constant! My poor husband lol. I do feel some pulling pain from the band which I do hope goes away but otherwise I feel great! Energy is back and even got the dishes done today!

I'm very nervous about things like food getting stuck and all that dang slime you guys talk about but it's part of the process so ill take it as it comes! So far so good (except I'm so over liquids already haha!)

Hi. I'm new to this site myself. Only fair to leave my story. LOL. My high weight was around 340. My wife decided to do Lap band. She wanted me to as well. I was hesitant because, well I felt I could just do it myself. I couldn't. LOL. I said that I would try for one full year. Really try on my own. And if it didnt work than I'd consider it. One year later. . . . Made my first appointment with her doctor. I had my surgery Feb. of 2012. It hit me hard. The day after my wife's surgery she climbed hills in the park. The day after mine- I laid in agony like a bus ran me over followed by a truck and a few marching bands. And it wasn't getting better fast. I couldnt stomach the taste of protein shakes. Which was odd cause i've loved them my whole life. My luck. But over time things got better. Today I am down to 265. And in all fairness there was a six month period in between where this was put on the back burner due to some tragic family issues. But the day after Christmas I said it was time to rededicate myself. Since then I'm down over twenty pounds and going strong. Good luck to you!

Welcome to LBT and your new Life!

You'll be finding a LOT about food, eating, personal response to stress & anxiety and a raft of other very interesting issues.

Cheers on your journey.

hey to all the (newbies)

Hi Carolinagirl. I also had plication w/ lap band. Thank you for the greetings. I'm so glad I found this site.

Hi everyone! I've been lurking for a few days now reading about things that I've found out are all common after having the band. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the advice you give! It seriously helps! .

My story:

After having 3 kids and reaching a high of 296 I decided enough was enough. About 2 years ago I got down to 231 on my own through serious diet and exercise in 5 months. But since then I have maintained around the 240ish area. Just shortly before Xmas I found out that my new insurance would cover my surgery (well besides the 1500$ deductible) and decided to start the process. And boy was it a process just to have surgery!! I had my dietician, psychiatric evaluation, exercise assessment, and bariatric visit all the first two weeks of January. I had my first surgeon visit January 16th then waited about 2 weeks for insurance approval. My surgery was March 4th.

My first 2 days were rough compared to other stories I read on here. I have so much co2 pains and the pressure on my chest area was horrible, no pain killers would take it away. On top of that I was extremely nauseous. I ended up throwing up my first night after going for a walk with my nurse. Day 2 was just as bad cuz I was feeling really sore! I was super afraid to leave the hospital because my pain control was not good.

I'm happy to say every day has gotten way better and I'm currently 5 days from surgery and the only problems I seem to have are no bowel movements yet since surgery (plan to start taking something for that today) and gas. Holy man it's a rumble factory in there. It's freaking constant! My poor husband lol. I do feel some pulling pain from the band which I do hope goes away but otherwise I feel great! Energy is back and even got the dishes done today!

I'm very nervous about things like food getting stuck and all that dang slime you guys talk about but it's part of the process so ill take it as it comes! So far so good (except I'm so over liquids already haha!)

​ Congratulations!! The gas pain is awful, try a heating pad. I had the band in July and every day take liquid colace to help with movements. They gave it to me when I left the hospital along with Zantac for one month and pain meds, all liquids. If you get bored with all liquids, try SF Popsicles. I love them and it makes you feel almost like you are eating.

Good luck with the new you!

Welcome. It does get better with time.

it does get better each day .the first week I was thinking I had done the worst thing ever to my body... keep ahead of the pain take your meds every 4 hours ...also milk of mag works like a charm to get things moving.... use your heating pad for the shoulder pain..get up and walk every hour...get plenty of rest...you will be happy you did this I promise ...