Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How many people have you shared your lap-band experience with?  

3 members have voted

  1. 1. How many people have you shared your lap-band experience with?

    • No one or Only my significant other
      197
    • Limited number of people, closest friend/family members
      671
    • Most of my Family & Friends know
      173
    • Everyone & Their neighbor's Dog know
      165


Recommended Posts

My co-workers had to be told I work at the hospital. But with family that has been very critical I am not telling. Its like when you go out to eat or go home to visit and you eat different when your on a new diet, and they shrug and give a slim smile and wish you luck and then it fails and they asked what happened, Banded a week ago and dad and sis with my husband and in-laws know. I don;t want to loose just 10lbs this next month and everyone thinking that I didn't do right or that I've messed it up. And have to hear about it when they won't take the time to educate thereself. It was the best choice for me. I wish all good luck and lots of loving support.

love Shee:thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Is it possible to keep it a secret from everyone? I am a very private person when it comes to certain subjects. I love my friends and family but there are several subjects I do not discuss with anyone and weight related would be one of them. I have been tossing around the idea to get this done with out telling anyone(friends, family). I think I can handle myself post-op to get back to the hotel or back home(depending on how I feel).

I doubt they will let you have the sugery if you don't have someone to take you home and take care of you. In most cases you won't be cleared to drive for a week after surgery. You need to have some kind of support in your corner. So pick your best of friends or your mom or somebody like that to help you out and keep your secret.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Chris4815, I totally understand how you feel about keeping it a secret. I was banded on the 16th Jan.o8. Luckily my children live interstate. My husband is the only one that knows. I went to a BBQ when on liquid stage and just sipped a cold drink. I said I had a funny stomach and no-one asked anything else. My son was visiting when I was on the mushy stage and I said I had a funny stomach, nothing more was said. I am going to visit all of my kids soon but don't think I will tell them yet. I have lost 17kilos in 17 weeks. I can eat any thing so I really don't think I need to tell any one. I'm working my backside off exercising so that's what I will tell any one that asks me what I am doing. If you had another op.that was personal done you wouldn't be obliged to tell every one, so I don't think you should feel bad for not telling people you have been banded until you are ready. Good luck on your journey with the band. Don't drive yourself back home or to a motel after your op. All the best.

saleel22

Edited by saleel22
spelling

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, I guess we have them in every family. I did have complications (band slipped). I had surgery Monday to clear it up. If my kids knew about this, they would just think I did it to myself. OMG, this second surgery was much worse than the first. I think the dr. wanted to make sure it doesn't do that again. With all that being said, they will NEVER know, so I don't have to be critisized for doing this.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have not told a soul so far. It's possible. I even flew to Mexico for my surgery while my daughter looked after my house & pets for a week. I told her I was going for a vacation. So far so good. I didn't want to tell anyone either. You'll be fine. I was terrified but everything was fine. God luck with your journey.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I doubt they will let you have the sugery if you don't have someone to take you home and take care of you. In most cases you won't be cleared to drive for a week after surgery. You need to have some kind of support in your corner. So pick your best of friends or your mom or somebody like that to help you out and keep your secret.
Whats the story on the no driving thing? A week seems a little steep.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Of course you shouldn't drive after anesthetic but I'm sure you can drive as soon as it wears off like the next day or two. They made me get up and start walking an hour after surgery. I was only given Tylenol so maybe some people had stronger pain meds? I was fine to drive the next day.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it is a week. I remember after my gallbladder surgery, I wasn't supposed to drive for a week.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Before the band I only told a select number of people. After the band I tell everyone because I feel it is me, a new part of me and they are going to see changes of the way I do things so I have nothing to hide. I am not ashamed so I just did it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My life tends to be an open book so I have told all of my family and most of my friends. The reaction so far has been very positive, especially from my Mom- she cried happy tears because I am finally accepting a tool to help me lose weight.

My husband has also been very supportive, he is very willing to change what we keep in the house, more accurately what we won't keep in the house.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

:thumbup:Chris my doctor told me you could drive after a week, but maybe sooner as long as you felt comfortable and were not pulling or stressing in abdominal muscles...

As far as not telling anyone .. I am going to tell you it will be hard.. My husband felt the same way, but we talked about it and found it better to discuss it with those that are very close to us..My doctor requires that you have support buddy. Someone who will be with you the first 24 hours and most of the week following. If you choose not to tell anyone people will ask you questions about why you are only eating a cup of food at a time and why you are avoiding so many things you used to love.. wouldn't it be nice for people to support you in your decisions and not try to shove food in your face when you don't want it or to stare at you funny for avoiding that one food you used to love... I am just saying I would really REALLY think about it and consider telling at least one person so you have a support buddy and then work your way into telling people you are close to as you feel more and more comfortable with the new you :)

THis is an amazing journey and a very important phase of your life and you should be happy to share with with the ones you love and trust.. anyways.. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST.....:redface:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was released to drive after 24 hours. I only had Advil for pain so they said I could drive the next day. I also told noone except my husband about my band. I have 3 teenagers and they don't even know. It did require some sucking it up and acting completely normal on my part though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've only told my friend who has the band, I've asked another person about it and did say I was considering it but that's as far as it got. I said to my mum I was thinking about it.

Now, I have thought about it and have booked everything and the only person who knows for sure is the friend who had the band.

I've not even told the cat so things are going to look grim when there is no take away chicken extras for her. Damn, that animal scares me. :smile2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've not even told the cat so things are going to look grim when there is no take away chicken extras for her. Damn, that animal scares me. :thumbup:

Hey 7 months later, my cats still circle the dining room table expectantly...they just cannot be reasoned with!

Edited by tapshoes
typo

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×