Hi all! I decided to join this board after finding it in a Google search while looking for forums specifically for lap banders.

After nearly three years of going back and forth to have WLS done, the day finally arrived last Thursday, March 22, when I had my lap banding surgery done by Dr. Courcoulas in Pittsburgh. I was discharged from the hospital Friday night, and I did a lot better with this than I did when my appendix was taken out 18 months ago.

I'm a little sore around the incisions where the banding was put in (nothing a heating pad or a Tylenol won't handle), but other than that, I feel great. Of course, I can't bend from the waist or carry anything heavy for awhile, but that's only temporary.

"Meals" for the next few days or so will consist of clear liquids; I need 64 oz of liquid daily..but here is the good news--I got taken off FOUR of my meds! Yippeeeeeeeeeeee! The rest I have to crush up or take out of the capsules; totally GROSS tasting!

Next week, I should be going from clear to full liquids, then on to pureed goodies after that. So far, I've dropped 12 pounds already. Heh.

About me in general, I am single with three cuddly cats, reside outside of the Pittsburgh, PA area. I enjoy reading, theater, writing, football, wrestling, travel and music. I am a freelance writer and also work in publicity part time as well.

I also am looking forward to chatting with others who have had the surgery or about to undergo the procedure. I also have a site that outlines my journey here.

wow you are doing great- i had mine done on thursday too but have no lost that much???:phanvan

Hi Lori......

Welcome! I reside in the Pittsburgh area as well! Like you, after quite a bit of research and thought, I have finally decided to get Lapband! I attended the info meeting at St. Clair Hospital with the Hope Bariatrics group. I received all of my paperwork last week and the first 2 appts (surgeon & dietician) are set up for April 9. Sounds like you are on your way! I can't wait until I can join you!!! I look forward to following your success!!!

All the best to you, neighbor!!!!

Judi

Four days past surgery day, and I continue to feel fantastic. The bandages fell off last night while I was getting ready for bed, and outside of some bruising around the incision sites, they look good. I'm not even sore today at all. And what a nice morning here; already 61 degrees. I'll likely be going for my walk later again.

Got some good news from the doctor's office this morning; I am going on food beginning a week from this coming Thursday (when I see the doctor), since I am tolerating liquids so well. Granted it is only the mushy stuff, but it will only be for two weeks. I had some Protein drink today and some cream of chicken Soup and no problems so far (I had to strain the soup to get out the chicken chunks, though; hey, the cats liked them LOL).

sry for the double post

hi lori, and everybody else!! congrats on your banding!!! i am so excited to find somebody from PA, im located in scranton,pa. still in the process of getting everything together, finally found a surgeon, and found out that i am elligible (sp) if i meet the 'list', which i sure do,lol now, may i pls. ask you a couple of questions? i read soo much about lapbanding... and, to make it short, i am a bit confused at some stuff. anyway, i read about a lady, who had lapband done, and she was complaining about the 'packaging' of the wounds, she had long gaze stuck in her wounds, and was all infected.. and now HERE i read that people more or less have everything just clued? wich of course is a whole lot nicer then 'packaged', what was your experience?

HI. Welcome to the losing side. Good luck with your weight loss journey.

LoriPA, congrats on being banded. You will do great.

Hi LORIPA-

So glad to see your thread. I'm from Pgh also and have my consultation with Dr. Courcoulas in April. I'm really excited but nervous too. Like you I've had many years of dieting and considering WLS.

So here it goes, I'm really doing something this time! I'm glad to hear you're doing so well. I look forward to reading about your progress.

Does Dr. Courcoulas have a lot of experience with Lap Bands? Sounds like you were very happy with her. So far there's a lot of good feedback.

Hopefully talk to you again soon~

:wave:

YAY Loripa...Wow! sounds like you are doing great! How exciting...the new you is just ahead! I cant wait to hear the rest of your story.

becky