Hi, I was just banded two days ago. And the thought of having to go through surgery again terrifies me. The pain is aweful and I don't know how long it will last. My surgeon told me my band would last about ten years, at the time I thought that was great. now that i've gone through surgery the idea of going through it scares me. Do we all really have to get them removed at somepoint. I guess it's the post-op blues i am having.

Everyone here, you are awesome!

I don't have much of a choice given my size and history. My band is the next option before disability I feel I am that close to it.

I had 2 c-sections and an ovary removed so I think this will be a walk in the park.

I am sorry to hear that anyone has pain. I honestly wouldn't have known I was banded if I hadn't seen the little cuts on my tummy. I never had any pain. I don't want anyone new to think that everyone always had a lot of pain. The only pain I have is if I eat too fast and take too big of bites. Then it's painful until it goes down.

Hello! I just got banded on Tuesday!! 4/3/07 I am sore!!! I the only problems that I have now is getting in and out of bed! Some times getting out of a chair, but not to often. A body pillow or 2 really help me get comfortable in bed to sleep! Just get out of bed and walk ! Even if it is just walking in your bed room!! The pain is getting less and less everyday!!

The area the I am really having the pain is under my left ribs. I think that is where my port is. I having been placing an ice pack on that and It really seemed to help. I have not been hungry till yesterday and I eat a little yogart. But I am not hungry!!!:biggrin1:

Hi, I had my surgery one week ago today. My surgeon explained to me that he inserted the smaller sized band knowing that it would be tight but hoping that as the swelling went down the tightness would ease. He thought that the larger size might be a little too big so he went with what he thought would ultimately be best. I am waiting to hear back from the staff now because I am constantly feeling like something is stuck, painful, and impossible for me to get the required amount of fluid in each day so far. Good news is that I am not vomiting! Surgeon says if this does not work I will have to have it removed and the larger one inserted. I'm praying that that does not have to happen and that with a little more time things will get better. Time is the issue. Right now with this feeling and anxiety an hour feels like forever. I've pushed back my return to my business to 3 weeks from 2 weeks recovery. I can't afford to loose anymore time....worry, worry. Has anyone else had this experience with a small band and how did you make it thru? Thanks!!

Wow, that was one on the questions I specificaly asked my doctor who is a "pioneer" in this proceedure. He advised me that it was a lifetime implant and should never have to be removed or replaced barring any major medical event.

2 years post op, at goal.

210 pounds lost

Life is good!

it is encouraging to hear that the lapband is a lifelong tool. I think my Doctor is being conservative. I am going to talk with him on Thursday, to see why he said apprx. 10 years. Yes , he is an experienced surgeon, he has preformed over 500 lapbands.

That is concerning that he would intentionally put a very small band on you, Vanaz. As my surgeon said, he avoids the really small band because he can always restrict the band but he can't make it looser. Let us know how things turn out for you, and good luck.

Oh thanks for the comment tann!! I, like you have had 3 c-sections and was wondering how the surgery compared to them.....I think though after you have kids, your tolerance for pain is much higher

Oh thanks for the comment tann!! I, like you have had 3 c-sections and was wondering how the surgery compared to them.....I think though after you have kids, your tolerance for pain is much higher

What are the ages of your kids....I have 3 boys 10,6 & 5. They ARE a HAND FULL of ENERGY:faint: I needed to lose weight to keep up with them. I've never had a natural birth, thank God, I can't even imagine pushing out 2 8 pounders and a 12 pound baby.

A 12lb baby....your my idol! I have a 5, 3, and 2 year old at home....they keep me hopping too! Hmmm You would think I would be thinner....hehehehe

I'm going to be banded on the 17th, and my Doctor in Houston told me that the band was for life. Thanks to the group for sharing and helping us newbies out with what to expect.

TerryP

MyDoc told me that the band was for life and the only reason to have it replaced is if they came back with a better band!!!

Hi, I had my surgery one week ago today. My surgeon explained to me that he inserted the smaller sized band knowing that it would be tight but hoping that as the swelling went down the tightness would ease. He thought that the larger size might be a little too big so he went with what he thought would ultimately be best. I am waiting to hear back from the staff now because I am constantly feeling like something is stuck, painful, and impossible for me to get the required amount of Fluid in each day so far. Good news is that I am not vomiting! Surgeon says if this does not work I will have to have it removed and the larger one inserted. I'm praying that that does not have to happen and that with a little more time things will get better. Time is the issue. Right now with this feeling and anxiety an hour feels like forever. I've pushed back my return to my business to 3 weeks from 2 weeks recovery. I can't afford to loose anymore time....worry, worry. Has anyone else had this experience with a small band and how did you make it thru? Thanks!!

Hi there, You haven't posted since you posted this, so I was wondering how things are going? I have heard that drinking warm Water loosens the band. Maybe you could try that. The band will loosen as you lose weight. From what I understand, there is a pad of fat around our stomachs. As we lose weight, that goes away. For now, I would try to drink warm things such as herbal tea, warm water, and Soup. You're supposed to be a on a liquid diet anyway at this stage. Maybe by making the liquids warm, you won't have that feeling you're describing. I hope so.