Hi - I am just starting the whole LapBand process at Washington University/Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. I haven't gone through any of my evaluations, although my initial screening seems to indicate that I will qualify and it's covered by my insurance (or there is no way I could afford to do it!).

I have a silly question. Can you FEEL the band? I mean, can you actually feel there there is something squeezing your stomach, or that there is a foreign object in your body? I just wonder if the sensation of it would bug me to death.

Thanks,

Lynda

I have a silly question. Can you FEEL the band? I mean, can you actually feel there there is something squeezing your stomach, or that there is a foreign object in your body? I just wonder if the sensation of it would bug me to death.

Nope. Internally I feel nothing. You'll see or hear people refer to "feeling restricted", but this isn't feeling the band or feeling the band around you, it's more the internal sensation of your body's reactions.

Externally, I can feel my port but only if I try really hard. It feels like a button.

It's entirely possible to forget you're banded. Until you forget and swallow too big of a bite. Then you remember. Quickly.

Lynda, I cannot feel the band at all. I can only feel the port if I lay down and push on my port site. It doesn't hurt at all. Its just sore when you initially get the surgery. Julie

I was worried about this but got banded on Monday (4/9). I feel sore right now...but I can't 'feel' the port at all!!

no regrets here... i am 26 y/o guy who wore a size 44 jeans and a xxxl shirt and anyday it was gonna go to a xxxXl shirt.... i have always been self confident... but now i can be self confident and look good doing it!!! so any1 who is thinking about doing it JUST DO IT...

I'm so glad you asked that.... lol. I had wondered that very question myself a few times and kept forgetting to ask. So thanks for asking it, and thanks for y'all answering it!