Hi all! I'm new to posting, but have been reading for a few weeks. I was banded on Wednesday, but I'm still in shock that I really did it. It all happened so fast. I'm private pay, so didn't have to deal with insurance issues, and I had reconstructive knee surgery (ACL) 4 weeks ago, so I have been a bit preoccupied. I started this process in earnest in the beginning of September.

Any input as to how long this bloating lasts? I look like I'm pregnant!

I am happy so far that I did this. I've been unhappy with my weight for about 15 years, and finally decided to take care of myself. During surgery, the doc said students were there and he did an "anatomy instruction" b/c my insides were "perfect"....HA! At least I know for sure I'm beautiful on the inside! :clap2:

"Beautiful on the inside"...That's great! Ha! I know you'll remember that comment! I had the Austrailian LB doc that is so famous attend surgeries the day I had mine (is O'Brien the name?), and they were also filming surgeries that day. Don't know if mine was included, guess it would have depended on if they brought their wide-angle lens with them!

I also was a self pay, and remember the process going pretty fast. I liked that...no chance for second guessing and obsessing (I'm good at that)!

The bloating? Gas from the surgery. Give yourself two weeks, and you'll wonder (except for the post-op diet) if you were even banded. All will return to "normal", and you should be pretty much pain free. Individual mileage may vary**:eyebrows:

Welcome aboard, you will love your band!