Has anyone been advised by their physician that they will need a lifetime of GI series? My doc didn't tell me that, but his associate did the day after the surgery. I forgot how often he said because he blew me away with this news. Said something about I'll always have to watch for esophagus problems (erosion?) or something with my stomach. He also said the surgery was the easiest part of this whole thing and not really sure what that was supposed to mean. He says the TV talk shows with people who were banded are so misleading and that diet and exercise is so key to success. I was under the impression the band kinda gives you a full feeling so I'll be able to control my impulsive eating. Now I'm hoping I won't regret being banded. I had no idea I needed to follow up with the surgeon every few weeks & then every 6 months either. Another little tidbit they left out is the band isn't inflated at all for 8 weeks after surgery. I'm so afraid of becoming ravenously hungry just having broth, jello & 3 optifast drinks for that long. And, I don't really get it. If I have to work so hard at not eating after getting the band along with increased exorcise, what's its advantage?

Hi. I was banded on 1-17-08. My Dr. did not say anything about needing GI series. As far as diet and exercise I know I am going to have to do. But the good thing is I am really never hungry and when I am it only takes a small amout to feel me up and I have no salin in my band yet. The hardest thing for me has been my mind. I see things and want to eat even though I am not hungry, but even that is starting to get better. It just takes time for us to get used to the over night change in our lives. It will be worth it though. Just hang in there everyday gets easier.