Got my Lap Band on Feb 13! Didn't work laproscopically because I have had a previous abdominal surgery. Doctors said they tried for an hour but then had to do it open. Also found a hernia while in there and they repaired that too. End result - 49 staples and a lot of pain. I am home now. Have had doubts about whether I did the right thing or not but guess its too late for that. Healing time is going to be longer than normal and I am not a good "lay down and rest person"! Still want to eat but the pain of surgery stops me. Any encouragement would be helpful at this point. Thanks,

I'm soooooo sorry that your surgery had to go like that. Hang in there. You will heal up beautifully and be very happy with your decision as you see the scale head downward. Stick to the post-op diet and follow your surgeons instructions to the "T". This is your VERY important healing period. I felt like to was not going to get through the mushie stage b/c I was starving all the time. Started back to normal foods yesterday and had a PAINFUL dinner experience. Had a grilled chicken breast....with soft cauliflower. I ate it WAY TOO FAST b/c I was so excited to put something real to eat into my mouth....and I was in pain for the rest of the evening. Please don't be like me.....let yourself heal properly and take things slowly...one stage at a time. Best of luck to you and check in and update your progress along the way!!

Prayers to you for quick healing.

Stacey

Thanks. I hope that as the pain goes my attitude improves! I am eating mushy stuff and it really isnt too bad. I can take a whole lot of stuff and make it mushy!

I think a lot of us have doubts, even when the surgery goes as expected. In your case, I'm sure what you've been through could intensify that feeling. I suspect you'll feel lousy for awhile but when the worst is over, I think you'll be glad that you had it done.

The pain and discomfort I felt after surgery seems inconsequential now. I can hardly tell that I have a band inside of me, except when it works like it's supposed to. While it can start working immediately, it takes a few months to get to the optimum level. But in those few months, I've lost nearly 27 pounds with very little hunger and eating pretty much whatever I want, though much less and less often.

I'm sorry you had to take the "scenic route" but I hope you recuperate quickly and get to soon enjoy the benefits of your band. Good luck!

Longhorn- Have you had any fills yet? It is encouraging to know that the weight will come. I came out of the hospital and actually weighed 8 lbs more than when I went in and that was without eating! Lucky me! Lol . Of course by the time I came home it was exactly where it was when I left home. I have to stop obsessing! Thanks

Yes, I had my third fill Friday. I have 7ccs in a 10cc band. I didn't weigh myself regularly at first so I have no idea if I lost or gained right after surgery. But by my one-week post-op appointment, I had lost 6.5 pounds, plus the two I lost before surgery. I also drop a couple after each fill, as you can see from my graph. It's pretty slow in between but that's okay. I was gaining before the surgery! :girl_hug:

Now is the time for you to be patient and focus on healing and learning some of the new ways of eating. It's tough but weight loss should be the last thing on your mind right now. Once you're all better and start getting fills, you're still in transition because you may not get much restriction from the first few fills. Most doctors want to take it a little slow to make sure your stomach adjusts each time. Then when you get to some real restriction, that's when you can start obsessing about your weight!

Didn't work laproscopically because I have had a previous abdominal surgery.

This is something I worry about.

When I had my gallbladder out, they couldn't go in the normal way because my rib cage was in the way. This was before laparoscopic surgery and I have no idea what that did to that area. They split me open from just under my breasts down to my belly button. It's 28 years later and I still have some scarring.

Oh sweety-

It must be terrible going in with one expectation and then going out with something completely different - I can barely comprehend. Your recovery time is going to take a lot more time like you said, and you are going to need a lot more pampering. Give yourself the opportunity to feel sad and mad about the surgery not going as planned, because you don't want to "stuff" those feelings, but also remember to focus on why you did this. You will reap big rewards at the end of this- I promise.

macmadame- That was where my scar was too. However they said it was the internal scarring that caused them to have to do it open. My surgery was due to a car accident and the Dr. said that the emergency surgeries tend to leave alot of scarring inside cause they are in a hurry. So dont be discouraged yet. Im whiny cause Im hurting but I keep trying to look to the future.

Thanks Amy, I think you are right. Sure does help to hear it though. Ive done an awful lot of crying and grouchy since surgery.

I'm whiny cause Im hurting but I keep trying to look to the future.

Just think about going through the day not being hungry all the time but still losing weight.

I'm very sorry that your surgery didn't go as planned. I know it is hard to recover from a surgery like that. "Buyers remorse" is normal for all of us. The combination of anesthesia and pain has a tendency to be depressive so that doesn't help. Just try to focus on recovering right now. The reasons why you got the band will come back to you as you see the scale moving downward.

elyssa,I'm in the same boat as you, I'm 6 days post op and also had to have a open surgery due to past abdominal surgery, the DR told me there was a 50/50 change this would happen. I am in pain but the gas pain is what is killing me. It is scarey and the pain makes you wonder if it was worth it, but I'm tring to keep a positive attitude. You are the first person I have found that has been in my shoes, please stay in touch, I would like to have someone to talk to who knows what I'm going through

I'm sorry you have had such a bad time, hope it gets better soon. I'm having mine done at the end of the month. I have had a tummy tuck, and hernia removed, with mesh in my tummy. Could this also happen to me to have a open surgery?

During recovery time we need a book called ..... Chicken "Broth" for the Lap Banders Soul....lol.....:cheers2:......i hope u feel better...i just started reading books that Ive put off , during my recovery time...it helps time pass?

Good Luck,Staci

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Aww bless!

I hope your recovery time is quick, despite the hiccup.