Hi all,

For those who don't know me, I live in Sydney and was banded on 15th January. 1 week after surgery, I had a stroke. Nobody knows whether it was related to my surgery or not, given that I have a problem heart and a clotting disorder. I have been in hospital ever since, but finally came home yesterday after spending 2 months in rehab. I can walk with a walking stick, but have lost the use of my left arm. I can move it, but my fingers don't work at the moment and I can't do anything useful with it. I don't want to scare anyone out of banding, it probably wasn't the cause of my stroke. I've lost 22kg and I'm prepared to make the most of my life. I don't regret my operation - don't get me wrong, there were times I wondered what I had done, but there is no clear reason for what happened.

Please pray for my arm to come back, it's the only thing holding me back now -I can't drive anymore, have to go back to my L's and get a new car that is automatic.

So good to be home!

Jen:confused_smile:

Hi Jen,

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Fiona, and I was banded on the 7th March by the same surgeon you had. Before my surgery I was eagerly reading everything I could. When I came across your profile, I read everything you had written, so I could try to get to know a patient who had been through what I was about to do, with the same team.

I was absolutely devastated to learn about your stroke, and began to question my decision, but then I realised that your story is so inspirational, and I thought - hey, if Jen can do it after her awful ordeal, what is my excuse???

I'm so pleased you are home, and well on your way to recovery. I will pray for your continued improvement and long term wellbeing. Thanks for being so honest and inspirational!!

HUGS,

F

:rolleyes2:

HI Jen

Good to see you are finally home, and things are getting better for you. After hearing what had happened to you I did question myself as to weather I was doing the right thing. I was really worried about not making it thru the operation. However I got over that and went ahead anyway.

Banded on 31st March, I am going ok. have lost 6kg and now I am at a stand still, can't seem to budge anymore.

I do wish you all the best for your future recovery, I am sure with the will power you will get better and things will be back to normal soon. You may be a little slower in things that you do now, but remember you have to walk first befoer you can run. i am sure your arm will get better and you will speed typing very soon.

Once again glad to see you back on here.

I will always remember you, as you were banded on my birthday.

keep up the good work.

Hey there,

Thanks for your replies. I just wanted to clarify something - please do not think that my lapband caused all my problems. It is only through having a stroke that I discovered I have a rare bloodclotting disorder and an abnormal heart rhythm, both of which may have caused the stroke independently of my lapband surgery, or at least in conjunction with my surgery. The truth is, none of the specialists know what came first - the chicken or the egg.

I could have had a stroke any time, regardless of my band. Both my sister and father have had significantly sized clots in their legs - my dad's was from groin to ankle, like mine!

What I realised while in rehab and occasionally regretted surgery - without it, I am a walking time bomb and without my weight loss, rehab would have been a hell of a lot more difficult - it's hard enough without an extra 22kg.

I would probably do it all again, but would have been thoroughly investigated prior to surgery so that more robust prevention of DVT could be instigated and treatment of my disorder could have started - I would have gone in with a more informed opinion and eyes wide open.

Hope this inspires you - do what I can't and exercise. I always complained about walking but now I'd love to be able to run to the phone, bus or toilet and feel guilty for taking these things for granted.

Thanks for your post Jen. It is definitely a reminder that we can and should. My older brother had a stroke (cerebral haemorrhage) when he was 41 and ended up partially paralysed and has a problem with his speech. He ended up having 3 more over the years but was lucky each time. We help him with things, eg, tying his shoelaces and sometimes I get a little tired of it but you have reminded me how hard it must be for him. Thanks again.

Hi all,

Well, I've now lost 24kgs, but have stopped losing and I'm eating way too much food - there is now no restriction.

My continued rehab is going well, even though I am home. Physio is hard work, but I am getting better each week. My arm is still not that useful, but I'm trying a new electric shock treatment to increase the strength in my hand. I've come a long way, but I still have a long way to go.

You are so courageous... such an inspiration - with everything you have been through you still manage to be ALMOST HALF WAY THERE with your weight loss.

Jen,

You are a totally amazing person. You have proved to all of us that you can beat anything! You are a total inspiration. Please keep your chin up and take every challenge with a fresh breath of life and think "I CAN DO THIS"! You rock!

Joshie-Boo.

Thanks guys (especially Joshie, you are my rock).

Had my first fill today - 4ml in a 10ml band. I look forward to getting to goal by my bday.

Visited my work today - nobody recognised me.

Dear Jen,

I am so proud of u hope u haven't forgotten me.????? I dont see you on msn at all these days.

all the best kind regards M:lol:

Hey M,

How could I forget you???? I'm always on msn.

Hello peoples,

Jen has put her latest progress pics on the LBT progress pics thread, but she wouldn't put them here aswell! So here is the link!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/before-after-lap-band-surgery-pix-only-4642/index102.html#post856826

Have a look - she has done REALLY WELL! I am proud of you Jen!

Joshie-Boo.