Hiya folks... new to the forum and thought i would say hello. I have not yet had the band.. im in the beginning stages of the process. Im going to be a self pay since i have NO desire to deal with my insurance co. Im a lower BMI at 35ish but have lost and gained so much in my lifetime with arthritis and hypertension for many years that i decided to try this "tool". Its been a real tough decision for me. I kept feeling like the ultimate failure that i had to resort to surgery to lose weight. Im over that now and im doing it. I had considered the RNY but think that is far to invasive for me. I am curious though about recovery. I am a firefighter/paramedic and was wondering what the typical complete recovery times might be? Im sure all are different but maybe some guesses. Anyways.. wanted to say hi and hopefully this will be a relatively speedy process with self pay..im SO READY to get it done and move on with a new eating lifestyle..

Hello

I love that you know it's just a "tool"

typical complete recovery times might be? Fire fighter, that's alot of work. I have a desk job and was back to back in three days. Please don't push it.

yeah I would imagine a few months to go back to doing your type of work-thats alot of pulling and straining.You could go back in a lighter capacity after a few days Id think if its a possibilty.I personally am trying to milk this sick leave and not go back for 2 weeks-lol.

Hi There,

Everybody is different in their recovery stage. I had my band placed just this week (Monday) and I am sore but ok. But, I'm a house wife and mother of a very active 4 yr old. What my doc told me about recovery is it depends on how good of shape you are in and how easily your own body heals itself (how fast do your cuts heal). It is possible to be overweight and still have good health if you are active. Being a firefighter/paramedic I'm sure you fall into this catergory because of physical activity levels that your job demands. The best thing to do is call a surgens office and ask. I don't know where you live but, I used Dr. Hadar Spivak here in Houston and his office is open to questions even if your not a patient yet. He also has a website where you can email questions.Hope this helps!