Hi all,

I am not often a poster, but I figured that if there was any group I might feel comfortable with, this should be the one. My name is Gary. I have a marginal BMI (39) for the surgery, but enough co-morbidities to make the grim reaper drool on his scythe. Thus my HMO gracefully allowed my band. Its been 10 days and I though I am only on the liquid diet, I am chafing at the bit to expand my intake. I actually gained 10 pounds of Fluid during my 36 hours in the hospital, and lost that and another 6 or 7 in the 8 days since. Since I am only at about 500 calories, I have stopped losing, but I hope that will change with the next diet phase soon. I see my nutritionist tomorrow. Anyway, I look forward to reading all your stories, comments and concerns. Just my opinion... I could be wrong! Good luck everyone.

Hi, Gary, and welcome.

Congratulations on being banded! You've made some good progress to this point, so I'm sure you'll do well.

What is your opinion of the surgery? I'm being banded in July, and keep wondering what is in store! Any insight would be most welcome.

Thanks for the kind words. I have been thinking about this possibility for years now. Although, I was leaning toward the bypass. I am absolutley convinced that if I want to live, I need to make some serious changes in my diet. I admit to some fear that the band may not be the answer, but at this point I choose to be optimistic. It is clear to me that successful band situations occur when...

1. One has a positive can-do attitude. :thumbs_up:

2. One understands the implications of the two options for their own medical situation. :confused2:

3. One has the proper motivation (like living!) :biggrin:

In my brief time on this forum (20 minutes) it appears to me that you can get a lot of good info and support. As far as the surgery goes, it was a breeze. I admit to being nervous. Anyone who is not nervous before a surgical procedure is probably brain dead anyway. But it was a very easy surgery and recuperation was fast and relatively painless. If you are committed to the exercise and diet, I think its a fabulous way to achieve your goals. IMHO:embaressed_smile:

Hello!

Well, I was banded this past Wednesday on 6/25. I'm not a wuss, but I can't describe the surgery as relatively painless! :-) Thank goodness I have a recliner to sleep in because sleeping in the bed is impossible! But each day that goes by it gets easier to get in and out of chairs, walk around etc. In fact, I'm going on a short shopping trip tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be taking a long nap when I get home though.

You're right though about going in with a positive attitude and motivation to do the right thing. Also, with as little as I've had to consume since Wednesday I should be "starving". But I'm not. I'm just mentally missing savory, chewy food! Thank you lapband for taking my hunger away!

I had a friend that did the gastric by-pass about 5 years ago. Yes, she lost lots of weight fast, but she was also throwing up and "dumping" all of the time. In the past 2 years she's gained about 1/2 of the weight back that she lost. I think lapband is the way to go. Plus, you can take it out if you so choose. You can't go back once you have bypass.

Good luck Gary on your continued weight loss.

I can look back over the banding experience and it has been very worth while. You are just starting. . . Keep in mind we didnt put the weight on overnight and it doesnt come off overnight. The band is the greatest tool I have ever had to lose weight. Diets have never worked for me. I always just put on more weight in the end. Today, I eat a small portion and I am full. I would like to eat more because it looks so good, but I do not dare. If I do I will become sick and vomit. You can get real tired of vomiting fast. The pounds just start melting off. I feel great and am starting to look good also. Welcome to this journey....it is wonderful.