Hello All,

My husband and I are having surgery on the 29th. I actually work for the surgeon who is doing our procedures so that is a great comfort. We are excited and of course nervous. Great site. A friend of mine is having surgery on the 19th and told me about lap band talk:thumbup:. Leslie

leslieann, I have been wanting to ask a question of someone who works for a surgeon who does this surgery. First of all I think it is so great that you and your husband are doing this together it will be great for all of the support you can give to each other. I was banded June 21st and had my first fill July 25th. I really havent lost any weight (2 lbs) but I am still very glad I did it. When you read the boards you find out so many great stories. My question is have you noticed a lot of success stories working with the surgeon. I am assuming the answer is yes and that is why you are committing to the band. Many people say they need 3 or 4 fills to finally start losing weight. I have asked the nurses and other people who work at the office but most are hesitant to say anything positive.

Well, I definitely cannot give you any professional advice. Please let me say that up front, just what I have observed. I have seen wonderful sucess stories going in and out our doors each day though. I have attended a couple of support group sessions here at the office and will be attending one tonight. It seems everyone varies quite a bit on when they lose though. Some patients lose quite a bit at first, others don't. Some patients really start losing after their first fill and others it may take a few. The loss seems to happen for everyone but at different times. I would have to say at this practice I have seen a lot of patients lose six to eight pounds every six weeks during the first year as an average. Hope that helps a little. I would not hesitate to call your surgeon's office with any questions you may have about what to expect during this post op stage. Do you have a support group? Honestly, that is where I have learned the most on what to expect. Leslie

Leslie, Thanks for your observations. That is exactly what I was wondering. There is a support group that meets once a month, but I haven't received any noifications yet. I get a lot of support just trolling around on this site. It is amazing how people have such similar experiences, worries and questions. This site has been a great support. Thanks again.

lessme:

My doctor said not to expect to lose weight until I felt restriction. Luckily I felt it right away, even before band was filled. However, after about 6 weeks the restriction seemed less because I'd already lost quite a bit. I think that they say that a banded patient should lose 1 to 2 pounds per week on average on the first year.

Go to your support group. It's really helpful to speak with other bandsters face-to-face.

Good luck to you, and please be patient, even though it is hard.

Take care.

Sue