Hi, I've been researching WLS for years, kept deciding I could do it with diet and exercise, but am finally ready for the band. I'm in California, 42, in the medical field, a single mom to two young women. I would hope to lose about 100 pounds (the surgeon says band patients usually don't end up "thin", but 100 pounds would make a huge difference in my life) and it looks like I may be able to get the procedure done by January.

I would love to be your buddy. I am 42, married and have two boys. I am actualy having my surgery tomorrow. I am just too excited and nervous.

what part of california are you in

I'm in Santa Cruz.

I would love to be your buddy. I am 42, married and have two boys. I am actualy having my surgery tomorrow. I am just too excited and nervous.

Thank you!

Hi Christine: I am a single mom also, 47 the lap band was the best thing I have ever done for myself and I was runing erands with my 8 year old daugther two days after surgery. Good luck!!!!!!!! I am here if you have any questions.

I need some encouragement. Did your back and shoulder hurt. After you drink do you feel like it a strain in your chest. Tell me what you felt right after lap band surgery.

No, I did not feel any of that. What felt right was not being able to eat much. Ohter than that I feel like I had no surgery at all. You might want to check with your doctor.

How many fills have you had so far?

Good luck!!!!! keep in touch.

Hi, wife with 2 boys . Had surgery 11/5 and the doctor told me to take pain meds and Gas ex as directed. I took it and has no pain or gas. I think his theory was to catch the symptom before it became a problem. I did feel a little sore when I would try to sit up in bed but other than that I feel great. I am from New Orleans and it's hard here to stay away from all the great food we have. I have had my husband fix dinner some nights just so I didn't have to be around the smells and sight of food and start a craving. It hasn't been bad though. I have no restriction right now but I know when I get my 1st. fill it will be much easier.

Dear mom with boys:

The meds are in case you need them. I did not take them. I felt exactly like you after surgery. I did not feel really restricted until my second fill and it lasted only one month. Then after the third one I can say I was in good shape to eat very little and I was not hungy at all.

Good luck. It is a wonderful journey, just give it a little time.

I did feel that pulling in my chest after my banding on 11/5. I asked the nurse about it . She also had lap band surgery 2 years age. She said that's what people feel when they are to full. She said if we drink or eat more than we should it will feel like something stuck in our chest. I also think mine was from the placement of the port. My port is right by my bra line near my chest area. It was tight until about 2 days ago but I don't feel it anymore.