Hello Everyone!

My name is Wendy and I'm 46 years old, I've been married for 13 years, have two awesome kids, three dogs, 1 rat, and a ferret. By day I teach Middle School. I drive a multi colored van, and in my spare time I paint, act, write and direct.

I've struggled with an eating disorder for most of my life, and I am sooooo tired. I haven't been "banded" yet, but I have a date; December 22. I'm so excited! When my doctor told me that I was a great candidate for surgery, all I could think was, "Oh, you have no idea how great a candidate I am for this surgery."

I mean, I'm fully aware that this surgery is not a quick fix or a magic bullet, but rather a "tool" that will help me get to where I so desperately want to be, and I can't wait!

So, enlighten me, please. What has your surgery been like for you? Was it everything you thought? Has it made weight loss easier? Any pain? What do I need to watch out for? How long was the recovery time?

Thanks a bunch!

Wendy

Hello Wendy:

My surgery was 11/11/08 and there were some little issues. My spleen started bleeding during the procedure, but they fix it. However, to monitor the situation they took blood samples about every three hours.

I don't tolerate pain meds well, at least I did not with this surgery. I would get nauseated every time I would get pain meds placed into my IV.

My one day stay in the hospital turned out to be 2.5 days. Recovery at home went well. I had gas pain, but I walked to help alleve it. I got plenty of sleep and kept fluids down. Plus, I was wearing an anti-nausea patch.

By day 7 post op, I felt great and was driving, shopping, and cleaning the house. However, I was hungry.

I took two weeks off from work and really enjoyed it. When I went back to work, I was energized and ready to go, no pain, and no soreness.

I have a 10 cc Lap Band, which my doctor placed 3ccs at the time of surgery. I have great restriction right now. Pre-op I lost 10 pounds, post op I lost 20 pounds, total loss equates to 30 pounds.

I am so happy I had this surgery. It is not easy, but I am seeing results. I am more energetic and I am down two pant sizes already.

As far as what to watch for, just stick to what your doctor tells you and you will be okay.

This will be the best gift you can get this holiday! Best of luck!

Thanks so much for the reply. I just have one question; you said that right after your op that you were still hungry, but then you talked about how you're down 20lbs. and doing great. So, why were you hungry, and then not hungry? Did you go for a fill? Did it just take some "getting used to?" And now that I think about it, I actually have one more question; can you tell that you have the band? I mean can you feel it? Just curious.

Thanks a bunch!

W

After surgery I could was on liquids for 14 days. So unger kicks in. Liquids only fills you up for so long. However, my doctor said I could have non fat sugar free plain yogurt, which filled me up.

I am sure the reasons why I lost so much weight post op is because I work out on my treadmill every day, plus I also use light free weight 3x a week. 3ccs were placed in my band during surgery and I am on the mushie stage.

While on the mushie stage, I feel less hungry than while I was on the liquid stage.