I'm new to all this and I need some questions answered

zentgrafwm · 04-25-2008, 12:49 PM

I'm starting to get info on this system, and I think I want to get the procedure done. But I don't know anyone my age whose had it done and I really need some questions answered.

A lot of social activities are focused around food. I know that my friends and I go out to dinner and talk about what we've been up to after we get back from college. Has having the Lap Band made you not go out with friends as much? I don't think I plan on telling my friends (at least not all of them) that I'm getting this done. What do you guys do?

What is the post-op lifestyle like? What does your diet consist of? Is it hard to stick with it? I know this might sound like a question in school, but what are some challeneges you've had with the post-op lifestyle? Were you able to overcome them? How?

If you're not taking in that many calories (though you feel full) do you ever feel faint?

Is the port noticeable, uncomfortable? Does it disengage easily? I'm a baton twirler and there is a lot of movement involved. I plan on resting the for the first six weeks recovery time, but afterwards, is it easily moved?

Help me out. I know there are a lot of questions but I need to get some honest answers to make sure I make the right decision.

Everyone out there who has had success really inspires me.

**Jack** · 04-25-2008, 01:59 PM

re: "But I don't know anyone my age whose had it done and I really need some questions answered."

OK.....I don't know your age either....

re: "A lot of social activities are focused around food."
Yes....the difference is postBand our social activities are not focused around OVEReating....

re: "Has having the Lap Band made you not go out with friends as much?"
No.....I'm at a point where friends are a treasure as always....it's the OVER eating with friends, the mindless food binging, that is gone.

Re: "telling my friends (at least not all of them) that I'm getting this done. What do you guys do?"

Some got the news, some didn't. It depended on individual circumstances.

re: "What is the post-op lifestyle like? What does your diet consist of?"

Just like pre-Op....only without over eating. Normal stuff, wide variety...and like the Normos....I STOP EATING when I'm NOT HUNGRY.

That's the biggest difference in MY life. That plus the fact I'm no longer Morbidly Obese after many decades.

re: " Is it hard to stick with it?" No, considering the alternatives: Death, disease, dying an inch at a time, as I was pre-Op.

re: "what are some challenges you've had with the post-op lifestyle?"
Finding enough daylight to get everything done that I never had the energy to do before.

Re: " Were you able to overcome them?" Mostly....

re: "do you ever feel faint?" Not since the first few weeks.

re: "Is the port noticeable" If I have my clothes off there's a little bump... "uncomfortable?" No "Does it disengage easily?" Not yet, in 40 months postOp.

re: "afterwards, is it easily moved?" Most are stitched to underlying tissue so that isn't an issue in the last few years. The surgical techniques have been improved since first introduction.

Cheers on your research and let us know what you decide!!!