Desperate for Feedback

Michele123 · 02-18-2008, 03:01 PM

I have my first consult next week... and I'm terrified. Is anyone sorry they got banded? I've read about the vomiting, shoulder pain, and liquid diet... and, frankly, I'm scared... I'm so tired of being fat... I really don't see any other way. I also worry about the surgery.. and the fills. All feedback would be so greatly appreciated.

krazygrl77 · 02-18-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michele123

I have my first consult next week... and I'm terrified. Is anyone sorry they got banded? I've read about the vomiting, shoulder pain, and liquid diet... and, frankly, I'm scared... I'm so tired of being fat... I really don't see any other way. I also worry about the surgery.. and the fills. All feedback would be so greatly appreciated.

Hi Michelle!

I don't think I will regret getting my band... but you really do need to weigh the pros and cons before you do it. Yes I will be giving up alot of the things I love to eat but I NEED this tool to help me get a grip on the way I eat and live. The liquid diet and shoulder pain are temporary and I think they will be so worth it in the end. This site has soooo much information and support. I do worry about the vomiting because it can cause the band to slip. That is definately the first thing on my list for the next appointment. I think I read somewhere that the doc gives you a medication to take if you ever do get sick to stop the vomiting.
Good Luck to you!

nip50 · 02-18-2008, 03:57 PM

The band is one of the best things I've ever done. I only wish I could have gotten it earlier, but I was self-pay and the money wasn't easy to come by. The pain and the discomfort from surgery is short lived. It won't be long before it's just a memory. Life with the band is not much different than before. You can eat most of what you want, you just have to limit the amount. And isn't that what we all want.

Fortunately, I was never terrified at all. I was so excited to get it that I never gave it a second thought. Good luck with your journey.

VegasGrace · 02-18-2008, 04:08 PM

When I learned of LAP-BAND®, I wasn't scared a bit...I was excited and said FINALLY.

Now, having to go under for the procedure was scary...not going to lie to you.

But never did I second guess myself or ever regret it.

My thoughts are ...all the time I wasted NOT having it done...

Good luck.

nurse97 · 02-18-2008, 04:12 PM

Oh, don't be scared. It will be great! I was banded on Jan. 15th, 08. I have been on liquids for about 5 wks. now, getting a little hungrier, but still, it is amazing what you can puree. I too, had a little discomfort with gas rising to shoulder area, but you must walk and exercise to push that on out. There are risk, but there are risk if you don't lose the weight also. You will be suprised how well you do feel as soon as a week or so after surgery. Your hunger should be minimal for a few weeks after surgery. I started a few weeks before with not drinking with meals and trying to only eat small amounts, so my stomach was not all stretched out and definitely gave up sugarary snacks. I think that helped alot when started with weightloss, because I didn't have such cravings. Best of luck too you and your new journey.

kirajh · 02-18-2008, 09:06 PM

Everyone handles LAP-BAND® surgery differently. The only thing I suffered from was slight tenderness around my incisions. No shoulder pain, no vomiting, no gas. Would I do it again? YES Do I regret it? NO

jfran · 02-19-2008, 09:48 PM

The minor pain after surgery is a small price to pay for the help that the band gives me. It is my motivator and it helps me manage my portions. I can eat almost anything but it is in small amounts. I don't feel deprived at all like I did in the past on diets. I am making healthy choices and exercising. This is the key and the band is a life long reminder that we all have to make healthy choices the majority of the time. Good luck with your decision. This was the best thing I have ever done for myself and I truly believe that God provided the LAP-BAND® as an answer to my prayers.

glorybee123 · 02-19-2008, 10:29 PM

One of the best things about the band is getting on the scale and actually seeing it go DOWN for a change! It's also wonderful not to have that ever present gnawing hunger anymore. You won't regret it!

jillybean · 02-21-2008, 07:38 AM

I don't regret getting my band for one second. I have had literally no complications but it is something you have to get used to. It's very different when I eat now and have to pay attention to what the band is telling me. I have had no pain, no vomiting, no shoulder pain etc.... I have had food get stuck, but that was my own fault. Not pleasant but I now feel like I am eating like a normal person and losing weight. Good luck whatever you choose!

OH Juli · 02-22-2008, 08:20 AM

Deeply breathe.

You'll be alright. I love my band and am happy for it. Weigh the pros and cons, educate yourself. Change happens when what you are doing hurts more or is more scary than doing something different.

Good Luck

ladybug3 · 02-24-2008, 01:52 PM

I love being banded! For the first time in my life I feel in control of my body. I have had no real complications - yeah, the first week was tough, and the first month was boring (all those full liquids) but now that I'm three months out, it's really a distant memory. I don't feel deprived at all. I've only had one fill so far and while I don't feel a lot of restriction, I know I eat a lot less and I'm losing weight! That's what matters, right? I feel amazing, I'm excited about my future and that is a total miracle. I'm looking forward to summer for the first time that I can remember. I have young children and am so excited that they'll have a mom who can play and be outside. I didn't have that (my mom was heavy my whole life until she had bypass surgery five years ago) and it didn't look good for my kids until this year.

I was terrified before I got my band. I have co-morbidities that made the surgery itself a little more dangerous. I was so afraid that I was going to die trying to do something to help me live longer and better. But I didn't die. Didn't even come close. :) My doctors were great (that's a huge part of this process - trusting your doc!), my clinic nurses are great, my family is great. And now, I've lost weight and I feel like I can do this!

There's a lot of information and it can be overwhelming. Some people do have bad experiences, but I think you'll find that most people are glad they did it and wouldn't go back to being fat for anything in the world. I sure wouldn't.

Good luck!