After I got out of surgery, I was in so much pain. I always thought I had a high tolerance for pain- but after experiencing this I knew I had to reconsider.
When I was able to get online, I came to LBT. Everyone on the board seemed so happy with their band (with the exception of the occasional few). I was miserable. I couldn't eat, I was in pain, I could scarcely sleep... I wanted out. I wanted IT out. I kept wondering, "when will I get to the point where I will think to myself, 'yeah, it was worth it'?"
The answer came about a week ago. I was racing my sister across the pool with my new bathing suit on. And I won! Something I had never done! My sister, a self proclaimed whizz at all water sports, was devasted. I WON a water race! I was faster, stronger, and dare I say, more good looking than I had been in years! I drove home that evening with a smile on my face, and I knew, even if I stopped losing weight right this moment, it was STILL worth it. The pain, the liquid diet, the scare of surgery... it was worth it all! I have lost almost 50 pounds and even though I have 150 pounds left to lose, I'm optomistic about my future. For the first time ever I can envision a healthy, skinny, beautiful me. When I dream about my husband's and my future, I don't see myself fat like I used to, I'm thinner and leaner in my thoughts. I don't think about all the obstacles there are in my life (airplane rides, movie seats, etc) I think about all the excitement I get to have that I never thought possible (horseback riding, maybe even skydiving).
The Lap Band has so far been a positive life changing event. Everyday I weigh myself I get EXCITED because for once in my life the scale moves in the right direction- down! For me, this wasn't about just getting skinny... it was being healthy and hopefully soon, being healthy enough to start a family. For me, this wasn't just for me, it was for my someday children!
__________________
Surgery 2/11/08, Dr. Ferrera in Ft. Worth
"If hunger is not the problem, then eating is not the solution." ~Author Unknown
wow i am feeling the same exact way you just said in the first couple sentences, i got banded yesterday and i feel miserable!!! i didnt think the pain was going to be this bad, and when i burp omg everything hurts!! well i am to going to stick with it(really no choice now) i just cant wait for the pain to diminish......
I had my surgery on May 13 and I felt the same way. The gas hurt sooooooo bad. Today, I am soooo much better and I have lost 16 pounds. I am on my way!
I can't believe it's been a over a year since I've had the surgery 4/2007 and I'm sorry but I am so unhappy. I've followed the rules, I've lost 60 pounds, which is great, considering my many obstacles, but this has not been a great experience for me. I have this irritable pain that I get when I'm laying down on my side and can't lay on my stomach. They can never seem to get to the port and have had to have surgery to correct this but it hasn't helped. They still can't get to it without a fluroscopy and my being an acrobat so they can try to get to it. Not to mention that it is affecting my marriage. I know my husband tries to understand and my family, but I feel really alone. I live in a rural area so no luck in support groups this way. I think it's great that you all are doing well and coping with the ups and downs , It's just that I seem to have more downs than ups. Does anyone know what I mean???? I am happy that I have lost and I've gone down from a size 26/28 to a 18/20 ( I do my best to work out as well). I think that's pretty good for two surgeries, three fills and the up's and down's in a time span of 13 months. But I just can't stand the constant uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. I guess what I'm looking for here is reassurance that I will get through this and that it does get better.....
I am so happy for you. Just remember the scale is not always user friendly and not always a true indication of how your body is changing. It is hard not to see a loss when one works so hard. Just remember (as I try to do daily) that the scale is an external indicator and how you feel inside is priceless. Be well.
Fran
Congratulations! That must be a wonderful feeling. I am pretty much feeling the same way right about now. I just had my surgery on May 20th and the pain is way more than I thought it would be. I just keep looking ahead! That's all you really can do! Congratulations again!!
It doesnt come off as fast as gastric, and there is a lot of pain during the first month, so you newbies might feel like, what the heck did I do to myself? I paid so much money to chop myself up and I probably still wont lose weight. These feelings are totally normal right after surgery. My weight loss has been slow, but it is happening. Yesterday, I bought size 14 jeans for the first time in 5 years. I am officially not a plus size girl. I can shop wherever I want now. I went shopping with friends yesterday and one of them said I was skinny (I know I am not skinny) but it make me feel amazing. My mom wants to take me shopping too, now that I can fit into "normal" clothes. I met a great guy who is extremely good looking and he thinks I am sexy. The Lap Band isnt magic. The weight doesnt just fall off, you need to work at it. But it makes it much easier to work at it. My life is going so great right now, and it is 100% related to my decision to take control of my weight with the lap band.
You shouldnt be in pain! Go to another doctor and see if you can get it fixed. It seems like you have had complications and my heart goes out to you. Be proud of your weight loss and go see another doctor who can get rid of the chronic pain you are experiencing. It doesnt seem like your current doctor is addressing your concerns. Come to NY and see a really top doctor. Im sorry you have gone through this babe. It is our worst nightmare as lap band surgery patients to have complications. Find a specialist in revisions and tell him to take away your pain.
Quote:
Originally Posted by vic2007
I can't believe it's been a over a year since I've had the surgery 4/2007 and I'm sorry but I am so unhappy. I've followed the rules, I've lost 60 pounds, which is great, considering my many obstacles, but this has not been a great experience for me. I have this irritable pain that I get when I'm laying down on my side and can't lay on my stomach. They can never seem to get to the port and have had to have surgery to correct this but it hasn't helped. They still can't get to it without a fluroscopy and my being an acrobat so they can try to get to it. Not to mention that it is affecting my marriage. I know my husband tries to understand and my family, but I feel really alone. I live in a rural area so no luck in support groups this way. I think it's great that you all are doing well and coping with the ups and downs , It's just that I seem to have more downs than ups. Does anyone know what I mean???? I am happy that I have lost and I've gone down from a size 26/28 to a 18/20 ( I do my best to work out as well). I think that's pretty good for two surgeries, three fills and the up's and down's in a time span of 13 months. But I just can't stand the constant uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. I guess what I'm looking for here is reassurance that I will get through this and that it does get better.....
I'm so thankful for this board and all you wonderful posters. No matter if it's good or bad news you come to each others side with helpful solutions and encouragement. I hope I get banded soon so I can get closer, in spirit, to the helpfulness you all bring.
I've followed the rules, I've lost 60 pounds, which is great, considering my many obstacles, but this has not been a great experience for me. I have this irritable pain that I get when I'm laying down on my side and can't lay on my stomach. They can never seem to get to the port and have had to have surgery to correct this but it hasn't helped. They still can't get to it without a fluroscopy and my being an acrobat so they can try to get to it. 
Not to mention that it is affecting my marriage. I know my husband tries to understand and my family, but I feel really alone. I live in a rural area so no luck in support groups this way. I think it's great that you all are doing well and coping with the ups and downs 
that I have lost and I've gone down from a size 26/28 to a 18/20 ( I do my best to work out as well). I think that's pretty good for two surgeries, three fills and the up's and down's in a time span of 13 months. But I just can't stand the constant uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. I guess what I'm looking for here is reassurance that I will get through this and that it does get better.....
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