Hello - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

flab2fabdiva · 09-01-2009, 07:58 AM

Hi. I just joined. I have a blog that I started that talks about my story and also has some before and after pictures. Feel free to check it!!!

I had lapband 5 years ago and still going strong. One thing you can never get enough of is support....even after all this time. You still need it.

Flab2fabdiva's Blog

hihiknez · 09-18-2009, 09:04 PM

Finally, someone who has had LB! I am scheduled to move to the losers bench on 9/29! So, tell me how the past 5 years have been...well I realize that could take a while...so, how about you tell me what to expect for right now to start with? What should I do to prepare for the surgery date? What were your experiences 1st few days post op? -hihi

Band_Groupie · 09-19-2009, 07:07 PM

Hi gals!

hihi- I can't believe it's been almost 5 months since my banding...seems like I was just waiting (forever) to get banded like you, and now time is moving fast. I've been away from the site for awhile (super busy summer). I keep an almost daily blog (in sig) and you can read about my time immediately pre/post op if you want details(use the calendar there to pick a date near my banding 4/22/09), but keep asking questions too! I'm down 60 pounds total this week...most I've EVER lost (and I'm a seasoned yo-yoer)! Need to update the ticker!

I didn't have a specific pre-op diet. Make sure you have everything you might need at home (heating pad helps with the gas pain, but I didn't have it bad) and take chapstick to the hospital LOL. Don't leave the hospital without a Rx for nausea...even if you don't need it immediately post-op, you may need it later; I did (just tell them you get sick easily and beg for something to have on-hand). Nothing scarier than vomiting with a new band and you don't want to be trying to reach your doc in the middle of the night and then trying to get a Rx filled while you're sick.

I'm sure you've done all your research and pre-op visits by now, so you'll do great! It's countdown time! Let me know if I can help with anything. -BG

hihiknez · 09-19-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Band_Groupie

Hi gals!

hihi- I can't believe it's been almost 5 months since my banding...seems like I was just waiting (forever) to get banded like you, and now time is moving fast. I've been away from the site for awhile (super busy summer). I keep an almost daily blog (in sig) and you can read about my time immediately pre/post op if you want details(use the calendar there to pick a date near my banding 4/22/09), but keep asking questions too! I'm down 60 pounds total this week...most I've EVER lost (and I'm a seasoned yo-yoer)! Need to update the ticker!

I didn't have a specific pre-op diet. Make sure you have everything you might need at home (heating pad helps with the gas pain, but I didn't have it bad) and take chapstick to the hospital LOL. Don't leave the hospital without a Rx for nausea...even if you don't need it immediately post-op, you may need it later; I did (just tell them you get sick easily and beg for something to have on-hand). Nothing scarier than vomiting with a new band and you don't want to be trying to reach your doc in the middle of the night and then trying to get a Rx filled while you're sick.

I'm sure you've done all your research and pre-op visits by now, so you'll do great! It's countdown time! Let me know if I can help with anything. -BG

That is what I need most right now...that kind of advice...I feel kinda like I am not as prepared as I should be so I need to hear what others have found out through experience so thank you sooooo much! I have a question that I will be asking my doc at pre op but I am a freelance photographer and will be shooting a wedding on 10/11. I do alot of tricky angles that require me getting on my tummy and back- do you think I will have a problem doing that less than two weeks post op? My doc said he thinks I will be fine...I mean will the pressure on my tummy hurt or harm anything? Just curious. -hihi

Josephine · 09-19-2009, 11:49 PM

I had to ride a rollercoaster 8 days post op and walk all around an amusement park for 4 hours. I think you'll be fine

Band_Groupie · 09-20-2009, 05:20 PM

Sorry to be a naysayer but, I would have had a really hard time lying on my belly less than 2 weeks out. The area where my port is was swollen and very tender. You might be OK, but don't count on it. I was getting up and down a lot better by then so the rest of it should be OK, but you may have to try your side or back instead.

hihiknez · 09-20-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josephine

I had to ride a rollercoaster 8 days post op and walk all around an amusement park for 4 hours. I think you'll be fine

Cool, good to know-thanks!

Josephine · 09-20-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Band_Groupie

Sorry to be a naysayer but, I would have had a really hard time lying on my belly less than 2 weeks out. The area where my port is was swollen and very tender. You might be OK, but don't count on it. I was getting up and down a lot better by then so the rest of it should be OK, but you may have to try your side or back instead.

This is true, totally depends on where your port is. Mine is just between my breasts and down an inch, so it's not too much trouble. It still gives me problems a bit cause I sleep on my tummy.

hihiknez · 09-21-2009, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josephine

This is true, totally depends on where your port is. Mine is just between my breasts and down an inch, so it's not too much trouble. It still gives me problems a bit cause I sleep on my tummy.

Wow, I guess I just assumed they all went in a similar spot-my sister had hers on the lower part of her belly- just a bit below her belly button. Interesting...there is another question to ask the doc! Thanks!

Band_Groupie · 09-21-2009, 07:59 AM

hihi- I posted this once before here, but you do have a choice where your LB goes (I was amazed how many people wake up upset where there's is and had never asked! No third boob for this gal!).

Here's a link 4/21/09 Pics and Countdown...5! 4! 3! 2! 1! - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum to my placement choice (and other links there if you want more of the story)...yes, I drew on my tummy (pics there). My placement works very well for me BTW, but it's a personal choice.