I have questions for lap-band patients I can't seem to find any people who had the band

I just wanted to see if I could talk to someone that recently had the lap-band done. I want to know how much activity you were able to do?

Hi there! I was just banded on 11/30. I'm fairly comfortable, as long as I take the roxicet, but I'm also taking things easy. Frequent resting, lots of TV. It's kind of nice, actually. Is there anything else I can tell you? Donna B.

Hi there - I was banded on 11/15 - I was back to work a week later. I've been feeling great -- no real problems with anything except I had one of my stitches blow out in my main incision and needed additional stitches -- but that was really minor. I'm pretty much back to my normal schedule -- I don't push myself and rest when needed -- I'm already eating solids and am driving (have been for over a week on the driving). If you've been recently banded, my only suggestion to you is to walk as much as you can to move the gas that was put into your system. I was up and about in the hospital 2 hours after getting to my room and made sure I walked as much as I could and I never got the residual effects of the gas. Sometimes it's difficult, but I'd say keep it at your own pace and your body will let you know what you can or can't do. Dawn

Hi, I am set to have the band at the end of the month. Can anyone tell me how much they have lost? I see a lot on the route y surg, but not much info as far as lbs lost on the band, would love to hear from anyone out there, Thx

Band loss is pretty slow, compared to RNY loss (but extremely fast compared to loss without the band, if you're anything like me ). The rate of loss for banded patients is 1-2 pounds per week. It goes in fits and starts, from what I understand. The first six weeks after surgery are for healing, not weight loss, and it generally takes a few fills before you start seeing significant (meaning, 1-2 pounds per week) loss. I don't mean to be a joy-sucker, but it's good to keep the above in mind, so that you know what is reasonable to expect. My personal story is that I had to lose 11 pounds pre-surgery, to get my date, which I did. Then, of course, I put it right back on (eyeroll) and so was back up to 0 on my first day home from surgery. I'm a week out, and I'm back down to my pre-op surgical weight of -11 (ish). I anticipate that I won't continue to lose once I get off the clear liquids -- I don't seem to have much restriction yet. I had hoped to be one of the lucky ones who has restriction before their first fill, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I hope that helps. Donna B.

I had the lap band done on 11/15. My surgeon cleared me to go back to work in one week. If you have the time I would definately suggest at least 2 weeks. I went back to work without any incident but I felt myself tiring easily, and of course I could not take any Vicodin while there. I work the night shift, and was not tolerating coffee at first. That was probably my biggest problem so far. I am very happy with my decision.

Allie, how much have you lost so far? I am getting pretty worried with some saying the loss is so slow, is it really worth it? Plz let me know, or anyone else out there that is having some success. Thx!!!

Jenny, To answer your question about weight loss: I am up to an 18 lbs loss at 3 weeks post op. Right now, it is jus****er weight, but I already feel so much better. As far as the support groups and people in the health field that I have spoken too, it seems that the band is good for the reason that you lose weight slower. The faster you lose, you can't keep up to tone your muscle and that is when you have all that extra skin and flab. A lot of people end up needing plastic surgery for that. I am perfectly happy with losing a lb a week. That is 52 lbs this time next year. If you are still unsure about which surgery...just continue to research.