hey Laurie... who is doing your surgery in Grand Island?? I live in G.I. our support group meets the first and third mondays at St. Francis memorial health center..conf room C at 7:00p.m. I had gastric bypass in sept 05 and I have lost 140 lbs... would be willing to talk to you and or meet u at the meeting.. take care, Jean

Thanks everyone for making me fill welcomed and all your words of encouragement. So far so good!

Hello, I'm 4 days post op Lap Band. I feel remarkably well. Had that incredible chest pressure on day one, but 90% gone by day 2. The only real discomfort now is getting up and down I have a pulling sensation under my skin from sternum to belly button. I imagine this is normal, but would like a little reassurance. Been eating OK, soup, protein shakes, pudding, protien water. No nausea. Diarrhea, but not bad. I read many postings before surgery but didn't join. Now I'm looking forward to my first support group this week. I also was wondering how people are sleeping at night. Spent the first 3 nights in the recliner very comfortable. Spent last night in bed, was very gassy this morning. Getting out of bed wasn't too bad, but I'm a side and stomach sleeper so it was hard getting comfortable. Thanks for all your great advice.

Jean: I hear you. These surgeries can be VERY miserable by themselves. But then add on all this stuff you mentioned here, and yes, it can be very miserable. The impact of their very flip, non-chalant, even cavalier, decisions can have such a negative impact on the entire experience. and your life. I was lucky in that the representative at the hospital REALLY did want to hear what I had to say, and I believe some things got changed for the better. It's good to know that you have FRIENDS on your side. and YOU CAN COUNT ME IN AS A FRIEND!! There aren't many around who want to hear that something went wrong, it upsets their world. There aren't many who will stand up with you, and FOR YOU. I WILL!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you're feeling a bit better, and that things are going to eventually be OK. I'd like to say, it's OK to be ANGRY, it's OK to be upset. After all it is YOUR LIFE we are talking about here. THAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE, RIGHT NOW. THROUGH MY EXPERIENCE, THE PEOPLE AROUND ME TAUGHT ME TO NOT SAY ANYTHING BY THE WAY THEY TREATED ME, AND THIS BREEDS DISTRUST. IT'S A RARE FIND TO FIND SOMEONE WHOM YOU CAN SAY ANYTHING TO, AND YOU'RE STILL OK, IN THEIR EYES. THAT'S ME. YOU CAN COUNT ON IT. I'VE GOT YOUR BACK!! REBEKAH L.

Hi! I could really use some input from Nebraskans. I am looking for a surgeon in the Kearney/Grand Island area as well as info on how to go about things the quickest. I have medicaid (due to disability) and have researched that they will cover the lap band surgery if you are more than 40 (?45) BMI. My BMI is 53 and I have severe arthritis in my feet, knees, hips and lower back. I am a pre-diabetic with a serious family history of diabetes. I have tried God knows how many different ways of losing weight and just don't keep it off. I have done lots of research and am going to see my regular GP on the 26th of april. I want to be loaded with info and ready to ask him to help me get the Lap band. My mother died at 56 because of her weight and didn't get to see three of her grandchildren or get to see her other 6 grandchildren grow up. I don't want to leave my family like that, I don't want to be stuck in the house because of my size and not being able to get around. I want to LIVE and enjoy living! I live in Minden and would love to have help in getting things moving. Thanks so much! Laurie grandma to be August 26, 2007