What you wish you knew.

I did research for three years before having to self pay for this adventure. I am about 10 months out from the Lap Band and down close to 60#. The second week after surgery I was totally exhausted--the pain wasn't that bad, but I could have slept the week away! The weight loss has been slow, and there have been many days that I have "blown it" so I cannot say that I am a banner child for fast weight loss, but it has been worth every minute and every monthly payment!!! This summer I fit into the seats at the amusement park , I could swim without quite feeling like the beached whale , and the bedroom life--well let's say much better!! I miss eating some things, because they just don't rest as well as they used to--like gummy bread or sticky pasta. However, I can exchange that loss for going from a size 32 pant to size 20 and forget the pasta! I love my band!!

Hi Kellie, I would be happy to answer any of your questions. Since I don't live far from you, I would be happy to meet you and answer anything you would like. Send me an email if you would like to talk more. Linda 367/179/?

Kellie, I am 46 and started at 510 pounds. Am 6 months out and have had a very uneventful recovery. Down 116 pounds in 6 months + 1 week . Being a "light weight" and being so young and possibly wanting to get pregnant... I would check into all surgeries but in particular the lap. You would loose slower but the nutrition complications are not as great long term and is more easily reversed or adjusted ( as I understand). I have not vomited , had foamies or dumed at all. The pain was not a big issue for me. Due to my extreme weight, I did have an open procedure and was off 6 weeks of work as I need to heal sufficiently before returning to a job where I needed to sit at a desk comfortably all day. The one thing that has been unpleasant for me is that with RNY - you cannot take asprin, ibuprofin type drugs - only tylenol. No anti-inflamitories has been dificult on my arthritus and makes exersice difficult at times. For me - the parts of my life that I have already regained and many others that I expect as my weight continues to drop are So - So- So worth the physical recovery and the adjustments to my lifestyle. I have not one time thought that this dicision was a mistake. I wish you good luck in your exploration and journey. Cathy

Kellie, You might be interested in checking out the vertical gastrectomy. It is the "stomach part" of the DS and is having some great results. Although it is fairly new, (5-6 yr) it is showing better results and fewer complications than the lap-band. Look into all the procedures and see what's best for you. Good luck and welcome to OH!! Kim