Please post some information that we new folks should know ---POSITIVE WOULD BE GREAT!

Hi, it is always nice to hear from people rather than a pamphlet or a surgeon who has not had surgery.  Could you guys that have had the surgery share some of your experiences with us that are preparing for surgery?  Maybe you could share what to expect just prior to surgery, after surgery, how a fill feels, how restriction might feel, NSV's or anything that might be helpful. 
Thanks in advance for sharing.

 Let's see...

It's normal to be anxious and cranky preop esp if you're doing a preop diet.

It's normal to have a little buyer's remorse in the first couple of weeks post-op

The first mushie food you eat after surgery will taste unbelievable good.

You will try to hold onto your bigger clothes as long as possible until you almost loose your pants..literally.  LOL

You may not have restriction until you get a few fills in.  be patient, it'll come

This is your journey, slow and steady wins the race.  

Think about all the things that will be open to you as you loose weight..smaller, prettier clothes, BOOTS, the ability to move without pain and to dance all night long.  Things you haven't done like ride roller coasters, sit in a airplane seat without an extender and cross your legs..will be possible.

Thank you for responding.  I will try not to be a beast with my family on my 2 week pre-op which starts next week.  You went there with the clothes, boots etc....Of course I am trying to be politically correct and give the standard reply ----"this surgery is for health purposes".  NOT, yes I want my blood pressure to stay in the normal range.  I also want to be able to get ready to go to a dinner, function, church or out into the world without changing 90 times and never quite feeling comfortable in my clothes.  

 

"Think about all the things that will be open to you as you loose weight..smaller, prettier clothes, BOOTS, the ability to move without pain and to dance all night long.  Things you haven't done like ride roller coasters, sit in a airplane seat without an extender and cross your legs..will be possible."

When I read this I teared up and read it to my husband.  It''s almost word for word what I told him on Sunday.  But I added never shop at Lane Bryant again, unless I wanted to not because I had too.

If you have referred left shoulder pain longer than a week or so, please get checked because it's most likely your diaphragm being irritated or damaged. People will TELL you that it's "just gas" but sometimes it's a lot more than that. And it's very, very common to have the left shoulder pain from the CO2 gas that is used to "blow out" your abdomen during surgery. It can cause a lot of discomfort  post op. Walking is best to dissipate the gas, but also add a heating pad to the abdomen to help relieve the pain.

Constipation can be a big issue for a lot of lapband patients. While you don't want to resort to stimulant laxatives, a stool softener can help. Benefiber is 'iffy'... I've heard some people say that it plugged up their stomas and caused problems. I used to add some to my coffee on occasion, but I found it didn't help as much as good, old fashioned prune juice. There is also a tea called Smooth Moves that is very effective.

If you get food stuck, the normal reaction is to drink something, but it WILL make it worse. As silly as it sounds, tryin flapping your arms like you're a drunken wedding guest doing the Chicken Dance. Sometimes it loosens things up and makes it easier for the food to pass through. For meat that gets stuck, papaya enzymes can sometimes help.  Speaking of getting stuck, a lot of people have problems with breads or other things that get gummy. Fibrous fruits and veggies can also cause problems getting stuck in the stoma. Everyone's different in what they can tolerate, so don't believe the manufacturer's selling point of, "just eating less of the same foods." It's most likely not going to be true for most people.

 Holy crap on a cracker! Look at that avi! You look like Jane Fonda in Barbarella, you sexy *****! 

Ha! You're too nice! I was getting ready to go to a Wanda Jackson, The QUEEN of Rockabilly, concert and Hubby said, "Act like a tough chick, Honey!"  So, this is my acting like a "tough chick!" I got lucky and the photo turned out! You should (n't!) see the one where I look like I am trying to poop. Apparently I look tough while having a bowel movement, too. 

 

I am slightly less topless.

N.M
You had a barbaric experience with your first surgeon and a generally horrific time with your band.
The fact that you come to this board and post realistic and helpful feedback to those about to embark on their journey without bringing any negativity or name calling to the thread really shows how awesome of a person you are.. and gorgeous to boot !