Post OP - 4 days out

I just had surgery on Tuesday to have the Lap-Band put in. I am seeing so much negativity about it on the forum I almost regret joining. Is there anyone else at the same stage or close as I am? I am still extreamly sore where the port is so I am not very mobile as of yet, but its getting better and better every day. I did lots of research on Lap-Band but nothing came up as negetive as this site. Have I jumped in over my head and just had a very expensive surgery that isnt going to work?

Relax, you are right on schedule as far as healing goes. By the first of the week you should feel a lot better. In the meantime try heating pads, warm drinks, any thing that says comfort to you. Don't be afraid to use the painkillers, that is what they for.

As for the forum,; there are those here who have had problems and we need to hear from them in order to know some of the things to watch for, as well as give support. You have odds in your favor that you will never have a problem. There are also people on here who are quick to tell others that the band always fails, will absolutely have to be taken out, etc. Ignore or block them. They have much good to add, too, but at this point in your recovery those things are counterproductive for you to even read. Later you can deal. Some will be quick to tell you that you have chosen the wrong surgery, blah, blah, blah. That is just plain mean spirited and if it happens report them.

Feel free to pm if you need help, encouragement, or questions answered.

You will be great, and congrats on joining us on the losers bench.
Sue

There are some "pro" sides to negative posts, but people go way, way over the top, especially when someone says that ALL BANDS FAIL or when someone stops just short of hoping that a newbie like yourself has a crappy experience.

My best suggestion is to take all posts with a grain of salt. If there is someone who shows ongoing negativity that you find impossible to take, just block them. You can always unblock when you feel like you're in not so fragile a state.

I'm one of those negative Nellies but I try not to post negative things on newbie post because it's hardly fair to alarm you when you haven't even healed yet. It seems there are some who do very well and others it just doesn't work for, but now is the time for healing not worrying. Alot depends on how hard you work at it. Like Bette, who posted before, she followed her diet well and worked out at the gym. My best advice is keep a loose band, never let it stay tight for any length of time, it seems that is one key to success. Don't rely on the band to do all the work, measure your meals and eat only that, also journal and keep close track of what you eat. Don't let us make you afraid just use our info to be aware of things that can go wrong so you can see your surgeon sooner rather than later if you notice something. Best of luck to you!

Take care of yourself and get well.  Yep that port area will be tender as it is also where a lot of the work is done and the equipment goes into you.  They had me use ice on it the first days than heat later.

Walk, walk, walk, sip, sip, sip and belch just as much as you can/feel like it.  Than start over until you feel better.  Did they give you a tummy belt/support-price less.  Follow your diet program to the T.  Getting all your protien in is very important for healing.  Also the water is just as important.

The big with the band when you get there don't push for bigger more fills.  Take it slow and lose is better.  The band is a tool to help, not do the work.  Thats up to you!   Don't get caught up thinking if it is tighter I'll lose more, faster.  You need to still be able to get good food in and chew, chew, chew is so important.

Good Luck with your new tool!

I had mine out the same day you got yours so as far as healing, I'm right there with you.

~. I am seeing so much negativity about it on the forum I almost regret joining.~

I don't get it. Why would you regret joining b/c you are seeing honest band experiences posted???

~Have I jumped in over my head and just had a very expensive surgery that isnt going to work?~

Well according to the stats there is a 50% failure rate at 6 years. How lucky do you feel?

Now that being said.........you already have the band in, so follow band rules and hope you are one of the lucky ones.

You might enjoy lapbandtalk in the early stages of the game. There's more of a band-friendly attitude there. There are a whole lot of us here who have had damaging or disappointing band experiences. If you find it disturbing to hear about these accounts, it might be better to simply not read them for the time being. However, it really is important to know the bad things, as well. That's not to say that you become paranoid or give up before you've even begun, but just to be informed.

I'd say just take it one day at a time. If you're doing well, just keep on truckin'.

I just got banded a month ago and I feel GREAT!  I am going in to have my first fill 10/11 (and I really do need it because my portion sizes are getting too big)  I am not losing a huge amount of weight but slow and steady is the best way to get it off!  Best of luck on your journey =)