Question:
Lapband surgery scheduled for 4/2008

I am scheduled for surgery on 4/2008. How much weight can I expect to lose within the first couple of months. I have two sisters who had the lapband. One of my sisters just had it done in Jan 08, and she has lost 35 pounds so far. What can I expect.    — savoy7658 (posted on March 16, 2008)

March 16, 2008
I think everyone is different.I had my 2/14/08 and have lose 32 pound so far
   — ELAINE44

March 16, 2008
As said above everyone is different and I'm sure you know that I had my lap band surgery in August last year and have lost right around 70lbs. Good luck on your journey!!! Lisa
   — degweiser

March 17, 2008
The ideal amount of weight to shoot for is an AVERAGE of 1-2 pounds a week. That means that you should expect to loose around 50 - 100 lbs in the first year. There are a lot of reasons why people have different results. Most of them revolve around who sticks the closest to the bandster eating style. If you eat a lot of sweets or soft foods (for example), you will loose slower or possibly not at all. Yep, there are people who eat around the band and actually gain weight. Your sister is doing fabulous. Follow the doctor's orders and the suggested way of eating even most of the time and you'll do alright. I was banded in Dec. 07 and have dropped about 35 lbs since surgery. I really love the band because I can enjoy a normal life style and just not eat as much. I have given up the sweets and things like chips and stuff. But I by no means find myself wanting for anything. I just make my choices as best I can. Good luck on your journey. If you want to email me privately feel free.
   — VickiJ

March 17, 2008
I was banded Dec 19/07 have lost 42 pounds so far. I am going for my third fill in 3 weeks. I haven't felt much restriction yet. I still think its the best thing I have every done for myself. Best of luck to you!!!
   — Linda L.

March 18, 2008
Hi, My surgeon said I can expect to lose 2-3 lbs a week and that I should lose at least 10 lbs a month. I lost 21 lbs before surgery in Jan. following the plan to help shrink my liver and I lost 20 lbs the first month out. I'm not so concerned about the numbers as I am feeling better physically and improving my health problems. I had surgery on Jan 23rd and I wish I had done it sooner. I chose not to eat sugar and flour although I think about it. If I feel I need something I eat a sugar free popsicle. It helps with getting in fluids. One thing they didn't tell me about the lapband surgery is not to panic if I get the left shoulder pain that feels like a heart attack. I had shoulder pain for 13 days. Apparently both the air they use to puff you up in surgery and the swelling of the stomach from the incisions to attach the band, can press on the same nerve that causes you shoulder pain in a heart attack. The band sits up pretty close to the heart. The doctor told me to just make sure I take the pain medication every four hours like it is prescribed rather than only at bedtime like I was doing. Best wishes in your upcoming surgery. I still think it is worth it! Regina
   — Bigwyfan1964

March 20, 2008
I haven't had my surgery yet, but I wanted to congratulate you. And - how great you all have your own built-in support system!
   — obeseforever