Sister Update

Hi everyone, I'm not real tech savvy so who knows if I'm doing this right  Just wanted to say thank you to everyone that sent me well wishes during my recovery from the band. I'm 10 days out now and beginning to feel normal again.  The first week was really rough with nausea and acid reflux constantly.  I had this pipe dream that I was Super Woman and that I would sprint out of surgery into my new life.  I still believe that was a great attitude to have but all the same really unrealistic. I'm happy to report that I've stopped asking myself, "What have you done? and This band has got to go!"  The only thing that I'm not 100% sure of at this point is if I will ever have it filled.  The good news is that I don't have to decide today  It's wonderful to have choices. Again, just wanted to say thanks to everyone that offered suggestions and kind words while I was recovering.  And also a HUGE THANK TO Dr. Christina Li and her WONDERFUL staff!!  Without Dr. Li, my new opportunities would not be possible.  The Sinai Bariatric Team has the patience of a saint and believe me, we didn't make it easy.  I have a team around me which I like to lovingly refer to as pit bulls.  They were always patient, encouraging and kind.  I would absolutely recommend Dr. Li, Cheryl, Nancy and Phyllis to everyone considering the lap band. All the best, Aimee

Aimee, I'm almost 4 weeks out now and I'm feeling pretty normal now.   You'll feel better and better as more swelling goes down inside.  I swelled a lot too, and ended up throwing up Tylenol my first night home because I ate it too close to dinner. The folks on the Lap Band forum that sprint out of it may be being less than candid because some people think it's not politically correct to have problems.  (It discourages the newbies.)  I've learned this in other forums.  For instance in the adoption forums where I've been active, no one wants to admit that the trip to China to get the kid is pretty rough, not exactly a four-star vacation experience.  While I think honesty would serve everyone better, few people tell it like it is.  What I'm trying to say is that you may not be in the tail of the bell curve.  As for fills, my doc's CNP told me that some people have restriction without them.  You may be one of the lucky ones.  It looks like I have a good bit of restriction with an empty band, too. Anyway, I'm glad you're doing so much better.  Come join us on the Lap Band forum! Edie

Aimee, I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better!  I can relate to the Super Woman thing.  Just ask some of the other girls on the board (I'm typical Type A hehehe).  I was banded by Dr. Schweitzer almost 14 months ago and it was the best thing I ever did.  I was a lucky one like you who had restriction with just the band at first.  As you start to lose weight you'll need fills as the fat between the band and your stomach will shrink.  See how you feel by week 6 and then decide on the fill.  Dr. Li probably follows the same guidelines as Dr. Scheweitzer and does the first fill at 6 weeks.  Please keep us posted with your progress and feel free to contact me if you need help or advice.  Dr. Schweitzer has asked me to speak at some of his support group meetings, but unfortunately his meetings start before I'm done at work.

There is my AWSOME little sister!  I love you Bunches! Hugs Kristen