Lap Band folks?

Hello Group: I'm very interested in the lap band surgeries. I would like to talk to you about yours. I'm in the St. Louis area and would also like to know which surgeon you went to. Thanks! MOGal

I had lap-band on 2/19/07. It was a very easy surgery and I recovered quickly. I had my surgery in Springfield w/Dr. Christopher Edwards. What kind of information are you looking for?

Hi Debbie, I wanted to basically know how your surgery went and your recovery time? I'm getting very close to making up my mind and getting this surgery. I'm kinda nervous because its a big step and also aggravated at myself for not losing weight on my own. I appreciate any comments you'd like to share with me. I need to hear all the bad along with the good Thanks, MOGal

Hi Lori...I'm Debbie M. I wanted to welcome you to the Missouri board and wanted you to know that I too am a Bandster. I had my Lap Band put in on 01-26-07 and have lost approximately 35lbs. I may of lost more if I would of remembered that I could get my saline fills once a month. I had forgotten though and had my second one put in yesterday. I was released from the hospital the day after my surgery and did fine! My Doctor was Dr. Hornbostel, in Sedalia and he is the best as far as I concerned! I had a lot of pain from gas but gas-x took care of it. Take some to the hospital because they don't issue it and you will need it. As for how long it took to get surgery. I went to Dr. H's seminar on July 4th 2006 and had my first consult in August of 2006. I jumped through all the hoops...insurance, pcp reports, shrink eval, medical history, co-morbids, lab work, xrays, and such. Trust me, don't get in a hurry! Your journey will probably not take as long as mine did but it won't happen overnight either. The surgery took about 1 1/2 hours and recovery was another hour. I had issues with pain but they keep you pretty doped up. Other issues I had from surgery was the gas and a very dry mouth. Ask for a wet washcloth right away and ice chips as soon as they will let you have them. You won't eat until after the leak test (usually done the next day) but they are feeding you through IV so you won't be hungry! Take some lip balm because they will be dry too! I got home the next day and was a little sore but recovery was fast. With Lap Band, you lose slower then if you have one of the other WLS but Lap Band was the one for me and I am very happy with my decision. Which ever one you have will be your decision solely....so do your research. Good Luck and keep us updated on your journey! Anymore questions, just ask! Deb M

I've had no bad experiences. I was rolled into the OR around 10:30 am and was headed home by 5:00. I was a lucky one - in that I slept in my own bed from the first night. I was up by 7:00 the next morning and felt great. The third day was probably my roughest but I think it's just because I overdid it because I had felt so good. I've lost 30 lbs and am going for the third fill tomorrow. I'd don't have anything bad to say about the lap-band. Don't beat yourself up - we've all tried to lose weight before. If we could do it by ourselves, we would be in the situation we're in. This is a tool to help us achieve that.

Oops - double post - sorry!

I've had no bad experiences. I was rolled into the OR around 10:30 am and was headed home by 5:00. I was a lucky one - in that I slept in my own bed from the first night. I was up by 7:00 the next morning and felt great. The third day was probably my roughest but I think it's just because I overdid it because I had felt so good. I've lost 30 lbs and am going for the third fill tomorrow. I'd don't have anything bad to say about the lap-band. Don't beat yourself up - we've all tried to lose weight before. If we could do it by ourselves, we would be in the situation we're in. This is a tool to help us achieve that.

I had my band done in 2004. I am probably an unusual case. I had a lot of pain and spent a few days in ICU. As I said, I'm not the usual case. I had my surgery done in KC at Truman Hospital. I didn't have the greatest experience there, but I'm still really glad I had it done. It's really changed my life a lot! Janet 368/272/199 2004 post op

Thanks for the kind replies. I emailed DePaul for info on their program and doctor DeLaTorre. I guess I get kind of worried about doing this but I am so sick of being overweight and tired. I want to lose a min of 100lbs. I truly think that I need to do this surgery. Have any of you had complications?

I typed too soon. Janet, I'm glad your doing well now. What was your complication? Also, anyone have any regrets about the surgery? Do you feel full or pretty hungry after having this done? Are any of you having any skin lifts? Sorry for the many questions just something I need to go thru to solidify my feelings toward doing this. I'm still so mad at myself for things to come to this point. I have worked out and with a trainer for 2 years and only lost 25-30lbs and really toned some areas but thats not enough. I am sick of being overweight and not enjoying things I once did. I was not always overweight I was quite thin. I guess part of me is bummed I couldn't do it on my own and part of me is really ready to do this instead of letting another year go by. I joined back in 2004 and now its 07. Not happy with my progress of doing diet medications from doctors and all the diet stuff that really didn't work. Thanks for hearing me out. I do truly appreciate the comments/advice.