Life Changing Lap Band Surgery! - Dr. Johnell, Greeley, CO

Hello! This will sound weird, but the hardest part of recovery was the liquid diet. I literally put food in my mouth, chewed it up and spit it out just so I could chew something. Seriously I thought I was going to lose my mind and I realize this was mostly an emotional / psychological thing. Luckily it was over soon. The other struggle has been adding sauces. Sauces became very appealing when I realized I could eat more that way. But in the last few years I learned I had to exercise and it's not optional. Sorry to break it to everyone who hates exercise, but that's the key. :D

The liquid diet is definitely very difficult. I was on a 3 week liquid-only diet pre-op and it was very very hard. I also missed chewing, so I started chewing sugar free gum, just for the sensation.

Exercise is definitely the key. I need to up my exercise, it's just getting that first bit of motivation to do it! :-)

Kirsty do you have any new pictures for us?

Oh God - I didn't have to do that pre op as well, just post. You're a trooper. They absolutely forbid us from gum... horror stories about it blocking up our bands. As far as exercise goes, hiring a trainer, even once a week, has been the greatest thing that has ever happened to my figure. It's worth the $. Totally keeps me accountable and removes all monotony of exercise. :D

I just added a new pic!

We call the bat wings 'bingo flags' cause you wave them when you yell Bingo!!

HA HA HA!!!! I had a lady tell me one of her grandsons kept grabbing her arm flaps and wiggling them. She said, "Stop it or I'll take off all my clothes and jump up and down on the bed!" :D

What would you like to know? :)

What to expect from the surgery ,your recovery time, the things you did to prepare before it and anything you might feel would be helpful

Recovery was short... very nauseated for a few hours right after but the meds they gave me took that away. After the first day I was just on Tylenol. Went back to work in 4 days but didn't exercise for several weeks. You should check out other bariatric web sites because this site is mainly focused on plastic surgery. Just search google because there are tons of very in depth conversations and resources elsewhere. THANKS!

Thank you

Hi I had my surgery on Oct 15,2015 procedure went very well, at my intial weigh in before surgery I was 232, day of surgery 225, my 1 month anniversary I am at 213 I'm I moving at the right pace of weight lost, before my first hand full?

Sorry my phone does automatic response I mean my first band fill

Hello - congratulations! I'm no expert on the speed so ask your doctor. I lost a lot before my fill because I felt restriction before my fill. :D

Here's some more encouragement: I had LapBand surgery on 2 Dec 2013 and my weight the morning of was 242 lbs. I am 45 years old and 5'2" tall, married, and mother of 2. This morning 01/15/15 I'm officially 198 lbs and I haven't started exercising yet!! That's a weight loss of 44 lbs in a year, not too bad! For a visual, I am a pear shape and my pants size have gone from a 20/22W to a 16W. I have already gone twice to be fitted for new bras as mine were getting too big even on the tightest hook. The day I signed up for the meeting at the local St. Vincents hospital I was dreading telling my husband what I was doing. I figured I would hear about the gym memberships, Weight Watchers et al (list all other failed attempts at weight loss for the last 25 yrs here) but instead my husband decided to attend the seminar with me ( I'm not even going to pretend I wasn't skeptical about his motives ) He listened, took notes, and had me ask his questions (surprise) but overall he behaved. He is 49, 5'6" tall and weighed roughly 240 lbs, had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and suffered from lots of allergies. He had his surgery a month before I did and is off all medications! I didn't even think he would consider it!! Do it for yourself. Be aware your decisions may affect those you love in a positive way!! Your bravery in taking that first step may be just what they need. Needless to say I have no regrets. None. Not one.

You are awesome!!!!! Lucky to have that supportive husband! I have zero regrets. I am off high blood pressure medication as well. As soon as I got below 190 pounds and was exercising, my bp was 120/80. I just had my Mommy Makeover new year's eve and had all that belly skin cut off. Even though I am 2 weeks post op and swollen, it looks so fantastic I can't stop looking in the mirror. NO REGRETS!

I also worry about excess skin. My tummy will definitely need some help. I already have lots of excess skin and I'm no where near my goal weight. I probably have enough breast tissue to get a lift and not need an implant.

You're welcome! Glad to help!

Well I'm living proof I guess. The fills were kind of a non-event. What do you want to know about them? They happened in the first couple of months. I never got another one - wanted to do this "on my own" as much as possible. I had a fantastic doctor and placement of the band is supposed to be key but I'm no expert. Glad to answer your questions. Good luck!

I want to know if your weight loss has been significant and quick enough. One of the main reasons I wanted the bypass was the remission of Type 2 diabetes and the fact that I get out on breath. Just walking from my home to the car.

I lost 60 pounds in about 6 months but I exercised 3 times a week. Then I stayed at that weight for a couple of years because I quit exercising. Then I started exercising again and MAGIC - lost the other 25-35 lbs. My sister had bypass and gained back 50 pounds. Don't be focused on how fast it happens because all the bypass people seem to gain a bunch back when their intestines figure out what has happened. You want to lose it and keep it off, otherwise what's the point? I will add some photos. :D

Thank you. I hope to have a fill next week. I am at 41 ponds in five weeks-but it seems like it's been five months!

I've had to have my band filled several times. I'm not sure how much liquid my Dr. put in each time. I would feel a little restriction the first week after the fill but then after that not so much. I'm scheduled again on the 22nd of this month and will continue to get it adjusted until I'm in the "green zone".

I have 1.6 ccs in mine. I can't remember but I think I only got 2 fills. I did not want to be throwing up to lose weight. I just wanted to be able to stop eating BEFORE INHALING EVERYTHING ON MY PLATE like a starved dog. Even after having my band for 8 years, I can eat half a Chipotle bowl and feel full. I think that's about what normal people eat. Before I cold have inhaled that whole thing and then start asking everyone "are you going to finish that?????" :D

I had a fill on Monday-1.5 cc's. I think I have 3.5 total. I made the mistake of eating solids after this fill and every breath I took was so painful. When I got home I laid down for a while and felt better. No one told me that when you get filled, you have to restart the diet phases-so this week it's clear liquids, next week full liquids and third week blended. That's the hard part, but worth the 50 pounds in 3 months.

Thanks Kirsty!!!!

Thanks!!!! :D

Your daughter will be so happy with the band. Best decision I ever made. Thanks! The day is approaching very quickly... yikes!