Sophie248

I wish I would have made sure my curtains were shut at all times when I was in post-op. I live 4.5 hours from where I had my surgery...but guess what? Someone from my (very small) home town ended up right next to me as she was going in for surgery!! Her husband saw me and walked right in and asked what I was doing here! I had to tell them a gall bladder removal....which I have had, only it was 15 years ago. These people are talkers also, and I really, really do not want the whole town to know about this. I hope they didn't overhear anything that would lead them to believe that I had WLS. I'm a bit concerned...:phanvan

Yes, my DH has been a wonderful support through all of this....listening to my concerns, always telling me everything will be fine, throwing in a few jokes to distract me, etc. He 's my rock, and I'm very thankful to have him.

Hi guys, I did it! Surgery was done 3/5, and today I can say the experience was not too bad overall. It started a little bad though. DH and I had to get up at 4:30 am to get to the hospital by 9:30 am (surgery was to start at 10:30). I was trying to think of every reason why I should NOT have this surgery during the drive – this was perpetuated by the conversation I had with my mother the night before who does not support my decision. We waited until 11:30, during which my DH had to maintain a grip on me to keep me from bolting. Then I was noticing others who came in after me were going back to OR, and I became irritated. By 12:00 people were trying to explain to me that the surgery before me ran quite a bit over, and my new scheduled time was 12:30. I told my DH that this was “a sign” that I shouldn’t go through with this, yet he still would not let me leave – so I was taken back at 1:00 to start prep. First thing the nurse said is “you don’t look like you need this surgery”…. By then I was so dehydrated that they couldn’t get an IV in. Two different nurses tried 3 times, and my anesthesiologist tried once, and then she just put a little IV in and said she would put the regular one in when I was asleep. She then gave me a nice “cocktail” in my IV and said it was “on the house.” Then everything was right with the world again…. They pushed me to the OR, where it seemed everyone was having quite a good time visiting and laughing. I joined in the festivities, until my anesthesiologist said “goodnight sweetie”. I woke up feeling quite fine. No nausea, sore throat, or pain. I had some ice chips, and after 2 hours I walked to my room. I decided I wanted to check out at 9:30pm, walked around Target a little bit and got my new Magic Bullet (love it!), and then went to my hotel. My liquid Lortab and anti-nausea meds were working, so I slept pretty well. I got a little worried when I got up once and I felt a popping sensation at my port site – so I hope I didn’t pop anything out there. Had a swallow test the next day where they saw my liquids were going down well, and everything was in the right place. I started feeling more pain by mid morning, so kept on top of my pain meds. By evening I was feeling quite miserable with lots of bloating and gas pain in my stomach – all below my ribs. The bloating was putting pressure on my incisions. I was taking the max of Gas X strips, walking around, and using my heating pad. I couldn’t burp very well – but wished I could. It didn’t hurt too badly when I did my little burps. This lasted about 4 hours. . I still am a bit bloated this morning, but feeling better. Haven’t needed pain meds yet. I’m sipping chamomile/mint tea and drinking water. I could go back on my liquid protein today, but think I’ll stay on clear liquids due to the gas. I’m hoping that the worst was yesterday, and that from here on I will feel better each day. I am very happy that I went through with the surgery. As soon as I woke up from surgery I was smiling and feeling that sense of relief, hope, and calmness. I then began focusing on the positives people were telling me such as “you will be so happy with the results, soon you won’t need your blood pressure medication, you’ve made a good health decision, etc.” Hope you are all doing well! I enjoyed meeting you!

Hey, I did it! Surgery was done 3/5, and today I can say the experience was not too bad overall. It started a little bad though. DH and I had to get up at 4:30 am to get to the hospital by 9:30 am (surgery was to start at 10:30). I was trying to think of every reason why I should NOT have this surgery during the drive – this was perpetuated by the conversation I had with my mother the night before who does not support my decision. We waited until 11:30, during which my DH had to maintain a grip on me to keep me from bolting. Then I was noticing others who came in after me were going back to OR, and I became irritated. By 12:00 people were trying to explain to me that the surgery before me ran quite a bit over, and my new scheduled time was 12:30. I told my DH that this was “a sign” that I shouldn’t go through with this, yet he still would not let me leave – so I was taken back at 1:00 to start prep. First thing the nurse said is “you don’t look like you need this surgery”…. <O:p</O:p By then I was so dehydrated that they couldn’t get an IV in. Two different nurses tried 3 times, and my anesthesiologist tried once, and then she just put a little IV in and said she would put the regular one in when I was asleep. She then gave me a nice “cocktail” in my IV and said it was “on the house.” Then everything was right with the world again…. They pushed me to the OR, where it seemed everyone was having quite a good time visiting and laughing. I joined in the festivities, until my anesthesiologist said “goodnight sweetie”. I woke up feeling quite fine. No nausea, sore throat, or pain. I had some ice chips, and after 2 hours I walked to my room. I decided I wanted to check out at 9:30pm, walked around Target a little bit and got my new Magic Bullet (love it!), and then went to my hotel. My liquid Lortab and anti-nausea meds were working, so I slept pretty well. I got a little worried when I got up once and I felt a popping sensation at my port site – so I hope I didn’t pop anything out there. <O:p</O:p Had a swallow test the next day where they saw my liquids were going down well, and everything was in the right place. I started feeling more pain by mid morning, so kept on top of my pain meds. By evening I was feeling quite miserable with lots of bloating and gas pain in my stomach – all below my ribs. The bloating was putting pressure on my incisions. I was taking the max of Gas X strips, walking around, and using my heating pad. I couldn’t burp very well – but wished I could. It didn’t hurt too badly when I did my little burps. This lasted about 4 hours. . I still am a bit bloated this morning, but feeling better. Haven’t needed pain meds yet this morning. I’m sipping chamomile/mint tea and drinking water. I could go back on my liquid protein today, but think I’ll stay on clear liquids due to the gas. <O:p</O:p I’m hoping that the worst was yesterday, and that from here on I will feel better each day. I am very happy that I went through with the surgery. As soon as I woke up from surgery I was smiling and feeling that sense of relief, hope, and calmness. I then began focusing on the positives people were telling me such as “you will be so happy with the results, soon you won’t need your blood pressure medication, you’ve made a good health decision, etc.” Everyone keep focusing on the positives! We’re doing a good thing!

I'm still on for 3/5 - yeah! Both of my Dr.'s talked and everything is a go. I'm super excited! I'm going to a lap band support group tomorrow night, so hopefully that will get will get me even more pumped up until the big day. Day 3 of liquid diet = much better. I'm over the carb withdrawals and now have all kinds of energy.

I'll be coming from Shelby for support group meeting tomorrow - pending the weather situation. See you then!

Synicalchick, I'm so happy to hear that everything went well for you! Your description was excellent! Happy Bandday!! Glogirl and Magnolia - I still hope to go March 5th with you guys. I'm pretending it's still going to happen. Tammy - Contratulations on the weight loss! :clap2:

I wonder if they will make you wait until your enzymes are normal?? Are there any risks for you re: surgery because of this? I had tests in 2001 and liver and protein were normal. I don't understand what causes these readings or what the risk would be going ahead with surgery. The Dr. asked if I drank the night before I had my blood test (1 glass of wine), took tylenol (no), or was taking herbs (yes). She's taking more tests (which are a little scarey). Hope they will be ok and I can get this over with.

Went to see my primary Dr. for results of labs and to do EKG. Apparently my liver and protein readings were a little high, and my Dr. was going to contact my surgeon and recommend postponing for 1 week :faint: . I had to fax the Dr. info on the herbs I'm taking as she thinks that might be the cause of the readings. So everything is in limbo now, and I was all ready. Today is day 2 of liquid protein diet, and a little better than day 1 (except for this headache!). I realized at 5:00 pm on day 1, that I had only had 2 of my 5 protein drinks. I was STARVING when I got home from work, but managed to avoid doing anything crazy. I'm a bit concerned about how I will manage to get my protein/drinks/H2O in during my hectic workday on an ongoing basis - while eating slowly. It will be a major adjustment in making sure I eat at regular intervals with the band and not do my starve until evening - then binge - behavior. I'm not sure it will be possible....

Tammy, I'm supposed to have at least 100 gms of protein per day while on liquids. Glad to hear that it will keep me full. I called my surgeon's nurse the other day asking if the Dr. usually prescribes appetite supressants during the liquid phase, and she gave me a little attitude. Then I felt silly for asking. I'm feeling really good about my decision. I was feeling nervous, but now have a sense of calmness about it. In regard to the current topic, I believe that our spiritual journeys are an important part of the growth we will have through this experience. We will all develop physically, emotionally, and spiritually during this time of change. I hope that we can all feel comfortable sharing about all areas of this growth on our thread - even though we may have various groups with different beliefs - and I hope that all of us will be respectful to everyone and their beliefs.

Well, I start my pre-op diet tomorrow - consisting of Low Carb Slim Fast, and Medifast soups, puddings, and drinks. Surgery is on the 5th. I'll then be doing 1 week high protein liquids after surgery. The 4 weeks pureed, 2 weeks soft, then regular food. I've made some homemade turkey, beef, and chicken broths and put them in the freezer. They will be much healthier and lower sodium than canned broth. I can truly say I'm ready to start this journey!! Best wishes to all of you re: your pre-op dieting and upcomming surgeries!!

I am going to be in Great Falls 3/1 also for my boys' divisional basketball tournaments. I have two teenage boys on the team. They play in Shelby, but we are staying in Great Falls. I think their game is in the afternoon of the 1st, so I possibly could make the support group that evening. Can you guys give me the details re: location? I see the time is 6:30-8:30. I hope I can go. It would be great motivation and would hopefully help with some of my anxiety re: surgery on 3/5. Toni, I would love to hear your story! How long did it take to lose the weight? Were there any complications? Would you do it again? What advice would you give newbies? Contratulations on your amazing weight loss! Shawn, I share a love of horses with you and Toni too. My QH mare is expecting her first colt this spring, and I'm excited about that. Will be fun to have a cute little tag along when going out for rides. I don't ride much in the winter, though, brrrr. I show at a local level also, but won't be doing much due to the colt this year. I ride both english and western style. I can't wait to feel more comfortable on my horse (ie - my butt not wider than her's and not overflowing the saddle's seat). Well, I start my pre-op liquid diet tomorrow. It will consisit of Low carb slim fast shakes, and medifast Soups, puddings, and drinks. I feel very ready to start this journey.

Hello, I live in Glasgow MT. The other side of the State. Dr Rhorer will be doing my lap band surgery on 3/5. I'm glad to hear positive about him. I was a little concerned because he had mentioned that he had done only 60 lap band surgeries. Sounds like he has a lot of experience with RNY though. Glad to hear he does a good job with fills. My eliptical is downstairs waiting for some warranty work (for about 4 mos). The guy can't seem to get away to come and fix it. I have been walking for the past 4 days - the weather has been very spring-like. Glad to see this thread!

I'm on the enough-is-enough bandwagon too - no more last suppers for me - after I couldn't fit into my big jeans on Sat night. I've walked 45min-1 hour for four days in a row, and I started low carb yesterday as a preliminary to my liquid diet starting Monday. I feel better already!!

I woke up feeling the worry and fear today also, but then realized this is what I've wanted for 17 years of struggling to take off my weight - a better chance - something that will help me keep the weight off after I do all the hard work. Just knowing that I will have a much better chance to keep it off with the band is so empowering and motivating. I'm going to look at this opportunity as a gift from God. It is just amazing to me how this all fell into place. I will trust that He knows what is best for me, and is guiding me. I beleive He wants to help me end this struggle that has taken so much out of me, and that is threatening my health and wellbeing. I will still be nervous and afraid at times, but will go to Him to calm my fears and to help me keep perspective. Soon our pre and post surgeries will be a distant memory and we will be well on our way to a more positive and healthy life. I KNOW it will all be worth it!!

I'm quite disgusted with myself today from this past week of eating badly. Last night I had 3 pieces of Pizza Hut Pizza, a bread stick, and topped that off with ice cream. :faint: I had a major carb hangover and was ill most of the night, and swore I would start low-carb today - blew that already!! I have GOT to stop this. I know that I HAVE to start my liquid protein diet on the 26th, but I am now taking an oath to all of you that I will start a low carb diet on the 19th and then ease into the liquid protein on the 26th. I'll do 2 weeks instead of the one my Dr. recommended. I'm feeling yucky This just further justifies that I NEED this surgery!!

I really like the Medifast. The cream soups, fruit drinks, pudding, and hot drinks will work great for the liquid portion - and they all have lots of protein and low carb. I just ordered mine Monday. I'm also using the low carb slim fast. It has 20 grams of protein. There should be enough variety to get me through. I'll be chomping on lots of gum too. It's getting closer guys!!

Hi all - March 5 is coming fast - I can't believe the emotions I'm going through. Yesterday I was feeling frightened and a little depressed about the upcomming surgery. Now today I am extremely excited! I had my DH take before pics, and I was studying those for a while - trying to imagine myself 20, 40, 60 lbs thinner and now I'm feeling thrilled with my decision. I noticed that some of you are going through some major pre-op testing. The only things my Dr. ordered are EKG and blood tests. I wonder if I should be asking for more testing??? I have a bit of concern that my Dr. has only done 60 lap band procedures - but he has also done over 800 RNY procedures laproscopically. I really don't have a choice as he's the nearest Dr. What type of experience do some of your Dr's have? I'm doing a one week pre-op diet of high protein liquids. That starts in 2 weeks! I'll be using low-carb slim fast and medifast. I like the variety of medifast - they have various soups, puddings, fruit drinks, and hot drinks. Shouldn't make the liquid phase too terrible. Have any of you asked about diet pills during the liquid phase? I might - just in case.

What do you have to do?

I'm not handling the pre-pre-op diet very well. I go on liquids 2/26. Foods keep coming to mind that I feel I need to consume before that deadline (ie. carbonated beverages (including beer and soda-which I usually never drink), white bread, deserts - most of the things I've learned to stay away from). I'm TRYING to change my mind set in that I still can have a lot of these things - only a couple of bites or sips instead. I'm an all or nothing kind of girl though, so gradually starting the liquid diet would not be something I would consider. The liquid diet should be good after you get through day 3. I recall with any diet that after day three - you feel really good and your body has kind of acclimated to the new food intake. Gina, Federal BCBS just started covering Lap Band this year. My approval was easy. The verse on your post is very inspiring-thanks for that. I'm a (tight) size 16 now - I'm hoping that getting back to 200 I'll be comfy in my clothes again. Then I'll probably be a 12 at the 160 weight. I'm 5' 6 3/4".

Great job on the pre-op weight loss. Your story about losing a little then gaining back +10 is my exact story - only for 17 yrs. Good luck on the insurance approval!!!

I found out my insurance has approved the procedure! Woo Hoo :clap2: I talked to the nurse today, and they will be sending the orders for ekg and blood tests. I am thrilled! Will start liquid diet 2/26 - I'm going to try to be good until then and avoid the "last meal" syndrome. Had Low Carb slim fast for Breakfast (that stuff isn't too bad) and South Beach Diet dinner for lunch. My challenge will be to be good for tonight - I always want to overeat at night after work. Tann, Thanks for the inspiration! Your accomplishments are both amazing and encouraging. Welcome everyone!

We'll be going through this together - on the same day! I got my insurance approval in the mail yesterday, so it's all falling in to place. :happybday:

Mommy202-have you heard from your Dr.? I want to tell you this: Don't give up! If your bulimia issues are going to interfere with the banding process or jeopordize your health, you certainly want to work through those first. Be patient with yourself and take this one step at a time. This is a gradual process toward a healthier future. Your children and husband love you no matter your size. I enjoy riding my horse too - and she doesn't care what size I am either. Try to let go of those negative thoughts. I'm sending prayers and positivity your way! :pray:

I forgot to mention - I met with my primary Dr. yesterday - and she was very supportive of me getting the surgery! I was worried that she wouldn't be. She told me that one of her friends had the surgery and is doing very well. She wants to see me in 5 months because she doesn't think I'll need my blood pressure meds after that due to the weight loss I will experience! wow!!