sberrys

Yeah I've had some issues too. My first period after my surgery was a week after the surgery, didn't come early. It heavier than normal but not too bad. My second one after surgery came a day early, it was heavy and I was in tons of pain from cramps, which I am lucky to NEVER get. Hoping things don't stay like this! :tongue:

Oh, my mistake. It's new isnt it?

From the research I've done I've found there isnt a LOT of a difference but there are some differences. Realize Band: - Smaller port - It has a low pressure system ie more room for saline to be injected in the band and less pressure on the band - Port is secured with a stapling system - Comes with an online support system Lap-band - Has been around the longest - Larger port - High pressure system, less saline, more pressure - Port is secured with traditional sutures - No online support system Those are the main differences I can think of off the top of my head. If you want to confirm it or find out more just do some searching online and I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for. Or just ask your doctor about it, different surgeons prefer different bands. Mine prefers the realize band and that is what I have.

You'll need to check with your doctor about this. I'm pretty sure the pain would be on the other side if it were gallbladder or in the middle at most. It could just be pain from poorly chewed food and not a slip but only your doctor can tell for sure.

Yeah your doctor sucks. She should be more supportive and definately more available. Hope you're using skim milk... milk can really pile the calories on!

My doctor said decaf was ok so I've been able to have all the decaf I want. I know some decaf is nasty but just try different brands and you'll find one that is ok to you. If you absolutely have to have some caffenated coffee try going "half caf" using half regular coffee half decaf and try not to overdo it. I did that the other day because I wanted a pick me up and I didnt have any problems with it. I'm a month out from surgery.

Oh and by the way you can buy a pack with tons of samples in it at BariatricEating.com. I bought the sampler there and it had tons of samples that my hubby liked and it came with a blender ball cup.

Which shake you end up liking is completely personal. One person will say a shake is great and another won't be able to keep it down because it's so gross to them. Personally the only shake I was able to stand was good ol fashioned no sugar added Carnation Instant Breakfast (chocolate) made with skim milk.

:frown::frown: Please don't flame me, I'm looking for support to help get things under control! I'm totally confused about how this has gone for me. I'm about three weeks out from surgery and so far I can eat basically any food I want and much larger amounts than I thought would be possible. I have never once experienced any nausea or vomiting over the past few weeks. In fact, I was sitting in the hospital recovering from anesthesia thinking, "Hmm I'm starving." What the heck?! The amount I've been able to eat has been cut but I'm shocked to find that I can still eat like a cup and a half or more of food at a time. I thought when I got the band I'd only be able to eat like 2-4 ounces at first. I don't have a fill scheduled for another month and am really anxious because the weight isn't coming off anymore. Is this what they call bandster hell? I feel like I'm really screwing up. I mean the whole reason I got the surgery is because I couldn't make myself push the plate away, and now I'm having to do just that? Please, someone tell me it gets better!!! Am I doing something wrong??? Argh!!!

Yes you are right! I will have to start bringing some lean deli meat and cheese to work to tide me over between lunch and dinner. I bet that will help. Right now I'm starving since I didnt get a chance to have Breakfast. My doctor gave what I though was really good guidance but only for people who aren't able to eat whatever they want like I am! They didn't really emphasise that I may *feel* like I'd be able to eat anything at this phase and that I'd have to use restraint. I was thinking oh this won't be a challenge for me because I wont be able to stomach that! ha! I had a big ol piece of salmon for dinner last night. :tongue2: Thanks so much for the support I really appreciate it!

Yes that is something I have been concerned about too. It was easier for me to be on liquids because once I got the ok to go to mushies I felt like I was eating real food again and it has tempted me so much to eat like normal. I never thought that would be a struggle for me so I was not prepared for it! :tongue2:

Thanks you guys for the encouragement, I feel a bit better about it now. I was starting to think I was the only one who could eat anything they tried! :tongue2:

Are you serious!? lol My birthday was Sunday too! hahaha We celebrated mine the weekend before because I knew I'd be on the preop diet. What a crazy cooincidence!

I'm getting mine on Thursday too, that makes us band twins or something right? lol I've been on a preop diet for 7 days now, 3 shakes a day and a healthy choice meal for dinner. Needless to say I'M HUNGRY! lol But excited about getting the band in just 3 days! Good luck to both of us! :smile2:

A lot of people get depressed after surgery. I got really depressed after my last surgery and was completely not like myself. It really sucks but it will pass, just hang in there and try to find ways to cheer yourself up. Going shopping is a great idea. Find some funny movies to watch and stuff like that too. It gets better!

I understand how you feel. The idea of the band not working is scary. But the way I see it it is better to try SOMETHING than nothing. I am just speaking from my experiences. I don't have the band yet but will have it next Thursday. I'm on day 5 of my preop. I get 3 Protein shakes a day and a healthy choice meal for dinner and other sugar free/fat free liquids. It sucks but I'm doing it. With that said, only you can decide if you're ready for it. If you can't make yourself do the liquid diet that isn't a great sign really. Sure I'd love to sit down to a great big buffet of calories and fat right now and screw up my diet but I want to be thin MORE than I want to eat!!! It's more important to me, so I'm willing to make that sacrifice. And you really have to decide that this is more important to you than food is before you go in to this, especially if you are an emotional eater. Some people end up "mourning" the loss of their comfort foods. But I think the successful people are able to focus on the positive aspects of getting the band (being thinner) instead of the negatives (giving up eating all you want). Do some soul searching and you'll get your answer.

The insurance coordinator at my surgeon's office said it was generally 2 weeks for approval but it actually took me and my husband 2 months to get approval. It varies by companies as well.

I read this before but it was a great reminder to read thru it again as my surgery is next week. Thanks!

I don't think it's too late. In fact it would probably prolong your life. Only your doctor can tell you if it's safe for you though so you should make an appointment with a band doctor and/or your regular physician and get their opinions. It's never too late to do something about your health! :thumbup:

I don't want to disappoint you but I am using BCBS had to wait 2 months to get approval, but according to our insurance coordinator at the clinic this was an unusual case and usually people are approved in 2 weeks. I just wanted to let you know that it is possible for it to take a while because I wished someone had told me that! I sat around for 2 months being blue because I just wanted to know if I would be approved or not! But I was finally approved and I'm having my surgery next Thursday! I'm so excited and I'm praying it will all be worth the wait. :thumbup:

lol I love your signature. I haven't been banded yet either, but will be next Thursday. This site has tons of great information that you won't find in books! Welcome to the site!

Welcome! The best advice I can give you is to do your research. Since you've come here it sounds like you already have a good start on that! I know exactly what you mean about feeling 40 when you're young. I'm 27 (on Sunday anyway) but I feel like an old woman. Pain all the time, dose after dose of tylenol, always tired, etc etc you know how it is. I am having the surgery next Thursday and have done lots of research. It's best to know exactly what you're getting in to than to be suprised later on when it's too late to back out! I'm ready to be the pretty thin girl too, I've been fat all my life and it's time for a change! It's better to handle our situations now when we are young than wasting our lives and looking back with regret. I wish you luck!

Good luck! Mine is on the 12th and my preop diet officially started today. Exciting times!

Gallbladder surgery is a good one, that is as long as you don't have to have it out in the future! Then you'll have to think of something else. :scared2: