rhino

To say I am happy with my decision to have the band is a major understatement, I'm Ecstatic. Losing weight has never been my issue it has always been keeping it off where I failed repeatedly. While I realize I am only two weeks post op and it may change in the future, for now I am not always thinking about my next meal and find that I have to make myself eat at my scheduled times. As of today I am down 25 pounds since the start of my pre-op diet three weeks ago, even accounting for water weight it sure is a great motivator to see the scale move basically a pound a day so far. While I have no illusions the loss will continue at this rate I certainly intend to do my part to keep it moving along with exercise and proper food choices. My wife has been a great help to me and I can't thank her enough for the positive reinforcement in the changes to not only our eating habits but our daily routines as well. My wife, my little girl, and I have been walking and generally getting outside almost everyday since I got home from the hospital 2 weeks ago and its been a welcome change. The time we are spending together is also a extra benefit I had not planned for. I want to again thank everyone here as I do believe it was instrumental in my final decision to be able to log on here and read all the real world accounts, successes, and even negatives about the band that allowed me to make my decision. Best wishes and thoughts of success to all my fellow bandsters. Regards, Rhino

While I didn't go into specifics with my little girl (will be 5 this week) I did tell her I was having surgery. At her age it was enough for her to know I was having surgery to help me feel better and think it helped her to understand why I can't lift her for a few weeks. My surgery was done in a hospital and the surgeon keeps all his patients over night so my little girl spent the night before with my mom. This allowed my wife and I to focus on getting to the hospital the morning of surgery without worrying about her. My mom then brought here to see me in my room later that day. My surgery was only a week ago but so far my little one has been great about being careful to not play rough with me. Best wishes for your procedure and you will do great. Regards, Rhino

Hello and congratulations on the start of your journey. I was banded a week ago as well and feel great. Even though I am a health care provider myself I have found this site to be far more enlightening than other sources of information available to me as it comes from real people here actually living the life. Both the good and the bad stories helped to make my decision to move forward and get the procedure. I am sure you will find the experiences and wealth of real world information here invaluable in your Quest towards your new life. Regards, Rhino

Best wishes doodlebugsmom. You will do fine. The sore throat from the endotracheal tube was not too bad and most likely you will be given something for nausea such as Phenergan or Zofran.

Congratulations on your surgery. I had mine Monday and I was on the computer emailing family not to long after getting to my room as well. Good luck on your adventure and thanks for sharing. One of the things that pushed me into finally making the decision was being able to read about real people having the procedure and their results.

I lost 17 pounds on pre op diet, which was basically Atkins diet. Surgery was Monday morning and I am down a few more since then for a total of 20 in 10 days. While I know this is attributed to Water and clearing of the digestive tract it helps with motivation none the less. I have found the stories good and bad here to be a big help in my journey. My wonderful wife has been a tremendous help to me and while I could do it alone I am sure grateful to have her help and support. To anyone of you waiting for your upcoming surgery dates just remember while it is hard to give up the foods we love to eat that our new lives will more than make up for it. My little girl will be five in a couple weeks and I'm looking forward to being able to do all the activities I have avoided because I was tired or hurting due to being obese. I am also looking forward to once again being able to buy clothes at the mall or a regular men's store. My best wishes to everyone of us in the March group. Rhino

I got home about 5pm today from my overnight stay after surgery. The surgery went well but I did have some post surgery pain that took me a few hours to get under control. I am feeling much better today and am forcing myself to push fluids and broth. Overall I'm excited I finally did this and look forward to my new life. Good luck to everyone best wishes to everyone. Rhino

Thanks for your kind words. I am excited for us all as well and I am sure everyone will do just fine. Took the time today to gather all the goodies I may need next week when I get home from the hospital. Regards, Rhino

March 7th for me, had to go today for clearance from PCP and did labs and chest x-rays at the same time. I go Wednesday for hospital pre-op. It seems like it's all happening quickly now. My family is supporting me 100% which makes it much easier. My wife has plans to modify the way she eats and cooks for us all which is a big deal for me. It will definitely be a great benefit for me to have the right foods prepared and not be tempted by the carb rich foods I have craved in the past. Good luck to all of the March Bandsters. Rhino

Thank you and good luck to you as well.

Hello to all the nice people on here, I have enjoyed reading the experiences, both good and bad of the posters on this site. While on a business trip about 12 years ago I met a couple and the wife had the band placed losing 80 pounds. Both of them were elated with the positive changes to her health and their lives as a result. Even back then I considered having it done in Europe but for many reasons talked myself out of it numerous times. Several more opportunities made me seriously consider it again but for all the wrong reasons I did not allow myself to have the procedure. All that's behind me now and all I am waiting on is the final approval from my insurance company. Everything was submitted last Monday and I hope to have the decision this week. I don't foresee any problem with approval, I made sure all the requirements were met and had cover letters from my PCP, Cardiologist, Orthopedic Surgeon, as well as the documented medical weight loss attempts. Being in the healthcare field myself made the documentation easier to assemble and hopefully get approval the first time around. If all goes well I could possibly be banded as quickly as the 28th of this month or most likely the following Monday the 7th. I am very good at losing weight but very very bad about keeping it off. It is time I practice what I preach to others and feel the band along with support from family, friends, meetings, and this great online resource will keep my on the straight and narrow. I owe this to myself, my wife, and my 4 year old daughter that needs her daddy to be around for a long time. Thank you for reading my rambling and look forward to participating with the discussions. Rhino