Lulu

Hi Narelle, Welcome to the board!!! Here you will find answers to any questions you may have. Don't be afraid to ask about ANYTHING that troubles you; many of the people on this board have all "been there, done that" and are so helpful and non-judgmental. I would venture to say that without exception the people here have gone through the same questions and nervousness that you are experiencing right now. I started the process this summer, and was banded last week 10/30. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made because it concerns the rest of my life. Many of us have been overweight the majority of our lives and now have a magnificent tool to help us make the most of our future. Good luck to you!

Thanks much for the explanation - it's worth a lot - and makes perfect sense!!! I was under a misguided notion that the band was sitting loose around the top part of the stomach until the first fill. Duh!

,,,,,,,,your esophagus and stomach have new bottlenecks that weren't there before,,,,,,,,, Alexandra, you brought up something that I've been wondering about..... what my innards look like right now. I was under the impression that not much has changed because there is no fill in the band yet. But swallowing IS slower, and I thought the lack of hunger was just because the stomach is swollen from surgery. Can you enlighten me further??? Thanks!

What a picture that would be!!! Oh Jennye, I hope by now you have some relief. Gas-X helped somewhat, but my bloating was never in the intestinal tract, or at least it felt like it was more in my upper parts. To be honest, I was a little afraid of PFing (as opposed to PBing) with all the clear liquids I was consuming. Never felt cleaner in my life!!! This phase doesn't last long - it just seems like forever. I found that besides walking, doing some mild exercises moved things along quicker. Tomorrow should be a better day - and no balloon popping! :D

Welcome to the other side! Can't believe it's almost a week for me. The hardest part still is getting in and out of bed, but went to work today and did just fine. One of the gals at work is going to her first seminar on Monday at Froedtert. It will be interesting to compare notes on all of our different experiences within the Milwaukee area; different docs, hospitals, etc. You really did help yourself by walking right away. All the other bandsters were right; the more you walk, the better you feel. It's too hilly where I live to walk comfortably outside right now, so I took laps around the DR, LR and Kitchen - just like the grandkids do! Maybe I'll try to catch them this weekend!!! Be good to yourself and get enough rest. Again, congratulations! :D

Did any of you post-op bandsters experience backaches? For me this is worse than the surgical pain, which is almost gone. Could it be gas settling in the back????

Hi Jennye, Which hospital will you be "vacationing" in? You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi Erika, You can still get plenty of Protein without eating a lot of meat. Many of the bandsters have suggested various brands of Protein powder, which aren't that bad when mixed with low-fat milk. I have always required a lot of protein; if I have too many carbs get terrible headaches. Wal-Mart has soy and whey protein powders; GNC has Isopure, and there are many websites where you can order protein supplements. For the next week I'm on Clear liquids (post surgery) and was afraid I wouldn't get any protein, so I asked the dietician at the hospital what she would suggest. They have a brand called Nubasics which comes in a 5.5 oz can; has 134 calories and 6.5 grams of protein. She arranged for me to purchase enough to carry me through this clear liquid stage. After the week is up, I can move to yogurt, Protein shakes once again, and tofu (don't gag - it's not bad when blended with sugar-free jello). That's a very high form of protein. I've become an avid label reader! Your pharmacist can also help you to "get smart" out of which products would be beneficial for you. Keep us posted on your progress!

Hi CJM, I'll be 60 in a few days, so would love to go through this whole experience with you! I was banded last Thursday. My only regret has been that this wasn't available when I was in my 20's or 30's. Arthritis, asthma and high blood pressure were the things that made me finally get serious about this. I told my brother about the surgery after the fact, and he was very supportive. My SIL on the other hand went ballistic. She thought this was a rash decision on my part, and why couldn't I just try another diet? It took all the "cool" I could muster to remain calm and let them know in no uncertain terms that this was the best option for me, and that one year from now they can judge for themselves if this was a good idea or not. My husband and kids have been fabulous, and they are the ones that count most. The process is not a quick one; a lot of patience and faith are necessary but the time will come when you will be on the other side and experiencing the relief and joy that come from doing this. :D

Okay, reality has set in. The pain meds must be wearing off and I'm so thirsty my tongue feels like sandpaper. Sorry if I sounded overly rosy before but I really did feel great, until about an hour ago. Having a little trouble maneuvering in and out of chairs but I'm hopeful by tomorrow it will be better. Please say it will be.

Hi Carmen, I'm home - a day and 1/2 after surgery. The entire experience was great. Considering that I'm one of the older bandsters (almost 60) there could have been unforeseen complications. I don't even remember coming out of the anesthesia; I woke up in my room. The pain was bearable, in fact only needed something to take the edge off. I started walking as soon as I was awake enough. That REALLY does help! I had some discomfort in the shoulder area but knew that was from the gas they pumped in. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Knowing that this was a possibility prepared me for the worst. The staff at Elmbrook is wonderful! Mary, the dietician, is super; spent a lot of time making sure all my questions were answered. I'm rather tired now, so guess I'll take a nap. Let me know of any questions you may have. This was a cake-walk!!! Good luck to all of you future bandsters; I hope it will go as easy for you as it did for me.

I'm almost there! Bandlandia awaits at 7:30 Thursday morning. My question now is how long did you stay on clear liquids after surgery? Thanks!

Hi Sarah, Please let Bright know she is in my prayers! Can't wait to hear how she is doing. She is like a breath of fresh air!!!! Lulu

Hi Sheila, and welcome!!! You are now experiencing what the vast majority of us have gone through. After deciding this is what you REALLY want, and we all wanted it yesterday, it seems to take forever. I've read as many posts as possible; admired the before and after photos of hundreds, and dreamed of the day when I'll be there too. Don't get discouraged! After decades of giving in to "what we want and we want it now," this process seems to go on eternally. I started in June and thought I could waltz in and tell my doctor that this is what I've decided, and he would make it happen within a few days. WRONG! I wasn't prepared to wait months but since there was nothing I could do but wait, decided to become as educated and prepared as possible for the big day! I'll be banded next Thursday. You hang in there - and be persistent! This site will help you tremendously.

What is the site address for Spotlight? Thanks!

No, I didn't have any of those tests. I don't have a problem with reflux, so maybe that's the key! I was also supposed to have an EKG yesterday when I had the chest X-ray and blood work, but when I told them I had the Persantine stress test they crossed the EKG off. I hesitate to say it, but it was almost too easy. ?????

Jennye, I'm curious why you had to drink the barium. My doctor did not request this and I'm wondering if this is something that SHOULD be done??? My pre-ops were almost too easy (not complaining) but again, every doctor is different.

The more I read the individual posts, the more apparent it is that each doctor is different in their requirements prior to surgery. Some don't require anything except to not eat the night before surgery, and others want their patients to just have liquids for several weeks. As I understand it, the liquid regimen is to shrink the liver in order to make it easier and safer to insert the band. Full liquids are anything that will go through a straw; Soup, yogurt, cream of wheat, sugar-free puddings - more substantial "liquids." The two days of clear liquids will include apple, cranberry and white grape juice and broth, popsicles, plain Jello. I don't know if my doctor recommends different programs for different patients, or if it's "one size fits all." Whatever - I'm so happy to be this far in the process that I'll do whatever it takes!

Hi Jennye, What wonderful news! You will be banded on my birthday - so you can be sure that I won't forget you on that day!!! Carmen - I went for my pre-op tests today; chest x-ray, blood work, training session for the Lovenox (blood thinner to be injected BY ME the night before surgery). That should be interesting. One week from now it will all become reality..... this time certainly flew by! Today I started full liquids and on Tuesday go to Clear Liquids. Still haven't told many people about this since I don't want them mentally measuring my butt every time they see me. I'm planning to be a bit evasive until it becomes really obvious and then I'll still be selective about who to share this with. There are a lot of friends who would benefit from the lap band, but I'd rather be a "living testimony" first......... and then I'll shout it from the rooftops.

........ one other thought. I asked my PCP for a reference for the psych eval, and the one he gave me wasn't in the UHC network. I called UHC and they gave me a list of about 20 psych docs in my area. They will also tell you which doctors you can use if you don't have your own personal PCP. After the psych eval (as well as any other testing you need), ask the doc to FAX your results to your bariatric center; it avoids a lot of delays in the mail. Then be diligent in asking the WLS coordinator if they received the results yet. My psych doc faxed the papers TO THE DOCTOR instead of the WLS coordinator; he was out of town............long delay! You have to stay on top of it; and document who you talk to and when. It really helps!

Alexandra, You are soooooooo lucky that your husband does the cooking! One of my worst habits was nibbling while preparing dinner, generally ending up in consuming two evening meals! Although my hubby doesn't cook, he does use the bread machine and makes the most wonderful cinnamon raisin craisin nut bread. This is usually a wintertime project for him, but since he knows I won't be able to eat bread for a loooooooooong time, he baked a loaf for me to enjoy now. That was so sweet of him! I'm very fortunate that he is so supportive of me in this new venture. He promised not to bake any after I'm banded so I won't be tempted! Two bites of lettuce actually fills you up??????? I CAN'T WAIT!!:rambo :rambo :rambo

Hi Al, I am a retiree with United Healthcare. Before considering the lapband I called and asked if this was covered, and they said yes, if I met their criteria. I went thru the gamut - dietary consultation, psych eval, group meeting, stress test, and they said I was approved. The office gals deal with them mostly; I just bugged them once a week to find out if there was any change in my status. It took about three weeks from receiving the info from the doctor to approval (the longest three weeks of my life). I wish you the best of luck in your journey!!

HOT DIGGITY DOG!!!!!!!! It's amazing how news like that can make the world a happy place!! I'm eager to find out about your pre-op "diet" - if it's one week or two. I'm so happy for you !! :cool: :D

Question re: pre-op travel - On Thursday I start 5 days of full liquids, then 2 days of clear before surgery. I do a lot of traveling, and think I should get an atlas to PLAN my potty stops along the way, or isn't it as bad as I'm anticipating it to be? (Generally 2 hours travel time). Will my tummy rumblings overpower the orchestra? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill? I realize everyone is different, but I'm curious to know how other travelers handled this. Thanx much!

Can the unflavored Unjury be mixed with clear liquids and still be considered clear? I'm concerned about getting some protein during the clear liquid stage.