cavwife67

I was banded on the 9th and I go back to work tomorrow. I am on my feet a lot at work, teaching, briefing or conducting seminars...plus tons of meetings in between so I took 2.5 weeks off. Glad too, because I still get tired in the afternoons. I had a ton of sick leave accrued so I just took my time.

It's been 2.5 weeks and they are now allowing me mushy foods. I won't start soft foods til March 2, this Friday. So far, so good...I've only had one day where I think I ate too much and ended up with some wicked chest pain, but even with that, I'm not eating nearly that much throughout the day. I head back to work tomorrow.

Was banded on Thursday, the 9th up in Frankfurt, Germany by Prof. Weiner. I was admitted on Wednesday for all the pre-op testing - blood work, EKG and endoscopy. We arrived around 0930 and had the b/w and EKG done right away and then sat in the lobby for about an hour or so. I knew I hadn't had enough to drink the day prior and after the blood draw was feeling light headed. Told hubby I wasn't feeling well so he got me a glass of Water. Took a few sips... room got fuzzy and upchucked the water right back up all over the lobby floor. Priceless. LOL. Was put on a gurney and rolled into a room where they gave me some fluids and let me lie down til the anesthesiologist came to talk to me. Then more waiting. By 2:30pm I was finally wheeled into the endoscopy which was pretty easy since they knocked me right out. Spent the night in my room and was the first surgery of the day on Thursday at 8am. Was out of recovery by 1030, but I remember absolutely nothing about being in recovery. I remember waking up just as they put me in my room, where my hubby was waiting. I was sore but not in too much pain since they had pain meds in my iv drip. Slept most of the day, minus one trip to the bathroom. In Germany, they keep you 2 nights for observation post op. The next day was pretty painful. Lots of gas, and lots of pain where the drain was located. The other incisions were just really sore, like someone made me do 1000 sit-ups while I was out. That night they gave me morphine so I could sleep so that was nice. Yesterday (Saturday) they were able to release me to go home. Was given some Soup for Breakfast and peppermint tea. Figured very quickly what my "sign" is for when I either take to large of a sip or take them too close together - I get wicked, painful hiccups! Worst part of the day was the three hour drive back to where we live. Came home and slept but then was able to eat a popsicle, get in some water and for dinner had about 2 tablespoons of german yogurt over about an hour time frame. Still hurts to get up or down from either my bed or the couch and sleeping is still a bit uncomfortable, but not enough to take anything for it. The gas seems to all be trapped behind my rib cage. Am not really hungry at all, and the post-op diet is not an issue. The liquid/full liquid diet is awesome for now since the German docs include yogurt and cream Soups as part of it. Though, I have to stay on this for four weeks before I can eat mushy foods. When I started the pre-op diet I was 295. At the time of surgery I was 284. When I left the hospital yesterday I was 280. This afternoon when I weighed at home, I'm now at 274. Great motivation to keep it going. And am feeling great, spirit wise! Just wish I still wasn't so sore at the drain/port site.

I was only told about getting in the 60-70g of protein daily and staying away from sugar. Nothing about calories or carbs. Though I was told to eat the protein first, then veggies, then starch if I'm able. I was told 4 meals a day and no snacks... and my full liquid diet, that includes cream soups and yogurts... is to last 3-4 weeks before I start anything solid in pureed form. After that, to try and stick to four meals a day and no snacking in between, and each meal shouldn't equal more than 6oz or so total. And of course, 50-64 oz of water through out the day.

Glad to hear you are doing better!

MM is one of the few things I can get overseas where we are stationed. So far I've tried the chocolate and vanilla creme. The vanilla one I think is my fav of all the protein drinks I've tried so far, where the premixed drinks are concerned. I buy the four packs that are like box drinks. I also bought banana and cookies & cream to try this week. I like their powders as well... have tried the cinnamon bun, blueberries & Cream and strawberries & Cream and I like them all so far.

Having to ask for a seat belt extension or trying to suck everything I can in to fasten the seat belt on an airplane. Not being able to sit in a booth at a restaurant without my stomach touching the table. Being told I can't ride the roller coaster with my son because the safety bars won't close properly.

My date is also in Feb - I get admitted on the 8th and get banded on the 9th. Starting pre-op diet this weekend. Excited... but nervous.

Hello. My name is Nicole and I have been reading here for a month or so but finally joined today. I have been working with my docs since August to get approval for lap-band surgery and have my initial consult with the surgeon on Monday. I am a military spouse living in Germany and will be driving 3 hours from home to Frankfurt to meet with Dr. Weiner. My docs (all of them - my regular care provider, my rheumatologist, my nutritionist) all gave the thumbs up and the insurance is playing along, it's now just up to the surgeon to give the ok. I'm a little anxious and a little stressed because I also have lupus and have heard this could be an issue getting approved for surgery. I'm hoping since my case is not severe and does not involve any internal organs that I might have a chance. I'm afraid to get my hopes up or to get excited because I know there's a chance it may not happen. I did not have issues with weight growing up; it wasn't until I got married and had my son that the weight starting piling on. I am currently sitting at 290 - though, 7 years ago my highest weight was 307. I have lost 50 lbs twice in the last 4 years but work and life get in the way and it just keeps creeping back up. I work full-time for the Army as a deployment specialist and am on the go a lot of the time with a varying schedule and on an installation overseas that has limited resources as far as after hours or weekend gym access/classes as well as having support since my husband is gone all the time. As my husband's career advances, it also means many more obligatory social functions, most of which include food. The lupus doesn't help either in that the two main symptoms I have dealt with over the years are fatigue and joint pain. Makes keeping a regular exercise routine a little more difficult, though I know the joint pain would be much less if I dropped the weight - hence why we are at this option. I have also developed hypertension because of the weight. I'm doing this because it's threatening the ability for me to live a long life and be around for my son. He's ten. I'm happy in every other aspect of my life - I love my husband, he loves me, I love my work, I love my friends, I love living in Europe, I love how blessed I truly am. I'm also blessed to have a wonderful support system here in my military community to help me and encourage me without judgement. I just want to live a long life to be able to enjoy those things as my child grows up. I came here because I know no matter how supportive my family and friends are, no one will understand like those who have been there, so it was important to me to find others who have. So here I am.

Had my consult with the surgeon and was given the green light! Surgery is scheduled for Feb 9th! He went thru my paperwork with me and based on my history had no issues moving forward, even with the lupus concern. I will drive up on the 8th to be admitted and will come home on the 11th, barring any complications. Was also given a very extensive handbook with pre-op/post-op instructions and what to expect before, during and after surgery. He answered a lot of questions and seems to have a good bedside manner - not usually the case with European docs. I will have to do a 10 day liquid only diet prior to the procedure. I'm just grateful things are moving forward.