momlambert

Congrats! I'm 6 days post op and doing fine--especially since I started mushies today. Mmmmm. I don't know if you found this thread on this site but it was really helpful for me: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/post-op-checklists-t14814.html I basically used everything there and have been glad I had them on hand. I, also, would add the Magic Bullet--it did a great job on my mashed potatoes, yams, winter squash, and ham today. I also use it for my protein shakes. Good luck to you! We'll be anxious to hear how you are doing. People are different but just expect some discomfort (I still have gas--both intestinal and surgical--but every day is better. My biggest complaint is my port site. It still hurts when I bend, twist, sit too long, etc. I find myself often "protecting" my port and kind of splinting it when I move or cough. Not bad though!). Best wishes for your new life!

I can't remember if it was my anethesiologist or my surgeon who came into my room before my surgery and mentioned that they had just read a study the showed artificial sweetners actually contribute to weight gain. Interesting.

thanks, TOM, you give so much when you, yourself have troubles. I know that Tina's crying did help me--I think we feel each other's emotions when we can relate. It's funny, but when I read your post I actually smiled thinking about when we were living in Tokyo and visiting Utah in the summers. I had a favorite hairdresser in both places (incidentally but not importantly, both gay men) and each of them would comment how they were "connected through my hair." They adored each other and admired each other's work. I always got a kick out of that--they knew each other's names and always sent their best wishes to the other, etc. I thought it was endearing. So, anyway, I guess in the same way we are connected through our bands??? LOL. I actually think it is more likely that we are connected through our spirits but maybe it is really dancing electrons, positive vibes, lap bands and/or hair. Who's to say? Good luck tomorrow. You are a strong man to be dealing with this as you are. Yes, I have a great husband and so does Tina. We are lucky women!

TOM, I cried when I read about Tina crying and the two of you crying together. I was banded on Monday and on Tuesday my Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. Today was the first I have cried about it--today he became incontinent and I cried for him. Before today we have been busy arranging hospice and going to dr. appts., etc. But today was the day I cried. I'm so sad that he has such a road ahead of him. He is ready, too. Has been for a long time. But it's always hard. Always. I hope and pray for him and for Tina's mother that they can have a peaceful end of this chapter and that we who are left behind can remember how they were and what they meant to us. We can honor them by living our lives in a positive way and carrying on their legacy in our own individual ways. Tina will be thrilled with your work. I came home the other night from a very long day with my family (I'm the oldest child) and was just exhausted. Besides everything else, i'm still weak and gassy and having lots of pain and discomfort from the surgery. But, when I walked in, my DH had some nice clear liquids ready for me, the kitchen tidied, and the bed turned down. I have never loved him more because I knew that he did it only for me because he was worried about me and what is going on for me right now. I'm just so grateful for him as Tina must be for you. Good luck to you both. Life certainly is a roller coaster, isn't it? Karen

I think any of us who have been married for a fair amount of time (we just celebrated our 39th anniversary) figure out how we best work together. We do what we do and no one else needs to judge according to their own expectations, personalities, concepts, beliefs, etc. Ok, enough soap box. Good luck on Monday, TOM. I will be anxious to hear how things go. You have probably heard many stories but I do need to tell you that my niece was diagnosed with MS as a very young mother of four. She drastically changed her diet and has stunned the doctors with a full "recovery." So there are options, for sure. I'll be anxious to hear how things turn out for you this week. Best of luck. Karen

I think it must be normal because I was banded the same time and I am always running to the bathroom. Today I actually was driving an hour to work and didn't quite make it to the bathroom. No one knew and I cleaned up find but talk about embarrassin'! I started full liquids today and tomorrow are mushies so I'm hoping that will help. From what I've read, we are not alone.

I had surgery Monday and have been on Clear liquids until today so I feel like I have really died and gone to heaven with my full liquid diet. This is what I've had: Very thin Cream of Wheat smoothie made with lf milk, vanilla, 2 strawberries, crushed ice and a scoop of Isopure sugar free hot chocolate Still to come: Yogurt smoothie "Imagine" creamy corn soup Carrot juice (I LOVE Bolthouse carrot juice!) Ymmmm!

Tomorrow is the day! I'm already in heaven today being able to drink full liquids but I'm fully prepared for tomorrow: last night I bought a piece of ham to grind, potatoes to mash, squash, yams, and ingredients for the custard crockpot recipe. Boy, am I ready! I'm sure I'll have about a bite of each at intervals throughout the day but it sure sounds good now. For those of you who may be LDS or who fast for other reasons: do you still fast since the band? I'm just wondering if it causes problems going 24 hours without food. I won't fast tomorrow for sure but I'm wondering about the future. What is your advice? one more thing about mushies--if I understand it correctly, I can eat anything on the mushie stage as long as I put it through a baby food strainer or blender. Is that right? I bought a "Bullet" at costco last night and am excited to use it. I also have a baby food strainer if the Bullet leaves any lumps or pieces. With mushies, do you still limit yourself to 2/3 c. of food three times a day like when you are on the real food stage?

Oh man. liquids are the worst. Today was my first day of "full liquids" vs. "clear liquids" since my Monday surgery. I made it! Tomorrow I get to start mushies. Am I excited! One thing that got me through Clear Liquids was the thought that lots of people have to be on that diet for a week or more BEFORE surgery. I felt lucky for only having to do six days. Another thing is that I haven't really felt hungry. Hunger isn't as much of a problem as not feeling satisfied--that's definitely the bigger problem. Another thing that really helped me is the realization that I could do permanent damage to myself and the band if I didn't let it heal properly. That's a huge incentive! Good luck to you. YOU CAN DO IT!

I'm wondering if anyone besides me is constantly burping (surgery was Monday). Everytime I drink anything, including water, boullion, clear protein drinks, etc. (I'm still on clear liquids), I burp for hours. Could it be from drinking too fast? I don't feel any restriction so I just drink as usual. I've tried slowing down but I still get it--but it may be from hours ago when I drank too fast. Anyway, any suggestions or similar experiences?

Sorry you are having a bad day! My doctor says no orange or grapefruit juice right now because of the acidity. Also, since you can't see through it, he doesn't consider it a "clear" liquid. My "full" liquids start tomorrow--5 days post op. I'm so sick of boullion, clear protein drinks, jello, and Fruit 2-0. Yuck. Can't wait for that very thin bowl of Cream of Wheat in the morning--mmmmmm. I may not sleep well in anticipation. Can't wait! hope your day turns a corner--take care of yourself!

That's horrible what happened to you, Keith. Good luck in your recovery! I hope you weren't self-pay--that was one of my biggest fears when I had my surgery Monday is that I would have complications and none would be covered since the surgery wasn't covered. I hope you had good insurance. Of course, when it comes to our health, money doesn't really matter. But I do hope you are healthy and not set back financially because of the complications--that would be an extra blow. Good luck!

I was banded Monday, too. I'm jealous that you get to eat pudding, protein shakes, cottage cheese, and skim milk now! I'm still on clear liquids but tomorrow I get to have full liquids--I absolutely can't wait! I've been drinking those test tube things of protein every day, too. They are terribly sweet but I dilute them with an equal amount of water and that seems to help. I've been getting extra calories by putting sugar in tea and drinking high calorie juice like grape and apple (no orange or grapefruit since they aren't clear). I've been able to drive fine and have HAD to do a lot of it so I'm happy about that. It's strange how different we all are! I'm back at work today but it's a desk job and I don't need to get up or help people unless they come through the model home (I'm a realtor) and so far no one has come. tomorrow will be a different story, for sure. The port site is definitely the very worst pain but I was able to sleep well last night on my side even! So things are improving. Every day is better--hope that is true for you as well. Good luck in your recovery!

It's fun to hear a bit about everyone. I'm 57 and was born in Provo but only lived there a few months until moving to SLC. Lived there until I was married (at 18--thankfully it worked out), have ten kids--all boys but nine--who range from 38 to 20 years. Our family has lived in Colorado, Virginia, Utah, Pennsylvania, and Tokyo. Our last excursion was four years in Tokyo with five of our children. We returned to the States almost four years ago and came back to Utah to be able to be with and help our aging parents. So I'm back where I started--in Provo. I graduated from BYU in August at age 57--big day! All of our children came from all over the U.S. for the celebration. My husband retired and is working on his PhD in Math so we are here for awhile. I am a realtor and sit at very beautiful empty-nester model homes, right now in Midway near the Homestead. It's a fun, no-pressure job and I have lots of time to read, cross-stitch, smock, etc. while waiting for customers. I love helping people find and design their retirement home (wish I could afford one myself!). Today is my first day back at work and I'm very happy than no one has come in! Still quite sore in the port area from Monday's surgery but feeling TONS better today. Update on my dad: I went to the dr. this morning and talked to him at length about the prognosis, etc. turns out the biopsy was negative but they still think it is cancer. They would have to remove the tumor and biopsy the center to know for sure and we aren't going to put him through that. So we have no idea how long he has or if this tumor will shorten his life at all. We are still going to use hospice, make him comfortable, and, hopefully, let him enjoy the rest of his life--be it 2 months or 3 years. You have all been so kind and supportive. I can't tell you how much that has meant to me. This is an awesome group. So glad I found you! Karen

Here's the link: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/abbreviations-and-they-t7959.html

That post doesn't look very clear so I poked around and found a better explanation at: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/get-ticker-your-t16218.html Good luck! Karen

Do you have to go back to Mexico to get the fills or do the dr.'s have a reciprocal arrangement with dr.'s in the States? Just curious.

I'm not extremely computer literate but did get mine to work by going to the ticker site (you can just click on tickerfactory.com above anyone's ticker or on the link I just typed in). After I got there, I just kind of felt my way around and created my own ticker. The trickiest part was that after you are done it shows you a url that you have to copy. So copy that and then go back to your user CP page on lapbandtalk (upper left hand corner of this page--white letters on blue background) and open that and then select signature. There is where you paste in the link that you copied. That's how I did it! Let me know if you have any questions or want me to walk you through it.

Insurance seems to be a problem for many people on this site. Our insurance flat out refused so we are self-pay. Lots of people on the site seem to be self-pay as well. My surgery in Utah cost almost $13,000 and that includes the first year of fills, office visits, nutrition, support groups, social worker, and the surgeon's fees if you have complications and have to go back again for surgery during the first year. After the first year fills are $245/year. Many people go to Mexico and seem to pay around $7,000-$8,000. i don't know what that includes but i get the impression it includes the hotel and all the expenses while you are there. I doubt it includes air fare. And I know it doesn't include fills. If you go to Mexico you have to find a doctor near you who is willing to do fills on bands done in Mexico. Sometimes you eat up your savings from going to Mexico in the fills and other expenses afterwards. You just have to research it and decide what is best for you. Good luck on your journey! Karen

you sound like me my first week on this site! If you look under FAQ's on the home page (under LAP Band FAQ and References), you will find lots of good info including pb and other abbreviations. The link is http://www.lapbandtalk.com/abbreviations-and-they-t7959.html But, in the meantime, PB stands for productive burp or productive belch. There's lots of discussion on this board about what causes it, what it feels like, how to prevent it, and why it is different from vomitting. Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions--I'm fairly new but have spent a lot of time on this site. Just got banded Monday!

We went with CareSource. It's so hard to decide, isn't it? I volunteer for hopsice for utah but they don't have a facility in case we need it, which the dr.'s say we might because of the specific circumstances. Any suggestions? Thanks for your advice--it's all true! Sometimes us moms just don't take care of ourselves like we should. I'm trying harder than I usually do to take care of myself. Part of my motivation is that we are self-pay and I don't want to pay for complications, if there is anything I can do to prevent them anyway. i know you can't always but I'm trying to give it a chance to heal well and in place. Life is a balance, isn't it????

hey, Ashlee. Glad you found the site--I'm new to it myself. I was banded on Monday by Dr. Hansen as well. Hope your band problems work out--if you don't mind me asking, what do they think is the problem? Glad to hear you would do it again in a heartbeat. I believe I've done the right thing but with some personal problems this week it's harder to be excited about having just been banded. Have you been successful and lost the weight you hoped to when you started 3 years ago? I love success stories and want to be one! Good luck to you! Karen

Thanks, Sue. We lived in Tokyo for four years so I know just how you feel about something happening to your parents while you are away. One reason we came back to settle in Utah after 20 years away was so that we would be here for our parents as they age. I'm so glad I'm here right now. We spent the morning with Hospice today and got things settled with them. Tomorrow we go to the pcp and, hopefully, learn more about the prognosis and our future journey. I'm so glad to be able to be part of my dad's team right now. I told my family I had a hiatal hernia repaired (which I did) and that is working for now. I'm really tired today with no nap and lots of stress and strain and activity but I've done okay with no pain meds. I'll certainly be ready for bed tonight. Tomorrow will be hard with the dr. and it is my first day back to work (desk job) but I'm optimistic that all will go well. I think we find strength (or are given it) when we most need it. Good luck to you all in your own personal journey and trials. Karen

You are all so kind--thank you so much. i spent the morning with my mom and one sister talking with hospice and making arrangements with them. Tomorrow we go to the dr. and, hopefully, learn more about the prognosis, etc. I start working again tomorrow so it will be a long day with driving to SLC from Provo, meeting with the dr., driving to Midway, working all day (thankfully a desk job), and then coming back home to Provo. But I'm feeling much better today--port pain is the worst. Tired of clear liquids and anxious for Sunday and mushies to come--can't wait for that. Cream of Wheat, mashed potates and butternut squash, here I come! Yummmm. Thanks again. It's so nice to have your support. you are all awesome. karen

Wow! You guys are such an inspiration with your weight losses. Good for you! It makes me think maybe this could happen to me! Hooray. I was banded Monday at SV Surgical--they were awesome. Right now I'm having some trials as my Dad was diagnosed last night with colon cancer and I wasn't able to go be with the family because I was pretty miserable 1-day post op. But today I was able to drive to SLC (I live in Provo) and spent 6 hours there with him. Tomorrow I'm going to try to go up in the morning to meet with Hospice and then Friday I'll go to the dr. with them before I go back to work for my first day. I have a desk job so I think i'll be okay but I'm not having quite the slow and careful recovery that I planned on. i just want to be there for my family. i'm the oldest child and feel so helpless trying to help my sweet Dad and supporting my family. Keep up the good work on your weight loss. You are an inspiration! Karen