knitchique

Oh, and I took a week off from work, I have to go back on Monday:( I am feeling well, though, aside from being hungry..... Sheryl

I had my surgery through the doctors at Park Nicollet in St. Louis Park, and had the actual surgery done at Methodist Hospital. I too didn't think anyone around here did the lapband, and I was referred to the Abbott Dr.'s for by-pass, and after the research, was scared...came across this lapband thing and then found out my best friend works at that office!! the rest is history. Sheryl

I am 4 days post-op, and my doc's instructions are clear liquids for two weeks, then one week on full liquids, then two on pureed, and then one? on mushy...I AM STARVING. I also have a strange sensaton of fullness, yet being hungry at the same time...stomache rummbling hunger. I don't know what will feel good once I eat, or drink as the case may be, so sometimes all I take in is Water. I really want to find something that will satisfy...so far nothing has. A bowl of broth made me get that very full feeling but all along the thunderous rumbling of the stomache...and it hurts sometimes, too. I have to be honest, I'm a bit jealous of you folks that could go on to mushy foods within the first week. That's my two cents worth... Sheryl

Thanks Gabby, and welcome! Where are the Vascular Surgeons? Which Hospital? And, just curious, why not til Feb? I was just so excited to be banded that I did everything I could to speed the process along, even though they told me it would take 6 to 8 monthes, it took less than two!! I'm sure every hospital has different procedures and different waiting periods. I wish you luck on you "Band journey", I'm very happy that I have been banded!! Sheryl

Thanks, I am feeling better each day, but some of my insicions are bleeding again...guess I'll call the nurse and see whats up. As for the chicken broth...I roasted two chickens fo supper last week. I season with Kosher salt and cracked pepper and garlic, and stuff herbs and half an onion inside each chicken. Roast uncovered at 400 degrees til internal temp is 165 degrees. Then we enjoyed the chicken... Then in a large Soup pot, put the carcasses in and all stuff still stuck to them, cover with cold Water. Add an onion, celery carrots black peppercorns (like 20) garlic, salt etc... anything else vegie-wise that you have on hand, and bring to a boil, and then let simmer for 2-3 or more hours. Strain, and VOILA, broth! Say, when are you having surgery?? Or did you on the 6th, too?? You had mentioned that you might have it then... Keep in touch! Sheryl

Well guys, today is the day! I'll finally be banded, I can't wait! Wish me luck, and I'll see you on the other side! :P Sheryl

Welcome!! I am being banded today..October 6th. I didn't know the sweedish band was available, or os it just a study yet? I don't have any experiences yet, but I'll post them here as soon as I'm back and feeling up to sitting and typing, instead of sleeping. One thing..."Clear liquid only" kind-of sucks when your family is eating around you, and I'm sure it is worse cuz I haven't been banded yet. But, I only had to do this for one day before surgery. Sheryl

I have been concerned about the same issues. It seems that when I concentrate on chewing really well, I do fine, but with the slightest distraction, I swollow too soon. I also think that I have been used to swallowing my food almost whole!! Perhaps that is why I am in this situation...hmmm... I was told that I should not use a straw ever after surgery, due to too much air going in. As for fun party tricks, you could entertain everyone in the room if you had a microphone and held it up to your band site...I know I am looking forward to trying that!! Sheryl

It would be weird if you were to have surgery on the 6th too...Do you know of any support groups?? Some of the Banded patients from Methodist are starting one in October, the first meeting will be on the 15th. If you want more info, e-mail me, or write it here, then I'll ask the gal who's having it if any extra are welcome, I'm sure they would be. Have I mentioned that I am way excited???

I am so excited! My surgery date is set for October 6th, which just happens to be my dh and my wedding anniversry. I wont forget either date now...not that I would. I am so happy, I've been dancing around, talking non-stop, and probably driving all my friends, family , and co-workers crazy...and I only have known the date for one day!! Everyone I know is going to know about the band, whether they want to or not, just because of my intense enthusiasm! A bunch of my friends and I were planning to go to this great restaurant called BUCA'S to Celebrate my best friend's birthday... we are going there on Oct. 4th, which is the last day I can eat before the surgery...so, we'll celebrate my LAST SUPPER, too. I think it's just perfect. Whoo-hoo whoo-hoo...doin' the happy dance...... Sheryl:D

I was just wondering if cosmetic surgery ie: tummy tuck, is EVER covered by insurance?? Would it be if there was a problem of skin rubbing on skin and being very painful?? And if so, is there ever a time when a breast lift, butt tuck, bat-arms, etc. would be covered??? Sheryl

Megan, Thanks for responding...I'll have to get me some of those samples!! Keep me updated, okay?? Sheryl

I am soon to be Banded, and the post-op diet is very strict: three weeks of Clear liquids (this includes the surgery week) then one week on full liquids,then two weeks on pureed foods, and finally starting soft foods. I am afraid of not getting enough Protein during the clear liquid phase. I have beeen trying to find supplements that will mix in smooth and clear. I have tried GNC Liquid Protein(punch flavor) mixed with Crystal-lite, and it's very good, but it is no longer see-through when I mix in a third of the serving size. Does anyone know of any protein supplements that will get me through this clear liquid stage? I am presently very sensitive to odd textures, so it needs to mix smooth. Does anyone know about unjury?? They now have an unflavored version. I'd like input /reccomendations before I buy. And finally...Can any of you banded by very experienced doctors let me know what your post-op diet was...My sergeon has banded only about 20 patients, so I'm thinking he is still set on RNY diet guidelines...I would very much like to educate him, to save myself from starvation, and to help his future band patients. Thanks so much for letting me go on, and on, and on... Sheryl

Leo, Tonia, and Alexandra, Thank you so much for your time, comments, and help. I really do appreciate it. I am going to bring all the info on "not so severe" diet requirements with me, but it is a delicate thing isn't it...telling your doctor that they're wrong...well maybe "not up to date" is a bit more appropriate. Again, thanks for your time!! Sheryl

Why did I decide on the band? Well...It al startred back...no, really, it started when I met with a new PCP and told him that I wanted to lose 100 pounds. He asked if I was serious, and of course I said yes. He told me the only sure way is with WLS, specifically RNY or gastric by-pass. He gave me a referral and I went home and started researching it. It gave me the willies to think of re-routing the digestive system...we have it for a reason, don't we? Then I saw other WLS options...I had never heard of the Lapband, and was very intrigued. I also figured since I never had heard of it, that it wasn't available here. Then I was talking to my best friend and found out she just got a job scheduling surgeries(including WLS) at Park Nicollet SLP, and she mentioned that they do the Lapband there!! It has been like good karma ever since. After my info meeting the paperwork got in right away and I got scheduled for a meeting with the bariatric nurse, and by luck got in the very next day with the dietician!! I feel as though I have been given a gift, and it is sooooo the right thing for me to do!! How's that for a long-winded explanation? Sheryl

Hi there. I just registered and thought I should let you know I'm here. I am pre-op. I am waiting to see the surgeon and that is set for September25th, and at that time I'll be able to set the surgery date!!I have questions regarding clear liquid phase, but I'll post those in the proper place later. I look forward to chating with you all out there. Sheryl

Hi Megan! I have not yet set the date for the surgery, but when I meet with the surgeon on September 25th, we'll set the date. My dietician thought I could possibly have surgery as soon as the first part of October!! I'm so glad to hear from another Minnesota pre-bander, I was feeling a little lonely:) Keep me updated on your journey as well...Good Luck!! Sheryl

Hi! I'm from Minnesota, too. I live in Robbinsdale, Mn. I am going to be banded at Methodist Hospital. I haven't set the date yet, but on Sept.25th, I'll be meeting with the surgeon and then the date will be set!! When you get the info on the post-op diet from the folks at Abbott, will you let me know?? Mine is very strict, and I am trying to find evidence to present to the doc regarding Band post-op diets vs. RNY post-op diets. Thanks! Sheryl