Gr8ful gal

Kat thanks for sharing your story. Here is mine. I had my surgery on 4/5, also my 40th Birthday. On the ride to the hospital with my parents, my mother mentioned that the three of us made the same trip 40 years ago. I thought that was so sweet and somehow comforting. The hosp (Westchester Medical) was wonderful, they cared for me from the moment I entered the hosp. Surgery went smoothly, when they wheeled me in to the OR everyone in the room came to me and introduced themselves to me it was so nice. No catheder and no tube down my throat. I woke up in recovery feeling really out of it, but not too much pain, I felt like I had been kicked in the belly (althought I have never been kicked in the belly so how would I know?) They took me to my room at three I went to recovery at 10:20 AM. Once in my room they took vitals and put those booties on my feet to prevent bloodclots. I had my magic button of morphine so I was fine. I walked alot that day because I had heard you feel worse on the second day. The worst part of day one was no drinking at ALL! I could use these sponges on a stick to wet my teeth and lips, but no swallowing it. Day 2 at 8:30 they came for me to do the barium swallow, the stuff was gross but it was wet so I was happy to drink it! Once the results of the swallow were in they let me drink water, little sips but it was wonderful. I was able to walk just as easily as day one. Just as I thought I could get ready to come home they came in to say my potassium was low and they put that in the IV and said it would take 3 hours to drain. That hurt going in but they gave me an ice pack and that helped. Came home friday 4/6 at about 6:30 PM the ride gave me nausea and I was scarred to be alone at my house, the thought of throwing up scared the hell out of me. My parents stayed till I fell asleep and were sure I was comfortable and then the went home, only 3 miles away. Saturday I went to my niece's 5th birthday (just sat on their couch). Sunday went to Mom's for Easter. Monday my sister who is a Nurse practitioner took me to the mall, BIG MISTAKE. I had 2 cups of coffee on Monday because I had one cup on Sunday and all went fine so if one is good two is better! I ended up with a little dehydration and the mall was spinning around me. I was very light headed. But now it is Wed and I am doing great. I would recommend this to anyone. I don't know how people go home the same day but I think they give you meds to bring you out of it faster or something because I was flying high! But everyone's experience is different. I am so happy my birthday and my bandday are the same I feel like this is part II of my life!

So glad you are feeling better and taking time to heal, Your positive attitude is such an inspiration! Keep smiling and I am sure you are able to follow through with whatever you decide!

Michelle- don't give up hope keep trying I know being denied sucks but it will make being approved so much sweeter. Also, keep a food journal during those six months and submit it too. Tracy- Don't beat yourself up, you are doing amazing considering your circumstances. I would be on a rooftop with a box of ho-hos!! Just start again today. As for me I am feeling great, down six pounds since surgery on 4/5 and 10 pounds before that so 16lbs all together woohoo! I can see my eyes again the puffyness has gone away. Hang in there everyone it gets soooo good!

Wow, everyone is doing so great! Tracy- sleeping in the camper sounds like an adventure....NOT! Good luck to you figuring it all out, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Shine on- Glad to hear you are feeling better! Panda- You look beautiful!

Hi All I hope you had a blessed Easter! I was banded on 4/5 and am feeling really good. I am a little concerned about how much I am eating. The hosp gave me these shot glasses that are 1 oz a piece. I have been having three glasses of shake for each mea and taking 30 minis to drink the three glasses. I have only water and Isopure between meals. Is this enough? I don't really feel hungry just wondering about nutrition. I will call my doc in the morning but I thought I would throw that out there.

Hi All, Had surgery on 4/5 and feeling good. I got home from Hosp last night and was feeling sick, but all is well now. Can't believe how easy it is to get in and out of bed today. Everyday is a little better. Good Luck to all of you getting banded this week!!

Ok The prayers and good thoughts paid off! I saw the cardiologist today and I am fine! Good to go, surgery is all set for tomorrow. Thanks for keeping me in mind! Good luck to all of us 4/5 bandsters, will write more on Friday!

Ok I am offically freaking out! Suregeon's office called today to say EKG from pre op test was no good I needed to get another one to be cleared for surgery. Went to my PCP and got another EKG this one was bad as well!! He then had me have an echo cardiagram and I have to see a cardiologist tomorrow!! I have never had heart trouble, blood pressure is fine, EKG says it looks like I have had a heart attack. I have never even had chest pain. I am staying on liquids and continuing to prep for surgery on Thurs. Hopefully the cardiologist can clear me and there is nothing wrong with my heart! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I will let you know how I make out.

Count me in, I am having surgery on 4/5 which happens to be my 40th birthday!

I don't think so. The way it was explained to me, the idea is to constrict the liver so it's not hanging over the retractor during surgery. Yours just might hang over a bit making it a little more difficult to manuver. But some doctors say there is no way you can shrink a liver in two weeks so who knows! I doubt they won't do it at all.

I don't know but I am down 11 and have been pretty strict. The doc said fatty foods are not good for liver now, so I guess depends what you've been eating?

I am also getting banded on 4/5 in NY. I have done the grocery shopping, cleaned the house, done all the laundry and I am getting manicure and pedicure on Tuesday. I still feel like I should be doing something else. I guess it's nerves. Good Luck.

Hi All, I need to vent and I couldn't think of a better place. I scheduled my band for March 30 as I am a teacher and we will be off the following week for the Easter/Passover Break. Plenty of time to recover without having to arrange covarage. Two weeks ago I called the office to check they had everything they need and all systems are go. The woman who is the liason between Dr and Insurance finally answered my third call and told me she was too busy and couldn't get to it then, but said she would call if there was a problem. She never called so I felt sure all was ok. I called again today and she tells me we might not have enough time now to do it on the 30th and wants to look at April 5 (happens to be my 40th BD). By April 5th I will only have Friday and Monday off to recover. Then she said, "let me call you right back" and I haven't heard from her since. Basically, I can arrange covage and I am willing to do it whenever, it just ticks me off that I specifically told them why the 30th was important and they assured me all would go smoothly. I know if this is the worst thing that happens during my band journey I am blessed. Just needed to vent my frustration. Thanks for listening :faint:

Congratulations! Hang on, you are in for the ride of your life!!

Wow Good luck to you, I am not banded yet but you sound dedicated hope all works out for you! Welcome to LBT

I feel your pain Laurend! Hang in there and it will be worth it.

This has been the one thing I cannot incorporate before hand. I am not banded yet but am trying to incorporate as many changes as I can now so it won't be such a shock after. I am no longer drinking diet soda or really anything carbonated, drinking portien shakes, taking supplements but the during eating thing is gonna be so hard for me.

Welcome Gigi, I will be banded on 3/30 and am currently a size 26/28 top and 22 bottom cannot wait to shop in a regular store!. I have made a deal with myself, when I made the decsion to have the surgery (Nov) I wouldn't buy anymore new clothes, I have keep it so far. I can't wait to buy smaller clothes. Thanks for signing on and inspiring us!

Hi Bigelow, Congrats on the pre surgery loss. I am dreading the pre op diet myself, but looking forward to losing anything. It's been a while since I've had any real success at dieting. Good luck with your fill, let us know how you feel after. I am so excited about this whole process and as supportive as my friends and family are, I think they are a little tired of all my enthusiasim. I have a tendency to run on and on and on, well you get the picture!

Congratulations!!!! On your NSV! I can't wait to cross my legs again!

Congratulations Jen!! I am also in NY getting my band 3/30 in Westchester! We can do this together. Keep up the great work!

Hi All, I have been lurking for quiet some time and I finally decided to stop lurking and say hello. I am being banded on March 30 by Dr. Kaul in Westchester, NY I am so excited and very nervous. I have been to three seminars (due to change of doctors) I have read Weightloss Surgery for Dummies and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding by Jessie Ahroni, PhD. I feel pretty informed just excited. Congratulations to all of you, so many of you who post often have helped me make this decision and I appreciate the community you have here!

Thanks for the welcomes!! I have been reading at least one hour a night to get info and inspiration!