Pinkskyy84

I am finally getting banded today... Lots of mixed emotions going on... I hope all goes well and see u all once I have been banded. Wish me luck!

I don't think there is much for you to bring with you because you won't be there that long. Some people are same day but some are overnight. I was suppose to stay 1 night but needed to stay 2 because gas pain in my shoulder from anesthesia took longer to clear. The amount of weight you lose will truly depend on your pre-surg BMI, how active you are and what you drink or eat post-surg. I lost 35% of my excess BMI within the first 5 or 6 wks but I also followed a very strict post-surg. diet that my MD ordered. It was mostly clear broths, sugarless Jello, sugarless frozen pops. I very gradually worked in very low carb Protein Drinks and then small amounts of Protein and veggies. I have tried to stick to low carbs and watch calories but I fall off the wagon every once in a while. I'm a real couch potato and I know that I would have met goal a long time ago if I had been active. I have only recently begun to exercise. I went to a barriatric center in a large teaching hospital. They sent me through all types of testing and they also have very detailed barriatric manuals that contain detailed instructions and lists on how to prepare, what to buy for pre/post processses, what to eat and when to eat it, what to expect and do etc. I think all barriactic surgeons should provide written details. You or your insurance company are shelling out good money for this surgery and I hope patients let surgeons know that we expect good care. If your MD hasn't given this to you --- there are several good lap band guides that contains all these good tips on Amazon. Just search "lap band" and they'll come up. I have "Lap-Band for Life" by Ariel Langardere and it's very good but there are others that cost less and look good too. The best advise I can give you is -- do not abuse your band or take it for granted. If you don't find out how to take care of your band and change the way you eat -- you will be at very high risk of band complication and band loss. There are a lot of people that have run into problems and lost their band. Sometimes -- it just happens no matter what --- but usually it happens because either the MD wasn't good enough or we didn't do what we were suppose to do after we got the band. The band is a tool but you must do your part too or there will be problems. Best of luck.

I would recommend a small travel pillow to hold against your stomach for getting in/out of cars, out of bed, on the toilet, walking, etc for the first few days. I also would recommend a Chapstick and having all required food items in house.
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A must have that I brought to the hospital with me was a chap stick for my lips which were incredibly dry...
For your post op recovery, I would be certain to have at home prior to your surgery all of the prescriptions your surgeon should have given you...especially liquid pain medication. Both the prescription and liquid acetaminophen. I relied on these for a couple of days.
There are conflicting opinions as to the effectiveness of using a heating pad post op in the area of my incisions, but I did find that it was soothing and did not cause any increased length of time for the incisions to heal. Also, being prepared to cope with the discomfort of post op gas is essential. Some participants on the forum swear by the effectiveness of Gas-X. I had it a home, but it did nothing to help me. The gas you have discomfort with post op is not the same as gas from digestive issues, which is the type of gas Gas-X is formulated to help. The best therapy for resolving post op gas for me was to walk around the house often, for short lengths of time. I also did as much walking while in the hospital as the nursing staff would allow me to do.
Make sure to visit the grocery store prior to your surgery. Stock up on your necessary ingredients for your Protein shakes, SF liquids, SF popsicles, SF Jello, and because I ended up getting strong cravings for salt a few times, I also had cans of plain chicken broth in our pantry.
As for rate of weight loss, no two individuals will experience the same. It's much healthier to only establish goals for yourself, and sometimes comparing yourself to others can precipitate unnecessary feelings of discouragement. This question would be better if answered by your surgeon. I would also advise you to not become obsessed with your scale. Minor fluctuations in your weight are normal, and I've read way too many posts from others who report how discouraged they are at gaining 1 or 2 pounds. It happens, is normal, and you will continue to see the scale move in the right direction if you continue to comply with your diet.
Best wishes to you as you begin your journey...

I just went today to get my Protein Powder and some supplements. I went to GNC first and, OMG, way expensive! Hubby and I then went to Walmart and got for $20 what GNC was charging $36. Anyhoo, I just want to encourage you because, a week from today, I will be starting my pre-op diet. I am already warning my kids and hubby that I am probably going to be a psycho-hose beast for at least a week as my body slowly breaks up with my lifelong love affair for all things food-like. This website has helped so much in answering my questions and giving me support. I think we all have a common goal and we need to remember that and be there for each other.
Good luck!

I am in the same boat as you! Today is my first day and i have 10 more to go after. My only thing is ive been really tired feeling i think its more mind over matter but just remember your not alone! But just think about how much better you will feel once the surgery is done and you start your new life. But what i did do today was i mixed some ice in with my Protein Shake and made kind of like a smoothy and slipped on it. It helped me through lunch. I also found that chewing one ice has helped me today. I still feel like i am eating almost and its good for you!

keep busy and try not to think so much on not eating.
that is head hunger. you get hungry because its lunch time and you think you should eat
or someone is eating around you or snacking.
just know this pre op diet and post op diets are only for a short period of time
and soon you will be able to eat/enjoy food again.
stay strong
stay focused.
get your mind in this game and if you want to do this, do it 100%
all the best and congrats on your upcoming surgery.

OK so its day 1... So far I am doing ok hungry but trying to keep myself busy! I have had a Protein shake and I made my own iced green tea.. ( steeped 2 bags of herbal green tea and added ice & lemon wedges) also downing down Water half way through my liter of poland springs bottle 2 more to go. Also on the menu for today is sugar free Jello chicken broth and 2 more Protein shakes. I need these 12 days to FLY BY!!!! I am so ready to be banded and starting my new life!
Any other suggestions for my liquid diet???

August 23rd.

ROLL CALL
Here we go:
01AUG-Justathing2me
01AUG-kdp
15AUG-DeAna N
20AUG-Gigi_Girl
22AUG-Pinkskyy84
23AUG-Missymobaby
28AUG-slojo67
28AUG-67jax
congrats to everyone

Me Me Me!!! August 22nd.. I cant WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me Me Me!!! August 22nd.. I cant WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 more days for me!

Congrads!!!!! most doctors will do the first fill 4-6 weeks after surgery..i had my first fill 4 weeks post op.

Congratulations! Depends on the area and the doc, I guess. I had my surgery 10/7 and my first fill was 10/31. I get them every 6 weeks, unless I don't need or want one. So far, I have skipped one fill and regretted it. After 12 weeks my band had loosened enough that I wasn't losing weight. Remember through this process your stomach is shrinking, so periodoically the band will need to be tightened around it, even if you have been in the green zone.
My cousin has the band as well and she only had to wait 2 weeks for her first fill and then she went every Friday! That is crazy to me, because after a fill you can't eat solid foods for 24 hours, so basically, she was on a liquid diet every Friday into Saturday until her band was in a good place.

My surgeon put me on the bariatrix shakes you can find them on Amazon and with shipping it is about $32 I love the vanilla kind each scoop has 10g of Protein and each shake consists of 3 scoops so that is 30g of protein every shake I think that is a good amount......anyway that is the brand I have been advised to use for my 2 week pre surgery liquid diet (one week down surgery set for June 6th)

I am a week out of having my band. I am feeling great, I have lost 18 lbs, so far. I started losing on my own so I could make the surgery easier, I am so glad I did. Also if a woman is young and wants children some day, I would say get the lap band so your baby can get nutrients! Best of luck!

I cant seem to get over to non reversible part! Any number of things life trows at you could result in an unfill or reversible situation! I have an aunt who had the bypass which isnt the same but close and is having problems lacking Vitamins and is always sick! She went from a 24 size to a zero! Too much too quick! My opinion is better safe than sorry and the band is safer!

Just an update...my dad had the sleeve on May 17th, (I had the band on Dec 22, 11), I went to visit my dad yesterday since it was his birthday, he is having a VERY hard recovery, he is depressed and all he wants to do is sleep. He is in alot of pain and honestly not doing well. The Sleeve is not the only surgery that he had done, however, that is the one that is making him not want to eat at all. He refuses to even drink his 4oz Protein Shake, all he wants is Water or crystal light.
In my opinion, the sleeve is a VERY drastic way to go, I am so glad that I have my band. My recovery was about a week, and I was feeling back to normal.
The choice is yours, do your research, and make the decision that you can live with!!! (remember, the band is fully adjustable the rest of your life, and can be reversed if needed, the sleeve is a one shot deal)

Doesn't the sleeve cost about 3 times the band? The old saying "Follow the money" may not apply to every bariatric surgery as some folks really do need the sleeve but maybe some don't?
tmf

your guys weight loss is so encouraging. thank you so much

Love my band, have a ways to go still... and no doubt I will get there. I read a lot that dr's suggest the sleeve instead of the band. You would think they'd put the info out there and let you decide.
anyways, I've lost 149 pounds!

I have lost a total of 166 pounds (70 since surgery) and don't have loose skin so far. I do have a bit of upper arm bat wings but I am a lady of a certain age.

Very good advice and wise words here.
I started with over 200 pounds to lose. I originally was going to Gastric Bypass and at the last minute canceled. Logically I just couldn't rationalize cutting up and permanently changing a perfectly healthy organ without at least trying something less drastic first. So, I got the band.
So far I've lost 92 pounds in just under 5 months. It's work, I've had to change my eating habits completely as well as learn how to eat with the band. But I have zero regrets and would recommend it to anyone willing to do the work necessary for success with the band.

I am so excited... My orginal consulation day was scheduled for June 12th I got a call from my surgeons office they had a cancellation and wanted to know if I could come in tomorrow. OMG I jumped at this oppurtunity... I am sooooooo READY to get this process started...
Can anyone tell me what I should expect ??? Thanks!