dawnsunshine35

Okay everyone, It happened. I am 11 weeks post op and I was eating dinner, just some chicken, and I was just going along, obviously not paying attention to how I was chewing, and it got stuck, this is not the first time I have had trouble with chicken, nor was it the first time I got something stuck, however usually I can push it down with a few hard swallows, and a couple of sips of water. NOT THIS TIME, It is so painful, so I took a sip of water, and up it came, the water, then (GRAPHIC) slimy foamy goo. I only yacked a couple of times then was able to get the chicken down, it did not come up. Since this incident, it has felt as if someone kicked me in the chest. I have stayed on liquids since, I called my Dr's office, and they truly have me freaked out! They recommend I stay on clear liquids for 48 hours, and if it feels about the same by tomorrow afternoon, I will have to come in Friday. Is it possible I have done something to my band, with that small bout of vommiting? It wasn't a violent attack or anything. But even when I drink water, it is painful, not killer painful, but definately feels different than before this incident. I also think I can taste this gross slimy stuff in the back of my throat that I have not experienced before. If any one has had a similar experience or has any advice on this please respond. I am a total basket case since my Dr's office has made me feel like something really bad could have happened. Band slippage maybe? Would I know? Dawn Banded 2/27/04 265/239/160

Okay everyone, I was banded on 2/27/04 and I am having my first fill tomorrow. I am slightly nervous. What am I to expect? Will I be back on Clear liquids again? Does it hurt? Will I feel restriction right away? Right now I have little to no restriction, I basically can eat whatever I want, which I don't like. I have only lost about 15 pounds during this "healing" phase, and sometimes I wonder if it was all worth it. I have read that you really aren't even suppose to be losing weight until you have gotten your first fill, is that true? I just want to be successful with this banding, I would hate to think I went through all of this for nothing!! I guess I am just a bit discouraged, I need to get this fill, and hopefully I will start losing again! Any words of encouragement out there from the banded?? Thanks for the support all, I do appreciate it!! Dawn Banded 2/27/04 Dr. Boutt 260/245/160

Well I am now 2 weeks post op. I am feeling so much better that I can't believe that surgery was only 2 weeks ago!! I managed to stay on Clear liquids for the first week, because I wasn't very hungry, but this second week I have added V-8 juice, cream Soups, watery oatmeal, cottage cheese, applesauce, stuff that will go down pretty easy. I have not had any problems with any of these things, and I am hoping I am not the only one who gave up the clear liquids after a week, and started on full liquids. I don't think I could have made it on the clear liquids for 2 weeks! I am down 11 lbs since surgery, which I am pleased. Hopefully I can keep it up. I think I will try and stay on the full liquid diet at least another week, Not sure I am ready for soft foods yet. Let me know what you all think. I hope I have not done a bad thing by going to full liquid....I feel great, and someone on here told me that with each passing day I would feel better, and she was right!! Any advice or input would be appreciated! Thanks to everyone, this forum has been awesome!! Dawn Banded 2/27/04 Dr. Boutt 260/249/160

Well, I can't believe it, but I am banded! Friday Feb. 27th was the day...I still feel full of air after 4 days..is that normal, my poor stomach is gurgling up a storm!!! I am feeling pretty sore, and last night was concerened I may have done something to my port area, but I think I may have just had a gas bubble under there, or I strained it a bit? My tummy itches like crazy too? Weird? Or just healing and dry? At any rate, I hope all these things I am feeling are normal! I am not having any problems with the liquids, and I am not hungry at all. I am hoping to feel more normal by the end of the week.

Well, this morning I got the GREAT news, My insurance company has APPROVED me for the Lap Band Surgery, I had a date set for March 12th, I called PH Hospital where my surgery is scheduled, and told them my insurance company said it was approved, they told me as soon as they recieved the approval letter that they would see if they could move my surgery up. Then she said maybe she could call there and get my pre-authorization number and I could possibly have my surgery done on Friday...yes, this Friday. She called them, and called me back..I am having surgery THIS FRIDAY!! I am so EXCITED! At the same time I am so SCARED!! My greatest fear is dying, but I guess that is natural. I have 3 little girls to raise, and my obesity certainly was holding me back, I am hoping this is my new lease on life! Anyone out there who can give me some words of encouragement. Tell me what to expect!! I have been waiting so long for this, I can't even believe it is here!

hi...I am being banded on Friday. I am as scared as I can be, I have the whole range of emotions, from being so happy, to being so scared, to even considering canceling this procedure. I am scared, but everyone on this forum has helped me so much! Keep a positive attitude and all will work out fine!! Dawn

I am having Lap Band on Friday morning, I am scared and excited as well! But the support I get from this forum is incredible!!! Wishing you all the best....hope you will do the same for me!! Dawn

It is so funny, but I was just thinking that I should write each one of my kids a letter letting them know how much I love them, and how I was doing this surgery to have a healthy happier life with them, etc..... I am glad I am not the only one who feels this scared!!! Tomorrow is the start of my liquid diet, and then before you know it Friday morning will be here!! I am so happy to have this forum where I can talk to people who have had the experience!!! Thanks!!

I have been wanting to do this surgery for a couple of years now, going to a couple of different seminars and even changing insurances to be able to get approved. I have just had my appointment with Dr. Boutt at Port Huron Hospital in Michigan, and have now had a surgery date scheduled of March 12th, I was completely ecstatic!! I am on my way... I now have my good friends really scaring me. Telling me how dangerous this is and don't I want to see my 6 year old grow up, and I could die... and the complications are risky. You know they have really made me start thinking I should reconsider.. I just was looking for some support I guess that is why I am here! And I am rambling at this point.... Anyway, anyone have any words of encouragement? Or any words of discouragement??

congrats to you on your surgery!! Makes me less scared now that you have said only 4 days post op and you are thrilled!!! I can't wait!!! Good Luck with all! I also can't wait to enjoy the water rides instead of watching on!! All the best to you!

Wow! All great advice and information from everyone!! I originally only told my husband, who is scared, but is very supportive of my decision, and my mother, who also is very supportive.....one of my very good friends, who is on her last attempt in counting calories and watching what she eats before she goes for the banding. Some how my mother-in-law found out, and another one of my friends, who are very against the surgery, and yes they scared me. But I have just come back from having my "behavioral assesment" and I am very upbeat and more confindent than ever that I want to do this for myself, and my family!! I now have to just wait for the insurance approval (fingers crossed on that one) and my date of March 12th!!!! This forum has been great! And everyone on here! Thanks!!:laugh

Well you are right...I had a hysterectomy in 2002 at the age of 33 and It was a necessary procedure for me, but I wouldn't say a "life saving" one. Definatley LapBand could be potentially life saving for me as I am 5'7" and 260 lbs with a BMI of 40.8, I am morbidly obese. Thanks for the post, all have been very helpful!!

Thanks Kelly! These words really mean alot to me!! I have just been so excited! I an only 35 and have been overweight most of my life, and with a BMI of almost 41, and have had tried neary everything to lose weight, this just seems to be "the one" that will work. Yes, I am sure it is the LapBand that my friends are worried about. One of my friends mothers is a nurse and she has just sent me an article about the man that died in Boston, the one that had the heart attack on the table. But whos to say if he was just getting his foot or hand or knee operated on the same thing would not of happened??? Anyway, I will keep smiling, and keep looking for support where I can get it!! Thanks again!!!