GREATFUL

Hey, I am right there with you. We all hear about the 3 week stall, but sure hope and pray it does not happen to us. I hit mine right at 3 weeks, when I switched to soft foods. Doc explained to me that it has a lot to do with just having more food in you bowls (TMI). This too shall pass. I just quit weighing everyday. So I will be 4 weeks out this Thursday and I am not going to get on the scales until then. I am just going to focus on doing the right thing each day, protein, water and mover. Our bodies are wonderful things, we just have to trust them. But it does pi$$ me off also, wonder if being pi$$ed off burns more calories, LOL. Take care, Laura

Had my post opt visit with my Surgeon yesterday. It went really well. When I had talked to him before surgery, one of my concerns was that I was a lapband revision to sleeve patient, and I had heard that because of this I would not loose as fast or as much weight as a regular sleeve patient. He told me that he just did not see that to be true. He said that each patient looses different, it has not been proven that the lapband revision has any bearing on that. Well, yesterday I had lost 19 lbs since starting the pre op diet. And he was very pleased, he said that the most he has every expected anyone to loose was 20 lbs. Then he told me "See, I told you that the lapband revision would not hold you back. Just say positive and keep up the good work." Very excited, came home and started to clean out my closet, already have some thing that I do not intend to wear again. My big moomoo dress, looks like it was made by Omar the Tent Maker. LOL Good luck to everyone where ever you are on this wild ride!!! Laura

Okay, I need to rant here, if that is okay. I have decided to not tell very many people about my surgery. The few I have told are my sisters, and my best friend. What I want to know is why do they feel to need to tell me about, some friends girlfriends uncle had this surgery and well they did loose a lot of weight, but two years later gained all of the weight back. OH, and my girl friend told me yesterday that she heard about a person who was a friend of her bosses sister had this done and well, 3 months after surgery she was in a coma because she had a really bad infection..... seriously people, really. I told them for support, should of put my foot in my mouth while I was in the liquid stage of the pre op. Laura

Only thing I feel different is "NO HUNGER PAINS"!!!! And I am not missing them. Good Luck! Laura

Hey Karen, I know what you are going through. It is not fun at all. Okay this is what I did to get through it when I could not take another protein drink..... I ate a can of tuna, with a little salt and pepper. Tuna is almost pure protein. It was what got me to the finish line. It did not hurt my weight loss, and if you look at the number a can of tuna has less calories and more protein then one of the protein shakes. I am not telling you to go against your doctors orders, but want you to make it to the finish line. I talked with my surgeon, and he agreed with me that it was a good option when you just need to chew something. Good luck and I used can chicken breast also. Just keep it very lean protein. Take care, Laura

Hey All!!! I am day 8 post opt from my revision from band to sleeve. I commend everyone who is going back to work so early, I just don't think I could do it. My pain is not bad, just my energy level is lacking. Today was the first day I have not need a nap to get through the day. Still have a few placed that are tender, and feel like I have a deep muscle stitch or something. Got to start my pureed diet today. Very exciting, I had a boiled egg (food processed until mush) will FF mayo, little salt and pepper, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Took me about 20 min to eat it, but I was full and happy, LOL. For dinner I had canned chicken, with some broth, and then some mashed up avocado....yum. Excited about tomorrow. And wondering about what the scales will do with this added food. I tracked my calories, not really much more than my shakes, but we shall see in the morning. Keep the faith all you on pre op liquid diet, this to shall pass, and YES it is worth it. Good luck to all who are schedule for next week, I know the nerves are kicking in, stay busy is all I can say. My house was very clean when it came time for me to go under. And very good luck and best wished to all of my now sleeve buddies, post and let us know how you are getting along. Take care all, Laura

I was banded in May of 2007. I did great, a model bander. I lost over 80 lbs in the first two years. Well, over a three years ago I experienced very bad acid reflux. I am talking VERY BAD acid reflux. Wake you up at night, choaking, spitting up fire. If any of you have had this you know what I am talking about. Doc put me on acid meds and helped somewhat, but not for long. So doc did an unfill and I was better, and after a while we tried to add more back. The acid came back, back on meds, did not help. We went round and round with this for over two years. I just could not do it any more. So I went in for a chek up and they did an upper GI. The band was fine, no slips. Doc said that is some case patients just cannot tolerate a fill. So it was decided to do a total unfill and let stuff calm down and I have now been unfilled for over a year. As you can guess, I have gained about 60lbs of my weight back. I am so sick because of it. My Doc has since retired, but he does have a partner with his practice. I have made an appointment whith him. I am hoping for a redo. I dont know what he will recommend. Anyone have some words of wisdom? Thanks, Laura

Hey JHanet1967, yes I am on the other side. For the most part I say it went wonderful. Not going to lie, more painful than having the band. But the nursing staff was real good to help me stay on top of it. And as with the band, the secret it to get up and walk as soon as possible. Funny thing though, when the nurses saw that I was a band revision they kept saying "Oh you already know what you are doing, we don't have to hold your hand", "Not your first time to the Rodeo, you know what to do" etc. I was up walking within 2 hours after getting out of recovery. Helped the pain so much. Stayed one night and was released early the next morning. I am now 3 days out, no hunger, some gas, and pain in controlled with meds. I am tired, and take a nap when my body tells me to. Down 20lbs from my starting weight. Excited about that. Was 204 on the morning of surgery, was up 4lbs on the day after (fluids), I was 202 today. Very excited.

Hey Everyone..... I had my sleeve Thursday. WHEW...I am not going to lie, about the first hour after surgery was a bugger. Had a hard time getting on top of my pain. But they did and it was much better after that. I got up and walked about 3 hours after and that help more than anything. Listen to me when I say "Walk, Walk, Walk!" Was release early on Friday, about an hours drive home, got home about 10 am. Trying to drink as much as I can, sip sip sip. They gave me some blue Poweraid in the hospital and it tasted good to me, so DH went out and go me some. I gain 4 lbs after surgery, not surprised. I was aware that could happen, it is due to all of the fluids they pump into you. This morning I was already down 3 lbs. Take care everyone, will post more later. Laura

Hey All, hope everyone is doing fine and dandy. My surgery is Aug 7.... day after tomorrow. I have been on the 2 week liquid pre op diet, so far so good (not really, but trying to be positive here, lol). What does everyone's Day before Surgery day look like? Do you have to do a bowl cleanse? I am just required to only be on clear liquids, no red jello, can have broth. Aug 7th our day is almost here. Do not have to be at the hospital until 11:00, going to be a very long day until they wheel me in surgery. Sending good vibes to all who have already gone before, and the ones who will go tomorrow, and of course all of my surgery buds who will be taking this journey on Thursday. Laura

I am having my band to sleeve on Aug 7th, all in one surgery is planned and I sure hope I wake up that way. I am so excited, this time next week I will be post opt. I was thinking today about how it was after my band surgery (2007). Remember the few weeks after, had to be on liquids, and not fill in your band. OMG that was so hard, but I never cheated once. The head hunger about drove me crazy. I hear after this surgery you have no hunger, maybe some head. The hardest part is getting in your liquids. Is this what you have heard? Wish you all the best of luck!! Laura

Well, GOOD LUCK to all of the Aug 1st ones who will be going in tomorrow. I wish you for you; calm nerves, a successful surgery, manageable pain and a speedy recovery. I am one week out today. 7 more days..... funny but this past week of liquids has really past faster than I expected. The first few day were not good, but after that it has not been that bad. I am not saying it has all been fun, but focusing on the reason and bigger picture has help me push forward. I am so ready for next Thursday!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Orlando!!! Very excited for you, what a great gift to give to yourself. My Surgery is Aug 7th, I turn 51 on Aug 25th. Somewhat like you, but my gift to myself will be to stick to the post opt diet. Day 5 for me on the pre op..... feel like I have turned a corner. Take care all, Laura

Day 3 of the pre op diet.... bring it on!!! LOL Day 2 was a little tuff. I felt like I had the flu. Headache, body & joints hurt, fuss, etc. Then I realized I was detoxing from all of the sugar and carbs. So I tried a trick from one of my past diet tries (HCG), I took a long detox bath. And it worked. I feel so much better this morning. No hunger, no headache, and I am not hurting any more than normal. Do if you want to give it a try this is what you do; 1 small box of baking soda, 2 cups Epson salt, put in to a very warm bath, and soak for at least 20 min (40 is better). You want to keep the water as hot as you can. You will start to sweat, and might feel a little weak when you go to get out, so be careful and aware of that. You will want to lay down after. Oh, weight yourself before you get in, then after, I have lost as much as 2 lb. during this. I know it is water weight, but it is pulling out toxins, and sure does make you feel better. I recommend a good book, good music or movie to pass the time. Pamper yourself, you deserve it. Take care , and happy pre diet to all who are at it! Laura

Day 2 of pre op liquid diet. OMG..... it has just amazed me just how much of my time is taken up with food. Buying it, fixing it and consuming it. I am not hungry, but somehow just don't know what to do with myself in front of the TV. Lovely day here, going to get out and take a walk.

I feel your pain cynk. This morning got up all ready to do this, now, well...... But, we can do this right? We can make it, it is going to be so worth it. Hang it there Aug 7 surgery here we come. Your Surgery date buddy, Laura

Urbanlamb - Great job on the list. Cool to see all of us listed and can see who has the same date as you. I start my pre op liquid feast in the morning. LOL. I am so ready to get it going. Taking before pics and measurements tonight. Getting very excited, and it is really starting to become real to me that this is happening. Take care all Laura

Hello Everyone.... August 7th is my day. I am a band to sleeve revision. Got my band in 2007 and did really great until it slipped 3 years ago. Insurance is paying for the band removal and I am paying for the sleeve. I am so ready, I loved my band as a tool, and am looking forward to having the sleeve as a lasting tool. I start the liquid pre op diet in 3 days, ready. Good Luck all Laura

My day is Aug 7th. I am a band to sleeve revision. So ready. Laura

Just an update..... Okay, very excited!!! Scheduled for revision surgery on Aug 7th. Going to be part insurance and self pay. BCBS will pay for the band removal, but want me to be overweight for 2 years before paying for the sleeve. I am sorry, but just do not want to wait and be overweight that long. Plus.... the job I have had for the past 25 years may be coming to an end, I may be unemployed in the next 30-60 days, and I will loose all insurance. So, DH and I talked it out, with time off work needed, the need to find a new job in the near future, loosing current insurance, etc. DO IT NOW. Take the time off now, get healthy, get fit, and be ready to enter this new chapter in my life. Got to love my DH, he is my rock. So here I go.....................

I am scheduled for Aug 7th. Very excited and very ready. Good Luck All Laura

Just wanted to say a big "HELLO" to each of you. And Thank You..... I am 50, will be 51 in the next few months. I was feeling so old and tired. Now I feel uplifted and excited about having the sleeve in the next few months. I had the band in 2007, did good the first few years lost over 70 lbs, and then starting having reflux and could not keep a fill. Needless to say, I gained all of the weight back. I went to the doc and he suggested doing revision to the sleeve. I was 43 when I got the band, was so excited about it. Now I am turning the page, forgiving myself, loving myself enought to make the change. Take care all, Laura

Talked with Doc office. They have submitted my request to the insurance company. They told me that they have done this before, so it look hopeful. I was also told that I should have an answer in the next two weeks. Hopefull Laura

I currently have the band. I want revision to the sleeve due to being unable to keep a fill due to acid reflux. My insurance (BCBS Fed) will pay for the removal of my band, but want me to do all of the pre surgery approval checklist things before they will agree to paying for the sleeve - 2 years proof of morbid obesity Letter of Medical Necessity Psychological Evaluation 3 Months of supervised visits for withg management Consult with surgeon and nutritional evaluation I do not have a problem with any of this except for the 2 years of proof of morbid obesity. My band was completly unfilled last year, at that time my BMI was 33, have to have 35. I have gained 60 lbs in the past year so my BMI is now 40. So I only have the one year. My question is.... has any one had insurance pay for removal of the band and then self paid for the sleeve, all in one surgery? I have left a message with the surgeons office to see if they will even do it. I just want to get it done, I am so very unhappy with myself. I had really done good with the band, I loved my tool....... Thanks all Laura

WOO WOO - I only have reflux when the band is filled no issuse since it being unfilled. I did discuss this with the doc because I had read that the sleeve was not good for someone with reflux. He said he did not think I would have a problem. Thanks for asking......