RachelC

I had my first fill today. The anticipation leading up to this day has been great. I knew at about 4 weeks post-op that I would not be one of the lucky ones who never needed a fill. In fact, I haven't lost anything since my lost post except a measly 1 lb. That's okay though, because I didn't gain and I proved to myself that lapband or no lapband, I can at the very least MAINTAIN my weight. The PA gave me 3 cc's and made me drink some water. It went down fine, but I could already feel the difference. I actually felt the water going through the band. I was getting that sensation before with food, but never liquids. I have to admit, I am not a fan of that sensation at all, it creeps me out. But it also reminds me that I can't overdo it because I will most likely regret it, so I guess its a good thing overall. I have noticed that my relationship with food has slowly been changing. Food doesn't excite me like it used to. I used to always look forward to my next meal, even when I wasn't hungry. I just simply enjoyed eating. Now I look at food as nourishment and that's it. I don't worry about my next meal as if I won't get another. It feels good to not be so food obsessed. I know I still have a ton of changes to make but I am on the right path and it feels good. I took this photo the other day. This is me, about 35ish lbs lighter then where I started. It amazes me! I can really see the difference (don't mind my pooch and her photobomb). I have a figure again! :wub:

I had my first fill this afternoon - I am 7 weeks post-op. It really wasn't that bad. I was a little nervous, especially once I saw the needle they use (holy crapola) but I barely felt it and it took literally like 5 seconds. The doc gave me 3 cc's and then had me drink some Water. It went down fine but I definitely felt it going down. I've been having that sensation prior to my fill, but not with liquids, only food. I am drinking tea right now and everytime I take a sip, I can feel it pass through and my tummy makes a weird gurgling noise and I'm feeling really gassy (as in having to burp constantly). Is this a common feeling?

I had my first fill yesterday and I'm gurgling like crazy, even after drinking water. I was looking to see if it was normal as well. So far, it sounds pretty common.

It's funny because you read all about Bandster Hell when you're a newbie and think about how awful it sounds, but never really think it will happen to you because well, you are hopeful. I am three weeks post-op today and I think I can officially say I am in Bandster Hell. I'm definitely hungry and I'm definitely eating. Not as much as pre-surgery obviously, but I'm sure if I wanted to push the boundaries, I could. I have been getting by the last two weeks with sheer willpower. It's been tough, but I've been somehow managing to control myself. That is something I've frankly never been able to do before. I thank god for the 25 pounds from my pre-surg and post-surg diet because it has given me something to hold on to. I think about those 25 pounds, and how impossible it felt for me to even lose a pound prior to surgery, and that is what holds me back. So, with that being said, I think I'm doing pretty good. I am officially eating whatever I want to eat which is kind of cool but kind of scary. I had some Talapia for lunch today and it went down just fine. It's kind of exciting to be able to eat normal foods again and not mush. I'm exercising as much as I can (walking) and it feels good. I'm making progress! Starting Weight: 313 Surgery Date (after pre-op diet): 300 4 days Post-Op: 293 3 weeks Post-Op: 283 I'm down a total of 30 pounds since I first embarked on this journey and I am really proud of myself! There is no better feeling!!!!! I think I can take a couple more weeks of Bandster Hell if I keep it up.

I have my surgical consultation on 8/2 and I'm a ball of nerves over getting it approved by my insurance! I tried doing a search in the forum for answers buit wasn't able to find much, so I apologize if this has been asked before (which I'm sure it has). I have Anthem BCBS. I've already verified that Lap Band is covered by my plan as long as I meet the requirements, which I do. Requirements are here: http://www.anthem.com/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053317.htm I have no co-morbid conditions. My BMI is 46. Everything else is in the works - I've attended the mandatory seminar that the surgeon's practice requires. I also have appointments to meet with the dietician and pyschologist for a mental health assessmeet. After my consult, I will be scheduled for labs, EKG, and the other required testing I assume. I am just wondering if anyone has had a good outcome with their insurance without the co-morbid conditions? Is it typical to be approved right out the gate for surgery, or do you usually have to jump through hoops? I am just feeling a little overwhelmed with all the what-ifs, and I will be so disappointed if it gets denied. I really want this!

Congratulations! You look wonderful! Keep up the amazing work!!

I think it's time to set some goals for myself. I've been thinking about what they would be and how much weight I need to lose a lot lately (duh). I think the hardest part is coming up with realistic rewards for myself. First Goal: 25 pounds Reward: Mani/Pedi Progress: Achieved! Mani/Pedi scheduled for today! Second Goal: 50 pounds Reward: Spa Day! Massage, Facial, Mani and Pedi Progress: 25 pounds to go! Third Goal: 75 pounds Reward: NEW CLOTHES! Progress: 50 pounds to go! Fourth Goal: 100 pounds Reward: Vacation! Kidless. Just the hubs and I. Mexico? Progress: 75 pounds to go! Fifth Goal: 125 pounds Reward: Bikini Progress: 100 pounds to go! ULTIMATE GOAL: 150 POUNDS Reward: Whatever the hell I want! haha Progress: 125 pounds to go!

I had my 1 week post-op appointment this morning and it went great. My incisions are all pretty much healed and I have lost 12 pounds since last Tuesday! I was so shocked but happy. I have been following my liquids to a T and I guess it paid off I also graduated onto pureed foods today, so I came home and celebrated by eating 2 oz of pureed tuna and 2 oz of refried Beans. It went down great and I felt satisfied for the first time in a week. Now I'm eating some coconut greek yogurt, and it tastes like heaven! haha How is everyone else doing?

I am 5 days post-op and trying to get a handle on all my restrictions. My post-op instructions say that I should be eating a 1/4 cup of liquids every 2-3 hours and have 3 protein shakes a day. Does the 4 ounce (1/4 cup) rule apply to the protein shakes as well? Or am I supposed to drink a full serving? I have been limiting all my other liquids (except water) to only a 1/4 cup at a time. This morning I drank 8 ounces of Carnation Instant Breakfast. Am I going to regret that?? I'm a little scared! I could always call the nutritionist but figured I'd ask here first because I like you guys

I've noticed that since my surgery last week, when I fall asleep, I sweat really bad. Last night I woke up around midnight and was drenched, literally had to change my clothes and my hair was wet underneath. So weird! Is this something that is common after surgery? I go from being freezing to feeling like I'm having a hot flash while I'm awake too. I keep taking my temp thinking I have a fever but I'm totally in the normal range so it's not that. Weird....

Congrats! I will be one week out on Thursday. I feel pretty much the same - the soreness has subsided but I still have a nasty gas pain in my left shoulder that it just not letting up. I was convinced yesterday I had a blod clot, so my doc made me to go the hospital and do a CT scan. It was fine, thank god, but man, this gas pain is no joke! This is such an exciting time! I've been through so many emotions - from excitement to feeling like I made mistake (at my hungriest moments). I stepped on the scale today and I've lost 11 lbs since surgery which is insane. I know it's Water weight mostly but wow! I know this isn't a time to focus on losing but I feel so happy because I've been doing everything the way I'm supposed to and it's working. Yay!

Lucky you girlie! Enjoy it! I start mushies week 3. My post-surg diet does not seem as strict as some others. Hospital stay - Clear liquids Week 1 - full liquids Week 2 - pureed Week 3 - mushies Week 4 - soft Does that seem pretty cohesive with everyone elses? I'm kinda petrified to move into pureeds on Friday!

You are braver then I. I'm starving but I don't want any complications. I am able to move to pureed foods on Friday and I'm frightened! Haha. But excited. Anyway - I'm sorry you had your first "stuck" episode but you live and learn, right? Just stay on your liquids and don't push it. I feel like this part is the part where we need to really learn self control.

So funny! I can't wait until I'm at that stage. I'm envious of you right now as I drink my 1/4 cup of strained low-fat cream of broccoli soup.

I had my surgery yesterday and I feel pretty good. Some things that have been bugging me is that I have a cough that I can't seem to get rid of, and a feeling of tightness in my chest. The Pulmonologist and nurses all said it was normal and from anesthesia but it is super uncomfy and I don't like it. Other then that and the gas pains, I feel okay. I'm taking Lortab to control the pain every 6 hours and it is def helping me stay comfortable. I had a great experience in the hospital, all my nurses and staff were so helpful and kind. I was really impressed with how well I was taken care of. It has been an overall good experience. I just wish this chest tightness feeling would go away because it makes me nervous. I have a Spirometer that I'm using to help clear my lungs so hopefully that helps. Has anyone else experienced this?

Never thought I'd say this but I'M BANDED! I went in on 10/11/12 and everything went great. Surgery took about an hour and doc said it was completely text book. My nurses were wonderful. Absolutely amazing. I am so lucky to have had such an amazing team to take care of me. Doc gave me clearance to go home same day but I decided to stay overnight because I needed the rest (and pain meds). Now I'm just resting and taking advantage of the hubby and kids taking care of me. They've been really great and helpful. I am so lucky. So here are my stats.... figure I may as well start keeping track, huh? Starting Weight: 313 Surgery Date (after pre-op diet): 300 4 days Post-Op: 293 I'd say that is some good progress! Of course, right now I am not focused on weight loss, I am more focused on healing. But I won't complain about any weight loss during the healing process! Not to mention I can barely eat anything. I feel pretty good overall right now. The main thing that I've been struggling with is the gas pains. Oh, the gas pains. My chest and shoulders are so tight and the only relief is burping, which is far and few between. Walking seems to be the only thing to help, so I'm doing as much of that as possible. I'm pretty hungry but I think it is less tummy hungry and more craving hungry. Sitting in front of the TV watching Red Robin advertisements is def not helping! LOL I am just glad that it's over and now the real journey begins. Here is a pic of me the day after surgery!

The gas pains are definitely the worst feeling for me right now. I don't have much incision pain, just this horrible tightness in my chest and shoulders. When I burp, I feel so much better. But then 2 minutes later, gas build up again. I have been walking around as much as possible because that really is the only thing that seems to help it. Fortunately it seems that the coughing fits have subsided today so that is one less thing to worry about for now. I weighed myself today and I am down 7 pounds since the day I was weighed in the hospital prior to my surgery 4 days ago. I don't even see how that is possible but I am not complaining. I sure am hungry though.

Ouch, that is tough. I'm 4 days post-op right now and feeling lousy too, but my diet isn't nearly as restricted. I only had to do clear liquids while in the hospital and broth was included. Now that I'm out, I'm able to have protein shakes and strained cream soups. My hubby made me cream of mushroom today strained and it felt so good to get something with a little substance in my tummy. On Thursday I am able to start mushies. Most diets I've read start mushies week 3 and I get to start week 2 so I'm happy about that. This 1/4 cup business isn't working for me, I'm so hungry and weak feeling. I'm trucking along but it is so hard. I really feel for you!

Thanks guys! Hearing I'm not the only one helps I'm so excited to start this new journey but I'm scared and nervous as well. I love these boards!!

I just wanted to give everyone a quick update. I was approved for surgery by my insurance and am scheduled for this Thursday to have my lap-band put in! The approval process was so easy and I didn't have to do anything! Now I just wait for surgery!

Just scheduled my surgery - it is official now - I'm getting banded! My surgery date is scheduled for 10/11/12 (hmmm, something feels lucky about that date) and I'm really excited. I start my pre-op diet tomorrow and I'm anxious with anticipation.... more so just wondering how I'm going to manage a liquid diet for 15 days! I know I can do it, just have to think of the bigger picture. I have to get my bloodwork, EKG and chest x-ray done before surgery. I was told by the hospital admissions department that I will get a call sometime next week with further instructions on when to complete that. Then it is sit and wait until 10/11, which is right around the corner. Ahhh! I plan on taking a before shot of myself tomorrow, and then once a month going forward to track my progress. I am dreading that but I think it's important. Eeek!

October 11th here!

Got a call from my doctor's office yesterday.... my surgery was officially approved by my insurance! How exciting! My journey thus far has been: 7/14: Seminar 8/2: Surgical Consultation 8/16: Psych Evaluation 9/4: Dietician Evaluation Future Appointments: 9/12: Nutrition Class (eating pre and post surgery) 9/13: Pulmonologist (practice requires pulmonary clearance prior to scheduling surgery) 9/18: Gallbladder Ultrasound Once I receive pulmonary clearance, I can schedule a date for my surgery! The practice told me at least two weeks out to allow for bloodwork to come back. I will also need to get an EKG. Fortunately the bloodwork and EKG is done in the surgeon's office and doesn't require me going to another practice. Lots and lots of appointments but hopefully all worth it in the end.....