Shira

I think it's completely rational to have these fears! We all do. I found it helpful to pray and to ask others to pray on my behalf. In addition, I think the idea of getting anti-anxiety medicine is wise- ask your surgeon about it. My other suggestion is something I saw was offered at the hospital I had my surgery at- NYU. They have a department that basically specializes in Pre-op coping strategies. I saw a brochure that said they teach relaxation techniques for anyone going through chemo, other treatments or surgery. There is a social worker and they offer classes or meetings or CD's etc. I know it's a long-shot but might be worth checking to see if your hospital has any patient services like this. You aren't the first person to feel like this and you certainly won't be the last! Hang in there and think positive thoughts!

I am wondering if anyone out there has or has a herniated disc and whether or not they saw any improvement with it from weight loss? I was banded about 4 weeks ago. Would love to think that losing weight will help me with my disc problems but I'm not too optimistic. Appreciate any feedback.

I definitely felt a little crazy by the second week of the Pre-op diet. I used sugar free carnation instant Breakfast drinks and blended them 100 ways- with tons if ice and every possible sugar free syrup I could find. All I have to say is that if you are committed and determined to succeed at this surgery then you just suck it up and do it. That was my philosophy. I'm about 4 weeks out now and every day away from the surgery date is better. Is it easy? NO. Is it worth it? YES! Is living in an obese hell better?? NO WAY. Hang in there. I have a quote on the wall above my treadmill that says "Sometimes we have to weather the storm if we want to see the rainbow!" I think that's very apropos to this journey.

Pretty good- 26 total. Only 7 of that is post-op but not complaining at all!! Grateful for every pound I say goodbye to. Getting my first fill on Wednesday.

I like the Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies book- very comprehensive. For a cookbook I like "eating well after weight loss surgery" I got both on amazon.

I really like the Imagine brand of soups and broths. Good luck.

You should definitely have on hand Gas X strips or chewables and a good heating pad. Those helped me the most. I'm only 4 weeks out of surgery.

On my first follow up appt I took one of each of my pills (or pills I thought I would need to take at some point...like Tylenol) to my surgeons office and asked the nurse to look at them and tell me her opinion. As it happens, she said they were all fine and only one she suggested breaking in half.

I had mine almost 4 weeks ago and have also noticed these past few days that I am hungrier and less satisfied by the smaller portions. I am back to the regular food phase. However, I'm getting my first fill in a few days so I am optimistic that that will help me pass this phase.

Glad to hear its over. Remember to walk a lot, use the incentive spirometer and take your pain meds!! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

I put a heating pad all over myself!! My belly, my back, my neck... i needed 3 of them just for the first week after surgery! I also iced underneath my incision site because it was super - bruised down by the port incision. (iced or heating pad through lightweight clothes) Best wishes! Hang in there.

I had a laparascopic gallbladder removal about 10 years ago. The pain leading up to it was excruciating and I feel for you! The surgery is definitely on par with the lap band but I found my lap band recovery to be more painful. Best of luck and keep us all posted!

My surgeon requires 2 days of liquid and 2 days of mushies after a fill. Sounds like you might have just rushed things a drop. Take it easy!

I just had a band and hernia repair on 9/10/12. I did have exactly what you are describing for about a week- shortness of breath, heavy feeling in my chest, inability to take full or deep breaths. It was frustrating but I called my Surgeons office and the nurse assured me it was normal- especially from the hernia repair. It took over a week for it to go away. I tried not to over exert myself but even sitting down, doing nothing, it was hard to take a whole deep breath. It will pass soon.

I was banded on 9/10 and I also had horrible and intense pains in my shoulder, neck and chest. It's from the gas and from inflating your stomach for the surgery. It will go away- mine did last about a week or so. Use Gas x and a heating pad and you will see that it will pass.

Mine is TheBestSR and I was just banded on 9/10/12. Please friend me on MFP.

I had surgery a little over 2 weeks ago and I still can't bend over to pick anything up without having discomfort (that's where my kids are coming in handy these days!) I still sleep with a heating pad at night sometimes because of the soreness. It definitely improves day by day, but it takes time to heal. No matter what anyone tells you, it's a MAJOR surgery!! Best wishes.

Today is my last day of mushies! I had lots of scrambled eggs, egg salad, cottage cheese, soft cheeses, yogurts, farina, mashed potatoes, Jello sugar free Puddings and Tilapia. Here is a recipe from my Surgeon's office that I loved: Noodleless-Lasagna 2 tbsp Ricotta cheese 1 or 2 tbsp Marinara sauce 1 oz shredded Mozarella cheese Mix together and microwave 1 minute. Enjoy!

I also use My Fitness Pal and not only do I love the app itself, but the support from the friends I have made on there is great. I can't recommend it enough!!

I am a little over 2 weeks out and I did have that burning and soreness in my big incision for a good week or more. Now I still feel achy in that area, especially in the mornings when I wake up - I feel SO stiff in my incisions! I know it's a healing process and it takes time. I hope you were able to get in touch with your Doctor and that you are feeling better. I also used a heating pad which helped with the aches and pains. Best wishes.

I was banded on 9/10 also. I just started mushies today and had my first follow up today also. Am getting my first fill on 10/10.

Use a hearing pad. I just had surgery on 9/10 and had horrible gas pains in my left shoulder, back of my neck and chest. The heating pad became my best friend. Also, make sure to walk around a lot. Best wishes.

Thanks for posting that! I was just banded on 9-10 and have been thinking about it all weekend.

I love this charm bracelet idea!! I think I'm going to tell my husband... I also had surgery on 9/10/12 and have my first Pre-op this coming Wednesday. I am counting the days until mushy food. I have a very strict post-op liquid diet from NYU so I'm dreaming of Farina right now.

I was also banded on 9/10 and although I don't regret doing this for one minute, this week has been very challenging. It almost impossible to look on the bright side of anything when you are suffering and in pain. I am tying to have a "this too shall pass" mentality even though today was just a horrible day where I really struggled emotionally I know it's to be expected.