Shira

I have been sleeping in a recliner most of the time. I try sleeping in my bed but it's too uncomfortable when I lay down bc all the gas pressure moves up to my neck and chest. I feel a little short of breath from it. One thing has has been a big help is that I bought a belly band to wear around my abdomen to decrease the pressure. When I am wearing this I can lay on either side more comfortably.

I'm scheduled to have a lap band (over a previous gastric bypass 12 years ago) on Sept 10th in NY. Excited, optimistic and ready for the next steps. Have done all the tests and consultations and just waiting for clearance from my insurance.

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I can only imagine how disappointing that must have been. I really applaud you for being courageous and positive throughout this whole process. I think you have to apply the old addage "when a door closes, a window opens." Only G-d knows what other and perhaps better things are in store for you on this journey! Stay strong and hang in there.

I just had Lap Band surgery on Monday 9/10 and I can totally relate to the feelings of regret, although for me they are just stemming from the pain I'm in. I think wondering why we would choose to do something that puts our bodies in pain first is NATURAL and that along with that comes the psychological defense of regret. Last night, as I was hobbling along and in severe gas pain in my shoulder, I said to my husband "Why the hell did I have this stupid surgery?????" But clearly, we all know the reason and when I think about it rationally, I know I did the right thing for myself and that I am setting myself up to succeed. I know in my rational mind that THIS TOO SHALL PASS and that in this case, time will work to our favor and help us heal, physically and mentally! Best of luck on our shared journey. We are all in the same boat.

Hi Sandra- I also had my lap band surgery the same day you did. I hope you are feeling well! I stayed overnight in the hospital which was good because I needed some extra time to recover before returning to my house full of kids. I am doing okay now but having a LOT of discomfort from the gas pains in my shoulder, chest and neck. I can't lie down on a regular bed without feeling the pressure go up to my neck so I have been sleeping on my recliner and just walking around a lot. Thankfully, I don't have much pain at my incision site so far. Glad to be in this together. My starting weight is around the same as yours. Wishing you all the best for a complete and speedy recovery!

Hi- I just got banded yesterday and I came home from the hospital today. I am also having horrible neck and chest and shoulder pains. This pain is far worse than the incision site! I can't find a comfortable position on my bed so I have been either walking around my house or sitting in a recliner with a heating pad around my neck. It's really painful I know this is temporary but it's really challenging to get through. I feel pretty lousy now. I have been taking my pain med but I don't think it helps much for the gas. Just venting!

I'm tomorrow - Sept 10th! Please add me to the list. All support is greatly appreciated

I also have been avoiding watching TV to get through these 2 weeks of my pre-op. I am on Day 8. It's definitely challenging and tough, but the promise of what lies ahead is motivating me. Also, loosing some weight this week didn't' hurt either! Hang in there and try to distract yourself.

Thanks for the great suggestion. I am having surgery on the 10th of Sept and I'm going to look into it.

My pre-op instructions from NYU include up to 2 glasses of Coffee a day. I'm not complaining about this one. I think giving up coffee would have been harder than solid foods!

I'm having a Lap Band over a previous Gastric Bypass on September 10th. I am on day 6 of the Pre-op diet and today was not easy. I can only have protein shakes, 2 cups of certain vegetables, broth and sugar free ices/drinks. It's definitely challenging but I am determined to get through it because I have the bigger picture in mind!

I'm scheduled for Sept 10th Lap band over bypass. I am on day 6 of the Pre-Op diet and today was the first day that I DID NOT enjoy it! I was doing great all week but today was a long day and I was so ancy. I think pre-surgery nerves and lack of calories are getting to me! I'm determined to hang in there but it's definitely challenging!

Hi Everyone! I finally made it here! I'm a 42 year old mother of 4. I am scheduled to have a Lap Band over a previous Gastric Bypass surgery (from 2000) on September 10th. I am using Dr Ren at NYU. She gives us a liquid diet of protein shakes and veggies 2 weeks before the surgery. However, after I saw her 2 weeks ago I decided that I wanted to get a jump start and I put myself on a modified liquid diet for the time being. Thank Gd it is going pretty well. I feel free of the stress from food. It might be slightly easier for me to be on the liquid diet because I did have the gastric bypass so long ago. My stomach is still smaller to some extent. I also started seeing the Cognitive Behavioral Therapist that NYU recommends. Initially I just went for the consultation for the insurance company but I decided to start seeing him specifically because I know that my success will come with modification of my behaviors. I have spent YEARS and years and years thinking that if I just solved this or that problem in my life - worked harder in therapy, etc... then the weight would come off. While all that work was amazing in terms of improving my life, it didn't do much for my weight! I am really trying to set myself up to succeed this time. I see that it's all in my behavior. I never learned to eat well so I never did! I think of the Lap Band as a tool and certainly not as a solution. I know it's a lot of work and no panacea - but I'm ready to live in the body that I want and deserve!! Looking forward to sharing, supporting and loosing with all of you! Shira 341 (GBS, 2000) NOW 290 Goal: 180 or less.

Enjoy your cruise! I am doing pretty well. I am not officially on the liquid diet until august 27th but I am doing a partial version that is going well. It's also been on my mind constantly and I think the stress of the unknown and anxiety (albeit it mild) about surgery is making by back hurt. Ok, the weight isn't exactly helping either. But I noticed that my back is SO tense. I am getting a massage today just to chillax!

Hi everyone! I'm Pre-op for a lap band over a previous gastric bypass and would love some friends. Please add me: TheBestSR Thanks!

I will try it on my laptop now and see if it works. Thanks!

I'm using the app on an iPhone and it says I need a password to join the Sept 2012 group.

Thanks so much!!

I am scheduled to have a lap band over bypass with Dr. Ren in September. Would also love to connect with other patients of hers.

Hi Everyone I had a Gastric Bypass 12 years ago and now I am planning to put a Lap Band over my Bypass. I am hoping to have my surgery in September. I would love to hear from other people who have also had band over bypass - what their experience was, how they handle a new set of food restrictions on top of those like dumping syndrome, success stories, etc. Excited to be on the next step of the journey and appreciate all feedback! Shira Gastric Bypass, 2000 Start Wt. 341 Lowest 245 (then 4 pregnancies) Current 290 Scheduled for Lap Band, Sept 2012