jesbowne

So, there are actually quite a few nurses that have been (or are going to be) banded so I thought I would be the first to post a thread here. Let's start by introducing ourselves here. Name: Jess Where you work (unit): Operating Room When were you banded/when you plan to be banded: Hopefully October Anything else you want us to know: I LOVE photography and scrapbooking/crafting. I have 2 kids 11 & 13 and have been happily married for almost 16 years (November).

So I remember something about not eating rice with the band but can't remember why (other than the carb content). Isn't there another reason why we shouldn't eat rice?

So.....let me just start off by saying I HATE EXERCISE!!! I never stick with it long enough to "love" or "crave" it but I'm trying to become better. I recently have become unemployed and have been VERY stressed which has caused me to gain about 10 pounds. So, today I'm starting the 5-day pouch test in hopes for a reboot and just completed Week 1, Day 1 of the C25K program. Losing 50 pounds sure made a difference in that since the first time I tried it a few years ago. My chest didn't hurt when I did the jogging portions and I actually completed each interval. Later I plan to do my exercise ball exercises in attempt to strengthen my abs. So, for those of you that are runners.....I need tips on a good pair of running shoes and breathing method tips....it takes me almost the entire 90 second brisk walk portion to recover.

I have gotten out of the habit but have recently started the couch to 5K program. I only do it every other day but try to do something like exercise ball or bands the other days until I get built up on running. Someone once told me you have to schedule it to get it done and commit to doing something everyday. Because if you say I'm going to exercise 3 days a week, it's easy to push it off a day. If you exercise all 7 days, you are more apt to stay committed. But, I have been terrible at it the last few months...so I need to practice what I preach

Sarie - I was told just to google the 5 day pouch test and that is what I did. It is basically a 2 day liquid diet and then gradually adding stuff back in. Its good to get you back on track and a good reminder of how much food we should be eating. I just completed day 2 of the liquid diet and I feel so much better. I also got back to exercising which I think makes you feel good. Good luck! Don't pay attention to the negative nellies....we are all human!!

So...I haven't been on here in a long time and I went to support group tonight and someone mentioned it so I thought what a good time for me to get back on here. I had surgery on Halloween and initially lost 51 pounds. I have been unemployed for about 2 months and have really fallen off the wagon causing me to gain about 10 pounds. I need to get back on track really bad and of course, get back to exercising. Another post mentioned the 5-day pouch test so I think I'm gonna try that. But, does anyone know any other "reboot" tricks or a good way to get my butt back in gear? Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

So, it's been a while since I've been on here...I'm a Halloween bandster!! I have lost a total of 51 pounds but have been unemployed for the last 2 months and have gained about 10 pounds. Obviously not making good choices and eating too much of it. I need a reboot for sure. Any advice you have to offer is greatly appreciated

Thanks for mentioning the 5-day pouch test. I have been in a rut and gained about 10 pounds so feeling very discouraged. I'm definitely giving that a try

Hello everyone!! Well, today is 2 months post-op....where is everyone? I'm down 41.6 (finally hit 40!) and feel FABULOUS. I've had 2 fills and am up to 6cc. My last trip was during the holidays and although I felt hungry I thought it might be head hunger since I was around a lot of food. Anyway, it has subsided without a fill so I may not need anymore for now. I'm posting a recent pic of me. I will be in ONE-DERLAND soon....just 4.5 more pounds.

So I am in the final stages of the pre-op process and was wondering if there are many nurses who have had this surgery. Specifically, OR nurses.....I'm curious as to how long you had to be off work. I know they say it depends on what you do for a living as to how long you will be off work and I'm trying to plan my time off and such. Just curious Jess

They actually go by your initial BMI. The surgeon & insurance want to see you can commit to the lifestyle change. My BMI was barely over 40 with no comorbidities and I was approved on my first submission. The LIQUID diet before surgery us to shrink the excess fat off your liver because they have to lift your liver to get to the area of your stomach. Fatty livers are very thick & heavy so the liquid diet helps with that.

I lost almost 13 on a 10-day liquid.....and yes it is more about the liver shrinkage. My surgeon told my husband my liver looked really good and he could tell I did well on my liquids. I was proud.....silly thing to be proud of, I know. But it is about the small victories. I'm only 5 days post op and I've lost 4.4 since surgery.

WOW! Look at all of us Halloween bandsters! We should start a group. I am on full liquids and am feeling pretty good....no pain meds since Friday night. I did have some beans with cornbread mushed up a lot and it went down fine. My port site is my biggest incision and the most tender but bearable. The most discomfort is the itching from where the bandaids were...I must have a sensitivity to tape/adhesive I wasn't aware of. I'm down 4.4 since surgery (I gained 2 pounds day after from gas I assume). I'm down 25.8 from my starting weight of 246.

Hey everyone! I was banded on Halloween and i feel great! I have lost 4.4 since my surgery on full liquid and not feeling too hungry yet. I lost 12.4 on my liquid pre-op diet and was starving by day 10. My total weight loss since the beginning is 25.8 and I'm super satisfied with that. I look forward to keeping up with everyone

2nd day post-op....banded on Halloween!! Not feeling too bad and tolerating my full liquids pretty well. Down 22 pounds from my seminar starting weight.

Anyone else? I'm so excited to FINALLY get there after a seemingly long road. I start my 10-day liquid diet on Sunday so got my "groceries" for that. Had my pre-op appt with my surgeon yesterday and everything is a GO!!! Can't wait to get past this milestone of my life.

Just 2 more days until my surgery....and of my liquid diet. I'm down 11 pounds. I CANNOT wait for my special Halloween Treat....my surgery.

Day 4 of pre-op diet....down 7.4 pounds. Of course I still have 6 more days but it hasn't been too bad. I think it helps to have an end in site....SURGERY DAY!!

I am hoping to be banded in November (waiting impatiently on insurance). I feel myself struggling right now to keep moving forward with the changes and don't want to 're-gain what I've lost so far. There is a support group but I don't regularly attend since I'm pre-surgery. I'm hoping to hear from I insurance this coming week.

OMGosh!! I just now saw your post....I will be banded on Halloween. I am also a nurse at Boone so we seem to have a lot in common....I graduated from. Centralia....small world for sure.

I'm banded on Halloween...day 1 of pre-op clear liquid diet....not bad so far

I will barely be an October Bandster....HALLOWEEN!! I had to move up my surgery date since I am about to switch jobs (hopefully). I'm so excited but anxious also.

And it went GREAT!! I love the nurse that does the adjustments and one of my questions was how long do you follow your patients....her response....for a lifetime. I was glad to hear that as one of my fears was, they get you banded, do your fills, then it's "well, see ya later" The surgeon saw no reason why I would not be a good surgery candidate and said I should hear in about a month from insurance. Then a few more appointments and I can schedule surgery...which tentatively I've already planned for November 30 due to scheduling issues at work. My surgeon said he thought I could go back to work in a week even though I am an OR nurse but I think I'm still gonna plan to take 2 weeks off.