CarrieBrownsville

In my support group there are more plications than anything. I have a band, and have no desire to have the plication. At least with the band, you can control some of its progress and if for any reason you need to have it removed, it can be done. Just another opionion.

Hang in there and try to drink, drink, drink! Forget about weight loss. Your stomach is swollen right now and it will take at least a month for it to heal. If you don't drink protein, your body will begin burning muscle and you don't want that to happen. The first few days you may have to force yourself to sip continually. Don't let yourself get dehydrated. Sugar-free popsicles were my saving grace, too, but they don't have protein, so you really need to concentrate on that. Good luck. Hopefully, the time will go by quickly for you.

Where are you located? Brownsville When did/do you get your band? September 24, 2012 What do you like/look forward to do(ing) for exercise? Pool Time What's your fave thing to eat? Before my band: Cheesecake, but I've been diabetic for years so have learned to make low carb, sugar free, and they are wonderful! Fave music groups/artists/types? Love music from the 60's and Christian contemporary What are you looking forward to? More years of life Anything else you want to tell us? One day at a time and don't look too far into the future so you'll be pleasantly surprised when it arrives.

I only had to do liquids the day before, but then two weeks post surgery I was on clear liquids, then two weeks after that I was on regular liquids, which they considered to be Cream of Wheat, pudding, etc. Each doctor is different and I think it's safer to follow whatever your doctor wants so that he is satisfied by your performance. After all, the doctor knows a lot more about it than we do!

I am 16 days post-op and have found that when I eat Cream of Wheat, I get hungry sooner than when I eat pure protein. I've been adding flax to the Cream of Wheat and using almond milk with it as well. This provides protein, fiber and a few carbs, which seems to work for me. I also snack on ricotta cheese that I fix with a little Splenda and flavoring. The consistency of the ricotta allows me to make into mush in my mouth before I swallow it. Seems to work at keeping hunger away. My lap band only has .5 cc in it from surgery, so it's going to be a while before I have a fill.

I have a 10 cc band, and I assumed it was because of my structure. I am large framed. I have a support meeting tonight and will try to remember to ask. It's a good question!

This surgery was awesome! I couldn't believe how good felt afterward! I was banded about 8:00 am and left the hospital before 2:00 pm. The only incision that bothered me was the largest one and it was only sore to touch. By day 3 I was shopping, staying up without a nap and otherwise feeling normal. I have a little hunger now and then, but I haven't even done a post-op visit yet with my surgeon. Now comes the part I've been waiting for - trying to find the green zone where the band will do its part. This is the best decision I've ever made and I only wish it had come along in my life sooner! Go into it with excitement, not fear, and your attitude will make all the difference in the world!

I feel great! I'm down a few pounds and am now ready to start moving around more. I started protein and I notice the weight is slowing down, but I know slow and steady will win the race! Today I begin "eating" full liquids, so can incorporate Cream of Wheat, yogurt, pudding, etc. We'll see what happens. Thanks for asking!

Yes, and although it hurt to coug the first two days, it was quick to dissipate. Keep taking long, deep breaths and you'll see the pain stops soon. Sip, sip, sip!

Had lap band on Monday, 9/24, and today I finally feel good. Ready to give up pain meds and start living again.

Well, yesterday wasn't too bad of a day. I was the first one into surgery and left the hospital at about 2:00. From the time they let me, I was sucking on ice chips and then once home, I began sipping. I sipped all the way up until 8:00 pm. At 9:00 I took pain medication, thinking it would help me sleep, but not so. Sleep was sporadic at best. Now I'm up and just spent half an hour taking Vitamins. Will wait an hour and then begin sipping. My surgeon has me on Clear liquids for five days before going to heavier liquids. I have gained two pounds since yesterday, but know it's the swelling. All in all, it was not a bad experience so far. I'm going to try and go without pain meds if I can, which would help the healing I'm thinking. At this point, I'm just thankful the surgery is over and now I can start getting healthy. Questions: Do I need to worry about exercise these first 5 days of clear liquids? Do I need to worry about bowel movements these first 5 days of clear liquids?

You are really lucky! I am on clear liquids for 5 days and then regular liquids for 2 weeks before I can even puree anything. I'm guessing your weakness and lack of energy comes from the anesthesia they used. I'm not even allowed to put protein with water until the 5 days is up. I think you need to walk some in order to get your energy level back up. I took the pain meds until today because I really don't need them today. The only thing that hurts is the largest incision, and that's only to touch. We all are different - just find what works for you. Drink tons of water - sip, sip, sip! Good luck and don't give up. I have already begun my vitamin regimentation and I think the chewable B12s help, as well as the multivitamin. Make you're taking something. Keep us posted!

Thanks everyone for the well wishes! This website is the only support I get so far, and it means a lot!

Wgbem, are you using heavy medications for pain? I know I'm using some pretty strong stuff that makes me just want to sleep, so am having to fight that. I plan to stop using the meds tomorrow. Please force yourself to walk some and sip, sip, sip! Why do you think you feel so badly?

Thanks you two for all the comments. This is day 3 and I feel good mentally and will be very happy to be rid of the pain! I know it's gas so it will get better!

I am 3 days post-op and the pain that gets stuck in between my throat and stomach is unreal! I know it's gas so I just wait extra long before another sip of water.

I got banded yesterday, 9/24/12, and other than incision pains, I feel great. I'm excited, I can't wait to see some results and to stop feeling yucky from the meds and pain.

Wow! Everyone has different experiences, but yet we all have that common thread of wanting to get healthy. Thanks so much for all the advice. My surgeon keeps his patients on 5 days clear liquids, 2 weeks on a liquid diet, 2 weeks on puree'd and then slowly adding soft foods. This will be quite the challenge, especially when I read about others being able to eat a lot sooner. In any event, I will use the pain meds, concentrate on walking, and do what I'm supposed to do. Thanks for being here!

My surgeon says decaf is okay, but absolutely no creamers even if fat-free! It's interesting how different docs have different opinions. Also, if you're having headaches, could it be caffeine withdrawal?

Did they say the reason for the denial? I know sometimes insurance companies routinely deny until they're sure the surgery is medically necessary. Dr. Reyes' office will know what to do. Hang in there! I'll be banded Monday AM and will keep you posted. The office staff and Dr. Garza couldn't stress enough that half the battle is communication and continuing to see them. I don't know if I can make any support meetings on Monday or Tuesday nights because it's such a long drive back by myself at night, but will try and we'll meet there I'm sure. It's only a matter of time and you'll be banded!

Hey Karen, thanks for your note. My surgery is Monday, and nothing was said about the weight gain. I'm all set to go. I didn't have to have the liquid diet or a pre-surgery diet, so guess I was pretty lucky. I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

Thank you for your post! I've read quite a bit on this website, and you are the first post that really hit the nail on the head as far as my goal in this undertaking. I will be banded Monday, and I've been wondering if psychologically I dare think positive and know the band will keep me from every emotion you spoke of in your post. I'm most likely older than you, but I can tell you I have spent my life struggling with portion control. I eat good foods because I'm diabetic, but I eat too much of them! I was low carb for years and I cannot tell you how much protein I could put away in one sitting. I'm so excited to know I won't physically be able to overdo it! Thanks again and good luck to you!

Pre-op appointment is this AM - not looking forward to the weigh-in, as I know I've gained since last visit. Hope I don't get scolded too much!

I will be banded 9/24/12.

I have mine scheduled for 9/24 - a long time coming, but I am so anxious! I hope I'm not putting all my health eggs into one basket, but I'm trusting this new lifestyle will get me healthy with a few more years to enjoy life!