Onamissionn2013

Happy New Year from Germany! To those like me who have January 2013 dates to be banded...my prayers to you for a successful surgery and a new YOU! For those waiting on approvals or just to make up your mind...YOU WILL GET THERE...JUST HOLD ON. I have patience, but truly learned patience waiting on those little green people at the insurance company to say YES! Speak positive, stay positive, be positive. If you know God...PRAY. He will see each of you thru this journey. I've read many posts and I have laughed, cried, gotten mad, sympatized and rejoiced with many of you through your expressions on LBT. And you have encouraged me to continue to move forward toward my goal. Success in 2013 to each of you. :-)

Thanking God for finally getting here...to the other side! I started this journey actually back in October 2012. Had to get BCBS approval (that was a chore in itself!), then scheduling with my surgeon (I live in Europe, so this was a challenge), then I get admitted on 2/13, only to be told that evening that there was something wrong with my red blood cells and, because this was elective surgery, I needed to get this cleared up first and then come back. WHATTHEHECK? I was devastated! I left the hospital the next day and went to my GP, who in turn sent me to a hematologist Through a series of blood tests it seems that I have an inherited blood disease from one of my parents. It's not something that is curable, but good to know that I have it. It's called Thalassaemia minor. Now at first I panicked because my mom passed away 5 years ago from Mulitple Myeloma, a rare form of cancer. The issues with my blood the doctors were originally telling me were similar to the myeloma. I retreated into a shell. Didn't get on LBT, shut those around me out except my best friend...my sister in Christ. And it's an added blessing that she is a minister of the gospel! She wouldn't allow me to get depressed or wallow in self pity. We fasted and prayed and God heard our prayers. Others I know prayed for me not knowing the issues, but praying for me nevertheless. After I was diagnosed with this blood disease, the hematologist said that it was OK for me to still have my surgery, I marched to my surgeon's office with this information, only to be told that his team of doctors still thought that there was something else and wanted to do MORE blood work. I say the devil is a LIE. I let them do the bloodwork, which he said would be about a week. Well, that went into 2 weeks, then by week 3 I started calling and emailing and said--it don't take that long to look at my blood! Either you're going to do the surgery or you aren't! He finally said that they found nothing more than the Thalassaemia in my blood and I could schedule a date! Praise GOD!! So I went in on April 8th, with surgery scheduled for the morning of the 9th. Wouldn't you know it...the surgeon stopped by to say my Vitamin K was low and I looked at him...like you'd better not send me home again!...and he said that that could mean excessive bleeding and they would just be prepared if that happens. Well surgery went without a hitch! He seemed surprised that it went so easily when he told me that. I just looked at him and said I'm a praying woman...God said that this was for ME, and no matter what curves are thrown my way, God would make sure that I have what is for ME! I'm home now (they wanted to keep me in the hospital but there really wasn't any reason...I was just looking at the walls). My close friends have been angels (I'm an empty-nester..my daughter is finishing her first year of college). I have everything set up here at home--my water, protein shakes, jello, broths, chicken soups (which I'll drink the broth from), books on my kindle and movies. I'd even bought an abdominal belt which has helped tremendously with excess movement of my stomach where my incisions are. I've been able to sleep in my own bed with lots of pillows and set up in my recliner with pillows and blankets. I'm blessed and highly favored and ever so thankful to be in the land of the banded! First fill in 6 weeks! Happy me!!! :D

Yeah I think it's like the pregnancy belts. I ordered mine from amazon. It's by Gabrialla and its the abdominal support binder. I got the one with breathable elastic. I've been wearing it around the house and it has helped a lot with the pain I get from my incisions by my tummy moving all the time, I.e., when I climb stairs in my house, sitting in a chair, the bed, the toilet! Of course this is a time I wish I had handicap toilets in the house so I wouldn't have to squat so far down! Lol. Besides my chewable gas-x, this is the best thing I have purchased!

Congrats! I'm 5 days post op. No gas pain in the shoulder like some, just rumblings in my belly. Incision pain sometimes when I move, but the abdominal belt is helping that! No fill in my band, and I've had 2 protein shakes and broth today. Feeling pretty good!

Wow...no turning back now! I just checked into the hospital. I live in Europe, so they keep you in the hospital longer than the US. It's funny because I have to ask everyone "speak English?" but most people are pretty nice. This is my first time in a hospital here, so that's the only reason I'm a little nervous. But I know that God is with me. My girlfriend just left so I thought I'd read a few posts. She had her band done here over a year ago, so it's good to have someone in your corner who has walked the road before you. I downloaded new books on my kindle...so I guess I'll get to reading. IF I don't get back on here--Happy Valentine's Day to my fellow bandsters! What a wonderful gift to our lives! Please join the "February 2013 Bandsters" group forum. (on the main forum page--go down to LBT Social forums, then look for the name--towards the bottom) We've become a great family there! Praying for everyone on our new journey! :wub:

Good luck to those getting banded on tomorrow! Keep us posted on your progress! Congratulations to all! I'm one day behind you! dmccord0213 & Scotslass (& anyone I might have missed!)

Praying for your daughter's health. And bonding time is always great! I can't wait until my daughter comes home from college. I sure do miss her. And she's the best nurse to take care of her mom! I gotta do this one on my own!

It's so good to have a goal FloridaSunshine!

On my way for an endoscopy this morning. I'll talk with you all this evening! Sooo close..

Hang in there Cindy. Stay prayerful that the postponement was for a reason. Glad you're back on track! We're praying for you!

Booyah--I LOVE Bariatric Advantage! It's just taking too long to get my order! I"m 3 days out! I'm excited for all of us!!! It will definitely be a new adventure!

Yes I do. I keep them as a back up but I really LOVE the Bariatric Advantage shakes. 27g of Protein and they taste awesome with just water! I can get most of what everyone gets in the states at the commissary, but when I can't find it..I order. But while I'm waiting on my order, I bought some more EAS. I'm going to try the Designer whey with almond milk in the morning (would have today but I"m trying hard to get in 3 shakes...just not hungry!). I guess I should be "forcing" things down but I just can't. 5 days till band day...I can't wait!

I'll give you a hand Kate. It would be easier when LBT fixes the iPhone issue so that I can view this discussion from there. I'll be under this week "getting banded" (YAY!!!!), but I"ll be more than glad to help you. You've helped so many of us with your frankness and honesty!

Hope your surgery went well. Congratulations!

OK...I'm struggling today. I tried a nasty Protein Powder "Designer Whey" and i bought this 2lb tub for $22...maybe later I'll try it with almond milk because Water ain't cutting it! I'm waiting on my order of Bariactric advantage...those are REALLY GOOD (even with water) My mind is telling me I want food I KNOW I can't have. Lord..I only have 7 days (actually 6--I go in the hospital the 13th and the surgery is the 14th). My friend told me they ony give you tea and water all day the day before the surgery...ugh...maybe I'll ask them if I can use Stevia...think it'll work??? I'm sure going to ask! It will help me through that day! Well..I just needed to let go for a minute. I'm not going to cheat...I had an apple so I'm not really hungry...but this MIND...it wants to be sitting at a restuarant right now...

My surgeon requires a 4 day hospital stay. idk why, but they seem to do things differently here in Europe. I know that my friend who also has her LB surgery here stayed 4 days. She was glad for the stay (she used it as a break from her 4 kids!) but I think I'm going to go crazy for 4 days (& they don't have WIFI in the hosptial...ugh! When I was in the US, I stayed a week when I had my spleen removed 8 yrs ago, but gosh!

Wish they'd have it fixed by next week...that would be awesome...but I know that probably won't be the case! lol

Good luck all! I've got 1 week to go!!! Yay!!!

Thanks for sharing Missy! I plan to share this with one of the surgeons who tried to convince me to get a bypass!

It's funny you asked about popcorn. I wondered if it was a food that would get stuck ornot! I'm cleaning my pantry in preparation (band date 14 Feb! Yay!!) and I'd bought from Sams a box of 100 calorie bags of Pop Secret. So...I guess I better hold on to them huh? I love popcorn too!

Hi Kate-- I'm thankful your surgery went well. Sorry to hear about your husband being sick. Do you have a friend nearby that can come and help you with the baby? I know your husband isn't much help and getting the flu would be bad for you and the baby. I'm sending prayers across the pond to you for healing, health of your husband ,and some "helping hands" through this important time! Blessings!

WOW...this does get easier each day! I"m down 9 lbs since I started Friday so of course that's keeping me pumped up! Yesterday I wanted something to crunch on-so today I took an apple to work, It hit the spot! I'm still having a problem getting 3 shakes in AND 1 meal. The most I've been able to do is 2 shakes and the meal. I"ll keep trying though. But...I'm actually feeling fine, like really ok. Not necessarily tired, no more than usual, but ok. I am trying to get my house straight in case I have visitors. But all in all, this is going just fine. Ready for my Valentine's present to myself!

Congratulations! Everyone's pre-op is different, just follow your doctors' instructions. There's lots of good info out here on LBT, use what apples to you. Best wishes on your journey!

Hi TObebanded-I have federal BCBS too. I started this process in October..I'll be banded 14 Feb. This last month has been scheduling, but from Oct to Jan...it too a while. Hang in there. God has you!

I'll definitely keep everyone posted. Although I can't get to this forum from my iPhone--it asks for a password (idk why). So I'll have to use my hotspot and log on on my laptop. And I'll have my trusty Kindle loaded with lots of new books!