Petunia

welcome to the site, Kara. I am in Texas too! In Frisco (north of Dallas)

yes, willpower and I are together. We've been together for almost 9 years. Thanks for all your support. I'll tell him that you guys have been asking about him. That will make him feel good. He is recovering nicely. you guys are great.

I've kept the secret under wraps. My boyfriend knows, and my boss knows. She is a friend. I told her because sometimes I need to leave work a little early for fills. My mom and sister do not know. I don't think they'd have a cow, but I didn't want them worrying about it. none of my other friends know. For me, it's a private matter.

I got another fill today. 1.4cc for a total of 2.4cc. Hope it does some good. Hey Kim, I think you and I get filled at the same place. Did they give you too much grief about getting fills too close together?? I didn't get grief, but they said "you were just here 2 weeks ago." well crap, if I don't have restriction, then you bet I'm coming back for another fill. Anyway, I'm very hopeful.

Hello Everyone I haven't posted lately. Been too busy with work. Anyway, I wanted to let everyone know that willpower was banded yesterday. I brought him home last night. He is doing okay. Just the usual...sore and tired. As for myself, I received my first fill on March 8th, got 1cc. Going back on Monday 3/21 for another fill. I'm feeling minimal restriction and getting frustrated. I've lost 15 pounds since surgery (1/27/05). I know the weight loss is supposed to be slow, but my patience is going out the door. Is anyone else getting minimal restriction out there???? How many fills/cc's did it take for a good restriction??? waiting for input, Petunia

OH MY GOD!!! That is terrible news. I am crying right now. To Blossom's husband and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. (willpower's too.)

my verdict is the same, I can feel the port, but not the band. If I laugh or sit up, I can feel the port more (as I tighten those ABS). but it doesn't hurt.

How long were you banded before you got pregnant???? and congrats on your success and your new baby.

I'm 5 days post -op. YIPPEE!!! What I do is blend up soups, eat a ritz cracker---VERY SLOWLY. You have to get it all soggy like a toddler. Flavored low sugar applesauce, sugar free jello or pudding are all lifesavers. AT first I was concerned that I was having hunger pains, but when such a small amount will fill you up, it's great. I've learned that if you want to cheat just a little, I get those disposable tupperware containers (the smallest ones--the ones for salad dressing) put something in there of your choice. the amount is enough to ward off those hunger pains without putting you in so much gastric distress.

well, you guys can count me in on the whole preggo thing. I'm hoping to try to get preggo sometime this summer. Depending on where I am in the whole weight loss thing. It's nice to know that other women are having the same questions as me. Keep the great advice coming. My doc says to wait a year, but the literature gives no explanation why. I'm just guessing it's giving the woman time to get to her goal weight....because I don't think it takes a full year to heal. I really don't want to wait a whole year. Good luck to everyone.

These ladies are right. The Anesthesiologists do this several times a day. Focus on the positive outcomes. You'll be around a lot longer to see your son. Losing weight increases longevity!

you go girl. Keep plugging away until you get some positive answers!

Tammy, approval takes time. I live somewhat near you. I am in Frisco! You may want to consider a new doc for the referral. These people who've been thin their whole life don't understand how it is. and Leatha G is right, Dr. Cribbins in Plano is a great guy! He is a general surgeon who has dedicated a large portion of his practice to lap band surgery.

Jonathan, I'm in the same boat you're in. My date is January 27th. I was hoping for something sooner too. I have done some shopping for the broth and mushy food. I've started my preop diet already. It's difficult for me, because my meal times aren't always the same. I've got a crazy job that calls for all different hours. Before, I know it, I've worked 15 hours with no food, and then I'm starving, eat the whole Frickin' kitchen, shower and go to bed. (the WORST thing I could do, I know) Guess, I need to do some working out too!

you guys are too funny! Big Butt Desk Job. well, I'm testimony that you don't have to have a big butt desk job to have a big butt!!! I'm looking forward to getting rid of the BB. I'm not going to dwell on the post op uncomfortableness (is that a word?). I know it's only a temporary thing. But focus my attention to my new life and new diet. thanks to all you veterans for your responses and insight! it helps alot!

I bet binding clothes would totally suck to wear for a while. THank God I wear scrubs! Is the gas pains (not the shoulder) in the abdomen real bad?? Does it feel like you have to use the toilet real bad or what??

I'm an OR nurse. I haven't had my band yet (january 27th, yippee). Your time off depends on your activity at work. I've already had my gallbladder out (laparoscopically), back in 1998. I took a full week off work, because I lift over 15 pounds consistently thoughout the day. And I'm on my feet 8-12 hours a day. A week was good for a job with so many strenuous acts. Hope this helps

Hello everyone What's the deal with the different band sizes?? Is this determined by your doctor, preop weight, BMI or what??? Does anyone know what the criteria is with the band size?

Hello, I am new to this site. I was just approved for a band today. I'm real excited and scared. I am an OR nurse, and know what to expect in the operating room, but not sure what to expect afterwards. All I can think about is wearing skinny clothes. Not eating real food for a while doesn't seem to phase me right now. But I know it will later. My confusion is because I was approved for the surgery, but my boyfriend, (you guys know him as willpower) was denied. I feel so bad for him. I feel guilty for being approved. we are trying a bunch of different things for him to be approved. Keep your fingers crossed for him. He really deserves this. I hate to see him so down about the whole thing. Any suggestions???? I look forward to hearing from someone! what's up with this Protein powder stuff? Is that the same stuff pre and post op?

All you guys sound like great people. I'm supposed to get "the call" from the doctor's office tomorrow to give me the guidelines on the preop diet. I guess I'll do some Protein shopping this weekend. As far as "willpower" goes, we are working through some insurance stuff. We've been living together for over 8 years. In the state of Texas, you can file a domestic partner affidavit,(boring insurance stuff) so if I can get him on my insurance...there will be more hope for him. I'm crossing my fingers. When can I expect my first fill? A month??? Happy new year to all. Petunia

Girl, you are looking GREAT!!! I'm due to have my band in a couple of weeks! Hope i'm as successful as you are. Keep up the good work.

thanks to everyone for the prompt replies! I welcome all the ins and outs of the recovery process. Everyone is different. I don't mind those drinks, but sometimes you need just a little more. So I guess the aim is "high Protein, low sugar"?! I expect the shoulder pain. I've already had my gallbladder out about 6 years ago, that pain is annoying, but tolerable, it goes away. I just don't want to miss too many work days. The only one who knows what I'm doing is my boyfriend (willpower). I just don't want to hear my friends bull***#. it's easy for them to say "just diet", they're all thin! Thanks to all of you for the great input. I am open to ALL suggestions. Keep them coming. the more I know, the better I can take care of my boyfriend when he gets approved. Keep your fingers crossed!!!