banded&tattooed

Well it's been a week and a day since I got my LB. I don't know how much I've lost becasue I am waiting for my first post op Dr. visit on Mar 15 for that. Anyway, I know I've lost weight because I am able to fit into a lot of pants that haven't fit in a long time. Today I decided to try on a pair of khaki cargo pants I had in a box in the closet(yeah, my "skinny clothes" box) They fit! Size 50! A week and two days ago I was tightly fitting into a 54! And guess what I found in the front pocket? $10! And today is even my birthday! WAHOOO!!!

"Bump that!" is my term of choice but it's more of a buuump that On the radio when they try to bleep out S#!t, it comes out like "ish" so I use "Ahhh ish" a lot "Cheese and Rice" works well too

Thank you everybody. I had a wonderful birthday! Still deciding what to do with my $10. That is the main reason for getting banded! I have to be around for them instead of just being round for them

I was banded by Dr. Carter in Arlington On Feb 25, 2005. Here is what I said about it and him in another post http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=5281

When you get winded just from breathing

From a male stand point, surgery on Friday and by Sunday...just in case any guys having surgery wanted to know.

Very sexy, but I don't think I have lost enough weight to fit into something like that yet. That really is awesome! Congratulations on your new found confidence and getting out and living life!

It's good to research anything before you do it, especially sokmething as big as this! Stop contemplating and jump in, the water's fine! I will keep posting as new events are made and hills are climbed. Anyone that wants to see my progress in person is free to stop by our ManiAAC section anytime during any Mavericks home game. It's in section 112 right next to the Drumline! I would love to meet up and talk about ports, fills, food or whatever

...begins the new me. Right now I currently weigh 425 pounds. I have tried and tried to lose the weight but I gain it back plus I pick up what others have lost! On my last dieting adventure I went from 400 to 337 but gained it all back plus 25 pounds. Along with message boards like this I have family and friends that have had this procedure that can help me along. For both I am extremely greatful. It is going to be a challenge and I thank all of you for sharing your experiences! Maybe I should explain my avatar before people think I am just crazy I am part of a group that dances for the Dallas Mavericks. We're called the Mavs ManiAACs(http://www.nba.com/mavericks/entertainment/Mavs_ManiAACs.html) and that is a picture of me with Method Man at the 2005 NBA All Star Weekend that we perfromed at last week(Feb 17-21)

I am glad to hear everything went well! I saw your post on my introduction and was going to reply but it was on the same day as your surgery so I thought I'd wait. Honey do's huh? Now when my wife has some honey do's for me I say "I can't, my port!" I am milking it for all I can! LOL! Remember, I am 3 days ahead so if you have any questions just let me know!

Yeah that is pretty much how it works. There are actually two different types of machines; one is a cpap and the other a bipap. The cpap provides a constant flow of air to keep your airway open and the bipap provides airflow in but stops to allow you to exhale and then immediately pushes the air back in once you inhale again. I use the bipap machine. I recommend anyone who has been told they snore to have a sleep study done. Whether you are considering lap band or not. I got it done 2 years before I even thought of having lap band. I sleep 100% better and during the day I use to get tired and want to take a nap but now I am energized all day. The worst was driving home from work and actually nodding off behind the wheel. But I haven't had that problem since I started using the bipap machine at night. I just went to Denver</FONT></ST1:p for a week and didn't bring my machine with me and I couldn't sleep the first night so I had my wife Fed Ex it to me. It takes a few nights to get use to but it's the best thing you can do if you want a good nights rest.

I had my surgery done on Friday Feb 25 at 12:17(I remember the nurse repeating the time as I was wheeled into the operating room) after I was done and brought into recovery and started waking up I don't remember any pain but later that afternoon in my room I felt like a punching bag. My Dr doesn't give any pain medication only anti inflammatory meds but the pain for me was just uncomfortable not unbearable. The port area was the only area I felt anything. If it weren't for the band aids on the other incision areas I wouldn't even know they were there. I did feel more comfortable in a sitting position so I spent most of the night in the chair. I was up about every 2-4 hours walking a little bit and by Saturday morning about 7 I was ready to go home, although I couldn't because they had to check for leaks and then do an apple juice and chicken broth test to see if I could keep the liquids down. So I finally left about 12:30</FONT>, just a short 24 hours after the surgery Sunday my wife and I were up and about(slowly) and I was driving all around town on Monday. I went back to work Tuesday. <O:p But like they say, everyone is different; your mileage may vary <O:p Good luck and let us know how everything goes.<O:p</O:p

Way to go! I am right behind you!

Dr. Carter did my procedure on Feb 25 2005 and so far it's been great! He is a great doctor with an incredible bedside manner! I felt totally comfortable from the beginning. As far as the port goes, I have a little swelling around the area but unless I cough or bend too much I can't tell it's there. But that's because I am only 4 days post op One thing though is Dr. Carter doesn't give or prescribe any pain medication. He does give anti inflammatory meds. The pain wasn't too bad for me; I described it as feeling like a tackling dummy for the Cowboys. By Saturday I was more comfortable than uncomfortable and today I am back at work. Good luck with it and keep us informed!

Well I made it, do I look skinnier? After a few days of feeling like a tackling dummy for the Dallas Cowboys I am back at work and taking things very slow. Everything went fine and I am feeling pretty good. Today I am wearing a pair of pants that I got for Christmas but couldn't fit into. That has really psyched me up! I go back on March 15 for my follow up. Now I can go into these other newbie threads and speak of my experience! :eek: Thank you all for the kind words and support! Oh yeah, for those that were wondering which ManiAAC I am, here is a link http://www.nba.com/mavericks/entertainment/maniAACs_bios.html#adam%20w. The picture was taken about a year ago when I was down to 340 pounds on the Natural Hormonal Enhancement program. Now I'll have to come up with a new nickname, Biggy won't fit after awhile!

I am being banded at the Arlington Medical Center by Dr. Carter. He said I will probably get down to 225 so that is my goal. And at 225 I will still be big enough to be a ManiAAC so that won't be a problem

Thank you! I will.