lafsalot

Banded March 18th - Down 17 pounds~~~

Banded on the 18th of March and today as of today 17 of my pounds are gone forever too! congrats to us all!!!

If I understand your post correctly, you haven't had your first fill yet??? You are supposed to be hungry!! You don't have any restriction. you are almost completely healed and your band is wide open. Wait until your first fill and things should be much easier.

hang in there dosh - remember - the tv is evil!! If you can, record your favorite shows and fast forward through the commercials. Protien shakes are your friend. They really do help take away some of the hunger. You are already loosing weight and you aren't having any major complications. There are many out there in "bandster hell" (including myself) and according to most of the people on this web page - we will survive, and we will get past it. You can do this!!

Thanks Tara. I'm feeling much better today... I don't want to be too optimistic, but I almost feel normal. It was kind of strange, because I felt it - it just seemed as if my stomach said "ok - I get it now." Again, I'm almost afraid to make this post because I don't want to speak too soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

I ended up in the ER, and spent two days in the hospital with an NG tube down my throat. The gas had my stomach distended and that was the only way to get it out. Doc said that I needed to adjust to living with the band. Apparently I'm an "air swallower" and I have to make a conscious effort to only breath through my nose. I'm so bummed. If it happens again, they may have to remove the band. the Doc gave me some medicine to help keep things moving along and as of today, I'm burping often if not easily. I really hope this all works itself out - no pun intended. Thanks to all of you for your help and support. At least I know I'm not alone.

I'm 2 weeks out and thought I was past the gas pain stage... It has come back in full swing. I can't eat, I can't sleep, and last night I actually vomited air. YUP! saliva - heaves - and then up came the air. It was one of the weirdest experiences I've ever had. My question is... How long does this last??? Because nothing is working!

I've slipped a few times. Ate some bread today... will never do that again!!! I've hurt for the last 5 hours!!! We all slip, and we all will, the best thing we can do though is learn from the fall and get our "big" "happy" "fat" behinds up and start again One thing to remember, until you have your fill, you are in the healing stages, and weight loss is secondary. Hope I made you feel better.

The strangest thing just happened to me. I've been suffering from gas pains for 2 days. I can't eat and I can't sleep. (BTW - I'm only 2 weeks post - op). I have sharp stabbing pains in my stomach and a dull constant ache btwn my shoulder blades. Anyway, not 3 minutes ago I literally vomited air!! The saliva came, and then the heaves and out came air... Is this normal? Does it mean my gas has finaly been expelled? Am I over this pain? Could I hurt my band like that? I ate bread today, could that have been it?( I know - bad bad bad - the bread - I know - won't do it again) Please help.

The strangest thing just happened to me. I've been suffering from gas pains for 2 days. I can't eat and I can't sleep. (BTW - I'm only 2 weeks post - op). I have sharp stabbing pains in my stomach and a dull constant ache btwn my shoulder blades. Anyway, not 3 minutes ago I literally vomited air!! The saliva came, and then the heaves and out came air... Is this normal? Does it mean my gas has finaly been expelled? Am I over this pain? Could I hurt my band like that? I ate bread today, could that have been it?( I know - bad bad bad - the bread - I know - won't do it again) Please help.

Hi all. I was banded 3/18 and am in the mushies stage. I am experiencing some serious gas pains and nothing seems to remedy them. Doc says it's from surgery and anesthesia, guess I have to believe him. Tried some bread today... bad idea!! I was in a situation where it was bread or cand to eat, I chose bread. I will not do that again. The gas has been so bad the last two days, I really haven't eaten anything (other than the bread Lise: Glad to hear your fill went well, I don't get mine until May!

I had my surgery 11 days ago. I also have a toddler, she is 15 months old and weighs about 25 pounds. I did not lift her for 3 days straight from the floor or out of the crib, I was scared I'd hurt myself. If I needed to change her, I'd sit down on the bed/couch/chair and put my elbows on my knees and lift her into my lap using only my arms, then I would adjust her accordingly. I'd do the same for sleeping. Since I was off and could "sleep in" (as if anyone with a toddler gets to 'sleep in') I let her sleep with me, and I put her up and down the same way. I am very lucky though, I have lots of help in the house - a 12 yr. old and a husband - so I didn't find myself alone with the baby that often. One thing that really bothered/scared me was her kicking me, on accident of course, but still - those incisions hurt. We made it through though and now I can carry and love her and almost play with her just like before. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Hey Paula, I was banded on the 18th too. If your talking about gas when you say that your tummy is "rumbling" - then yeah, I'm with ya. I'm really glad to have my band too. I drink the protein shakes as well and I can have yogurts and puddings, but that is about it. I was bad today and ate two m&m's, I just couldn't help myself!! On the other hand though, it was only two - not the entire bag. I do need to start wallking though. I've been back at work for 2 days now, and am even going to teach my night class tonight. I should be exhausted when I get home. NOTE TO ALL - beware of the pain meds - they will constipate you. OMG - I've never had to go to the bathroom so bad in my life and could not!! It all worked out in the end, but there were some extreme measures involved. Good luck to all!

JD - you are a teacher too?? I was banded on the 18th. I feel pretty good today. Click on your ticker and then put in your passcose and click the "edit" option. Then you should be able to change it. I bougth the whey protien from Sam's and have been mixing it with skim milk, it tastes much better than mixing it with water. I've only lost about 6 pounds since surgery, but that is 6 pounds!! I'm not going to have any "downs" anymore!! Everything is "UP UP UP" from here on out!

jomarie: It doesn't sound like you've truly made up your mind about this surgery. I'm 8 days out and it really hasn't been that bad. The pain is tolerable (becareful w/the medication - it will stop you up) and the bloating and gas go away. As far as the life changes are concerned, if you aren't ready to make those changes than this isn't the option for you. From what I've read, and I think I've read every strand/thread/link on this website, the only reason you would have "buyers remorse" is if you don't follow the plan or the doctor's orders and it doesn't work for you (other than the occaissional medical issues that occur) I decided before the surgery that I could not live any longer being this big -that something had to be done, and that I could not accomplish this without help. I wanted a permanent solution because failure is not an option. I have been tired, bloated, constipated and in pain for 7 days and I thank God for every one of them. Because it means that I am banded!!! After the 6wks of healing, then it will be time to seriously lose the weight I can no longer tolerate - forever! I hope this helps you and I hope you make the best decision for you.

The first 6 weeks is a time for healing, not losing weight. Your band is wide open, your "new tummy" doesn't exist yet. I'm still in the full liquid stage, but the doc told me yesterday that I only feel restricted from the bloating and swelling of the affected area. The liquids and mushies aren't because food cannot get through your band, it's because the docs don't want the stomach to work to hard to digest food and end up moving the band. Only after your first fill should you worry about stretching your pouch.

Hi all, I was banded on the 18th. I was a little sore yesterday, but today I seem to be doing much better. My dh is trying to talk me into going to the beach... I don't think I'm ready for that just yet. I do plan on going an buying some decent tennis shoes though, gotta get out there and walk. Thank goodness it's beautiful here in Houston. I've had a little trouble burping, but find if I get up and walk around, it comes out. I can sleep on my stomach and am determined to limit the pain meds to night time. UPS: the band is in and I'm on my way to skinnyville downs: absolutely no weight loss yet.

I think it all depends on how you look at it. This can be a positive experience if you focus on it that way. I was banded just yesterday, and I'm up and walking and toughing it out through the pain. My kids and I are at my mom's at the moment, but I plan on going home tomorrow. My one yr. old doesn't understand why mommy can't pick her up, but that will only last a few days. I guess it is worse for some, but I also think it is more mental than physical. It's a mindset, and if you put your mind to it, you can do just about anything! Do the research and make the best decision for yourself - the best decision is an informed one. This sight is wonderful, but it can freak you out if you let it.

HI guys, I have just been approved for my surgery and am going in on Tuesday to have it done. I too had to go through the 6 months of jumping through loops. My best advice is to find a "weight loss management center" as they know exactly what needs to be done for approval. If any of you are in the Houston/Galveston area, UTMB is the best way to go. Good luck to all.

Congratulations!! I'm getting banded on this day as well. I'm so excited I can't hardly help myself. I've told my family and my friends - I've got "band on the brain!" I relate it to when I found out I was pregnant... It's like I can't think of anything else!! I'm currently going through the "last supper syndrome" and feeling like I'll never fill up. I'll try to keep up with posts after surgery, it sure will be nice to talk to people who are going through the same thing.

Not too long ago, there were several lists on what to take to the hospital, what to buy for after the hospital, etc... Would someone please point me in that direction? And how do I get this stupid "ticker" to come up on every post?? It keeps dissappearing.

We might have to get together.. I'm scheduled for surgery on the 18th of March. I have 3 kids and life is pretty busy, but I'm thinking I might not be able to do this all on my own. I've been a very strong woman my whole life, and I don't often ask for help. I have a wonderful husband who tops out at 165, so he's not very sympathetic. I'm probably going to need someone to lean on. I live in Pasadena so keep me posted on dates and times. Who knows, I might actually show up one day.

I have planned a weekend of pure indulgence. My 3 favorite restaurants with my 3 favorite meals. I went to my pre-op appointment today and surgery is on Tuesday, March 18th. I'm so excited and ready for the surgery, I can't hardly see straight. However, I'm a lover of the allmighty carbohydrate and must have one last hoorah before the day is done. I'm completely committed to giving it all up once the 18th arrives but until then - better lock up your cupboards 'cause I'm comin'!:drool:

I'm just getting started with my pre approval and I'm getting worried. I have 2 physicians and a physician's assistant who will support my decision to be banded. However, my insurance (BCBS) wants 12 months of previously supervised weightloss management. I wasn't sure how strict they were going to be on this until a recent phone conversation. I think they are going to hold me to it. I don't want to wait another year!!! Has anyone found a way around this??? I mean, I've been on every program available - all to no avail, and none in the last 12 months.:help: ANY advice would sure be appreciated.

Wuick question, what information did you have to provide for the wieght management program. I also have bcbs and am wondering exactly what they need.