mommiranda

I am 6 days post-op and no underwire for me! I tried yesterday and it made my port incision really sore. I am wearing the 'leisure bras' no problem right now, but its iffy for work.

I was banded on 07/06/07 with five incisions - I think these are dissolving stiches and mine are just starting to itch like crazy. I think it means they are healing!

I'm so glad all our new bandsters are doing well.:whoo: I'm 6 days post-op. My whines: I get my lump in the throat/pains a few times an hour but less frequent (I think this is gas), I have to take my tylenol on schedule since my largest incision is sore, and I'm itchy. But, I can function no problem and really don't feel that bad. I wanted to ask about people's post-op food: I am on only clear liquids, but can have pre-made protein shakes. What brands of protein shakes are people using? I have been really frustrated about finding a decent selection of any brand. Seems like its chocolate or vanilla. Are there other options?? MM

I was in exactly the same situation - about a 34.5 BMI, 215, 5'6" - no real complications, yet. I called around my town and found a doc willing to do it, and just myself got banded on July 5th! You may have to be a self-pay. Can't say yet if its going to work for me, but I have high hopes. Feel free to PM if you want to talk more. MM

I was told more than 10 lbs lifting for two weeks, then 50 lb restriction for three months ...

There are some great cruises that leave from Houston now - might be a good option if we have enough texans. I'm all for it if the date works. To avoid hurricane season you have to go well into October or November. Congrats to the new bandees. MM

I think this should work. My ticker?? MM

My Tivo shows another one tonight - oh well. Brookhaven isn't even listed for me. Thanks for the tip though. Its slim TIVO pickings this summer so any ideas are welcome. MM

Hello all, I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts. I am up and about, and feel well enough to do a business trip. Its a borderline decision, but if I don't go this week I'll have to go later. I figure it might be a bit of a break for me since the biggest pains I get now are when my darling children bound into my lap (ouch). I am taking liquid tyelenol regularly (my prescrip pain med makes me nasueous). My tummy wounds are itchy now, and worst case feel like I've done alot of situps. But I can get up from a sitting position and can basically move around. I have piled pillows in my bed so I sleep at a slant, which helps. My worst complaint now is that even long after I eat (or rather drink) I get these waves of tightening/pain across the middle of my chest - like I might want to burp but can't. These were really freaking me out yesterday until I found out this is a common symptom. They are better today than yesterday. As far as food - I am on clear liquids until Friday. Just today I am feeling some hunger, but it doesn't make me want to eat exactly. A different kind of hunger. I am OK for protein shakes and got two of those down today. One thing I did to satisfy the head hunger: got some good Williams Sonoma chicken stock, browned chop onions and garlic, added the stock plus a tbs of sherry vinegar, various spices, then strained it well. Tasted great, but I could only get down maybe a half cup. I'll update everyone from the road. Hoping all goes well for those with surgeries this week. MM 07/06/07

I am 4 days out and I feel hunger, but a different kind - doesn't make me want to try and eat. I find it easier to deal with then the pre-op hunger. MM

I am a serious coffee addict, but how many of you were able to drink coffee? My doc has one week of Clear liquids post-op. This means gatorade, coffee, tea, Protein shakes, sugar-free Jello, bouillon .... I had some this morning, 24 post surgery, with no big effects. In fact, the biggest problem is that I am not getting the caffeine I am used to. Thanks for any thoughts on coffee... MM

This is a great thread for me now. I am 3 days post-op and today was the hardest I think. Here is my laundry list of whines: I get this heavy pressure sensation across my chest- like a wave - that happens at strange times. I am so relieved that others have the same symptom. I couldn't figure out what it was. I guess its gas?? More frequent after I've tried to get something down. I am having wicked caffeine withdrawl with headaches and bone-tiredness. I can't stand up straight yet and my incisions are sore and itchy. I also had an intense emotional flip-out today along the lines of 'what have I done' ... So, I think I am about normal. On the good side: I came out of the panicky emotional state and went to the gym to do some light exercise; I am not hungry!; my funny pressure in the chest is getting less intense; I'm on the boards and sharing and my family and DH have been great. I'm sure tommorow will be better and its so important to hear that I am not the only one going through this... MM

I was banded yesterday and I decided 'on the fly' to stay overnight. I didn't have intense pain, but I appreciated the time and space to tend to myself. I am self pay but there was no price difference. Also, I had them give me an extra IV of fluids before I left - I wasn't able to get much Water down yesterday. That really helped me today I think. MM

Hi there - I was just banded by Dr. Speigel so I don't have alot experience yet with him or the staff. I chose him because he had done the greatest number of lapband surgeries, not for the followup. I am planning to try out his office for follow-up help, and also use this and the UGH board for the support. What's your experience been? feel free to PM. MM

Hi there - I was just banded by Dr. Speigel so I don't have alot experience yet with him or the staff. I chose him because he had done the greatest number of lapband surgeries, not for the followup. I am planning to try out his office for follow-up help, and also use this and the UGH board for the support. What's your experience been? feel free to PM. MM

I have gotten so much out of reading other's posts about their experiences, so now that I am a bandster here is installment 1: ** Everyone's experiences will be different !! ** I was banded at 7am this morning, and now 15 hours later and still in the hospital I can say the experience is less of a wipe-out than vaginal childbirth (with epidural and a tear) of a 10 lb baby. There is pain and I have not been shy about asking for the medication. However, I could walk for about an hour - normal pace and slightly hunched over - which I never would have done so soon after having a baby. Walking definitely helps with the dull, aching pains I have in my back and neck. I can't sit up easily, or even sit down easily because of the wounds in the belly - need help with that. I've had some mild nausea and I am not hungry. I do feel kind of weak and if it weren't night would have a coffee to deal with my caffeine needs. I'll post on the July bandseters thread in the future. Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm happy this isn't too hard and looking forward to my new life. MM

Just banded - less painful than my childbirth experience So my band date is July 6th - I haven't done my ticker yet, but its 70 lbs or so. I know everyone is different but its useful to have a few exampels! I was banded at 7am this morning, and now 15 hours later and still in the hospital I can say the experience is less of a wipe-out than vaginal childbirth (with epidural and a tear) of a 10 lb baby. There is pain and I have not been shy about asking for the medication. However, I could walk for about an hour - normal pace and slightly hunched over - which I never would have done so soon after having a baby. Walking definitely helps with the dull, aching pains I have in my back and neck. I can't sit up easily, or even sit down easily because of the wounds in the belly - need help with that. I've had some mild nausea and I am not hungry. I do feel kind of weak and if it weren't night would have a coffee to deal with my caffeine needs. I am actually happy I could walk for so long, and like everyone reports, when I am walking I don't have dull achey pain. If the next two days stay at this level of pain and discomfort I'll be pleased. Also - during surgery he repaired a hernia - anyone else had this happen? I am particularly sort right on my middle incision and it hurts to breathe. Maybe its from this. THANKS! Now I'll try to sleep (didn't sleep a wink last night) MM

Oops - I haven't been banded yet! My surgery is tommorow 07/06/07!! So I am joining all of you in the lucky sevens .... MM

Hi this is Mommiranda - I am getting the nerves for my Friday surgery (July 6th)! No real pre-op diet for me, except starting tonight and tommorow only Clear Liquids ... My stats - Height is 5'6", weight is 212 lbs, which is a BMI of 34 or so. I'm 41. As soon as I can I'll start to post on my post-op experiences. My pre-op was easy. Got bloodwork, chest x-ray and EKG. Took alot longer to fill out paperwork. I am a self pay and boy was I irritated to find out that 'miscelleaneous charges' from these tests were not part of the package. Trying not to let that get me down. Saw awesome fireworks tonight which was also my 13th wedding anniversary! So, a good day and the last one for my 'old' eating style. MM

Hello all, gearing up for my July 6th banding. Hope it won't hurt since I have a busy next week... M2M:)

I am about ready to use Spiegel and also am self-pay, hopinng to get it done this Friday. Any advice on working with his office? I've found them pretty good so far. Thanks MM