Eileenja

what is a PB?

I am 9 days post-op. Right now I am allowed to have three Protein shakes a day, but I find that about 3:30 p.m. I am starting to get hungry. I was wondering if anyone out there made their lunch shake a few ounces larger than it should be so that it holds you up till dinner? Also, I can take quite a good sip of beverages at this point! I know that I should take tiny sips, but i can take one a little bit bigger than that. Eileen

Hi Wendy It seems as if you are feeling much better! Great! Yes, I had planned on going to support group Monday. I'll see you there! Thanks for the tips. I think I will go to four a day also. (instead of 3 1/2) Eileen

I did not do th shakes before surgery - I told him that I was too hungry and he said ok aslong as I maintained. He did make ask what I was eating, and made a few suggestions that I should make - and I did.

I don't get it! How could we all have the same exact procedure done and all get different instructions from our doctors? How is it that I can only have shakes and other people are allowed mushy stages at 9 - 10 days post-op. Also the suggestion about adding some fruits to the shakes - I'll admit that it sounds elicious, but yesterday, I had maybe about 1 ounce of lot faw cheese and I have had dirreah ever since. So, that is why I am afraid to add anything that the doctor does not ok first. Here is what I did to try to solve my problem - Since I use the powdered shakes and it calls for 8 ounces of Water and 2 scoops of mix, I make one big batch for the day (3 servings); but instead of using 24 ounces of water, I am using 28 ounces of water and adding one more scoop of powder. I'll let you guys know tomorrow how I hold up today. Thanks to all of you for your help! I really appreciate hearing everyone's opinion - it really helps! Eileen

Can somebody please tell me how soon after surgery they were able to start abdominal exercises? Also, does anybody know of a really good tape/cd that features abdominal exercises. I am worried about sagging skin, so I hope that somebody has some ideas for me. Thanks!

Dear Chattrooper To me, you don't sound like the kind of person who was on that show! I just had my surgery 10 days ago and I can honestly tell you that I feel so happy and it definately shows. I have been struggling with my weight for many years and now I know that is really going to happen! I did it to SAVE my life. I also want to feel good about my appearance, and I know that I will. This is a health thing for all of us and I only wish that you could think of it that way. I think that as the day of your surgery approaches, you will be more excited than nervous! Try to think positive - this is a good thing that you are doing! Eileen

you will maintain the 10 pounds - i did it for two months. I met initially in January, but decided to have my surgery in March, so I had to maintain the weight loss, but since I knew the surgery depended on it, I was able to pull it off! phew!!!!! talk to you soon, Eileen

mine was just a day or two - GHI PPO

Parcindoll Are you sure that they know you already lost the 10 pounds. I was just thinking that they wanted m to loose 10 pounds after I had my weigh-in. I am just trying to look out for you - I don't want you disappointed anymore! Good luck - I hpe you get a very close date. Eileen

Brandi Congratulations on your NSV. I can really relate to you when you say that you hate to shop becuse you hate all of the clothes. I can't wait until I go into a store, try on a dress and say "it looks good on me" rather than ...well...it's on me.

Porcindoll Just wanted to drop you a line. I think I have the same insurance as you do - I work for Monroe Woodbury High School and we have the GHI PPO (Orange Ulster Health Plan). They approved me with Dr. Kwon in like three days!!! I just had my surgery on 3/23 and I am doing very well. Hopefully they will be as quick with you as they were with me. Before you know it, you will be like the rest of us! I have had no problems with my insurance, so either should you! Good Luck! Eileen .................I'VE GOT THE POWER.....

Sharon I used Dr. Peter Kwon in Port Jervis, NY - I am not sure where this is in relation to you in Pennsylvania, but it might not be too far. I know that he is near the PA border. He is a very reliable and cautious surgeon. He banded me on 3/23/05. His office staff is very professional and I also know two other people who used him for lap band surgery - all perfectly successful. Eileen

Just keep trying. I too had a very hard time with my pcp doing th letter. I had an appointment in October was told it would be done in two weeks. I called a month later and was told that they needed more information - another visit would be necessary. Unfortunately, I did have to go ack, but i refused to see the same doctor - this time i saw the boss. He did take care of me, but he also made the original doctor write the letter!!!!! Keep your chin up - you will be done soon!!!!!!

Don't get all depressed - remember you did this for yourself!!! It is not very often that we do things for ourselves - so when we do we should enjoy them. You are the one who matters. You should try to hang in there - it will get better! I consider that I did this to save my life as I am sure you did. I know that most of the people who are having this surgery are on the young side, - I am 50 years old! I have seen many ups and downs in my life and so far this is not one of them. I had my surgery 5 days ago and i am still on Water - ONE OUNCE EVERY 20 MINUTES. Yesterday I did feel hungry when my DH was cooking bacon! But what i did was eat a sugar free ice pop and amazingly that took care of it. It did the same thing with Easter dinner. I hope to see you posting here in a happier mode very soon.

Hi everybody - I was banded yesterday too. I am feeling pretty good. U have a little pain but not much. I am also having a hard time drink the whole three ounces in an hour. I have to really keep thinking about it - otherwise I forget. I am not yet ready for a walk outside, maybe tomorrow - i'll have to see. Keep these messages going. Eilelen

Thank you so much!!! I just received a call from the admissions office at Bon Secors - I don't have to be thre until 2:45 p.m. I guess i will be pretty hungry by then! grrr.. Eileen

I just got back from my visit at Dr. Kwon's office and my pre-operative work-up and I have to say that I am very excited - more excited than nervous. I feel like I am saving my life. Because of my sleep apnea they have suggested that I stay overnight. It isn't that bad. So far I have lost 11 pounds - much more to come.