theluckydog124

I did it in two surgeries. I gained about 25 pounds in between. Only been 10 days but feeling ok. I wanted it done in one surgery but my surgeon wouldn’t do it.

Hey April Bandsters. Great thread. I wanted to update everyone on where I am and continue to offer encouragement to fellow Bandsters. It's been a little over two weeks and I feel great. Never felt sick once. Very little pain. Took two oxycodones over three days after and was feeling good. Had the shoulder pain. That was t fun. I've been rushing the diet a little. Returned to solid food quick. But when I saw the doc just under two weeks after he looked at my scars and said - "they are healed. Haven't seen that before. ". Maybe confirmed my suspicion that things are going well because I feel back to normal except that I'm not nearly as hungry. I'm on soft foods. Have had a bunch of this I shouldn't. My one issue is my knee is killing me. It felt fine before. Three days after The surgery I took my kids to a movie. Walked in fine and almost couldn't walk out. Been up and down since. So weird. Hope everyone is doing well. I'm down about 20-25 pounds. Feel good.

Moved to different thread.

Congrats. I'm up tomorrow. Let us know how you do!

Yeah. It's been rough. I did have a salad today. Go figure. Are you in NJ Ms. Prettyandbrown?

April 1. Looks like we have a great April crew. I'm getting prepped. Doing a lot of Protein shake replacement. Will start all liquid on Thursday. Looking forward to it but nervous.

Just got my date too. April 1. I'm way nervous. Gave one more day to eat (today) and on the pre ob diet tomorrow. I have to go on a business trip in May so I'm a little concerned about that too. Not sure what to do with myself the next two weeks but get myself phsyically ready. I am also having some trouble sleeping. Had a dream about the surgery. Wasn't bad - just a weird dream.

I'm in the process with Dr. Goldstein. Did you have the LB with him? How did it go?

I have the same issue. I'm 5'10 and 260. Many people don't understand that keeping 260 is a struggle. I could easily hit 300. But I'm athletic looking and a lot of people don't understand that my high blood pressure and other issues are caused by food. My father had wls when he was roughly 60. His advice is to do it now, in my mid 30s before I get diabetes and worse. He would have been dead 10 years ago. His weight is great. From 350 to 200. Yes. It was an adjustment. I only told people very close to me and doctors. The worst was the psychologist I went to for clearance. She spent an hour telling me how I didn't need the surgery. Started talking to me about a balanced diet. Told me I needed to take a course in healthy eating. I laughed - considering I created diet plans for elite athletes for many years - some now in the NFL. So basically she thought I'm over weight because I don't know that Pasta is a carbohydrate. Not that I know everything, but knowing and doing are very different. Very insulting. She spoke to my doctor and then reluctantly agreed to clear me. And proceeded to send a letter to my doctor saying I should "try exercise and diet. ". I was so upset. Then she wouldn't return my phone calls. Had to go to another psychologist. Cost me more money. Set me back. My point here is that even the people who should be most sensitive can let us down. I'm looking at a March date. And I don't worry about what anyone else says. I'm doing this for me and I know what my struggles have been. Good luck. Thanks to all on the site for the support.

Thanks Dust. That makes me feel much better. I will take the time off and get back when I'm ready. I'll keep you updated.

Dust, How have you made out with returning to Bjj? I'm in the process of setting up the surgery and I'm only concerned with returning to Bjj. Any information is helpful. Thanks!

Thanks guys. That makes me feel better. I really can't get banded if I can't choke people a few times a week! I feel better. Don't think I want the sleeve. Little too radical. Vinny - are you in NJ? Where do you train? I'm in NJ also.

I'm interested to see what everyone's experience is with contact sports. I'm considering the LB surgery and concerned about contact. I'm 20 years in karate and the last five in MMA and jiu Jitsu. I've never minded getting hit, but I don't know about getting hit with the port. I may see if I can get a shirt made with padding or padding in my kimono. Anyone with the surgery - how is the port? I know it can stick out and it probably will for me. I can't give up the karate, MMA, and Bjj. It's a catch 22 though. Can't keep going unless I lose weight. My knees and hips are failing because I'm too heavy. Any thoughts are appreciated! Thank you!