mousecrazy

Well, Delarla, I'll toss in what little knowledge I have. I am lots older than you, more into the menopause thing, so I drink soy milk for the benefits it gives women in relation to not having to take hormone replacement. I haven't really used it regularly enough to tell whether or not it helps in that regard. It is lactose-free, I think, so that's a benefit to some people. Vegans like it because it is not made from animal products. Chai tea with soy, anyone? It does provide a good source of protein...check out tofu, while you're into it. I would think it would be very, very good for you. Cindy

Wow! You look fantastic!!!!! I love that shirt, too, and it's very flattering on you! Way to go, Leatha!

Day 3 post-op: Much easier to move around, slept better last night. I even picked up some stuff around the house, not heavy stuff, though. I feel a lot better, port area sore, but normal-sore, I think! Everything I read here from others' experiences has helped so much!!!! Thanks for asking about me, and I'll try to answer any questions I can, being a newbie...be sure to get Gas-X or Gaviscon or something before you have your surgery! The newly banded Cindy

How long were you out of work? I'm a teacher, so I'm already out... Does the band get weird if you go swimming? Can't swim yet, 3 days post-op Did you have get shaved before surgery? NO Did they let you leave your underwear and socks on? Only socks Did the incisions hurt more than the port? Port incision hurts most, but gas pains are bigger problem! Does anyone know if there's limitations once we're healed? (I mean restriction of movement or extertion). don't know What happens if you fall or bump into something, is that reason to worry for slipage? How sensitive is the band to movement? I don't think so Has anyone been banded and not have it filled during surgery? How long before the first fill? I believe my dr. puts it on unfilled, then schedules a fill in a month or so. I tried to answer the questions I can...I'm pretty new, so don't have as much experience as many of the others do!

Here's wishing you a fantastic day! Happy Birthday! Cindy

Susan, I don't know the right way to count it, but I counted Sat. as 1 day post-op, and today as 2 days post-op...at least I think that is how I counted it! I figured the surgery day was just that, and days after that were "post."

Thanks everybody! I go back to work Aug. 9, so I am sure I'll be up to it by then...I take small sips of everything, believe me! I don't think I have any choice! I guess it's swelling, according to what I've read. This post-op is no picnic, but it's not the worst, either...for those of you preparing for next week. Everything will go well, and then you'll get through the first week by being nice to yourself! Thanks again for the encouragement. I get up every six hours or so and read the boards, then I feel better, and go back to my lair! Very soft hugs to you all, Cindy

Hang in there, one day at a time. We waste so much energy worrying about things that might never happen. I am only 2 days post-op, so I can't comment on long term effects emotionally, but I know that even though I am sore, tired and gassy, I have finally done what I needed to do to insure a healthy future. This is not my quote, but I think it applies: You have to let go of this side of the pool, if you are ever going to swim to the other side. Hang tuff! Cindy

So, as you can see, the pain meds are working at least on my ability to type! I can just picture all the rolled eyes on the July 221 date! Cindy

Thanks for starting this thread, because if you didn't I would have! I am 2 days post-op and the only real pain I have is from gas! Well, at least I knew what to expect,f rom reading here, but I didn't really think it owuld be as painful as it is! I am following all of your advice, too...walking, Gaviscon, heating pad, repeat...just waiting it out. The port incision/location is the most sore, but that makes sense. Thanks to everyone; your answerw are reassuring! Cindy

I love Maine! We have gone there the last two summers for vacation...not this year, but it's been a different kind of summer. So, Band Buddy, we are on the edge of the cliff! My surgery is one hour after yours...8:30! Good luck, I'll say a little prayer for you. Cindy

I'm glad you are doing well. Follow the dr.'s orders; rest, walk, rest. Thinking about you and wishing you the best! Cindy

Hang in there, Ruthie...I just finished a 5 month hospitalization with my mom. I was away from my family for 3 weeks, and it seemed like forever...but I agree with Chunk. Enjoy eing there for your mother now and eat as healthily as you can. Keep your eyes on the big picture, long term. This is a big old speedbump, and we're bound to run into them here and there. It's how you navigate them that makes the difference. ((((hug)))) Cindy

I figured the bra line would be a problem (well, not for the guys!), and the waist would be a problem, so probably somewhere between navel and ribs is the best place...I just kind wanted mine on the right side of me, rather than the left. That should be okay. Thanks everyone for getting "port-personal" with me! Cindy

Try painting your house! I'm painting my daughter's room, and it kept me occupied all day! Now, I'm sore and my arm aches, but I didn't eat, just protein shakes and water, and a nice little dinner (I'm allowed that in pre-op...don't know why there are so many different ones). A little prayer never hurts, either.

Hi, I'm new (I'll post in Introductions) and live north of Denton. It's "near enough" to the Dallas area group, but it would be great if there were some bandsters in the Denton area. I am on the first baby step of the journey...haven't even had a consultation with the surgeon yet...but I am almost sure my insurance will cover it, and if it does, I'll get banded as soon as possible. So, anyone in the North Texas/Denton area? NEver hurts to ask, huh?

Hi, Ruthie! I'm a scrapbooker, too, and love it when I have time...a North Texas Bandster group would be great...let's see what we can do!

I was just wondering, do they weigh you right before surgery? I've been on this pre-op diet, and want an "official" surgery weight. I guess it's a trivial question, but I figure someone here knows the drill. I think I have a few other questions, too, but I'll get to those later! Thanks in advance, Cindy

If anyone understand how exciting it is to get approved, we do! Congratulations! (I usually tell people my approval was embarrassingly easy...I think they might have stamped, "It's about time!" on my paperwork! Good luck, Cindy

Good luck, Colleen! I'm sure it will work...you have to work pretty hard to defeat it. My doctor did tell a funny story about someone (no names mentioned!) who drank cake batter! Cindy

Anwyn, I hadn't thought of it as nesting, but I guess I am. I am trying to finish painting my daughter's room before Thursday, so we can get her furniture back in there and out of my way! I'm also working on the laundry, because there are just those fave clothes that are soft and comfy and I want them ready to wear! I'm having my surgery at the Surgery Center of Fort Worth, which is really more in North Richland Hills or Hurst. Dr. Marsden is my surgeon. I agree that it is nice to talk to someone when you want to find out more and get some "atta girls"! Cindy

Thanks for the info, Soonergirl. I am pretty sure the dr. said he'd ask us where we wanted it, but they throw so much info at you, I can't be sure! Now that you mention is, the other two people who have shown my their ports had them on the left side, too.

Go to General Lap Band Discussion...there's a sticky note post, I think it's the 2nd one, called Before and After Pictures....have fun!

Niecie, well, you are being banded one day before me, so I can't answer about pain...put that in the search feature, and see what you come up with...what I've read here is that it seems to be pretty individual...some people were wiped out for a week, and some were shopping the next day. I'm just hoping for something in between!:laugh All the luck in the world with your surgery! Glad you found this site, it has been immensely helpful to me! Cindy

Just signed your guestbook! You did a great job, and I am envious, because I want to learn how to do it, too...I can see you took a lot of time with it. I like the black background and the bright colors! Good job! Cindy