enjoylife

I was banded yesterday. When I woke up in recovery all I could think was "Thank you Jesus." I don't know if I actually said it, but I know I thought it over and over again. The pain was horrible of course, but I was so happy to be alive. I wanted to see my baby because she was so upset right before they wheeled me away. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything yesterday. I have to say that I wanted to put something in my mouth. Whether that was from hunger or habit I cannot say. Today, no breakfast but I did get to drink some really nasty apple juice colored stuff so they could watch and xray me swallowing. It was truly disgusting, but it was quick, so I'm complaining. I was allowed lunch. I had green/lime(?) jello, chiken broth, apple juice, tea, and water. I was full before I knew it. Then the nurse sent me another jello. I had'nt finished what I already had! About two or so hours later I ate the second jello. Now here is it 7:48 pm and I just tried to eat a pre packaged jello brand jello cup and i was too full to finish it. I am in pain, but its not so bad that I can't stand it. My C-section was way worst than this. Hopefully tomorrow will be less painful. Although it's bearable, it's still very very unpleasant. Well I'm tired. I want to try to take a nap. Hopefull I'll sleep til morning :biggrin: My baby is ok, a little on the touchy side, but I guess that's to be expected.

I was banded yesterday. When I woke up in recovery all I could think was "Thank you Jesus." I don't know if I actually said it, but I know I thought it over and over again. The pain was horrible of course, but I was so happy to be alive. I wanted to see my baby because she was so upset right before they wheeled me away. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything yesterday. I have to say that I wanted to put something in my mouth. Whether that was from hunger or habit I cannot say. Today, no breakfast but I did get to drink some really nasty apple juice colored stuff so they could watch and xray me swallowing. It was truly disgusting, but it was quick, so I'm complaining. I was allowed lunch. I had green/lime(?) jello, chiken broth, apple juice, tea, and water. I was full before I knew it. Then the nurse sent me another jello. I had'nt finished what I already had! About two or so hours later I ate the second jello. Now here is it 7:48 pm and I just tried to eat a pre packaged jello brand jello cup and i was too full to finish it. I am in pain, but its not so bad that I can't stand it. My C-section was way worst than this. Hopefully tomorrow will be less painful. Although it's bearable, it's still very very unpleasant. Well I'm tired. I want to try to take a nap. Hopefull I'll sleep til morning :biggrin: My baby is ok, a little on the touchy side, but I guess that's to be expected.

I posted a really long blog this morning and of course it is not here. I was expressing my fears and concerns regarding my surgery which is in two days. I love this site. I visit often, but sometimes the glitches are enough to make me want to use profanity. I mean damn. Its not easy coming on here to say I'm afraid I may not awake from surgery. I know its a relativley safe procedure. I know this, but I also knowthere is a POSSIBILITY of a problem. I am paranoid I know. I believe that all willbe well,its just that sometimes I let my imagination get the best of me. My baby is five and needs me as a mommy. But that's also one of the reasons why I'm doing this. My highest weight was around 334lb. I amd not quite 5'6". My left ventricle is slightly enlarged and I have kee and hip arthritis and bone spurs. Pretty mild as far as co-morbidities go I know, but I am also bordering on having high blood pressure. I do not want that. Heart disease runs in my family, so the odd so f me living until I'm old old - I mean really old and gray at thie weight are slim to none. So I am going to do what is best for me and my baby and everything is going to be alright. I trust my surgeon, but more importantly, I trust God. Now let's see if this posts.

I did alot on Monday, March 17th. First I got up and dressed my sleeping five year old. I did this because we had to leave earlier than usual and I wanted my baby to get as much rest as possible. Then I dropped my baby off at the school's day care. I had to be at my doctor's appt at 7:30 am. Of course I got there late and I had to wait for another patient, who apparently was there on time to be seen. Then I spoke with a Physician's Assistant student for - hmm 20 minutes before I spoke with my doctor. I didn't really mind speaking to the PA that long because he has had gastric bypass and was very supportive. Of course I was rushed for time - cuz I had to make a 2.5 hour drive to my surgeon’s lap band class. Anyway, they finally sent me out of there with my prescriptions for my pre-op blood work and EKG. Why did I think I could do the doctor's visit and the test in 45 minutes? No way. The wait for the EKG and Blood work seem to be an eternity but was more like 30 minutes or a little more. I left to arrive at my 10:00 am lap band class at 9:30am:confused2:. Remember it’s a 2.5 hour drive. There I am speeding in my putt-putt that starts to shake rattle and roll as soon as I APPROACH 60 mph. I was given permission to be late - not to miss the whole class. At 10:44 I finally mustered the courage to call my surgeon's office and say I was not going to make the class and that I would call back to reschedule both my class and my surgery date :crying::thumbup::wink2::smile:. I didn't reach the teacher because of course, she was teaching the class. I left a message on her voice mail. Still I had a 1:45 pm appt. with my surgeon so I kept driving in to my surgeon's office. Well I get there and the place is opened to walk in but close to receive service because its lunch time. I sit and wait. While waiting I read lap band literature. Not much was new so I'm thinking I could write a booklet about it myself. Anyway, lunch is finally over and they take my information and co-pay. Then Cathy, the surgery teacher, comes out and tells me to read more information that she takes out of a huge folder the receptionist gave me. I read it and then she takes me back and gives me a one-on-one class. My surgeon's office is great. During the class my surgeon pops in to do my visits - sees we're not done and says, "I'll wait." Pretty cool huh? Anyway I get my visit done. They try their best to calm my nerves - they did - My stomach is doing flips but I'm not freaking :eek: out anymore. My visit is over by 2:45. I go get something to eat because of course I have not eaten all day. At 3:00 pm I am off for another 2.5 hour drive heading to my baby's school for pick up :tt1:. Whew!!! What a Day.

I did alot on Monday, March 17th. First I got up and dressed my sleeping five year old. I did this because we had to leave earlier than usual and I wanted my baby to get as much rest as possible. Then I dropped my baby off at the school's day care. I had to be at my doctor's appt at 7:30 am. Of course I got there late and I had to wait for another patient, who apparently was there on time to be seen. Then I spoke with a Physician's Assistant student for - hmm 20 minutes before I spoke with my doctor. I didn't really mind speaking to the PA that long because he has had gastric bypass and was very supportive. Of course I was rushed for time - cuz I had to make a 2.5 hour drive to my surgeon’s lap band class. Anyway, they finally sent me out of there with my prescriptions for my pre-op blood work and EKG. Why did I think I could do the doctor's visit and the test in 45 minutes? No way. The wait for the EKG and Blood work seem to be an eternity but was more like 30 minutes or a little more. I left to arrive at my 10:00 am lap band class at 9:30am:confused2:. Remember it’s a 2.5 hour drive. There I am speeding in my putt-putt that starts to shake rattle and roll as soon as I APPROACH 60 mph. I was given permission to be late - not to miss the whole class. At 10:44 I finally mustered the courage to call my surgeon's office and say I was not going to make the class and that I would call back to reschedule both my class and my surgery date :crying::biggrin::wink2::smile:. I didn't reach the teacher because of course, she was teaching the class. I left a message on her voice mail. Still I had a 1:45 pm appt. with my surgeon so I kept driving in to my surgeon's office. Well I get there and the place is opened to walk in but close to receive service because its lunch time. I sit and wait. While waiting I read lap band literature. Not much was new so I'm thinking I could write a booklet about it myself. Anyway, lunch is finally over and they take my information and co-pay. Then Cathy, the surgery teacher, comes out and tells me to read more information that she takes out of a huge folder the receptionist gave me. I read it and then she takes me back and gives me a one-on-one class. My surgeon's office is great. During the class my surgeon pops in to do my visits - sees we're not done and says, "I'll wait." Pretty cool huh? Anyway I get my visit done. They try their best to calm my nerves - they did - My stomach is doing flips but I'm not freaking :eek: out anymore. My visit is over by 2:45. I go get something to eat because of course I have not eaten all day. At 3:00 pm I am off for another 2.5 hour drive heading to my baby's school for pick up :tt1:. Whew!!! What a Day.

elkhunter_65 wrote: Chocolate milk out the back side for three weeks now. It has "firmed up" some what now that I am on mushies. WOW - I only thought I don't like chocolate milk before reading that. Now I know I don't like it. Everytime I see chocolate milk from now on I will think of that staement . Have you got any other food related word pictures you can paint for me?

do you mean 27/02/2008?

Hello, we have the same band date. I have not tried unjury yet, but i ordered three containers of it Friday. I have my pre-op, lap band class, and last pre-op appt. with my surgeon tomorrow. I really don't have any advice except to hang in there. I've read of some people taking appetite supressants during the pre-op, but I'm not sure if that is a good idea. If you don't mind I'd like to keep in touch with you - since we have the same surgery date - maybe we can share our experiences. Good luck to you.

I didn't know this thread was here. Boy do I need this. I am scheduled to be banded on Easter Monday, March 24, 2008. I have to be at the hospital at 9:00 am and my surgery is at 11:00 (kind of like going to the airport). I'm joking, but I am terrified. I am a single parent of a five year old. I am the only parent my baby has. This is why I decided against gastric bypass four years ago. It was just not worth the risk. I know that lab band is soooo much safer and that my doctor is very good and teaches other surgeons how to perform this procedure. Still I am nervous. My stomach is doing flips. My heart is pounding. I need this procedure, but more than anything I need to be here for my baby. Please pray for me. Please.

WOW! You all look great. This is so encouraging. I am scheduled for surgery on March 24, 2008. I found out a few days ago that I was approved and got my real surgery date yesterday. My stomach is in knots and my knees are shaking; but this thread reminds me of just one of the reasons I need to have this done. Thank you all so much for sharing your before and during pictures.

I'm happy dancing all over the place! :frown::tt2::eek::biggrin::lol:I finally got approval for surgery. I have a PPO so I really did not need insurance approval to have the surgery, but the approval is good because it was approved as MEDICAL surgery opposed to COSMETIC:thumbup:. Can you believe it? Who gets a bunch of incisions in their stomach as a cosmetic improvement? I am actually not looking forward to the scars. Pre Caesarean my stomach was pretty hot:biggrin:! I didn't even get stretch marks during my pregnancy - incredible because I gained 70 pounds. Yes I said 70 pounds:blushing:. Anyway, the way I see it is this: nobody (other than my child) has seen my stomach since I gave birth so what difference does it make? I think its unattractive now; at after surgery and exercise it will be smaller and unattractive. I've got to get something to help the scars heal well so they are less noticeable. I have to get lots of protein and liquid stuff in the house. My surgery date is March 20, 2008!!!!!!! :thumbup:That leaves me no time - well I think that's my date. That’s the date the surgeon's office submitted to the insurance company, but they approved for the 30th. I called my doctor's office so that they could get the insurance company to make a correction. I hope they do - or maybe they did that so I could do a pre-op diet. I don't know - I'm going to call them right now to find out what's going on. I'm so excited and yet so scared. My baby is only five years old. I hope I'm not doing anything that will take me away from her. Lord please let everything be alright, let me get through this healthy (mentally,. physically, and emotionally). I want to be here to raise my daughter, send her off to college, be at her wedding and baby-sit her children - my grandbabies. Ok - gotta go make that call before I freak myself out and change my mind about this surgery.:mad:

I'm happy dancing all over the place! :tt2::confused_smile::lol:I finally got approval for surgery. I have a PPO so I really did not need insurance approval to have the surgery, but the approval is good because it was approved as MEDICAL surgery opposed to COSMETIC:thumbup:. Can you believe it? Who gets a bunch of incisions in their stomach as a cosmetic improvement? I am actually not looking forward to the scars. Pre Caesarean my stomach was pretty hot:biggrin:! I didn't even get stretch marks during my pregnancy - incredible because I gained 70 pounds. Yes I said 70 pounds:blushing:. Anyway, the way I see it is this: nobody (other than my child) has seen my stomach since I gave birth so what difference does it make? I think its unattractive now; at after surgery and exercise it will be smaller and unattractive. I've got to get something to help the scars heal well so they are less noticeable. I have to get lots of protein and liquid stuff in the house. My surgery date is March 20, 2008!!!!!!! :thumbup:That leaves me no time - well I think that's my date. That’s the date the surgeon's office submitted to the insurance company, but they approved for the 30th. I called my doctor's office so that they could get the insurance company to make a correction. I hope they do - or maybe they did that so I could do a pre-op diet. I don't know - I'm going to call them right now to find out what's going on. I'm so excited and yet so scared. My baby is only five years old. I hope I'm not doing anything that will take me away from her. Lord please let everything be alright, let me get through this healthy (mentally,. physically, and emotionally). I want to be here to raise my daughter, send her off to college, be at her wedding and baby-sit her children - my grandbabies. Ok - gotta go make that call before I freak myself out and change my mind about this surgery.:eek:

What's the difference in band sizes? I have read about 4cc, 10 cc, and 14 cc size bands. Does the doctor choose the band size or does the patient have a say in the matter? Is it based on the size of your stomach? Does a smaller band offer better restriction or does it limit your restriction? Anyone with information regarding any of this please respond.

what hospital was that?

IT'S NOT THE SIZE OF THE TOOL, THAT MATTERS... IT'S HOW YOU USE IT. lol:tt2::drool::thumbup::wub::sneaky: Now that's funny!

Thank you all for the information. I am scheduled for March 20, 2008. I have all kinds of questions running through my head and I am on this site everyday reading posts and blogs. By the way Susan4794, I loved the advice you gave the newly banded person that wants her band removed after only seven days. You were very kind and informative. Sue Magoo, thanks for teliing me about what those doctors said. TerriDoodle, thanks for that visual picture of the 8.8 cc in a 10 cc - that does make sense to me. I have a high BMI (I'm ashamed to say it is 50) so I may be considered for having a larger band anyway based on what I am reading here. Of course I will ask my doctor how he makes that decision. Thanks to all who took part in my poll. As for those of you who thought this thread was about "something else".... well I'll try to do better next time!! dirty minds...

Hopefully cases like yours will make your insurance company change its policies to included coverage for weight loss surgeries. Good luck to you and thanks for the fyi.

Can you say it to someone else? Someone who would be willing to be your sounding board? Can you write it out? Maybe not here, but somewhere that you can be totally honest. Or maybe a therapist? But you know, it may open old wounds, but it may be a good idea to just say it to whomever you feel needs to hear it. I mean face it, they may be old wounds, but apparently your's have not healed. I hope it works out for you.

Maybe I shouldn't be getting the band. I have a surgery date of March 20, 2008. My information was sent to the insurance company on Dec. 5, 2007. After a month :frown: of reviewing they said I need two more clearances - cardiac and pulmonary. Ok, that makes sense. I get those. My last appointment was on Feb 13, 2008. On Feb 22, 2008 I call the surgeon to make sure they have everything, and its a good thing I did because they don't have the pulomonology clearance. I call the pulmonologist - my clearance letter has not been typed yet:cursing: - nobody knows why:angry: :biggrin:. "Don't worry," they say, "we'll take care of it today". They do. The Surgery scheduler, Natasha, sends those off to the insurance company. Today, March 6, 2008 I call the insurance company to find out what is holding up my approval. I have been online checking everyday. I know that another woman's surgery was approved and our stuff was sent on the same day. What did they say:confused2:? "We are still waiting for your pulmonogy and cardiac clearance"!!!!!!!:tt2: So of course I call Natasha - she is out for the day:scared2:. The person I spoke with cannot find either of my clearance letters!!!!! I'm sitting at my desk, but I am screaming. I'M SCREAMING ON THE INSIDE. I AM SOOOOOOOOOO ssssccccrrrreeeeaaaaming!!!!!!!!!

Maybe I shouldn't be getting the band. I have a surgery date of March 20, 2008. My information was sent to the insurance company on Dec. 5, 2007. After a month :wink: of reviewing they said I need two more clearances - cardiac and pulmonary. Ok, that makes sense. I get those. My last appointment was on Feb 13, 2008. On Feb 22, 2008 I call the surgeon to make sure they have everything, and its a good thing I did because they don't have the pulomonology clearance. I call the pulmonologist - my clearance letter has not been typed yet:cursing: - nobody knows why:angry: :thumbup:. "Don't worry," they say, "we'll take care of it today". They do. The Surgery scheduler, Natasha, sends those off to the insurance company. Today, March 6, 2008 I call the insurance company to find out what is holding up my approval. I have been online checking everyday. I know that another woman's surgery was approved and our stuff was sent on the same day. What did they say:confused2:? "We are still waiting for your pulmonogy and cardiac clearance"!!!!!!!:cool2: So of course I call Natasha - she is out for the day:scared2:. The person I spoke with cannot find either of my clearance letters!!!!! I'm sitting at my desk, but I am screaming. I'M SCREAMING ON THE INSIDE. I AM SOOOOOOOOOO ssssccccrrrreeeeaaaaming!!!!!!!!!

Is there a web site that I could go on to read about these cases? Were they patients of the same doctor? In the same hospital? Were the deaths back-to-back or spread out over a few years?

now that is a reality check for me - or it could be that my stomach is churning and my head is flipping because I can barely tolerate the sight of my own blood, let alone someone elses. the second photo looks like you're healing nicely. thanks for the insight.

When you go for consultation (or call your doctor) and find out what you have to ohave done before surgery. Like get cardiac clearance, pulmonology clearance, psychological clearance and visit a nutirtionist. Get eyither your primary care physician or your surgeon to write you scripts for all of that stuff. - oh for my pulmonologist i needed at chest xray and a pulmonary function test before the actual visit - otherwise i would have had two visits - one to tell me to go get those things and one for them to review the PFT and x-ray before writing the clearance. ANYWAY, get all of that done ASAP, then all you have to do is have yor surgeon's office submit ot the insurance company and then wait for approval. I hope this helps.

Rules for 2008 Make realistic goals for yourself, write them down, pray about them and try to achieve them! Go through your cell phone, caller id, calendar, and email addresses and discard all the people and events that mean you no good or don't benefit your life! Stop making excuses about your life and make changes! If you are involved w/a person, job, or circumstance that is doing more harm than good, do yourself a favor - LET IT GO! Stop being someone’s mistress; especially if you are aware that you are!!!! If you a re between the ages of 22-35 please start listening to more than Hip-Hop! Take care of your kids and devote a weekend or two when you spend "quality" time with them. Who cares if you miss out on a "mix"! You can party anytime! Get your debt in order! Eventually you'll want a nice home and car in your name! Stop spreading senseless rumors and try to get your own life in order! Listen more! Talk Less! Give without worrying about it! Tell him no for once! Tell people you love them before you hear about some great tragedy in the world or lose a close friend! Speak clearly and not ignorantly! Anyone can be a fool. If you are married, stop cheating. If you're guilty of this, ask God to forgive you and don't do it again! Remember the Ten Commandments. Stop waiting on Tax Season and Save Now! Eat what you need and not just because you can! See how long you can go without checking your cell phone wh en it's not ringing. Be more positive and stop being a grouch! I didn't do it to you boo! STOP HATIN! If you don't like my style, kick rocks! DO YOU! Start telling your children that when you're having a "grown folks" conversation, they need to go play. Remember they are like sponges. Appreciate everyone. WHY do we put each other down for the most ridiculous things?!? If you are a person of color and you live w/or work in a white environment don't be the one showing the latest dances, singing the new Jay-Z or teaching Ebonics. Be better not bitter! Men and women! Cry more! It's therapeutic. Stop tripping about not being where you want to be! What have you been doing to get there?!? If you aren't in relationship, it's not the end of the world! Self love is more valuable! Keep your opinion to yourself! We all know what others should do, but what about you? If God delivers you from a messy relationship, friend or situation, why do you keep PULLING THEM BACK? Let it go! FORGIVE! FORGIVE! FORGIVE! All of us have been forgiven for some low life things! So open your heart! Remember - God forgave you. Men, stop trying to be so hard when it comes to relationships. Let that guard down before you lose the one that's meant for you! Speak up for yourself! Learn a new hobby! Broaden your mind. If you're single, start going on more dates with different types of people. Don't just stick to the same type of woman or man! Stop forwarding all the text messages you receive; everyone doesn't have unlimited text messaging!! Stop replying to ALL! Live like today is your last day, love like God taught us, and laugh like you've never laughed before! You'll live longer. Lastly, if it's only 5 minutes a day have a little talk with Jesus! Let Him know you want to be better today than you were yesterday and watch Him turn things around for you! Top 10 Predictions for 2008 The Bible will still have the answers. Prayer will still work. The Holy Spirit will still move. God will still inhabit the praises of His people. There will still be God-anointed preaching. There will still be singing of praise. God will still pour out blessings upon His people. There will still be room at the Cross. Jesus will still love you. Jesus will still save the lost. God whispers in your soul and speaks to your mind. Sometimes when you don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at you. It's your choice: Listen to the whisper, or wait for the brick. Author Unknown