vballmom

Mommaka, I lost 16 pounds pre-surgery to shrink my liver. The first question I ask after surgery was how was my liver and the doctor said it was fatty but I was able to do the surgery. I was so pissed bec I worked so hard on the pre-op diet to shrink it. Best wishes

The six month diet is pretty standard practice for insurance companies. I had to do it, do not skip a month bec then you will have to start over. First find out if your doctor approves of the lapband, bec you need the doctor to write a letter to the insurance co at the end of six months of a supervised diet. Make sure the doctor documents each visit with info about your diet and weight loss plan. I personally only lost 11 pounds in the six months. I know the six months wait sucks but it will give you time to learn more about the lapband and to prepare youself mentally. The surgeons office will advise you when to start the pre-op testing & doctor visits. Good luck with the process.

I had my first fill a few weeks ago. I was so scared because until you actually experience it, you imagine all kinds of things! The doctor gave me a shot of lidocaine in the area around my incision, and that kind of burned. Then he just put the needle in right under my scar and I kind of felt like a corkscrew would feel being put in a bottle of wine. I did feel pressure but not really pain, but just take a deep breath and you will be fine. It only took about 30 seconds to fill me with 3cc in a 10cc Realize Band. He put a round band-aid and ask me to drink some water. I did feel restriction the first day but I made another appt for 2/21 to get another fill. I want more restriction, I can eat too much by the end of the day. Hang in there it will be fine.

I had my first fill a week ago and I just started feeling some restriction yesterday. I can still eat more than the cup of food but it is still less than before my surgery or my first fill. Ive read it may take several fills to get to the sweet spot. I look at it as a lifetime of adjustments of fills and possible unfills. I did get 3cc in my 10cc band. Good luck.

What is your grandmother eating? If she is only three days out from surgery,then she should only being having liquids,jello, sf popcicles,soups. If it continues I would call the doctor. Good luck

Ive lost 34 pounds since Christmas including pre-op and I would definitely do it again. I feel better already, I can walk without my back hurting and without being out of breath.

Restrict 2008 Yes oatmeal and cream of wheat are mushy, Enjoy I know it will taste so good after being so restricted. I really like the cream of wheat it is much smoother than oatmeal.

Fenton, I have a high BMI and I bought a bed pillow with arms and slept sitting up in bed the first two nights. I also have sleep apnea and used my machine everynight and was able to sleep on my sides about the third night. I think you can drink prune juice for the constipation. I also have Reflux and Ive only taken my medication a few times since surgery. Don't worry it will all work out. Best Wishes

I eat a few ice cubes if I have to have something to drink during or right after the meal. Sometimes I even take a small sip just to clear my mouth.

I was banded 12/31 and I did ask at my psych appt if I should tell my 11 year old daughter. I was told yes I should tell her and let her ask me questions. The psych told me that kids make up worse things in their minds if they are left in the dark. After I told my daughter and she ask a few questions then she was fine with it. She has been so helpful with my recovery and excited about exercising together. I also wrote both her and my DH a letter, just incase something went wrong. I basically tried to explain in the letter why I choose to have the surgery and of course how much I love her etc. I even called my best friend the night before surgery to tell her how much I appreciated her always being my friend no matter how big I was. By the way she is a size 4, but she has NEVER made me uncomfortable about my weight. Best of luck & a speedy surgery.

I am planning to join the YMCA today and they have a hot tub. Does anyone know if it is ok to use the hot tub? I remember when I was pregnant that I couldnt use one bec it wasnt good for the baby. I was thinking that it would not be a good idea bec of the possible heating the band or port. Of course today is Sunday and the doctors office is closed. Any other hot tub users out there?

Marlu 77 Had my surgery 12/31/07 and went to the doctor today and ask about the hot tub. He wants me to wait one more week before going in the hot tub. He said one of my incisions was still not quite healed. He said I could go and stay in as long as I want after that.

I was able to shower the next day. It did feel so good.

Help I need some suggestions for what to eat when I have PMS Munchies? I am one month out from surgery so I can eat regular foods. I need help with finding something crunchy, salty and low carb to fill that craving every month.

Tammru I had a BMI over 50 & had surgery a month ago. Ive lost 31 pounds. I had my blood work done for my diabetes last week and my A1C was already down. Best Wishes!

Ms. Toya I am almost a month out and this week I have been eating bigger portions & even had a few things that were not healthy. I am trying so hard to get back to following all the rules. I hope a fill will help because my will power is low. Dont feel like a failure, you are human! Just keep trying!! Good luck.

It is so nice not to be alone in my journey. I am glad to hear other people are experiencing the same issues. It helps to share.

Mindy, During my mushy stage I got mashed pots from Popeye's no gravy. I would take a 1/4 cup and add some 1 percent milk and a little salt and butter and make it thinner and heat it in the microwave. It was a little bit of heaven and It helped me feel more satisfied and I slept better. I did not gain any weight by eating that twice a day for a few days. Or do the same with instant potato's. Good luck, I am in bandster hell also and not due for my 1st fill yet. Hope to get a fill in early Feb

First find a surgeon and then go and meet the people in the support group. You can ask around at the support group for a PC that is supportive of the lapband and in your area. Good luck.

CMWW33 Hello, I also live in Houston and wonder if you have diabetes? If so I saw at doctor at the Diabetes Center in NW Houston and a nut also they were both very supportive of having the lapband surgery.

Had my surgery 12/31/07 Just a reminder to stay hydrated I am having to work on that one constantly. I have been waking up at night for the last several days with such a dry throat that I cant even make spit. I had to get up and get water. It is a very uncomfortable feeling. I guess we will all have our issues and that is my big one. I know all the tricks but I just do not feel thirsty. Also take some chapstick to the hospital. All the fear and excitement is normal. Good luck.

Bert 99 & Seajules, thanks for the information on Paxil, I do suffer from the side effects mentioned. I will check out the website you recommended Bert. Thanks ladies.

010308 I was taking Metformin also and haven't taken any since my surgery. I take the Extended Release and they could not be cushed or cut so I just stopped. I have been checking my sugars regularly and they have been good. I ask my doctors ofc to call in a regular prescription but they never did. I go to the diabetes clinic tomorrow so I will know more then. I do cut my other medications in half.

Seajules, wow how did you get off Paxil? I have been taking it for 12 years and can't get off of it bec of the side effects! I would love to know your secret. I hope you dont mind sharing. It has helped me but I originally started taking it bec of panic attacks eleven days after I gave birth and my mom was staying with me and died in front of me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

I have to remind myself to drink also. I fill up my water bottle at work and keep it out to remind myself. I am diabetic and never had the thirst problem most diabetics have. I know that I dont get enough water but I am trying.