Debbie P

Yes, go to the doctor and tell him. I had the same symptoms, yawning all day, actually fell asleep while driving and went through a red light (that was the breaking point)! I have sleep apnea. I saw a sleep disorder doctor and they tested me and I was put on the CPAP machine immediately. That was 5 months ago and I can't tell you how much better you will feel. It is important the day of your surgery to tell the antistologist (the person that puts you to sleep) that you have this symptom They have to closely mointor you during your surgery. It is IMPORTANT! Tell your doctor and get in ASAP.

Yes, I cheated too. I was on clear liquids 10 days prior to surgery, and the 8th day I lost it. I ate shrimp cocktail, just 3 pieces, and dipped my finger in spreadable cheese, and a soft boiled egg. It was the best tasting food I thought I'd ever had. I made it through my surgery without any complications and my BMI was 56. My girlfriend in New York had her surgery 3 weeks prior to me and her doc let her eat 1 complete meal a day with 2 protein shakes substituting for the other meals. She is doing great and had no problems. Now, I am no doctor but this was my story...and I'm sticking to it! Good luck, you'll be fine.

Hello, I just posted the same question today, and received replies like you. I can eat 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups too I think. I never went to the Mushies stage, I went from liquids, soft, real food. I'm ok. Not even gas problems, never felt like getting anything stuck yet and really feel much better than I thought. I am now aware we will be "fuller" after our 1st fill. My is 1/4/08 and I'm really excited about it. I lost 20 lbs. after banding and gained 2 lbs. back. I have alot to lose so I'm anxious to being losing on a weekly basis. I'm sure you will too. This is a terrific website and everyone is so nice to help. Keep coming with the questions, there is always someone who has experienced it before us that can help. Enjoy your holiday. Debbie

Yes, I had my surgery on 12/3/07 and I had the same symptoms as most of you. Pain in the port site, laying down really seemed painful, and getting up from a chair or laying down position really killed me. But...good news its short lived. After a week or 2 you will not notice to much. I still have some discomfort when laying on my side but its getting better. As far as gas, get Gas X, that should help you. Keep drinking water too. Adding lemon helped me, its true, the more you drink of water, the better your going to feel. Good luck!

Thank you for the tip on Wendell and the fills. It was most helpful and I think my husband will even enjoy reading it. All I have heard from him over the Christmas holiday is "your eating to much and not losing any more weight". This should quite him down. Debbie

Thank you to everyone who replied to my question. I feel much better now. I just kept thinking, all the fighting with the insurance, then the surgery, and now I'm eating to much and felt like I was going to ruin my chances of ever losing weight. I truly appreciate everyone's support. Debbie

I understand the cream of wheat, helps keep you fuller, and slim fasts work, but what about regular food? Last night Christmas, I ate 1/2 of thin piece of prime rib, some green beans, 2 bites of sw. potato before I was filled up. I was banded 12/3/07. Am I eating to much? I too am seeking foods that make you feel fill longer. Help!

I almost started using that, but it was pointed out to me that the FDA does not approve it. Its a herb, and they don't have to test it. My friend scared me into not using it, though I hear it works. Wish I could say either way.

Chris, Good job on the weight loss. I'm going to be banded 12-3-07 and I too have thoughts that I will not lose the weight like all those that did. But these are great words of encouragement. Congratulations to everyone,. I hope I can post my weight loss like you all. I've had thoughts of gb vs. banding, but banding is much safer I think in the long run. So, here goes I'm starting my full liquid diet Nov. 24. Wish me luck! Debbie P.

Hello everyone. I just got my final approval from my insurance company and my banding is scheduled for Dec. 3 (I wanted to eat for Thanksgiving), so I delayed it for a week. My doctor has put me on a clear liquid diet for the 10 days prior to surgery, making me lose 10 lbs. prior to surgery. I'm worried that I will starve in those 10 days. Then after surgery I have 2 more weeks of Clear liquids, then 2 weeks of full liquids, then mushies. Can anyone tell me a basic day of what they ate? I'm thinking Atkins Protein shakes, broth, s/f popcycles, s/f Jello and then I'm lost. I'm really thinking I'm going to starve to death. I fought tooth and nail for this surgery with my insurance and now that its almost hear, I'm scared I'm going to fail. Any help with this diet would be appreciated. Everyone, have a nice Thanksgiving. Debbie P.

My question to you is why would you go to Mexico to have the surgery? Are you self-pay? Or do the doctors down there travel from the USA and their rates are less expensive than if they were in the US?

You two look great! Keep up the good work, and plan an exciting vacation to celebrate it!

OK, I'm actually smarter than I thought. Sorry for the dumb question.

I hope I am. Waiting on insurance. Can I ask a dumb question? The littler tickler on the bottom of your signature line, I for the life of me can't figure out how to place it there. All I keep getting is the text? Can you help, is it a HTML or something different?

How did you incorporate the veggies and Protein into a liquid diet? I understand the rest, but this throws me? Deb

What is the general rule of thumb with the liquid diet. Shake for lunch and breakfast, broth for dinner?

Hello, I have also been trying the Special K Protein drinks, the berry is good. I've only been on it a week, but it does fill me up until lunch.

I was wondering if anyone could explain Optifast? I'm not sure about this, where do you buy it? Is it like Slimfast? I have to be on a 10 day liquid diet before surgery. I'm still waiting for my insurance to say yes, then we will set the date.

Hello, My name is Debbie and I am anxiously waiting approval from my insurance company for the lapbanding. I have provided them with the necesssary 6 months of dieticians, physicians appointments, and all other requirements for this procedure. I am lucky to find this site. You have answered some of my questions pre-surgery. I was especially worried about the 10 day liquid diet I must have prior to surgery. I have noted some of the items you suggested. I must say, I am still wondering if lap banding is the right choice vs. gastric bypass. Back in 1980's I had the stomach stapling and it didn't work. I never lost my desired weight. Now, I watch the TV show Big Medicine and it seems like everyone is doing the gastric bypass. Last week they showed someone who had the lap band, surgerically removed and they did the bypass. The doctors on that show said the band adhered itselft to the stomach and it was difficult to remove. Does anyone have any comments regarding this? Are you all happy you had the lap band? Besides the liquid diet, and some pain are anyone of you regreating you did'nt do the bypass? Thanks for letting me sound off. I'm excited but scared at the same time. Debbie