SunriseinPA

Hi Everyone, I joined this website back in November I believe. I had been in a weight loss program for over 12 months and was scheduled to have my banding on January 9th. However, that was not to be. During the surgery the doctors encountered massive scar tissue from my cancer radiation treatments over 18 years ago. The scar tissue was so thick that the doctors could not see what they were doing. They tried in two ways to install the band. In the end, my stomach was cut in several places, the banding had to be stopped and here I am almost 5 months later just finding my way back to good health. I saw the surgeon on Friday. I have to go back for some more tests. I am having a great deal of trouble with acid reflux. An endoscopy will be done to see if there is a blockage. Then I have to go back and have my venna cava filter removed which was placed to precent bloodclots during and aftr surgery. The good news is that when I came home I was determined to "act as if" the band was in place and that is what I have done. I have managed to lose 40 pounds which is far more than would have been expected with the band in place. So once I can beyond some of these other little problems that have cropped up I will be literally racing towards my healthy goals. I have not had a chance to read the messages on the board so I am not sure where everyone is at this point. I do wish you all well and I would encourage you to move forward with your plans to step into a new, healthier lifestyle. If I can do this ANYONE can do this. If you need the band or bypass to do it then so be it. The important thing is that you DO IT! Here's to success, health and happiness in each of our lives. Sincerely, Libby

Make33, where in PA are you located? I am in York County, about ten minutes outside the city of York. ~~ D ~~

I have been on the liver cleanse for 6 of my 9 days. I will continue the same liquid diet for the week following my surgery. I am sitting here now having a VERY berry Protein shake and it is really rather tasty. I think I like this one better than the ones mixed with milk. I AM SO READY TO DO THIS!!!!!!! ~~D ~~

I am too on the pre-op liquid diet (liver cleanse). This is day 6 for me and I am not hungry at all. I have had a few intestinal problems. I am not sure if that is caused by the Protein powder or my liver getting rid of the impurities. Tuesday I switch to all Clear liquids in preparation for my banding on Wednesday. I have told myself that it doesn't matter how hard this is to tolerate. It is only two weeks out of my life. Soon this will be behind me and I will begin a whole new chapter of my life. Wishing you all the best. ~~ D ~~

Congrats! I am delighted that all went well. Your words give me encouragement. Here's to a great week for you! Hugs, ~~ D ~~ Banding January 9

I am mixing my Protein with sugar-free carnation instant Breakfast. I whip it in a blender with three ice cubes. It gets ice cold and I drink it with a straw in a pretty glass. My way of making the drinks a little special. I am using unjury protein powder and another vanilla flavored protein powder I picked up at the drug store. I tried some of the pre-mixed drinks but did not like them. Your body will adjust in a few days. Hang in there. Hugs, ~~ D ~~

Gillian, you would have to go back and refer to the post-surgery diet given you by your doctor. My doctor has me on 6 sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks with added Protein powder. In addition I can have chicken broth, sugar free ice pops, sugar free hard candy (NO CHOCOLATE), hot tea, sugar free hot chocolate with added protein, sugar free drinks such as lemonade and Fruit Drinks, iced tea, and sugar free Italian Ice. I am eating something every two hours and I keep a drink at hand all of the time. I am feeling great and not experiencing any hunger. If you are not certain about what you can have call your doctor and ask. Keep your goal in front of you and you won't want to cheat. Hugs and best wishes, ~~ D ~~

Hang in there. The hunger will pass. I am on day 5 of my liver cleanse. My surgery date is next Wednesday, Jan. 9. I am using ice pops, hard sugar free candy, hot tea, iced tea, sugar free drinks, Water, and chicken broth in combinaton with Carnation Instant Breakfast drink mixed with my Protein. I eat about every two hours and I am feeling great now. The first three days were hard. I had a headache and upset stomach. The best part is feeling in CONTROL! I am wishing you a safe and healthy journey into banding. Hugs, ~~ D ~~

Hello everyone, My banding is slated for Janaury 9. I first have to have a Greenfiled filter placed and that will happen this coming Thursday. It is out patient surgery done through the femoral vein in the groin. The filter is threaded up through into the vena cava which feeds blood to my heart. Its job is to catch any clots and keep them from going to my lungs or heart. Then I will go on January 9 for my banding. After reading quite a bit in this forum I feel I have been well educated and prepared for my banding. I have been going to classes for almost 9 months. I have also been doing therapy with a food disorder specialist. My "peas" are all in a row so to speak and I ready to begin my life anew with the band in place. I am to do a 9 day liver cleanse all liquid diet prior to the banding. Then I am to eat all liquids for 7 days, followed by pureed foods for 7 days, then soft foods for 7 days before beginning a "regular" diet of healthy choices. I have cleaned out all of my cupboards, fridge, and freezers. If it is not a protien source or a vegetable it is not in my house. I have a cupboard full of protein powder in various flavors, sugar free Jell-O, broth, etc. My kids gave me a Magic Bullet blender for Christmas so when I get to the pureed stage I can cook my own food and then mush it up good in the blender. It's nice because it came with 4 little blender containers and lots of recipes. I also have my exercise routine in place. I have built a "circuit" in my family room so that I can move from machine to machine with ease. I do believe exercise will be a very important factor for me. I have a supressed immune system stemming from my cancer years ago so going to a gym is out of the question for me (way to many bacteria and viruses lurking). If this banding does not work for me then it will be no one's fault but my own. I just can't magine putting my life at risk to have this surgery and then going back to my old ways. It just will not happen! My first "reward" will come this summer. My honey and I have planned a Harley trip through the midwest. I am SO looking forward to that! I believe I can be down 40+ pounds by then. Leather chaps here I come!!!!!! LOL If you knew me you would know how of character leather chaps are but they are on my list of things to own. Next on my list is to learn to snorkle and then scuba dive. I also want to hot air balloon. There are so many activites I want to attempt!!!!! So here's to a new me.......a me who will take care of myself at least as much as I have always taken care of everyone else! I am wishing all January banders a successful surgery. The best is yet to come! ~~ D ~~

I hope all goes well with your surgery. I am new at this too. My surgery is scheduled for 1/9/08/. I figured this was a grand way to begin the new year. By the way, I am in the field of education too. I am a 20 year para-professional with learning support. I LOVE MY JOB! Wishing you the best, ~~ D ~~

Jan 1- HAPPY NEW YEARS! Starting the year off right! Jan 2 Jan 3-WOWOX7 Jan 4- KUgirl Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7- CallmeJim, comepickmeup Jan 8 Jan 9 – Redtulips3, FLMan, SunriseinPA Jan 10- luvsrocks, Hilary Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 14- CoreynVA, acalpn Jan 15 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 18- RuthE? Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21- Chrisann Jan 22 Jan 23- min Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 29 Jan 30 Jan 31

I am having my surgery done in PA at Hershey Medical Center. ~~ D ~~

Hi, I found you in a search on this sight. I am going through the same office as you did. My surgery is scheduled for January 9, 2008. I sure would love to hear from you. I have a ton of questions residing just underneath a pile of nerves. I hope by this time the worst is behind you and that you are doing well. ~~ D ~~

unjury has their own website. I ordered mine on Sunday and received it on Tuesday. Just google Unjury. ~~ D ~~

I just received my first order of unjury and will try it over the weekend. I wanted to develop a taste for this BEFORE my surgery. I bought sample packs to try in chocolate, vanilla, plain, and chicken soup flavors. The samples came with many recipes. A friend who has used it said she loves it! ~~ D ~~

I am finding all of the information interesting and SO different. For instance, this topic of how to prepare. I was told no fleet or laxatives. I am to do an eight day liver cleansing all liquid diet prior to the surgery. That's it. Then I am to do 7 days or less of all liquids, followed by 7 days or less of pureed foods, followed by 7 days or less or soft foods, and the on to regular foods, eating every two hours and drinking. Lots of Protein added to everything from day one, no sugary or melted foods recommended, and I was told I could probably return to work within 3-5 days. Of course, everyone is different so it is probably best to listen and follow doctor's orders as it seems that each doctor does things a bit differently. ~ D ~

Today I saw the surgeon who will perform my surgery. I like her. She was very friendly, gave me a a no-nonsense over-view of the lap band procedure, and was very open to answering all of my questions. I return on Dec. 14 to meet with her again as well as to consult with the anesthesiologist. During the week of Christmas I must undergo out patient surgery to have a Vena Cava Filter placed via my femoral vein (in the groin). I have a clotting factor and the surgeon does not want to operate unless and until the filter is in place. My lap band is scheduled for January 9. What a great way to begin the new year! My surgery is being done through Penn State Hershey Medical Center for those who inquired. Thank you for the warm and friendly welcome. It is grand to have this site filled with support and information. Wishing you all the best. ~ D ~

I just had this conversation with my 37 year old nephew today. He is two weeks out from having gastric by-pass. When he said he wasn't sure he could "do this" I asked him to focus on the reason he had the surgery to begin with. I know his reason. He wants to live so he will be here for his daughter. Certainly, his reason (the love of his daughter) can help him get past any hunger he might have. He agreed. The only failure is that of not trying. Hold fast to your convictions that you are going to give yourself the gift of good health because you deserve the best in life! And when I am at this point please feel free to give me back my own advice. Warmest hugs, ~ D ~

Hello everyone, I found this site by accident while looking for some information to share with friends. I see my surgeon on Friday. I am hoping to have the lap band procedure within the next two months. I have been going through classes since last May and have finally completed everything required by the insurance company. I am so excited and yet scared. I fully understand that my life is going to change in many ways. My biggest concern is how my family and friends are going to react to the changes that will take place. I have decided that only my children and their spouses and my boyfriend will know that I am having the surgery. Once I have gotten through the first month then I will share with others as the need arises. I simply do not want to have to justify or explain the decision I have made to have this surgery. I know it is what is best for me and for the first time in my life I am doing something that puts me first. I have come here to read, to listen, to be nurtured and to learn as I step into this new phase of my life. Support from those who have walked this path will hopefully give me the strenth I need to go forward. My goal is not a dress size or a number on a scale; only good health and added years of life. Warmest hugs for each of you. It is nice to be among those who understand. ~~ D ~~