justmel1957

I know your pain! I too had major constipation issues. I tried the stool softeners, fiber in every form, and the juices. Nothing!!! So, discussed with my lap band surgeon and primary care doc, and they both suggested Miralax. It finally took care of the problem. I've had to experiment on dosage as to not take too much, but enough to keep me regular. I have settled on a half a capful every other day. Now.......things are moving they way they should. Both docs assured me that taking it regularly will not be a long term problem. Discuss your issue with your physician and go from there.

Had my first taco on Saturday. And a few refried beans. So yummy. It went down fine, but I broke it into small pieces and ate it with a fork kinda like a taco salad. Was afraid I'd take too big of bites if I ate it normally.

They presented it to me as optional. I did have to sign a release stating I understood the risks and was opting to not have it.

No, I chose not to have the filter inserted. I am pretty active, no history of clots, never on BCP, knew I would be up and walking within a couple hrs of surgery, etc, so decided against it. However, if I had had any circulatory issues or health problems, or risk factors, I would have it done. You just have to weigh the odds and make what you feel is the right decision for you. Had my fill yesterday. It was a breeze. Didn't feel a thing. He put 1.5cc into my 4cc band. Anxious to see how it works for me. Good luck to you. Keep me posted. Mel

If you are talking about the upper endoscopy, put your mind at ease, it was a breeze. I too was freaked about it. I have a horriffic gag reflex, but the anesthetist assured me that he would be certain i was properly sedated before they started and i don't remember a thing about it at all. i was worried for no reason. good luck to you. hopefully for you it will be just as easy. but, i would make sure they know your fears and if you feel you aren't sedated enough, please let your anesthetist know.

Had my first fill yesterday. Surgery was 5/7. The fill was a breeze. Didn't feel a thing, and no "deadener" applied. I have a 4cc band and he inserted 1.5cc. Am on liquids today, then am to eat til I'm full (and keep an accurate measurement of how much that is) and report back on my next visit. He said that will help him know how much to fill next month. Doing pretty well. Have lost 13 pounds in 5 weeks. Weighing at 210 now. Can't wait to get below 200. Gotta up the exercise!!

e60: I think you will like him, altho there are a lot of new office staff that can make that side of the office kinda crazy, but hey, they are learning. I get my first fill from him today. excited about that. I have done very well, and am pleased with him.

I think you will find this differs from person to person. I think you're just gonna have to try a few and see what tastes good to you. Personally, I like a ready to go shake like Carnation Instant Breakfast or Slim Fast. But I do add a little of the unflavored unjury to both of those to up the protein a bit. I have a friend who had the LB done a year ago and she let me sample a few of her mixes so I wouldn't have to buy a large quanity and find I didnt like one. Check with your nutritionist. They may have some samples in the office to help you decide.

Well, I had my 4 week post op appt yesterday. Lost 4 more lbs, making 12 total. I'm pleased with that. Get my first fill in 2 more weeks. I'm already off the prilosec, and feeling really great! Just wish I had taken the plunge earlier! Glad to hear everyone else is doing well............. Mel

I think you will find that it will make a huge difference. It sure did for me! No more fear of that scary night-time reflux! It is wonderful.

What kind of hernia repair? There are different types. I had a hiatal hernia repiar w/ my banding and I am as thrilled with that, as I am the band. It always gave me such terrible reflux. I am delighted that it has been repaired. Easy recovery. I was back to work in 5 days. No problem.

I fly alot for work, and was able to feel good while traveling about 2 weeks post op. At 3 weeks I felt great. I am at 4 weeks post op now and feel completely normal. I would definately discuss with my healthcare providers and see what they recommend/allow. My Dr. wouldn't let me fly for the first 10 days.

I too have Federal BCBS and had surgery May 7th. I did receive an letter of "approval" before surgery, but now am wondering if it was not really an "approval" after all. You have me worried. When did you have your surgery? I had a BMI of 37 but with severe reflux, back pain, joint pain, etc. He also repaired a large hiatal hernia on me too. Keep me posted. I will be anxious to see how we both fare.........

Here's another option. It requires batteries, but doesa great job of mixing those powders: Product Detail - Tornado Mixer Set of 4 Hand-Held Portable Mixers=

I took a week off but could have returned sooner if my doc had allowed me to drive. He insists no driving for a week to 10 days. Saw him today for my first post op visit and am doing great. (banded 5-7). Loss of 8 pounds YIPPEE

I too had the HH repair and was thrilled to have it done. It has caused and aggravated so many problems in the past for us such as GERD. I was as excited about that as the band.

Yippee! My biopsies turned out negative and I am breathing a huge sigh of relief. Now I can focus on other things. Went back to work yesterday and was exhausted by the time I got home, but did pretty well. Issues with my bowels, either too loose, or not at all, but am figuring out the best plan of action on that issue. Haven't had much of an appetite just yet, but am getting plenty of fluids, just not enough protein yet. Will focus on that after I see the MD on Monday. My biggest and wierdest complaint is my legs. They aren't really painful. No red sreaks, or swelling or anything like that, but just "restless". I find I can only sit in certain chairs, and am fine when I'm up and walking. During the night I sleep fine with no symptoms. Anyone else experience this?

Glad every one is doing OK. I was banded the 7th and spent the night in the hospital. That experience was not good to say the least. My room mate was an elderly woman who was from the behavioral unit and was very irritating to say the least. I know she couldn't help it, but why in the world would they put us together when there were other rooms open. My nursing care lacked a lot to be desired as well. Good thing I'm a nurse or I wouldn't have a clue as to what to do post op, etc....... Now that I'm home I'm progressing pretty well. I see the Dr the 19th and get the results of a node biopsy he removed while in there. It was enlarged which is worrisome. Just hope its the result of my having a "bug " a week or so pre-surgery. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Don't have much of an appetite yet, and the pain is Ok except for the neck/shoulder pain which could either be gas or from the node removal or hiatal hernia repair. Not sure. Will return to work by Thursday for sure. Good luck to those going this week........... Mel

My doctor gives the option of having a vena cava filter inserted as a prevetative measure in regards to clot formation. The filter would "catch" the clots before they reached your heart/lungs. My rationing for not doing it was that my BMI wasn't that high, and I can easily ambulate and have no risk factors. And am a very compliant person. Now, I'm wondering if I should have had it done...........

Just checking in.......... I was banded Wednesday: spent the nite in the hospital and have done pretty well I think. Clear liquids day 1-4, and today started full liquids (for 10 days). The doctor also repaired a large hiatal hernia while he was in there, and also said I had some enlarged lymph nodes, which he removed for biopsy to be sure nothing wierd was going on there. I'm hoping it was just due to the fact that I had a virus the week before surgery and nothing serious. I'm a little concerned about that. I've been ambulating as instructed but am concerned about clots. I decided against the filter, which, now I wish I had done. My legs feel a little wierd, but not red, swollen or painful. Maybe I'm just overly worried. My post pain is mostly from the the removal of the node and hernia repair. The incisions aren't bad at all. Wish me luck on the biopsy reports. I'm anxious to get back to the office and find out the results. Good luck to the rest of the May group..........

I was banded May 7th and my doctor requires 20 days of once daily Lovenox injections. They aren't bad. Better than the risk of a clot.

LOL! It's not original..............think I heard it on some movie.....can't remember what. had my last MD visit yesterday........... this time tomorrow, I will be "under the influence" with not a care in the world-LOL YIPEE

Doubts, fears, uncertainties? Sure.............I'm 48 hours away and am having all those thoughts, but know deep down that I want this and can do it. I think it's just like any other major life decision........sometimes you just gotta jump off and build your wings on the way down! (or up??) HA

I'm May 7th as well...............and I too am getting a bit nervous. Not about the surgery itself..........just everything that comes "after". Have my hospital pre-op visit today and that's it. Good luck to everyone who has their date this week..........

I'm sure we'll all do fine, its kinda like getting married........the cold feet syndrome! LOL For me, I'm fine with the procedure itself, its the "after-stuff" that weighs on my mind. Like, will I PB in a restaurant in public with everyone staring at me? Will I go to a function and stick out like a sore thumb because I dare not eat whats being served for fear I cant get it down? I have middle eastern friends I travel to see in Paris and refusing food when you are in their home, is considered rude. How do I handle that?