diane-south fla

Amber: No one can tell you what to do. Only you know what is right for you. We can all share our experiences, but that decision is yours. I went through the same thing. They moved my date up from the 29 to the 25th. They told me that 4 days before. I panicked then. It became very real. I felt sure that I could (once again) lose the weight myself. After all, I lost 16 pounds on the week and half pre-op. But my DH reminded me, can you keep it off? No. Over the years I have lost. I lost 80 pounds and put it back on plus another 30. I lost 60 pounds last year and put back on 30. I vowed that I would not do this again. My back is in such pain and can't do the things I want, walk, hike, canoe, enjoy life. My knees and feet won't sustain any activity. Buy I know how much I improved when I lost the 60 pounds........and how quick those pains came back with the 30 gain. I knew I had wasted too many years of my life being overweight and had to take this step. So, right up to the minute I was put under, I wondered. I asked my DH if I should walk away and he said "your choice". This is YOUR choice. I can tell you that right now, I do not believe I made the wrong decision. I know I can't do it myself, I need help. This lapband is a very good tool, but you will have to do the work or it won't run right. Look at your future and see what you envision........how do you see yourself? What steps do you have to take to get there? Make the choice that is right for you. It will be the right one for you. Remember, we make decisions based on the information we have at the time we make them. Review all the pros and cons and to help you make the decision. Write them down. Pros on one side, cons on the other. That can help tip the balance. Good luck! The operation is quick, not overly painful. I too have had a hysterectomy, a thyroidectomy and two children! This was a piece of cake! Whoops! Probably not the best thing to say! Keep in touch!

2band2008: I do understand your feelings! I have really not told everyone about what I am doing here. It is my news to share and I have chosen to share it with my family and a very few close friends. Not with everyone though. You must do what you are comfortable with and what is in your heart. You know what you need not everyone else! Good luck! Sure don't know that I would have been up to coming home quite that soon, Kudoos to you. I do know I heal much better at home!

All: I cannot thank all of you who went before me and candidly shared their experiences. Without this website and the support here, I would not have known half of what was going to happen to me. I knew to expect being pretty yucky the first day, more pain in port incision than rest, gas pain in chest and shoulder, explosive gas passing (to put it mildly!). It prepared me to go in with confidence, not fear of the unknown. I went to hospital at 5:30 am, prepped and in surgery by 7 am. My husband said surgeon came out about 9 and said all was well. I was awake in recovery by 10 and in my room by 10:30 am. Some pain discomfort but managable with sporadic pain meds. I was luck to be in a hospital with a private room so no distractions. Slept most of day between nurses, vitals, doctors, etc. Did not get up first day and my Dr. requires all to stay at least one night. Recommends two, but I was too anxious to go home. Day two, x-rays to see banding was OK and I could swallow, had liquid diet and was off for home at 1 pm. Still somewhat weak and tired. Still some pain. Took pain meds last night. Also managed about 4 ounces of Protein shake and few bites of Jello. Not at all hungry! Thanks to all of you who warned about passing gas that just might be a little more productive than plain old gas. When I had that feeling - straight to the bathroom and thank goodness. Had I not seen this on the website I would never have known! Decent nights sleep and felt 100% better this morning. No real gas pains, no pain in shoulder (other than usual arthritis!). A bit of belching and some pressure on chest, but no pain. No pain meds today. Just taking tylenol. Had another 1.2 Protein Shake and tea. Did well. Still not hungry. I am only in discomfort now - sore - not pain. That is good. A good hot shower, washed hair and felt like a new woman! Also be aware that with all the swelling and iv's, I came home 4 pounds heavier! lost it all by this morning! So do not dispair! Thanks again for all the support! To anyone who is fearful here - it is not without discomfort and some pain, but it passes very quickly. I did not expect to feel this good on day 2. Hang in there all who are going forward. It will be worth it!

Good luck to me and all my fellow 25th bandsters - easy surgery and swift recovery!!

Glad you are doing so well. Thanks for s haring your experience. I go in tomorrow early morning. A bit scared, but more excited! keep posting your progress!

Welcome home - glad you are doing well. Take it easy!

Good Luck all of you Jan 24 bandsters! May you have an easy surgery and swift recovery! diane

Hi dj: OMG! Know the feeling. I was scheduled for next Tuesday and they moved me up to this Friday - OMG just 2 days! Got a case of the jitters last night, but not too bad. I figure if you come this far - you made the decisions - took all the testing (what fun!) - went through pre-op diet (oh joy!) then I might as well finish and go the distance. That was my decision months ago and it never waivered! Until last night! Good luck! diane

I like the idea of hanging a fork or spoon around your neck - but somehow think that my Dr. would just not buy it!! I know that it is tedious but I sure hope that my success on the pre-op in managing hunger with the Protein shakes continues! I have to be optimistic here! Banding on Friday so time will tell.......... I also feel that mushies would be a blessing at this point! I actuall look forward to cottage cheese! Hang in there - just remember why you are doing this.......for YOU!! diane

Hi all! Getting mentally prepared for surgery - a few last minute jitters, but anxious to have this past me and move on. Have done well on the pre-op diet and feel very optimistic on success here. Lot of hard work though. Poeple who say this is the "easy" way ought to walk in these shoes! Will keep you posted on surgery! Take care! diane

Good Luck to all of you on the 21st. May your surgery be well and your recovery swift! diane

Hi all South Florida Bandsters! Good to know that there are a few of us out there using this forum! I just found out that they moved my surgery date up by 4 days so I will be banded Jan 25! Can't wait. That makes me four days closer to my goal and a new life. I have been doing the pre-op diet and sticking too it quite well. 14 pds in a week. Wouldn't it be nice it the weight just flew off like that! Just don't think so though!!! I will be happy with a couple pounds a week! Take care you all. diane

They had a cancellation of a surgery and my date was moved up to January 25 from the 29th! Only 4 days but that is 4 days less of the pre-op diet! And 4 days closer to my goal. I am really excited. But, when I got the call - it suddenly made this much more real. Just a litttle fear crept in but far more excitement to get this done! diane

Thanks! I am very excited about this. It is certainly becoming very real now! I can't wait to be on the other side of this! God knows this website and all of you have provided me support through this whole process when you didn't even know it! diane

Hooray - they had a cancellation and moved my surgery date up to the 25th from the 29th! It's only 4 days - but that is 4 days less of this pre-op diet!! I am so excited! Dec 31- Chrisann (honorary member of the Jan 08 bandsters) Jan 1- HAPPY NEW YEARS! Starting the year off right! Jan 2- phowell, Megmarie21, Gingerbug(Victoria), jengland, racetrackweary, rainbowme2(Bunny), RT, jojokitty Jan 3-WOWOX7, Woodsy,momto3, Mommamare, nancy52,AnneElliot, ovahkummer Jan 4- KUgirl, steviegene, SuzanneG, Songinmysoul, sleclerc (shirley), WendyRae, MamaJava Jan 5- texasbandster Jan 6 Jan 7- CallmeJim, comepickmeup, NukeChik, mamato3, kintime, Shell, destined2befree, babedoe4, ch4251 Jan 8- Fat&thrifty(and husband Joe), itz me, faa31, crackedpepper, flipbarnett, Joanna240, rustymarie, gingydilly Jan 9– Redtulips3, FLMan, TachaBaby505, Lillyanne_M, CJV Jan 10- luvsrocks, Hilary, Jen25bl, jtag10_4, Char1007, Pizzaman citygirl4616 Jan 11- brez1015, Tmusicmaker123, Poopsie, Ready2JustDoIt, B-Man, ganigirl6, Ms.BearKat11 Jan 12- jen6740 Jan 13 Jan 14- CoreynVA, acalpn, srbanker(Suzanne), grayl, cnukaya, Jessthat, Deedle, thinner-or-bust, gilliebean, greeniiii, mitch, WestCoastFatGuy Jan 15- Travelology, Dianegoe, poodlecamper, LKM, greeneyez Jan 16- Kathy, Saleel, back2reality, Cherry_Blue, Dazzle, nadean, with his help, Laurinda; Pikedafoe, Ms.Toya, SMR100 Jan 17- SJK, Alfie, L.A., lwood, tweenwaters, Laurieloo, kcintx,mia31771 Jan 18- RuthE?, shanarene Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21- mo7293 (Maureen), graham, lee41 Jan 22- purplegoddess, DPJDMOM, bcgates, AmyMT, bcgates, BensonRN Jan 23- min, Ang1982 (Angela) Tigger_Shorty (Rose), WhirlWinds Jan 24- holleyhobby,jst4kel,kimmycrs, Somogyi1, rakes4321, RomeGA3, Road_King Jan 25- Noni(Mary), htay73il (Hope), Thor, rakes4321(Amy), khoffman (Karen) Diane - south fla Jan 26- Louise (London) Jan 27 Jan 28- kawanabear(Kalonda), crystalcml, blg200200, justtjohn, PeachesPJ, kpoincon, ANewDayForRose Jan 29- Milton 5a (Lauren, UK, 21) Jan 30- PortuguesePrincess(Stephanie),Amberwaves(Amber), Tamika(taismommy), jaycee Jan 31- SarahT1982, lkgrubb, sexymama

Good luck to all of the 18ers! Quick and easy surgery and a very swift recover! diane

Good Luck Jan 19ers! May you have a quick easy surgery and a speedy recovery! diane

Good luck! Keep sharing those experiences. It really helps those of us who are waiting our turn. Hope you all have swift recovery! diane

Wishing you all good luck on your day! May your surgery be well and your recovery swift. Keep sharing your experiences as they so help us who are following in your footsteps. I feel so much more prepared by knowing what everyone has gone through! Keep everyone updated! diane

Hey there! I am not of the 7th banding, mine is in 2 weeks. But, I just wanted to let you know that depression is very common after any type of surgery. So keep thinking about the positive new you!! Try doing something to take your mind off of the depressing thoughts! You have made a major change in your life and your body, give yourself time to heal. We are here for you! Take care and keep positive thoughts!

Hi there! I am also on my first week of pre-op. If you can do the Protein shakes with skim milk, there are lots of ways to be inventive with them. Use extracts (just a few drops). If I get 3 or sometimes 4 Protein Shakes in each day along with ice pops and sugar free Jello, I can manage to get through the day. If you go to a good Vitamin store, try the nectar protein shakes. They are clear liquid using only Water. Fruit tasting but filling! Good luck and remnember just one meal at a time. I am with you here! diane

Congrats Gingydilly! What a relief to be coming off all of the scripts! I can't wait. Hope I can do as well after my surgery! Keep it up!

I am finally on the countdown to surgery! 2 weeks. Just saw my surgeon and am starting on my pre op diet of protein shakes. I have been gradually substituting shakes for meals this last week to see how it goes. First breakfast and then both breakfast and lunch. But, still having a normal dinner. Now I am doing all three meals. I sure hope this works.......seems like I am OK through the day but very hungry at dinner. Dr. said to do a second protein shake in the evening if necessary. Really see that I miss chewing more than anything. Trying sugar free popsicles and jello. Any ideas and experiences would be much appreciated! Really starting to get excited about the prospects and the future! :eek:

Thanks! I have started to experiment with various combinations on the protein shakes. Add a little almond extract to the chocolate...just a drop and it makes it different. A 1/2 teaspoon of instant decaf to the vanilla gives it a mocha taste. I also tried the Nectar shakes and that helps with a fruity taste. Today is day one of NOTHING but shakes, clear liquid. I will do it. All I think about is all the testing and trials I went through to get here and it gives me motivation to keep moving. Trying not to worry about "tomorrow", just get through today! Just got to do it for one day!

Best of Luck! Keep us posted on how you do!!