Jonesy

Joanna, try not to worry. I had my surgery on 12/20/07 and had a great experience. My post op procedures sound just like what you're going to have. I woke up in RR and was alert and had little if any pain. I was taken to my room and felt so good I had my hubby grab the phone so I could call my kids because they were so worried. I too had compression stockings on and a foley catheter in until the next day. A respiratory tech came in and showed me how to use the incentive spirometer. My morphine pump was great, I took it pretty often. I would recommend that. It hurt but not bad. I couldn't have anything to drink, just wet swabs for my mouth until I had a post op Upper GI the next day. I had a few hard days at home but all in all having kids was harder and lasted longer! I was so scared before, though, and remember feeling just like you. I thought can I take it?? What if, what if, what if....I was getting cold feet and was driving myself crazy. I prayed for a sense of calm and confidence and that helped too. You've researched this for so long and have picked skilled and caring doctors. They will take good care of you. Best of luck, you will do fine.

Shelly, Where did you have your surgery? I live South of Pgh and had my surgery 6 days ago at UPMC. Best of luck to you and to all the other Merry Losers.

Hello to all the fellow Dec. bandsters! This is my 2nd post, whoopee! I'm trying to catch on to how this works. I had to get my 14 year old to add the Merry Loser tag at the bottom, yikes! Somehow I'll figure out how to add Dec. 20th to the list because that's my surgery date! I'm wondering how you all are feeling as your date gets closer. It seems so real now, I'm scared yet excited. Everything is full speed ahead, yet at times I think I'm getting cold feet! I'm thinking, can I do it........ It's so nice to read your threads and look forward to getting to know you! Best of luck to you all.

Carolk1- How are you feeling today? Take care and keep us posted!

Carolk1- So sorry this happened. I feel really badly for what you're going through. I'm a nurse and I can't imagine saying something so rude to a patient. When you feel better you can let their supervisiors know. That is really unprofessional. Anyway, take care- hopefully in a day or so you'll be feeling better and can think about what to do.

Brez1015- Are you from Pgh? Noticed you love the Steelers. I'm from here and love 'em too. Go black & gold!

Badonkadonbutt, When was your surgery? Glad to hear you'd do it again. Merry Losers, how do you get the tag at the bottom of your posts? I've tried and tried and no luck (technology challenged I guess!)

Brez1015, this is a nice thread! I'm 48, married with 2 teenage boys who honestly are really scared that I'm having the surgery. I'm trying to reassure them that this will be so good for my health. My PCP is going to talk to the whole family in a few weeks. She is very behind this, which is great! I'm a school nurse, and boy is it embarrasing being the health professional in the building and being one of the biggest here! But hopefully it will start to change on Dec. 20, that's when my surgery is scheduled for. Best of luck to all of you fellow "Merry Losers". Sandy Yikes, my lunch is over. Back to work! There are kids at my door.

Dar, I'm reading some old posts and came across yours. How are you doing now? My surgery isn't for 4 weeks, and I'm trying to read everything I can find. I even got some CD's about life after lap band! Hope you are well-

Thanks Carolk1! I will keep trying to get the Merry Losers tag. Technology and me don't mix! I have the exact same concern as you. I'm trying to change my habits, I love how you have an exact date that you started. I'm cutting down portions, chewing well, eating slowly, etc but sometimes I worry that I won't be able to change my ways either. It probably takes 1 PB to make that change I suppose. I'm telling myself I'll do whatever it takes to make this work. I want this to be successful so badly. All the best to you on the 3rd!

Ok, the Merry Loser thing did not work after all

Hi Caramel, I'm new to this and am not sure how to do it! Can Dec. 20th be added to the list? It's exciting to read about all of you and hope I can join in too. When responding, do you make a general reply or somehow direct it to the Merry Losers?