Michelle28

Oh and, I've never heard of multiple visits! I only had to go once, for one hour! But every doctor is different. Good Luck!

First off congrats to you and your husband on your journey!! For me, the psych evaluation was just myself and the psychologist talking about my expectations, my past experiences, and ways to change my eating behaviors after the surgery. She then typed a formal evaluation and sent it to the doctor with a copy to me, basically sayig she felt I was a good candidate for surgery. I've read other peoples experiences saying that had to take a written yes or no question test. I guess it really depends, but its nothing to be nervous or concerned about. It's just another step in the process; just focus on the finish line!! Wishing you success!! :clap2:

I was in the same boat, I had my surgery 2 days before you, and for the first two weeks, nothing changed! I was very disapointed with myself, and felt as if I was doing something wrong even though I was on a liquid diet, and starving!! As soon as I moved on to the mushie stage (a little over a week ago), the weight just started coming off. I finally had a few BM's, which definitely helped, but now I'm at another plateau where I feel I can eat a lot, and I'm not losing. First fill is scheduled for 1/10 and I can't wait. Yippee!!

YUM, the foods sound amazing. I am a vegetarian as well and these were some amazing food ideas. I've never heard of Spagetti squash! Also, the Wendy's Chili sounds delish and instead of meat you could use Smart Ground veggie beef, it's made out of soy and really does taste like ground beef, same texture but very good for your and loaded with Protein. I also love the morning star Veggie chicken Nuggets, loaded with soy protien and actually pretty low in calories. Tastes great!! My mouth is watering just thinking about all this food. I've been on full liquids for 10 days now, 7 days post-op. On Christmas eve I'll be on mushies and I'm already prepping my menu!! I normally didn't eat breakfast either but I learned something like 80% of obese people do not eat breakfast. Even though you may think you are saving on the calories, eating in the morning jump starts your metabolism and therefore you burn more calories through out the day. Grab a yogurt or protien shake. Anything that is loaded with protein will get your body going and help shed some pounds.. Good Luck!

Okay, sorry to be so dramatic but I'm worried there is something wrong with me. I've had the band for a week now, and I know I'm supposed to be patient and wait until I've had a few fills before I really notice the weight loss, but my scale isn't budging, and I've been existing on 500 calories a day for the past 7 days on a full-liquid diet. I was on a 2 day pre-op liquid diet and I lost 4 pounds in 2 days. I was consuming 1000-1200 calories each day for those 2 days. Surgery day was last Monday and I didn't really drink anything besides Water all day and a little apple juice. THe next morning after surgery I was down another 3 pounds - total 7 in 3 days! Which I know is impossible, so it was mostly water weight. So last tuesday my weight was up two pounds from the day before, and I have steadily gained weight each day. I weighed myself this morning and I weight 2 pds more then yesterday!!!!! I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I haven't had a BM in over a week (before my surgery). I took Ex-Lax yesterday and still nothing. I'm going to tey milk of magnesia and hope that works. Is this the reason I've been gaining? I'm on full liquids getting in around 40-50 g's of Protein a day. I'm drinking Protein shakes, protien water, very small amounts of cranberry juice, and Soups (strained). I have not cheated whatsoever. I'm wondering that maybe my body is going into "starvation" mode and is hanging on to every calorie I have, or maybe I'm retaining water? Did anyone else have this problem the first week? Normally when I cut back on calories I lose weight pretty quickly, so it was super discouraging when I weighed 2 pounds heavier today - then yesterday. I only consumed a protien shake and one glass of juice yesterday. 500 calories!? Can someone help??:faint::help::think:wacko::cry:cry:eek::omg::paranoid:huytsao:(:angry

I had the barium pre-op and Post-op Upper GI, and it still didn't do anything!!!! I just bought some Milk of Magenesium. I'm going to take it tonight, I'm so bloated and have this awful full feeling. I weighed 2 pds heavier then I did yesterday!!! This needs to happen SOON.

Thanks, I'm feeling a little bit better. The fills give you restriction, and the restriction helps you eat less, so if I am already eating less shouldn't I be losing?! I'm obviously not giving up, I'm going to keep going, but I just feel so bloated and full all the time and I feel like my body is just storing all the fluids I'm consuming... Thanks for the help, I'll keep you posted!

Hi All, I was banded about a week ago now and I wanted to share my past week experiences. I have been on a full liquid diet (including 2 days pre-op) and so far so good. I'm down a few pounds, but the scale hasn't budged the past few days. I haven't had a BM in a week and I just took something to help that along because I have a feeling that is why my scale isn't moving, and I'm also worried about it. I've been feeling incredibly bloated as well, and have not been hungry. About once a day I have an intense craving, but it's not actual hunger, just "mental" hunger. I am starting to actually get worried I'm eating too little calories, but I'm getting in all my Protein through Protein shakes, and protein Water. About once a day I'll have Soup, usually tomato, or vegetable, or another cream based soup, and I'll strain it after cooking. I'll eat about half the portion before I feel very full. I'm not sure if it's the band, or if my stomach has adjusted to the liquid diet. In the past if I have eaten less, my stomach adjusts within a few days and I get full much faster. I'll admit, I'm having trouble drinking enough water too, so that is a challenge. I will be allowed my first "mushie" on Christmas eve, so that will definitely be a present and I can't wait! As for the pain, it's been very tolerable. I haven't rested much at all but have been trying to take things slow. Surgery was on Monday, and I went back in to the office on Friday (half day). I had someone take me there and home so I wasn't driving because I am still on the pain meds. The pain is the worst in the morning when I wake up, but for the most part I'm starting to forget I even had the surgery, and then I'll get too ambitious and try and lift something or bend down too fast and then I remember. By Weds I was out xmas shopping, but again taking it slow. Back to work tomorrow for my first "full" day. I have my first follow-up appointment scheduled for 1/10, exactly 4 weeks after surgery and I'm pretty sure I will be getting my first fill then too. I'm a little worried about the bloating and that my scale hasn't moved in 3 days - when I'm on liquids eating under 1200 calories a day, but I haven't had that BM so I'm thinking that might be the reason, hopefully that will happen tomorrow. I've been walking a lot too! Jeez! Anyways, so far so good. If anyone has any thoughts on the above, let me know. Or if I'm doing anything wrong, please let me know! Thanks!!:nervous

I'm experiencing the SAME thing. Banded 12/10/07, last Monday and I haven't gone since before the surgery. I realize I'm on all liquids, but COME ON. I'm soo bloated, and my scale isn't moving anymore, but I'm barely consuming any calories. I'm going to try the milk of magnesia because this has got to stop. Also, the pain meds make you constipated. Glad you've gone, now what about me?!!!

Wow, I only had a 2 day pre-op liquid diet, and now I am on 2 weeks of full liquids post-op (banded Dec. 10). I am struggling with the sweetness issue too, I normally loove salty foods and I'm consuming a lot of protien shakes and juices, everything sweet! I'm allowed broth, or soups as long as I strain them if they have any chunks in it. I love Campbells Tomato Soup, or Amy's Butternut Squash Soup. Also, V8 or tomato juice can be a lifesaver - they're salty and taste great!!

My doctor said the gas pain is caused by the actual surgery itself. they pump gas into you to bloat your stomache during surgery and it makes it easier to perform. Most of the gas escapes during surgery, but most of the time there is still a gas bubble stuck inside, and it can take a few days to disapate. Walking is your best friend when you have these pains; I was banded yesterday and when I'm moving the pain is much easier to tolerate. The pain meds themselves are what causes the constipation, but if you're getting in all your fluids it shouldn't be too bad. I myself had some trouble sleeping last night, I woke up every hour and tossed and turned a lot. Hence me posting at 5:30am! My pharmacy only had a small bottle of the liquid narcotics yesterday, and It only held 2.5 doses! they don't open for another 3 hours, and I am in terrible pain! I need my drugs and I'm so angry that is all they could give me! Tke care!! :phanvan

Hi All, I was just reading the new issue of People (with Jennifer Love Hewitt on the cover) and there is an article on a 17 year old girl who was banded in June. Just an FYI, an interesting read. She's lost about 50 pounds so far. -My surgery is at 1 pm today!! I have to be at the hospital in 3 hrs!! :whoo: Take Care! Michelle

Hi All, I didn't think I'd have the motivation to post tonight, but my excellent pain meds have really kicked in, and I couldn't wait to tell you all about my experience! I arrived at the hospital at 11am today and waited about 30 minutes before I was finally called in. I met with the nurse and did the usual vital signs, etc. I usually have a very good tolerance of pain, but I think my nerves were acting up and everything hurt more then normal. I had my heparin shot into my stomache to prevent blood clotting and it stung like hell. I also have really bad veins and it took 4 attempts and 45 minutes before they finally got my IV going. At that point I was late for surgery and incredibly frustrated and scared. One of my doctors prior patients also helps out at the hospital, and met with to go over my pre-op instructions. I have been over them soo many times and read so much about it here, that it was all a big repeat for me. So anyways, the anesthesiologist finally came in and went over the last details and he gave me a Valium like relaxant. That was amazing, I felt so happy, the nerves disappeared and all I could do was smile! They wheeled me into the room and gave me the gas and a shot, and told me to think of myself sitting on the beach in an exotic location. I remember having some dreams, but I can't remember what of, and next thing I know they are waking me up and I'm extremely confused and my throat hurts and I feel like I've just been punched in the stomache, or have done 5,000 sit-ups. I didn't fully register what was going on for about 10 minutes and then all I could ask for was more and more pain meds. I was in a lot of pain! After I got that under control I got to see my family, and rested for a little while before they told me I was fit to leave! I was in a lot of pain for a while, but got home and walked around and felt much better. I've had a little apple juice, but I really don't feel like drinking anything. THe doc said tomorrow I can go back on full liquids and I have to get in at least 64 ounces a day, along with 500mg of Calcium 3 times per day, a chewable multi-vitamin and 40 grams of Protein. That will be a challenge, but I'm sure I can handle it. I've taken my liquid pain meds and now I am feeling soo much better. Anyways, this is becoming too long and I am dozing off as I type this. Take care everyone! Will post more later!

Seven pounds n 5 days and you are disappointed? That is an amazing weight loss, more then a pound a day! I don't think you could have hoped for any better. The slower the weight comes off, the easier it is to keep it off. You should be proud! As long as you are doing what the doctor ordered, you have no reason to worry. This isn't a miracle cure and you have to be patient and work at it. Results can be slow. I wish you much luck on your journey! I was just banded 5 hrs ago - I can't believe I'm sitting here typing. Take Care!!:bounce:

Hi All, My surgery in 5 hours, I have to be at the hospital in 3! I'm super nervous, but I believe I'm semi-prepared thanks to everyone here! I was a full liquid diet for only the past two days, and nothing to drink after midnight last night. I've lost 5 pounds in the 2 days, which I'm not sure is entirely possible so I'm thinking it must be water weight. The hunger has been hard, usually only between Noon-5pm that I struggle with it the most. I found I didn't want to do a thing this weekend because I couldn't eat. I felt unhappy and that nothing was worth doing because I was hungry and I felt drained. I was getting in 40g's of protein recommended by my doctor through Isopure and shakes, and taking a chewable multi-vitamin and my daily calcium amount - but I was still feeling very lethargic. I'm hoping after the surgery this will change or I will get used to it! 10 more days of full-liquids to go! Anyways, I will definitely post more after the surgery! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!!!! AHHHH! Sorry, had to do that. Bye for now!

Hi Everyone, I'm scheduled for surgery this Monday, Dec. 10! I'm incredibly nervous and excited - I can't wait to be a bandster!! My doc only has me on a 2 day pre-op liquid diet, and I've noticed a lot of people are on a 10-14 day pre-op liquid diet. I will be on liquids for 12 days after surgery as well. I start today! For some reason, I was looking forward to the liquid diet. I think when I have done any kind of "diet" in the past, it was always my decision, and eventually I would give in to my temptations, but just knowing that I don't have a choice in not eating right now will help make it a little easier. Or I'm just being incredibly naive! I've prepared for this, or so I think I've prepared. Yesterday I went to the Vitamin Shoppe near my house and bought every single appropriate Protein drink they have. I need 40 grams for liquid diet, and 60 grams when I get to mushies. I'm not sure which one I'll have today. I also went to the grocery store last night and spent $150 on drinks / liquids only. I never thought I'd do that. My doctor said juices are okay, but again based on reading other people's experiences, not many people are allowed juice. I can have apple, grape and cranberry juice - and creamy (strained) Soups, sf popsicles, sf Jello. That will pretty much be my diet for the net 2 weeks along with my Protein shakes and drinks. I had my pre-op check in with the hospital yesterday, and now I'm just waiting. This whole process went by incredibly quickly for myself - or so it seemed, and I can't believe the day is finally here. I've also gained 4 pounds since I began this process in Oct.! I know,I know - horrible right? I'm planning on keeping myself VERY busy this weekend to distract myself from food. I'm going to get our XMAS tree today and do some decorating, maybe go the movies, get my xmas cards together, etc etc. Anyways, I just wanted to say hi to all and wish everyone a very merry surgery this month!! I hope all goes well and I be sure to my post my post-op experience when I'm done. Have a great weekend Merry Losers!!! :whoo:

I just started my pre-op diet today, but I only have to do 2 days! My surgery is Monday and I'm on full liquids; jello, most juices, v8, strained cream soups, broth, protein shakes. Why do some people have to do a 10 prior liquid diet and clear liquids only, when I don't? I'm thinking maybe I should have done it anyway! Now I'm worried things aren't going to work as well...

I want to be able to go to an amusement park and not be worried that I may not fit on the ride. I want to walk down the isle on my wedding day in a non-plus size dress. (Wedding in 2009) & I want my future hubby to be able to carry me across the thresh-hold on my wedding night. I want to have children and not fear I'm to big to get pregnant, or that my knee will give out while holding my future child and I fall with my child in my arms. I want to go to the movie theatre and not feel like I'm spilling over my seat, and be able to sit there comfortable with my legs crossed. I want to feel confident when I walk into a business meeting, or meet potential clients, and not feel ashamed that the person they pictured when they talked to me on the phone, is not the same as the person they are meeting. I want to be able to shop wherever I want and not worry if I will fit into them or not. I want to be able to swap clothes with my thinner friends. I want to be able to go to the airport and not worry if I am too fat to fly. (Hasn't happened yet, but I'm always afraid it will!) AND I know I wilL!

Mine was a lot faster then that. I went to an informational seminar in the begining of Oct., then scheduled an appointment with the Dr Oct. 31 (earliest I could see him). I then finished my Upper GI, Psych, Physical and Blood by 11/15 (it sounds intimidating, but it was surprisingly easy and went by really quickly - for me at least). I scheduled my surgery for 12/10, before I had heard from insurance, but I have BC and was told it shouldn't be an issue. Insurance finally called on 11/30 with the approval, they pay only 70%; and I don't have to stay in the hospital, I can leave same day! I had the pre-op meeting last night and went over the surgery, the liquid diet, the best Protein drinks, the anesthesia, what to expect, etc. I'm going to the hospital tomorrow to fill out my admitting paperwork and I'm done! My doctor only requires a 2 day liquid diet prior to surgery, and then 12 days after surgery before I can move on to mushy foods. So the whole thing took me a little over 2 months, which I think is pretty average based on what I've read, but I've seen people do it faster, and I've seen it take people a lot longer. Anyways, good luck to you!

Hello Everyone! I have been snooping around here for a little while and figured I should post something! I went to the informational seminar in September, had my first meeting with the Doc on 10/31, and finished most of my pre-op testing in one week! I scheduled my surgery for Dec. 10, and I just got the confirmation from insurance that I have been approved. (Only 70% though). I have a blood test today, and the pre-op seminar Weds, and I'm done! I was very nervous in the beginging, but now I'm only excited. I'm worried about missing work and I'm hoping I'll be back in the office on Thurs. (Surgery is Monday) 12/10. What are your thoughts? Does this seem possible? I'm trying not to tell too many people I work with either. Anyways, I look forward to getting to know you all! -Michelle:clap2:

Hope this works, I couldn't find any full body pictures of me, but I just came across this one from two weekends ago. I'm going to take better "before" pictures this weekend. I've also attached a picture of me and my fiance from our xmas card because it is too cute. Anyways, surgery date is 12/10, one week from today and I am so excited! I can't wait for the after pictures! :bounce:

Mine is Dec. 10 in Ventura, CA!

Thank you so much for all your help! I'm very excited to start my "new life." I'll try and keep everyone posted on my progress. Thanks again!