tztmama

I live in San Diego, CA. I actually live in Chula Vista, a city at the southern part of San DIego. I live about 5-10 minutes from the Tijuana border.

Welcome nanviv, I was banded only 5 days ago but the recovery isn't too bad. I am returning to work on Monday, exactly one week after surgery. I am a teacher so my job requires me to be on my feet but isn't too physically exerting. My insurance paid for 70% of the fees. I think my out of pocket will be around $4,000. I saw a person around this website (or maybe at smartbandsters) who was 62 and had the surgery. Heck, you still have a few decades to live so I wouldn't think you would be too old for the surgery, if thats what you were implying. Many people get their surgery in Mexico and if you surf this site you can research commets, etc. Your first step is to see your primary care doctor and talk to her or him about the idea and then just get on the internet and this site and research the heck out of the topic. Best of luck Darla

I was just banded and lots of good people advised me to sip water, have plenty of Gas X on hand, bring a pillow to place on my tummy for the ride home, and loose fitting clothes. Also, take an inventory of task that require lifting and try to get "ahead of the game" with those chores or have someone who will help you. Staying in touch with your fellow bansters offers fantatstic emotional support! Best of luck to you! Darla

I admire her courage! She is blessed to have a friend like you who sees her beauty!

What freedom! What a rush! Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to us newbies!

What freedom! What a rush! Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to us newbies!

Taking monthly pictures is a great idea!

Best of luck ladies! You'll be in my prayers and don't forget to pamper yourself for the next few weeks!

I was banded 2 days ago and was not told to do anything to my incisions. What does everyone else do? I have some soreness when I walk around or get up but have not noticed any oozing at all. Thanks, Darla

That is a cool story! I think it is so important that we keep a sense of humor (-: I had a friend who was so nervous that the paper on the examinig table clung to her near naked backside. LOL!

Thanks for the info!

I probably would tell her but may wait until she poked around for an answer first. I have a co-worker who had Gastric bypass and she told everyone she lost weight on a special diet. I on the other hand tell all about it. Depends on the person I suppose.

Yup. the last man I was in a relationship with was also "the only man who had ever truly made love to me". I thought he was my soul mate, etc.,etc. I found out later, after he broke my heart, that he had another woman on the side and at the same time was going back to his ex-wife every couple of months. So, he actually was juggling three of us. I have never even had a man cheat on me before so this totally blew my mind. At the same time my mom had an obesity related stroke that left her unable to walk, talk, toilet, or anything and I basically gave all my belongings away and moved in to care for her. That was over 5 years ago and I just isolated and put on 60 pounds, thinking I didn't care because the pounds would keep the bad guys away. I am such a different person now. I see the gifts the relationship gave me and have learned that some of our pain is blessings in disguise. Sure didn't feel like it at the time though. Life is a process of happiness, grief, joy, and sadness and lots of stuff in between. You are in my prayers tonight and soon you will be smiling again.

Personally, I use Cambridge brand. I buy it online and but you have to specify the Food For Life product because it is soy. I lost weight on it before and was able to stick to it longer because it tastes good and there are lots of recipes to go with it that breaks the monotony of the "same ol' thing". My surgeon told me it is, however, a little high in carbs. It has 17 g of protein and 15g of carbs per serving. I like it though and experience tells me that I am more likely to stick to something if i like the taste. It costs about $140.00 for a one months supply.

I didn't have to do the preop diet but am now on liquids for the next 2 weeks (post-op). I have done these liquid diets before and the only time I had diarhea was when the shakes I drank contained milk. When I went to soy everything was fine.

Sending you empathy and lotsa hugs. There is no way to get around the pain. Just remember, most of us have been through it and have made it to the other side. You will too. It always helped me to write poetry and letters to "him", never meaning to send them. We have so many intelligent and caring people on this website, we are here for you!

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement! I am feeling quite well tonight. I went outside and watered the grass this evening. Also did the dishes and was able to drink all my required shakes plus two small cups of broth today. I slept part of the day and at one point dreamt that I "accidentally" forgot my diet and ate a few bites of pizza.....interesting. I felt a bit hungry but not the usual desperate, I-gotta-have-carbs type of hunger. It was genuine hunger that went away when I had a shake. I get my first fill in 2 weeks! I am so excited about losing weight! One of the surgeons told me that I would definitely be able to feel lighter by Xmas. Happy and Joyful Tonight! Darla

Finally, its done! I am sore today but am sipping protein shake, water, and pain meds. I am also getting up and walking a bit. I am so glad it wasn't worse, i know i can return to work next Monday. I had surgery at 3:45 and was home by 8 pm, and it was a 2 hour drive home. I am so glad i listened to yal's advice and didn't try to drive home myself. now just gotta find out how to get a ticker and post pix! Darla

My insurance paid for most of it. I will get my share of cost later, in a bill.

It's a done deal and beating yourself up over it will only lead you closer to that next bite. Forgive yourself and get back on your fast. I know it is difficult. We aren't hangin' around this website because we have this thing licked. You have taken the steps to ensure your health by researching and pursueing a tool (the band) that will help you reach your goals. Keep your head up and don't look back!

Sept 26 for me too! Tomorrow at 3 pm!

Okay, people are lookin' at me weird because I just started clapping after I read your story! Congrats, this is so fan-frickin-tastic!

So glad to hear you are getting better! Whew!!!

I was on a liquid diet last year and it took 10 days of pure liquids before I felt no appetite. You are probably going through the peak of the hunger right now. Just know that if you hang in there and if you must chew, chew protein, that the worse is almost over. Lots of good people gave good advice. I know that after I am banded on Mon. (9/26) that I will reread these posts and my own advice. We are all on your side and you are NOT alone!!!!! All blessings Darla

Awesome!!!!! Welcome to the wonderful world of ex-smokers! It'll be 2 yr. on 12/31/05 after 20 yrs of ciggies!