DonnaMarie

:update: :update: :update: :update: :update: Hey Gang! Went to see Dr. Yood and my incisions look great. He showed me where my port is and I felt it. It was soooo weird! Now, I lost 8 more lbs! So that is a total of 16 lbs from my starting weight back a week prior to surgery! I am very happy with the results. I did get a little beef from the nurses because I ate tuna yesterday and I progressed myself when I shouldn't of have. I just felt like I needed protein! She said she appreciated my honesty. But, she put me on mushies now anyway so I can have tuna, chicken and turkey as long as it is chopped up and what not. So I only cheated by one day. But from now on, I am by the book. She said if I get hungry during snack time, to have protein and eat alot of protein so I am going to get some shakes to help with that. Well that is all I got! I head back to work once I am over the mushy stage. So around August 7th. I am glad for the extra time. I am diabetic so have to be sure everything is healing nicely. As far as my regular life, my significant other has moved in! *blushes* We are progressing things to the next level and He is soo supportive. First thing he said to me this morning when I told him about the appointment was, "I am proud of you honey".. That means more than anything! Well, I am off to the grocery store to get a few things! Toodles everyone! Hugz, DonnaMarie

Congrats Caper! Woo Hoo! Today I go to my first post op at 1030 eastern. I am very excited to see what I have lost. I have not stepped on a scale since the day after surgery where I lost 8 (think it is water mostly). But hey, weight is weight.. hee hee.. people have noticed, mostly in my face but my mom saw me yesterday after not seeing me for almost a week and was very surprized and she said she was proud of me! As far as eating, Yesterday I just had to add more protein. I was feeling icky and felt like I needed the energy. I had some cottage cheese, and some tuna and boy do I feel better!!!! This morning I had some scrambled egg and will have some applesauce. (I have been eating applesauce all along cuz I have to take crushed medication) Where are you, my dear, Bella Daniella!!?? I hope you are doing well.. miss our chats! And hello to all my other July 5th banders.. How ya doing?? Hugz, DonnaMarie:)

Mine was Bratwurst!!!! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM I am such a sausage lover.. wow now that didnt sound right.. LOL DonnaMarie

I am doing well also everyone. Tomorrow I can finally drive cuz I am sick of being home! I am still on the liquids and really not that hungry. I have my moments and I just drink the serving and I am fine. One thing I did learn is the 15 min rule. Wait 15 minutes after eating and you will feel full. It takes that long for the brain to get the signal of feeling full. There have been times I drink my portion and thought sheesh I am still hungry! But I waited and POOF!.. I felt full.. Gas isnt so bad now. I did have the left shoulder collection for a couple of days but that has subsided. I have some fatigue.. dont know if I am not getting enough Water or if I am not getting enough Protein. I see the Doc on friday so I will be on pureed then and can have more protein like eggs and chicken and tuna etc. Just checking in.. I am not getting on a scale until Friday so I will let you know the results 9 days post op. Hugz, Donna Marie

Hey everyone.. I am a new bander.. July 5th.. doing well.. Now.. anyone else having really wierd food dreams??? lol last night I dreamt that my mother and I worked in a bakery that secialized in italian Cookies and gourmet cookies. I am not a big cookie eater but last night I was eating chocolate covered Oreos.. lol Then I woke up and went back to sleep and had this wierd involved dream where my late father was there and I was talking about the band and how excited I was about it. Then I started eating a sub with barbeque chips! lol We went for a ride in the car and my dad got in the car and sat on my Big Mac and I scolded him and ate it anyway.. OMG! I am such a nut. My dreams are always very wierd and I always remember them. So I am sure you will be hearing more from me.. Anyone else experience these?? Donna Marie

Everything you are feeling, I feel too.. no worries and no freaking allowed!! lol I am not really lightheaded but I do have the gas pains and had alot of gas pain in my upper chest and my shoulder. Plus, on that table, you are stretched all out and they are not that gentle with ya girlfriend! They flip you around and position you in different ways. So, early on, there is soreness.. No worries.. HUGZ! Donna :scared:

Hey Paula.. that fuzzy headed feeling will subside. Think about how little calories your body is taking in compared to what you used to eat. You body is saying, "WHOA!".. It gets better. I was banded the same day as Daniella.. 7/5/06.. we can do it! Donna :0)

You can do this! You will be fine! I am 3 days out and doing very well.. trust me when I tell you that you can do it! You have all of us here for support.. Hang in there! Hugz, DonnaMarie

Hello everyone.. My surgery is Wednesday.. the 5th and I am so excited. Well and nervous too. :faint: But I know things will go well. I am on this drug that they made me start taking a week prior to surgery. It is supposed to help protect my heart and stuff during surgery. They said they give it to people who have hypertension and or diabetes. I have both.. lucky me.. So my blood pressure is real low and I have been so dizzy and feeling icky.. Today wasn't as bad as yesterday though. So cannot wait! 5th is the day and I am so excited! Wish me luck and I will be amongst the banders! Love, Donna

Hey gang! I am home.. since yesterday and doing very well. Had trouble with the pain meds but now just taking Tylenol and it works fine. I had alot of port pain but today I am just sore. Kinda like a pulled muscle. Can't really bend over good so picking up things is hilarious. I do this "Matrix" leg stretch move to get what I need or to feed the kitties. LOL My diet is liquid.. carnation instant Breakfast, popsicles, Jello, cream of chicken or mushroom Soup (strained), egg drop soup.. I will be on that until I see the doc on the 14th. That is all for now guys.. I feel a nap coming on.. oh yeah did I tell you I am tired??? whew! Hugz, DonnaMarie:p

Congrats! I was also banded on July 5th. I am also feeling well. I am a bit sore but not excruciatingly so. I am a gas bag though.. lol sheesh.. never thought I would publicly say that about myself. LOL I started the Protein drinks and just had a popsicle.. Really not hungry. That is a good thing! Congrats again! DonnaMarie

I am home from the hospital and doing well! I had a bit of difficulty with the pain meds. I don't do well on narcotics so I stopped taking them that night! I am only on liquid tylenol.. there is a really good one that is rapid release and it tastes like cherry.. not bad at all. Right now I feel like I have a really bad pulled muscle in my tummy. I am mobile.. able to shower, etc. I just made some jello *grin*.. One thing I have alot of is gas! Boy am I glad I live alone. Sorry if TMI.. lol How are the other banders from July 5th? Hugz, DonnaMarie :confused:

I am 32 with no children. I was in a LTR and had 2 miscarriages cuz I have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Hard time ovulation and making the egg "stick" .. Now I am single and would love children someday. So banding will help me with that I am sure so I am blessed to have had the surgery.. In fact, just had it 2 days ago! DonnaMarie

Good Luck July 5th banders! I am a little nervous but excited too.. I didnt do all that well on the pre diet.. was hard but I did my best. I am ready for the life change.. Love and Blessings to all! DonnaMarie:party:

Good Luck! St. Raphael's Hospital is a great hospital. I know a few people who have used Dr. Valin and he is a great doc! Again, Good Luck! Donna

JULY 5th! Can't wait! Donna

:clap2: Hey everyone.. I have my surgery date now.. July 11th! Just a couple of appointments before that.. endoscopy etc.. I am very excited. I have put on some weight.. I think alot of it is stress related. I bought my first house! Hee hee! Been busy with that but heard from the surgeon and made all the appointments. This is really happening! Seems like I have waited so darn long. As always I am blessed to have found you guys. You guys are the only ones who REALLY understand.. God Bless! Love, DonnaMarie

I am going to be having my surgery in late July, early August. I know of 2 people who have had the surgery several months ago and they are kinda not losing. Reason is, I think, they are not following the instructions. One lost alot at first and now she is eating more. She should be going to the doctor and getting a fill but she says she "likes to eat" and prefers it the way it is.. but she stopped losing weight. It is almost like she lost quite a bit and is happy even though she has alot more to go to really be healthy. My psychologist told me that you can fix the stomach but you still have to fix the head. It seems like there are many (not all!!) that think the lapband is going to be a quick fix and POOF you are going to lose weight. I am realistic about this and know that I have to get a handle on food and what I put in my mouth if I am going to succeed. I realize that if I seem like I am eating more, off to the Doc I go for a fill! One of my relatives is now concerned that I will not succeed because of these 2 that are ignoring the Doc's orders. BUT, they do not have access to support which I think is extremely important. I have you guys (YAY!) and I also have a support group thru the hospital which is awesome! So to sum up my feelings, I feel that making the right choices are just as important as the surgery itself. Just because we have this band, doesn't mean we can eat whatever we want.. right choices is also the way to go! Thanks for letting me ramble! Donna Marie

Hey everyone! I am officially approved by my insurance.. Now just have to wait until July.. It will be here before I know it. I have to wait because that is when my disability will kick in at work and I will be paid with time off.. wonderful! Soooo I gotta wait.. I have alot to do cuz I just bought my first house so I am moving next month. Hugz, Donna **waiting on surgery in July*

My psychologist pretty much summed it up.. "They are fixing the stomach but NOT fixing the mind".. even though you are banded, you still cannot eat the same kinds of food you used to. My pre surgery classes are drilling into our head the "dumping syndrome".. you really cant have sugar, ice cream, Cookies, cakes, chips, etc etc etc.. it will make the difference between seeing a loss and not. Now, I am not an expert since I am not even banded but this is what they are drilling into our heads early. If you don't eat right with the band, and pick and pick junk food, you are not going to see the results...that is just what I learned.. Donna :0)

Hey everyone! Well I finished all the preliminary stuff to get the surgery. I have to wait on insurance now. My co worker was approved after 2 weeks and she doesn't have any underlying conditions. I have diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol so I shouldn't have any problems. Only thing is, I have to wait until July for the surgery cuz that is when my company disability can pay me full pay for time out. I am single and live alone so I have to rely on that hence the wait. It really sucks but I can do it. I waited this damn long.. I can wait a 4 more months or so.. Just an update.. Hugz, Donna

YAY!! WOO HOO!! *does the happy dance* Hopefully soon I will be able to post the same message. I have already done my psych eval and the nutritionist visit.. all i gotta do is the support group, and the pre op class and I get my date.. They are saying early april! soo YAY!! and I will put you in my prayers for that very special day. The first day of the rest of your life!! How wonderful! Donna

Oh Donna! I so feel your pain! I am doing a 5 day Protein sparing fast.. all I get to eat is 3-3oz servings a day of protein (chicken, beef, turkey, tuna) and 3 cups of broth (beef or chicken) and all the Water and crystal light I can tolerate. This is to show that I can follow instructions and that I am serious about this surgery. I am on day 2 and I am so hungry BUT it is getting easier. Each hour that goes by is easier. I am going to do it and you can too! From one Donna to another!! Good Luck! Donna

Hey everyone! Today I met with my nutritionist and I have to go on a 5 day strict diet to prove that I can follow instructions. Then I have to go and do a urine test so they can find the keytones proving that I did it. lol On March 15, I have to go to a support meeting and then I have my pre op class on March 29th.. then.. (whew!) I will get my surgery date. Pending approval of course. I have United Healthcare and I have diabetes and hypertension so I am sure that I will get approved. They are pretty easy about the band.. Just wanted to give you an update.. I am so excited I could scream.. this is really happening! Hugz, DonnaMarie

Hello everyone.. I haven't been on here in awhile and I am sure some of you have forgotten about me! Sorry! I had a bit of a delay with my Lapband journey due to work scheduling and the holidays but I am soo back on track. So far, I had my appointment with my surgeon and that went well. He thinks I am a good candidate. Yesterday I saw the psychologist and he gave me the go ahead. He is 100% sure I am ready for this process and I have the motivation to succeed. We talked about alot. He said that even though your stomach is smaller, your brain stays the same size. I thought that was very profound and we talked alot about triggers and the reasons why we eat. I have found that I do most of my eating when I am angry (at others or myself) and also when I am bored. He is going to work with me along with the nutritionist to try and change these behaviors. He also said that people with a sweet tooth normally have the most trouble but I don't have that being a diabetic. But I am realistic to say that I am going to have to work hard and this isn't a magic cure. Just a boost.. Anyway, the next thing is I am going to see the nutritionist on Thursday. And then I have to go on a very strict 5 day diet. This is to show my motivation and that I can follow instructions. They are going to test my ketones and then I see the surgeon again. Once that is done, I have a final meeting with the nutritionist and the psychologist together with other patients and I have to have some blood work and an endoscopy. THEN... my surgery date!!!!!!! :clap2: Sorry for being so darn long winded but I feel like sometimes I have no one to talk to about it. I do have friends but they have this crazy idea that I am taking the "easy way" out.. comon.. there is NOTHING easy about this. These are not my close friends saying this so I am not telling anyone else. I am so happy I found you guys and have you guys for support. I am almost there! I am thinking surgery date with be this spring. Hugz, Donnamarie