minock

I was banded on 2/25 (Monday). I was back in the hospital for Wed and Thurs because I began throwing up violently. Nothing would stop it. I had ct scans and a lot of other tests. I think it turned out that I was just really sensitive to the band and they ended up unfilling the band and I felt SO much better. These new bands usually have 2-3 ccs of saline in them when they place them. I still feel lots of restriction w/o any fill. Guess it will be a very slow journey for me. Talk to you dr and keep drinking fluids no matter what. I was surprised at how fast I was getting dehydrated.

two words --- COTTON BALLS ! can't stand the things - talk about ebbie jeebies!

I had a hard time as well with the surgery. I got sick from the anesthesia and tried to throw up many times while still in the surgery center. I recovered enough to go home and did ok the next day. Wednesday, I tried to drink my first Optifast shake and started getting nauseous. I started throwing up around noon and ended up in the local hospital around 11:00 pm. I was transferred to the hospital that my doctor has rights to by ambulance in the morning. That was a rough ride if I've ever had one! Driver's were not too concerned about throwing the buckles over my stomach. I was hoping that the rough ride would work out some of this gas. It didn't. I got to have my first unfill yesterday and I felt so much better. My dr starts with 2-3 ccs in the band when he puts it in. Obviously it was too much for my sensitive system. I got home around 7:30 last night and I feel 100% better today. He did say my liver was very small which is surprising since my liver enzymes were up and still are even after the surgery. My surgeon is not concerned but all the other healthcare people are. They seem to think I need to look out for some kind of liver disease. All in all, I lived through it and I'm on the mend... just a little delayed. Thank goodness for insurance since I was a self pay for the surgery. The two other hospitals were on insurance! Sorry for the long post ... just feels better to share my story. Cindy

Well, I'm back and banded. I didn't win the nausea battle, however the staff really tried. I started throwing up right before the barium swallow. I have to say that was pretty painful. BUT, that is just me. I have motion sickness which adds to the nausea from anthesia. Today I am a new person. Just very sore but SO much better than yesterday. I'll post more later. Oh, apparently I'm not a burper. Wished I could at this point!

Gibson, you will do great tomorrow! Put all the worries out of your mind and envision a positive result. A positive attitude is the best thing we can take with us to our surgery. I TRULY WISH THE BEST FOR EVERYONE TOMORROW! We are going to be so successful... Cindy

My surgery is at 10:30 am. Should be home by 4:30. Hope all goes well for everyone!

I think the big concern is blood clots that can develop after surgery. Definitely discuss it with your surgeon. I think it's because you are in a stationery position for too long. I can image how hard it would be to put off the surgery after waiting (my date is finally Monday), however, please put your safety first.

I find this interesting... I did all my pre-op tests over 2 weeks ago. Seems like most of you guys get tests done just days before the surgery. That sounds wise, since things could change in 2 weeks. Anyone else get finished with their tests that early? Cindy

Oh geeze... I am so sensitive to drugs. Seems like the only way to stop nausea is with more drugs. I am also very sensitive to the anesthesia. I've never had a surgery where I could wake up easily. They try to get me out the door while I'm still half asleep and throwing up! I'm hoping for a different outcome but are preparing for the possibility of a negative outcome. Oh well, small price to pay for a lifetime of possibilities!

Sounds like your doing good. I'm concerned about the nausea. I've been assured that they can prevent it. Did they give you any medicine for the nausea? Glad you are on the mend. Good luck with the post op diet. I'm sure you'll do great!

wantolose155...............Tammy........................25 February 2008 blessedtwice..............Brenda...........................25 February 2008 teegee.......................Tracy...........................25 February 2008 Valvinnek....................Alyssa.........................25 February 2008 Coolcrystal.................Crystal.........................25 February 2008 Gibson........................Christy....................... 25 February 2008 Minock........................Cindy..........................25 February 2008

Karina, Are you using something to "whip" the shake? If I use the vanilla and whip it, then it is much better. Lighter to drink. I'm down to my last 4 days. Put a couple of bites of a few things in a my mouth over the 2 weeks but did pretty good overall. Just have 2 more weeks of Optifast after the surgery... YIKES! Cindy

Yea Cowboy! I'm next! So excited... Glad to hear all went well and your already back to work. Please keep us informed of your weight loss. Also, I think I'm the only one that doesn't have Dr Kim on this board. Of course, I live east of Plano and he wouldn't have been logical for followup visits. Dr Gonzales is out of Medical City in Dallas. I hope to give a glowing report on him as well next week.

congratulations tweenwaters on the loss! I'm still drinking that darned Optifast and getting really tired of it. However, I will make it. Surgery is next Monday. I have Dr Gonzalez and he seems really competent and compassionate. I'm getting to the point of not wanting anything rather than drinking an Optifast. I know I need the nutrition; just have to force it down now. How hard are the following 2 weeks after surgery going to be just going Optifast if I'm already this tired of it?

the number I have is 817-726-8027

She's just jealous! I'm sure you still look just like Brooke! Good luck next Monday... I'm going the same day... In a few months, please will say you look just like Jessica Alba (just getting younger and younger every day)

Gibson, I'm pulling for you. I went through almost the same thing. I was diagnosed with pneumonia 3 weeks before my surgery. However, really strong antibiotics and a few other drugs helped me through it. I have to get one more chest x-ray this week before my surgery next Monday. I'm sure everything will be just fine. Take extra care of yourself and you will shake this bronchitis!

when is both of your surgeries scheduled?

UGH... Everyone had such good treats here in my house. Yea for them. Just difficult to get down that Optifast while they were all having the good stuff. My family is being supportive but it's still really hard. I know I will make it through this even though I still have 9 days of liquid left and then 3 more weeks after surgery... yikes!:eek:

Thanks for all the support! It really helps. I'm still hanging in there - thru day 7 now. My daughter had a cheer competition this weekend and I was out of the house all weekend... one more challenge after another! I'm in Dallas and using the Prestonwood Facility. Dr. Victor Gonzalez... can't wait for the 25th!

I don't think he's done that many lap bands (in comparison) probably around 200 but he done many other bariatric surgeries. I know he did some training in El Paso and then his fellowship in Fresno, CA (I think). I liked him and feel really comfortable with him. Do you know the cost of his fills? I get 6 months of free fills and then I have to pay for them. Are you going to do the band? If so, do you have a date? What facility? Cindy

I just got back form the movies and the smell of popcorn almost made me faint! However, I survived the challenge and am sipping my yummy chocolate shake now. I found that if you put some Davinci sugar free syrup (raspberry, vanilla or caramel) in it and then whip it; it tastes SO much better.

I know exactly what you mean! Now day 5... not really hungry; just deprived. My surgery is in 9 more days! Then, i have 3 MORE weeks of liquids only. I know I can do this... one day at a time!

There is a thread for TLC Edge in the dr/hospital forum. There are several people who are posting here that have been there. I really like the people there and I really like the price.

How ya' doing doing Cowboy Doug??? Hope things went well.