sunshinenh

My first week after surgery... Had surgery 12/9/05. Surgery went great, had pain and nausea so ended up staying overnight. Had a bit of pain during the first week (mostly at my port site), Meds the doc gave me helped a lot. I drank water then on to protien drinks and my favorite at the time (and I will never eat again) sugar free pudding. I did not have any of the gas pains some people get (THANK GOD). I did have to stay out of work for 3 weeks though. I mostly slept, rested, walked and worked on getting in enough fluids. Did have horrible diarrhea though (which resolved after about 1 1/2 weeks) and developed thrush. Overall though it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. Good support at home was what helped most.

Good for you!!!!! It must feel wonderful.

I was given Ativan to take if needed for the days before surgery. I know from reading posts here that it is normal to be emotional and scared before surgery, but I really felt that I needed some extra support and am glad I had the option of Ativan. I went into surgery well rested and very calm. For me it was a lifesaver. Good luck!!!

Good luck to you! I had a pretty sore first few days, better and better every day after that. Be gentle with yourself. This is huge!!!!!! Give yourself the time to heal that you will need. Thinking positive thoughts for your speedy recovery.

I was 317.5 at the beginning of my journey. Had to lose to get a BMI under 50 so my insurance would pay. I feel like I had some hurdles to jump, but boy am I glad I did this. I have had 2 fills and have great restriction now. If you are sure that you feel is best for you don't let anyone shake your resolve. It is so worth it!!! GOOD LUCK!

I am a registered nurse working in oncology for the past 4 1/2 years. Before that I worked in labor and delivery for 10 years.

I can so totally relate. First, it would probably be helpful to get rid of the cookie dough. I still have cravings and buy the deadly stuff. Do not understand the self sabotage thing myself. I am learning (slowly) to make the changes. It is hard to undo all those years of bad habits. Just be gentle with yourself and give yourself a big do-over. We are in this to succeed. You have come so far. You really deserve this. Good luck to you!

My heart is breaking for you. I do know from personal experience how difficult it is to sit and wait for the phone to ring with your test results. I am also an oncology nurse and really want you to know that though some do, most people never get cancer. The waiting is the hardest part. I hope you are able to surround yourself with love and support now. I am sending you hugs and prayers.

WOW!!!!! :clap2: Yeah for you!!!! I am so happy you are doing well. I am loving this thing. Tom (my s/o) and I went out last night and I decided to eat whatever I wanted. I was amazed at how great the food tasted (eating slow and savoring every bite) and really wasn't able to eat much. Just enjoyed our night out without overdoing it at all - such a good feeling. Am noticing about 1 - 3 lbs a week since my fill. Very pleased with that. What is the saying "slow and steady wins the race." Take care, hope to see you. Sucks that you have to work. Sunshine

I was very unconfortable for 4 - 5 days, but it did get better each day. I didn't feel like myselft again for a couple of weeks. Good luck to you. Give yourself the rest you need. It is really worth it.

Hey Jennie. Hope you are feeling better. How did your meeting with Jeff go? Am really having to work hard at leaning how to live peacefully with The Mighty One (our name for my band). I keep forgetting it is there and try to eat fast, but TMO never forgets. Love Dr. Gens. He had proven to be strict and no nonsense and I really need that. He has also become my biggest cheerleader. I am planning on going to the support group on the 13th. Very interested in the Lap Band section of the meeting. Hope to finally meet you there. Sunshine

Thanks guys, you're the best.!!!!!

Stayed overnight. I live 1 1/2 hours from my hospital, glad I stayed. Home early next day.

Jeannie, I am so sorry on many fronts - my delayed response and that you are having such a hard time. Very glad to hear Dr. Gens in on the job - he will take care of you. Hope you are doing better now. I am trying to figure out life with my band - kind of confusing at times. No matter how challenging it gets, I love my band. Thank you so much for your continued support. I really hope you are well. Sushine

I am new to this (banded 12/6/05). My band was put on without any fill. Simply having the surgery caused swelling and I had very dimished capacity. Capacity has slowly increased, but NOWHERE near where I was pre-band. I haven't had a fill yet. Even without a fill, I find that I just cannot eat what I used to (yeah!!). Good luck in your journey.

That Is Amazing. Way To Go!!!!! You Are An Inspiration To Me.

Doc. you will be in my prayers and thoughts. It IS a hugh change, but it is all good. I agree, it won't be exactly what you thought (sure wasn't for me). I am still really new to this, but am developing an awsome respect for what this band can do and loving learning how to use it. I was really uptight and scared too, it is so normal! Good luck to you.

Went for my 1st fill today. My Dr. asked me a few questions and then let me know that he wasn't going to do the fill. I have lost six pounds this month and I am not hungry at all. He considers this a huge victory and will see me in 2 wks. I was devistated and actually cried a little (esp. after driving 2 hours in a snow and ice storm to get there). Then this evening I went out with my family and was amazed at how little I actually am eating and still feeling satisfied. First time eating out without feeling self conscious about my eating. I actually had just a few bites over the evening and brought over 3/4 of the meal home. Guess I can give this fill thing a few more weeks. Really want to lose weight faster, but am quite happy to just not be hungry for now. Anyway, thanks for listening.

Congrats Nessa! Go slow and really take care of yourself. It took me a couple of weeks before I felt 100% again.

NJ - I feel your termoil!!!!! It is hard to learn this slow (yet hopefully) steady way of losing isn't it. Congrats on your loss!!!

So great to know that there are folks out there that understand. Thanks for the great support!

I'm In!!!!

I really don't think that most people understand our struggles, even if they may have their own weight issues. It may not be sabotage, so much as just plain old not understanding. I have had to be very specific and detailed when I explained to my S/O about the importance of the process. I don't think he truly understands, but by sharing my feelings he really tries hard to be supportive. Maybe your boyfriend is a little threatened, maybe not. Just be true to yourself. Good luck in Jan.

HAPPY NEW YEAR DECEMBER BANDESTERS. I was banded 12/6 and am feeling great. To recent bandsters - it does get better!!! Take good care of yourself. I lost quite a bit of pre-band weight, six lbs since. Find I can eat pretty much anything (except bread) just MUCH less. Didn't understand when posters would refer to head hunger/real hunger. I understand now and this is my current dilema. Very much looking forward to my first fill on Thursday. I do appreciate my band and this site.

I had my surgery on 12/6. Absolutely no appetite since surgery, yet I eat (because this is what I do...). I feel full quite quickly, yet I eat more and get quite uncomfortable at times (because this is what I do...). Am scared because I find that each day I am able to eat just a little more. Am feeling very shakey here. Has anyone else out there been in this place? How did you support yourself? I could really use some help here, have been so focused up to this point, but feeling it slip away.