Dody

I was banded on 7/18, so we are fairly close together. Welcome to the site. I've been a member for quite awhile and learned a lot on here about what to expect. I'm down 16 lbs., but only had to do 2 days of fluids after surgery. Good luck to you.

Congrats to you on having a date. I bet you are excited. You are about to begin a wonderful journey. Best of luck to you.

The only pre-op diet I was required to do was one week of Carnation Instant Breakfast and water. I lost 10 lbs. in one week doing that, and I'm sure glad it wasn't for longer than that. I think most dr's. have their own format. I've heard of people with longer diets; different diets; and absolutely no diets. It depends on where you are having your surgery done and the dr. specifically. Hope this helps. I could not have done what you are doing for any amount of money. It seems incredibly strict.

The only craving I have is for my ice cream....and I know they have lots of low calorie ones out there, but I'm hung up on one that isn't any of these. I allow myself one small bowl a week and that does the trick. I never ate salty foods much so don't miss them.

I did one week of Carnation Instant Breakfast and water and lost 10 lbs. I wa sure sick of it when I finished :eek: but it was nice to have the 10 lbs. gone.

I'm shooting realistically for 175. I know for a fact at that weight and at 5'9" I wear a perfect 12 at that size. I can't ask for anything more. I'm really thin at this point.....ways to go.

I take several medications that can't be crushed and don't come in liquid form. I have been very lucky. I have been able to take my medication since the day I was banded 2 weeks ago. The dr. told me it was fine if I could do it, and it wasn't a problem. Everyone is different though.

I promised not to touch on the subject of bowel cleansing again...but that's what I did before surgery and I had zero-zilch gas of any kind. Take it for what it's worth. Just my experience.

Aside from all the piercings in my ears I no longer use my nose is pierced, but long ago I stopped putting a tiny diamond in it (although it still goes in easily). My daughter has her tongue pierced, and aside from talking a little funny the first week or so, she does great with it, although she has to leave it out to go to work. I don't recall my nose piercing hurting at all, but that was merely my experience.

Tennessee is like a second home to me as my family is here. I'm from waaaay out west, but love it here. I came here especially to have my surgery at Vanderbilt and have thoroughly loved every minute here, with the exception of my knees giving me trouble. New knee in site, probably here I think. I'm in Harriman, right outside of Knoxville, and love Tennessee. Anyone else here banded by Dr. Melvin at Vanderbilt?

Alll aftercare appts. for 6 mo. are covered for me. All my fills for 6 mo. are covered as well as any problems I might encounter. So far all I've had is a wound check, but I get my first fill on Aug. 30 and can't wait. I had my surgery at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tenn.

I ordered mine on line as the local GNC didn't have it. I got it at MySupplementStore and it arrived within days. I got one case of fruit punch and one of grape. They are sweet, but I put ice cubes in first and let them Water down a bit. They taste just like great fruit juice and are loaded with Protein. If you are looking for something simply try Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar) mixed with ice cubes, a touch of chocolate syrup or Peanut Butter, and blended well. I use the Magic Bullet and love it, but any blender will do. It's also loaded with protein. It comes down to a choice of milk products or fruit flavored or unflavored protein drinks...your choics. I ran a google on Isopure and that is how I ended up ordering from My Supplement Store. I alternate, so I get a variety of both the mild and the juices..... Good Luck

I am having a lot of trouble staying away from Mayfields Blueberry Cream Pie ice cream which I describe as heaven in a box. My dr. says don't give up everything I crave and I can have a couple teaspoons...not a good idea it makes me want more. I simply can't really enjoy a couple teaspoons of it...it's addictive. I'll have to try the Eddy's brand. Funny I didn't give a darn about ice cream till I came to Tennessee and discovered Mayfields. I'm very lucky that when I finally go home we don't carry this brand out west....so I should be safe from this pitfall.

I was able to sleep in my bed from the beginning, but it was much easier because I mostly sleep on my back. Now, two weeks out I can also sleep on my side. I know I couldn't have done that when I came home because of the port pain, but sleeping on my back with pillows puffed up worked out great. Good luck to you.

I have severe rheumatoid arthritis, especially in my knees. I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee one week before banding, but it hasen't helped. The dr. said there is a lot of arthritis in there, but I had a torn medial meniscus that did definitely need repair. I am also looking at a total knee replacement, and can't exercise. I'm 64 and probably am never going to do more than walking, which my surgeon says is fine. Any exercise is better than none. I'm no couch potato, but my knees definitely make themselves known when I walk anywhere. I lost 10 lbs. post-surgery and 6 lbs. since and I have to be content with that. I hope when I get a fill I will lose more. My dr. tells me I will lose just being able to get around and go for walks. I'm not ever going to be able to do the gym bit.

I have a friend that wanted the lap-band through Tricare and went through the whole process. They approved her for RNY and she fought them and lost. She had RNY and has never had a well day since. Keep up with the fight and good luck I don't know if my friend was Tricare Prime. She was a Military wife, and I think it is simply Tricare.

This is something I haven't seen mentioned on the board. The last couple days I get hiccups when I eat....strange? I don't know. Has this happened to anyone else. I am banded but not filled yet, and not sure what is causing the hiccups. Any ideas? Could I be eating too fast perhaps? I just did that search for hiccups and find there are quite a few out there with them. Well, I didn't know I had the band till they started up today and they were none to pleasant. I thought for awhile there I was going to revisit my food, and actually had not eaten much at all....when they kicked in. I thought maybe too hungry as today was kind of an off day in eating, and I just ate too fast. It's later tonight and they have gone away completely and I will try and be careful they don't come back. Thanks all for your help.

My favorite is lemonade and I have no problem with it. I also love the new water Sensations which are colorless but delicious. Sorry, can't help....have no trouble downing a whole bottle of the Crystal Light.

The loss of 48 lbs. in 3 mo. would make me jump for joy. I would say you did everything right. It obviously took longer for you to move onto solids...all docs have varying opinions about that, but I applaud you for following orders and your great weight loss. It has probably slowed down a little because of being on the solids. I really don't have any suggestions for you, but wanted to let you know I think you have done great. Keep up the good work.

You people are incredible to stay on liquids so long. I had trouble the 6 days before surgery and 2 after that I was on them....couldn't wait for food. My dr. advances food very quickly and within 1 mo. I'll be on all solids. I've had no trouble transitioning, with the exception of some hiccups. I lost 10 lbs. pre-banding and 6 lbs. since. Your weight losses are incredible. Good luck to you. I was banded July 18. I am wondering if starting weight has anything to do with the dr's. decisions on how to start advancing your diet. I started out at 250 and was 240 on the day of surgery. My loss since doesn't compare with yours, but I am on a variety of foods.

Hi and welcome to LBT. You are going to love it here. You've done wonderfully since being banded. I was just banded on July 18, and don't have my first fill scheduled till Aug 30. I lost 10 lbs. on my pre-op diet and 6 lbs. since. I'm very happy so far with the results. I have a dog also. I am in Tennessee with family and had my surgery in Nashville. I kind of live in two different places, one out west and one in the south. I am retired and my kids are in Knoxville so I get to visit here a lot and couldn't resist coming here for my surgery. I am a retired Trauma Nurse of 38 years. I have 8 grandchildren. Again welcome to the forum.

Thanks for all your help. I bet that is exactly what the problem is. That must be my "overeating mechanism" kicking in and telling me to quit. I knew not to take Water or anything (even though you want to), I simply put my fork down and quit, but they continued for about 10 min....some mild, and some really made themselves known. I guess I will learn my limits fast as I would be so embarrassed if I went out to eat and this happened :bananapartyhat: I just couldn't stop. Thanks all for letting me know I'm not alone.

Medicare for one insists on you staying overnight. I think other insurance companies have different policies though. Good luck

I spent a week on Carnation Instant Breakfast (purchased at Walmart). It is a great source of protein. I on the other hand am glad now to be taking Isopure and love the sweet taste :bananapartyhat: Why not give the Carnation Instant Breakfast a try?

I have a daughter that works for respiratory therapy and does the buying. The man selling the new C-pap masks gave her one for me when she told him I had sleep apnea. That is what prompted her to order loads of them, because I could say nothing but good things about it. There is a world of difference in how you feel with the nostril ones. Good luck to you.