gages62

I was banded on 3/17 - Monday it will be two weeks - has anyone else experienced ongong post-op swelling? I struggle to get fluids in - my surgeon suggested I just use Isopure and Profect (that amounts to only approx. 300 cal/day)- trying to get both of those in continues to be a struggle, then I have to deal with pressure in the middle of my chest for a couple of hours. I go back to work on Monday and am not looking forward to it at this point. Rachel

I'm with you all - finally light at the end of the tunnel. I'm to report at 9 a.m. and was told to expect to spend the night. Bummer - was hoping to go home the same day. I work with cardiologists (secretary) at the hospital where I'm having surgery (Hershey Medical Center), I can just envision the group coming up to see how I'm doing - just how I want them to remember me - bedhead, no makeup etc. :-) Anyone else tempted to sleep through the weekend to get to Monday quicker? My apologies to Nestle - if I never seen another packet of Carnation sugar free Instant Breakfast it will be too soon! Best wishes to all 3/17/08 Shrinking Shamrocks - you'll be in my thoughts - hope everyone has an uneventful surgery and speedy recovery.

UniqueZeke - I agree - the pre-op diet is getting old, but we've made it to Day 5!! I was so hungry for meat yesterday - heated up a cup of beef broth - tasted like a steak!! Yummy! :-) The weekend is going to be tough for me, but I'm going to hang tight - I've followed it to the letter this long and am proud of myself. Sunday I'm on strictly clear liquids for 24 hours prior to surgery.

Jessyca, I'm having my surgery Monday at Hershey Med Center - I live in Elizabethtown. Rachel gages62 3/17/08 Surgery Dr. Ann Rogers Penn State Hershey Medical Center

Yes, the liquid diet is getting old - yesterday went really good, now today I'd give anything for a piece of meat. :-) I tend to enjoy sweets, but I think even I've reached my limit with 6 packets of Carnation Liquid Breakfast (sf) every day. Think it's time for some broth. Hope everyone has a great day - the end is in site (or is that the beginning)?

Hi everyone! I had my pre-op this past Friday, as well as my last visit with my surgeon - everything went smoothly. My husband has to give me a lovenox shot the day before (3/16), which I believe is to help prevent blood clots. (Does anyone else have to do this?) He was a med tech in the Navy, so he should know what he's doing. :-) I'm first on the surgeon's schedule (unless something comes up), so will probably need to be at the hospital by 6 a.m. This is my third day on pre-op fast - yesterday was tough, hope today will see me over the hump, although I am 5 lbs down since Sunday. (Anyone else notice how may food commercials there are on TV at night?) I've been using Carnation Instant Breakfast sugar free for my Protein drinks. One of my co-workers recommended heating the milk before adding the powder. I had hot chocolate! Very good! Rachel Surgery scheduled for 3/17/08 Dr. Ann Rogers Penn State Hershey Medical Center

Hi, All! My surgeon is Dr. Ann Rogers at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA (where I'm also employed - secretary to chief of cardiology). I started my liquid protein fast yesterday - think this will be a long week. :-) Hopefully being at work will make it go fast. My strategy last night was to go to bed so I wouldn't have to think of eating.

March 17 is also my surgery date - tomorrow I have my last visit with the surgeon and also pre-admission stuff at the anesthesia clinic. It will be interesting to have the surgery done at the hospital where I'm employed. Hoping my co-workers don't feel the need to see what I look like right after surgery. :-) Seriously, all have been very supportive - I'm so blessed. Looking forward to being a part of this special group of St. Patty bandsters. Rachel

My surgery date is also March 17 - I love the sense of camaraderie expressed on this website - looking forward to joining you all as we journey forward together. Rachel Dr. Ann Rogers, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA