Cadets71

Here are some things I had ready: A small scale for weighing foods later on (ordered it online) Small cups (about 5 oz) to eat out of Small spoons (like mini coffee spoons) liquid Vitamin Liquid or chewable calcium citrate Chewable Zinc (required by surgeon) Pill crusher if you are on any meds that don't come in liquid form A heating pad - GREAT for the post-op shoulder and back pain:thumbup: Gas-X strips Liquid Tylenol A toilet seat riser - just for extra comfort the first week Filled other prescriptions my surgeon gave me (Liquid Vicodin, phenergan) Isopure Zero Carb Protein Drink (tastes good and goes with a clear liquid diet) A sampling of Protein shakes and whey protein that I tried before surgery sugar free Jello, Broths, Sugar Free pudding in the Fridge Lip Balm Comfortable lounge clothes Plan on sleeping on a couch or recliner. Last night (post op day 4) was the first night I could sleep in my bed comfortably. I only took me and my glasses to the hospital and the lip balm. Didn't need a thing while there. Had a pillow pre-positioned in the car for the ride home. With these supplies, I have had a very comfortable week. I did not have to go shopping for anything! Good Luck to you!

Add me to the list of people are READY for a fill. Unfortunately, my Dr. is very conservative. I was banded on 6/5 and won't have my first fill until 7/23! I am walking the treadmill everyday; have not been cleared for anything else yet. But trying to keep on a losing track so I don't get depressed. I really neeed the fill; it's all will power at this point. It's really good to hear from all of you and to know I am not alone. Everyone is in my thoughts - when it's tough going, I think about everyone who is going throught the same struggle!

Felicia...check your personal email.

Summer08, I am so sorry you are having this problem with your port incision. I am also a nurse, and I agree with your husband. No swimming...you could collect all sorts of bacteria. It also sounds like a very slow healing wound. Hang in there and just follow the Dr's orders. Don't do anything to make it worse. I so understand how you feel. I also was banded on the 5th of June. I still have two little scabs on my port incision and I have not gone swimming yet. It is hard to be patient. Let us know how you are doing!

I only lost 1 lb this week, but I am following my diet and going to the gym everyday. One of these days my body is going to let go of all the fat it is hanging on to! I believe!! Name.............Current......Goal.........To Go Bunkey1965......240..........219...........21 dreamsize8.......216..........190...........26 FeliciaLevy75....266..........240...........26 laura bough......215..........190...........25 liz_hager..........169..........150...........19 NukeChik..........227..........197...........30 thininside28......271.5........245...........26.5 Cadets71.........238...........219...........19

Sharon, I order V8 juice or iced decaf coffee; you can also get iced tea. Or, bring along some individual packets of crytal light and put them in your bottle of Water. There are so many places to eat - I can't begin to narrow them down. If you have a lapband card, you can ask at any of the buffets to use it as a child's entry. I have found most restaurants very accommodating. Enjoy your trip and have good luck!

Tanya, Dr. Teng just did my surgery on June 5th! How is he when it comes to fills? Looks like you have done just great!

I am new to the Challenge...but maybe that will motivate me more! Name.............Current......Goal.........To Go Bunkey1965......240..........219...........21 dreamsize8.......216..........190...........26 FeliciaLevy75....272.2........256........16.2 laura bough......215..........190...........25 liz_hager..........169..........150...........19 NukeChik..........227..........197...........30 thininside28......271.5........245...........26.5 Cadets71.........239...........219...........20

The card is given out by the surgeons. It states you have had WLS (mine says lap band and shows a diagram of the band). It also asks that you be allowed to order a child's portion.

I am two weeks post op and I do not feel the band, I don't feel my port, and my only tenderness are the small incisions which are almost healed. I agree totally with Rugman - I was terrified that I would die from obesity. My quality of life was in the ditch. I could hardly walk anywhere without hip and lower back pain. I was short of breath and couldn't tie my shoes. Everything from shaving my legs to putting on lotion was a major chore. Lap Band was not a choice for me - it was a must!! And, I am so glad the technology is available. Good lUck!

I use little spoons that are for mixing sugar and milk in coffee or tea. For knives, I use the little knives that are used for individual bread plates at a nice dinner. Finally, for forks, I am using little appetizer forks. All of these are stainless. They are usually sold in sets of 8. I think you might find them just about anywhere. Can't remember where I got mine, but they are perfect. Good Luck!

Vegas Grace, Sorry you can't come, we will miss you. I go to Nellis at least once a month. Just FYI: To get to The District in green Valley, you would take I-15 South to 215 East. Take the Green Valley exit off of the 215. Go about 1/4 and you will see The District on your right! Very easy. Mary

Okay, Ladies.... How about 8:30 at the coffee Bean (in the District). They have seats outside. I will be there!

Okay, so where are we? Can we meet at the District tomoorw (early - because of the heat)?

You are absolutely NOT alone. The first 3-4 days were a real kick in the pants. I don't know what med your doctor prescribed for pain but I had liquid vicodin and it managed the pain very well for me. Forget about sleeping laying down in your bed. I tried every night, but it wasn't until night 6 that I could actually lay down. The next two nights I began to sleep on my side (preferred positon for me). Honey, it just takes time. I was a little surprised at how sore I was, but it gets perceptively better with each day. If you do not have vicodin or something comparable from your surgeon, perhaps your PCP would prescribe something. We have the technology to manage pain and we should. That is actually the creed and part of the patients rights at most hospitals! Good luck - Let us know how you are.

Kizzie, I am glad you found a solution!! Good luck to you. Keep posting so we'll know how you are doing!

Jack is right - call your doctor. Fluid retention can be caused by many things. Just make sure you are taking in at least 64 oz of water/fluid.

I have only been banded for 8 days but I can offer this: I have not been hungry yet - amazing thing! I have enjoyed each diet progression. I am on full liquids now, but planning for mushie food next week. I had one emotional breakdown and that was at my post-op visit when I learned I had lost 15 pounds. I broke down and cried. My band is the best thing I ever did for myself. I am looking forward to the coming weeks and months! We are fortunate to have this technology available to us!

Beautifult, Go to the forum on Pre-Op questions. There is a thread there (dated June 12, on the second page). There are lists and lists of things. The only thing I forgot to the list I posted was a high rise toilet seat. It was a life saver.

Ok! Maybe the best way to make this happen is to send an email to each person individually - in case they aren't looking at the board right now. What do you think? We could go for next Saturday.

Hi! I am up for it. Are you all by any chance in Henderson? We could do the District on Sunday morning. Lots of outdoor area and a coffee shop where you can get sugar and fat free drinks!

I have lost 15 pounds since my surgery day on June 5th. I am stunned and so happy!! Won't weigh again for a while...don't want to become obssessed with the scale!

Hi, Kizzie. The only clear liquid Protein drink I know is Isopure. That is what I was on during my clear liquid stage. It has 42 grams of protein per bottle. It does come in a glass bottle, which may make shipping a challenge. You can look it up on the internet - they might ship it to you. Another plan would be to have a fmaily member or friend in the states buy it for you and transfer it to plastic bottle and then ship it. I think it is the best clear protein out there. Good Luck to you!

Hi, Heyma! Glad to hear from you! Good luck going forward. Come back and let us know how you are doing!

Hi Cactusflower... I think there are at least 3 or 4 of us that are interested in doing this. I just had a similar note yesterday from a Henderson person, but she will be on vacation until July 2nd. I think the District at Green Valley is a good place. There are several outdoor sitting areas. Especially in the moring when it is cool. I am just getting back to feeling normal after my banding on the 5th. I would be glad to work with you to set up a first meeting. Maybe more would come if we posted it here. What do you think?