jkhawk8

My blood pressure was around 145/85 to 150/85 fairly consistently before my surgery. Two weeks after, and every checkup since, it's been between 112/60 to 122/70. I don't recall having a big issue about it before surgery. I wasn't put on any medication prior to surgery to bring it down. Are there other cardiology issues your doctor has concerning you? Jan

Trystelle, I was banded 2 months ago and I've lost 20 pounds so far. I feel like I should have lost more by now, but I know I can't compare myself to others. I've had 3 fills already (5.2cc in a 10cc band) but I don't feel like I have good restriction. I'm able to eat pretty much anything and I'm frequently hungry. My surgery day weight was 326. My goal is 135 to 150. I may change that as I get nearer. I'm already feeling better in many ways and my blood pressure has returned to normal. But I get easily discouraged because I want it to happen yesterday!! I need someone to encourage and support me on this journey. Thanks. Jan from KY

Sisterc, I'm curious as to what changes your dietician made? I remember one of our nurses telling us to "challenge our bands" by avoiding slider foods, etc. But beyond eating Protein and veggies, what's different for you? Thanks. Jan

Hi. I'm also from KY (Alexandria, about 80 miles north of you) with a history of panic disorder and clinical depression. They've mostly been under control, but I must admit, about 3 days after surgery I started to panic somewhat. But not because I felt anything inside - in fact, if it hadn't been for the incisions and gas pain, I wouldn't have known I had a band in there. I panicked because I was afraid I'd never be able to eat normally again. I'm two months out now, and to be honest, I kind of wish I WASN'T able to eat what I can. I haven't hit my "sweet spot" yet - the amount of restriction where I am satisfied between meals. But at the same time, I've lost 20 pounds. I could never have done that without the band. The only time you "feel" anything is if the band is too tight (and they regulate that with the fills) and you don't chew your food properly, eat chunks too large, or eat too fast. Otherwise, the band itself shouldn't cause panic. The depression might be another thing, though. But again, it's not so much because of the band itself, but the things in life that make us eat so much in the first place. You might want to share your concerns with your doctor and his staff, and certainly your co-worker who shares weight loss experience. I've found that the more I share my panic and depression with others, the less hold it has on me. Don't let your panic keep you from getting healthy. Keep me posted on your journey and best wishes. Jan

Your pureed foods should still be mostly Protein and you may not need the shakes. I was able to puree tuna, chicken, cooked eggs, etc. Cottage cheese (fat free) is also a good source of protein. All that protein counts towards your daily total. In fact, I don't even need protein shakes now. If you puree low protein foods, you may have to add unflavored Protein powder to the blender along with the food. And you can add protein powders to Jello and pudding mixes before preparing. Jan

I was VERY bruised around the main incision, about a 5 or 6 inch circle, plus smaller bruises around the other incisions. I bruise easily, though, and I'm sure there was a lot of maneuvering of the instruments through the incisions, not to mention placing and suturing the port. I just chalked it up to normal for me. Jan

Lynette, This post is well after you first asked the question, and you may have seen other info about Dr. Sonnanstine in some of the other threads, but I thought I'd respond anyway. I had my lapband done on April 11th by Dr. Sonnanstine, and I've had two fills. He's an excellent doctor, and his staff are great, too. My fills have been so easy, painless and quick, I at first wondered if he really put anything in! I've emailed him a few times, both before and after the surgery, and he is very good about responding quickly. I feel like I'm in excellent hands with him and his staff. I hope your experience will be the same. Jan Alexandria, KY

Kris in Cleveland: I noticed Dr. Trace Curry did your surgery. Was that in Cincinnati? Do you live in Cleveland and travel to Cinti? The reason I ask, I live in Northern Kentucky and have heard of Dr. Curry. I almost considered having him do my surgery, but he wasn't one of the providers my insurance company would accept. I had my surgery done by Dr. Thomas Sonnanstine in florence, KY and I am VERY pleased with him and his entire office staff. Anyway, just curious. And I, too, am able to eat more than I think I should be able to. I've had one fill, but obviously need more. Maybe we all just haven't hit that "sweet spot" yet. I've heard it frequently takes 3 fills to get there. Hang in there ladies! Jan (from KY)

Erica, I struggle, too, with wanting to be farther along than this. I lost 17 pounds the first four weeks, then another 3 pounds the next, but I guess I want the "30 pounds a month" loss that many of the gastric bypass patients have. My nutritionist says I'm right on track for most lapbanders, so I guess I need to develop more patience. I'm sure that's the kind of behavior that got me in this mess to begin with - I get frustrated when things don't move as quickly as I think they should. Before the band, my reaction would have been to head to the kitchen. It's a good thing I can't eat the quantities I used to!! But I confess, I'm looking forward to my second fill on June 17, and more restriction than I feel now. Keep on track, God is doing wondrous things with us all I'm sure. Jan

I'm so glad I found this thread! Thank God for you all. I have a question. I was banded April 14th, and have done fairly well pain-wise. But for the last few days I've felt more "pulling and tugging" around the port area when I move certain ways. Anyone else have this? Thanks. Jan from KY

Only a doctor should make the decision with you. We only have our own experiences to go by, don't make an important medical decision based on a public forum. As far as taking the aspirin and heart attacks ("losing weight lessens the chances of a heart attack"), an aspirin regimen isn't only to prevent future heart attacks. In my case, I have A-fib whether I'm heavy or not (have had it since my twenties) and the danger for me is when the blood pools in the heart chamber too long before it pumps out, it can clot. The worst complication of A-fib is to stroke out. I'm sorry, but being thin is not better than stroking out.

You definitely should check with your cardiologist. And I agree with something Tracy said - if this surgeon or people in his office aren't spending a great deal of pre-op time to prepare you for surgery, you might want to look around. My surgeon requires a nutritional and psychological evaluation, and numerous group meetings to prepare you and answer all your questions. There are also going to be frequent post-op visits. My doctor says once he does the band, you're a patient for life; in other words, he doesn't leave you hanging. In fact, he's the only doctor I've ever had who gives out his email and responds usually within the hour, even at 10 PM!! Jan from KY

It does seem to be a doctor preference. I had my band done this past Monday (14th) and my doctor says to never take ibuprofen again, but I can begin my 325 mg aspirin in another week. I take aspirin for a heart regimen as well (I tend to get A-fib every now and then and the main complication is blood clots). I would express my concerns with the doctor.