beckn

Diane, The night before my surgery I wasn't nervous just excited, like the first day of school. I didn't sleep very well but then I made up for that after surgery. You are going to do fine. It will be over before you know it. I will say a little prayer for you tonight. It seems that every night lately I just have a prayer for all my LB buddies who are having their surgeries the next day. Happy Rest of YOUR LIFE....Becky

Hi all, I just have a question. I have been on clear liquids and protein drinks since surgery, 5-12-08. Early this morning I woke up with the most horrible epigastric pains. I got nauseated, cold and clamy. I got up and took some liquid tylenol, gas X and a little milk of mag. Nothing was working. I was up walking for an hour when I looked in my Lap Band compainion book and it said to try some warm tea, so I a made warm pepermint tea. Finally at about 4:30 am I was able to go back to sleep. I had to be up for work at 6:30. This happened one other time and I called my Dr and he had me go for an upper G.I. Everything looked good at that time. I just don't want to go through this again. Anyone else have this problem and how do you prevent it. Becky

He may have been joking but I have been using little tiny spoons and small custard bowls just because it is another tool for me to learn to eat slower with smaller bites. I would not do that outside my home but it works for me at home.

Christy, I just noticed, we are the same age. I had my LB last monday and I made it through just as well as my 33 year old friend...that is encouraging. Keep me posted on your journey. Becky

Yeah, I kind of lived on Gas X and walking for a couple of days but it wasn't horrible.

Christy.....that's it....real hunger. I hadn't experinced that in a long time. I always was quick to keep my tummy full for some reason. Just think, your stomach is shrinking too. You will be ready for surgery ! Good Luck! Becky

Hi Brenda, I feel the same way about Janet and Phil they have both been an inspiration and support for me especially as I awaited my surgery date. Their honesty and advise was such a comfort. Best wishes to you on your great accomplishments. It is people like you that will keep me going as I try out my new wings. thanks, Becky

Hi Sherilynn, I am sure everything will go smoothly. It will be over before you know it and you will be on your way to recovery and your new lifesyle. You are already off to a great start with a 16lb pre op loss.....good for you!! I'll include you in my prayers tonight with the others who are having surgery tomorrow. Becky

Nanirose, It is a big decision and one that your family will have to understand too. If your sister is doing well and having a good outcome maybe that would be the right choice for you. What does your sister have to say about it? Is she happy with her choice? Are your lifestyles and health issues simular? Some people have told me they chose the gbp because it has more side effects (dumping syndrome) if you eat junk food and therefore is a stronger mechanism for making healthier choices. I have seen great results with both options. I heard that if you have diabetes your chances for getting off diabetic meds are better with the gbp, but don't quote me on that. Do lots of research before you choose for yourself. Make a pros and cons graft for both types. good luck.

I had a little constipation and I just took milk of mag and it worked for me. It sure feels great when you start passing gas!!! I always had such large BM's before but I was eating tons more than I am now so I will have smaller BM's now. My husband can't stand any kind of body function talk so it is great to be able to discuss it with you guys. LOL!

NaniRose, I think it really comes down to a personal choice, so research both types for yourself and make an informed decision . I personally didn't want to deal with the malabsorbtion issues with gbp. I like the idea of resitricted amounts of food...portion control. I want to be able to eat normally only in smaller amounts. I have always preferred good healthy foods instead of junk or fast foods. I just didn't have any mechanism that told me when to stop at satisfied as opposed to over stuffed. It also depends on your health problems. If you have diabetes or heart disease you may opt for the gbp for quicker results to get your blood sugars and blood pressure stabilized. Your primary care doc should probably be able to advise you on thoes issues. I kind of want a little slower weight loss so I went with the LB. I am surprised to find from others who are 6-12 months out that it really isn't that much slower. I am just 6 days post op and feeling great. With my 2 week preop diet and the week after surgery I have lost about 15 lbs and I am very happy. Already my back and knee pains have decreased. Just make sure you make the best choice for you. Best wishes to you. Becky

Just follow your doctor's protocol for the preop diet. I think it really helps to prepare yourself by starting the liquid protein shakes prior to surgery. Find some that taste good and provide at least 20 gms of protein. There are also non flavored proteins such as Beneprotein that you can add to other fluids to boost your protein intake. Stock up on sugar free popsicles, sorbet, boths, and sf jello. These will be things you can have after surgery. There are some good books on Lap band through Amazon.com. The more prepared and educated the better off you will be. Also connecting with others who have been through the process is extremely helpful. I am 6 days post op and doing very well. Walking and moving about after surgery is helpful to prevent gas pains. It is a little difficult at first getting up out of chairs and the bed, but just use your thigh and arm muscles at first and a pillow to splint your abdomen for coughing. Take your pain meds as needed because it helps you get moving easier. I am looking forward to starting soft foods this week like cottage cheese and maltomeal...yippee. I am so glad that I had the surgery and know that this will be a tool to help me the rest of my life with portion control. Best wishes to you on your journey....enjoy the process! Becky

As soon as I got to my room and started waking up a little more, I had my sister help me out of bed and then walk with me around the med surg floor. I was a little dizzy so good to have someone with you. First stand at your bedside and get your bearings. I just tried to do this about every 1-2 hours. It is easier to move when you have some pain medication on board. As for the anesthesiologist, you will have a change to talk to him/her about your concerns before you go into surgery. Mine asked me if I wanted a little relaxation medication and I said yes. Nothing like a little chemical courage. I really don't remember anything after that. The next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery room. Say a little prayer before you go to sleep the night before and leave it with God. You will be fine. Look at it as a new adventure in your new life. I will say one for you too on Sunday evening. Best wishes and keep in touch.

Best wishes to all you up coming banders........it is pretty exciting and so worth it. I am 5 days post op and doing well. Looking forward to my new lifestyle of health and vitality. I'll be thinking of you!! Becky

Cahty, I will hold you in my prayers too while you wait for your surgery date. JB gave you great advise about relaxing and deep breathing. Light a candle and find a quiet place for prayer meditaion and deep breathing it will help your blood pressure too. Your doctors just want to make sure you are in a safe place for surgery. Do you have asthma as well as allergies? Give yourself some time to improve and then I am sure it will be a go for surgery. It is disappointing though when you have your heart set on it. This is a good time to keep your faith, friends, family and your buddies at LBTclose. Best wishes, Becky

jbflorida, I can't wait to be in the onesies, or onederland as you call it. That will be a happy day for me too. Keep up the good work! Becky

Janet, I was not ready for the heat so soon! I am just going to concentrate on sip sip sipping my day away. I also found this protein drink people call the bullet. It has 25 gms in about 2.5 oz of fluid. It is called New-Whey. O carbs O fat just pure protein in a fruit punch flavor. It is pretty easy going down. I go back to work Monday so I have to get this routine down. Thanks for your support. Becky

I had the upper G.I. this morning and my Dr called and said everything was fine. My band was in the right place and there was no blockage. He said I need to work on getting in more fluids and protein, by just sipping from the time I wake up in the morning. I think I just panicked. I was banded on Monday, May 12th. I have been moving around but not getting all my fluids in. I think I may have been dehydrated. It is 101 today in Chico. Anyway, I am fine now, just a little scare. Becky

Hi Indio girl, I had a little scare this morning. I woke up with terrible pain and pressure in my diagphram. I was feeling short of breath and lightheaded. I called my Dr. and he had me go have an upper G.I. to make sure I am not blocked or having slippage. My husband suggested I take the pain med and it helped somewhat. I am just waiting to hear back from my doctor. I am also having trouble getting in all my protein and water. I am supposed to see the dietition on Monday. Anyone else experience this? I am also taking gas x and MOM to help with bowel movements. Becky

I had my LB on Monday, May 12th and I am still on liquid protein and water. My abdomin is still pretty swollen but coming down. I take gas x for the gas pains and Lortab elixer for the incisional pains. Everything is getting better each day. It is very challenging getting in the protein drinks. It takes me all morning to get in one glass. I am pretty much just sipping protein or sipping water all day. I also have to wait 30 min before and after water before I can have the protein. I feel extremely full and have no appetite, but I know I need the protein to heal. I am still 100% happy that I had the surgery. Every little bit of discomfort is so worth what I will have for the rest of my life.....portion control. Becky

Janet, thanks for the good feed back, It helps to know that others had the same symptoms and that it goes away quickly. It has been a challenge getting in all the protein and water.....I have no hunger...weird, but good weird! Keep in touch, Becky

Good for you...keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I had mine on Monday and it went perfectly. A little pain at the port site on the left but not horrible. They give you pain meds that help all that. Everyone told me to start walking right away to prevent gas pains and that really worked.....no gass pains.......Yippy I am so glad I did it and want to support any one out there waiting..I am here for you. Becky

Thanks Indiogirl......any hints on how to get out of bed and chairs without hurtin. Today has been a little rough because I am having some swelling on my stomach and more pain. It is not terrible just uncomfortable. But getting up and down is challenging. Becky

Just another high five to all you May Banders coming up...best wishes and I know you will be so happy that you did it....I am!!! Becky

Good for you Sadie.....that is fantastic!! May 12th was my LB day and I am doing great. I am not going to weigh until I see my doctor. I know I am up because of all the IV's and I tend to hold onto water in my body. I am so glad I had the LB....WOO-hoo Becky