w104jmr

Every surgeon is different. I saw mine one final time two weeks prior to surgery. He had me take a test (paper & pencil) to make sure I knew what I was getting into. He also did a general check up to make sure I was sick or being treated for any other recent medical issues. Now, one week before surgery I went to the hospital for pre-op testing. While there I had my blood drawn (like 1,000 tubes of it!), an EKG, and a chest x-ray. I also had to attend a pre-opt bariatric seminar. It was actually very informational and all the others in the class had the same surgery date as me so we got to know each other and we all had rooms next to each other.

Just curious. I know we are all on different post op diets and therefore some are losing faster than others. I myself have lost 8lbs. Jill

Hi everyone! I was banded yesterday and thought those who are waiting to be banded would like to know how it went for me. I truly went very smoothly. I was admitted at 8am, they had me take a pregnancy test, and put on a HUGE gown with compression stockings and booties. Then the nurse put an IV into my left hand. The anesthesiologist came in to go over my allergies. I told him that I get extremely nauseous with certain meds and any movement. So he gave me something for nausea with my anesthesia. I met with my doctor. He asked me what where going to do today (poking fun of course) so I poked back and said, well I'm here for a boob job of course! I was wheeled back, moved onto the surgery table; they put the anesthesia in my IV...and lights out! I woke up two hours later in recovery. I'm told that the surgery only lasted 30 mins and that it went very well. In terms of pain, I felt what I thought was really bad acid stomach right at the top of my stomach. The nurse said it was air/gas which created a burning feeling. Very uncomfortable. No shoulder pain or pain at the incision sights (there where 5 incisions). I was taken to my room, which was a very nice private room. I was given morphine and something for inflammation. They also gave me ice chips. I drifted in and out of sleep for another 2 hours. From what I can remember the nurse came in regularly to check my vitals and incisions. (I saw two of her....) Then after two hours I got up to go potty. I got very nauseous at that point, but only for a few minutes. I then went on a walk around the ward. Came back to my room. I was still feeling the stomach burning/pain. They gave me more meds and I went to sleep again. This was the routine all night long. Around 1am, I complained of pain and the nurse told me I was due for an anti-inflammatory med. She gave me this and it worked like a charm and made me very comfortable that I slept until 4am. At 4am the lab came to drawl blood. I went back to sleep until about 7:15 when the surgeon came to check on me. He told me that my insides where very clean and there were only a few fatty deposits on my liver (proof that the liver reducing diet works). He said I was free to go, and would prescribe me liquid lortab. He told me to follow-up in two weeks, and then I would get my first fill in four weeks. I had a yummy Breakfast of vegetable broth, lemon Jello, decaf coffee and apple juice. I did 11 laps around the ward where I was given the name of "Hot Rod", for moving so fast. The nurse came and took out the IV and the pain pump tube. I got dressed and went home. I'm at home. I'm on full liquids. No issues with food so far. No real appetite, I’m trying the keep hydrated. I am following the post op diet to a T. My back and belly hurt a little, like dull and achy. I will return to work on Monday. If you have any questions about my experience I am happy to answer them for you. I cannot believe it is over! Jill

Hi everyone! I was banded yesterday and thought those who are waiting to be banded would like to know how it went for me. I truly went very smoothly. I was admitted at 8am, they had me take a pregnancy test, and put on a HUGE gown with compression stockings and booties. Then the nurse put an IV into my left hand. The anesthesiologist came in to go over my allergies. I told him that I get extremely nauseous with certain meds and any movement. So he gave me something for nausea with my anesthesia. I met with my doctor. He asked me what where going to do today (poking fun of course) so I poked back and said, well I'm here for a boob job of course! I was wheeled back, moved onto the surgery table; they put the anesthesia in my IV...and lights out! I woke up two hours later in recovery. I'm told that the surgery only lasted 30 mins and that it went very well. In terms of pain, I felt what I thought was really bad acid stomach right at the top of my stomach. The nurse said it was air/gas which created a burning feeling. Very uncomfortable. No shoulder pain or pain at the incision sights (there where 5 incisions). I was taken to my room, which was a very nice private room. I was given morphine and something for inflammation. They also gave me ice chips. I drifted in and out of sleep for another 2 hours. From what I can remember the nurse came in regularly to check my vitals and incisions. (I saw two of her....) Then after two hours I got up to go potty. I got very nauseous at that point, but only for a few minutes. I then went on a walk around the ward. Came back to my room. I was still feeling the stomach burning/pain. They gave me more meds and I went to sleep again. This was the routine all night long. Around 1am, I complained of pain and the nurse told me I was due for an anti-inflammatory med. She gave me this and it worked like a charm and made me very comfortable that I slept until 4am. At 4am the lab came to drawl blood. I went back to sleep until about 7:15 when the surgeon came to check on me. He told me that my insides where very clean and there were only a few fatty deposits on my liver (proof that the liver reducing diet works). He said I was free to go, and would prescribe me liquid lortab. He told me to follow-up in two weeks, and then I would get my first fill in four weeks. I had a yummy breakfast of vegetable broth, lemon jello, decaf coffee and apple juice. I did 11 laps around the ward where I was given the name of "Hot Rod", for moving so fast. The nurse came and took out the IV and the pain pump tube. I got dressed and went home. I'm at home. I'm on full liquids. No issues with food so far. No real appetite, I’m trying the keep hydrated. I am following the post op diet to a T. My back and belly hurt a little, like dull and achy. I will return to work on Monday. If you have any questions about my experience I am happy to answer them for you. I cannot believe it is over! Jill

That's great! I'm getting banded on 9-23-08 too! Are you doing a pre-op diet?

Here are my goals with an action plan on how to reach them. I would like to say that I will try my best, but will tweek the goals/action plan if needed. Hopefully I will have reached the final goal in 1-year! Weight Loss Goals -30 lbs. (240) Work out clothes and shoes with a Wii Fit -30 lbs. (210) New Handbag (Coach or Brighton) -25lbs. (185) A beautiful blue or pink diamond ring for reaching the milestone of onederland/Start Dating Again!! -20 lbs. (165 *GOAL) Start looking into a Breast Augmentation!!! How to do it!?! -30 lbs. (240) Stick to eating plan 100%! Walk 30mins. 6 days a week Toning every other day -30 lbs. (210) Stick to eating plan 100%! Wii Fit 3x a week. Jogging 3x a week. Toning every other day. -25lbs. (185) Stick to eating plan 100%! Jogging-Running 1-hour 6 days a week. Strength training every other day. -20 lbs. (165 *GOAL) Stick to eating plan 100%! Jogging-Running 1-hour 7 days a week. Strength training every other day. I am being banded on 9-23-08. Anyone else have similar goals?

I can't believe I am finally getting to say this....My band date is 9-23-08!!! The 23rd is a Tuesday and I will return to work on Monday. I think that is plenty of time. I was fully prepared to only take 3 days off, but with the weekend I will be in recovery for 6 days. I am going to do the pre-op diet too. Small meals, lean protien, fruits&veggies low carbs and LOW fat. Yeah!

Wow! It looks like there are a few different "liver shrinking" diets. I opted to do this pre-op diet to shrink my liver and make the actual surgery easier for my doctor. I started today. However the diet suggested by the doctor was a low-fat diet. It is lean meats & veggies, low fat and low carb. We gotta do it folks! we must ensure that we are in good health and the surgery goes smooth.

That is great!! I can't wait to get mine. I truley hope I drop a significant amount of weight right off the bat like you that way I am motivated to work harder!

AWE! These stories make me sad. Here are my stories: 1. I haven't broken a chair yet, but recently I have sat in a few folding chairs and they "made popping noises". So I stood... 2. Shopping with friends in the misses section, while other women stare at you obviously thinking "Are you lost? Plus is upstairs." Yikes!!

Hi! I have been reading this forum for 2-months now. I am in the pre-approval process right now. I am told that I have great insurance (Federal VA BCBS) and approval will not be a problem (fingers crossed). I did the info seminar, the consult (Dr. Schumacher/Kettering Bariatric) and had the first 1/2 of my screenings with the psychologist/nutritionist/physiologist. I go back on 7-14-08 to have a one on one with the psychologist/nutritionist/physiologist. Then my doctor's office will submit the paperwork for approval! I heard a rumor that once approved he was scheduling surgery 1-week out!!! I truly hope that is the case as I would like to be banded by the end of August. I little history. I am 30-years old, have a 10-year old son and live with him in Bellbrook, Ohio. I am a vocational counselor. My professional life is great. I love being a mom! My personal life has been…on hold…mostly because of my discomfort with my weight. I was an overweight child, obese teenager and now an obese adult. The past 4 years my weight has steadily increased rapidly and I am terrified of having significant health issues. I am fortunate to not have any current health issues related to the weight. I have had chronic pain for 9 years, which is obviously enhanced by the weight. I though I weighed 255 and was SHOCKED when I went for my consult and weighed 269. Like many of you, I have tried weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and many, many more. When I was 21 I successfully lost 65lbs through exercise alone. I got to ONEDERLAND and at the time said there was NO way I would every gain the weight back. Well....what happened? I could give you a dozen excuses. I'm done with excuses. I am committed to exercising, having the band to help me control my intake and living a healthy life. Wish me luck in this journey I hope to have you all for support and I in turn am here for you!!