SassyV

I must say I was a little nervous and on top of that had a very stressful morning. However, the fill experience was painless and was very quick. I asked my doctor about the size of my band, because he never mentioned it and I've noticed that most folks seem to know this information. His response was "standard size". He said they determine the size once they begin the surgery and take a look at what they're working with. So I asked is "standard" 10 cc and he said yes, maybe a little more. There was no fill at the time of surgery and today he added 1.5 cc's. I drank a few sips of water and they sent me off to the nutritionist. They told me to call later this week and let them know how I was feeling and we'd schedule the next fill. I am on liquids for 2 days then soft food for 2 days. But right now I am hungry. It might be a long 2 days. :confused2:

Good luck to you. I am sure everythng will go just fine!

Hi lessme, I know how you feel. I told a close friend. She shared it with her entire family. Prior to my surgery I was out to dinner with this friend and her husband and out of the blue she started asking me about my surgery. I was so embarrassed. I couldn't believe she did that. Then, this past weekend I ran into her sister. She looked me up and down to see if I had lost any weight. She didn't comment, but I noticed her eyes. I have decided not to say much and to just let people begin to notice. At a work outing today, people started to notice. Yeah!

Hi MSV529, The surgery process went very well. You will attend a pre surgery class and they review each step for you. I was there 2.5 hours before my surgery and my nurse didn't come in for the first hour. I was a little worried since this was my first surgery ever! The nurse ended up being a guy who I believe had ADD. Thank goodness I saw Dr. Regan not long after and he helped me calm down. Before I knew it they were coming to get me and asking me some questions and I was out like a light. I don't even remember going into the surgery room. My surgery was about 1:45 min. I ended up having a hernia too that I didn't know about. But everything went fine. I am healing well and actually went to a support group meeting last night. It was interesting to hear other barriatric patients talk. Although there was no one there who had been banded. Sorry about the bars. My friends Mom just bought them yesterday. I would suggest buying a few at a time first. They come in chocolate and Peanut Butter. I only got chocolate. I think it was almost $20 a box. I was shocked. Let me know if you have more ??? Oh....just cut and past your ticker. I had problems too! Val

HI Moe128, My doctor normally prescribes Optifast for the pre surgery diet. However, since I have that lactose problem too, he told meet to buy high Protein Boost. I didn't have a problem with it at all. As far as the Protein shakes go, I went to the health food store and purchased a Whey product and add lactose free milk. I haven't had a problem. For a special treat, I will allow myself a skinny cow fudge bar. They are low cal and don't bother me at all.

I go for my first fill on 7/21. I am ready because I seem to be hungry now a lot more than I was a few weeks ago. I think I might have even gained a few pounds back. I am starting to get discouraged. The fill can't come soon enough!!

Hi MSV529, Yes you will receive a binder with everything outlined. Dr. Regan's staff are very good about directing you through the process step by step. You'll also eat protein bars during the 2 week period prior to surgery. I have some if you need them....I couldn't stand eating them after a few days!

Hi Everyone.......I was recently banded by Dr. Regan, at Columbia St Mary. Everything went well. I go for my first fill 7/21. I plan to attend the first support group session on Monday. I think it is helpful to know others that understand the journey.

I have only told 3 close friends, my sister and daughter afterwords. I am a private person and didn't really care to hear everyone's opinions. I was very surprised when one friend questioned "why" I was having the surgery when I thought it was obvious. Her daughter even had bypass surgery so I was shocked by her comment and thought she would be more supportive. I happened to have an unknown hernia until it was discovered at the time of surgery. So, at work I was going to say I had hernia surgery. But, since I recovered so well, just took a week vacation and really didn't have to explain much. Now I will just say I have made a lifestyle change and focusing on eating right and exercise which is the truth!

I've had problems with chicken and broccoli. It really gets stuck and makes me feel awful. This surprised me. I can eat a sub-way sub without any problem. But I am sure the bread is more than I should have.

The first week is the worst. It does get better. I was on Boost 3x's a day and Optifast bars 3x's a day. I couldn't stand the bars after a few days so I tried other high protein low cal bars. Believe it or not, the best thing post op was the lime jello and ice chips. Hang in there!

Sounds like you need another Doctor that listens to his patient!!! The treatment you received was uncalled for.

I was banded 6/9 and have my first fill 7/21, 6 weeks post surgery. I've been on solids since 1 week after surgery. I was instructed to go on liquids the day of and 2 days after the fill, then back to solids. I have experienced some restriction depending on what I eat. But I am hungry and could eat more but am using my will power and discipline.

It's great to know that I wasn't alone this month. Especially since my surgery date was June 9th and birthdate June 12th. I feel like I've had as 2nd birth in many ways!

Hello Shanda, I was just bannded on June 9th. I received the exact same advise that AZchick provided. I am still a little sore, but over all feeling well. Did you stay overnite?