TxShtKicker

Don't worry at all about that stuff. There isn't anything you could do to stop it anyway. They'll give you the slip for the scripts on your pre-op surg evaluation day. Remember to shop around to see if you can beat CVS's price on the Fragmin. I was the first for the day and showed up at 6:30 AM, went in at 8:15, and woke up around 10:15, that I can remember. I was home at 1:00 PM. I'm 2 and 1/2 weeks post op, in 0 pain, no restriction yet, and have no problems with most solid food. First fill is 8/14, which will be interesting.

I know, she can't help it.

Ladies, I was just cut on by Doc Symmonds and I have no complaints, other than there isn't a single nurse at Sit & Wait who can find a vein on the first try. Have you met Paulette yet? She's beyond cold. "Arctic" comes to mind. As far as being nervous, the very best thing you can do is educate yourself more about the operation. I was 110% on board until 3 or 4 days before when I started having those nagging second thoughts and doubts, but it was nothing worthy of calling it all off. Don't let your nerves get the better of you. For OR prep, you show up 2 hours early, and they lay you naked in a sardine can of a room. You get an IV, all the normal checks (BP, O2, etc, blah blah blah), then when they're ready, you get wheeled into the OR with half a dozen busy people. The happy juice kicks in, you blink, and you appear in the recovery room a couple of hours later with a sore throat and the worst drowsiness of your life. While you are still dangling on the precipace of unconsciousness, you are made to stand up on your own to get into a wheelchair for your barium swallow in the X-ray room. Drink the filth, don't pass out (the anesthesia is really good), and pray for a cup of ice Water when you get put into a private recov. room. If you didn't drink since the night before like you are supposed to, you'll be thirsty for the rest of the day. Sip slowly anyway. Make sure you have your Lortab scrip filled beforehand, because you will need it that afternoon. I promise. Also, when you get the scrip for Fragmin, DO NOT buy it at the S&W pharmacy. They wanted $1080 for 7 doses. After shopping around, CVS was the cheapest at $225. If you have any other questions, feel free to reply here or PM me.

I'm on omeprazole (aka Prilosec) daily for 6 months as well to stave off stomach ulcers. He prescribed your ranitidine for a reason, don't second-guess the doc. Find a store brand if money is an issue.

Vegas, you might want to double check on using skim milk in your shakes. My pre-op diet guidelines are 8g fat, 25 carbs and 70+g protein a day, and a cup of skim milk has 12 carbs. I didn't think to check that until a couple of days into the diet, but I had to drop the milk for water. Read over your literature again or call your dietician/doctor to confirm.

I'll preface this post by saying that, in my decision to get banded, I've researched every last thing about it (it's my nature) but have yet to come across the kind of honest answers that only internet anonymity can provide. What don't they tell you about living as a banded person and recovering fatty? Such as, after eating, do you actually feel full, or does it feel like a hotdog is stuck in your esophagus? What happens when your friends find out you can't eat out for a full meal, or even drink beer? Were you ever shameful about telling somebody, or, in place of that, lying about eating healthy and exercise and all that jazz? There have got to be a hundred things that you don't figure out until afterwards, but a heads up on anything would be excellent. -Brad

Same here, I'm on Fragmin for 7 days post-op. Injecting myself won't be a problem. I am far more angry at the price of this med: $224 for 7 doses. The hospital pharmacy wanted $1089 (I kid you not) and another very busy pharmacy wanted $363. Shopping around pays off.

You hit the nail on the head, ma'am. I'm a guys' guy, I don't do things the easy way as a way of life. I know what and why I'm doing it, but I can't get over it.

Dabble, this is who I was talking about, not you.

I think this is why many hospitals require a psych evaluation beforehand.

Exercise is just as important as eating next-to-nothing.

I have to give a sincere thanks for the answers thus far, but those few questions are just starting point. I'm commited to seeing this all the way, and I know all the major changes that have to be made. Barbara, that's how I've been for as long as I can remember. It takes an obscene amount of food before I actually am satisfied, and though that only happened once a month or so. My biggest worry is that I won't feel full, but instead have that clogged feeling. Thanks for clearing that one up, everyone. Tillydog, it's not so much that others will disapprove, but that I dislike resorting to surgery. For every person that I've told this to, it's been all I can do to swallow my pride. I mean, we talk about food addiction here, but I really don't beleive it's an addiction, rather a lack of self control. That's what I don't like spreading. Debbles, I have no idea what you are talking about. NewHope, I'm right there with you. I'm the oldest of 5 kids, living on a family farm and ranch (hence the name). Leaving the table with food on it is a cardinal sin in my German bloodline, as is turning down a beer :tt1: As far as that goes, I'm prepared to not drink beer anymore. Now, if I couldn't have a glass of wine before and way after, I don't know what I'd do. Are there any other musings that longer-term banders have about the experience?

I'm scheduled for July 18th, and have been using Designer Whey low carb protien. The label says it's good (duh), but beleive me, it tastes like bad well Water when mixed. It's one of the cheapest options and readily available at GNC. If you are on a budget for the next 2 weeks, it's not as bad as most I've tried. I'll report back tomorrow on whether or not this Crystal Light I found improves it. For the few weeks you'll be solely consuming Protein, consider splurging on the high-dollar stuff. I'm tired of this after 2 days. EDIT I mixed a packet of crystal light made for 1 quart into 1 cup of shake. It made it edible.