AuntieSuzie

Hello All - First - Congrats to all of us!!! I was banded on 13 August 2008 (nearing 5 months now) and as of this morning have lost a total of 93 lbs. HOWEVER - 40 of that was pre-op (from January to August) and since banding I've lost 53 more. I've had two fills - not sure the cc's - but the second one was right before Thanksgiving - gave me much more restriction and I've been working out what I can and can't eat now. The most amazing victory - as someone who ALWAYS gained at least 10 lbs. every holiday season - I gained nothing and even though I had some fudge and holiday Cookies - I lost 2 more the last two weeks of the year! This is the best decision I've ever made!

You are not alone in this one! I was banded on August 13, 2008 and have - in the last month - finally worked things out so I'm more normal and "regular". I take Metimucil (Psyyllium Husk 3.4 g per teaspoon) Smooth Texture sugar free twice a day - morning and night. I also take one Colace (Docusate - generic - @$6.00 for 500 of them at Costco) every night. Doctor says these are both fine and a good solution. I still don't have a bm every day (I'm at about every other day - but that is within the "normal" range) but at least life is easier and moves more freely! As always - check with your doctor to make sure he or she is cool with this. I know for me, the sheer VOLUME of food I was cramming in my pie-hole in my old life was vastly different to what I eat now - so things are bound (pardon the pun) to be smaller and more compact. Oh - and drink loads and loads of water!

Try Fennel Tea - a nurse in my doctor's office who had been through the procedure recommended it. It was lovely - soothing and helped the gas go away - not sure how - probably magic! I was banded on August 13 - for about the first 10 days it felt super tight - restrictive - but I was able to drink without too much difficulty. I think the heat of the tea helped as well. I go for my first fill tomorrow - am looking forward to having more restriction. While I still feel some I know I need more. Good luck - you'll be great!

Relax! I was a hot mess the few days before surgery as well - worried about everything from "will I ever get to eat birthday cake again" to "Oh crap - what if I die!" My doctor was greate - my anesthesiologist made sure to give me all sorts of good drugs so I had no nausea after surgery. I had my surgery at 7:30 am and was home by 3:00 pm (okay the bumps in the highway on the ride home were not very comfortable - but was much happier to be at home than in a hospital!) I'm not going to lie to you - I was pretty sore for a couple of days - its surgery - it is going to hurt a bit - but now 3 weeks and 15 lbs. later I'm so happy I went through with the surgery! I feel like I'm on my way to managing my relationship with food in a much more healthy way - and am getting more and more healthy by the day. My type 2 diabetes is totally under control without medication - haven't had a day over 100 blood sugar count since two weeks before surgery. Relax - pray - chant - do whatever you need to do to calm yourself down and remind yourself you're doing this for YOU - the best reason in the world!

Hello! Don't Panic! I just returned from my one week check on the belly wounds and weigh in - I lost 9 lbs this week (okay not really hard to do when you're on Clear liquids - but still - a victory!) - and I'm feeling great! I had the panic about a week before my surgery date - started mourning for the food I might miss and then I remembered - HEY Girl, this is going to save your life! - oh yeah - that - get rid of diabetes - high blood pressure - ridiculous aches and pains - Focus on the positive - I know I'm only ONE WEEK out of surgery but I am so glad I made this positive decision to feel better and be more healthy. You will be great - and you will be so happy once you're on the journey!

Hello - I'm sorry to hear that your family is not being supportive - this is going to make it more difficult for you no doubt. I was really nervous about talking with my family - similar situation to yours - married, very close to parents and siblings - but when I clearly explained to them my decision and the reasons behind it everybody was wonderfully supportive. I know if you're considering the LapBand, you have probably dieted nearly all your life - you may want to point that out to your folks and let them know that you have tried all the other avenues and you now need this extra help. You may want to also let them known how vastly different LapBand is from full gastric bypass - less risky surgery, complete absorption, minimal modification to the digestive system, etc. You may also be hitting a sore spot with your folks emotionally. I know I've always been a big girl - came from big parents - big grandparents - etc. - maybe this is touching on their hot-button issues and they are reacting more out of conviction to do something about their own weight. I did experience some push back on my choice not from my parents but from a couple of friends who have weight/food issues themselves - and it was more about their own insecurities than their concern for me. Just something to think about.....

Hello all! I had my LapBand surgery one week ago today and was actually feeling pretty good by Saturday! I overdid it with walking and going out and such so was sore again on Sunday - had some bad gas pains or being strapped to the table pains in my left shoulder so went to the chiropractor today and am feeling fantastic! So here's to the start of what will no doubt be an amazing journey!

Hello! It took me about a year to come around to the decision to have the surgery - which I had one week ago today! I am very glad I decided to do it - I have about the same amount to loose as you - and had to do the 6 month weight loss challenge to get my insurance to pay for it - which I did and lost 45 lbs prior to surgery. Wherever you're having surgery they should be able to tell you exactly what the steps are and who you need to see when. We all only do this once in our lives - they do thousands - so they know! Since the surgery a week ago I've lost another 10 lbs - and am still on a liquid diet for another week. Feel free to reach out to me with any other questions or concerns you have - and congratulations on taking these steps to better health! All my best!

I had my LB a week ago today and wore yoga pants, a t-shirt and regular bra (underwire) and panties to the event. I didn't have any trouble with the bra or panties - they were both already a bit big as I'd lost 45 lbs before surgery. You'll be uncomfortable so whatever you're most comfortable in would be my suggestion. It was hot here in Chicago so I didn't want to wear a dress and have the sticky thighs problem. Good luck and God Bless with your surgery!

Great - I will keep you in my thoughts!

Hello - I live in Crete which is South of the city near the Indiana border. I see you're up on the North-side - my husband teaches in Winnetka. Are you also having your surgery at Day One Health in the City?

I'm scheduled for August 13 as well - in Chicago! Good luck to you!