BakoGal

Thank PJ! Hope all is going well for you also!!!!

Is anyone loosing weight without having a fill? If so, how long have you had your unfilled band and how much weight have you lost?

My experience was similar to Coyote girl. I was really nervous before the surgery. I woke up with very minimal discomfort. I was up and around in a few hours. I was able to move around with my IV, spent one night and went home about 11AM. I wasn't allowed any liquids at all the day of the surgery. But I was full of IV fluids and not at all thirsty. The next morning I went for a barium swallow, and when it was clear I was brought the liquids tray..broth, jello, juice. I only took tylenol the first night home, just so I could get a good sleep. After that, I haven't taken any pain meds at all. Had my surgery on a Thursday, and was back to my desk job on Monday. My experience was a good one. But, everyone is different.

Thanks for this post. I was wondering the same thing about my band. I was banded almost 3 weeks ago and am able to eat just about anything just as long as I chew it well. Well almost anything, I haven tried bread or pasta yet. I have to admit that I really have never been hungry since the band was put in. The only way I know I have to eat is because I get true hunger pangs. I have lost 9 lbs since my surgery so I am encouraged. Thanks to everyone for their posting...now I don't feel so alone.

I love the Unjury products. Low calorie and not thick or gritty. There is also an unflavored unjury that mixes well into things like crystal light, pudding, milk, juice, soups, etc. There are also travel packets that you can keep in your purse.

I am scheduled to be banded this Thursday morning. I am so nervous. Am I doing the right thing? Is my life going to center around what I can and can not eat? I am so nervous that I can't even think of eating today. Did anyone else feel this way right before your banding?

Hi everyone! Thanks to you for all of your positive reinforcement. Well the banding went well, minimal pain, a very tiny bit of gas, never needed any pain meds, so that is a good thing. Am still on clear liquids until Friday when I have my follow up appt with Dr., hopefully he will move me to the pureed stage. I am really tired of protein shakes and broth. I would be nice just to have a pureed veggie or some cream of wheat...but all in due time.

Thanks to you all for sharing your inspiring success stories. Congratulations to each of you in reaching your important milestones. As a pre bandster I would check LBT daily for support in my new journey. However, when I would find the support I needed, somehow the negative always seemed to overshadow the positive. I was just banded seven days ago, and to read the long term success is a major inspiration. Like Tricia, I was never unhappy about my weight, but always knew that eventually my weight would affect my health. I have a wonderful life and I want to enjoy it as long as I can. I am quite aware that lap band is a life style change and not a magic cure, this is work, and there will be ups and downs. I mentioned this forum to my coordinator in the program that I am in and while she did like the support available, she did mention that even in her office, patients with problems can be the most vocal, so the success stories sometimes aren’t as prominent. She is also a bar iatric patient. What she did point out to me though, is that in all the years she has been working with lap band and gastric patients, she has never heard or seen some of the things that have been posted, suggesting that everyone will have a different experience, based upon personal commitment , metabolism, or physical response to the band. But the important point is to be sure to reach out for the support you do need. My program is amazing supporting and has a monthly support meeting just for lap band patients. Topics are varied, and open discussion is also a part of the meetings. Just as we all have different preferences in food, clothing, etc…we all have different needs in support. Thanks again!

Hi Vinesqueen. Thanks for your response. I appreciate the kind words.

Don't lose faith in this. Keep it to yourself and a close friend, husband, or other confidant. I have not told anyone either just for the reasons you stated. I have never understood, when it comes to weight, how unsupportive people can be. Discuss everything with your Dr. and make your decisions from there

I agree with Sarahin. I am being banded in 20 days, and the closer it gets the more nervous I am becoming about the same things that you note. The chewing, the PBing, Am I making the right decision? I was really certain a few weeks ago. I would really like to hear from more people. As I go on in my "normal" routine, or going to a restaurant, I find myself thinking about how I may never really enjoy a restaurant celebration, like a birthday, again. Did anyone else every feel this way?

As a pre-bandster...these are making me nervous.

Oh Sherri!- I do hope you feel better soon and will keep you in my prayers. I'm a pre bandster and always look to new bandsters as a wealth of information. How do drinking liquids make you feel? Any nausea? Gas pain?

I just a month out from my surgery! Excited, nervous,excited, nervous. How did you feel when you first woke up. I have heard very thirsty. What happens when you get the first ice chips and get to swallow? Also, occiasionally I see a reference to PB'ing..what is PBing? Thanks for your help!!!!:help:

I am in California, amd going through the same thing, and I have the same charges. $150 for the psyciatrist (what an incredible waste of time and ca$h), $50 co pay, and I will have to pay the $500 "program fee" which is supossedly for continuing education. I did find out the fills are $300 each, but the fee for the surgery covers 3-4 fills the first year. Just hang in there, the $ will be worth the change to your health and lifestyle. Thats what I keep telling myself!!!! My surge date is 5/18/06!!! Good luck to you!

what is PB ing?

Seven weeks until my surgery...so may questions. I enjoy a glass of wine occasionally, say 1 or 2 glasses a month. Is drinking alcohol any different post banding?:confused:

Thanks to all of you who have replied. There are so many life changes that I will be facing, it is so nice to know that I don't have to give up a bit of an indulgence. I realize that I do have to consider the calories, but since I have a glass so rarely at least I have hope that I dont' have to give up my treat! Thanks and blessings to all of you!!!!!

Hello! Newbie on board! I have my surgery scheduled for May 2006, and with luck will be back at work in 5 days to my job which is mostly at my desk. However, I am required to travel at times.How long after surgery was anyone able to travel comfortably? How do you handle the eating restrictions during the first months while traveling? :help: Any tips will be greatly appreciated. Also, how does one insert the cute weight tickers at the bottom of the posts?

Thanks to all of you for your info! You have all given me a TON of comfort.