audreym

Definitely starches - rice, grits (southern specialty which I love)! Just a couple bites of either and I am in misery for hours! Also baked chicken or turkey if they are dry!

Red Yeast Rice capsules! They were recommended by our doctor. They are natural, really inexpensive, and you can but them at Walmart, Sam's, or any nutrition store. Take 2 - 4 capsules per day - they worked for my husband and I both. You still have to eat sensibly Please make sure that you discuss them with your doctor.

Surgery date - 09-03-08 - Down 39 pounds - 43 to go!

Sounds like he's definitely a keeper! A really good laugh with someone who cares about you is worth millions - and it makes you feel better!

I hear you - OW how I hear you!! I am 3 months out and it hasn't gotten a lot better - a little less frequent, but it doesn't hurt any less and it is especially strong and sharp after eating. Certain types of foods (any flour products or starches - no idea why) seem to increase the sharpness/serverity of the pain for me. I asked the doctor and nurse and they said it was the "vegus nerve" (pls excuse the spelling) which is located near the diaphram. She indicated that the diaphram is very swollen after lapband surgery and especially as I had a "significant Haital hernia" repaired at the same time and the swelling puts pressure on that nerve - the result is sharp stabbing pains in the left shoulder and (for me) the left collar bone. The doctor did say that eventually the swelling will go down and the pain will ease up - I am praying and waiting!!! Restless Monkey (who I think is a medical professional) put some really good info out about this topic a couple months ago - hopefully she can give us a more definitive/hopeful respons

I am 6 weeks out from surgery and I can see it, feel it, and it kind of sticks out - like the top 1/4 of a golf ball. I think a lot depends on your height, weight, build, where your doctor positions the port, and where your body carries the extra weight. I am short AND short waisted so my body type doesn't give the doctor a whole lot of options - mine is located slightly to the left about 2 inches below the bra line which is about 1 1/2 inches above the waist. It doesn't bother me when I sleep on my stomach or any other position now - for the first couple weeks when the area was swolen I could only sleep on the right side. ** Also note - the location may appear to changs as you lose weight and the swelling goes down. I am down 36 pounds and my scar and port site appear to be getting closer to my waist - but that is an illusion. It is just that the big roll that used to be between my bra and my waist is shrinking - Thank goodness. Best of luck!

Sorry to hear that they are putting you through such crap. I had my band put in 09-03-08 through Tricare South. Although Tricare covered my surgery (Thank goodness) I had to pay out-of-pocket for nutritionist/psych/physical therapist/and Preop meeting (about $775 total). Their reasoning - because Tricare doesn't require all of those things - those are individual physician requirements and they don't cover them. Tricare ONLY requires the "100 pounds/double ideal weight/ BMI 40 or more/BMI 35 or more with comorbities". This was their story in August and now your office is telling you that they require more tests - Something is definitely wrong at your Tricare office!!! Additionally, most of us on here who used Tricare got our approval in 48 - 72 hours (check the other Tricare threads). Sorry - I wish I could be of more help - Keep hammering at them and I wish you the best!

I am so glad to hear things went well for you!! You are gonna be alright!! I am sure that you have enjoyed the scenic tour of the 4th floor at UCH. There was a group of us doing our laps with our IV poles - NASCAR in hospital gowns!! I get my first fill from Dr Dietrick next week (Oct 7th) - I'll let you know how it goes. I think I am more afraid of the Fill than the surgery (I was unconsious for the surgery and couldn't see that being done!). Keep me posted!! Audrey

Hey Patty - I've got my fingers crossed for you and wish you only the best. Dr Detriech did my surgery at UCH on Sep 3d - Both he and the hospital were really nice. The next few days may be hard for you - but it will be soooo worth it!!! Just remember - Walk - Pass gas - burp - and then Walk - Pass gas - and burp some more!!! Please let us know how you are doing!

I think Obama definitely won - and I am a Republican!!! Sen McCain is a great hero but he appeared to make three fatal errors in my humble opinion - 1. Inability to stay on topic - several times the subject he finished his answer/speech on was not even closely related to the topic he started on. 2. "W" speech philosophy - if you repeat something often enough and with enough conviction - even you will start to believe it! 3. Appearing "old and out of touch" - phrases like "I remember when.., that reminds of ...., back in the day when I was ....". A lot of his answers/stories came across as the "back in my day we had to walk 6 miles to school - uphill both ways - in three feet of snow with no shoes - ... Just my opinion..

Banded 09-03-08 and I'm down 33 pounds - Yippeeeee!! The incontinence is one issue I am proud to say has disappeared - Amen!!! Not sure exactly when it resolved itself during the last three weeks, I just all of a sudden realized that I it was not a problem! One of those NSV's people talk about on here!!

Use them - Really like them - taste good - quick easy source of extra protien!! AND ..... I'm down 33 pounds (Yipeee!) What more could I ask!!

Hang in there - it does get better! Just enjoy these two weeks before the surgery and remind yourself that they are soooo much better than the two weeks after will be - just joking, but it's true!! I just kept telling myself that if I could survive being fat for so long, then I can survive being miserable for a few weeks! You wil be very tempted to cheat during the next 4 weeks but remeber that your recovery will be so much harder for you if you do! Best wishes and I will make a protien shake "toast" in your honor! Audrey

Hello Pradice 73 and meschultz! Audrey here. I am also a patient of Dr Dietrick and you guys are the first of his patients I have seen on here - I am really glad to know I am not alone in my world. Dr Dietrick did my surgery at UCH on 09-03-08 and I had my 2 week post-op yesterday. I checked out 2 other Dr's and I really like him and his staff (especially Lynn, his nurse). The first week after surgery sucks, but it does get better by the end of the second week and I have lost 31 pounds since I started pre-op. Wishing you both the best and I hope that you guys will keep me up to date on your progress! Audrey in Auburndale Florida P.S. I really like their new offices too!

Hello - I had my surgery on 09-03-08 - 9 days ago - and the shoulder pain is worse now than a week ago!!!! I call it the Gas Monster because it feels like it is pouring hot acid in my left shoulder and between my shoulder blades. Anyone watching would probably think I suffer from a combination of Turretts and Epilepsy. These sudden seizures of pain followed by a large number of unlady like expletives (I think I outcuss a sailor when they happen)!!! I returned to work yesterday - Thank goodness I own my own business and did not have to be in a large group of employees or public " Hey did you see that fat middle-aged crazy lady over there flapping her arms and cursing at the world?" I have tried every suggestion I could find on here - lots of walking, breathing exercises, hot pads, Gas-X, etc.... I have also invented a few new ones - flapping arms, chicken dance, etc... They say all you can do is walk and wait for it to go away!!

Awesome - Relevant - Enlightening - Definitely Entertaining - Thank You!!!!!!!!!!

Hi - Audrey here in Auburndale (1/2 hour west of Orlando). I am having my Lapband done September 3 by Dr Dietrich - University Community Hospital - at USF in Tampa. May be too far to drive for you - but he and his staff are really great people to work with. I can't tell you about the Hospital till after next Thursday, but they have a great reputation. Audrey

I have my surgery date on Sep 3, 08 - and I can't wait! I am on day 3 of the pre-op diet and it is not so bad thanks to all of the secrets I have learned here. I have been visiting this site and reading all of the advice for about 6 weeks now and I have really learned a lot from everyone (the people who posted about the "Protien Bullets" are saints!). There are two things I would like to say though: 1. There are a couple people who have sent messages about "wanting to keep in touch" and/or be "buddies" - Thank you for the offers and I really appreciate them - BUT - I have'nt figured out how to respond yet! I promise I will get better about navigating this site! 2. The "Ticker" - I followed someones instructions on how to set it up - and it looks really cool - but I can't get it imported into my signature line here. Anybody know the secret???? Would really appreciate the help!! I guess I can just go visit my ticker there if I never figure it out!! Thanks to all - Audrey

Hi - New here from Central Florida! Surgery date is September 3, 2008! It seems like I have spent the last 5 months trying to get it approved - Now I can finally get ready for it! I'm thrilled - but there are a few other emothions mixed in there too - Like everyone else I am sure!