Melissa Lea

Hello Everyone -- I hope that you all had a great 4th of July! I know I did. I guess you can say that I had my first NSV. I was able to enjoy most of the "traditional" cuisine (BBQ) on this festive day of independence, in much smaller portions of course. I got on the scale this morning and didn't gain an ounce!! I don't think I can recall a holiday that I didn't gain weight. This was awesome for me :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: . I have noticed that my appetite is just now starting to pick up a bit. I'm not sure if it's because I'm excercising more or the swelling is down. I think probably both. I get my first fill next week. I think the timing is perfect! How is everyone else doing? Melissa Lea

Hi Janelle -- I am walking that amount at one time. But you must know, I've been walking on/off for years. My goal is to get back to my 15 minute mile and hopefully when I decrease my weight more, start to jog some. You are doing GREAT walking and trying to add more on each day. That is perfect, you are walking 2, 4, 6, 10 minutes more than you did the day before. It takes endurance and right now it's all about healing. 2 weeks post -op, there is no way I could have even walked a half a mile. I was too tight and coudn't even stand up straight :speechles . As for the water, I think most often the 2.2 divided into weight are for body builders. I think it's a great goal. I'm just gonna stick to the recommended standard, 64 to 80 ounces a day. Of course when I'm walking, I drink more to replace what I lose through sweat. Plesase go back and check out our bandster list, one more added for a total of 82 :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: . If you are a June 2006 Bandster and have not been added to the list, please private message me and I will get you updated (new posters always welcome!!). Melissa Lea:hippie: Spivak 06/09/06

An old time remedy for nausea is ginger. I know you can't drink gingerale because of the carbonation. But, you can get some ginger root and let it seep into some hot tea ( a little slice will do you). Tea is a liquid, get decaf so it doen't dehydrate you. This might help you a bit with the nasuea. Barbara --as for the constipation, this is most likely due to the fact they we haven't had in significant amount of Fiber. Fiber swells in the tummy and our docs are trying to prevent any swelling or extension in our stomachs. You might want to try some prune juice. We use this all the time in the hospital for consitpation. The liquid will run right through the stomach into the bowels where you need it. This will count as a liquid. If you think there might be fruit pulp in it then pour it through a strainer first. As for the rumbles and girgles ....I think it just takes time. I've been walking this week several nights (2 to 3 miles). I didn't think 3 weeks post op I would still have so much gas in me. But during my walks it moves around and is being released after the walks (thank goodness). I am feeling much more energy and decreased swelling and gas in the tummy area. Be patient, it does get better. Melissa Lea Spivak 06/09/06

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Congrats to ALL the June 2006 Bandsters :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :not_ripe: :Banane20: :Banane45: WE DID IT !!!!!! :Banane45: :Banane20: :not_ripe::bananajump: June 2, 2006 Jude (Jude 048) Kim (Kimsretro) Salemkitty Sissi Zipota13 Julia (Hulia_Goolia) June 5, 2006 CutieRN (CutieRN) CindyCam Poodles Reeneea June 6, 2006 Karen (Mrs Sabre) Rebndave Juliegeraci June 7, 2006 Maria (Maria 75) Hedwig Aimee (warmmorningsun) AnneMarie jlogantx Amus71744 Loving-It Suchadiva June 8, 2006 Regina (rroswelltx) Devnerbrodie Gladdy June 9, 2006 Melissa Lea (Melissa Lea) Mary Ann Barbara12375 Pinkylee Ubermom June 12, 2006 Hootiebelle Imearly June 13, 2006 Barbara (Barbara465) Amus71774 JulieLu hate2w8 Kennystang June 14, 2006 Kelly (KellyLuvsDave) Leila Suefwd June 15, 2006 Rvillelegs Ofps June 16, 2006 Sparkey 1995 Juliyisra J-Ro Julissa1974 June 19, 2006 Lasonyadj Jen (Time4Change) Lasonyadj Alberta June 20, 2006 SunnyDee Texasterry Tracy (Bubbyville) RandyL Lucymann Mystyblu Sonriose Stella Skip9823 June 21, 2006 Pplqueen June 22, 2006 ChakoLady Janelle (Chako_lady) Violet (Plainsneech) Terri (IBLoser) Darrub (DScgeudke) Divanita2006 Darrin Avilla Plainsneech June 23, 2006 Ndbeekeeper & Husband Stephanie MG Diane_Louise June 26, 2006 BeacheeGirl Lizzie (lizziegrace) Tribon June 27, 2006 Dancing Queen Blj5362 June 28, 2006 Laura (Housecatgirl) Arvel June 29, 2006 Christa94 Socalgal3 Nannepuddn Devana Please private message me if your name is not on the list. This is not intentional. Melissa Lea

Janelle -- Your port is generally wherever your largest incision is. As much as we all try not to use these abdominal muscles directly post-op, it's sometimes unavoidable. It is possible that you might have torn a stitch, but remember, they put more than one!! Don't freak out about it. I'm sure you are fine. My port is where the largest incision is. When I lay down flat on the bed, I gently press around that incision and I can make out my port. My doc put it pretty deep (yippee!! for me). If I didn't feel my port, I honestly don't think I would believe I had the band at this point. Melissa Lea

So Glad to hear that everyone is doing great! I'll get the June bandster list updated soon so we can get our tally. Next months topic (As Barbara mentioned) --FILLS!!! Melissa Lea

Congrats Beacheegirl -- Are you sure you had surgery or was it vacation??:grouphug: It looks like you were very well taken care of. I'm glad to hear that you are not having the gas pains. My didn't hit me until about 6 days post op. I wasn't expecting that. I'm sure you will be just fine. Congrats to everyone else banded this week. Best wishes! Melissa Lea

I requested time off from work (3 days + weekend), Surgery on a Friday, returned to work on Wednesday. I didnt' tell a soul. It was none of their business. As far as they know, I went on a trip (but I didn't even offer that). Melissa Lea

Hey Laura -- Welcome to the banded side!! I was tight after surgery. It took a couple of days. I think it was on day 3 post op that I rolled out of bed and realized there was not any significant pain. On day 1 post op I had to start taking my pain meds. Not because of the incision sites, but because I pulled a muscle in my back trying to get out of bed without using the abdominal muscles. My doc wanted me to not use my abdominal muscles to prevent the stitches from tearing. But you know what --you use your abdominal muscles for more than you realize. You will be just fine. Trust me --it does get better. Melissa Lea

Good Luck to you Jessica. Let us know how your test turn out. And remember --think of the barium you have to drink as a nice, frosty milk shake!! It goes by fast. Melissa

Hi Jessica -- I used River Oaks Imaging http://www.riveroaksimaging.com/ (the one on Kirby). I also think Heath South is in Network. I called UHC and told them that I needed a Upper GI and I needed to know what outpatient facilities were in network and confirmed my coverage. These are the names given to me. Once I decided on a place, I phone Spivak's office and they set up the referral and appoinment. I think Bee did that for me. Bee took my insurance info and provided it to River Oaks Imaging. I just showed up the day of my appointment and filled out some paperwork. The rest is history. Hope that helps! Melissa Lea

Hi -- I too am self-pay, UHC, Spivak. I too had to have an upper GI. The reason for the UGI is to rule out any stomach ulcers prior to surgery and test for reflux disease (severity). My UHC paid 100% for my upperGI, no questions asked. Luckily for me, I a PPO and Spivak could write the referral. No other doctor needed, whew! Good Luck! Melissa Lea Spivak 06/09/06

I'm so happy to hear that everyone that has been banded is doing so well. Barbara --You will be amazed at how long the gas stays in your system. I thought mine was gone until I started to exercise this week. Half way through my exercise it likes to settle under my rib cage (right side). Trust me --it will get better. Suefwd, read photo nuts write up on how to use your ticker. I can't explain it any better. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16218 Avilla --sliming typically happens when you get something stuck. Instead of a PB, your body will produce an over abundance of saliva that contains digestive enzymes. This is your body's reaction in attempt to dissolve the particle. I have not experienced a sliming or PB episode as of yet. I'm in no hurry to either. Best wishes to those being banded today and yet to be banded. You might be last of the Junebies ---but your not forgotten!!! Melissa Lea:hippie:

Hi Everyone -- I've sent out an email with the updated email buddy list. If you did not receive this email and/or you wish to be on the email buddy list, please private message me your email addy. Thanks! Melissa Lea

Hello Everyone -- As I was updating our list, I see that we have had many new people join our forum (yipee:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: ). I'm so happy that each of you have joined this group topic and support each one of us. Chicago CoCo --I didn't get your surgery date. As always, If I missed any of your surgery dates, please private message me so that I can add this to this list. We are in our last week of June Surgeries. However, Once the months is over, I want to compile a list of everyone (newbies as well). I think that the numbers of people being banded are impressive. Best wishes to all who are being banded this week. Melissa Lea:hippie:

:clap2: Surgery Dates the week of June 19 to June 23, 2006 :clap2: June 2, 2006 Jude (Jude 048) Kim (Kimsretro) Salemkitty Sissi Zipota13 Julia (Hulia_Goolia) June 5, 2006 CutieRN (CutieRN) CindyCam Poodles Reeneea June 6, 2006 Karen (Mrs Sabre) Rebndave Juliegeraci June 7, 2006 Maria (Maria 75) Hedwig Aimee (warmmorningsun) AnneMarie jlogantx June 8, 2006 Regina (rroswelltx) Devnerbrodie Gladdy June 9, 2006 Melissa Lea (Melissa Lea) Mary Ann Barbara12375 Pinkylee June 12, 2006 Hootiebelle Imearly June 13, 2006 Barbara (Barbara465) Amus71774 JulieLu hate2w8 June 14, 2006 Kelly (KellyLuvsDave) Leila June 15, 2006 Rvillelegs June 16, 2006 Sparkey 1995 Juliyisra J-Ro June 19, 2006 Lasonyadj Jen (Time4Change) Lasonyadj Alberta June 20, 2006 SunnyDee Texasterry Tracy (Bubbyville) RandyL Lucymann Mystyblu Sonriose Stella June 22, 2006 ChakoLady Janelle (Chako_lady) Violet (Plainsneech) Terri (IBLoser) Darrub (DScgeudke) Divanita2006 Darrin Avilla Plainsneech June 23, 2006 Ndbeekeeper & Husband Stephanie MG June 26, 2006:clap2: BeacheeGirl Lizzie (lizziegrace) June 27, 2006:clap2: Dancing Queen Blj5362 June 28, 2006:clap2: Laura (Housecatgirl) June 29, 2006:clap2: Christa94 Socalgal3 Nannepuddn Devana Please keep each of us in your thoughts and prayers as our surgery dates near. Best wishes to all -- Melissa Lea<!-- / message -->

Hello -- The North Houston Bandsters will be having a meeting on: Date: Thursday, June 29, 2006 Location: Jason's Deli 1340 Lake Woodlands The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All are welcome! Melissa Lea

Hello -- The North Houston Bandsters will be having a meeting on: Date: Thursday, June 29, 2006 Location: Jason's Deli 1340 Lake Woodlands The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All are welcome

Congrats to everyone that has gotten banded this week! I'm so happy to here that there have been no major bumps in the road for anyone. Beachgirl --I'm having my best friend take my pics this weekend so I can post them. I have a new digital camera I still don't know how to fully work. So pics coming soon . Melissa Lea:hippie:

Dr. Spivak puts places his ports below the sternum or above the stomach (in that general area). A low profile port is flatter than the regular ports. He told me that he could not determine if you can have a low profile port until he can see the depth of the fat layer. If it's too thick, he will put a regular port but place it deeper to prevent it from showing. Melissa

If you can dream it, you can achieve it! Melissa Lea

This is cool with the pics! I'll have my friend take a pic of me this weekend. Been wanting to get some before/afters. Although I was just banded, that can still count as a before! Melissa Lea

As many previous posters state, "this is a poweful/inspirational" thread. It's nice to know that you are not and have not been alone in the painful journey of obesity. The last 18 months of my life have been life altering and lead me to my last straw: 1) October 9, 2004 My Aunt Kaye passed away unexpectantly from a brain annuryism after losing a significant amount of weight from taking diet pills. During this time I too had been taking diet pills. The week of her passing my medicine cabinet in the bathroom (where the diet pills were) continued to open. I would close the cabinet, leave the room, a few minutes later return to an open cabinet. I live alone. I knew that it was my aunt from beyond telling me to stop the diet pills. A week later I stopped the diet pills. 2) 6 months to the day (and almost exact time); My Uncle Charles died instatnly on April 9, 2005 from a heart attack. He had never been more than 50 pounds over weight and was active his whole life. The previous year he was diagnosed with Diabetes and High cholesterol and High triglycerides. He lost the weight and got in good health. We didn't know about his blocked arteries. One side of my family has strong history of heart disease. But no one except me has ever been more than 50 pounds over weight. 3) After 30 years of obesity (over weight since I was 4), the yo-yo diets, dieititans, weight loss programs/pills, and the picture of me I saw at Christmas, and recent deaths in my family was the last straw. I REFUSED to allow myself to weight 250 pounds (I'm only 5' 3"). I decided on New Years Day that I would have Lap Band Surgery (self-pay). I called as soon as the offices opened after New Years to make my appoinment for the seminar and meet the surgeron. In February of 2006, the hardest thing I've ever done is tell my family of my decision (they do not have a weight problem). Like so many others I feared ridicule. They were so very supportive and understood my decision. I was banded on June 9, 2006. I know this is the best decision of my life! Melissa Lea

Hi Chicago --Welcome to the group and congrats on your procedure. Denver --so sorry to hear of your complications. Sounds like you were in excellent hands. You can look at it this way, you already had your "band" bump on the road. Should be smooth sailing here on out. Melissa Lea

My docotor has his patients move onto soft/mushie foods 48 hours after surgery. You haven't damanged yourself. You just felt what restriction with food is like. Melissa Lea