Melissa Lea

Hey Barbara -- Glad to see that you are doing well. My eye sight is slowly returning. I knew about this as one side effect of the anthesthia. I've also got the gas really bad. I didn't have it until Sunday (yesterday). My shoulder is killing me but I'm walking and moving around. Gas X is no relief for me. So I'm not going to choke down that flavor for no relief. I ate some soft foods today for lunch. I think I really needed it. My blood sugars felt low and had a terrible headache. Head still hurts a little. Now working on getting the bowels to work regular. Talk to you all later, Melissa lea

Hello everyone -- My apologies for not updated the surgery list as of yet. My eye pupils are still dialated from the anthesthia and I can barely see what I'm typing now. I want those who are having procdedures this week, you are not forgotten. I will update the list as soon as I can read what you all have posted. Best wishes to you all this week. You will love the banded side. Melissa Lea

Hello Everyoe -- Thank you for all the well wishes. I was banded this morning. Yes, as Barbara said, there was a mix up in the surgery schedule so everything was about 2 hourse behind. It was so great to meet Barbara! She did great through her procedure and post-op recovery. The only post-op problem I had was nausea. I was told that I breathed in a lot of the gas because my stubroned A** wouldn't go under. All the nurses were very accodomating. But since I had the nausea, I had to wait longer to leave to let my IV run through (that's where they injected the anti-nausea meds). And then I have a bit of a scratchy throat (as expected) with surgical intubation. I slept most of the day. I've been up on/off. I just finished about 1/2 cup of chicken broth (only food today), and sipped on about 1/4 cup of light grape juice. I feel sore but no need to take pain meds at this time. I'm trying to avoid pain meds primarly to assure I'm not using too much of my abdominal muscles getting up/down. I've actually been able to sleep on my side. I got my roll over technique down. My biggest fear was gas pains. I had some in my left shoulder after sugery but it has resolved. Thus far, no more gas pains. Again, thanks for you well wishes. Melissa Lea:hippie:

Thanks Cutie --I'm so excited!!!! A bit nervous but by this time tomorrw I'll be BANDED!! WHOOOPPPIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Zexxah --- I hope that your surgery is this month too. But regardless, you can keep in touch with us. All are welcome! Melissa Lea

I am so happy that we have had so many people join this forum topic. And the activity is just booming with many post each day!!! So that I do not miss any surgery dates or emails of people that want to be on the email buddy list, PLEASE, PLEASE private message me your surgery dates after you post them on the board and/or emails so I do not miss anyone. Your assistance is much appreciated! Melissa Lea

Hello Everyone! Look at our surgery date list GROWING :banana :bounce: :banana :bounce: :banana My apologies, I do not have time to reply to everyone individually. I do want to say congrats to those that have had their procedures. And I am so grateful no complications reported ---that makes me jump for joy!! I'm like Mary Ann ---somewhat nervous about having my procedure, but no more doubts. Positive thinking --we all will succeed :clap2: . Barbara --give me a wave as they wheel me out and you in on Friday . Keep us all posted on how your procedures are going. Best wishes to all-- Melissa Lea:hippie:

<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->:clap2: Surgery Dates the week of June 5 to June 9, 2006 :clap2: June 2, 2006 Jude (Jude 048) Kim (Kimsretro) Salemkitty Sissi Zipota13 June 5, 2006:clap2: CutieRN (CutieRN) CindyCam Poodles Reeneea June 6, 2006:clap2: Karen (Mrs Sabre) Rebndave Juliegeraci June 7, 2006:clap2: Maria (Maria 75) Hedwig Aimee (warmmorningsun) AnneMarie June 8, 2006:clap2: Regina (rroswelltx) Devnerbrodie June 9, 2006:clap2: Melissa Lea (Melissa Lea) Mary Ann Barbara12375 June 12, 2006 Hootiebelle June 13, 2006 Barbara (Barbara465) Amus71774 JulieLu June 15, 2006 Rvillelegs June 16, 2006 Sparkey 1995 June 19, 2006 Lasonyadj June 20, 2006 SunnyDee Texasterry June 22, 2006 ChakoLady Janelle (Chako_lady) Violet (Plainsneech) Terri (IBLoser) June 26, 2006 BeacheeGirl Lizzie (lizziegrace) June 27, 2006 Dancing Queen June 29, 2006 Christa94 Please keep each of us in your thoughts and prayers as our surgery dates near. Best wishes to all -- Melissa Lea

Hey Barb -- I'll be there on Friday. Have to be at the surgery center at 6:30 a.m. (yuck). I'm getting really excited and a little nervous. But I think I would be worried if I wasn't nervous. See ya there :clap2: Melissa Lea

Hello Everyone -- I've sent out an email for those of you that wanted to be on the June 2006 buddy list so you can save everyones addy (updated addy list). However, things have really picked up in the room:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: and I know that I have missed some email addies. Please, Please private message me with your email addy if you want to be added to the list. Also, I will be updating our surgery date list. I have just made note of Violet, Terri, and Rvilleges. If you have put your date on the message board and it has not been posted, please private message me your date so I can post that with the next update. Congrats to those recovering from their procedures. And best wishes to those having procedures tomorrow . Melissa Lea

You can transition to a a full liquid diet first (creamier soups, milk, yogurt, hot cereals, coffee, tea, juice, SF/FF ice cream, SF/FF puddings, etc) then proceed to the soft diet per your doctors instructions. Melissa Lea

For more info go to: http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtgs35.htm Purpose The soft diet serves as a transition from liquids to a regular diet for individuals who are recovering from surgery or a long illness. It can help to ease difficulty in chewing and/or swallowing due to dental problems or extreme weakness, and it is sometimes recommended to relieve mild intestinal or stomach discomfort. The soft diet can be especially helpful to patients who are undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, or radiation to the head, neck or abdominal areas, which may cause digestive problems or make the mouth and throat very sore. Foods may be softened by cooking or mashing. Canned or soft-cooked fruits and vegetables may be used in place of raw or dried varieties. Refined breads and cereals are usually recommended over coarse, whole-grain types. Moist, tender meats, fish, and poultry are permitted; it is not necessary to grind them unless desired. Eating small, frequent meals can help to reduce gas or bloating. <TABLE width="90%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%" colSpan=3> Guidelines for the Soft Diet </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">food Group</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">Foods Allowed</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">Foods to Avoid</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Beverages</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">all</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">none</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Soups</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">mildly seasoned broth, bouillon, or cream soup; strained vegatable soup</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">bean, gumbo, split pea, or onion soup; chunky soups or chowders</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Meats</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">any moist, tender meats, fish, or poultry (lamb, veal, chicken, turkey, tender beef, liver stewed pork); eggs (see exceptions); creamy peanut butter</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">Fried chicken or fish; fish with bones; shellfish; fried, salted, or smoked meats; sausage; cold cuts; raw or fried eggs; dried beans; nuts and seeds</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Dairy</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">all low-fat milk products, smooth yogurt, mild-flavored cheese, cottage cheese </TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">(avoid milk if lactose-intolerant), yogurt with nuts or seeds, sharp or strong cheeses, cheeses with whole seeds or spices</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Fruits</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">cooked or canned fruit, soft, fresh banana or avocado, fruit juice</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">all raw fruit (except banana or avocado), dried fruit (dates, raisins), coconut </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Vegetables</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">soft-cooked or canned vegetables (see exceptions), fresh lettuce or tomato, potatoes (mashed, baked, boiled, or creamed), vegetable</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">gas-forming vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, green pepper, onion turnip), whole kernel corn, raw vegetables (excerpt lettuce or tomato), fried vegetables french fries, hash browns</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Grains</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">refined cooked or ready-to-eat cereal; refined white, wheat, or rye bread, rolls, or crackers; plain white rice; pasta</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">whole-grain breads and cereals (bran, rye with seeds, or whole wheat); breads or rolls with coconut, raisins, nuts, or seeds</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Fats</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">butter, margarine, mild salas dressing, mayonnaise, gravy, cream, cream substitute, sour cream, vegetable oil</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">Spicy salad dressings, fried foods</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Desserts & Sweets</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">smooth ice cream, ice milk, or frozen yogurt; sherbet; fruit ices; custards; pubbings; cake or Cookies made without nuts or coconut</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">desserts or candy made with dried fruit, nuts, coconut; candied fruit; peanut brittle</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width="17%">Seasonings</TD><TD vAlign=top width="37%">ketchup; cheese, cream, tomato, or white sauces; soy sauce; chopped or ground leaf herbs</TD><TD vAlign=top width="46%">garlic, horseradish, chili powder, whole or seed herbs and spices, barbeque or cajun seasonings, worcestershire sauce</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Congrats to to Cutie, Poodles, and Reenea that were banded today. I'm so excited for you all. Amazed that you were already up and typing in the evening. That makes me feel very very good. As for the gas pains .....that is my FEAR :omg: . But I have my Gas X ready and waiting . Can't wait to hear from you Cutie regarding our surgeron. Melissa Lea:hippie:

:clap2: Surgery Dates the week of June 5 to June 9, 2006 :clap2: June 2, 2006 Jude (Jude 048) Kim (Kimsretro) Salemkitty Sissi Zipota13 June 5, 2006:clap2: CutieRN (CutieRN) CindyCam Poodles Reeneea June 6, 2006:clap2: Karen (Mrs Sabre) Rebndave Juliegeraci June 7, 2006:clap2: Maria (Maria 75) Hedwig Aimee (warmmorningsun) AnneMarie June 8, 2006:clap2: Regina (rroswelltx) June 9, 2006:clap2: Melissa Lea (Melissa Lea) Mary Ann June 12, 2006 Hootiebelle June 13, 2006 Barbara (Barbara465) Amus71774 JulieLu June 19, 2006 Lasonyadj June 20, 2006 SunnyDee June 22, 2006 ChakoLady Janelle (Chako_lady) June 26, 2006 BeacheeGirl Lizzie (lizziegrace) June 27, 2006 Dancing Queen Please keep each of us in your thoughts and prayers as our surgery dates near. Best wishes to all -- Melissa Lea

You are very welcome Janelle. I don't mind at all posting the dates, etc. It is however getting more difficult to keep up as so many have recently joined us :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: . That's a good problem to have though. I will get the dates and email buddy list updated ASAP! Thanks for your responses. Melissa Lea:hippie: Spivak self-pay June 9, 2006

Hello Everyone -- I keep posting, you might be getting tired of me tonight, nah not you all :girl_hug: . In earlier posts it was mentioned that some people wanted to be on an email buddy list. I just sent an email out to those address posted (titled LapBandTalk --June 2006 Band Crew). If you posted your email addy on the board and you did not get this email, please private message me so I can add you to the list. I may have missed a few addies --there are so many post now. If you want to be on the list but wish not to post your addy on the public forum, you can also private message me and I will add you. Have a great night everyone. I'm off to dreamland :flypig: Melissa Lea

Hi JMo -- It's nice to meet you. I'm glad that you have joined us. Let us know when your date is as soon as you find out. Welcome Back Zapota. It sounds like everything is going well for you thus far. I'm afraid of the gas, that's my biggest fear is the gas from the nitrous oxide they give :phanvan . I hope it will be more comfortable for you to eat soon. I've been so excited to read the stories of those recently banded. Keep sharing your journey as the days go by. Best wishes to all. Melissa Lea :hippie:

<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message --> :clap2: Surgery Dates the week of June 5 to June 9, 2006 :clap2: June 5, 2006 :clap2: CutieRN (CutieRN) CindyCam Poodles Reeneea June 6, 2006:clap2: Karen (Mrs Sabre) Rebndave Juliegeraci June 7, 2006:clap2: Maria (Maria 75) Hedwig Aimee (warmmorningsun) AnneMarie June 9, 2006:clap2: Melissa Lea (Melissa Lea) Mary Ann Please keep each of us in your thoughts and prayers as our surgery dates near. Best wishes to all -- Melissa Lea

Hey Zekkah -- Even if you don't get your surgery date this month, your always welcome in the Junebie group (that goes for everyone). We are here to support each other through our Journey. As for my date, it was set when I was ready to set it. Things are a little different for self-pay patients. Well, at least with my doctor. I know of a person that was self-pay and had the procedure within a few weeks of their frist meeting. But I can understand, it's nail biting to have to wait, and wait, and wait. Now I am like all the other Junbies being banded this week --excited, nervous, anxious. But I am happy to say I do not doubt my decision. It wasn't always like that though. I'm fortunate to have a great family support system as well as all of you. I can't wait for everyone to report back as well as they cross over to the banded side. Melissa Lea:hippie:

:clap2: Surgery Dates the week of June 5 to June 9, 2006 :clap2: June 5, 2006:clap2: CutieRN (CutieRN) CindyCam Poodles Reeneea June 6, 2006:clap2: Karen (Mrs Sabre) Rebndave Juliegeraci June 7, 2006:clap2: Maria (Maria 75) Hedwig Aimee (warmmorningsun) AnneMarie June 9, 2006:clap2: Melissa Lea (Melissa Lea) Mary Ann June 13, 2006 Barbara (Barbara465) Amus71774 JulieLu June 19, 2006 Lasonyadj June 22, 2006 ChakoLady Janelle (Chako_lady) June 26, 2006 Alysha (Alyshabrooke) June 27, 2006 Dancing Queen Please keep each of us in your thoughts and prayers as our surgery dates near. Best wishes to all -- Melissa Lea

Jude and Dawn welcome to the banded side :banana :cheer2: :cheer2: :banana I'm so happy to hear that everything went well for you both. I can't wait to hear from the others that were banded as well. Cutie RN --I feel your concerns as well. I've had the exact same thoughts cross my mind numerous times. Also, had my pre-op appointment last Wednesday. Need to focus more on the low carb diet this week. I haven't lost any weight (but I knew that already). Hummmm wonder how bad my liver will look :girl_hug: . I'm also happy to see the new Junbies join our group. I appreciate the support as I know you all do. Welcome. And for the other Junebies, come on in --we would love to meet you. Melissa Lea :hippie: Spivak Self-pay 6/9/06

Hi Kim -- You are not the first, nor will you be the last one to be on your cycle during a procedure. Give your doctor's nurse a quick call today and find out if there is anything "special" you need to do or not do (like not wear tampon --usually no tampons allowed with surgeries). It's no biggie!! Melissa Lea

June 2, 2006:clap2: Jude (Jude 048) Kim (Kimsretro) Salemkitty Sissi Zipota13 June 5, 2006 CutieRN (CutieRN) CindyCam Poodles Reeneea June 6, 2006 Karen (Mrs Sabre) Rebndave Juliegeraci June 7, 2006 Maria (Maria 75) Hedwig June 9, 2006 Melissa Lea (Melissa Lea) Mary Ann June 13, 2006 Barbara (Barbara465) Amus71774 JulieLu June 19, 2006 Lasonyadj June 22, 2006 ChakoLady June 26, 2006 Alysha (Alyshabrooke) June 27, 2006 Dancing Queen Please keep each of us in your thoughts and prayers as our surgery dates near. Best wishes to all -- Melissa Lea <!-- / message --><!-- / message --><!-- / message -->

I'm so excited for everyone having their procedures this week :whoo: . I have my pre-op appoinment this afternoon. I'm being positive that all will go well. Next week will be my turn. Update us when your on the otherside. Melissa Lea:hippie:

:welcomeB: aboard Hedwig. Glad you joined us other Junebies :banana :cheer2: :banana :cheer2: :banana :cheer2: :banana . Melissa Lea:peace: Spivak 6/9/06 self-pay