MissBS

Thank you for your reply lizzieann!! I did take liquid Tylenol and it hasn't helped yet. Only took one dose. I'm glad you said taht your doctor was ok with ibuprofin ... after I took it, I was afraid that I shouldn't have. Frustrating. I am supposed to get a call from someone at the surgical center tomorrow and I will ask. I'm glad yours went away. I too am in a hotel.. and as you can see... still awake. Thanks again!!!! Becky

Hi everybody! I have finally landed in the world of the banded!!! I had my surgery yesterday and I feel so much better than I thought I would. My gas pain is not bad, sorness not bad.... but... I have had a headache ever since my surgery. I hardly ever get headaches... but sure got one now. Anyone else have this problem??? Suggestions?? You'd think since I am taking pain meds, it would go away, but it hasn't. Becky

Congratulations dal. It sounds like things are going great for you!! Keep up the good work and keep us posted. I go in at 8 tomorrow morning to get my band. I'll let you all know how it goes. I'm ready. Been in Houston for a week and 2 days now - that is enough. I want my band and I want to go home. Becky

Hi. Greetings from Houston. I think I finally have a real surgery date... it is September 19th... tomorrow. I hope whoever is trying to keep the date chart updated can change my date. I've survived Hurricane Ike, lived without power and water for 3 days, had my surgery date changed 3 times, and have lived in this hotel for a week and a day... my surgery will be a snap after all of this. Congratulations to all who have recently been banded and good luck to those getting ready to be banded. Keep smiling. Becky

Hurricane update - first thing this morning, I got a call telling me my surgery has been postponed from tomorrow (Friday) to Wednesday because of Hurricane Ike. We had to change our flights, extend the rent a car, and quickly get our hotel room for 4 more nights. We then had to go to a grocery store to get food (liquids) for all the extra days we will be here - the 23 day pre-op diet was bad enough, but now..... oh well. I also had an accute gallbladder attack today, so Mom and I had to go to an emergency room for that. What fun!! I am dissapointed that I won't be getting my band tomorrow, but... not much I can do about it. Our hotel suite is nice and I think we are safe, so....... The Great Houston Journey continues. My new surgery date is September 18th!! Keep your fingers crossed for me. I've heard of people naming their bands - mine is a no brainer - Ike :sad: Becky

Hi Everybody!!! Well... I'm in Houston. I had my pre-op appt. today and got to meet my doctor for the first time - I LOVE HIM (thank goodness). He is the perfect doctor for me. Mom and I are having fun, BUT... now there is a tiny problem... Hurricane Ike is coming to Houston too. I am from the desert in New Mexico and needless to say I have NO hurricane experience. My surgery is scheduled for Friday morning and Ike is supposed to hit late Friday or early Saturday - YIKES!! I worried about my liver being too fatty, I worried about not losing enough weght on the pre-op diet, but I didn't worry about a hurricane. Of course I am worried about the things people worry about when a disaster is headed your way - the people, their homes, and our safety..... but... I want my band. They can proceed with the surgery if it's VERY windy or if it is raining HARD... but I think if power goes out.... I am keeping my positive attitude and just want you all to send "power on" thoughts this way. I am so excited to see all of my September friends being banded... keep smiling those that have your band, good luck to those getting ready to get your band, and thank you all for your support and encouragement. I LOVE THIS SITE!!! Becky

Hi Everybody!!! Well... I'm in Houston. I had my pre-op appt. today and got to meet my doctor for the first time - I LOVE HIM (thank goodness). He is the perfect doctor for me. Mom and I are having fun, BUT... now there is a tiny problem... Hurricane Ike is coming to Houston too. I am from the desert in New Mexico and needless to say I have NO hurricane experience. My surgery is scheduled for Friday morning and Ike is supposed to hit late Friday or early Saturday - YIKES!! I worried about my liver being too fatty, I worried about not losing enough weght on the pre-op diet, but I didn't worry about a hurricane. Of course I am worried about the things people worry about when a disaster is headed your way - the people, their homes, and our safety..... but... I want my band. They can proceed with the surgery if it's VERY windy or if it is raining HARD... but I think if power goes out.... I am keeping my positive attitude and just want you all to send "power on" thoughts this way. I am so excited to see all of my September friends being banded... keep smiling those that have your band, good luck to those getting ready to get your band, and thank you all for your support and encouragement. I LOVE THIS SITE!!! Becky

Hi. Welcome!! You are feeling the same feelings that I think a lot of people do. No one can say what is best for you - only you can. I read lots of posts on here and when you read about someone who had complications or results that are not what they wanted.. it makes you think... and wonder. There are so many successful stories on here and even the ones I read that have had problems - MOST say if they had it to do over again, they would. Every surgery has risks. I just made a list of the risks of the surgery and the risks I am taking carrying all of this extra weight around. For me it was simple. My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 12th. I am keeping a positive attitude, praying, and hoping for the best. I am ready to do what I need to do to be healthier. The band is the tool that I have decided on to help me get there. I wish you luck in making your decision. Again.... welcome!!! Becky

I'm the 12th too LISAMARIE!! We don't have long to wait. Good luck to you!! Keep me posted on how you are doing!!! Becky

Hi hudlyn - September 12th too!! Not too much longer. Good luck and keep in touch!!! Becky

Hi. September 12th here too!! My post-op diet is *Week 1 Thin liquids ( 1 to 2 Protein shakes a day, cranberry juice, Crystal Light, sugar free Kool-Aid, popsicles, Jello, broth, Propel Water, coffee, tea) *Week 2 - Thicker Liquids (all of wk 1 plus 1 Protein shake a day, cream of chicken Soup (solids strained out), Danon Light N Fit yogurt, and tomato soup *Week 3 - Soft Foods (all of wks. 1 and 2 plus 1 shake, baked fish, mashed potatoes, sugar free Jello and pudding, soft scrambled eggs, well cooked veggies, soft fruit(mashed) melon, cantelope, bananas *Week 4 - Solid Foods - Breakfast - protein shake lunch - grilled chicken, fish, and veggies dinner - same as lunch What do other people's post-op diets look like??? I know the pre-op diets are all different - are the post-ops too?? I just finished day 18 of my pre-op diet and my cocoa butter lotion smelled so good today, I almost took a swig... hehehehehe.. just kidding!! Keep in touch Donna and obtech. Good luck to you both!!!! Becky

For those of you who have had to go on a 2 week or 3 week pre-op diet, how much did you lose? Did you follow it strictly and was your doctor happy with the results?

Hi Restless. Yes. My surgery is scheduled for next Friday (Sept.12th). I leave for Houston on Tuesday. Thank you so much. I've been thinking about you!! How are you?? Everything ok?? Are you smiling and feeling good?? Keep up the good work!! Becky

Debbie. Wow. You have been through a lot... and in a short period of time. You are a trooper and I sure do hope everything goes just like you want it to. I'm not a doctor, but I can tell you have a good heart!! Good luck to you and know that your fellow September Samurais are with ya!!!! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers - keep us posted!!!

Hi. I am on day 18 of my pre-op diet and I still feel great. I have not felt dizzy or light headed....just a bit moody. Some of my friends and family might tell you I've always been dizzy... but .... no difference while on pre-op. I walk outside and in the house on the treadmill and live where it is still pretty hot. Feel good. Don't know about after surgery... but pre-op is not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Trying to keep my body and mind busy. Good luck!!!

Hi Jaynell and welcome. You will love this site - I do!!! You will get answers to your questions from people who really do know. Read, read, read, and ask, ask, ask. I've made lots of friends already and I haven't been here that long!! Keep smiling and good luck with your journey. I will be looking for future posts on how you are doing!! Becky

Yes. Good luck!!!!!! I am getting mine next Friday. Keep us posted. Soooo exciting!!!

I agree with many things that Kat said. Sounds to me like there were existing problems combined with maybe a not so good surgeon. Not sure all of your problems should be blamed on the band. And your post hardly seems to fit in the "Success Stories" forum section. I'm sorry you have experienced all of these problems and I hope you find a doctor who will work to make you healthier and happier. Good luck to you.

Hey nayray. Frustrating!!! I am glad that your story did not end up with having to make bail... just kidding!! It sounds to me like that radiologist needs a vacation... or further customer relations training...or a new job. I would let someone know the way you were treated. Most of us have jobs where we deal with others... and some days you just don't feel like dealing with others... BUT... you smile and treat people the way you are supposed to.. my mom used to say "fake it till you make it". Good luck to you... don't let the turkeys get ya down!!! Becky

Hi Dee. Welcome. I haven't been here very long, but I LOVE this site. People have answered sooooo many of my questions, addressed my concerns, and it has given me a place to visit where I know people truly understand what I am going through. Everyone is so friendly and so helpful. Because of this site, I am much more comfortable heading into my surgery. My surgery is Sept. 12 and I am very excited. It sounds like you are almost there - keep up the good work and good luck to you. Becky

I'm so sorry to hear about your problem Rachel. I don't know your story, but I wrote a letter to some members of my family that I felt might be able to help me out. They know the battle that I have had with my weight. I told them about my decision and explained the band to them. I also told them that I want to be healthier, live longer, and improve the quality of my life. None of them are wealthy, but they have found ways to help me. I have to make 7 round trips (750 miles) for my surgery and follow up visits.... my brother has lots of frequent flyer miles so he has donated some flights, my mother and my daughter and son in law are going to pay for my surgery, and my sister works for the Hilton hotel chain, so she got me a great deal on my room in Houston. I KNOW that I am very blessed and not everyone has a family like mine. I kinda feel like I have "sponsers" now and I will work extra hard to make them happy that they donated to such a worthy, wonderful cause. I wish you all the luck in the world and I am here if you just need to talk. Becky

I am on day 15 of my pre-op diet and I really like the Atkins Advantage shakes. I've ordered them online, bought them at Wal-Mart, and even found them at Albertson's. My favorites are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and caramel mocha latte. My doctor said these were better for me than the Slim Fast Low Carb shakes. Some people probably don't like them, but I do. Be careful ordering a large quanity online until you have tasted them. Good luck to you!!!! Becky

Hi spitfire!! My name is Becky. From what I have read, there are some medications that you can get in liquid form and some that can be crushed and added to other things you are eating or drinking. I have one that cannot be crushed and does not come in liquid form. I will be meeting with my doctor next Wed. and I'm sure he will have an answer for me. They are not big pills, so maybe there won't be any problem. I have purchased chewable vitamins, chewable calcium, liquid tylenol, chewable Gas-X, and chewable nausea medicine (just in case I need it). All that chewing might burn up a calorie or two :thumbup: I need to check with him about when it is ok to start taking all but the prescription meds, and hopefully I won't have to take that one pill much longer. That is one of my goals. Good luck to you! November will be here before you know it!!!

Hi. First of all I want to thank all of you who have answered my previous questions. As my surgery gets closer (Sept. 12th) I feel much better having had many of my questions and concerns addressed. I keep reading about gas. Could someone please explain to me how and why gas is put in. Is it always used? Walking and Gas X seem to be the solutions - any other suggestions. My other question - I take care of my 4 year old granddaughter every day while my daughter and son-in-law work. I am taking a week off to go to Houston for my surgery. I am having my surgery done on Friday and I am supposed to be back to work on Tuesday. Is this totally unrealistic?? I don't have to lift or carry much - but at the same time, she doesn't sit still much. Do you think I should get a sidekick to be there with me, try to find someone to watch her for another day or two, or do you think we will be fine? I'm pretty tough but I don't want to do anything that will slow my recovery down. Thank you in advance for your help!!! Becky

I am going to have to speak with my Dr. about my high blood pressure pills. They are not huge, but my pharmacist says they cannot be crushed or dissolved. I too hope that I won't be taking them much longer :party: I got Centrum chewable vitamins. One a day and they were not too expensive at Wal-Mart. I also got chewable calcium because I need that too.