Kellster

I think it all depends on your surgeon, yet again. We know all surgeons are different. I don't know for sure what dietary suggestions mine has for post-band "real food," but I think I remember something about 1000-1200 calories, balanced meals of course with lean protein. I'll find out more at my post-op follow-up appt 5/27.

Congrats everyone! Keep up the walking, it really helps make you feel better and eradicate the gas pain. It's still a bit surreal for me, too! In the hospital, my Mom kept saying, "Can you believe you're done? You had the surgery, finally!!!" and to be honest - I still kinda can't believe it. Except for these incisions... lol.

I too have had all these feelings, but for me they were spread out among the 9 months it took from my first thought about Lap-Band to surgery day. I've always been a confident, happy person, and didn't really let my weight hold me back no matter what (or so I thought). I pretty much considered myself a skinny girl in a fat suit. :puke: People would comment on how confident I was and wondered where I got that inner peace from. I know now it's called survival, without it I probably would have been in a constant state of depression. The 9 month timeline was super hard for me, I am very driven and usually get what I want when I want it, so having to wait for something is not my usual M.O. But this was really meant to be. I needed this time to learn how to think differently about food and eating and even my emotions. I had to keep reminding myself what I was waiting for, how I was going to change, etc. The morning after I heard about the surgery in August 08 (and for the first time thought surgery MIGHT be a good option for me), I sat down with my Mom and discussed it with her. For the first time ever I was really honest with myself and with my Mom, my biggest cheerleader and one of my critics too. I told her how I felt that I had tried everything possible to lose weight, and how I kind of stopped trying because to me it was now an immovable mountain that I had no hope of climbing. I had no light at the end of the tunnel anymore, and had pretty much accepted that I would be obese for the rest of my life. But hearing about Lap-Band gave me hope, just a glimmer. There's addiction in my blood, I know that, and thinking of my obesity and problems with food as a disease really helped me make the decision. We talked about how my weight held me back from doing the things I love, being active, playing sports, riding rollercoasters, the list goes on and on. A long, LONG conversation later, I was determined to get the band. But through the 9 months of waiting, including the 6 month supervised diet, I had a rollercoaster of emotions. My self-esteem took a huge beating, because I had to keep reminding myself of everything I was missing out on because of my weight. I had the same doubts, why am I choosing to be cut open and have something foreign put in my body? What kind of person am I that I can't successfully lose weight on my own by eating right and exercising? Am I a lazy loser? Am I a failure in treating my body right? How much of a jerk am I that I have to have SURGERY to correct a "simple" weight problem? But then I look back, and I know that the time I spent waiting and preparing for this event was well worth it. I know now that for me, this really was a disease that needed surgical help. If I had some other disease that required surgery, would I question that? Probably not. But obesity is a disease that is so physically apparent, and so socially spurned and accepted at the same time, yet we are just starting to really think of it as a disease, one that is reaching epidemic proportions. I needed to do this, for my physical self, and my mental/emotional self as well. Post-surgery, I have noticed that I am pretty emotional, and have teared up numerous times during this post. I'm grateful for that, because I'm shedding tears and the defense mechanisms I had for years that allowed me to survive as a fat woman with some sort of confidence intact. I'm sure this rollercoaster will continue as my body and psyche change. In fact, my doctors have warned me that my hormones and emotions will be crazy, as fat cells melt away and the hormones that are stored in the fat are released into my bloodstream (oh yay!). :hurray: By the way, they said I'd be more fertile too, and to double-up on protection if I didn't want a baby (what? I just hold hands...). For me, my emotions are partly the mourning of my old self, my old way of life and indulgence, excitement for my new self and returning to things I love, gratefulness that I had the ability to have this done, amazement at the change already happening, and anticipation of everything that will be available to me as I create a new healthy lifestyle and move towards a healthy body. I am SO glad that I have this forum to spew my thoughts to people who understand what I'm going through, because you all are right there with me. I'd apologize for the long post, but hey - I needed to get this out. :grouphug:

GonnaRide, I'm glad you're well enough to post on here. I wish only the best for you and am sending healing and healthy vibes your way. Stick with it, and you know you have all of us here to support you. Especially when you need to vent!

Hey everyone, just wanted to give an update. I was able to walk around the block yesterday without much of a slowdown (yay!), and again - the walking makes me feel so much better and gives me energy. Some friends came over and it was great to chat and have normal conversation. And it was fun to show them my incisions and have them be grossed out, bwahahahaha. I tried to stay up as late as possible so I could sleep well, finally went to bed around 11. I got into my deliciously comfy bed with my clean soft sheets and multiple (6) pillows, lay down on my right side (port is on the left), and fell fast asleep. And I didn't wake up til this morning sometime, when I awoke laying on my back, surprised that I had slept so long. I lay there for a moment thinking, "Do I have any pain? How do I feel? How are my incisions?" I was surprised at how little pain I felt. So I rolled over on my right side again (left side is still questionable) and went back to sleep. When I woke up, I felt great! Incisions themselves are a tiny bit sore, the hematoma below my port incision is still swollen, ugly, and pretty darn tender. But my energy feels good, I can take a big deep breath (still using my incentive spirometer) without pain, and I've had some Water and Protein shake. Gonna pop in some Vitamins, since I've had some muscle cramping, etc., and go for a walk around the block. Also, I'm going to get out of the house and get a pedicure today, woohoo! I honestly think my surgeon is a miracle worker, because I feel so great and have so little gas pain and soreness. Now time to schedule a follow-up appt.

Well I've been home for awhile but finally dragged out the ole laptop to let you all know what's up. Arrived at the hospital with my sister around 5:40, surgery was scheduled for 8:30. Checked in, paid my copay (ouch, but not as bad as self-pay), and went up to surgery waiting room and hung out for a couple hours. Parents arrived and I was finally called to pre-op around 7:30ish. Put on the sexy gown and waited. For about two hours. Why you ask? Because my PCP apparently can't read directions well and didn't dictate my pre-op physical, and faxed it instead. Saw a bunch of nurses/anesthesiologists, got an IV and answered tons of questions. Finally rolled back to the OR around 10:00 after they got everything straightened out. Moved onto the deliciously warm OR bed and got strapped down. My surgeon was finishing up another surgery, so I didn't see him - but when they got the call to put me to sleep, I took three deep breaths and then faded to black. Woke up in recovery, felt pretty good, was smiling and answering tons of questions again. All I could focus on was the TV - everything else was blurry for a bit. Changed the channel to softball, and got a bit emotional thinking that I will be able to play again soon! :w00t: The anesthesiologist said I woke right up after surgery, and he was quite happy with how I did. A nurse asked how my pain was, I told her I had some discomfort between my shoulder blades in my back like I had slept for wayyy too long, and my incisions were burning a lil bit. She gave me a bit of morphine, and all was great. Rolled out of recovery on my way up to my room at 12:30. My parents and sis were waiting in my room, and I was so glad to see them! Got up and walked a bit, man that felt good to get out of bed. Walked 5 laps and then I was pretty much sitting in a chair or walking the rest of the night. I was a lucky girl, quite a few of my best friends and my boyfriend came by and brought flowers. :tt1: That cheered me up a lot. I kept walking, and it realllly helped me feel good. Had some clear liquid dinner and was able to tolerate it, drank all the broth, all the juice, and the Protein beverage. I didn't have any problem getting anything down or keeping it down. Didn't really have any gas pain in my left shoulder, but I think the pain in my back between my shoulder blades was gas. It wasn't horrible, very tolerable and walking helped a LOT. Had the leg massagers in bed, they were pretty nifty. Slept from 9:30-6am, with a break at 3am for another heparin shot. It did pinch and burned a teeny bit but not too bad. Sleep was fitfull, because I'm a tall girl and I kept sliding down so my feet were at the bottom of the bed. I was even able to roll over to my side a bit, so that was nice. Woke up this morning and had to get out of bed, I was so over laying still. Walked a bunch more today and was feeling great! My surgeon, bariatric coordinator, and a handful of other folks stopped by to see how I was doing (all said I was doing GREAT!) Finally got discharged about noon, and was able to walk out to the car. At home at last, it is so nice to be in my own space. I'm a little bit tired, so after a few laps of my complex, I took a quick nap. I've had some broth and a Protein Drink and some Water so far and I am FULL. Going to go on another walk soon. I'm still pretty sleepy but feeling good. Had my mom get my prescription for Loritab Elixir, and took some after my broth. Incisions look great - my doc just switched to dermabond (skin glue) instead of staples, thank goodness. One is a bit weepy but that's ok. All of my incisions are in a row, it's interesting. My port incision is the biggest, and the most sore, and there's a small hematoma (bruise) underneath it which is quite snesitive. I'll try to post pics soon. Abs are sore, neck is sore from sleeping weird, but I feel great overall! Now I am in my favorite chair, with my water bottle at my side, and one of my best friends chillin with me. Gotta get up and walk so I feel even better. SO glad to have this behind me, I'm ready to heal and start eating right and exercising. :crying: Also looking forward to being able to cuddle comfortably again... hehe.

Stick with it, GonnaRide and SpideyMom, you can do it! I'm sorry to hear you had such pain and frustrating complications, but it will be worth it soon. Just remember all of your goals and reasons for having the surgery. And know that you are on the track to having a healthy body!

Welcome and congrats, Venus! I love the soups from Trader Joe's - they are creamy and delicious but still low in fat and calories. Also, my doc allows yogurt, and I've become addicted to Fage Greek nonfat yogurt - yummmm. Then there's delicious sugar-free pudding and sugar-free jello that helps tide me over. I was surprised at how many delicious liquids are out there, it just takes some time and effort. Good luck!

Congrats! Glad to have you as another Mayo Bandito!

Oh girl, I am SO ready! I've read everything, bought everything, cleaned my house top to bottom, and done all my laundry!! Day 2 of clear liquid diet, day 14 of pre-op diet, and I am ready for the band, woohoo! Got my Jello, juice, broth, and assorted other clear beverages to get me through today. :frown:

Well, I'm on day 13 of my pre-op diet and today is the first day I'm kinda starving. And that's because today I started all Clear liquids... which barely have any calories!! My doc wants a modified bowel prep which is clear liquids (broth, Jello, apple juice, grape juice, cranberry juice, anything you can see through), for Sunday and Monday before surgery Tuesday. I am huuuuuuungry! I've had three glasses of juice, two or three cups of broth, and quite a bit of Water so far today. I think I'm going to try to mix some unjury unflavored into my drink now to get some satisfaction. HOWEVER - Since yesterday morning (last time I weighed), I've lost 16 lbs since my last weigh-in with my dietician. I can see my double chin receding! My pants are already fitting looser! Holy shipoop this thing is really happening! Why didn't I ever hear of a super restricted liquid diet before? This thing is GENIUS! But then again, I didn't have to drink Slimfast or Optifast, I could have a pretty wide variety of liquid foods. Ok really I need to drink some delicious Protein juice now...

Howdy and welcome! I'm a SoCal girl myself. What insurance do you have? I got approved through Aetna PPO recently so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me or others on here - there's so much guidance and support! Best of luck on your journey - the surgery date will be here before you know it!

What a great idea! I'm enjoying getting to know all of you Mayo Banditos! All About Me :thumbup: Where do you live? Pasadena, CA How old are you? 28 years young Are you married, dating, significant other, partnered? I have a boyfriend for the first time in almost 5 years. Funny that I meet the man of my dreams when I'm at my highest weight - and he likes me no matter what size I am. :tt2: Any children? My kids are all still in my ovaries. Grandchildren? Ditto to that... kinda. Pets? Henry the hamster, and two kitties Paxton and Paisley that are my roommates. Currant Health Morbidities? Thankfully, none other than morbid obesity and a funny knee. What are your greatest Fears? Tidal waves, tornadoes, and losing my loved ones. Oh about the band? Failure, complications, saggy skin/boobs. What is your weight loss short term goals and Long term goals? I'd like to be under 300 lbs by summer. Total goal is to be 160. List at least one thing you want to do/wear/eat/buy when you reach your goal? My post-band bucket list is LONG. Go skydiving, learn to surf, learn to SCUBA dive, travel to Europe (and fit my booty in the airplane seat comfortably), ride every rollercoaster I find, shop anywhere BUT Lane Bryant, and have a professional photo-shoot of myself at goal! Oh and I hope to share clothes with my younger sister someday! A bit more about me... I'm a business banker by occupation, a goofball in real life, and a perpetual optimist despite the negative news I see everywhere. I love country and rock music. And I am so excited to start my new life! :smile:

Where's all of our new bandster Banditos? Looking forward to hearing more stories. I'm a week out today and can't believe it's almost here!!!

I'll be staying overnight, which is A-ok with me. I've never been in a hospital room overnight, so it might be weird - but I'm kinda excited! Plus I hear the bariatric ward @ St. Joe's is top-notch and brand new. I did have to wait a bit before I met with the doctor. First you meet with Julie, the Dietician, and discuss insurance coverage issues. Then you meet with Rosalie, who goes over the difference between bypass and the band (probably with a few other people). THEN you're weighed and put in an exam room and Dr. Quilici comes in to talk with you. He is a big fan of bypass but if you tell him you want the band, he says OK. I have a BMI of 50+ so bypass is usually recommended, but the risks of bypass and malabsorption freak me out! I was there for a couple of hours the first time. I guess it takes different amounts of time depending on how many people are there with you (questions, etc), so be prepared. Dr. Quilici didn't ask me to lose any weight, he just said not to gain any. I'm on day 3 now of the liquid diet and his info says that most patients lose 10-15 lbs with this, so on surgery day I'll be down about 20 lbs from when I first started this journey. Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions, I'm glad to help! Also, there's a bandster support group that meets in the Burbank area @ a bandster's house - the 4th Wed of the month, we just met last night. Most of the gals are Dr. Quilici's patients so it's nice to get their opinion too. I'll send you an invite for our social group on here, they're a great bunch!

Congrats on starting the journey, Susie! If you're already approved for gastric surgery, I asuume you should be good to go (lucky)! Long story short I was already on month 4 when I went to Dr. Quilici, so I was aware of my insurance requirements, and only had to wait a couple months after that. As far as proving my weight, copies of medical records were sufficient for my insurance, and Dr. Quilici has you fill out a weight/diet history which also helps document it. Day 3 of the pre-op diet, my energy is a bit lower than normal, but I'm not really that hungry! I can't believe in two weeks I'll be banded already!! :thumbup:

Hi Cyndi: Don't worry, you can do it! Just remember what you're doing it for - a successful surgery and a tool that will get you to a healthy weight! I'm on day 2, and I recommend preparing ahead of time, and getting as much of a variety as possible - it sure helps the monotony of liquids. I had coffee this morning and put my usual nonfat milk into it, which was ok by my surgeon. It cuts the bitterness of the coffee, it's dairy (yay calcium) and it actually is pretty tasty. Also, one of my skinny friends (I mean SKINNY, and naturally of course), turned me on to a sweetener that is all-natural and ZERO calories, called Stevia. You can get it at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods or probably any health-food store. I put it in my coffee instead of Extra/SweetNLow/Splenda, and to my surprise - I used less and it was still sweet!! Yum! Of course, the answer to any question you have about your pre-op diet should be answered by your surgeon's office since every surgeon has their own preferences for their patients. Whatever you do, good luck!! :ohmy:

So I'm halfway through day one of the pre-op diet and I feel good so far. Had a cup of juice, nonfat yogurt, and SF Jello for breakfast. Forgot to eat my "snack" of Protein shake... I'll have that in a bit. Then lunch was a cup of soup (mmmm V8 broccoli soup - delish!), some applesauce, and more SF jello. The jello helps for missing the chewing action. I didn't have my usual coffee w/nonfat milk & stevia this morning and was ok... might need to work that in but I hate decaf coffee. I've been drinking Water and that seems to be keeping me full too. dinner will be more soup, some V8 juice, and more SF jello... maybe some pudding. It's amazing to me how much food I can eat for 1000 calories. But then I wonder... am I being too optimistic on my first day? Or am I just SO ready to get this done that whatever I have to do - I'll do it. :drool: TWO WEEKS TIL SURGERY!!!

I'm having surgery on a Tuesday, and taking the rest of the week off. I have a desk job so I don't think I should have a hard time as far as exerting myself. The only thing I'm somewhat concerned is energy, because I won't be eating hardly any carbohydrates. I'm hoping to make it to a party on Saturday night for my best friend's birthday and 5-year anniversary of being cancer free. I know it's soon afterward but I really want to be there!