TQUAD64

No, I don't think it is barbaric either. I just think it is the most advanced medical technology we have at this time. I think of us as pioneers as we are part of bariatric studies at our respective bariatric centers. One day, there will be something new and better that come along.

There are so many factors regarding skin after weight loss. Heredity, elasticity, age, how rapid weight loss is, can all effect whether or not your skin shrinks. I have a 130 pounds to lose and have lost 30 so far. I don't know what to expect as far as my skin. I am preparing myself for at least a breast lift and possibly a TT.

I love chicken. I mean I really really love chicken. My friends say I have feathers, because all we eat at home is chicken. One of my fears about this surgery (Silly fear I know) was that I would never again it chicken. However, I am banded and I have no problems eating chicken.

Be careful with ankle weights. My doctor's office made us take off our shoes and sock to weigh, so they could see if there was anything wrapped around your ankle. My insurance company provided me with a case manager nurse. She stated very clearly that if I lost weight below a BMI of 40 that I would not get approved for surgery. (I had no co-morbid issues. I was like a 41 or 42. I was border line. So I never lost weight during the 6-month supervised diet and if I did lose weight it was only a couple of pounds. I was terrified to go below the 40BMI. To be honest, had I gone below a BMI of 40, I would have gained weight to qualify for the surgery.

My pre-op diet did not consist of soup, unless it was just a chicken or beef broth. I am so glad that is over. Did your doctor give you a list of items you can have during the liquid pre-op diet phase?

No this did not happen to me. I did not drink shakes, but had Isopure or Protein Bullets. They are like a fruity protein drink. My BM were normal with these products.

I am not sure what it normal, but my doc gave me 3cc at surgery and 1.5cc at December 10 appointment. My next fill is January 14, so I am hoping to get 2cc. I have a 10cc band and right now have no restriction.

I have always found exercise unjoyable when it produces pain, because of the excessive weight. And when I don't see results. Having the surgery was the best thing I ever did. It boosted my energy level and really is giving me the results I want. The biggest thing I wanted from the Band was to be more physically active and since surgery I have gotten off the couch. I also feel more empowered and can do more activities. I am no longer a hermit at home.

I eat at least 1,200 calories with daily exercise and I track my food intake at Sparkpeople.com

Hi MLM: I totally here your question. Before band, I really tried to exercise, but with so much extra weight on my frame it was difficult. My ankles and knees were always in pain, so I did not keep up with exercise on a regular basis. After surgery, about 2.5 weeks after surgery, I started to dilengtly exercise every day. I lost 30 pounds so far, so the pain in my knees and ankles is gone. It made my treadmill workouts so much more enjoyable. I do have a treadmill. I work out on it at least 5-days a week, unless I am sick. I walk 50-55 minutes at a 6% incline. It really does help with my weight loss and I have lost a great deal of inches. I am down three pant sizes and need to go shopping for a size 16 now, but I am waiting. I was wearing a size 22.

I asked the insurance company case manager point blank. Once I was approved by the insurance company and was given a surgery date. My doctor and her staffed stated point blank, that surgery would not occur if I gained weight and that I had to lose weight during the pre-op diet. I also demanded a copy of the insurance policy pertaining to gastric banding.

I live in an upstairs unit, so I handled the stairs okay. I was sore, but I made sure to go for walks, which included going down and up the stairs to get outside. I did this every day after surgery. It really helped with gas pain. As far as driving home after surgery. I thought I was going to be very clever and do just that. I thought I am strong enough to conquer driving after discharge from the hospital. But I could not. I felt like a wet noodle. I was soooooooo physically and mentally tried/drained and sore, I just could not drive upon discharge from the hospital. My brother ended up taking me home:smile2: I did not start driving until day 7-post op.

I am not sure how reliable it is, because I don't track every day tasks, just my daily exercise. But I use Sparkpeople.com

I have a desk job no heavy lifting or standing. I took two weeks off from work and I am so glad I did. By the time I was back at work, I was energized and ready to go. I did not start feeling good from the surgery until day 7 post-op. That was the day I started to drive and go shopping. Good luck!

Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test

I take a thryoid pill every day. I also take an Iron pill and Vitamin D pill daily. I have no problems taking these pills. I do take a chewable multi-vitamin, b12, and calcium chews. And liquid Tylenot when needed.

Well I don't take the b-pill, but I do take an Iron pill and Vitamin D pill, plus my thryoid pill, which are all the same size if not bigger than the b-pill. My pills go down just fine.

Personally, I would gain the weight so I could have the surgery. As crazy as it sounds, I would do it. As far as losing weight pre-op. Once I was approved by my insurance company to have the surgery they could not reject me for the surgery, because I lost weight. Once the the insurance company approved the procedure, my doctor required me to lose weight during the pre-op diet. I lost 10-pounds during that time. My doctor's policy is no weight loss during pre-op diet no surgery. Additionally, if you gain weight during the pre-op diet, no surgery.

First fill at surgery 3cc Second fill at the office, 1.5cc

Don't give up. You have come so far and now that your port is fixed you can really work the Band. Keep up on your protein, so you can feel full. And don't forget to exercise. You will get there. Remember you did not gain the weight over night. It takes time to lose it.

I receive a numbing agent, but would be okay without it.

Don't forget that when you exercise you are building up muscle. Muscle weighs more. Measure your inches. Are your clothes feeling looser?

My spleen was slightly torn from scar tissue stuck to it from a previous surgery. So my spleen was bleeding. I stayed in the hospital for 2.5 days and went home by myself. I felt fine, except for the gas pain. I walked a lot to get it out.

Today: Still sick. No exercise.

Embarrassed no. But I don't share any of my medical procedures with co-workers and friends. I have had 12 surgeries and have not felt the need to share each procedure with all my co-workers or friends. I don't share my finanical information or my sexual activities with my co-workers and friends, nor do I share my medical information. It is a privacy issue.