TQUAD64

Hello I heard great things about Dr. Machado too in Sacramento. However, she is not part of my insurance plan. I live in Stockton and went to the Alta Bates Bariatric Center in Oakland, which is a Center for Excellence. Doctor Kim is my doctor and she is great!

Love the Isopure drinks at 40 grams protein. Many great flavors low carbs. You can get them at GNC.

Well, I don't have any fluids near me when I am eating. Before, I would have a bottle water or if at a restraunt, I would have a glass of water. Not any more. I stay away from the fluids while eating.

Very extreme, but it is your doctor's orders, so you will need to contact she/he to see if they are willing to modify the order.

I was feeling great on day 7 post op. No pain, but was sore. Post op day 7, I was driving, shopping, and cleaning house. Lots of energy and felt great. You will get there too!

Hello Wendy: My surgery was 11/11/08 and there were some little issues. My spleen started bleeding during the procedure, but they fix it. However, to monitor the situation they took blood samples about every three hours. I don't tolerate pain meds well, at least I did not with this surgery. I would get nauseated every time I would get pain meds placed into my IV. My one day stay in the hospital turned out to be 2.5 days. Recovery at home went well. I had gas pain, but I walked to help alleve it. I got plenty of sleep and kept fluids down. Plus, I was wearing an anti-nausea patch. By day 7 post op, I felt great and was driving, shopping, and cleaning the house. However, I was hungry. I took two weeks off from work and really enjoyed it. When I went back to work, I was energized and ready to go, no pain, and no soreness. I have a 10 cc Lap Band, which my doctor placed 3ccs at the time of surgery. I have great restriction right now. Pre-op I lost 10 pounds, post op I lost 20 pounds, total loss equates to 30 pounds. I am so happy I had this surgery. It is not easy, but I am seeing results. I am more energetic and I am down two pant sizes already. As far as what to watch for, just stick to what your doctor tells you and you will be okay. This will be the best gift you can get this holiday! Best of luck!

Hi Ladybug: I was banded on 11/11/08 too! How is your exercising going? Are you making sure you get all your Protein in, which will fill up? Drink plenty of fluids too. My doctor does not fill until 6-weeks post op. But she did place 3cc in my band at the time of surgery. I have a 10cc band.

Well, let me just say that if my rabbit died tomorrow, I would order it again and have it next day delivered. :tongue2:

I love the Ispore drinks. They taste great and have many flavors. Great way to get your protein.

I do not have shoulder pain any more and I was banded 11/1/08. My doctor will fill me 6-weeks post op if I need it. I have 3ccs in a 10cc band, because the doctor prefilled at the time of surgery.

I am so sorry to hear this. Sick with it. Your turn will be here before you know it.

That is a very cool picture. Congrats on Onderland. It is a great accomplishment. Good job!

My doctor let me drive after one week out from surgery. But personally, there was no way I could go for a 700 mile drive even with pit stops.

Clear liquids week one. Full liquids week 2. mushies week 3 and 4. Full diet after week 4.

I have a card in my wallet which is underneath my drivers license.

I am 24 days post op and doing great. 30 pounds down and working out on the treadmill.

Band Date: 11/11/08 H Weight: 251 Pre-op Diet start weight: 251 Surgery weight: 241 Current weight: 221 Goal Weight: 130

Hello Dee: For over a year, I researched the Lap Band vs gastric banding. I reviewed medical research papers and really seriously considered both procedures. In this regards, I selected the Band, because it is less evasive and weight loss is slower. There is risk associated to any surgery, especially one which involves general anesthesia. Plus, most clients that select WLS are not in the best possible health to begin with. According to literature, less than 1% of WLS surgery results in death. It really is a personal desicion whether or not to have the surgery. But for me I came to terms with it by accepting the fact that one day I am going to die. I don't know when, but I know I will die, because that is the nature of life. However, I want to do everything possible to ensure I live as long as possible, so I want to work on my health and well being. Thus, I was banded on 11/11/08. It is not easy. There is a lot of hard work involved. But I do not regret my choice at all. Thus far, I am very happy with my decision. Good luck with your decision.

BillOh you crack me up. I did not tell my mom either. The only person that knows is my sister. The reason I have not told my mom is that she has been trying for two years to qualify for gastric banding. She initially qualified with private insurance. She was approved with private insurance, but then she turned the magical age for Medicare and had to start the whole process all over. Today, she is now dealing with several medical issues, which must be addressed before she can have surgery. Thus, I don't have the heart to tell her that I was banded. It would be cruel of me to tell her. Life can be so unfair.

Great update. I was wondering what happen to you. I am glad you called the doctor out for talking about you and you hearing it.:whatchutalkingabout

Congrats! How exciting to get banded before the holidays. It will be hard, but well worth the healthier life-style you will acquire.

Hey Jitterbug: It is time to get a new primary care doctor. Plus, when you are self-pay you don't need your PC doctor to recommend the procedure.

Banded 11/11/08. 30 pounds total. 10 pounds pre-op, 20 pounds post op.:whatchutalkingabout

I would call the doctor and schedule a slight unfill. Thank goodness you can keep fluids down, but by this time you should be keeping soft foods down. You don't want to throw up with the band, because of possible slippage. Good luck!

I had to complete the 6-month diet as well even though I had been on plenty of primary care supervised diets, including some that included phen-phen. I have Blue Cross.