TQUAD64

Shassy, it is normal to feel nervous about the procedure. Let's face it, we have failed with other weight loss attempts so our anxiety is high, because now we are seeking bariatric surgery. But you will do fine and you are making a commitment to a healthier you. I was banded on 11/11/08 and went back to work on 11/24/08. I took two weeks off work. I felt really great 7-days post op and was out driving, shopping, and doing light household chores at day 7. I did experience fatigue, because the calorie consumption is decreased during the post op liquid diet stage, but it was nothing I could not manage. You are so close to achieving your banding goal. You can do this, because so many of us our here to support you. Good luck!

Falloutgirl, it sounds like you made the right decision for you. Congrats on the weight loss!

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. This is a very trying time for you and your family, plus the holidays. Your stress level must be at an all time high. No judgment here, just get back on track. Look for other avenues to relieve your stress. Walking, therapy, talking to a trusted friend, journaling are just a few things that can help. Take care.

Last year, I received Capital One financing for Lasik Eye Surgery. The total loan amount was vey close to $5K and my FICO at the time was 660. My lap band procedure was insurance paid.

Round two, second day on the treadmill. 45 minutes with a 2% incline. Stretchy bands to losen up my back.

Congrats! It won't be much longer before your banded.

Well I did a lot of research by reviewing medical journal articles pertaining to both procedures. Overall, I liked the fact that the lap-band surgery was less evasive and did not re-configure my stomach. Additionally, I prefer losing the weight gradually rather than quickly. Plus my issue is primarily portion control, so I selected the band. :wink2: Good luck!

I still have gas swelling and I am 19 days post op. I am hoping that by week 4, the gas swelling will diminsh.

I was banded on 11/11/08 and had no problems with cramps in my calves until I went back to work on 11/24/08. The pain in the calves would happen at night when I stretched my legs out. OUCH! Talk about sore, like I ran a marathon. My doctor told me to drink more fluids, which I have and now I am not having the cramps in my calves.

Great job with your 25 pound weight loss! Keep up the good work. :-)

I really didn't take much. 1. The clothes that I wore to the hospital 2. Chapstick 3. Tooth brush and paste 4. Driver's license and insurance card 5. Cell phone

Call your doctor and see if you can move forward to the next stage, but don't move to the next stage until he/she gives you permission to do so.

I did not do this. Once I was approved in August to meet the surgeon and right after I met the surgeon, I started cutting back my calories. I replaced my lunch time meal with liquid broth and cut back on Snacks. I just wanted to get a head start on the process and get my mind focused on what my future eating habits would be like. I have heard of people doing the "Last Supper Meal," but I really wanted this surgery, so I did not eat like there was no tomorrow.

I would recommend you read, read, read all the information on this site. As far as stats, look for published medical studies rather than word of mouth. You can do a Google search for bariatric medical studies or if you have access to a library you can research there. Medical journals are a great source of information. I researched on line via the library I have membership too. I retrieved at least 30 bariatric medical study reports. I researched banding and by-pass. I looked for the good and the bad, because I wanted to be well informed. I have no regrets and have lost over 25 pounds thus far with the band. Good luck!

I would just recommend to get back on track and remember that the pre-op diet helps you and your doctor. A smaller liver makes it easier for the doctor to do the procedure, so get back on track and stay focused. You can do it, because we have done it.

Stay in bed and rest. Take lots of fluids and drink orange juice. But really stay in bed. There have been other people on this forum who had a cold and the surgeon did the surgery, however you know already that you need to call the surgeon to let them make that decision.

For my pre-op diet, I followed my doctor's orders, which were one of the two following choices: 1. Three high Protein shakes that were low carb or 2. Two high Protein Shakes that were low carb with an evening meal high in protein. I was well prepared for the band ahead of time and have no regrets. Good luck!

I am going to tackle it one day at a time. And persevere through the holidays. It is rough, but I am committed to a healthier me. :-)

1. I have had two laparoscopic surgeries in my life-time and the scars fade over time. I did nothing for my scars with the first surgery and plan on doing nothing with my most recent surgery for lap-banding. 2. I asked my doctor to call my prescription in before the surgery, so I had liquid loritab at home before the surgery and it is all gone. My pain was intense, but diminished over several days. 3. I scheduled two weeks off work in advance, which I needed for my recovery.

I am not sure about weather changes as I am too newly banded, but I notice a big difference in the morning with tighter restriction.

I have DVDs galore, but I get the best work out is from my treadmill at my home. I mix it up, so my body does not get use to the workout. I vary the incline, speed and distance to work up a sweat. I use hand weights for an upper body workout at home. It is more convenient this way and works with my hectic schedule.

Pre-op 2 mile treadmill walk at 5% incline 4-5 times a week. Plus stretchy band to help losen up my back. Post op 18 days out, this is my first day back on the treadmill and it felt great. Now I am starting upper body hand weights.

Okay, it is the day after Thanksgiving and I am 18 days post op. I have been staring at my treadmill telling myself to get to it. So, here I go. I am walking away from my computer and heading towards the treadmill. Back from the treadmill: 40 minute walk, 1.30 miles at a 2% grade. Plus 10 minute upper body weights. This is my first workout since the surgery, so I am on my way. Let's hope I can get back to my pre-op two-mile walk a day.

Hello Denny. How exciting that you and your wife can support each other through the process. I would recommend reading the threads on this forum, because you will see that your weight loss to date is awesome. You will lose weight more during the liquid diet stage, because of less calorie consumption. Right now, it is more important to focus on your recovery and follow the doctor's orders. Congrats for making through Thanksgiving Day without falling off the wagon. Good luck and happy holidays to you too!