MarianneTN

So, I totally did things "against suggestions" totally by accident but I'll share.... I had surgery on May 9th 2006. The last week of May I called my surgeon's office to find out if having surgery messed with your cycles. I knew I couldn't get pregnant as I was rx'd infertile several years ago. Right. :biggrin1: Doctors make best guesses and sometimes, wonderfully, they are wrong. On June 2, 2006 at 36 years old my pregnancy was confirmed...my first child. WOO HOO! I had a pretty event free pregnancy. Because I was so close out of surgery, I didn't have a fill. I was diabetic before surgery and became insulin dependant while pregnant. No high blood pressure, no crazy weight gain. I gained 17 lbs and Joslyn was 8.5 of it. The band probably kept me from putting on more weight....well, that and being crazy about controlling my blood sugars. So, my opinion? Do things when they feel right to you. My baby is healthy and beautiful. I had no complications with the band at all. I'm excited to report I just got my first fill and am still 30 lbs less than when I had surgery last year. ROCK!! Not waiting a full year won't be the end of the world. Anything can be managed.

To the previous poster's point... I have BCBS of TN and got approved within 10 days of submitting my paperwork to them. I do understand as of May 1st they have added a few more requirements but are still approving surgery. Edit: My surgeon's office has a list of the things required by each insurance company. They won't even submit your paperwork until each bit is satisfied. I had to supply 5 years of medical records, past diet history with supporting evidence (WW reciepts, doctor's RX for Meridia, etc), a psych exam, and so on. It was a HUGE packet they sent over. My diet history alone was 14 pages! Just my two cents...

Before the band, no I wasn't a rule follower with regards to eating properly. Not following healthy "rules" got me where I am today...err, where I was before surgery. There are other areas in my life where I latch on to something and will hang on for dear life. It seems after being banded I have displayed some pretty strong self control. I don't really have any restriction. I am dealing with head hunger every single day. I'm just in the right frame of mind at this point in my life to make this work. Ask me again in six months and I may feel differently. I don't know. I just know how I feel at this moment. Right now I'm in it to win it. I don't want to be sick and tired any longer. I'm over having type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I'm over feeling like crap. I'm over not sleeping well. I am in the absolute right frame of mind to make lifestyle changes. I'm doing everything in my power to stay motivated and on track. Support groups, individual therapy, this board, etc. Wow, I wrote a lot.

Let's see...today I had B-scrambled egg with mushrooms (1/4 of "replacement eggs" with mushroom pieces scattered in) L-Boca burger with a pickle and a "dab" of Helman's Light mayo with steamed mixed veggies left over from last night D-3oz of Tilapia, cooked carrots, cooked broccoli crowns Yesterday I had B-scrambled egg with l/f sharp cheddar shredded with a bit of canned spinach (again, 1/4 cup replacement eggs) S-Sugar Free Jello L-Pink Salmon in the foil package..it's a perfect 3oz with canned asparagus D-Vegetarian Re-Fried beans mixed with 3oz canned chicken breast and a couple of tablespoons of salsa with a bit of taco seasoning mixed in I'm only three weeks out and still sort of learning how things effect me. I eat a lot of fish. Salmon (grilled and canned), tuna, tilapia, crab, etc. I also enjoy Morningstar and Boca products. Chicken cooked any way I can imagine (well, never fried). I eat cooked squash, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, peas, carrots, beets (very limited), spinach, etc. Hope that helps just a tiny bit...

I'll admit it. I'm a hardcore rule follower. When I set my mind to something there is no other option. I've been called a pitbull a time or two in my life

My first fill is scheduled for June 23rd and I'm down 25 lbs since my surgery date of May 9th.

A week post op I kept having food dreams. In each of them I was trying to sneak and eat food and different "things" were trying to get me. In one dream I was in this grocery store about to take a HUGE bite from a block of cheddar cheese. All the sudden these robots with lasers starting shooting at me telling me to drop the cheese. Weird...and this was WITHOUT pain meds :confused: I think it was my mind working overtime thinking about what I could and couldn't have and the "police" in my life to help me stay the course.

Yes, feel better Tricia! Played football this weekend! Who knew I could throw such a great spiral?!? Took Sunday off from exercise and last night I did... 30 minutes on the stationary bike changing up speed and resistance 20 minutes of arm work with dumbells Today: Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds Yoga (I feel like I need to do some serious stretchin')

I'm reading Seraphim by Michele Hauf. It's kind of a Joan D'Arc sort of tale. A friend just finished it and suggested I read it.

My doctor said the same thing, no Advil, ibuprophen products. Tylenoyl is my first and really only choice. Wal Mart, Walgreens, CVS, etc. sell a liquid adult Tylenoyl in daytime and PM dosage. The regular stuff is cherry and the night stuff is "Golden Vanilla". I keep both on hand just in case. Liquids just cruise on down....

I heat them on the grill and then do a squirt of Helman's Light Mayo, a slice of tomato, a pickle, a little salt and pepper and I'm set. It's just like having a hambuger--um, minus the cow and the bun One burger and I'm completely stuffed.

The Boca and Morning Star products are quite tasty, high in protein, low in carbs and easy to make. I incorporate them into most days. They may also be a resource while you build your veggie recipe database

The group of folks I study Buddhism with. The place where we meet is to be treated with respect and that's why we take our shoes off. The feet are the lowest part of the body physically as well as spiritually. You don't allow your feet to point towards anyone. You sit Indian style, with legs to the side or your legs beneath you. Sorry I hijacked the thread there.

You know what the best part of the journey is and sometimes the worst? Every doctor has a different plan. Some don't use a pre-op diet, some do. Some make you stay on liquids one month, some let you go to mushies within a week. No two paths are the same it seems. I was told resistance training was acceptable as long as I kept it to low weight, high repetitions. I use 5 lb dumbells and do three sets of 15 for the arms. I work biceps, deltoids, triceps, pecs, etc. three days a week and the legs (mostly upper thighs) the other three days, again sticking with low weight, high reps (20 lbs right now). My exercise physiologist was cool and gave me the stamp of approval to start two weeks out. The resistance training has already started reshaping my body. It's a beautiful thang. As I'm fond of saying, your mileage may vary and so may your doctor's advice

In my home we leave shoes on most of the time. I do change into slippers when I get home. I have some great animal print fluffy slippers that just SCREAM my name. The only time I'm really aware of removing my shoes is when I go to sangha. It's just out of respect.

Watermelon with salt...great mercies. That is the most yummy thing EVAH! It's just gotten hot enough here in the last week or so for me to feel like sitting on the back patio, eatin' watermelon and spittin' seeds all while watchin' the lightnin' bugs. I'm Southern to the very core It makes my soul happy.

Just wanted to jump in and update everyone I'm almost three weeks post-op and feeling like a million bucks. I'm working out 6 days a week walking, biking and light weight lifting. I actually played football this weekend! I got in my boyfriend's truck this weekend and reached down to adjust the seat. I reached right down to it! No going around the side or adjusting it while standing outside the truck. It was the coolest feeling. Every day is like opening a gift! I'm scheduled for my first fill on June 23rd. I'm still not hungry physically. I've fought some hardcore head hunger but I won. I'm a crafty person so whenever I feel the urge to eat (when there is no physical hunger), I make a handmade greeting card to mail out. It's fun and my friends and family get a treat Just wanted everyone to know I'm still motoring along.

Be strong Mary Ann! You can do it! I mean, after all, you are Mary Ann Have a great rest of the week

GeezerSue makes an excellent point. Yes, it's hard. It's going to suck rocks those first few weeks after surgery when you can't have anything but liquids. You get sick and tired of broth, Jello and Protein drinks. You have to stay the course so that your stomach has plenty of time to heal. And like GeezerSue, I'm not trying to be mean at all. Just consider that part of this journey. I'd call my doctor and have him review exactly what you're getting in. Maybe you can have extra shakes or other liquids. The purpose of this diet is to shrink your liver and make an easier space for your doctor to work in. Look at it this way, if you go on and change your habits now it will be a hell of a lot easier after surgery. I know it's tough. Hang tight! You're almost there...

Jack you just made me howl with laughter this early Sunday morning. What a picture I painted in my mind! :pound:

The thought of dying by making this decision crossed my mind as well. It was also very clear NOT making this decision was going to kill me. My blood pressure was elevated, my diabetes was out of control, I was developing diabetic neuropathy in my feet and hands, etc. It made sense to take a leap of faith and get the band. Goodness knows when it's your time it isn't going to matter if you're on the table getting banded, in the shower singing your favorite song or on the highway on your way to work. While I'm only three weeks out, I still say this is the BEST thing I've ever done for myself.

If I remember correctly, you're near Nashville. It is my understanding (stories from ladies in my support group who got banded in Mexico) that it is difficult to find someone affordable in Nashville, TN to do your fills. I know that Dr. Charles Morton will. He charges between $250.00 and $300.00 a fill appointment. P.S.--Please, PLEASE make sure you arrange good aftercare for yourself before you travel to Mexico and get banded. I've seen several posts from folks who go down and get banded but have no plan of action after that. Do lots of homework, do more homework and then make a plan of action not just for surgery but for years to come.

When this happened to me, I stopped, turned and said... "You absolutely have to be the most creative person on the face of the earth. I mean, REALLY! That was quite the f'ing stretch to moo at a larger person. If I knew what sound backward, intolerant, assholes made, I'd respond but I guess I'm just not nearly as talented or as smart as you." Stopped him in his tracks and his buddies howled with laughter. I don't cry about that sort of thing. I have such a smartass mouth is just engages before anything else can be done. I guess that's my way to keep from crying...cut them off around the knees with my mouth.

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones! When I discussed the idea with my primary care doctor, he said, "I think this is the best decision you could have come to." We talked more, he made sure I totally understood what I was getting myself into and he said, "Sounds like we have a plan. What do you need from me to get this ball rolling." He's been one of my best supporters in this journey. He even called the surgeon to check on me the afternoon of surgery. He's a groovy cat.

My pre-op consisted of... A psych evaluation A blood draw An EKG Now, my EKG came back abnormal and I had to have more extensive testing. Turns out my heart is fine and we were good to go. Two weeks before surgery was just like normal life except I was more aware of what I was eating. My surgeon doesn't require a pre-op diet. He only requires that you go full liquids 72 hours before surgery and then Clear Liquids 24 hours before...nothing after midnight the evening before surgery. Hope that helps.