ncmagnolia

Wow, time flies! I have been reading the posts and realized I had not written in a while. I was banded by Dr. Moran on Dec. 11, 2008. Other than band-day I am doing fine. The anesthesia decided we weren't friends. :scared2: Nothing major, I just felt very yucky. LOL So far I have lost 21 pounds and go in for my first fill tomorrow. The snow postponed the original fill date. This site is such a blessing. I have been concerned since I feel like I have hit a plateau. I realize it's pretty normal but I am just impatient. I am hoping I'll fee the restriction after tomorrow. Wish me luck!

I was banded on 12/11/08. A couple of weeks later I found that I was allergic to the durabond....but the redness didn't really show up until the durabond was peeling off. I tried a spray on benedryl but it did not help. Hydrocortisone cream finally did the trick for me. The incisions look really good now.

I was banded on Dec. 11. I was told that there was 4cc already in my 10cc band. I made it through Clear, liquids, and mushies but when I started on solids I discovered that I really cannot gauge when I am full. I am trying to be cautious....and it seems that that last bite gives me a slightl painful hiccup or a pain in my chest. I stop then...and then soon I do feel full! I just want to know how to detect that boundary-- before the pain or hiccups! I lost 6 pounds prior to the surgery and an additional 14 since the surgery. My 6-week visit is on the 19th of this month. I think I need a fill...I have no desire to mess this up. I am so thrilled that I have gotten the surgery. I just need to tweak me so I can adjust what I need to do. As I sit here writing my stomach is growling VERY loudly...I drank a cup of decaf tea with splenda to try to "trick it"...didn't work! LOL :tongue2:

I was banded Thursday Dec. 11. My dear friend (who is an RN) came over from Winston-Salem NC to help me through the process. What a great friend! :-) We arrived at the hospital at 6am that morning. I had been on a liquid diet for the two days prior to surgery. I was the first patient scheduled for Dr. Moran that morning so they took me back quickly. I changed into a gown (having showered that morning with Hibiclens antibacterial scrub) and put on a pair of TEDS. They are the knee high surgical hose to help prevent clots. The nurse numbed my hand and then put in my IV. I don't like needles but I have to admit it didn't hurt! I got nice warm blankets and something to relax me. Then they put in an arterial line. I am not sure why at this point and plan to ask. They then wheeled me into the OR and I moved onto the table...more warm blankets and then I was out. The next thing I knew I was in recovery with the dryest mouth in town.They let me have ice chips but nothing would help it the whole rest of the day. I wasn't in pain until a bit later and then it was my shoulder not my stomach. They gave me Toradal though the IV and I was fine. For a bit. I tried to eat some jello--too sweet--some broth---the thought made me ill...lol--- and some juice...That first day I discovered water is all I wanted. Then the shoulder pain started and I started having nausea. The nausea resulted in dry heaves which I cannot stand. The only good thing was that once I had heaved for a bit I felt better. I got them to unplug the IV machine and walked with the help of a nurse. Be careful if you do get the dry heaves or you need to cough. Make sure you splint your abdomen. It really helps! I got up several times during the night and took a late night stroll. The nursing assistant came in at 2am and woke me for vitals and I could not get to sleep..so I walked. The walking also helped my shoulder. Honestly it felt like someone put it in a vise and squeezed! I have severe sleep apnea so my doctor requires that you stay overnight. I ordered some breakfast to see if I could tolerate anything yet. I was starting to get scared that I would not do well. I ordered jello, chicken broth, and grape juice. The jello---still awful-the broth tasted good---and I poured the grape juice into my water about 2:1 and it tasted sooo good!! I got released at about 10am on Friday. My abdomen has gone from sore when trying to get up to very very minor pain when I sit up. I have been taking Hydrocodone (liquid loratab) for pain as needed. It works and I try to take it when the pain in my shoulder starts getting worse. I tried gas-x but can't tell any difference so I am thankful for the pain killer. I will see my doctor on Tuesday at 9am. I am really doing well. I have been eating jello, juice, and broth. I discovered that the Progresso Beef Broth is wonderful. It tastes just like a pot roast! I really am not very hungry at all. I sip., sip, sip and keep hydrated. I have lost 6 pounds since Thursday so I am very happy with everything. I am glad I did this . Just remember that first day does get over and good days follow!!!! I have already been shopping! (My doctor said walk, walk, walk...so we did!):tongue2:

I am being banded on Wednesday by Dr. Moran. He and his staff have been nothing but nice, helpful, and willing to answer any questions I have had. I have heard nice things about Dr. Enouch but I highly recommend Dr. Moran.:tt1:

Hi everyone! My countdown has begun!! I go for my hospital pre-op in the morning. I start my 2 day liquid diet on Tuesday morning....and I get banded at 8 a.m. on Thursday, December 11!!!!! I am a bit nervous but relieved that the time is finally here!More to come... --J.

My date is December 11. What a great Christmas present. I am still amazed at how everything fell into place. I am having Dr. Moran in Raleigh do mine.:Dancing_sorry:

Hi Kathy! Thanks so much for your encouragement! It's a huge decision, isn't it? I had hoped to have the surgery sooner, but I guess I'll just wait it out! LOL My kids are grown and I am a Grammie to an adorable two year old who is ALL boy. I'll get to see them at Christmas so I am really looking forward to that! I've already figured out how to cook for them and blend a taste for me :rolleyes2: I live in Raleigh though it's really Garner. I moved here 6 mo. ago from Greensboro. I really like this area! Talk to you soon... --Jackie:girl_hug:

Hello everyone! I have been reading the Forums with great interest.I am a patient of Dr. Joseph Moran. Thus far I have been favorably impressed with him and with his staff. They have had enormous patience with me. I have finished my meetings with the nutritionist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, endochrinologist, mental health counselor, had blood work and a chest xray, too. Everything went well and I have been given a December 11 surgery date!! Now I wait for BCBS ppo to render their decision. I do have 39.5 BMI with a co-morbidity of severe sleep apnea. Now I wait....I am so so ready to move forward, --Jackie:tongue:

My doctor required a visit to a psychotherapist. The one I chose actually had bariatric bypass herself. We talked for about 90 minutes on many things like relationships, my childhood, and my reasons for wanting the surgery. She even gave me homework : to research addiction transferance, designate a "get real" friend, sort my clothes by season and size, sample everything that you'll be allowed to eat for the first few weeks after the surgery, etc. We found my "triggers' for mindlessly eating (why do I have to eat while I watch TV???) and I am starting to do counted cross stitch again and I'm going to set up my stained glass work area again...can't eat when I do either of those. All in all I passed and she wrote her report. She told me that it is all for the Insurance company and using the right phrases. I am done with all my pre-appointments...just waiting for the surgery date...and I should know hopefully tomorrow!! :-) I am so hoping for Nov. 20...wish me luck! :rolleyes2: By the way, this therapist will meet with me 3 more times: a month after banding, at 3 months, and at 9 months. She will make sure I have support as I change emotionally as well as physically.

Hello everyone. This is my first post and I have to tell you how much I appreciate reading all your advice and information. I don't have my surgery date yet, but Dr. Moran in Raleigh will be doing the procedure. My visits to the cardiologist, dietician, mental health person, and endochrinologist will be finished in the next two weeks. I am hopeful for the banding to occur in mid-November. I continue to read up on the procedure and the diet I'll need to follow. I am so ready to start this journey! Again thank you all for being here helping us get through the scary parts! :-)