IMhopeful

Hi all, Glad to hear that everyone is recovering well!!! I'm an insulin dependent type 2 diabetic using an insulin pump. Just wanted to share my great news today. I am officially taking less insulin now than when I started it 5 years ago and it feels great. In fact the endocrinologist is almost certain that as things progress I will be totally insulin free (maybe sooner than we hoped)!!! This alone makes the surgery worth it.:tt2: If that wasn't good enough -- they of course weighed me and I BROKE 300LBS!!!!! THE MAGIC NUMBER IS NOW 295 I couldn't help myself I was in tears. When I left the office I still had tears in my eyes when I told my husband. It's a wonderful feeling to go to the doctor and leave with good news. My main reason for the surgery was I had a major heart attack 2 years ago that caused some permanent damage. The cardiologist said the best way to get my heart through the next 50 years was to have wls. I guess I'm well on my way to those next 50!! keep in touch everyone

Anxiety is totally normal. OMG, I was so scared I had my band placed on 2/10/09. The crying started the week before and didn't stop until I got to the hospital. :cursing: My anxiety ran from afraid I'm not going to survive the surgery (I already had a heart attack in '07) to what life will be like after. No matter how much I was told that they have put people who are larger and sicker than I under anesthesia it didn't matter. All I could think of was saying good bye to my family as I was wheeled of to surgery and never seeing them again. But here I am. There's no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision. Just 1 wk out of surgery and I take less than half the insulin I did before my surgery -- that alone is worth it all. Surgery went better than anyone expected,:blushing: I did have an extra day in the hospital due to swelling which made it hard for me to drink the amount of fluids every hour they wanted. The swelling did not make it hard to swallow all fluids went down fine, I just would feel full after about 2oz of fluid. I wish you all the best of luck and please feel free to contact me.

Thanks yaya I'm glad your should pain is subsiding. Today I'm going to try LF Cream of Mushroom Soup but I will have to strain it as you did or put it in the blender. I'm amazed at the differences between post op diets. I'm allowed to have whipped cottage cheese and instant oatmeal as long I make it thin enough to drink. I've ventured a bit and tried the cottage cheese and LF yogurt which went down well. I'm sure you will get to look like the people in the ads, you've already taken the first step to getting there!!! Keep in touch. To add the weight loss ticker, if you go to FAQ in the bar under the log-in area under general information the last option is to add a ticker to your signature and it gives step by step instructions.

I'm another February 10th bandit. Surgery went well was a bit swollen so had to spend an extra day in the hospital until I could get more fluid down. Some gas and port pain but all in all it's been a great experience. Still on liquids but doing well, had only 1 day of cravings and hunger so far. Hope all are well and keep that way. Stay in touch!!!!!

Hi everyone, I was banded on 2/10/09. Spent an extra day in the hospital because I was too swollen to get all the fluids down they wanted. Now everything is going fine even the gas pain is subsiding (THANK HEAVENS)! Only had 1 really bad day where I felt hungry all day but that's gone too. I look forward to hearing about all the Fabulous February journeys. Good luck everyone!!!!

Hi Linda, I was banded 2/10/09. My worst day was 4 days post op, it bothered me so much to be thinking of everything I wanted to eat. Like I said to my husband there's alot to be said for being able to chew. I kept thinking to myself how can be hungry when I still have trouble getting my protein drinks and all the other fluid I need to in w/out feeling bloated. It was horrible I just broke down and cried. Now I'm 7 days out and I'm feeling much better and know I will continue to do so. Everyone has their reasons for having the surgery, never forget yours they will be what carries you through all the tough times. Good luck and I hope you feel better.:tongue2: You or anyone else can contact me for additional support.

Hi all, I'm 5 days post-op. My surgeon was Dr. Jones. I had a great experience. The nurses and doctors were fabulous. Everyone was so supportive, caring, and helpful. Currently trying to get all my fluids in -- it's hard!!! It seems by the time I finish 8oz I'm full and it's already time to start the next 8oz. Any suggestions?? Also, did anyone else have a problem with feeling bloated and gassy??? Banded 2/10/09 Dr. Jones - BIDMC

Hi Green Eyed Lady, I'm from Foxboro and will be having my surgery at the Beth Israel. This process for me has gone by quickly. I will be meeting with my surgeon Dr. Jones in 3 weeks!!! I'd be more than happy to share any of my experiences so far with you. Best of luck with everything!!!! :biggrin::thumbup:

Just last month I was where you are, not knowing which to surgery to choose. Actually accept I had a hard time trying to get a doctor to recommend one over the other. All I kept hearing was what feels most comfortable to me is the right decision. This was extremely frustrating when you have a significant amount of weight to lose and a laundry list of medical problems to go along with it. But in the end they're right, even though the bypass would give me faster results, I didn't want my plumbing rearranged. :w00t: The pro and con list basically just confirmed for me that I made the right decision. My cardiologist told me the same thing, it wasn't until I told him that I had made up my mind for the most part but I needed to know from him if there was any medical reason why I should choose one over the other that he gave me his own opinion. I've made my choice and I meet with the surgeon next month. Basically you have to live your life after this choice and you should make a choice that YOU comfortable no one else. I wish you the best of luck. :w00t:

I'm pre-op with a surgery date still pending. I also ordered the sample packets from Unjury, when I received them they came with some ideas on how to mix them to get more variety. Their Strawberry was very good mixed with Crystal light lemonade. Also I have a friend who had her surgery a year ago, she suggested the carnation instant breakfast and adding an extra scoop of unflavored protein powder. It was suggested by her doctor for her to have scrambled eggs (I know every doctor is different).

Hi Everyone, I'm 38 y/o kinda newly married (2 1/2 years) no children yet but hopefully that will happen. Also I have diabetes type 2, coronary artery disease, and sleep apnea. My surgery is pending I have my 1:1 with my surgeon Dr. Daniel Jones @ the Beth Isreal next month, then all I'll need is insurance approval. I know 4 people who have had the Lap Band unfortunately only 1 of them has bothered to follow the program, but she's expecting now so her band has been loosened. Three of them have basically perfected finding ways to eat around the band, in a manner of speaking. Most of my trouble is while grocery shopping, I don't over by but I always look at the treats. I manage to fight temptation most of the time, does anyone have any advise on how to avoid it all the time??? Any and all advise is truly welcomed.

Hi Everyone, Beth, best of luck on your surgery it would be great to share stories in this process. :grouphug: When I had my sleep study they fit me for a mask right then, in fact they even came in and had me wear it for a time. Honestly, I didn't get my machine but I've been told recently that I should. The worst of it is just getting used to it, I've a several opions ranging from a day to 2 weeks to get used to wearing the mask. I'm 38 years old, live in Foxboro and I'm awaiting surgery. My doctor is Dr. Daniel Jones at the Beth Isreal. I have my last pre-op test on Friday. Due to scheduling I will have my one to one meeting with Dr. Jones in November. I had chosen him after meeting him at the information seminars at the hospital. I started this process after having a severe medical wake up call. I had a major "cardiac episode" in July '07. Obviously I'm nervous, but at the same time I'm excited, and very hopeful. I have an unbelievably supportive family which helps so much. Now I'm looking to this site to increase my support system, with others who have been where I am currently. It would be great to hear from everyone and your own experiences.