MustangGirlRN
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Everything posted by MustangGirlRN
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While I know I have the skills to fill or unfill myself, I will choose to let my physician do this. It gives me time to discuss my success or failures with him. Since the port only leads to the band and not the bloodstream as a typical "port" does, a simple alcohol wipe to the site works if using a sterile needle....but...if you miss the port, you could mess it up by hitting the tubing and develop a leak. There is a technique to accessing a port, and a certain "feel" that you have to get used to....I wouldn't recommend it except in an extreme emergency using a sterile needle and sterile saline solution. Just my 2 cents.....stay safe!
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I live in Miami Heights too, my address is North Bend. I am an RN, I'm a nursing manager at Children's in the ER. Where do you work? I'm excited for you, lap-bands are WONDERFUL! I am ecstatic with my band, I can't promote it enough. The mild post-op stuff was manageable, I took 3 weeks off work, and I'm thrilled with my results. I was fortunate with my insurance, I didn't have to wait 6 months, and I was approved within a week of applying. I knew it would be easy as many people at Children's are getting the band or bypass. I think it's included in our insurance because we do the bypass surgery on kids, but I don't know. It's really cool to meet someone that lives close! I've been thinking about a membership at Curves in Miami Heights, it's not even a block from my house, but I haven't looked into it yet. I know work doesn't count as exercise, but I'm so tired after being on my feet all day, and my department and hospital are huge, I know I walk a ton.
Lisa
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The Water Rule
MustangGirlRN replied to Lady Lap Band's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My Dr. and dietician go by the 30-30-30 rule. Nothing to drink 30 minutes before a meal, take 30 minutes to eat, then nothing 30 minutes after. They told me that there are several reasons for this including making sure your stomach has enough room for nutrients that your body needs, to avoid stretching your pouch, and to prevent nausea and possible vomiting. This rule is the hardest one I've encountered since I got my band. I love to drink during my meal, and it's difficult to not order my big tall glass of iced tea when we go out to eat. At least I'm a cheap date.....I get an ice Water with lemon just in case I have to take a small sip. There is a huge inconsistency among surgeons in so many aspects of this surgery, but the important thing is that you follow your own physician's instructions and I think it helps to know the reasons why too. :rolleyes2: -
If you're able to take pills, make sure you space them out a bit. They can be irritating to your stomach, so it would probably help to take them with a little something in there to act as a buffer. Liquid ibuprofen, although very sweet, doesn't taste too bad either and you may want to try that instead of the pills. 600 mg advil, (or three pills) is a perfectly safe adult dose if ok'd with your physician, in fact, we frequently prescribe up to 800 mg for adult sized people, (I work in pediatrics). Of course, follow your physician's instructions, maybe give the office a call on Monday for their suggestions. Good luck, ibuprofen is my favorite choice for cramps too!
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I have found they taste very sweet, but pre-band, I usually drank unsweetened iced tea or water, so am not used to sweet drinks. I like them when they're very cold, and I usually sip them. I like that the protein in them is so filling.
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to lie or not to lie. . .
MustangGirlRN replied to Janiece's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I told people in stages as I was comfortable with telling them. When I started my journey, I only intended to tell my husband, but as I got approved and started my pre-op diet, I was very excited and told just a few of my closest co-workers. Weight loss surgery is very common at my organization, so I knew it would be obvious to a lot of people. The night before surgery, I got nervous that something would happen, so I told 4 of my 5 children, (19, 16, 13, 12). I didn't tell my oldest daughter (26) because she was in the middle of moving and job hunting. My 19 year old actually told my oldest anyway, so all of my kids knew before my surgery. I still had no intention of telling my parents because I didn't believe my mom would be supportive, but on Thanksgiving, ( 3 weeks post-op for me), it came up during dinner so I told my parents, brother, and his wife. When I started back to work, people noticed my weight loss, and if someone asks me what I'm doing, I tell them the truth. I think it may hold me more personally accountable because I don't want to fail. It's nice for me to be able to have so many others in my work environment that have gone through the lap-band, and even several who have had a bypass. We are a support group for each other and hold each other accountable. So, what I'm getting at is the same as others have posted. To tell or not to tell is completely personal, and your thoughts about who to tell may change over the course of your journey. GOOD LUCK!:thumbup: -
How long is your post-op diet?
MustangGirlRN replied to cobrien78's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
My post-op diet varies based on individual tolerance and is as follows: Stage 1 - Clear Liquids for 3-5 days Stage 2 - Full Liquids for 2-7 days Stage 3 - Blended Diet for 2-4 weeks Stage 4 - Soft Diet beginning around 3-4 weeks post op Stage 5 - Life long healthy eating - around 8 weeks post op (Alcohol can be added at about 6 months after surgery in limited amounts and used very cautiously) YIPPEE!! I'm very successfully at the soft diet stage, but really miss my caffeine, which I'm not supposed to have.:thumbup: -
I had my first fill yesterday at 4 weeks post op. I'm down a total of 24 pounds, and although the weight loss has slowed, I feel like my body is rearranging and getting smaller, so I'm not concerned. I went to my work's holiday party last night and found it so freeing to not base the entire night around food! It was an amazing dinner with about 10 different choices for desert and an open bar, but I focused on mainly on the people there, chewed my food thoroughly and had a fabulous time without hanging out by the deserts all night! This lapband is the best thing I have ever done for myself!:thumbup:
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Hi there, I went back to work last Monday and was just over three weeks post band. I had my schedule arranged to do light duty until yesterday, so I had four weeks total post-band that I didn't do patient care or lifting. I was paranoid that I would mess up my band by lifting, and since I work in an ER, I didn't know when I would have to wrestle with a psych patient or have to do CPR spur of the moment. My physician was very generous and let me basically name when I wanted to go back, (within reason). Actually walking into the department for the first time post band was really cool. Some people knew I had been banded and they told me how great I was looking, others who didn't know kept asking me if my hair was different, lol. I have lost 24 pounds, and I already have more energy and the work day goes much better, plus I'm in a better mood!
What kind of nursing do you do?
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Mine is on the right about two inches above my navel. I got my first fill yesterday, then went home and put on pantyhose to go to my work holiday party and had no problem. In fact it felt really nice to dress up.:thumbup:
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My stomach growls and sometimes hurts from all the growling too. Since my band, my tummy talks in ways it never has before. I like to drink Kellogg's protein water, (K20), when that happens. It does have a few calories, but it also contains protein that is filling. South Beach Diet also makes something called "Tide me over" which comes in packets that can be added to a water bottle and has protein and fiber and is filling. Hope this helps! Lisa
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pains and aches
MustangGirlRN replied to luckytoloose's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm three weeks post-op and I'm having wierd pains in my left lower abdomen, not near my port, but around one of the incision sites. At first I thought it was just gas or constipation, but I'm fairly certain that it's not. Sounds like others are having similar pain, so I feel a little better about it. -
New guy from Ohio - Surgery Scheduled!
MustangGirlRN replied to BillyTheBear's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Congratulations and best of luck to you. It's always nice to welcome another Ohioan! Lisa -
Mine are probably similar to everyone elses: 1. To add 10-15 years onto my life to enjoy my family, kids, and eventually grandkids! 2. To sit comfortably in an airplane seat, or at one of the kids' concerts or performances. (Without having to wrap my arms almost around myself and not breath to avoid touching who I have to sit next to). 3. To be the person that I imagine myself being. (Confident, secure, and pretty). 4. To only have to wear deodorant under my arms.
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What is the rudest thing someone has said to you?!?!
MustangGirlRN replied to auntlucy's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I married a man who I found out three months later was having an affair with an 18 year old when we got married! It shattered my world, and I was ashamed that I had exposed my children to such a fake and loser, (he was not their father....I was divorced from their dad after 18 years). Before I had seen his girlfriend, who is now his wife, I remember tearfully asking him what she looked like. As he described her, and her normal weight, he had the nerve to tell me, "I'm not leaving you because of your weight". Well, I hadn't asked him if that was why he was leaving...and anyway, I was on a diet at the time had just lost 50 pounds for the wedding. Funny thing how life has a way of working itself out...he was a big guy then and is bigger still, and she's quickly catching up to him! :ohmy: I'm now remarried, and my hubby is very handsome, average weight, and proud of me! He has supported me every step of my journey and brags on me more than I do myself. :thumbup: So, while it hurt terribly at the time, my life turned out so much better with him gone! Lisa -
What do you wish you knew before?
MustangGirlRN replied to Janiece's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I felt extremely well prepared before my surgery, however a couple of small things did sneak up on me that I didn't quite expect: 1. Post-op nausea from the anesthesia. I've never been one to get nauseous easily and didn't expect to. I expected to breeze through the recovery room, but it took awhile to control my nausea. I wanted to vomit, but I was sooo afraid I would mess up my band. The nurse kept telling me she had an arsenal of medications to try to take it away and when one finally worked it was wonderful! I had a prescription for phenergan which helped the first couple of mornings when I also had some nausea. 2. Diarrhea that hit me on about Day 3 and lasted for about 4 days. Didn't see that coming, and somehow missed reading about it before my band. I didn't want to bother the Dr's office over the weekend, so waited until Monday to make sure I could have imodium....which worked! 3. I had some really bizarre food dreams immediately post-op where I dreamed I ate everything that was bad for my band, and I woke up afraid that I had messed up my band. :laugh: 4. Take as long off as you can from work. I'm glad I took 3 weeks off from work to allow me time to adjust to my new lifestyle. It is wonderful to have time just for me for a change! 5. The support I've had from friends and family has been even greater than I expected. I didn't tell many people initially, and now I wish I had, I could have used their support pre-op! I've been banded 16 days and have not regretted one single minute of it!!!:laugh: Good luck to you! -
Rash at Port Incision-No coincidence
MustangGirlRN replied to targa's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Allergies and sensitivities don't always occur the first time a substance is used. It is possible that you didn't have a reaction to adhesive after your gall bladder surgery, but now you have developed a sensitivity to adhesive following your band. I had a rash from the steri-strips I had over my incisions and when I took the ster-strips off because it was so red and painful, some of my skin came off with three of them! OUCH!! :scared2:I had my two week post-op appointment today, and my surgeon wasn't concerned. I've been trying to keep antibiotic ointment on them to prevent infection and help them heal, but I'm sure it was a reaction to the adhesive. I can't put a bandage over them, because it will just cause more rash, so I'm trying to keep everything off of my belly. -
My absolute favorite warm drink in the morning is mint herbal tea. I add a bit of splenda to it and it calms my stomach and loosens everything up a bit so I can eat later. I use chicken or beef broth when I'm craving a salty snack in the evening.
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HELP! Thinking of canceling tomorrow surgery
MustangGirlRN replied to WannaBSkinnyB's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hooray for you! You've successfully taken a step to add 10-15 years onto you life! I'm glad you went through with it, just take it one day at a time and I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results. :thumbup: -
Good luck and god bless to all of you getting banded in the morning! My thoughts and prayers will be with you for a speedy recovery and a bright and shiny future. I was banded 11/7/08, and I can honestly say it was the best thing I've ever done for myself! :thumbup:
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Hooray for you! Pain pumps are excellent creations, it would have been nice to have one after my surgery. I'm not one to use the call light unless it's absolutely necessary, so I waited until the nurse came in the room to ask for medication. How nice to be able to take care of yourself when you needed it! There's plenty of room on the loser's bench for you, keep us updated on your successes or if you need help or encouragement.:thumbup:
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Do you have to take your clothes off at the first surgical consult?
MustangGirlRN replied to JayinMA's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I didn't have to take my clothes off, but i've found that the surgeons that do lapband surgery vary widely in how they do things. Good luck! -
The only protein I've used so far is unjury as it was recommended by my dietician and they gave me lots of samples. I get my unjury at the pharmacy in the building my doctor's office is in, but they also have a website (www.unjury.com, I think). I love the chocolate mixed with skim milk and ice and the vanilla is good with skim milk, ice, and strawberry extract, or sometimes I'll add a strawberry banana South Beach Diet Tide Me over packet and it adds 6 gm of protein. The chicken unjury tastes like chicken broth and I like it too. I have the unflavored to add to regular soups and drinks like crystal like. I highly recommend it, and I've heard that the price isn't bad compared to other options. Hope this helps.
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Anne, I was banded last Friday too, and finally started on my "blended" portion of my post-op diet today. I had scrambled eggs for the first time and they were great! I'm going to have some mashed potatoes tonight. It was definitely worth waiting for. I have lost 7 pounds since my surgery, but I am completely obsessed with food now too. I worry about everything I'm going to put in my mouth and it seems wierd that I can eat real food. I used egg beaters for my scrambled eggs because I was afraid of a real egg. I'm sure I'll easse up on myself, but I understand what you mean about food fear. I've had dreams where I've stuffed myself with really bad things,:Dancing_sorry: but thank god they were only dreams! Hang in there, we'll get there eventually!
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How are the banded Notorious Novembers???
MustangGirlRN replied to mljalways's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi everyone, I was banded on November 7th. I had some serious nauseous immediately post-op in the recovery room, but once that was under control, my hospital stay was uneventful. I stayed the night and was home the next day by 1pm. I did not have the severe gas pains that others have had, guess I was lucky! I took gas-x twice for minor twinges I was afraid would get bad, but it never happened. I have only taken a few doses of my pain medication and a couple of the nausea medication too. I've never been one to get nauseous, but found that the first few days at home I woke up extremely nauseous. I also had severe diarrhea, and it didn't stop for a couple of days, even with imodium. I was on clear liquids for four days, and am now on full liquids. I will be able to progress to soft things like scrambled eggs about a week post-op. I feel fortunate that my diet progresses so rapidly. I really haven't had a lot of the hunger that others have had. I made sure I had crock pot meals for my family so I wouldn't have to mess with making dinner for everyone, I could just toss the raw stuff in and 8 hours later, they had dinner and I wasn't tortured. My first follow up appointment will be at the 2 week mark and I'll meet with the dietician and the surgeon. I expect to get my first fill at my week 4 appointment. It's great to hear everyone's experiences.