imwiththebandfl

Best of luck to you! I got my band a week ago tomorrow, and I'm feeling really good. Just take it easy and give yourself a chance to heal...and follow the Dr's instructions. You'll do great! Today I was able to do EVERYTHING I normally would do, pre-band....all the household chores, shopping, etc... Can't wait for a fill!

Hi JagGator (go gators!) I had my surgery with Jax Weight loss Center (Dr. Baptista) I opted for the Journey Lite surgical center, and saved about $1,500 I believe. I paid $10,000 to Journey Lite, 4,500 to the Doc, and $500 to the office....and $120 for nutritionist and fitness expert. I did not want to have the surgery at Memorial, and I don't have any serious medical issues that would make it necessary. I had my surgery 11/18 and I'm very happy with everything and can't wait to be a skinny gator!

My surgery was Tuesday, 11/18. I feel like I've gotten off pretty easy, too with the pain and complications. For me, the worst day with the gas was day 4, but even then it wasn't that bad. Today I feel almost 100%. :thumbup:Just having the whole drama and worry about the surgery behind me is fantastic....I think if I asked my husband one more time "do you really think I should do this?" he was gonna kick me out. Anyway, I stepped on the scale today and shockingly realized I've lost 14 pounds since the pre-op diet began. I haven't done that in so long....this is starting to get really exciting!!!!!

I had my surgery yesterday 11/18 and I'm doing pretty well. The gas pain and the incision pain is not so bad. The hardest part for me is trying to get up out of bed, that's when I feel a pulling sensation around the port. Still on clear liquids...which is tough, but I'm way too scared of throwing up to cheat even one little bit. So far so good! Best wishes to you all! BMI 40 Highest 252 Surgery 244 Jacksonville, FL Self-pay Dr. Baptista

Surgery Jacksonville, FL 11/18/08 I was a nervous wreck the night before, so I barely slept. THe drive to the surgical center was a blur. I got there at 6:30 am. The staff at Journey Lite was so wonderful, they put me at ease right away. I went back to the pre-op area, had to put on some really tight leg hose and a huge gown. After that I laid back, got a shot of heparin and an IV put in place. These nurses were GOOD... neither one hurt at all. Surgery started a little later than scheduled...but I didn't have any big plans for later anyway ha ha. So they wheeled me in the OR and I was crying. But my best friend, the anesthesiologist shot a little something in my IV, and that's all I remember. I woke up with a shooting pain in my left shoulder (from the gas) Turns out I had a hyatial (sp?) hernia, which Dr. Baptista repaired. I was given instructions for going home, and even got a PHOTO of my band, and the hernia repair! I'm taking liquid pain meds about every 6-8 hours. The gas pain is bearable. The incision pain in bearable. All in all, not so bad. THe hardest part for me is getting up out of bed, that's when I feel the port incision. Just so glad it's over and can't wait for my first fill. GOod luck to you all!

I'm set for 7:30 am tomorrow (11/18) and scared and excited (and very, very hungry Good luck to everyone! Band 11/18 Jax, FL bmi 40

Pete---I like your hat! Go Gators!

Hi Randy... I'm having surgery day after tomorrow (11/18) and am feeling many of the same things. It sometimes seems like the craziest thing that I'm chosing to have this surgery, and walk around with a band in me! But then, I think how this band will probably save my life, and let me be with my kids for a long time. I guess all of us on LBT CAN lose weight...we just can't keep it off. I want off that roller coaster. This band will be a tool to use all our lives....long, healthy lives. I'm on the clear liquid diet (started today) and I'm STARVING! However, I want my liver nice and small, so I've been scared straight into sticking with this. We're gonna be ok. It's so great to read all the post-op stories...very inspiring. Best of luck to you! bmi 40 surgery 11/18 Jax, FL

* dreading every time I drop something on the floor and have to try to strain to bend over and pick it up * seeing adorable clothes, and then trying them on and they won't get past my ankles * running into people who haven't seen me in a while, and seeing their horrified expressions over how I've let myself go * declining fun invitations because of embarassment * not being able to wear favorite rings...or remove the one currently stuck on my hand * I especially won't miss having food run and ruin my life!

Sooverit---what you wrote really hit home for me, too. My surgery is just 3 days away, and I keep looking longingly at all the yummy stuff I can no longer eat and feeling a bit sad. However, I have also found, and I don't know where this came from, that I am finding little projects around the house to do to keep my hands busy. I have NO willpower on my own, so this is such a blessing. Maybe its the power of the subconscious mind, I don't know, but all those projects were there before I decided to do this surgery. I just chose not to do them because I was busy thinking about my next meal. So, you and I need to delve into some exciting new hobbies....or re-decorate a room, call an old friend, volunteer at a deserving charity. food, our comforting friend, really isn't a friend who has solved any of our problems. He certainly hasn't made me feel better about myself. I just want food to be more of an afterthought, not running my life anymore. Best of luck to you....those pre-teen girls are always a challenge. Hang in there, my experience is that they are always meanest to the person they know won't turn away from them. She needs you. You'll be best of friends again very soon.

Imwiththebandfl Surgery date November 18th, 2008 highest weight 252 Surgery weight after pre-op diet--probably about 244 goal weight 135 Jacksonville, FL

Hello everyone. I'm about 3 days away from surgery (Nov. 18th) and I'm really riding a roller coaster of emotions. THe over-riding thought is that everything will go fine and I won't have any regrets. However, part of me is afraid of the anesthesia, the pain, the gas...and afraid that it won't work. I know I'm not alone in these thoughts....I just wish I could wave my magic wand and be 4 weeks post-surgery and getting my first fill. Feeling good and dropping lbs. A friend-of-a-friend, who is my size, suffered a stroke last week. She is just 38 years old. Hearing that today really made me focus on the health benefits this band will bring. We all want to be around for our kids and friends. I know it's the right thing to do...I have proven time and time again that I can't lose weight on my own. It kinda feels like childbirth...I'm excited but afraid of the unknown. Thanks to everyone who has shared their story....it has brought me a lot of peace and I'm so happy for everyone's success. Best of luck to all of you! Surgery 11/18 Jacksonville, FL Dr. Baptista BMI 40

Thanks for your kind words, Losingjusforme. Sounds like you've had a lot of success. I think I'm driving my family and friends crazy by repeating over and over why I'm doing this. I think I'm trying to convince myself sometimes. It's such a mental game, but so is my food addiction. KPSC--good luck to you, too, on the 18th! Do you wish this weekend would fly by, or do you want to savor your final band-free weekend? I'm on Clear liquids Saturday night, so can't have too much fun! Please check when you feel up to it after the surgery...I'd like to compare notes.

I'm having lapband surgery Nov 18th with Dr. Baptista. Best of luck to everyone!

I'm having mine on Nov. 18th with Dr. Baptista in Jax.

Panama Annie, Wow! 54 lbs. Congratulations! Did you go to the surgery center? If yes, what were your impressions? How long were you in recovery? How many days before you were able to resume normal activities. I have just a few days to go....so scared, but so excited, too! Were you hungry prior to your first fill? Thanks for any info.

Hi Dolphin! I did a bad thing...I missed my appt. with the nutritionist. I have been reading everything here (so wonderful to get all the great advice) and I realize I need to "shrink" my liver. I am lo-carbing, which Dr. B mentioned I should do. Anyway, I am seeing the nutritionist next week, but I'm not waiting for that appointment to go on a protein/liquid diet. I am going to Gnc today to try and find protein drinks....any suggestions? What specific diet directions did you get? I was told to lo-carb and then go on clear liquids two days before surgery. I just wish I had not missed that appt because I know I missed out on a lot of good, more specific information. I'm about 10 days out...wow. Banding 11/18/08 BMI 40 age 41 Jacksonville, FL

I'm scheduled for my surgery one week before Thanksgiving! WHen I initially saw the doctor I thought I MIGHT get on the schedule next Jan or Feb, so when they told me Nov 18th I was so happy, then the reality set in. My holidays will be soooo different this year! That made me a little panicky at first, but then I settled down and realized this will be my last Thanksgiving/Christmas where I gain 15 more pounds. And the most joyful thought is how I will look/feel NEXT Thanksgiving! woo hoo! BMI 40 Surgery 11/18/08 Jax, FL

MLJAlways...I'm being banded in Jacksonville, FL on November 18th with Dr. Baptista.

Hi Angelhope! My surgery is Nov 18th too! I am trying to do a low glycemic diet and then liquids only for two days prior to surgery. I guess every Doc is different in their pre-surgery diet requirements. At least you are already losing some lbs which will make your ultimate goal that much closer. I am so excited, nervous, hopeful, frightened....I cycle through all those emotions about every five minutes. I just wish the 18th would get here faster so I can get it over with and get on with a new life!

Hi Mini! I'm a 41 year old mother of two who is also being banded two weeks from tomorrow, on November 18th in Jacksonville, Fl. Best of luck to you!

I'm being banded in Jax on November 18th w/ Dr. Baptista. Nervously excited :biggrin:

I am scheduled to be banded by Dr. Baptista on November 18th....I would be very grateful to Panama or Healthy if you could provide more details about your experience. I'd also like to know if you went to Memorial or to the surgery center. Thanks!

I'm new to the forum...scheduled to be banded November 18th in Florida. I'm so happy to find so many people who are willing to share their experiences with the band. (THANKS!) This has brought me much peace about my decision....and I'm even getting really excited about it. Hello to you all!