Band_Groupie

I'm also allergic to adhesives. When you tell the hospital this they usually give you 'paper tape' which just changes the tape and not necessarily the adhesive. I did some of my own patch trials before this surgery, since I knew they weren't coming right off. I've found that some of the 3M Nexcare brand ones work best on me, so that's what they used (I had a small reaction, but not bad). I know this doesn't help you now though....I use Benedryl and a good antibiotic ointments (like you mentioned) to help the healing when I've had problems before. Also, remember the faster you get them off the better next time.

Or really, I should have said anyone getting banded the end of this month! Woot! One week out now and I thought I'd start a thread for all of us getting banded next week so we can help each other through this initial period. I'm doing a self-imposed pre-op diet since my doc doesn't require one (2 low carb Protein shakes and a healthy dinner). I go tomorrow for my pre-op physical (blood tests and I hear they can order a chest xray and EKG if needed...not sure why because the cardiologist did this already). How are you doing? Getting excited? Scared?

Yeah, I was banded the 22nd and I feel like I have ZERO energy. I get so tired and shaky doing anything. I've been blogging (on LBT, below) about that and being hungry. I have a week left (3 weeks of phase I) of clear liquids and skim milk ONLY. My cals. are 400-500 per day so I'm in starvation mode and have stopped losing weight as well. I've been reading that people get their energy back once they're able to eat food and get more calories in. I'm counting the days!

I get 24 gr. of protein per day from the 3, 8oz. glasses of skim milk and that's pretty much it...a couple from chicken broth. I think it's weird too...and skim milk has a lot of sugar...12g per cup...that's 36g per day! I'm thinking the one protein shake I'm cheating with and substituting for one of the milks is probably better for me anyway.

I just wish I could have full liquids even (skim milk is my only non-clear)! I started cheating this past weekend when we had a big event at our house and I needed some energy, but my cheats so far have been EAS chocolate Protein drinks and Special K2O Protein Water mixes LOL...some big cheat huh? My blog (on LBT) for tomorrow will be on how I look forward to Vitamin time so I have something to chew on...pitiful. Today's blog was about 'Mr. Hungry' (link below if you're interested). I don't see the doc until next Tuesday and I'm already counting the hours.

Are any of you still on a phase I diet? I've got a whole 3 weeks of SF clear liquids/skim milk ONLY, so I've got one more week of this (banded 4/22). Am I the only one from that week still on liquids only?

I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful friend. ((hugs)) -Bg

Are you on regular foods now, or are you still on a phase of the post-op diet? Just asking because 2oz. is a tiny amount if you're now on the lifetime meal plan.

*Post Deleted for Lap Band Book

Wow! That's the biggest surgery day fill I've ever seen! Many people are at their sweet spot before 6cc's in a 10cc band! You must have some good restriction already! I have 0 fill in my band.

Great attitude! It really is all up to us, isn't it?! Sorry about the delay, but you're sure making the best of it...and things happen for a reason. -BG

*Post Deleted for Lap Band Book

Yeah, I've always been jealous of those that can take a short nap and wake up feeling great...not me. I slept 8 hours last night and got up at 6:30am...was ready for a nap by 9:30am, but I didn't go. I just had one of my 'cheats' protein drinks and I'm feeling a little more energy. I've been reading that some feel this way until they get back on food...well that's still a week out for me. I can't stand another week of this. I think I'll try another protein drink later today and see if more protein will get me going...I just feel weak and super tired, which isn't like me at all. The more I move around the worse I feel. No biggie, just annoying.

Lena- Is there a way you can make this bigger on the page? Or maybe a link? I even tried to copy and paste it and that didn't enlarge it. My now reading glasses eyes can't see it. Sounds yummy! -BG

WELCOME to LBT. There is and "Insurance" forum as well as a "hospitals/doctors" forum that I'd suggest you post these questions in (just click the forum tab at the top of the page and scroll down). You'll also find an "Ohio" group in the same place under "Groups" then "USA". If you do a search under the Pre-op forum you'll get lots of info. on people's psych experiences. Mine was definitely on the short/easy end. Less than 1/2 hour and only about 20 min. of simple questions. Others have to take long tests...you can call the office and ask what it involves and how long it will take. Good luck on your start here! -BG

lingling- You are SUPPOSED to be hungry as you get toward meal time. If you get to the point where there is NO hunger ever, then something is wrong. Remember the band is supposed to make you eat smaller amounts and keep the food in the pouch longer (4 hours or so) if you eat right...solid Protein first, then fruits and vegetables. But, you probably know all that. 195 cals is not enough for one meal even, and I'm guessing you're supposed to be eating sliders right now because of the fills (your list is sliders), because there wasn't any protein mentioned...maybe that was your Breakfast list? Most docs recommend a minimum of 1000-1200 cals per day or you'll stop losing weight. I just want to make sure you're not in starvation mode?

Well, it was a looooooong weekend, but I’ve finally collapsed into a chair. Everything went really well…couldn’t have been better and my chest pain is much better, only a deep breath hurts now. The dinner party for DD’s college graduation was a hit (I can’t believe I don’t have any juicy stories to tell). My side of the family arrived right after lunchtime (DH’s side was already here), and so we had all the appetizers (I made) and drinks then moved everything outside. The weather couldn’t have been better…it was supposed to be off/on rain and 50’s, but it was sunny and in the high 60’s, so we were able to enjoy the outdoors and some activities (Frisbee, bocce, badmitton, baggo, etc.; and I was able to sneak in and clean up the mess before round II). I was chugging down the Special K20 protein water to help me get through all the food porn. One of my sister’s thought I was drinking red wine out of a, as she laughingly called it ‘sippy cup’ (plastic mug with a lid). Twice when I’ve been at fancy family events (while dressed in white) I’ve dribbled red wine down the front of me, and no, I'm not a lush...just a clutz (I didn’t correct her…let her think it was wine). The caterer arrived on time with huge amounts of yummy (I’m told) foods…I could SO get used to someone cooking for me. The head hunger was hard and with that amount available, I didn’t just want ‘a bite’ a wanted ‘a big honking plate full’. At one point I was standing in front of that enormous amount of goodies thinking ‘What the heck did I do?’, but my next thought was ‘I’ve finally done something that will help me and I just need to provide a smidgen of willpower, especially until the Sweet Spot.’ It worked out really well that it was a buffet and there were so many people that they were eating in several rooms. I ran around making sure everyone was taken care of, refilling drinks, etc. Another sis was helping me out and kept commenting that she wasn’t going to eat until I sat down to eat and took a break (uh, oh…I’m on liquids and no one knows about the LB). Luckily I got called away so I told her to go ahead and I’d join her in a minute. I was holding my breath that I’d get through this party unnoticed. In all the commotion no one noticed that I didn’t eat… …WHEW! My family saw me at Easter so they knew I’d been trying to lose weight so I had some questions/comments about how I was doing. I gave my pat “eating half as much to be half as big” and “lifestyle change, slow loss” answers. So now everyone knows I’m on my way down (yet again) and they won’t be shocked to see more weight loss the next time we see them. I’m so glad it all went smoothly! At one point I remember we were watching the DVD I had made for DD’s HS graduation with pics of her growing up set to music (some there hadn’t seen it). I looked over at DD and she was smiling from ear to ear, laughing and chatting up all the memories with both sides of our family…it was all worth it. The actual graduation was today and most of the company had long drives home, so they couldn’t attend (it’s 3 hours round trip drive to the college). The group that went set out in cold, cloudy weather (I’m not complaining after yesterday’s wonderful weather). We were wondering if the outdoor ceremony would be cancelled (we only had 2 parent tickets if we had to move indoors). It did start drizzling as we drew near, but they held it anyway. We did OK with our umbrellas and rain ponchos wrapped over our legs. DD was all smiles as she received her diploma then walked right in front of us back to her seat (click, click, click…cameras whirling). We went to lunch and I’d forgotten to bring some liquids that I can have (I’m going to have to be better about planning things). I winged it and made due with an iced tea and a large bowl of chicken noodle soup (well, just the broth). In the afternoon we attended the Business college (International Studies was at the same time so she had to choose one to go to) special ceremony which was indoors (of course by now it was beautiful outside). We made the drive home and now I’ve about passed out (so sorry for the boring stilting writing…I’m only half here). I probably over-did it this weekend (I kept finding myself bending over…not a good thing, and not taking anything stronger than Tylenol made for a somewhat painful weekend), but tomorrow I’ll try to rest up. Thank you all for your support, I truly was thinking of you as I was trying to overcome the head hunger and sneaking in my protein shakes…if you can do this, so can I! zzzzzz.....

Kathi- I'll be waiting to hear! A nurse in the family would be great!!!

Can't wait to try these! Thanks!

You're doing great! ...and 20lbs. is awesome loss in that amount of time!!! Holy Cow!!! Keep up the good work, you're an inspiration! -BG

Thanks svelt. I hope your story doesn't go any further into the community. Tomato soup sounds wonderful right now...hope your chest pains are getting better. Happy early birthday! ...and maybe you could go out with the friends just for drinks (you could find something appropriate to drink), or maybe now that soup is on the menu you could call ahead and make sure they have one you could eat? So sorry about all the funerals. BTW- I tried to find the book you mentioned, but couldn't...and who would read my ramblings LOL! Good luck and let me know how you're doing.

This is really interesting...please let us know what happens. I have greek yogurt sitting in the fridge already waiting for my mushie stage.

Katie, Are you sure you're getting in enough calories and Protein? Do what your doc recommends, but I'm supposed to have no less than 1000 cals. and 64gr. off protein minimum or you'll go into 'starvation mode' and stop losing weight. Also remember that many gain a little when they first go back to food, it's very normal. Wow! My doc won't give us another fill for awhile after as they say a fill can take a week-10 days to 'kick in'. I've never figured out why this is, but I've seen many on this site talk about it. Let us know what happens!