tiffanygrace

Congrats! You have done so awesome. I know the self esteem thing is hard even when losing a lot of weight. Its like part of you is gone and even though it is a good part gone, it just feels weird and different. Keep going your almost there. I am 4 months out and was wondering if you would mind sharing some meal ideas and also what kind of exercise you have done. Thanks in advance. I look forward to hearing from you.

Congratulation! Your awesome!! I am new to the band world, but I was just wondering if you could give a few pieces of advice of what you think might have helped in your success (food or exercise,etc.) Again, congratulations I hope you bought a sexy new dress and stillettos!!

heating pad, CHAPSTICK, sugar free pops, soups all different kinds (that are smooth or can be strained) liquid tylenol, gas x strips and chewables (sometimes the chewables worked better on bad gas) caffeine free tea ( the warm felt good and broth gets old) for mushies refried beans but you should be leaving the house by this stage, i was out walking the day after surgery, slowly, but it really helps with the overall recovery. Good Luck, you will do great! Thats all I can think of for now.

Im sure you havent ruined your band. I know depression is hard especially in your situation with your hubsand gone and it seems easy to turn to eating. Just remember everything you went thru to get the band. You can start over. I have read of something called the 5 day pouch test to help kick start if you have fallin off the plan. The website is: Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test Also, you may want to think of talking to someone to help get thru this period or find a hobby, I really like swimming. You will do great and get back on the wagon. You did this for a reason, and you WILL reach your goal, I BELIEVE IT!

Welcome!! CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss!!:tongue_smilie: Do they have any support groups there for you to attend? How are you feeling so far?

Obviously people that are getting upset did not read this thread close enough. I think this is a great thread. what biggestloser is saying is she hates when people complain bout losing slow and then post that they are cheating or not doing any workouts at all! Shes not complaining about the SLOW LOSERS in general. It is annoying when people complain and then say oh but I ate this or that, or just sit around. well you could of done that without the band! insurance or self pay, you wont do good if your lazy with the band!!!!!!!!

This happened to me after surgery and my doctor told me because it was a productive cough it was ok and normal after anesthia. Holding a pillow really help. You should check with your doc because Im not sure what a dry cough would mean. Are you using the breathing thing they sent you home with? That is to help so that you dont get pneumonia.

The band is definitely just a tool, but it helps a lot. I have found that im scared of it, so it works really well for me. I was self pay also, so I try to do everything right since it is not a cheap investment. Don't start your journey thinking you are soing to fail, you will do great!

It sounds like losing weight is not really the goal they have for you, but shrinking the liver is. It is very true that the liver stores the glycogen from carbs and this enlarges it. So I would say either do liquids or true low carb. (stay under 20 per day) my doctor did not require a pre-op but did ask that I follow the low carb. I actually chose to do the liquid for the week before protein shakes, sf jello, etc. It really helped with getting use to what you will be doing after surgery anyway. Basically I dont think you need to be concerned so much about losing but just simply getting your liver in better shape, that is what makes for a faster, safer surgery which will be a faster recovery. sorry so long hope this helps.

I'm 4 days post op and I was really nervous to and watched youtube ( I dont think that helped at all!!):hurray: So as far as the gas pains they lasted 3 days. The gasx strips did not help me, the best thing that helped me was gasx chewables and the heating pad on my stomach. also taking small walks a few times each day (just make sure someone goes with you) on the 2nd day when they were worse I took a laxative (miralax) which made them stop. I had read that the gas gets stuck in bowel, but the bowel is not moving normally because the anesthia makes it lazy. Make sure its ok with your doc if do this. It did cause some diarehha.:hurray: all in all they were not that bad.

Hi. Im from Houston and was self pay. I also used care credit. I went with Dr. Spivak but I payed 12,900. I decided to use him because of his experience and office staff are very supportive and are always there for anything you need. When looking at price you need to see what it covers as far as fills, dietician, etc. Hospitals do charge very different prices. I first looked into garth davis and it was going to be around 16,000 because methodist hospital is more expensive. Im not sure why dallas is less, but I have heard that. Just make sure you know what comes along with price you are getting. Fills can be expensive so you want to make sure they are included (since they contribute to much of the success). My price included unlimited fills for a year. Let me know if you have any other questions. I was just banded 3 days ago.

My surgery went well. The waking has really helped my recovery. The only pain i really have left is the port sight. I will always make sure to have enough time scheduled for my fill, Thanks for the advice on that.

Welcome! It is very nice to hear stories from other banders that are doing so well! I am 3 days post-op so I am very new to the banded life. What problems did you have with your fill? Did you get it worked out?

YaY! I was banded yesterday. Pain not to bad. Walking helps big time!! No appetite at this time but am looking forward to eating soup. How is everyone else?

lapbandgirl, thank you for the list, that does help a lot. How are you doing now after surgery? Are you feeling ok?

Does anyone have any suggestions for a shopping list of items to buy to have during and after surgery? Feb. 18th is coming fast!! woo hoo!!

Karen, it was really nice to read your blog! You sound like you are doing really well! I will be banded on Feb. 18th!! Im nervous but very excited. I was wondering if you could help me with a list of things to buy that are good to have on hand for surgery day and after. The info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

froggin what do they have you doing for the pre-op and for how long? My doc dose not require one, but would like to get a jump start before my surgery!!

Congratulations!:thumbup: I have my surgery on Feb. 18th!! I'm getting a little nervous but very excited! Are you doing anything special to prepare? My doc does not require a pre-op diet but I thought it would be good to do one of my own to prepare.

My surgery date is Feb 18th! Im getting really nervous now, but excited!!

I will be joining the 09 group. My date is Jan. 7th, insurance exclusion so I will be doing self pay! To everyone getting it done the first week of Jan. you know absolutely NO drinking on New Years! Do your celebrating early!!