RKidder

They're not a hiccup, a belch, or a burp. Kind of a combination of all 3. I am 5 days post-op today and darned if I don't get these on a daily basis. Sometimes uncomfortable, always a nuisance. Can't do anything to stop them, so I may as well give them a name! No regrets on getting lap banded though. A bad day hurlchupping beats a good day gorging. Smile today - someone will wonder what you're up to... Rachel

'Tis the night before surgery, when all through the house Not a potato chip in sight, nor gravy stain on my blouse; The Klondikes were eaten by my son with such care I hoped the empty calories I would not have to bear; The Snickers were nestled, all snug in their wraps While visions of Milky Ways danced in my lap And hubby in his bandana, and I in my sweats Had just settled down with our favorite little pet. When out in the kitchen, there arose such clatter I found our son eating leftover pupu platter Away to the treadmill, I'll make a mad dash, To walk off the franks and Beans, and corn beef hash. The frosting on the cake was making me drool Eating that now, would make me a fool. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a can of RediWhip, and a Coor's Lite Beer! With a little two-step, so lively and quick, I passed by the fridge, in time, lickety split How quickly time passes, the seconds do tick I whispered and prayed, "Get this surgery done quck!" Now Doctor, now nurses, now drugs and IV's, Tend to your patient's pain issues, pretty please. To the top of the incision, to the top of the port. Now slash away, slash away, slash away pork (sorry about that one...) As the laparoscopy instruments probe and explore, Let the band slide in smoothy, snap in place, and secure. So off to the recovery room, the nurses will hover To see that their patient would soon recover And then, in an instant, I awaken with ease May I have morphine, and a bedpan, please? As I drew in my breath, and was turning around, I passed some gas, and inflated my gown. She was dressed in her scrubs, from her head to her toe "The surgery went well", she wanted me to know. A bundle of tubing descended from the pole The IV fluids ran freely, was I feeling cold? I have a broad face and a little round belly, That shakes when I laugh, like a bowlful of jelly. I am chubby and plump, a right jolly little elf And I smiled when I saw her, in spite of myself; A wink of her eye and a twist of her head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. She spoke not a word, and disappeared out of sight, Hmm, more patients to see and support group tonight. And away she flew like a bat out of h$$$ When I heard her exclaim, "my, what is that smell?" "Happy Band Surgery To All, And To All A Good Night" ____________________________________________________ Dedicated to the doctors, nurses and OR staff who will help make this weight loss journey a reality. (Written on the night before my surgery on 5/22/07) Rachel Kidder

RKidder Surgery Date 5/23/07

Had my first fill yesterday (I am 7 weeks post-op). It was amazingly painless! I had a 1 cc fill in a band that will hold 4 cc. I scheduled another fill date in 2 weeks in case the restriction is not quite right. I love my band!!! Wish I had done it sooner.

I cannot feel the band, however, I feel what the band is doing if I happen to swallow too quickly or don't chew well enough. The port is located, of course, above the band on the left side of my mid abdomen. If I press deeply enough, I can feel the port. Fortunately it is seated deep enough under the fascia, that I cannot feel it if I lie on my left side. I felt it initially after surgery, it was sore and uncomfortable, but within 3 weeks or so, I had no further discomfort. It is very individual for everyone. I had my first fill yesterday - it was a piece of cake (no pun intended), barely a little pin prick. I love my band! I have not had many issues with my band at all. Good luck with your decision.

Alexandra, So happy for you! Congrats! I have been reading your posts and I had you in my prayers. I know you will keep us posted on your progress. (Doing happy, happy joy joy dance here for you...)

Peat as in peat moss? Doesn't it get stuck in your teeth?

Stephanie, I also was banded on May 23rd. I lost 22 lbs within the first 3 weeks. I have stayed the same since then. Monday 7/16, I will get my first fill. I am hoping I will get good restriction and jump-start the weight loss again. You have done very well considering you have not had a fill yet. When are you scheduled for your first fill? There will be some slowing down now and then - don't be too hard on yourself. You are doing great!! Rachel

IMO, if you love the dress and it is not too expensive, buy 2 of them in different sizes! Get one that you know you will be able to wear and the second dress (in a much smaller size), will be your inspiration to lose the weight to fit into it. This way, you can have it to wear and set a goal to wear the other one, too! I say, GO FOR IT! LIFE IS TOO SHORT.... Smile

Last night I hit a moose on the turnpike on the way home. Abdominal contusions and abrasions near port site. CT scan in ER showed nothing happened to band or port. God was watching over me for sure! Car totaled. Have to go and buy a new car. Check out the damage. Boy am I sore all over.

The state trooper asked me if I wanted to take the moose meat home. No way, it was pretty badly mangled. I was driving a Honda CR-V. Thank God I had a good car - if I had been in my VW Beetle, I would probably not be here. I am going to buy another Honda CR-V -- it saved my life!

Has anyone experienced minor muscle twitching post op? I am 4 weeks post op, and I have started to experience the following: minor muscle twitching in my hand and abdomen. It doesn't hurt, but it is distracting at times. I have also started having pain in one of the joints of my thumb - there is a large red bump alongside the thumb -and that is extremely painful to touch. It looks like gout to me. I have been trying to research this. I am wondering if I might be missing some nutrients. Maybe I should pose this question to Dr. Curry? I am going for my post op check up tomorrow, I will ask my doctor what she thinks it might be.

I would say the first 5 days were the worst for me. My port site was sore for a couple of weeks, and I still cannot sleep on my left side for very long. I also had back pain - I used a foam wedge pillow placed under my knees to relieve the pressure in my lower back, while sleeping on my back. You can also use a couple of pillows under your knees. Everyone is different - keep your chin up, it does get better every day. I liked to make fruit smoothies with the protein powder - you can't taste the powder at all that way. Take care

Chicken, it it's not moist enough, Pad Thai Noodles, chinese sticky rice, (rice pilaf is ok, though). If I eat bread in very small, well-chewed bites I am OK, but it can take a long time to go down.

You are so right - there should have been a check off for both -- my husband is my best friend, the most romantic man I have ever known. I got the whole shootin' match!! Yee Ha

I am 4 weeks post-op and I started my solids foods with chinese egg foo yung - I chewed very well and slowly and it went down well. I am able to eat popcorn in small amounts if chewed well. It is not recommended, though. Some people can't do popcorn at all. I have found I cannot do the pad thai noodles at all - bummer. You will know which foods won't agree with you. Start carefully - and chew chew chew well. Best of luck to you.

Welcome Diggity -- hope you get your band - It will be 4 weeks tomorrow for me -- love it!

Best of luck to you.. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Rachel

Such a beautiful, happy bride. Love your dress! Best wishes to you and your new hubby.

You all have very valid points, thank you so much. I was banded only 3 weeks ago. I have become very aware of needing to put my fork down and carefully chewing and being "in the moment" when swallowing that small morsel of food. It is when I feel "satisfied" that I know I have taken in what I can - I no longer wait for the "full signal" - for me, needing to feel too bloated. I used to think that was what it was supposed to be like. My mother always told us to finish if we wanted dessert (now it sounds ridiculous to me - fill up so we can fill up more???) Ewww. I am happy with my progress so far, and look forward to my first fill.

FUN NSV - Now when I sit down and look down, I can actually see my navel!!! I no longer have that gi-normous spare tire blocking my view. Does anyone else have some fun non-scale victories to share?

3 weeks post-op and I love how our romantic life has gone from pretty great to VAVA VOOM - It does not bother me when he touches me now-- even where I used to dislike my large tummy roll - that is getting smaller. More confidence, and more energy and more flexibility - it turns me on more to know he loved me big and now he will love me not so big -- he is a keeper!!

Edie, I know how you feel, hun... I have loved ones I would like to shake them and tell them there is a better way to lose the weight - they have been to as many programs as I, but always stop short of having "that surgery". I can only share how much better I feel - that is, when they ask - I don't offer my experience unsolicited. I am only 3 weeks post-op, but I fell great. DOG LOVER ---> Doxie owner here - actually, she owns me at times.

When I was a freshman in high school I weighed 135 pounds - which I thought was fat because all my friends weighed less than that. I was extremely shy and I went to a family picnic and one of my cousins who had a smoking hot bod was wearing a bikini. I was wearing a modest 2 piece swimsuit. An old lech of an uncle was ogling my cousin and then turned to my mom and said, "Rachel is not very pretty, but she's nice". I was extremely hurt by that comment. My mother never defended me, she just laughed. I once told my dad I was buying a new mountain bike - his comment, "better have them install a tractor seat for you, ha ha". Why is it that families can hurt their own, without having a single thought about it, or remorse, or sensitivity? Another time, I was leaving an ice cream shop. As my friend and I passed a booth of college-aged morons, I heard one of them say "Thar she blows...." Mortified again! I think these experiences have made me stronger - and I am teaching my son NEVER to make fun of anyone who looks different.

In the first 10 days post-op I lost about a pound per day! For the last 3 days, there has been no change ! Arrggh... I walk every day, and yesterday began going back to the gym. My intake has not changed, still taking in mushies and liquids. My fear is that I will remain stuck here for a long time. Anyone experience the same thing? Any advice? Thanks, in advance. Rachel