mscarly

My internist strongly advised a couple other things today:

1) GET LOTS OF SLEEP in the next few weeks before band surgery [Jun-3]. It's one of the things that will boost your immune system and stave off getting sick so close to the date. Avoid people as much as you can (trains, etc); and wash your hands a lot / use hand sanitizer.

2) USE YOUR CPAP MACHINE and TAKE IT WITH YOU TO SURGERY OVERNIGHT. I quit using my cpap machine a few weeks ago, thinking tra-la-la it's just a little while before surgery and not having to use the darned thing at all anymore.

But she said that's incorrect thinking. I'm staying at a hotel downtown Chicago after outpatient surgery, and engaging the services of a nurse to stay with me overnight. Again, my doctor said to BE SURE TO BRING THE CPAP along, because additional drugs in the body with surgery can really effect your sleep.

3) Check your meds. Some are crushable, some are not. Some have liquid forms, some not. If you have a lot of pain issues like me, you need to plan for your pain management ahead of time. Also, she advised to wean off of Lexapro (antidepressant) before the surgery. I really don't need it that much, just take it as a hormone therapy substitute instead of estrogen - but she looked it up and it's not the greatest thing to be on if you're having surgery. Also, Celebrex isn't that great to be on before surgery, either.

Of course, consult your own physician - but these are a few things I learned today that are worth asking questions about. - mscarly

Great story re skinny relatives. True, nobody can relate if they haven't walked in our "sensible shoes."

I love the declaration of war - the visual of chains that keep you down. Well said. Keep your head up! - mscarly

Went for my pre-op testing today with my internist (standard questions and tests such as blood pressure, blood work, EKG, chest xray, etc).

She said typically an INTERNIST can give cardiac clearance before surgery; but she looked closely at the order and called to make sure - my surgery center requires a CARDIOLOGIST to give the clearance.

This is usually even more the case when you're having ELECTIVE surgery, she commented. They are being very sure to have complete due diligence on you ...

Word to the wise - it would be a heck of a note to not have that correct on surgery day. When in doubt - CALL!

Dear Band Groupie -

Your Mother's Day pics made me smile today. Keep your head up! Happy Mothers Day -mscarly )

I'm taking a few minutes to think about being a Mom and my dearly deceased Mom ... and food and Moms ... and work and exercise and Moms ... and getting older as a Mom ... and why the sam heck didn't I do this earlier as a Mom ... (because it wasn't there in the US 10 years ago, Mom!) ... and how lucky the younger people are on this site who are going to have many better years of feeling great as MOMs and WIVES and DAUGHTERS and SISTERS and the GUYS that will *be there* for their MOMs and WIVES because they got a Lap Band that saved their lives. [whew!]

Next year, I know I'll feel lots better and will be able to go out and see the lilacs and tulips in bloom at Lilacia Park on foot, without a wheelchair or a cane. That's a good thought to hold on to.

God bless all the wonderful nurturing energy in the people on this site who share and care and make a difference in each other's lives every day. - mscarly :thumbdown:

The wait IS very long! I saw a great comment the other nite - it's like "emotional open heart surgery." Too true! Good luck, looking forward to reports of great results! -mscarly

I received a *glowing* reference today from one of my physicians regarding Dr. Carlos Galvani at Day One in Chicago, who is going to perform my lap band surgery.

She was kind enough to ask around, so I take that as very comforting info as my Jun-3 2009 surgery date approaches.

Also, one of my colleagues, who is very knowledgeable about the healthcare industry, reviewed his CV and was very impressed with his qualifications.

450 calories a day?! Might be the right amount if you're laying in bed in a coma! Thanks for sharing your story - good to speak up and ask questions at the drs office, rather than suffer. Keep your head up ) -mscarly (Jun-3 band date)

Dear Band Groupie -

Love your blog. I've been keeping up with your progress. The hardest part is over, I'm sure :wink:) -mscarly

My physical therapist said something encouraging to me tonight. She said she estimated I'd be in about 90% less pain once this weight is off.

Her comparison: she wears a 20-lb weight vest when she walks on the treadmill. She says it feels SO GOOD to just be able to unzip that vest and take it off at the end of a workout.

Just think about MULTIPLES of that vest. What we're doing isn't quite as quick as being able to unzip a "fat suit" - but the next best thing!:wink:

Date tentatively set for Jun-3 2009, pending final pre-op testing. Hope I don't come down with the swine flu in the meantime :wink:

Thanks to the kind words from visitors to my blog. I have had company for a few weeks and need to catch up with my "correspondence" on this wonderful site.

Keep up the good work, Bandsters!

Got the phone call from the surgery center yesterday! It's wonderful to hear that the long nightmare is just about over.

:scared2:

I can't **count** how many people have come up to me and had the GALL to say, "You know who you look *exactly* like?!" [i grit my teeth, 'cause I know what's coming ... wait for it ...] "Kathy Bates!!!"

I say tersley, "Well, she's a great American actress, so I'll take that as a compliment.":sneaky:

If you can't say "You look just like Nicole Kidman" - then keep your thoughts to yourself!

Thank goodness this six-month wait is going to be over - really gets long between four and six.

Got all my paperwork together, hopefully it's full steam ahead :thumbdown:

"Last Supper Mentality" - you hit the nail on the head! As the days before banding (finally) get down there - I'm finding myself doing more night eating (8-11p), which would probably be characterized as "Last Snacker Mentality". Thank goodness lapband, as a tool, will help prevent that. Keep your head up! - mscarly

Thanks for the good advice, BG - we should check in, I think we'll be banded right at the same time. Just think, a year from now how much better we're going to feel! - mscarly

Great site - lots of inspiration here!

I'm also looking for others who were born with congenital hip disorder. It's been a long downward spiral - lots of extra weight on a bad hip and back, very painful. Expecting to get banded in Apr 09.

Starting BMI 45.3

Weight 264