Teresa'sTurn

I was banded on Aug 11 and I am beginning to feel very little restriction. I know that after the surgery you are very tight from the swelling but I don't feel tight anymore. I feel kinda normal like I could eat anything. I'm not, I am still doing my diet (down 17 lbs) but I just don't feel very tight anymore. Is this normal??? and after a fill will it feel like it did after surgery? Teresa

OMG!!! How have you lost 100 lbs in less that 6 months??? I have been banded for 10 days and lost 17lbs but I was told that the weight loss would slow down to 1-2 lbs a week very soon. Please share your secret!!! Teresa Fort Worth, TX Dr. Marsden Banded 8/11/06 295/278/175

My surgery was last Friday in Hurst with Dr. Marsden and everything went great except I did get the dreaded shoulder pain. But I am a week out now and my abdomen is feeling much better and my stomach doesnt feel so swollen. I am back to almost normal even my shoulder is just sore not that stabbing pain like a few days ago. I HAVE LOST 13 LBS!!!! Wow, I am so proud!!! But it is so funny how our brains work, this morning when I got up I didnt lose any weight and I was disappointed. Isnt that silly. I have lost 13 lbs in less than a week and I was bummed this morning. I am going to have to change so much about my thinking. Anyway, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I have posted some on this board and have always received great feedback but more than that just being able to come here and read and read and read about everyone elses journey has meant the world to me!!! Love, Teresa 295,282,175 Banded 8/11/06 Dr. Marsden

Thank you all for the encouraging words!!!! I am not allowed to have slimfast. What a bummer. I couldn't do that diet forever but I didn't mind the shakes when I tried it years ago. Isn't it funny how each doctor is soooo different!?!? I think that is so weird. Anyway, I wrote my original post when I was at a weak moment and am doing better now. Plus my surgery is just a day away so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. THANKS AGAIN! Teresa

I am having terrible trouble staying on my preop diet. liquids are just not filling enough. I am doing Protein shakes and am allowed lean meat and veggies. I have been drinking bullion and alot of Water but I have cheated a few times. I have only lost a few lbs and my surgery is this friday. I am so disappointed in myself!!! Am I really going to be able to do the band if I can't stay on the pre op diet??? Teresa

I start my liquid diet today to prepare for surgery. My doctor only required 1 week for me. I am so glad because I am nervous about making it a week on Protein shakes and liquid. But I am hopeful that I will lose a little weight before the surgery to give me a jump start. My question is this: If we are on liquids then mushy food for 3 or 4 weeks why dont people lose more in the first month. Is it because they are eating to much pudding and cream of wheat and mashed potatos or what? Especially with the small amound we are taking in? I have read that the first month is about healing and I totally get that and am fine with it. I just don't understand the reason that we won't lose more??? Teresa

they do not have a good after care program. I want to meet with a nutritionist and go to support group meetings. He said he would refer me to a nutritionist and I have heard of meeting in DFW area. Do you think that will be enough along with bandbuddies and the other web sites that are available??? My surgery is scheduled for next Friday, Aug 11th with Dr Marsden in Hurst at AIGB. I live in North Fort Worth near Keller so if you know of any other groups please let me know. Thanks, Teresa

How do I decide on the protien drinks??? Are they pretty much the same??? Here is my list from the doctor: Glucerna Atkins Myoplex Shape Up Reclaim Myocel HELP ME PLEASE. Teresa

My surgery is scheduled for Aug 11. It all seems so surreal! I have wanted to do this for 2 years and it is finally happening. It is so weird!!! :faint: I can almost imagine getting smaller but not quite, I have failed so many times. But I know this is going to work for me because I will not quit this time! Anyway, I am very excited and can't wait for my banded lifestyle. Teresa

I am waiting for insurance approval to get my lap band. Hope to hear something in the next week or so and get my band in late July. I have been reading so much about ps after wls and wondered if there is any chance that I won't have to have it. I have been overweight for 15 years but in HS played BB and was on Swim Team and was is decent shape. My kids are adopted so my stomach muscles have never been stretched out. Since the weightloss is so slow I wondered if there is any chance the skin will have a chance to tighten on its own. My best friend had a TT after 5 kids and she isnt sure that the flat tummy was worth the pain and recovery. It has been a year and a half since her surgery. So, am I just a dreamer or is there a chance for no PS?!?! Teresa

Thanks for the reply's! I guess I will just wait and see till I get there!!! Wish me luck! Teresa

I am waiting for approval from insurance so I have alot of questions. Do doctors have aftercare programs other than just doing fills? Like do we meet with a Nutritionist or Exercise Physiologist? Or is just hanging out on this board enough? What have you all found that has been the most helpful after your wls??? Thanks in advance for the answers. I just love this web site!!! Teresa

:clap2: I just found out last week that my insurance (United Health Care) will pay for the Lap Band procedure. I was shocked!!!!! :faint: I tried 2 years ago and couldn't get approved (different insurance) and we just couldnt afford to pay out of pocket. Anyway, I finished all my precertification stuff today and by Monday everything should be off to the insurance to await the approval. My office coordinator told me that often UHC approves before I am done meeting with all the dr's, nutritionists, psych ect... so I am just thrilled and terrified all at the same time. It all seems so fast, I am not sure if that is good or bad or both. I have spent alot of time researching and reading about the lap-band and am sure it is the right decision for me. But it all seems surreal and I am scared of failure to not lose weight. Well, I would keep going but I would just start to ramble... So here is some basic info. I live in Fort Worth, TX and my Surgeon is Dr. John Marsden and I am working with AIGB. The surgery will be an out patient type. 10 days prior I will be on a protien shake diet (I am just thrilled ) then 2 weeks after clear liquids to thick liquids then I start mushies for the next 2 weeks. I can't imagine that I won't loose some weight just doing that. My current weight is 287 @ 5'6" size 24 to 26. - How do you get those pretty vine things for weight loss measurements??? Well that is it for now, I will let everyone know when I am approved and the surgery is set!!!

:wow2: Thanks for the support and feedback. I will post here when I get more news. Waiting stinks but it will be worth it. I am hoping to get my surgery in July also because I have a 6mo old and need my 8 yr old to help me pick her up. Also, my best friends daughter(12 yr old) said she would come and stay with me to help out with Abby. School starts Aug 9th. Well, thanks again for the feedback. I will cross my fingers and say a prayer :pray: for you both to get your surgery soon too. Teresa:Banane20: