Tren

Hi all, It had been some time since I posted. I started my trek back in March of 09, but ran into some medical issues. I am back to 100% and have been cleared for lapband surgery. My date is Sept. 8, 2009 so wish me luck. Any other Connecticut banders out there? Tren:rolleyes:

Hi Peggie, How are you doing? I have not heard from anyone in a while. Just wanted to check up. Tren

Don't worry, you will get there. I was lucky, my surgery date did not change, however when I got to the hospitol at 11am, I did not go into surgery until 3pm. Which gave me pleanty of time to doubt what I was doing. Keep the faith and remember why you are doing this and remember why you made this decision. I just hit the 270's.... Still a long way to go, but a long way from 320!:thumbdown:

Hi Peggie, I am so sorry for not getting back on. Trust me, you have been in my thoughts from Friday on. I am glad you are home. Just take your time and drink as much as you can. I know hernia's hurt. My sister also had this done and they repaired a good size hernia. She had a lot of pain and the doctors thought it was her heart. but luckily it was not. Hopefully you are the same. Don't worry about the holter monitor. That is easy and only 24 hours. I had that for something else and then had a 21 day monitor, which was a pain. Just take it easy and get well soon. I am still rooting for you:thumbup: Tren

[Peggie, Can you tell me how to add the ticker tape. I have been trying forever. Thanks, Tren

Hi Peggie, You are almost there. I am very proud of you. It looks like you have the mind set going. I went to my son's soccer game (2nd one) on Sunday at the other end of the state. It was about 5:30pm when we got done and had an hour ride left. I was sooooo hungry. I forgot to bring somehting. So I told my wife, lets stop at McDonalds so the kids could eat. Next door was a Stop&Shop. I went there and bought the little tubs of sugar free jello (about 4 oz each) and walked back to McDonalds. Yes I could have ate 2 burgers, large fries and a large soda, but instead ate just over half of the jello. I was so full. As we got back in the car, my wife and daughter complained that they felt gross (greasy McDonald's food). I just sat there and thought to myself....wow, I am full and only had about 2 oz of sugar free jello and I felt really good. That was a real eye opener for me. Yes I did miss not having a burger, but I did not miss the greasy feeling. This was a good thing. I did the right thing getting the surgery. As you will too:thumbup: Tren

Hi Anne, comming out of surgery is the worst of it. after that it gets better and better. Yesterday I went to my son's soccer game. I really enjoyed being out. By the time I got home, I was exhausted and took a nap. But I felt great. My biggest pain now is the gas. It has hit my left shoulder and does hurt (only for 10 seconds). But it is less and less. Walking is key. I understand your feelings. I had them. And as I wrote earlier I had doubts as I was wheeled in and regrets when I woke up for the first time. Now, I am glad I did it. I got on the scale this morning and am down to 290.. I was at 302 at surgery. For me, it was the right decision. In fact, everyone that I have spoken to, who had it done have said they are glade that they did it. I have never met one who said that they thought it was a mistake. (of course I did not speak to them just after surery...lol). I wish you the best! Tren

Hi Peggie, yes they did it while they were in there laproscopically. I have 4 small incisions and a 5th for the port. All of mine are high, except for the port. I have nothing around my belly button. In fact, I have no incisions on the "roll" area if you will except for the port. I was under the understanding that if they could not do it the lap band laperscopically, then they would cut. This would include if he seen anything else in there. I think everyone is under that thought process. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Peggie, I am sure you already spoken to your doctor about this, so don't worry. I remember I was geeking out abit, because I was afraid that my live did not shrink enough. After the surgery, I asked my doctor, how was my liver? He looked at me weird and said why? It was fine. So I worried for nothing. Don't worry about the party. Make yourself a chicken wrap with lettuce and cuke's for dinner and just have a small piece of the cake. Maybe one or two fork fulls and thats it. Maybe the one fork will be enough, if so, don't have the second. At least you will enjoy the taste and not break the diet. Good Luck :tongue2: Tren

ohh and thanks to everyone for your support. It really meant alot! thanks.....Tren

Hi Everyone, As you know, I was banded on Tuesday. I am glad that I took a few days to heal before I came back on-line. As I was waiting to go in, I started doubting my decision. I guess that is normal. I have always had a hard time volunteering for surgery when it was not mandatory. But I was brought in and the staff was great. The doctor gave me a sedative to calm my nerves a bit. I think it is standard. Anyway, soon after that I was put to sleep. The only thing I remember was that I was having a really good dream and then was woken up. Surgery was over. I was really uncomforable and could not take deep breaths, which added to the confusion/frustration on coming out of anastasia. I will be honest, at that moment I thought, "what in the heck did you do??" By the time I got to my room I was still in a lot of discomfort and I had two hernia's that they had to fix which I did not know. Anyway, I had surgery around 3pm and got to my room around 5'ish. Yes I was in a lot of pain, but by the time 10pm hit I was up and walking with very little pain. I even told the nurse no every time they came to give my pain meds. I was up most of the night walking bymyself (my decision). The air was so dry and warm in the hospital that my throat was too dry to sleep. The next morning the doctor came by and checked me out. He asked if I was taking the pain meds? I told him no, because I felt really good and have been walking all night. He told me not to be a hero and to take them. So after he left, I did. Soon after I was feeling pretty sore. SO TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDS! Even if you don't think you need it. What your body went through will catch up to you. I left the hospital on Wed, 23 hours after the surgery. I was still pretty sore. Thursday was much better and today was really good. I finally took a shower. After you get out, you will be sore and not in constant pain, but the gas still trapped in your system will hurt from time to time. It did take me a while to go to the bathroom again too. It was like I forgot how...wierd. You will have to keep working the gas out of your system. Today, I am glad I went through it. The liquid diet is not bad because you are not hungry. Oh before they discharge you, you will most likely have to get an xray as I did. It is not bad, but I got 1 oz of this stuff that tasted like stale vic's formula 44. I did not like it and I was worried about throwing up, but never did. In fact I have never had the feeling of throwing up, so that is good. OK that was it in a nut shell. I know you are asking, would I do it again? I guess the best way to answer that it, is like when I went to Bootcamp at Parris Island when I joined the US Marines. I am glad I did it, but I would never want to go through it again. Deep down, I know this was the right decision and in the long run, my over all health is what is important. Good Luck and feel free to ask me any questions

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Hi aidensmommy, Don't worry, it may at times seem like a long wait, but it will go quickly. Please let me know if you have any questions. Hopefully I can help. Good Luck. Tren

Hey Bookwormswot, looks like you are doing pretty well. Nice job! I go in tomorrow. The date really snuck up on me. Tren

Hi Kristy, Sorry, I have been away a bit. How did it go? Looks like you are moving forward. I go in tomorrow for the surgery on 9/8. I'll let you know. The other tests that you will go through are pretty much painless. I had to do a Ketosis diet test for 1 week which was not much fun, but got though it. Just keep your positive attitude and it will be here before you know it! Good Luck! Tren

Hi Peggie, I am so sorry for not getting back on this web site. We have just been so busy. I have 3 kids, but they are younger than yours. A Chef? That is pretty cool. That is something that I have always wanted to do. I am an engineer by day and sometimes work part time at Bertucci's at night. I love making pizza with a brick oven. Anyway, YES, don't ride your bike. Maybe you can do something that you never considered, write a story, book, song, etc.... There is so much you can do. I truely wish you the best. I go in tomorrow (9/8). A bit nervous, I guess, but I promise to tell you about it. Take care and keep up your good work. Tren!

Hi Peggy, I am rooting for you. Don't worry about the hunger..I know, easy for me to say...but just say to yourself, I made a tough decision and I will not fail. Then go out for a walk, humm your favorite song in your head and think about how wonderful it will be when you suceed. YOU WILL!!!! I got your back! Tren

Hi Kristy Hello I'm Kristy from Naugatuck, CT...I've only just begun my journey. I have to do a 6 month program for CIGNA. Boo! But that's fine, its all going to be worth it in the end! Very excited and congrats to all! __________________ Don't worry, it will go quickly and if you are like me, you may have some doubts along the way. But I kept going back to why I decided to do it and here I am. I only have a couple of weeks before me surgery. Good luck Tren

Hi Sil, I am going to St Rayfields in New Haven. I am sure I will have to do the preop diet, but nothing has been said yet. I was approved a while back, but during my "test diet" I ended up having, an "episode", if you will. Except for being overweight, I am relativly healthy, but during the second to last day, I ended up at the doctors. I felt drunk, slurred speach, tunnel vision, etc.....I am guessing it was just a coincidence, but it was pretty scary. Since then, I have been checked out by several doctors and back to my old self. So hopfully no problems. It looks like you are doing really great. 91lbs down, a big CONGRATS to you!!! Great job. Tren

Hi All! Just a brief update. I have meet with 2 surgeons so far and leaning toward one. I have been to 2 seminars and am still moving forward. For a time I was "thinking" about vertical banding, but have went back to my original decision of the lap band. I am in the process of booking the psych and nutritionist. Once that is done, hopfully we can continue to moved forward. Hope everyone is doing well and I will be back in touch. Oddly, I am finding myself wanting to get moving quicker. I think I am ok with the insurance, but the surgeon told me that my plan called for a 6 month diet with my doctor. I showed them my policy that I down loaded off the internet and it does not call for everything the surgeon downloaded. So I am not sure. I am just going to move forward and hope that my policy is correct and the other is just a bueprint. :frown:Tren

Hi Cathy, Yes that is what I was thinking too. I did call before I went to the surgeon, but she was not much help (Health Net). She said what ever is on my policy is what I am required to do. I think the surgeon just had a gerneric policy and not my actually plan. THanks for the help!

Hi All, Well, I just met with my general doctor today and he too gave me thumbs up. Two down. Now I need to go to my first seminar on April 6th. Wish me luck!

Hi all, Well, as many of you know, I am pretty new to this. I have done my research for many months and have now booked the doctor appointments, including the first meeting. Today I met with my gastro doctor. I was extreemely nervous because I knew he could make or break my new journey. I have Barrett's Esoghagus from reflux and I knew that it could be a deal breaker. My doctor had no concerns and gave my thumbs up and a smile. I was so really relieved. Next week, I have an appointment with my general doctor on Tuesday and my first meeting on Wednesday. My next meeting for a different doctor will be on April 5th. He is the one that I am leaning toward. Wish me luck all!:ohmy:

Jon, I too am just starting out. I am just taking it slow and see what happens. I am trying not to get too excited or too scared. Good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks Susan, I am hoping for good updates. However, so far so good!

Orrn, I am so sorry to hear that. There is NO excuse. It really is "ironic" that there are so many laws against discrimination, however no thought is ever given to people like us who get made fun of, or subjected to rude and/or thoughtless comments daily. Yesterday I was minding my own business and a guy walked by and yelled "Hey, what's up big guy". I know he was not speeking ill, but it still embarrassed me. KEEP YOUR CHIN UP and remember why you are doing this. We are all here for ya! Tren