rosstheboss

Hi as the last guys said the surgery is a snap, I actually went the the store with my wife on the way home, Just to pick up a few things. You are sore the first few days, take your pain meds and take a nap. Think you should plan to take about a week off, the biggest thing will be how much you can lift, you will need to discuss this with your DR. You may want to just plan to have someone who can due any heavy lifting for you. Regarding your goal, all these Dr. now talk about reaching a healthy sustainability weight. I am a bit over 6 Ft my Goal is 225, the charts will tell you I should be like 190! but all my Dr say that 230 - 240 would be a healthy weight. The lapband is a great tool and really helped to get me on the long term track to get healthy! so good luck to you and I have relied a lot on this site.

I was too full for some time and was vomiting almost every day. At time I could seem to eat a lot especially later in the day. Morning were bad and I almost always vomited. I would scope out the bathroom every time I went out to eat! I did not go to the Dr due to the cost of the fill. I also had some chest pain and went to my PCP and it was reflux. I went to a support meeting and the Nurse from my Band Dr gave a presentation and scared the crap out of me. He talked about one Lapband woman who ended up with an angioplasty etc. And the problem was the BAND WAS TOO FILLED! So he said when you start having these issues go to the lapband dr. I made an appointment and my lapband dr had now started doing the fills under the Florscope. You actually see the fluid go through the band! Well I was far too restricted. the more I talked the more he was concerned I ended up with a complete unfill, an appointment with a gastro dr where I had the tube put down. I had some reflux some scar tissue forming inside the pouch etc. ( THIS CAN BECOME CANCER!!!!!!). Was on a short round of steroids, ulcer meds etc. I was lucky and have no issues now and now have about 5cc in a 12 band. I will never get overfilled again! So you are too tight! you may need some more test to rule out an Ulcer but this is serious and can lead to life threatening problems.

Hi, I had questioned my PS about the port etc. He said he does not really touch the port, I understand that I due have a low profile port. with that said before my PS I could easily see my port that was poking out and feel it. I am almost 3 weeks after body lift and I cannot see or feel my port at this time. I am still a bit swollen but think the port will not be as bad as before.

For gas take chew able gas X - Congratulation and good luck to you all, make sure you are drinking a lot, I ate a lot of Egg Drop Soup that second week was warm and filling with lots of Protein. Remember don't rush these first few weeks they are prime time for weight loss and you will eat REAL food AGAIN! just give yourself some time. Take Care ROSS

900 to 1000 calories seems low especially if you are working out, I would increase to 1200 with Protein and Veg. Keep up with your water and your vitamins are you taking a good multivitamin, Calcium with D etc. This is all needed to keep you health. I am also a slow looser, a few months after the band I joined a gym and a workout - Weight loss program. They increased my calories from 1200 to 1600 and I lost a bit but was basically remained steady. I would change up my eating every so often and would loose like in 10 lbs increments than just stay their for months. the body is a strange thing and it is so hard to get that scale moving. Good luck to you, you are doing great!

Keep drinking your water, It may be a bit to early for the gym. at that stage I was eating a lot of Egg Drop Soup, (High Protein) Just stick to it, these first few weeks are a big time for weight loss and adjusting to the band. Do not rush it ( YOU WILL EAT AGAIN!) Trust me, I wish someone had told me that in the beginning. You may be hungry so try to keep hydrated and go to the Chinese take out and try the Egg Drop Soup! Take Care ROSS THE BOSS

Wow, you have to be at least willing to try, the band itself is a tool and those of us who have been banded will tell you that what the say is true. The Band got me started again to really change my life style, going to the gym is fun and when I don't go I feel like I am missing out on something, The band process meant to put ME First and that is what it takes to be successful, you have to be ready to do this for yourself and it is a process. I have not been perfect and if I were to do it again I would due some things differently. But I am 60 lbs down from being banded, 100 from my high and I have a different relationship with food. I like Chocolate! (I don't keep it in the house) I will have cake for a special occasion and if that cake is in my house it is GONE! After the celebration either sent home with friends or in the trash! Greek Yogurt is a treat! In retrospect if I had done all this with out the band I would have lost weight but it took a big step like surgery to make this commitment and make the change. Good luck to you, you really have to be ready to work this and put yourself first.

As another poster said the pre op is to reduce the size of the organs specifically your liver as they pull it back a bit to put the band on. So 11 lbs is great. Actually for me I was not even put on a pre op diet, each dr is different some have you on complete liquids. My daughter is in the process of being banded in early Dec and she starts a pre op on Monday, 3 meals a day largely protien and veg, and 2 Protein shakes. Good luck to you sure you will do great. Regards ROSS

I too found that my PCP took the longest to get back to the surgeon. By daughter is now in the process of getting banded and it took like 6 weeks or more to get the letter from the PCP with the documentation needed for insurance etc. To my surprise at our PCP Office the DR himself actually does this. I was under the impression that the nurse or someone on staff would get this all together for him but he does it. I would follow up weekly with your PCP about what he needs to send and it is more than just your EKG they need to send history of weight and often a letter supporting your decision to have WLS. This is a big decision and they want to make sure you are ready, did you also have to get your Psychological evaluation? Nutritionist meetings done? If you just got started in Late October I would estimate that you should be looking at surgery end of the year or perhaps to start off the new year. You do have to keep on top of things and their is a lot to do to get ready. So just keep following up with your PCP weekly and they will get it done. Once all this information is at the Surgeon office than they send it off to the Insurance people and if all is well and within there guidelines this should be done and approved within a week or so. Good Luck. Ross

Wow you look great! I had a body lift on Nov 1st and left with 6 drains as I had some chest work done also. I was still a bit from my goal but close enough and I have to say I am already happy I did this for myself, NO amount of weight loss would have given me these results. Believe it or not still have one drain I am hoping Monday or Tuesday ( 3 Weeks from surgery) it will be out. That first week is a blur but feeling really good just wish I could get back to the gym. It is really amazing what they can due these days. Congratulation you look great.

Hi I am 10 days out from a body lift. I had some issues last spring with being too tight so had my bad unfilled and have had some restriction put back. I think I have about 4 or 5 cc in the band. So it is not really that tight. If you are not really tight and have no real issues than you might be Ok. If you think you are a bit tight than you may want to get some taken out. You should not take a chance with possibly getting anything stuck after this surgery. The first few days after you will not have much of an appetite and will be eating softer foods, Soup, Yogurt, etc. Understand that your stomach muscles will be really tight and you can't really use them. The recovery is hard and I did not start to really even feel like myself until a few days ago. Just returned from the Dr and they took another drain out. They told me that I am actually far ahead of most people that have had this surgery. Now understand I had a full lower body lift and chest work done. So this is a tummy tuck plus the back lifted and some chest work. I had a total of 6 drains which is a lot. If you are having a tummy tuck than you may have 2 drains. I had 2 for the front, 2 for the back and one on each side under my armpit. If you have had any issues being tight than get some taken out before surgery.

Congratulations ! 10 Days ago I had a lower body lift, I was really scared going in. My surgery was extensive as they did the front and back and some work on the sides of my chest. The first days are hard and the one major suggestion is you will need a recliner! If you don't have one than purchase a nice one for Christmas! I slept in this chair for the first 8 nights. A few days after surgery I was in my bedroom to change and went on the bed with pillows as they recommend even with this was really hard to get up. Also make sure you are in best possible shape prior to surgery, it is not easy but I am already glad that I have done it and still swollen so will be interesting to see the final results. Take Care Ross

Hi I am 2 + Years out, I see a lot of comments about gas! Purchase Chewable Gas X prior to getting banded and chew one when you get home. Gas is only a issue for a few days but it can feel like chest pain!, Pain in between your shoulders etc, It comes from the gas they use to pump up your abdomen during the surgery. Regards ROSS

I too always ate well, good foods Protein, veg etc just too much and in that way the band helps a lot. I can understand about the carbs as I too can gain 5 lbs by looking at something high in carbs. Some of us are just much more sensitive to carb. It comes down to that if we eat the way were are suppose too once banded. (Protein 1st. Veg, 2nd than maybe a bit of starch or fruit ) you will be successful, Really we should be getting virtually all of our carbs in our Veg. Regarding the gas issue. The only problem is just after the surgery, they fill your abdomen with air to place the band and after surgery you could have some issues with gas. For me I had some pain behind my shoulders etc. you should purchase Chew able Gas X. just take a few when you get home from the hospital and may be once or twice the first few days. Really no big deal now that you know how to prevent this from causing any problems. Hope this helps. Take care ROSS

You need to do what is best for yourself, family support would be great but you may only gain there respect and understanding by doing this to and really working it. I too would like to have lost weight and kept it off on my own. I had lost weight in the past 100+ lbs in my 20's than slowly put it on and off for 30 years. I was a fat kid, teen adult and middle age. It took the band to really force me to make the lifestyle changes needed to maintain a weight loss. I retrospect if I worked this hard and this long before the band on changing my relationship with food and exerciser than a Diet like WW would have worked great. But for some reason it too the band to enable me to do this long term. Work out 3 x a week for years now and I enjoy it. Sure I could be stricter with my food and I have made mistakes but I stay at it and one key is to give yourself a number of lbs that is your MAX GAIN! say 5 lbs or 10 lbs and if you ever gain that 5 or 10 lbs back you make that commitment that you will get your self back on track. I also come from a family where many are overweight and also have diabetes etc. My middle daughter is fighting this battle she is in her early 20's and in the process of getting banded. She too has PSOC and can loose weight but gains it back. She is hoping the band will be that added tool to change her lifestyle. Due I wish she did not need this operation (Yes) but if she is like me and this is what it will take for her to make a life time commitment to change and get healthy than I am fully behind her. I hope your parents come around but this is not that bad. The day of surgery I was scared! After it was over on the way home with my wife she had to make a stop a the store! Yes I went shopping with her. Not for long maybe 20 min but not a problem, The first few days you are sore, you have pain meds after a day or so I took them a few time and just went off to sleep. After like 2 days I was just taking them at night to get a good nights sleep. You need to follow your instructions to the letter, the first month or so as your body adjusts you will loose a lot of weight. for me 1st week Clear liquids (Special K has a clear drink). 2nd week full liquids (Egg Drop Soup! Etc) 3 week mushy foods. Key is to get lots of Protein. One Key thing to remember is this that you will be able to eat again! so don't rush the first few weeks you will eat real food, and get healthy. Please keep me advise of how you are doing, You are very brave to take this on and make this commitment to a lifetime of healthy living. Take Care ROSS THE BOSS

Hi things went well, feeling fairly good today and actually kind of back to normal, they took 3 of the 6 drains out yesterday. Finally starting to feel some of the swelling go down but it usually gets worse in the evening. The Drains are a pain and hard to deal with, its hard to believe that a week ago I today I was just getting back into my house. I am so glad it is over and the memories of those days are starting to fade. I think I am going to be pleased with the results have only had a few glimpses of the work as you have so many compression garments on. The PS seemed pleased as he looked over his work, the staff and Dr made some comments about how extensive the work was think it was more than he actually had thought, from how he described it he took maybe a foot off the front and maybe 10 inches from the back and he said he was pleased with how much he was able to tighten up my upper stomach muscles, I also had work done on the sides of the Chest and he said he removed a lot on the sides too. Just so glad it is behind me. Thanks ROSS

Hi All well getting a bit closer to my Body Lift on Nov 1st. My PCP is sending my lab work today and EKG to the PS Today. Only a few issues, cholesterol a bit high (237) but at least my Good was in the normal range and one of the liver tests AST was a bit High 66. He wants to recheck in 4 months and do a more complete cholesterol test to see the fat in blood etc. I advised my Gym to put my membership on hold as of Nov 1st, than I told my Trainer about the upcoming surgery. I was presently surprise that she was really thrilled for me! I was kind of expecting her to tell me to do more crunches! But she thinks its a great decision. She said not to rush back to the gym and that I should not really be working out until January. (Yes walking etc is OK, but no weights etc until January) Getting a bit nervous and anxious waiting to hear from the PS to see if he thinks the labs are ok to proceed and than have to schedule my pre op and of course PAY for all of this. Will keep you advised. Rosstheboss

Hi All, well day 3 after the body lift and chest lift! This morning was hard, and I seem to have swelled up a bit more, but overall doing ok. Sore from my stomach muscles being so tight, so getting takes a bit of time but once I am up I can stand upright within a few min. I am just now starting to feel the incisions but they are not too bad, the ones on the side of my chest hurt the most. and the site of the drains hurt a bit. They are a real pain can"t wait until they come out hopefully on Monday. Would also like to get into my bed but afraid to risk that I really don't want to take the chance to pull something. My stomach was tighter the first day and now there is a bulge which is exactly what they said would happen with swelling so not concerned. Looking forward to seeing the results at this point it is hard to really comprehend it all as I have big PJ on and those Drains. Have not gotten on the scale either as I was told you could actually be up from the swelling. I think my chest is going to look good from what I can see so far. The recovery is more than I thought. I had told my wife she could go back to work today but really needed her. Actually I am feeling very close to her these last few days as she milks my drains and takes the reading bring in my meds etc. This is a big change for me as I usual dont let people help me too much! The word about my Surgery has leaked out so we are now having people bring meals. Don't have too much of an appetite but have to have something before all the medications. I think I am going to be pleased with the results, One other thing I have been working out 3 x a week for about 2 years and I know it has helped so very much. So anyone who is considering this really needs to be in fairly good shape. Well will talk to you all further later on. Thanks RISS

Hi All, well day 3 after the body lift and chest lift! This morning was hard, and I seem to have swelled up a bit more, but overall doing ok. Sore from my stomach muscles being so tight, so getting takes a bit of time but once I am up I can stand upright within a few min. I am just now starting to feel the incisions but they are not too bad, the ones on the side of my chest hurt the most. and the site of the drains hurt a bit. They are a real pain can"t wait until they come out hopefully on Monday. Would also like to get into my bed but afraid to risk that I really don't want to take the chance to pull something. My stomach was tighter the first day and now there is a bulge which is exactly what they said would happen with swelling so not concerned. Looking forward to seeing the results at this point it is hard to really comprehend it all as I have big PJ on and those Drains. Have not gotten on the scale either as I was told you could actually be up from the swelling. I think my chest is going to look good from what I can see so far. The recovery is more than I thought. I had told my wife she could go back to work today but really needed her. Actually I am feeling very close to her these last few days as she milks my drains and takes the reading bring in my meds etc. This is a big change for me as I usual dont let people help me too much! The word about my Surgery has leaked out so we are now having people bring meals. Don't have too much of an appetite but have to have something before all the medications. I think I am going to be pleased with the results, One other thing I have been working out 3 x a week for about 2 years and I know it has helped so very much. So anyone who is considering this really needs to be in fairly good shape. Well will talk to you all further later on. Thanks RISS

Hi Zana I am a bit over 6 ft, my highest weight in High School was 330, Most of my adult live I have been in the 290 - 300 range. I was 300 when I was banded and 238 when I went for the body lift. It will be interesting to see the final results. I am a bit more swollen today than yesterday but overall I think I will be pleased with the results.

Hi all, well It over, the surgery actually took 7 hours, it is strange looking down and not seeing your belly. the biggest problem so far is that I had a reaction to the lubricant that is put on your eyes, but the DR. Called for some drops that helped. I ended up with 6 drains and they are a hassle. The biggest thing Learned is that you really have to have someone to help you, the support garments are hard to get on and off and its really not a one person job. And it is painful getting up and down into my recliner is a challenge but getting better each day. Got on my bed this afternoon had nice nap but is was virtually impossible to get up so a Recliners a MUST. Their is a lot of discomfort from the drains, I do not feel too much from actual incisions I think I am looking good but really have not seen too much. Will keep you advised. Thanks Again for your support Ross

Hi interesting post, My Dr. never really talked about drinking, I am not a big drinker due to the calories, since being banded I do have a drink even beer once in awhile, I am also not a big beer drinker so maybe I might have a half of a beer or drink it over a bit of time. I also find that alcohol seems to affect me much faster than before. Also a friend of mine is thinking of getting the band, she is just 21 and asked specifically about alcohol as she has only recently legally allowed to drink and the Dr. said that you should avoid due to the Calories, and carbonation is not really good but that a drink once in awhile is fine.

Hi I can certainly relate, I am not sure how many calories you are now eating their is something to the fact that if you are working out you may need more calories, I find also that I have to eat lower carbs to get the scale moving. You may want to go and talk again to your Bariatric nutritionist to try and get some advice. My weight has been stable up and down like 10 lbs for the last year or so. I am scheduled now for a body lift on Nov 1st. Part of me says I am still too heavy but my Bariatric Dr etc says I am close to their goal and the PS says that I am close enough that this should be the final push to get me to goal. Also the seems that the current thought is that the goal should be a Healthy weight you can maintain. So I will still maybe 40 lbs over the Insurance rate and still in the overweight but that will have to be ok. Take Care ROSS

OK, I understand and actually agree with your logic. If I had been able to do all that I am doing now, after the band (Eating correctly, working out, generally having a good healthy lifestyle and relationship with food) than I would not have needed the band, WW or other plans would have worked. But for me it too the step to get the band in order for me to get on the correct path. What they say about the band being a tool is 100% correct. It is a lot of work to be successful with the band. The band does help with the amount of food, I was always the first to finish eating, and did not really even know what i was eating, now I am usually the last one to finish and especially if I am eating out I normally take 1/2 of the food home. But than again now that I am banded I often order a larger salad with some protein added. (and that I don't have to take home) Generally the band or any of the surgeries are for those who have exhausted the other options, if you were able to get your food uncontrollable and loose weight and keep it off than you may not need the band. But if like many of us you have dieted and lost weight only to regain it time and time again than the band may be for you. And yes if you work the band it will help you to eat less. But you can always go around the band by drinking with meals and eating slider foods! You have to be willing to work hard to be successful, and if you put this much work and long term dedication to dieting in the past than one would not need the band. It seems like you may not be ready to take this step, WW is a great program and actually some Dr suggest you still attend something link WW for the support and to be held accountable. Hope I did not confuse you more but you need to know that you have to work at it but the band really help with the control, for me just doing something this drastic had kept me generally on the right path. Sure I would have loved to loose more weight but have been maintaining a 60 lbs loss around 2 years. Take care and let me know if you have any other questions good luck.

Hi well I am back, Tomorrow is my pre-op and I am trying hard not to get too nervous and start to doubt my decision. Not to mention the cost of 12K that I will have to give them, but part of me says I am worth it other part says I should learn to accept myself and the hanging flesh etc. Thanks for all who have shared so far on my other posts, guess I am just getting anxious and sure it will get worse before it gets better, guess looking for some encouragement as I take this next big step. Thanks Rosstheboss