chrisdirects

Hi, everyone! I am on postop day 6 today! It seems hard to believe that I'll be a week out tomorrow. What a journey it's been so far! I am still on clear liquids only at this point; after tomorrow, I can progress to full liquids. I have a bunch of different protein options in stock here at home, so I'm really looking forward to trying some of them. I'm not having much discomfort- discontinued the pain meds 2 days ago- except for the gas, which is better now than it had been (that first night home was wicked!). I've been wearing a trail in the carpeting up and down the hallway inside the house, walking back and forth. The weather's a little better here today, so I'm going to go outside after a while and walk. Put in 5 hours of work from home yesterday, then my body said, OK, girl, that's it! I have plenty of leave saved up, so I'm taking my time in this recovery stage. Since my commute to work is 2 hours in each direction, I'm not in a huge hurry to start that again if the company is OK with me working from home. My surgeon said that I can drive again as of the 15th, so we'll see from there, but I had told work I'd be out for 4 weeks, so there's no real rush. Still off my Metformin- the surgeon told me not to restart until my fasting sugar levels hit 150- I'm not there yet, but shoot, I'm not putting in a lot of calories at this stage, either! My guess is, once I start full liquids, I'll need to restart meds. I am taking my blood pressure meds. First post-op check is Monday morning, so I'm looking forward to that! Best to everyone! Christine

I just wanted to send lots of positive energy to all of you who are in that hanging-on-by-your-toes-waiting-for-surgery place. If it gives you any comfort at all, when I had my psych eval, she told me that the patients she REALLY worries about are the ones who exhibit no fear about the surgery! Being nervous is perfectly normal- it shows you have a healthy respect for what you're about to undergo, and that's a very, very good thing! I had a couple of moments during the immediate presurgery time that brought me up short: - The day I wrote my will. - The night before my surgery. Heaven bless my husband, he was SO prepared for my meltdown! - Right as they were wheeling me in to the operating suite. I know I'll have more of those moments as the journey unwinds, but so far, 6 days postop, I'm feeling pretty good overall and I'm encouraged by my progress so far. Wishing for you smooth seas and warm breezes! Christine

Like Betsy, my surgeon also has a program fee of $500, which I was able to pay over time- their only rule was that it be paid in full by the last preop visit. It included multiple nutritional counseling sessions, my psych eval, a whole 3 ring binder full of information, and monthly exercise/support group sessions (which I can continue and never be charged for again). Considering the level of care I have received by the surgeon and his staff, I gladly paid the fee. Best wishes, Christine

I agree about the strips...get the cinnamon ones if you can...the dose is 2-4 strips. Your absolutely best bet for taming the windy dragon is walking. A heating pad may help as well. Even so, expect that it's going to last awhile. I am 5 days postop...the first night home was absolutely wicked- I think I was upright long enough for the CO2 to rise up under my diaphragm- but it's been getting gradually better since then. Best wishes, Christine

I was supposed to be on Medifast for 2 weeks prior, but because of weather and my insurance company, it really became 4. I didn't mind it too much- had lots of variety to choose from, and I lost 20 pounds, which was a nice bennie! Most of all, though, I was really happy to see a big drop in my A1C and blood glucose levels preop...and my surgeon said that my liver looked great when he was in there, well out of his way. After all that, this 7 day postop Clear liquids only phase is no big deal. Hang in there- all too soon, your preop period will be no more than a memory Best wishes, Christine

My surgeon recommended the Medifast 5+ Lean and Green plan over a couple of other choices. It was more expensive, to be sure, but I also had a fairly wide variety of things to choose from- and it wasn't all liquids. I started on 23 January, thinking that I'd be having my surgery the second week of February, but due to weather issues and my insurance company, I ended up not being banded until last Friday. I chose to stay on the preop past the required 2 weeks, so if there was a cancellation in the meantime...and, lo and behold, that's exactly what happened. Out of the 8 or 9 patients he had waiting, I was the only one ready to go at short notice. The immediate preop period is challenging...adding a new diet plan on top of all the normal preop jitters...but hang in there and follow his recommendations- the results will SO be worth it! Best wishes to you! Christine

Hi, all, After an 8 month wait, I finally became a bandster on 2/26...SOOO happy and relieved to get past that hanging-on-the-edge stage and really start my new life! I'm encouraged with my progress so far (the ticker reflects how I've come along since starting my preop Medifast on 1/23). I have some discomfort, but nothing that's intolerable, and since I know it's temporary, it's not a big deal. On Clear liquids only until Friday, then can move to full...the surgeon will reevaluate how things are going when I see him on the 8th, and we'll progress from there. I know that the changes before me will be profound, not only physically, but psychologically...I would love to connect with someone who can share that journey. A couple of other stats...I'm 51, married, no children. Work as a Senior Program Analyst for a government contractor. Live in West Virginia just now, but permanently relocating to Florida in the fall. Thanks much!! Christine

Thank you so very much for your encouragement, LaDawn...will look forward to talking with you along the way! Best, Christine

Thanks for replying, Sandi!! It sounds like you have a wealth of experience, which is just what I need! Yep, I'm still on clear liquids...my surgeon keeps all his patients on clears for 7 days after surgery...so, Saturday, I'm really looking forward to moving on to full liquids...who would have known that I think of Cream of Wheat much as I used to think about filet mignon? While I was still in the preop phase, I went out to the Bariatric Eating site and invested in a variety of Protein supplements, so there wasn't much risk in getting bored. In particular, I got some bulk unjury unflavored, so I can boost the protein count for different foods. Some of what I purchased looks absolutely yummy. My first postop visit is on Monday- we'll see how long Dr. McKenna decides to keep me on full liquids before moving to purees. I have no Fluid in the band, and won't for a while longer, but I can definitely tell the difference...if I drink too much, or too fast, I get uncomfortable, a definitely signal to STOP. I would imagine that's because there's still a fair bit of swelling? And, well...it's still pretty WINDY here at home...how long did that phase last for you? Otherwise, honestly, I feel better than I thought I would at only 5 days postop! Last night, I slept through without any pain meds on board. Walking up and down the hallway in my home as much as I can; I'll do some outdoor walking this weekend, when the weather improves. My birthday was yesterday- my husband, bless him, bought me a new pair of Sketchers WalkFits as a gift. Looking forward to our conversations- my email is chrisdirects@comcast.net, if you'd like to talk that way as well. Thanks again for extending a hand! Christine

Even though I'm just newly banded myself (2/26), I'd be happy to talk with anyone who just needs someone to share their journey, and give what advice/support I can. I went to my first seminar about bariatric surgery last June, so this has been a long road, mostly due to my insurance requirements. I was glad in a way, because my surgeon requires a pretty comprehensive list of preoperative workups to be done, so the wait gave me time to get that all accomplished. I also spent a fair amount of time in research about what I was planning to do- I'm really a detail person, so I needed to know as much as possible prior to having the surgery. I can surely identify what it's like to be hanging on the edge, waiting for the start of a new life as a bandster! I was on my preop prep diet (Medifast) from 23 January until I had the surgery, so I jump started my weight loss a bit. It was so encouraging to see the scale moving downward! My email is chrisdirects@comcast.net. If I can be of any help, please don't hesitate to drop me a line. Hugs, Christine

Check out the Bariatric Eating website...lots of great Protein sources available! I am 5'6", currently at 273...the nutritionist in my surgeon's office has set my protein goal to 70-89gms/day. Now, all I need to do is get past this Clear liquids only post-op phase so I can start to work on that, lol! I've certainly heard that a lack of enough GOOD QUALITY protein is a major source of hair loss post-surgery. I've been told to stick to whey or soy based products, as other types are not as easily absorbed. Best, Christine

I'm at that delightful stage of my life when nothing is sure, Mother Nature-wise. Sometimes it's really heavy, sometimes I get almost nothing, and everywhere inbetween. In any case, I use both on my heaviest days, and switch to pads only once it's really light. I can't wait until this is no longer an issue. I was teasing my surgeon, saying, hey, while you're in there anyway, can I give you a list of what else I'd like taken out? Too bad, he didn't fall for it one bit All the best, Christine

My husband calls his "Willie"...now, to me, that has a rather unfortunate connotation...as in "Will-he, or won't he?". Ah, well, boys will be boys, lol!! Christine

I was so sorry to hear that you were blasted. I think it's part of human nature to champion a cause that you really believe in, and defend it to others...of course, there should be a reasonable limit to your defense posture. I have been out on other sites and simply WHACKED by some folks for having chosen the band over other surgical options. I stopped going on those sites, because I don't need the negativity, especially this early in my journey (I was just banded last Friday). When I mentioned this issue to my sister, who is a hypnotherapist and has treated WLS patients, she said something that hit me right between the eyes...that for those of us who have lived with profound obesity, it's HARD to lose weight no matter what path you choose. What the heck, if an EASY way existed, we'd all be in size 8's, wouldn't we?:thumbup: I never thought about it that way. WW, Atkins, etc. are all tools, just as the band is, and success depends about 99% on our sustained, informed use of whatever tool we choose. I think that if I were to go back to WW as an adjunct to my band, I would not share the information about my surgery, particularly in an open forum. At least some of the folks there will just not know how to process the information in a way that will end up positively for you. I don't know if WW Online is a good option for you personally, but it's out there as an alternative. Best, Christine

I've actually been wondering the same thing, re: postop nutrition. It seems like some patients are given more complex foods to take in a lot earlier than what's on my protocol. I guess my surgeon is just ultra-conservative in his approach. I was actually glad that I was allowed to stay overnight in the hospital, particularly since he also did the hernia repair. The nursing staff came in several times overnight to check my sugar, give me a little insulin bolus when needed (since I was off my Metformin for 48 hours presurgery), keep my IV going safely, and ensure I was comfortable with my morphine pump. They also gave me other meds, both through my IV and by injection. Those were things that my husband wouldn't have been able to do at home. It's true that my surgery was completely covered by my insurance, and it was in a center of excellence, so perhaps Gloria has a good point about the self-pay issue- I would believe that it might be less expensive done on an outpatient basis. I don't think my insurance company required the overnight per se, though- that was more my surgeon's requirement. Best, Christine

I'm thrilled to report that my Lap Band was successfully placed at Frederick Memorial Hospital (MD) on Friday, the 26th! After an overnight stay, I came home around dinnertime last night. The nursing staff could not have been more wonderful. I am tired out, and sore, mostly from where Dr. McKenna repaired a small hiatal hernia, but otherwise, I feel pretty good. I had been doing pretty well, pain-wise, but it seemed like all at once, the gas rose up and pooled under my diaphragm- OUCH!!- I did some Gas-X strips, walked up and down my hallway at home, and used a heating pad, which seemed to help. More walking is planned for today. Now, the journey really begins. I am excited, however, that I have already lost 24 pounds since starting my preop diet on January 26th, and my A1C has dropped from 6.6 to 5.3. I'm off the Metformin for now. Thanks for all the support and advice so far- Best, Chris

Greetings, everyone! I was banded on Febuary 26th, so I'm a newbie bandster. The surgery went beautifully- I actually feel better than I had expected to, considering! Now, I'm taking a little R&R from work to get my recovery solidly on the way. I'm so very encouraged with the progress so far...my ticker reflects what I've achieved since starting my preop diet prep on January 26th. I'll turn 51 tomorrow- and I'm thinking, wasn't this a GREAT birthday present to give myself? :w00t: Looking forward to e-meeting all of you! Best, Christine

Good morning! I had my band placed last Friday, the 26th, and came home from the hospital the following day. Here's what has gotten me through so far... Since I'm on a Clear liquids only regimen for now, sugar-free popsicles, Crystal Light, decaf hot tea, and diet Jello (try mixing a box of cranberry with a box of raspberry- fantastic!!) have been my mainstays, along with low sodium/low fat chicken and beef broths. I have put in stock unjury unflavored and chicken Protein powders, along with some other goodies from the Bariatric Choice web site, so I'll be ready when I'm advanced to full liquids. I was on Medifast preop, so those soups/shakes I had left over are waiting for me as well. The hot tea has been soothing for my throat, which is a little irritated from the endotrach tube used for the anesthesia. Cinnamon is my favorite. Gas-X strips- definitely a help with the gas buildup. Plus, I've worn a path in the hall carpeting, walking back and forth. Whenever I get a phone call from family/friends, I walk through the entire conversation to get that movement in. The first night home, seemed as if all the CO2 rose to sit right under my diaphragm- was so happy to get rid of some of that! I had a hiatal hernia revision at the same time, so I've been reliant on a heating pad to help with that discomfort. Cold didn't work for me as well. Good books, good movies, good music to listen to, and for me, knitting projects, all to keep my mind occupied. You might want to consider getting a blender/food processor, if you don't have one already, to be prepared for the next stages. My girlfriends bought me baby-sized spoons and forks as a gift to help me with portioning later on...and to make me smile (it worked!). My husband gifted me with several cookbooks specifically written for weight loss surgery patients, knowing I'm a cooking fanatic. Today will be my first shower- can't wait for that!! Hope this is helpful! Good luck with your surgery- I know you'll do great! Best, Christine

Denise, you are KILLING me! I mean, really, have a heart, I'm only on my second day post-op and it just HURTS to laugh that much:lol: Seriously, though, I worked in medicine for years, and I don't consider myself squeamish per se, but I wouldn't attempt a self-fill, no way. There are just too many vital organs in that area (like my liver!), and with my luck, I'd miss that damn port...I would have to have a target tattoed over the site to have any chance at all. Best, Christine

I have to agree with a lot of the postings I see here. Does your co-worker have a weight problem herself? It's hard for those who have never had to cope with being obese to connect with our journey. My stepmother used to go absolutely nuts if she gained 5 or 10 pounds...but she was thin to start with, so in perspective, that was a big gain for her, and hard to get back off. I also smile when I hear about people on WW, etc., who tell us that they are losing weight the "hard way". This is my second day post-op, walking my hallway last night, in so much discomfort with all that CO2 sitting under my diaphragm...now, THAT'S the hard way, folks!! With persistance and patience, we will achieve success. Even the WW crowd struggles with plateaus (I sure did!). The heck with whatever anyone else says- you had the courage to do this, knowing that turning back would not be an option. Your weight loss to date ROCKS!!! Hugs, Christine

Morning, everyone, I remember when I first met with my surgeon, we talked about our shared love of good wine...grief, I think we have about 3 cases of the stuff in our basement! My husband and I have had wonderful times going to wineries in various parts of the country and seeing what they have to offer. We've even taken wine tasting classes, so we can at least APPEAR intelligent when we're at the tasting bars, lol! Met some nice people, too. Anyway, my surgeon said, "It's a good thing, then, that you're choosing the Band- eventually, you'll be able to have small amounts of wine from time to time. It will affect you more quickly in much smaller amounts than you're used to, though, so you'll have to be prepared for that." Everything is a choice, as others have said. Although I enjoy wine, if I had been told that I could never drink again in exchange for prolonging my life and regaining good health, it would definitely not be a difficult decision for me not to drink. I'm not going to sit in judgement, though, for those who make other choices. Just a small suggestion, for what it's worth...you might want to think about trying alcohol at home the first time round, so that you'll experience whatever new effects you may have in a private environment. Then, if you decide to go forward and drink in public, you'll at least know what to expect. I hope it works out for you! Best, Chris

Holy Cow!! This is IT!!! Tomorrow's my big day!!!! I've seen great progress pre-op...20+ pounds GONE (see ya!!) since late January...my A1C is now 5.3 (last one done in the summer was 6.4)...fasting glucose still a little high at 116, but that's a big difference than the 136 it was at diagnosis 3 years ago. New jeans? Yep...2 sizes smaller than at Christmas! :eek: The journey has begun...and with a lot of hard work on my part, the best is yet to come. Hugs and prayers to all my February 26th bander brothers and sisters- See you all on the flip side! Love, Christine

A couple of other thoughts... eBay has some AMAZING deals on new and gently used clothing in all kinds of sizes...search on women's plus size clothing to check it out. Recently, a 45-item lot, mostly new with tags, of size 18-20 career level clothing worth probably $600-$800 retail went for less than $200. Checking Goodwill and/or local consignment stores might also snag you great clothes at a bargain...and donating your outsize clothes to Goodwill nets you a tax deduction (be sure to keep your receipts). Hope this helps! Hugs, Christine

I agree, depending on what meds you are on, it's very important, especially in the immediate post-surgery period, that your primary care physician and surgeon work together to come up with a plan to help you keep your sugars in balance. I have been taking a gram of Metformin a day for quite awhile...and was thrilled to find out that after being on Medifast for a month preop, my fasting sugar is down to 118, and my A1C has dropped from 6.6 to 5.3 in the last 4 months. I've lost about 20 pounds...my surgery is this Friday. :smile2: Since so many of us have DMII going into this, your surgeon will definitely be of great help to you in getting stabilized. Best wishes!! Christine

Having this kind of surgery is definitely something you should not do lightly. It requires a commitment to drastic life changes that you'll be subject to forever. For many, if not most, of us, our weight problems have been something that we've been battling most of our lives. I would do a LOT of research...and see if you can find a Lap Band seminar in your area...check the phone book under Bariatric Physicians, perhaps. Attending such a seminar may also give you the opportunity to talk to others who have been banded. If you need a program that's more structured, I'd also check with your local hospital to see if they have a bariatric outpatient program available to you. Best wishes on your journey- Christine