Unforgettable

It was presented as an option, but I found out that the single incision is actually much larger than the largest port incision of the traditional way, so decided I'd rather have 1 small scar with 4 other even smaller scars versus one larger scar.

Right now, only having had surgery on July 13, I've been pretty consistently measuring foods just so I can get an idea of how to eyeball it in the future. Some things I don't measure - like a turkey hot dog, but know that it's less than I think it is so make sure I add some more stuff to go with it. I don't plan on measuring forever. I've never measured before in the past so I've found it helpful in recognizing that a cup is "about this size."

haha if only plain tylenol worked that great!

Thanks for the correction! I meant to say which is the liquid vicodin, not tylenol lol

After all of my surgeries, my throat is usually a little sore from the the intubation tube, but nothing that I would describe as painful. The icechips in recovery helped. Again, each person is different.

I've also heard that eating too fast can cause hiccups

You're bringing back a whole bunch of memories from school that I'd like to forget As most other posters have said, Lortab was what I was prescribed, which is just the liquid version of Vicodin. I've read that some were prescribe Roxicet, which is liquid Percocet. And a few others were sent home with liquid Tylenol with codeine. I only have to use the Lortab for less than 48 hours, and then I felt fine enough to go without it. My doctor also said it was okay to use liquid Aleve occasionally to help relieve the Co2 gas pain, but not every surgeon agrees with this. Also I was told any pill the size of a standard M&M or smaller should go down. Basically every surgeon has their own preferences with the meds.

Like others have said, each person has a different experience. For me, the surgery itself was a breeze but I've had over half a dozen very complicated surgeries in the past to compare it to. I wouldn't say I was in pain, more just a general discomfort/soreness for the first 2 days but was able to stopped taking narcotics the night of day 2. As with any surgery, there are always risks for complications, minor and serious ones, although those chances are minimal. As far as the depression, I will admit that on my second day I had two episodes of dry heaving which was the worst pain I've felt, and for a second questioned what I got myself into. That quickly went away, and I have been very pleased with my decision. I think it's natural to wonder if you've made the right decision, as many of us have a relationship with food and now we're turning our back on that friendship in a way. Best of luck to you!

mental - try not to focus on weight loss right now, you're body is still healing and everyone's body handles that differently. The fact that you lost 4 pounds is great. Give your body time to heal. Hope your appointment goes well!

I agree with Mimi...always contact your doctor for questions like this just to be sure, as everyone is different. For me, I am allowed to eat "regular" food 1 month after surgery. And to answer your question, yes you will be able to eat the stuff you prepare for your family. You may have some intolerances (bread, pasta) but otherwise will be "normal" just smaller portions.

Today is week #3 for me and my biggest incision, the port site, is still sore enough at times. If I turn too far to the left or right, sleep on it funny, etc it can be tender.

Mrs Huskey, I'm not a March 07 member, but just wanted to say hello! Nice to hear you are kicking cancers ass. My mother had Stage III breast cancer and went through a pretty heaving regime of chemo and radiation. Good luck to you with the chemo, get yourself better, and get right back in it! Sounds like you are in the right frame of mind! Good luck

I also am doing what others have said. I just use the regular protein mix I would use for shakes and mix it in with the pudding. That way I get to eat something nice and sweet but not feel guilty because I'm getting protein lol I also only use a protein supplement at the end of the day if I haven't met my protein quota for the day. Otherwise I do a good job of getting it in through "normal" foods

Hola mariposa! I also was banded on July 13, and am in the same boat as you. I will be able to eat regular diet when I get my first fill on August 10. As far as exercise, I've been doing 3 things...I walk outside in my neighborhood, I also use a DVD called Walking Away the Pounds, and I use Wii Fit / EA Active game. good luck to you!

I am 3 weeks out today, and have lost 18 pounds including 6 pounds on 3 day pre-op diet. I am able to eat almost anything except red meat, fresh veggies, and breads/pastas. I also hope to be one that can tolerate breads/pastas, and think I will be able to - I've had toast, crackers, and tortillas that I'm allowed to have and have tolerated those well so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Health-Me, like you I also had to endure not only sitting through the movies drinking water while those around me had buttered popcorn, nachos, etc, but also watching that horrible g-force movie lol. I'm mentally adjusting but it's been a slow process. Thankfully I haven't craved too much, and I have good restriction even though I don't get my first fill until August 10. If I pick good foods and a good protein source, I can eat 1/2cup to 3/4 cup and it will fill me for about 3.5-4 hours. Glad to hear others are doing well!

Ok let me try this out 7/10 - 230 (Start of preop diet) 7/13 - 224 (Surgery day) 7/21 - 217.8 (First follow-up) 8/3 - 212 % of weight loss since pre-op diet 7.8% % of weight loss since surgery 5.3%

Hang in there! Many of us were in the exact same spot as you. I only had to do it for 3 days and thought I was going to die of starvation lol Anytime you feel tempted, just try to remind yourself that this is for YOUR safety. The diet is supposed to reduce the size of your liver, therefore making laparoscopic surgery more possible and reducing the risks of complications from the liver in the way. YOU CAN DO IT! Hang in there, try to see the big picture, and just remember that this won't last forever! Good luck!

Hello! First let me say that I think most of us felt exactly as you do now. I was freaking out at the thought that I was risking my life for an "elective" surgery, but then realized if I didn't go through with it I was risking my life too. Surgery is a big deal with big risks involved so it's natural to feel nervous about it. Once you're done with it and your nerves are settled, you'll hopefully feel good about your decision. As far as the magnesium citrate, I didn't have to drink it for this surgery but have for others. It's a laxative to help clean your bowels. It can start working in as quickly as 30 minutes, or can take 6 hours. It is not the best tasting stuff in the world!! But your doctor feels it is necessary, so follow the instructions exactly as they were given to you. It's one of those things that suck but you gotta do it. Good luck to you! I hope your surgery goes nice and smooth. Let us know how it goes when you're feeling up to it.

They are different brand names for a gastric band. Theoretically they are supposed to do the same thing. There were some problems with the original Realize band creasing funny, causing an almond-shape versus a circle around the stomach. Realize has since released the Realize-C band which is supposed to have resolved that problem. If I'm correct, I believe the Lap Band comes in 2 different sizes (?), whereas the Realize-C is only one standard size. Also, not all surgeons offer the realize-c as an option yet. Do some research online to check out the differences - I believe both the Lap Band site and Realize site do a side-by-side "comparison" of the two products. Talk with your surgeon about the differences, pros and cons as well. Good luck!

Thanks HH! Watching her struggle through her battle with breast cancer made me really look at my life and family history and the future, and is a big reason why I actually started thinking about WLS. Plus, I will use any excuse to buy stuff For instance, I've always wanted a tempur pedic mattress, and decided that I'll just use this whole rewarding-myself thing as an excuse to get it lol I think this is a great thread! So fun to read others thoughts and get ideas

Hello! I love Dr. Curry and all of his staff. I especially love that most of them are banded and so they understand, to a degree, what we are going through. Nice to meet others out there!

RM that's a great way of putting it...it's that security blanket, like I'm not in it alone, I have training wheels to help me if I start to lean to the left a little too much. And yes, nursing is indeed a head trip! I thought I'd be used to it after 3+ years, but not quite

Assuming you've never met this doctor in person, I would meet with he doctor first.