Ruby Band

Well, I had to have one. The procedure itself is not bad at all. However, you are sedated and need to have someone drive you both ways. During my surgery consultation, I mentioned that I had been choking on my food and I coughed so much that I had blacked out twice. It turned out that I had a bacterial infection in my stomach and that needed to be treated before surgery. I had to take about twelve huge pills a day for two weeks. It delayed surgery by three weeks, but I am so glad that I was well before surgery. Mary

Mine is on the right side, too. As far as I know, that is where my surgeon places them. Mary

Sherri, Please know that we are always here for you. Just because everything is very difficult right now, it does not mean that it won't get better. You have options that can improve your life. Find some marriage support groups. Get some outside activities going so that you are focusing on some other things. I mentioned medication for anxiety/depression before. It made a huge difference in my life when I needed it. Our bodies change and your body might not be able to cope with what it could cope with when at an earlier time. Lastly, I take your comment about leaving this world seriously. I have known a couple of people who have taken their lives. The thing is, whatever was bringing them down at the time could have been improved with taking a step back and evaluating what could be done. Think positive. Give yourself a break from the stress. Pamper yourself. Do something you have always wanted to do. Put Sherri first. Let me know how you are feeling tomorrow. Mary

Sherri, I am 50 and a single mom of an 11 year old and 8 year old. I adopted them from Russia when they were 22 months and 10 months. About five years ago I talked with my ob/gyn and mentioned that my kids sometimes really got on my nerves. She suggested medication and totally brushed it off. About a year later, I knew that I needed some help because I was not the person I had always been. Everything got on my nerves. I had a really short temper. I told my regular doctor and he put me on some medication for anxiety. LIFE SAVER! I became myself again. I was on Lexapro for three years, but my doctor changed me to Effexor this spring because even though Lexapro is VERY good for stress, it has been determined to increase appetite. Don't be ashamed to try something to take the edge off. It could very well help you a lot. Best wishes, Mary Exercised 30 minutes today!

Sherri - I hope you get to feeling better. Sometimes people just don't think! Try to stay positive. Hopefully your husband will start treating you with the respect you deserve. If he can't, do what you need to do to take care of SHERRI! I went for my second fill on Friday. It was just .6 cc but it has made a huge difference. I can only tolerate liquids and I am not hungry yet. I bet this is going to wear off, though. Best wishes to all on a great week! Mary

Hi, all! I haven't posted in a long time. I was banded 7/10 and I am doing pretty well. I had my first fill in August and will get the next one next week. I am doing okay with the weight loss. I have found that I am very restricted in the morning, then I can eat almost anything many afternoons and evenings. Still, I am not gaining weight. I am getting much more energy and want to try to exercise every other day for at least thirty minutes. I know that helps in many ways. So I will try to post in October and let you know if I am doing what I need to do. Everyone of you are a great inspiration. Thanks for all of your help. Mary

I had my first fill today and everything went just fine. He hit the port on the first try and I didn't feel anything going in. I am on liquids for three days and then blended foods.

Good luck to all August bandsters from a July (Rubyband) bandster. You will do great!

Nancy, I was banded two days before you. My surgeon told me to move as much as I could when he released me from the hospital. I think that helped the healing significantly. At this point, I am back to normal and not sore at all. My surgeon has his lap band patients on clear liquids for four days after surgery. They go to full liquids for one week and then go to mushies on day 11 for a week. No wonder you are hungry! I am on 600-800 calories a day with 60 grams of protein required. Always eat the protein first. I lost fast and furious the first week and a half, but have been sitting at the same spot for about a week. The doctor gave me an okay to start walking, so I have been doing the treadmill for a few days and I know the pounds will start going away again. Best wishes on your recovery! Mary

I take Effexor, too. My surgeon told me to open the capsule and put it in a small glass of Crystal Light and drink it. That's what I have been doing and it works fine. Mary

Sherri - I was banded on the 10th, too. I am not to go on mushy foods until my followup appointment on the 21st. Right now I am just trying solid liquids and I am not having a problem. Best wishes! Mary

Wow! What a difference a day makes. I am now three days out of surgery and I am only a little bit sore. I actually bent down to get the newspaper this morning! I started full liquids today and can tell that my energy level is up. I have lost 4 pounds since Monday and I am not hungry at all. Oddly enough, the liquids seem to more than satisfy me at this point. I drove the car for the first time this morning to take my son to middle school orientation. So, best wishes for everyone who is having the surgery this month. It is encouraging to think that I can actually get back to a healthy weight. :clap2:

Big - They put me on an IV prior to surgery and it remained until discharge. Also, they were very persistant about drinking the 64 ounces. They had me hooked up to oxygen, the "electric socks" for circulation, monitor, and the IV. I am glad to be home where I don't have any wires! Mary

Hi, all! I was banded yesterday. I got to the hospital at 8:30. They took me to be preped at 10:30 and I was in my room by 1:15. I had some nausia until about 4:00. After that, I was okay. I am sore, but I am not in pain. The surgeon came between surgeries his morning and okayed me for release. I am now back home and want to rest. Between running to the bathroom every few minutes, vitals at 2:00 am and blood being drawn at 4;00, I didn't get much sleep.

Kurt, Sherri, and Funnyduddies, We will all be banded tomorrow! I'll be thinking of all of you and wish you a quick recovery. I'll probably post Tuesday night when I get home. Look out, here come the Bandsters! Mary

I being banded tomorrow, so I don't know by experience. However, my surgeon's office has a dietician and the after care diet is very specific about Protein and supplements. I doubt they would want you to be dizzy and such. I'll let you know after my surgery. Best wishes on your new job! Mary

Hi, everyone. I am being banded on Monday and my kids will have schedules to keep later in the week. I am wondering how long it usually takes to feel comfortable doing short errands. Thanks, Mary (Ruby Band)

Thanks so much! This will be my first surgery and I really didn't know. Mary

This is my first post. I am going to be banded on July 10. I am nervous and excited. Wish me luck!