thebandedgirl

Goodness, I couldn't imagine eating a 12" sub BEFORE I started on this journey and got used to smaller portions than I was eating before. Now I eat a 6" with the top half of the bread removed and no chips. Thanks for the reassurance, all. Intellectually, I know that slower and more conservative is better. I struggle emotionally, though. I should have posted this in the Fills forum; I was having a ditsy moment last night :biggrin:

I have little to no restriction and don't have a problem with any food other than really dry hunks of food (chicken, beef, potatoes, etc). Just take it slow. Chew well. If you even suspect that you're going to have a problem, don't eat another bite. You'll be fine

I fell in love with mashed potatoes, green chili, and cheddar cheese when I was on my mushy stage. I don't think I would have survived without it I'm using my Wii Fit for exercise while it's still a workout for me! I love the boxing!! After I lose some weight and get in a bit of shape, I hope that I'm going to have to find something new.

I've only had one fill and was numbed. After over 18 pricks (that's the number of itty-bitty scabs could count in the area) with the fill needle and a lot of digging around, I was very glad that I couldn't feel the pain! Had it been a simple in and out thing, I would have been okay with no numbing agent at all. But it's standard procedure where I go

I was on a pre-op diet for three weeks, too; however, my surgeon doesn't require a purely liquid diet. We might be able to help you better with what "works well" if you let us know what your surgeon's requirements are. I was able to eat veggies, lean Protein, and the like, but many cannot My boyfriend has been completely supportive and wonderful despite the fact that he didn't want me to have the surgery done at all.

Hi Sharie! Hope you get to meet your surgeon soon!

I'm with Restless Monkey on the getting back from the hospital/surgical center front. I had a restriction on the amount of weight I could lift for four weeks, but it varies from one surgeon to the next. A rolling bag should be fine Good luck with all of your changes! You've got a lot to look forward to!

Dr. Nirmul was my surgeon, too!!! Hello all Phoenix area people :laugh:

Remember that the time that passes between the time you are banded and the time you get your first fill is for HEALING. This might mean that you gain weight. It might mean that you lose. It might mean that you maintain. Don't stress about it! Just follow your surgeon's instructions and let your body do its thing. I know it's much easier for me to type that than it is for you to hear it, but trust me (the stranger on the internet :laugh:! You've had a rough go of things; I am so sorry for the stresses that you've experienced over the past several years. Have you, as the above commenter suggested, considered counseling to help you deal with the emotional issues you have? It might do you a world of good. I know I've relied on therapy for several rough Patches in my life and it's been invaluable. When all else fails, come to other bandsters for support :tt2: You are absolutely not alone.

I guzzle it. I don't have a lot of restriction yet, so I might have to change that, in which case I'll be in trouble. I can't remember to take a sip every few minutes!

Ha! I did this too. They were wheeling me into the OR and I was thinking about screaming at them to halt. I didn't, though :thumbup:

Echoing others here--I like the fact that the band is easily taken out. If I have a complication that necessitates reversal, my physiology remains the same. My intestines and stomach weren't rearranged and/or resized. Recovery time is faster because of the nature of the procedure--a band is slipped on, stitched a bit, and you're good to go. There's a lot more that needs to heal with a bypass, even if it is done lapriscopically. It's adjustable. Not enough restriction? More Fluid. Too much restriction? Less fluid. I don't have a pouch that remains the same (or is perfect at first and then stretches out). No dumping. No malabsorption. Slower (many say healthier) weight loss. However, most of the people who have bypass swear by it and are glad they didn't go with the band. You just need to discuss it with your surgeon and decide what is right for you with his/her help!

I never got a call with my blood test results and assumed that no news was good news! If something had been wrong, they would have called. However, I'd give them a ring if you're feeling antsy about it. Don't forget that they work for you :thumbup: I had a total of two appointments before I had surgery. One to make sure I qualified for it and another two days pre-op. I was a self-pay patient, however. Insurance company patients usually have to wait longer.

Welcome, Jerry! I was lucky (as were those around me), my pre-op diet wasn't all liquid. Glad you have a sense of humor about it :thumbup:

Congratulations for fighting cancer and winning! Hope your seminar went well :thumbup:

Hi Barbara! Congratulations on reaching a decision :thumbup: I mulled it over and researched for over two years before I finally had the surgery. In some ways, I wish that I had made the decision much earlier! When it comes to picking a surgeon, do your homework! Google names of surgeons in your area, talk to people who have had the surgery (or who know people who know people who know people who have had it!) and get recommendations, check the boards here to see if there are reviews of the person. Most surgeons that I know of also have a free informational seminar you can go to. I went to two because I was not at all comfortable with the first surgeon after I attended his informational session, even though he has almost unanimous positive reviews on several sites. I was much much more comfortable with the second office. Good luck with the insurance! I financed mine because my insurance company didn't cover the procedure.

So soon! Congratulations and welcome to the newest phase of your life :thumbup:

I was banded on June 18th, too. I just had my first fill a few hours ago. Don't worry if your first fill doesn't give you restriction! It's not unusual for it to take several. Try not to rush it and give your body time to adjust :smile:

Burping. All. The. Time. It's insane.

Congratulations!! So awesome :smile:

I went in to get my first fill today and found out that my port is flipped on its side. They were able to do the fill and I may or may not have to have a revision; I'll see my surgeon in a month when my next fill is scheduled and he'll make the final decision. I had my surgery on 6/18 too, btw :Dancing_wub:

I ate a lot of cottage cheese, mashed potatoes (some surgeons disallow potatoes), yogurt, pudding, somewhat liquidy Cream of Wheat, etc. You can also eat a variety of mushed tubers and squash, creamy soups, and the like :smile:

Some people don't get hungry for a week or two (or more), but I was hungry the day after my surgery! It's just different for everyone, I'm afraid. A few people have good restriction immediately and never need a fill. It's more common to have to play around with your fill levels for a little bit, though--I've been told anywhere between four and six or more!

You're the same height as my guy! I don't meet many people who are 6'5" :smile: Congratulations on your surgery and your insurance paying all of it, that's fantastic! Donna, 54 pounds in three months! Wow, that's a lot!

I didn't have to do injections after surgery, but I still have the bruise from the shot they gave me pre-op a month ago! It's almost gone, though (I bruise easily, please don't freak out). My friend, who had surgery two years ago, did the shots for two weeks. Different doctors, different medical histories, etc :smile: