GDawgRN97

Wow, that's almost word for word what I was hearing. But what was so crazy to me is that most of the negativity came from my closest friends & "eating buddies". I had it done & am 2 weeks out now and lost 10 lbs. That's exceptionally well for me & I couldn't be happier. You do what's right for yourself. Ignore the naysayers. You'll soon be hearing how great you look.

I was banded on Aug 25th & my port was also placed just below my breastbone (sternum). My surgeon said he's found it easier for the patient because there is usually less fat in this area & easier to get to. Right now, it's the most painful of my incisions but I'm not even a week out yet. My friends who've had their ports placed around their waist area report painful fills & put off going to get fills because of it.

Hi Everyone! I got banded this past Tuesday, Aug 25th & the surgery went without a hitch. I felt good enought to walk down to my unit in the middle of the night a couple of times to visit my co-workers. They were certainly surprised. I didn't sleep much in the hospital but have made up for it at home. It seems like sleeping is about all I've done until today which has been the best day yet. I'm on a full liquid diet & have to admit I'm already tired of yogurt, jello, & pudding but I believe I can suck it up for another week when I'll procede to mushys. I went for a 1/2 mile walk this evening, taking my time & enjoying being out of the house. My port is located just below my sternum. The doc said he put it there so it's easier to access because I have less fat there than around my naval area. My husband has been home with me everyday is getting on my nerves!:wub: I hope he goes back to work on Monday. He means well but you know how men can be sometimes. I've lost 10lbs so far (on my scale) & can't wait to be weighed at the drs office next week. I never thought I'd type those words! I hope all you other August Bandits are doing ok & hanging in there! I have a lot to look forward to!!

Melissa, call your doctor & let him/her know what's going on with you. They may have some suggestions. Some of your symptoms could even be caused by stress & anxiety of not being able to eat. Everyone I know who's been banded have told me the pre-surgery diet was the worst part. Hang in there! You have a wonderful new life ahead of you!

Wow! I can't believe how many people are getting banded this week! I'm also getting mine on Aug 25th. I started clears yesterday & doing ok so far. I've stocked up on sugar free jello, diet 7-up, sf popcicles, etc. Like you, I'm excited & nervous at the same time. It's scary to think where this road is going to lead me concerning other aspects in my life. Plus, dealing with my food issues. I know this is normal though. August 25th is a new birthday for me because I do see it as the day I'll be reborn into a new life & lifestyle that I've waited for & wanted for a long time. After exhausting every avenue possible to lose weight I thought long and hard before deciding on the band. I know I'm making the right decision. So....congratulations to all of us! We've got a lot to look forward to!

Don't worry about the ABG draw. It isn't as bad as you think. They numbed the area where they stuck me so maybe your lab will do that for you too. The needle is super tiny. Drink alot of fluids, especially water, starting the day before you go. The more hydrated you are the easier it is to draw blood.

Thank you for the kind words of encouragment. It is wonderful to know that I'm not the only one in this struggle. That's what makes this website so awesome. The shrink I have is pretty cool. She's who I had my consult with before my insurance gave final approval for surgery. She doesn't seem to be judgemental at all but told me she thought she could help me get through the hard times I'll face. I need all the help I can get. I certainly don't need someone laying a guilt trip on me. I do that just fine all by myself. If things turn in that direction, I'll find someone else. Good luck to you on your upcoming surgery. We have a lot to look forward to, huh? :scared2:

August 25th, Dr Cenden in Gainesville FL. I'm really excited & scared at the same time. :Banane56: What worries me most is what I'm going to do with the anxiety, emotions, etc that I use food for. :nanahump: It's my herion...my best friend...and is going to be hard to let go of. :sad: I am starting with an addiction specialist (shrink) next week who I plan to follow through with after surgery. :biggrin: I've been eating like a garbage disposal though. :wink2: All the foods that I hear can't be tolerated anymore. I start a clear liquid diet the week before surgery. My husband may want to consider moving to the next county. I'm not going to be Susie Sunshine after a couple of days.

I've gone through all my preop stuff & just waiting on approval from my ins co & surg date. Now that actually getting the band is pretty much a reality & happening soon, I'm feeling the anxiety of giving up my good friend, food. I'm much more anxious of dealing with the stuff I've been surpressing than I am with the actual surgery. The psychiatric consult was great & I understand the need for it now. I will continue with one on one & group therapy after the surgery. It's very stressful to know that I won't have food to depend on & must learn/practice new coping skills to be successful. But, I want to live a longer, more productive & enjoyable life. 100+ extra pounds is such an overwhelming amount of weight to lose. After so many years of trying to lose weight & continuing the yo-yo cycle of losing & gaining, I'm just done with it. Although I certainly understand that banding isn't going to be a miracle cure or an easy journey for me, it's a journey I'm willing to take for myself. I owe it to myself & deserve more than what I'm doing now. A year from now will be an whole new me. Physically, mentally, spiritually. I can't wait! Don't you think you owe it to yourself too?