WhimsicalClay

Hey ladies (any gents on this ABC list?) Anyway, I totally blew my September goal of 10 lbs. The worst part is, I actually gained a few pounds. I'm going in tomorrow for my first fill. I really hope it helps! Right now I can eat as much as I could pre-band and that is NOT a good thing. Nothing gets stuck, I've had no PB, no vomitting...it's like I've never been banded, except for the scars of course. I am having the worst problem with taking smaller bites, eating slower and, oh my, Water...I can't seem to stop drinking while I eat. I know it's going to be awful for me once I get a fill. I was up about 7 lbs once I started back on mushies and solid foods. I was so excited to finally be able to eat again and since everything went down easily, well you know what I did.... But I am happy to say, that I stopped and looked at what I was doing to myself and realized that I paid a lot of money for this band to help me, but now I needed to help it - help me! So I'm back on my Protein drinks and water, and high protein foods and am happy to report, I've lost about 5 of the 7 lbs. I am so hoping the fill tomorrow will have an effect. I feel like nothing has every worked long term for me, so this has too!!! My goal for Oct will be 10 lbs again and this time, I will work harder at getting there.

Thanks for the replies, Libra, Chrissie and Andy Liz. I was just wondering. Like I said, I know this period is for healing. I am still on all liquids and have been for more than 3 and a half weeks (2 weeks pre-band) and my weight loss has pretty much stalled as well. And like you all have said, IF I can maintain at this weight or even lose a few until I get my fill, that is FAR more than I've ever been able to do on my own. I've pretty much been at this weight for the past 7 days...of course, I'm up and down a 1/2 lb but without this band in place and the healing going on, I could easily be up 4 lbs this week, without blinking an eye. I go in on the 20th for my 3 week post-op (no-fill). I don't really have any expectations of a weight loss for this visit but it would be nice to be down a couple pounds. Honestly, I'm not even sure what my Drs. policy is on fills. I do hear his patients says that they only put a tiny amount in the bands at a time...his office is very conservative. My problem is not hunger...it's greed. Let's continue to work together and try and encourage each other. I really need it at times!!!

I'm 10 days out from surgery and also am not feeling any restriction. Though at this point, I'm kinda glad about that as I know it is all about healing right now. I've had the HARDEST 7 days post surgery. I was in so much pain from gas and I think I was going into dehydration that my kidneys were actually hurting. It was extremely painful but the moment I started to increase my water consumption, I immediately would feel relief. With having no restriction yet, this is very tough, but I have to remind myself how much I've invested in making this band work for me. I've been poked and proded and examined more than enough in the past two months, that with or without restriction, I'm going to have to make the decision to eat the right things and work on my own until I am filled. Not to mention the amount of money I've had to put out as a self-pay. I am still on liquids until Monday when I can start mushies...which includes fish (and that makes me very excited - can you see me grinning). While we are still healing from the surgery, I know weight loss is not our main focus for the 1st 6 weeks or so, but I do have a question. Has anyone lost any weight during weeks 3 and 4 when in the mushie stage? Just curious. Finally at 10 days post-surgery, I am not in pain!!!!

Thanks Laura, Thats just how it looked about 5 days post op. Since then I have been putting vitamin e on it. it's a little puffy to the touch. I have a tendency to keloid...goodness, I hope these things don't. I have a C-section scar that had keloided at one point to the thickness of a pencil...over the years it has smoothed itself out very nicely. Wishful thinking, but I'm hoping these scars will heal the same. Lett

ok, I have more than one but I took the steri strip off of only one of them ... I couldn't wait any longer. This pic is about 5 days post op. I am now 1 week post op and have my appt in the morning. Hopefully he'll take the rest off. My stomach is so grossly large that I'm embarrassed to post the picture, but here it is, be gentle. have never posted pictures before so I hope this works. Lett

Thought I'd just chime in here and add my 2 cents. My goal for Sept will be 12 lbs. At surgery date I was 232.4 on August 28th, today I'm at 230.6, so I'm down just a few. After surgery I did go up to 234. My goal for Sept will be to be in the teens, 219! A brief update on me 5 days post op. I am still having excruiating gas pains. Passing the gas helps immensely, but I'm having trouble doing that consistently. I can feel it moving around in my back and sides but can't get it down. I'm taking Phazyme and gas x (chewables and softgels) with minimal relief. On another point, I also think I might be dehydrated as I'm having a difficult time making myself drink Water. It really weird because when I really think about it, I don't know if I'm in pain, because 1) It's hunger pangs, 2) lack of water - causing kidneys to hurt, or 3) really is gas pains. So I'm going to work extra hard today to increase my water intake and walk even more. I really expected to feel better by now, but I think yesterday was worst than the day of surgery for me. My incisions don't hurt, the pain is mostly in my back and sides. Other than that, I'm doing fine. No vomitting, no sneezing. Goal for Sept...into the teens 11 -12 lbs

Just wanted to give a brief update. I can finally say I feeling really pretty good. I have had the most excruiating gas pains of my life for the past 2 days. Keep trying to walk it off like most people suggested, so I went out shopping at Target. It was there that I realized that what I may have been experiencing was not only gas but extreme hunger as well! Since my surgery on Monday, I had not really eaten very much (liquid) food at all since Saturday - trying to get weight down before surgery. After my trip to Target, I came home, had a large cup of Soup and a Protein drink. The gas started rumbling out of me! What relief. I felt great for the first time since surgery. Thankfully, I have had no vomitting and very little nausea. I have stopped taking the oxycodene (as of yesterday) and am just using the gas x to continue to pass the gas. On a more personal note, I have not had buy 2 BM's in the past 17 days of liquid dieting. Yes, I do feel extremely bloated. I only gained 2 lbs during surgery and have since had that to come off. I have to remember to eat slowly, which is very hard for me to do. So I think I'm on track, feeling good and looking forward to a thinner new me. Seems most folks banded in August are doing pretty well! Keep posting and keep up the great job.

Hey Booda, Glad to see you're up and around so quickly!!!

I also had to do 2 weeks of pre-op liquid dieting. For the most part, I did really great. There were 2 days when I was so weak and could barely talk that I ate a can of sardines...which has 15 grams of Protein, the same as the shakes I was drinking. During that period I lost about 15lbs, also need to shrink my liver. You can do it. Just keep looking for different things with lots of protein to drink. Also near the end, I started sipping egg drop Soup broth. Now I'm 2 days post-op (in lots of gas pain) and I'm still on a liquid diet for 2 more weeks. Hang in there! You're close now.

Wow Mandy, Congratulations on finally seeing who you really are!!! I'm very happy for you! Can't wait til I get there myself.

Everything went very well yesterday. However, I am in great pain from gas in my back. I took some tums and that does not seem to be helping. Going to send boyfriend to get some gas x. I didn't expect to be in this much pain. Other than that, I'm getting around very well but not eating much at all. I only gained roughtly 2 pounds from the surgery. I went in at 232.3 and came home weighing 234.6...I've read somewhere that someone gained like 9 pounds from the surgery fluids. Anyway, I also hada tubaligation done at the same time! So a little discomfort could be coming from that as well. I arrived at the surgery center at 6:30, took care of a little paperwork. Went in to back and changed. Was on the bed and filling out consent forms, talking to BF and gynocologist, while getting an IV drip. The surgeon got there close to 8 and then I was wheeled in. I remember a little while in the OR and then the next thing I remember I was awaken at 10:10 am in recovery. Did the barium drink and xray and was on my way home around 11:40 or so. I slept most of yesterday and am feeling better today except for the gas, right now it's excruiating. Going to lie down. Thanks for all the well wishes!!!

Hey guys, I'm on my way!!! Scheduled for 7:30 am tomorrow morning, August 28th!!! Keep me in your thoughts!!!! Will let you know how things are on the other side.

I just told my supervisor that I was having surgery and would be out for a few days. My HR person told me I didn't have to reveal anything. Though I did tell her because I like her. We are a very small company less than 40 employees. My super didn't push but did ask if it was major surgery. I just kinda laughed it off and said to me all surgery is major. He let it go. Get this...I am also having a tubaligation at the same time as the lapband. My OB works in the same building and the same hospital as the bariatric doctor and we've managed to FINALLY get it coordinated so that she, my OB, can come to the OR to tie my tubes :clap2: . Man, what a task and heart ache that whole process has been. But its worked out great. I'm hoping my insurance will cover a bit more than what the OB is asking for and that will go towards my lapband (I can hope). I am self-pay and I hope I can get a little something back. So if somebody really pushes me and I break, I'll just tell them, I had my tubes tied!!

Losin' it and Libra!!!! Thank you for the encouragment! That was just what the dr. ordered. I think I was just starting to feel a little blue. I know it's all going to be worth it. Now I can chat 3 more days, 3 more day, 3 more days. I'm feeling much better today. Serenpedipity - I hope you're feeling better today. Thanks for posting. It helps us pre-banders to know some other things to look out for and it also helps us to be better prepared for our upcoming surgeries - yes, I know, everyone is different - but at least we're more informed. Starting Over - Congrats for taking your health care into your own hands and standing up for yourself. I'm glad you are finally banded and I hope things are going well. I can't wait to join you guys!!! August bandsters ROCK ON!!!! You give me so much hope and encouragement.

Thanks Kate and Joliesmom! I'm trying really hard to hang in there. And I keep reading the boards for support. I just left the lapband website and there are great success stories. I am so looking forward to being one of them. Kate - I have to give myself the lovenox 1 day before surgery and then for the next 14 days afterwards. My 10 year old has volunteered to do this and she is looking forward to sticking me. Keeping my chin up...4 days to go:clap2:

Hi everybody, Just wanted to post for a little moral support. I'm getting really nervous and anxiety is kicking in big time. My doc requires so much pre-op stuff that is just now hitting me like a ton of bricks. I'm just feeling very overwhelmed...in addition to the lack of food I have to do the following. Starting today I have to use a body wash called Hibclens twice a day to wash my entire front area for the next 4 days. I also have to use Nystatin - swish and swallow 4 times a day also for the next four days. The morning of surgery I have to take a pill called Enmed to help prevent vomitting after coming out of surgery. Also the day before surgery I have to inject myself with Lovenox, a blood thinner, to prevent blood clots. Now I know he's doing all of this for my own good and I'm very grateful that he's more into preventive meds, but it doesn't help my stress level. I am 11 days into a 14 day pre-op liver reduction liquid diet. I'm doing quite well and don't really miss the food...well yeah I do! :faint: but anyway, I'm surviving. Some days are easier than others. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel and that's where I'm heading. After surgery, it's another 2 weeks of liquids and then 2 weeks of mushies. I don't know how I'm going to get through this! I just felt the need to get this off my chest and hopefully garner a few great ideas, words of encouragement and some empathy :confused:. I'm hanging in there though. My stats are getting better every day. The more I lose now, the less I'll have to lose on the other side. Surgery in 4 more days!!!!

Pjk, Just wondering how the all liquids are going. You started a few days before me. It's tough isn't it. Is the weight just falling off of you? Excited about next week? I'm doing ok. Liquids are not totally bad especially when I see the scale move. Keep in touch.

Hello everybody, I've been lurking for a few days and just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I am scheduled to be banded on August 28th by Dr. B. Greene in Rockville, MD. My insurance BC/BS of DC does not cover the procedure at all. As of the 1st of August, I'm on a semi liquid diet, 1 meal and 2 Protein shakes a day. That all will change on August 14th when I go all liquid...really looking forward to that :omg: I am very encouraged by the success and support that is shown with this group and I look forward to becoming as successful as you all have been! Would love to chat with you all and get to know you as we win this battle together. Lett

Hi Diana, Thanks! Will definitely take socks with me. Hadn't even thought of that. Seems we are both in about the same boat...self pay, close in height and almost identical in beginning weight.

Aussie chick, I just wanted to tell you, you love fabulous! I can only hope (and work at it) that I am as successful with my band (August 28th) as you have been with your. You are truly and inspiration to all of us!! Now, after seeing those photos, hell, the last 6 days of this liquid diet doesn't seem so bad after all...

Hi Born, Wow, what a bummer. I am self pay as well and a 8 days away from being banded so I can feel your pain...financially as well. Maybe your insurance will cover the cardiologist and you'll only have the co-pay. My insurance covered ALL of my pre-op test and the prescriptions (I paid the co-pay) You asked about the cardiologist. My doctor also requires all patients to see a cardiologist AND have an EKG done along with all those other reports you listed. My cardio report came back with something called (can't remember the exact name) minor something reflex but he said it was nothing to worry about. I just need to be on anti-biotics before having any dental work. Well then I went in to see the surgeon for my final pre-op and he said my EKG or the Lung xray showed some type of problem with my lungs. He proceed to tell me I needed to lose weight, as if that wasn't the reason I was in his office get prescriptions for surgery. He has me inhaling into the plastice tube trying to get the thingy upto the top to strengthen my lungs before surgery. Maybe that'll be all you need as well. Good luck and I hope they get you rescheduled soon.

Hi everybody, I'm 8 days pre-op and 7 days into my 14 day liquid diet. So far it's going well, though I wanted to eat something so badly yesterday. I did not cave and am following doctors orders. Last weekend I went out of town to visit friends. Since I knew it was my last weekend before I had to start my liquid diet, I went ahead and had a great time. As usual for me, I didn't feel like I ate alot but came home and got on the scale (sunday night) and was about 4 lbs heavier than when I left on Thursday morning. Does anybody else gain weight like this? I can gain 12 lbs in a week...unreal! Anyway, since Monday, 8/14 I've been on total liquids and for the most have not cheated...I did have 2 itialian ice cups, which technically are liquid but are not on my program because of the amount of carbs and sugar in them. From weighing in Sunday night to this morning (Sunday) I am down 11 lbs pre-op. I am getting excited and nervous as my surgery is scheduled for 8/28! My doc wants me at 237 by surgery, I'm at 238 this morning with 7 more days of liquids to go... I'm going to a surgery center in Gaithersburg, MD because I'm self-pay. Does anybody have any idea what I should take with me to the center vs to a hospital? According to the staff there, I should be on my way home by 12 noon. Surgery is at 7:30. Thanks and keep up the great work. I love reading these post, they definitely are helping me get through the days, one at a time.

Oh lovely, I knew it was bound to happen. Mother nature visits today and the rest of the week. Probably not a good time to be PMS'ing...on top of everything else. I didn't sleep that well last night. Dani called at 11:30 and woke me up. I weighed 243.4 when I went to bed. Woke up this morning at 241.2 So the VT weight is falling off of me. So far today I've had one and a half shakes and I'm feeling a little hungry. COnsidering what I'm going through, my mood in not that bad. Going to go have some broth and water now, need to keep my energy up.

Oh lovely, I knew it was bound to happen. Mother nature visits today and the rest of the week. Probably not a good time to be PMS'ing...on top of everything else. I didn't sleep that well last night. Dani called at 11:30 and woke me up. I weighed 243.4 when I went to bed. Woke up this morning at 241.2 So the VT weight is falling off of me. So far today I've had one and a half shakes and I'm feeling a little hungry. COnsidering what I'm going through, my mood in not that bad. Going to go have some broth and water now, need to keep my energy up.

August 14th - day 1 - not too terribly bad. This was the beginning of a new life for me. I could feel it, I could see it. I came home on Sunday from a trip to Vermont. When I got on the scale it read 249 lbs. I knew I had eaten badly in VT but I didn't think it was that bad. For dinner on Sunday, I had my last meal of shrimp fried rice and egg drop soup....it was very good. I took a couple of Sacra sagrada to help me go to the bathroom in the morning. I weighed in on Monday the 14th at 247 lbs. I have to be down to 237 according to Dr. Greenes pre-op instructions and at this rate, I'm going in the wrong direction. Dani is with her dad this week so I don't have to cook which makes it easier to not be around food. I was feeling a little weird so I went to bed early.