mykoop

Hi, I too had both. Post-op I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest for the first couple of days, but was able to go back to work on the fifth day - I have a desk job. I don't think my recovery took any longer than average.

Hi there, I had surgery a few weeks ago in Toronto and was self-pay. I agree that it is alot of money and I dipped into my savings to pay for it. I know that a couple of provinces cover it under their provincial plan. I don't understand why our province doesn't cover lap-band but covers gastric bypass which has higher risk. Actually I do, they still see the former as experimental! As someone mentioned, most surgery centres offer financing over 4 years. When I was doing research on surgery, I did come across a surgeon in Montreal that was somehow was able to do the surgery for Ontario residents and have it covered. What I recall is that it had to start with a referral from your family physician. If you do an internet search for "weight-loss surgery Montreal" you should come across some details. I don't know what the wait time is like and how many hoops you need to jump through in order to be approved, but it's at least worth looking into. Good luck!

I have a teaspoon of flaxseed oil eveyday, usually with my breakfast. I also try to include naturally fibre-rich foods with my meals like Beans, green vegetables. Yogurt with active cultures there are many probiotic ones out there is helpful too. Also getting are you consuming enough Water? Important to have 64 oz. Many people also use a tasteless, dissolvable fibre supplement, can be added to pretty much anything and will not alter the taste(not bulky at all). One that comes to mind is Benefibre. I'm in Canada so not sure if the brand is carried where you are. Good luck!

Hmm, that seems odd to me. One of the banded rules is to make sure you have the Protein first in all of your meals and that seems to be universal regardless of where you have surgery. Everything that I've read (I did extensive research prior to surgery) including the guidelines from my surgery centre encourages food from all food groups; whole grains, fruit, dairy. Avoid simple carbohydrates. I cannot imagine anyone being able to subsist on just protein nor does it sound like a healthy way to eat. It certainly does not make for a balanced diet. Is there a nutritionist or dietician you can speak to?

Hi, I also had hernia repair and the first few days felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I was banded on 1/14 and went back to work on the fifth day - I have a desk job. I spoke to my post-op coordinator about it the day after surgery and was told the combination of CO2 plus swollen organs doesn't leave much space for your lungs. It does get better, try walking as much as you can to get things moving. I hope you feel better soon.

Hi, I was banded on Jan 14th and currently in the full Fluid phase. Looking forward to moving to mushies next week, but really haven't been hungry so far. There is currently no fill in my band.

My 2 week pre-op consisted of the following: Protein shake for Breakfast (low sugar, low carb) Spinach or romaine lettuce salad with red & green peppers, mushroom and 4oz protein - choices -- boneless skinless chicken breast, or tuna or one egg for lunch. Steamed veggies - peppers, zucchini,mushroom + 4 oz protein for dinner. I would occasionally substitute a Protein Shake instead for dinner. Snacks - raw veggies, no fat yogurt or no fat cottage cheese. The first 3 days were the toughest but I stuck with it. Just take it one day & one meal at a time. I had surgery last week, all went well and I'm back to work today. Aside from shrinking the liver, I've found the pre-op diet was good prep for the post-op Fluid stages. Good luck!

Hi everyone, I had surgery yesterday and all went well. I have some soreness today but haven't had to take any pain meds. The most discomfort I have is in my upper chest, apparently it's trapped gas. I wish it would start moving out! I am drinking all my liquids with a straw to prevent from gulping. Good luck to everyone!

I'll be banded on January 14th. Will be sure to post experience. Good luck to everyone!

Love the graphic! Thanks for putting it together. I'm on day 7 of a of my pre-op, halfway there thank goodness. Surgery is on Jan 14th, very excited and a bit nervous . Have a great day everyone!

Hello, I'm on day 4 of a 2 week pre-op diet and I've found that it does get easier. My choices are either a Protein shake or tuna, 4oz chicken, or fish with romaine lettuce or spinach with veggies (peppers, mushrooms & zucchini only veg allowed). Balsamic vinegar only dressing allowed. No fruit, added oils or other fats. I can also have tea/coffee with skim milk, nf yogurt or nf cottage cheese. I'm amazed that I've gone 4 days without bread which is huge for me. I love bread! I'm down 6.5 lbs so far and I approach it just one day at time. My surgery is scheduled for Jan 14th. Only 10 days away. Good luck and good health to you all!

Hi Just-Ice, I agree that we need a catchy name too! I've included a few suggestions below. January Jubilee Jazzed for January January Jesters Anyone else?

LaGordita and ConB113, there are many options for creating a weight loss and/or bmi signature out there. You can go to Graphical Tickers and Trackers: Weight Loss, Trying To Conceive, Pregnancy... and design your signature. Once you've entered your details you will see a box with html code at the bottom of the page. Copy and paste the code in your blog . Hope this helps!

I have the same surgery date as well! I've struggled with this decision - I will be self-pay, but at the end of the day I've tried everything else and was never successful in maintaining any weight loss. I'm looking forward to being a happy, healthier (and lighter me).