KarynA

I know, right?! I'm pretty sure it's because he was concerned about me being 'too tight'. He told me as much. He also told me to come back that day if I had any problems at all getting liquids down. I didn't think I was too tight, but then what did/do I know (it was my very first fill). My husband, who loves to cook, made a wonderful french onion soup (omg, so good) I even put croutons in it and let them get soggy in the soup. AND I'm still having my glass of wine. SO I'm alright - not at all suffering. And the weight loss has started-up again.... for now, anyway. I'll be thinking about you Thursday.

Hi Ocra, He numbed the port area first, so it was the standard needle stick and then a small sting from the medication (quick wince, but no real pain). Then he applied a tiny external port type thing. He pushed it on/in. That felt like a little bit of pressure (but no pain). Then he inserted the needle (didn't feel anything - the area was numb) and filled the band with saline completely - to the point of occlusion. He had me drink water 'until my tank was filled up', the area above the band. Because the band was full, it didn't allow the water to pass through. I stopped drinking when I could feel the water in my throat. Then he slowly pulled saline back into the syringe and I told him when I could feel the water going down (like through a funnel). He had me drink water several times after that to make sure that it would go down and that I wasn't 'too tight'. And that was it. I got a bandaage and was on my way! I'm on liquids (and soup) for two weeks. It seems like a long time compared to everyone else, but I don't even care. I'm just happy to FINALLY have restriction! I hope your fill is equally as painless. :w00t:

I got my! I got my fill!...I'm so excited! I feel remotivated. This is going to work! I have 3cc's.

Awesome. I love your attitude~:rolleyes2:

Ditto to all of the above! I went to the doctor last week and was the EXACT same weight (to the ounce) that I was 10 days prior. I just shook my head and decided that it wasn't going to bother me: 1) It's too early - it had only been three and a half weeks since my surgery (it was one month ago today); 2) I have NO fill in my band and no restriction (this is 'bandster hell'); 3) it was just the holidays and I was surrounded by temptation every day. *I DO confess to some poor food choices (i.e., wine, a tamale and pumpkin pie and chocolate), but that's all behind me now. And I've started walking and riding my bike, which is new for me. I can't wait til 6 weeks is up and I can start actually using the band! In the meantime, I gotten pretty good at the whole 'no eating within 30 minutes of drinking and no drinking an hour after eating' thing. Also, I'm totally over carbonated beverages - it's no huge loss. I'm loving coffee and tea now and sneak protein wherever I can. So I'm working on what I can work on - - writing down what I eat, asking myself to move around a little (exercise - in som e way) every day. My two main problems are: 1) 4 ounce portion sizes (I'm hungry and usually eat 8 - 10); and 2) cabernet sauvignon. I hate to say it but I think I just need to quit drinking alcohol altogether to save on the calories. Bummer too cause I really looked forward to that one glass/day. The fact is, I'd rather lose weight. Hope you all had a very nice holiday! I was away from a lot of it, but am back now.

Hello everyone! Just peeking-in to see how everyone is doing. I'm doing fine - haven't lost a pound in a week, and it's discouraging...but *sigh* expected. It's hard to believe that we are nearly through this month and that MOST of us are banded. Congrats to all the December Delights.

Hi Jason, I'll PM you instructions on the ticker. Welcome. :biggrin: I loved your post. It made perfect sense. I know what you mean about taking back power over food. That (and the weightloss itself) is the most exciting part to me too. Keep posting and take care!

Well congrats to you. You'll be in and out and hardly remember a thing. Don't worry. *Melinco, I'm sorry that you remember... it sounds like a scary moment (not being able to breathe). As for me, I went right to sleep. As far as how you're dressed, I was handed a gown and told to change in the bathroom - nothing on underneath (no bra, no nothing). They didn't even want me to wear my own fuzzy socks. They gave me the kind with skid resistance on the bottom. They also handed me a cup to pee in when I went to the bathroom. That's when I found out I wasn't pregnant (my husband's clipped - it wasn't a surprise). The bra I wore there (and back) was wireless. *fyi - one of the incisions is exactly where the bra line is - right at the sternum area. As soon as I got home, I took that puppy off! I brought a book and magazines to read while I waited for my surgery (with IV attached, laying on a gurney wearing nothing but a gown and skid-resistant socks), but my husband sat with me the whole time and we chatted, hugged, laughed etc. You'll get through it just fine, but I'll pray for you just the same. Hugs to you. K

Good luck, Mel! Don't worry about a thing and post whenever you're up to it. We'll be thinking about you...

Sending positive thoughts out to of cin_a_mon, illuminationlady and Doer who are being banded today! Congrats to everyone on the December list! Week 1 Monday, November 30: Electrawoman Tuesday, December 1: RandaPanda, TheCutestFatty, terriamn, diana1, great expectations (tbd) Wednesday, December 2: garden-nut, yosemite, Su59, Bobbie0918, austrolatrishy, take charge time, michelleisaac, nurseb24, lcdragna, BeeSwank, iamdabozz205, AJrbilly Thursday, December 3: tbird1211, dmdsanchez, suzycooke, mommymya, sxygma130, Claudean, lapfish, homewith2, ganda, adevong, RAinNH, iza0403, oceancity4me, braydens_mommy, SharShar, diamndgrl408, newgumpee, tmaiello Friday, December 4: kslessar, KarynA, cent, juke, syly14, NurseRachel, MyOldSelfBack, 1skinnychick, Razorgirl, roroNewme, Marcol08, sariel, amber06, marcol08 Week 2 Monday, December 7: lackey4, RadioGirl311, HappyMe2009, lpglarry, realtruelady, Yolly, kimr55760, Maureen62, gkc1300, thinkoflaura Tuesday, December 8: Zanath, Veronda, this.is.4.me, pinklily27, cheley31, ccornett, thebigshow88, Bella_in_n_out, ellaal01, motomom87, Laluxe Wednesday, December 9: michelleintheoc, Irishbookworm, nursejojo, Pam92, tdtucker, SwanGal, ladons, DeeZee1, terrimj, Mz_LB09_Ann Thursday, December 10: msjoachin1, kellu25, karin joseph, AnastasiaBeaverhausen, harleyhottie0612, benhlhs, milescollins, Theresa’sMom415 Friday, December 11: Ernieschick, mmh, LindaO, sarahnoh, Kathryn2003, LindaO, Poppyred, texasnewf, soontobe, bounser, texasnewf, Kygirl32, mandyz Week 3 Monday, December 14: j-mae, Drasan (tbd), hhcurious, seraiah3, lisadoll, kacykwinn, LALALUDE, wandacee, stl Tuesday, December 15: voodoo, BigMomma, slmsister, TinaM, GoneFishin, sluggo, lizyjo09, laney75, sluggo, leftover_eidoes Wednesday, December 16: cin_a_mon, illuminationlady, Doer Thursday, December 17: librarychick, adagray, TracyW2, Melinco, drumr2112, ChaosIsOrder, ididit35, terrimj, kim60, JohnDRobinson Friday, December 18: bren5500, policy34, blondie219, kimmi0919, ymjackson1, Ice Prince, tallnthyckldy77, cawells, ssweettoya (and twin , Sticks, Saturday, December 19: Doddle69 (and Doodle’s Wife), ceecee3272 Week 4 Monday, December 21: hunybear53, abbylamb, great expectations, ymjackson1, MS DIVA, AE09, GAnurse76, rbailey60, ForMyFourBoys Tuesday, December 22: kimwash71112, NolaLola, 65DeuceCoupe, liz.rochelle, mandze90, charole', MissLadii757, Sweet Pete, nebraskahickchi Wednesday, December 23: danielle.hurstcrose, NancyNC, mkmelissag, hanna979 Thursday, December 24: teenbndster12, HiMow Friday, December 25 Week 5 Monday, December 28: alicia3138, tracyv12, Bamablondie1, XxMariposaxX, mommaqueen, ugaband, MissyMS, bellyfatgone Tuesday, December 29:jrene17, Kaitoujeff, alilash, Barb119 Wednesday, December 30: TN_girl21, HapiCat, stampstalker, smitten kitten, ocracoke, brownjl04, building_a_new_temple Thursday, December 31

Last minute advice is... don't sweat the surgery. It's an easy one and it happens quick. A couple of people here had some complications, but they came out of it just fine. Also, you're not gonna feel great for a day or two after surgery (at least), so expect that and give yourself a break - walk some, for sure, but rest too. You'll be up and running (and eating less - you won't be hungry) in no time! The last thing, put (flavored) chapstick in your bag. You won't be able to drink anything for the twelve hours before surgery and it will help to at least have your lips moist. I'm just happy for all of you (including myself)! The first day of the rest of our lives starts now... in December of 2009! I know, I need to update the list - I'll do that soon. Lots of new names! :thumbup:

Just checking-in on y'all.. . Congrats bounser and sarahnoh! I was feeling-up to ANYTHING< let alone posting until a few days after my surgery, so you guys are doing great. I am now on my ninth day post-op and, aside from residual soreness where my port incision is, I feel fine. Right now, I'm trying to get through all those Boost, Special K and other protein drinks I had bought for this week (full liquids) in preparation for the next stages (mushies and real food). I've lost 18 pounds to date and am stoked about my decision to do this. I'm still working on sipping/swallowing properly, as I've been a gulper my entire life. And I'm trying to remember to take my vitamins in the morning (important) and get plenty of fluids down. I'm so busy now at work and preaparing for the holiday, that I'm getting plenty of exercise in. Take care everyone. Illuminationlady, I know your day is coming.... and my thoughts are with you!

Well folks, here it is - the latest and greatist! . I am AMAZED at how much this list has grown! Please don't hesitate to let me know if I need to make any modifications. Our thoughts and best wishes are with all of the December 11th bandsters, as well as the December bandsters in recovery. Hang in there, it gets better. Week 1 Monday, November 30: Electrawoman Tuesday, December 1: RandaPanda, TheCutestFatty, terriamn, diana1, great expectations (tbd), oceancity4me (tbd) Wednesday, December 2: garden-nut, yosemite, Su59, Bobbie0918, austrolatrishy, take charge time, michelleisaac, nurseb24, lcdragna, BeeSwank, iamdabozz205, AJrbilly Thursday, December 3: tbird1211, dmdsanchez, suzycooke, mommymya, sxygma130, Claudean, lapfish, homewith2, ganda, adevong, RAinNH, iza0403, oceancity4me, braydens_mommy, SharShar, diamndgrl408 Friday, December 4: kslessar, KarynA, cent, juke, syly14, NurseRachel, MyOldSelfBack, 1skinnychick, Razorgirl, mkmelissag, roroNewme, Marcol08, sariel Week 2 Monday, December 7: lackey4, RadioGirl311, HappyMe2009, lpglarry, realtruelady, Yolly, kimr55760, Maureen62, gkc1300, thinkoflaura Tuesday, December 8: Zanath, Veronda, this.is.4.me, pinklily27, cheley31, ccornett, thebigshow88, Bella_in_n_out, ellaal01, motomom87 Wednesday, December 9: michelleintheoc, Irishbookworm, nursejojo, Pam92, tdtucker, SwanGal, ladons, DeeZee1, terrimj, Mz_LB09_Ann Thursday, December 10: msjoachin1, kellu25, karin joseph, AnastasiaBeaverhausen, harleyhottie0612, benhlhs Friday, December 11: Ernieschick, mmh, LindaO, sarahnoh, Kathryn2003, LindaO, Poppyred, texasnewf, soontobe, bounser, texasnewf, Kygirl32 Week 3 Monday, December 14: j-mae, Drasan (tbd), hhcurious, seraiah3, lisadoll, kacykwinn, LALALUDE, wandacee Tuesday, December 15: voodoo, BigMomma, slmsister, TinaM, GoneFishin, sluggo, lizyjo09, laney75, sluggo Wednesday, December 16: cin_a_mon, illuminationlady Thursday, December 17: librarychick, adagray, TracyW2, Melinco, drumr2112, ChaosIsOrder, ididit35, terrimj, kim60 Friday, December 18: bren5500, policy34, blondie219, kimmi0919, ymjackson1, Ice Prince, tallnthyckldy77, cawells, ssweettoya (and twin :rolleyes2:, Sticks Week 4 Monday, December 21: hunybear53, abbylamb, great expectations, ymjackson1, MS DIVA Tuesday, December 22: kimwash71112, NolaLola, Bamablondie1, 65DeuceCoupe, liz.rochelle, mandze90, charole', MissLadii757, Sweet Pete Wednesday, December 23: danielle.hurstcrose, NancyNC Thursday, December 24: teenbndster12, HiMow Friday, December 25 Week 5 Monday, December 28: alicia3138, tracyv12, Bamablondie1, XxMariposaxX, mommaqueen Tuesday, December 29:jrene17, Kaitoujeff, alilash Wednesday, December 30: TN_girl21, HapiCat, stampstalker, smitten kitten, ocracoke Thursday, December 31 *ceecee3272 (tbd)*

In this, as in everything else, I imagine you're glad you have each other to lean on through this experience. How exciting for both of you!

Agreed - especially on an empty stomach, and I know you've had a hard time getting even Water down. Also, I recommend staying off treadmills for the time being. :scared2: Feel better.

You guys are SO funny (omg)!

Ohmygosh! Do they know why that happened? And you're okay now? You seem alright. Wow... that's frightening (on the one hand, and on the other... I guess you slept through most of the crisis. :thumbup:). I'm really glad you're okay. Hang in there, kiddo! Late for a meeting...

One more thing... BEST OF LUCK TO THE DECEMBER 9th bandsters! Everything will be just fine. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

I'm getting ready to go to work today. Wish me luck!

As was mentioned, the no soda/no beer requirement is pretty standard. It's the carbonation that's the problem because it expands the pouch. After my surgery last week, my doctor (who himself has a band) stressed the importance of not having these things. "Protect your band" is what he kept saying. I'm not that big on soda anyway, so it's not a huge loss for me. HOWEVER, my favorite cocktail of choice is (was) Captain Morgan's (rum) and diet coke, so I was more than a little bummed about not being able to have that anymore. I did not pig-out or anything before my pre-op, but I did have a drink or two of rum and diet coke, while toasting to a better, healthier, longer, thinner life. It's well worth the exchange. I like your ticker, btw. Good job and good choice!

My surgery was at noon and I too was a little nervous about dehydration and headaches. I made myself stay-up late to drink Water, but it just meant I had to keep getting-up to go to the bathroom. By the time the surgery rolled-around, I was tired and ready for that nap! The only thing I can recommend is chapstick (preferably, flavored; I had grape and coconut/pineapple). It won't help the inside of your mouth or head, but it does help.