ShyTexRose

I too was a December bandster. I figured I would use the days off that I had to recover. Yes, I had to get through the holidays without eating. I was so excited that it wasn't hard. Now is more difficult. I have lost 40 lbs which sounds wonderful but most was lost at first. I had a hysterectomy get in the way in May but other than that no excuse. I had to be unfilled for the surgery. I have the 4 band and am at 2.4. Elaine

What a happy, friendly group of people! I can't wait. I looked at the menu to see what was there and would go down well. I am still at an experimentation stage. My band is fickle. I don't care - it is working for me and I am happy.

May I get in too? I haven't been frequenting the recently because of being busy and here is an opportunity. I was banded December 27.

I am 3 weeks and 4 days past surgery and started trying a couple of solid foods with my mushies and liquids. Nothing terribly dreadful but more than I should have. Some raw veg (carrot, tomato, cole slaw) and some cooked. Some boiled chicken. It probably wasn't a great idea as I have a little pain and pressure in my left side low. I didn't even know my stomach was over there. So.... I am putting myself back on liquids for a while. It may be gas. When I had gas, though it was higher. Has this happened to anyone? Should I be worried? I see the doctor tomorrow.

Thank you. The liquid pain meds came in really handy. I started taking my arthritis meds again and that helped too.

I am not going to be able to make it. I am all dressed and all but I have a crick in my neck that is killing me and making moving difficult. I don't think I can safely drive up there. So, meds and can't drive or no meds and shouldn't drive...... I hope there is another time. Elaine

Hi, jenjen This is what I just went through. I did WW and it did not count. I contacted the American Institute of Gastric Banding and they monitored me. When they reapplied I was approved. BCBS here required a year until recently. The AIGB knew what to do to get approved as well as taught me a lot. I had applied twice and been refused. Good luck. Banded 12-21-06

Yes, AIGB told me that BCBS made it easier at the end of November ( I think). So, I had mine December 21.

They give you stuff to keep the anaesthesia from making you throw up. I have the same problem but they give me something and it helps a lot. I didn't throw up. I am walking and am not constipated but the gas is torture. I am almost never comfortable. It moves. Yes, the chest and shoulder area is scary but they warned me ahead of time about that. I am off the pain killers but may have to go on for the gas. The incisions were never extremely painful. The port(the largest one I think) is the most and still is a bit. I am trying to drink more Water. I got a urinary tract infection - not drinking enough water. So now I have another pill to grind and get down. Those can't help the gas. Help! Gas-x isn't doing it.

Well, I am now 9 days past surgery and still hurting quite a bit. Lots and lots of gas. I am not sure if I am doing something wrong or what. Taking my ground pills seems to make it worse or maybe it is just the taste adds to the displeasure. I couldn't walk outside yesterday. Too many storms. Yes, the ones that sent the President to shelter. When do the gas pains stop?

I will keep walking. It is the bending over part that doesn't feel so hot.

Hi, Jules. I am looking forward to meeting people who have gone through it too.

I am still having some pretty bad pain at times. I am sure it is gas because it moves around. Yes, I use gas-x. Do you always have some of that?

I am indeed looking to a healthier new year. I have even looked at the Cracker Barrel Menu online to see what I can have. Probably coffee or tea!!!! No matter. Question. How long do the eerie/achy feelings last after surgery? Elaine

Hi, I had my surgery at Presbyterian of Dallas. Would have liked Surgery Center of Richardson but insurance didn't ok it. I am glad I have more time off - I would have had trouble going back to work in a couple of days.

I am 7 days banded. As you know, still doing a lot of recovering but sure appreciate this site.

Yes, time for me to get out. Sounds fun. I am now 7 days post surgery.

Tazboobecky, How many days are you after lap band? I had mine last Thursday so this is my seveth day. I haven't tried any mushies yet - just soup and liquids. Cream of chicken soup tasted like the best thing! You aren't alone and feelings of loss and depression are natural. Elaine

I am in Dallas and had my band in the 21 - 4 days ago now. A blender is a handy thing. I have trouble figuring out how to get the bubbles out though as gas is a problem after surgery. I hope Dallas is a welcoming place.

You all have a few days on me. I was banded Thursday Dec 21. It isn't as easy as I thought it would be. I have to admit I am not really hungry, though.

This is my third day. I got my band early Thursday am. I suppose I am doing ok but it is harder than I thought from reading. The gas at times in the upper abdomen is no fun. Nor is the taste of ground meds. I am feeling stronger, though.

I have been reading that many people say the pre-op is worse than the post-op. The first 4 days of pre-op were awful. I am handling it better now. I am hoping that post-op I will not be hungry. That will be a bit of a downer if I am.

My insurance also wouldn't allow Surgery Center of Richardson so I am having it at Presby. I have heard very good things about it but had also heard not all insurances allow it. I am just happy insurance finally approved the surgery. I just called insurance to be sure the doctor's office had ok'ed Thursday's date. They have. All set. The pre-op diet isn't a big thing now. The first 4 days were the worst. Of course I am nervous, hopeful, self-doubting. BlackButterfly, I am sorry your date had to be postponed. I am staying overnight too. The doc gave me the option. I tend to have nausea after surgery so it will be fast for them to give me a shot if I do. I know they frown on nausea. After a night I will be ok. Long time coming. It has taken me over 3 years to get finally approved. I didn't know what I was doing until I went through AIGB. I thought Weight Watchers would help me get the ok from insurance but it did not. Things I thought were documentation they thought not. ReneBean, I am glad you have heard good things about my doctor. He did my one of my doctor's mother's surgery.

After lurking quite a bit, several posts here, and a struggle with insurance I am being banded on December 21. This is my third day of the pre-op diet. Not easy at all. I am in Dallas. Like many of you I am concerned about whether I can change my habits for life. The mental hunger has been a problem for me all my life. That is something I will have to fight. I am concerned about pills. Of course, hopefully I will be able to get off most of them. Thank you to all for letting me lurk and learn. My doctor has 24 hour call thank heavens. I read horror stories about follow-up care. I learned questions to ask. This is a very valuable site. Elaine

Hi, Blackbutterfly, I am having the surgery at the same time on the same date and although my doctor usually does surgery at Surgery Center of Richardson, my insurance (BCBS) won't allow it there. But.... I will be thinking of you. Elaine