phenry

hope all you new bandsters have a speedy recovery! I am to be banded on June 12th. I fell out of bed Thurs. morning and tore cartlage out of my ear and had to have a surgeon repair it. I sure hope that doesn't postpone my surgery somehow...because of infection or something. I guess I had better call my surgeon on Monday just to tell him what happened.

I agree...we may have to let the name thing fall as it may. It's only a name...what matters are the members and just being there to help, support and answer questions.

My surgeon has ordered ten days of injections that I do at home for blood clots after lapband surgery. I haven't read about these on any of the posts before. Has anyone else had these? Are they hard to give?

congrats on your success with not smoking! I quit about 5 years ago and have never looked back. I am hoping the lapband turns out to be just as good of a decision!

Hi JayTee! I am over my concerns with Dr. Shina. This is just one more thing that he does to make me think he takes every precaution. Glad to know the shots are easy. I guess if your tummy is sore from incisions anyway, whats another mosquito bite sting going to do. I only have one more step before all surgery clearances are done. I need a ...esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Basically a camera down the throat. That comes 6 days before surgery. I want to go out and stock up on protein stuff, but also want to make sure I am getting the surgery first. Looks like your weightloss is going well. Any problem foods yet?

Practical...you are the same day as me. What part of Houston are you from and who is your surgeon? I have 2 friends down there that have had lap band and one who has had bypass. All three are sisters!

That sounds great! I know I would like something like that.

I have been poking around on LBT for a long time and I haven't run across any info on this yet.(not to say it isn't there) What possible "long term" complications can happen from lap band surgery? What I mean is...I know about slippage, erosion, port repairs and the such....from what I have read, those can be fixed. BUT...is there any complication from surgery that can't be fixed? My surgery date is June 12th, so I know I am taking this time to convince myself that this is the right thing to do and all will be okay, but there is always that other side that keeps you wondering if you are making the right move, or are you a loser because you can't lose the weight yourself. I am fat and I need to lose weight, but I also am healthy with all things considered. I have high cholestrol, sleep apnea because of my weight, but other than those two things, I have no other problems except plantar fasiitis. I sometimes fear that I might have some long term or lifetime problem that happens because of surgery. I sure wouldn't want to lose the health I have left! Any thoughts on this?

I worry about the functioning thing too.

I guess I will start with the Unjury stuff...maybe a flavored one and an unflavored one. I did try a sample of the chicken flavor and it sucked! I think I can make a smoothie or something out of strawberry or vanilla.

well I know when I slice brisket...I slice it diagonal to the grain and it definately makes it easier to chew. What about cooking meats in a pressure cooker? It seems that would make most anything fall apart tender, plus the broth you cook it in should keep it moist. I think I will try that...when the times comes.

Wow...it's been a long road for you! Once you get "the date", time really seems to fly! I need to start stocking up on supplies here at home so I will be ready. I got my Magic Bullet this past weekend and also a new blender. I have to choose my protein drink that I am going to start with and see how it goes. I should start experimenting with protein drinks to get an idea of what tastes good to me.

Well, I certainly don't have anything like that around here...maybe some fresh Angus just off the hoof or something...but no frills! LOL! What I am really hoping is that the band will provide me with a huge phychological boost just knowing that it is in there...and also if I don't mind my P's and Q's....I might just have to vomit. I hate to do that...so I am going to try to be a good girl! Also, with me anyway, just seeing the scale can work in the opposite direction from what I am used to seeing is going to be thrilling. That I am counting on to be a guiding force to keep me on track. As long as I get my tummy full and can eat the healthy things I love and can tolerate...I think I can say no to most tempting situations.

:thumbup:Thanks Indio! You are an inspiration...and you look great!

Thanks Indio! You are an inspiration...and you look great!

I am still waiting to get my machine! My last study was on May 7th. On the first test my oxygen dropped to 70%. With the bi-pap machine I was at 90%. Someone is dragging their heels and I really would like to get used to the darn thing before surgery. I didn't mind the sleep study at all and I get insomnia really bad. They gave me an Ambien and it was good night nurse!

you are the day before me!

I can sure relate! I am being banded on June 12th and I read all these posts on here where people are jumping for joy and just can't wait to have surgery...and well, I haven't jumped for joy even once yet. I am more anxious and nervous about it all. I wish I was more excited but I can't wish it so. I thrive on reading the posts that say "you won't regret it" and that's how I hope I feel. I know somethings got to give because I am sick of being fat. The good thing about lap band is it is reversable at least. I haven't read of too many complications from getting it reversed if need be. That is encouraging! From all the research I have done, it seems that there are a ton of different outcomes. If I am going to go through this, I plan on following my diet to a T to make this all worth it!

well I am 52 and getting banded June 12th. I can see there are many here that have lost weight just fine...I want to be in that club!

Hi Gals, I am being banded June 12th by Dr. Shina in Louisville at Nortons Suburban.

I was just diagnosed with apnea too. I had to go back for a second study in which they let me sleep with a c-pap and then they were able to compare test one without c-pap with test two with c-pap. It greatly increased my oxygen levels at night. Once it's determined you have it, they want you to bring the c-pap machine for surgery and they will put you on it so that you wake up from surgery breathing with it. At least that is how it was told to me. Maybe it is a liability issue with the doc. If they know you have apnea and don't take all the proper measures to make sure you have your c-pap for after surgery...maybe they could be risking something happening to you. I don't know about other surgeries since I have never had surgery before. Also maybe both tests are required in order for you to be able to get the machine from your insurance company.

Sounds like a sensible approach. For me, banding is all I feel comfortable with being that the insurance does not pay for the sleeve at this point. A bypass just scares the crap out of me....like maybe 10 years down the road are problems going to start showing up and well, from what I have read...you just can't go in their and fix the plumbing easily. Maybe not at all...that I don't know about. So, with the band option left I know that this will only work if I can arrange things and experiment with what I have to make it work for me. I appreciate all the different outlooks on things. I find it all very helpful in deciding the best approach for me. I live in the country and I have a nice veggie garden...it would be most difficult to not eat any of what I work so hard to grow! I see how the proteins can fill you up...so maybe more frequent tiny meals might work...like 3 good forms of protein and in between some fruits and veggies. That might be what I try so I can customize my eating ability with the best food choices. I would think if you didn't get fruits and veggies in that constipation would be a huge issue. For now until I get to experiment myself I am just gathering hints and ideas from all of you who have had weight loss surgery.

sounds like the perfect combination...eating well and losing weight! I only hope I am as lucky when I get my band in June!

I am due to be banded next month and I really need my fruit and veggies! I hope I fall into the classification of fruit and veggie eaters!

So it was hard for you to eat both fruit and veggies? Is that true for all band patients or is it a matter of what each person tolerates? I would hate to give up either fruit or veggies. Can't they be cooked tender and then eaten? I thought I had read somewhere that it was fine to have them, I guess I better go do some research!