Shesha

Roller Derby would be soooooo cool to do! I am glad to hear you made the team (as if there was any doubt) I would love to get out there and kick some booty! Too bad I live in the middle of nowhere. I hope to get on a summer volleyball league this year though. I golf, but that's really not much of a contact sport (unless you count the ball hitting the club) tee hee! Full Contact golf, now that would be fun! Ah, maybe not. Most of the "ladies" I golf against have me by at least 50 lbs. - (good 'ol beer drinkin', chees eatin' wisconsin women.) I think I'd end up in the hospital!

<p><p> I am from Central Wisconsin and was banded on 1/25/07 by Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver. Cost was $9950.00, no hidden fees. Dr. K is AWESOME! Very nice! The surgery went extremely wellWe flew to Denver out of Wausau (through O'Hare) and stayed at the best Western Gateway Inn and Suites right near Dr. K's office in Aurora. The room was very reasonable. I told them I was having surgery and they gave me a handicapped room on the first floor. It was very convienent</p>

I emailed my nutritionist with the same question. She basically said that the quantity of food before your first fill varies because you will not have the same feeling of fullness you have after a fill. Don't be concerned about stretching the pouch but you do want to limit the amount of food you eat to make sure you lose weight and to prevent any concern of overeating and vomiting.

Hey Kristin! I am doing really well. I almost feel like I didn't have surgery only 8 days ago! I do have restriction, but it is (I think, since I really have nothing to compare it to) very light. The last couple of days I've been able to eat well. (800 cals vs. 600 =0) I am still trying to figure this whole thing out though. My weight loss kind of stopped, weird I know. I hope to move more this week, so that should get the scale moving again. I don't want to put too much emphasis on weight loss at this point though, since I still have some healing to do. Ugh.. what to do, what to do... =o)

Hi All! Thanks for all the well wishes! I guess I should clarify... I am here in Wisconsin where it is currently -15 degrees F. Walking outside is not an option (at least in my book) until, say.. .March. I am just headed to the gym to do some time on the treadmill and maybe a few on the eliptical. Nothing strenuous at this point! I work near the mall in town, so I have been able to do a bit of walking during the day. I just want to get back to the gym so I can get back in the habit of going, and maybe breaking a sweat!

Well, now that I have taken off my bandages, I finally feel normal and ready to start exercising. (I told myself I'd give myself a full week after surgery to just heal up, get used to the post-op diet, and just do the suggested walking.) Now that the week is over I am ready to get this thing started! * Monday I hit the gym! I will be back to let you all know how it went! * I bought the South Beach Diet book - the most recent one that just breaks down the food. Doesn't include all that theory fluff... * I also created my account on FitDay.com. WOW! I can't believe how few calories I am eating these days. I know that will change when I get to solids, but still, 600 calories a day??? Yikes! I also need to get WAY more protein in. * I put a bunch of protein drinks in the fridge. EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control seems to be a good one. Only 110 Calories, 3 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber and 17 g of protein in a 11 oz serving. Plus it's only $4.97 for 4 at Wal-Mart. So, let me get through the Super Bowl tomorrow (Go Bears!!) and Monday I start!

I had a few.. "oh my goodness what I am doing?" moments. Even in the holding area waiting for surgery! I just kept thinking of all the positive things this band can help me with and it kept me going. So far, I am very happy to have it. I am 32 and have only told my husband, sister and two best friends. (Work people found out only 'cause they overheard a few of my phone calls, so I came clean - no biggie though. I just started the job and hardly know any of them.) My family has always put such an emphasis on my weight, that I decided not to tell them until I was ready. I wanted to make sure this was a decision I made on my own. That and it's nice not to have to answer the "how much have you lost so far" and "can you eat that" questions.... Good Luck!

I'm glad you came clean! I talked with him the other day. I was concerned my burping was affecting my band. He said as long as I am following the diet, (which I was) I'll be fine. I think he thinks I'm nuts!

We went to church tonight and it was -9 when we got out! When we left the restaurant from dinner, it was already -11!! I guess we haven't had it this cold in quite a long time, so I won't complain, but yes it is freakin' cold!!! Gotta go, my dog has to go out. He's been wearing his sweater since last night. I've never seen him 'do his business' so fast before!

Thanks for letting us know that everything turned out for the better. Yes, I love raw veggies too. It's good to know that you can still eat 'em as long as you are careful.

Mark! Take care of that band, kiddo! You went through a lot to get that bad boy. That, and I wouldn't want the wrath of Dr. K upon me... tee hee Glad to hear you turned over a new leaf! Keep up the great work!

Someone asked about it at a RNY/lapband seminar I was at. The Dr.'s there had a very good medical reason (I can't remember what it was though) as to why it's a bad idea. I know this doesn't help much, but I do remember thinking, "wow, don't get that done" after hearing what their issue was with it.

What's the word on the cabbage??

Does general burping do damage to your band?? I am recently banded and have had to burp a few times a day. I do, but try to gently. I am just so scared that I am going to do something to my band! What about hiccups?? are they damaging at all?

I did my consult over the phone, since my surgeon was in a different state. It lasted about an hour. He asked a bunch of questions... weight, height, bmi, current medical conditions, family histories, current meds etc. Then, he went through the procedure, very detailed and thorough, but not over my head. He talked in general about pre-op, post-op and mature band diet (Explained that nutritionist will go into more detail) I asked a bunch of questions and he answered them fully. Very conversational. He made sure I had a good understanding of what I was getting myself into. I already had a date set, so basically it was "see ya the day before, and call me if you have ANY questions" I felt very good about everything.

Everybody's different but... I had surgery on Thursday 1/25, in Denver, and was back to work on Monday 1/29, at a desk job, in Wisconsin. Here's a play by play to give you an idea.... Day of surgery - woke up in recovery room around 4:30. I was back to the hotel around 5:30 -6:00 and "slept" (aka- out cold, dead to the world- 3 phone calls and a screaming 14 month old who bumped her head - and heard nothing, out) until 4:30 am, went potty and slept until about 8:00 am. Day after surgery - in and out of bed all day. Sore tummy (just when I tried to sit up/roll over- like having done a bunch of sit ups) and dry mouth. I did shower, visit the Dr. and go out to dinner (mmmm...soup) that night, all without much trouble. (I even remarked to my husband that if I HAD to go to work today, I'd be tired but I could do it...) Day two - woke up early and flew home - two shuttle buses, one connection with a delay at O'hare. 14 month old and a diaper bag in tow. No issues. Wasn't even tired (except for the normal wear and tear of travel). Day three - Pretty much back to normal. Went to Target, watched TV, etc.. Day 4 - back to work 7:00 am. I'd have to say the only restrictions I had were due to movement, since you are aware of your incisions. I walked slow, 'cause if I walked too fast, my belly would jiggle a bit and kind of make my incisions uncomfortable.(nice, huh?) I couldn't pick up my daughter (didn't want to blow a stitch) Couldn't really play with her on the floor comfortably or change a diaper. I also had a cold and coughing really sucked. I held a pillow to my tummy for pressure and was able to cough productively. I am still a little careful getting in and out of the car. Bending over to tie your shoes or shave your legs - wouldn't recommend it for a couple of days post op.

I am 7 days post op and haven't 'done it' yet... back in a few and I'll let you know.. tee hee... "oh honey... I need to check something.."

Two separate Dr.'s told me that that band itself is a $3000.00 piece of equiptment. WHERE is the other $20,000.00 going??? That is a CRAZY bill. Are you sure you just had lapband surgery?? If I had a bill like that, I'd want to wake up with the tummy tuck and new set of perky D cups to boot! Dr. Kirshenbaum - $9950.00 and it was awesome!

Hi all!! Just checking in. I took my bandages off today. My incisions have healed up nicely so far. Some more time and a little Mederma, and I shouldn't have much scaring at all. I started mushies on day 6. I am having a bit of trouble though. The nutritionist said that full liquids/mushies are the consistency of something that can fit though a straw (but don't use a straw) She offered examples of tomato soup, pudding, fish, peas and stew meat. The one piece of information that I don't have is HOW much?? Is it also ok at this point to sip water while you eat? This is what I ate today...(not counting protein drinks/water) breakfast - about 1/8 of a cup of soupy oatmeal lunch - not even 1/4 cup of refried beans dinner - a tiny piece of cod about the size of my thumb and about the same amont of mashed potatoes Each meal took me at least 30 to 45 minutes and I chewed it until it was pulverized. I also took sips of water or milk during the meal. I have not had any problems with the food. I eat until I feel comfortable. Am I eating too much?? I've been such a good little student and want to do this right. Please help me oh wise bandsters!

Hey ZuZu. I was banded by Dr. K on 1/25! How cool!

I feel like I am the only one that got the smaller band. Please let me know that there are others out there and that you are doing well. Sheila

Thank you all for your responses! I was very surprised when my surgeon told me that he went with the 9.75 cm band. It's good to hear that you are all doing well and don't seem to have problems with pb'ing or anything. I'll keep you posted on my progress! Again, thank you very much. Now I don't feel so alone!

Hi there! I will be in Denver for a few days before my lap band surgery, so we need something to do. Now, I know there is a ton of things to do in Denver, but.... My husband and I are huge fans of the cartoon South Park. There is an episode where Cartman locks Butters in a fallout shelter so he can take Butters' place when the group goes to Casa Bonita for Kyle's birthday party. Anyway, it's a really funny episode, and ever since we saw it we always exclaim "Casa Bonita - ole!!!" anytime we are going to a Mexican restaurant. (I know, I know, my husband and I are a little weird) Well, I can't explain to you the excitement in my husband's eyes when I told him that Casa Bonita is a real place and it's in Denver. Needless to say we HAVE to go there while we are there... pre - op diet or not**!! Now, I used to live in Orlando and I know how the locals just hate those tourist trappy things, but please... Is it just a crazy tourist trap?? Is the food any good? Can you tell me how far it is from Aurora - where my Dr. is? Do you need reservations? Will it be busy on a Tuesday or Wednesday for lunch? Can I take my 14 month old there?? Tooooo Funny, but any information would be much appreciated!! ***btw.... I DO NOT really plan on going off my pre-op diet and potentially blowing my chance at surgery with a pig out at Casa Bonita. I was just being funny. I am sure there is enough Protein there to keep me entertained, and I am confident I will stay away from chips and salsa.

Well, we did not make it to Casa Bonita. Just didn't have enough time. We do plan on heading there on our next trip though. Thanks for all the information!

Your day will come soon enough. =o) Today was the first day I was really hungry. I am getting sick of Soup. Can't wait until Wednesday when I can start full liquids/mushies.