NYCMom41

I too was overwhelmed reading so many posts here but I stopped reading a few days before my surgery and just recently came back on. I was banded on 7/14/10 and was out of it for the first two or three days. And then about day five I was like okay, did I really have this surgery? I had a single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS for short) through my belly button and it was wonderful. Only during a cat scan (for unrelated reasons) that I had recently did I actually believe I had a lap band in place. I was also one of the very fortunate people that did not get any gas pains and I was able to tolerate every food stage without no complications. Good luck to all who are reading this have not yet been banded. You can do this!!

Hi Shannon. I have coverage through the New York State Health Insurance Plan (for NY state employees). My OON deductible was $375.00 and I did not have a waiting period. My first visit with the surgeon was on 05/13/2010 and I squeezed all the following visits (Psych, Nutrionist, Endoscopy, Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, Abdominal Ultrasound, Endocrinologist, and Primary Care Physician) by 6/30/2010 and my surgery was on 7/14/2010. If by any chance you end up having surgery next year you should look to see if your employer has a flex spending account employeen benefit and defer the amount of your deductible from your paycheck tax free. I had enrolled in flex spending for the 2010 plan year to the tune of $1000 and was so happy that I did. All my copays (doctors and Rx), nutritionist, psychologist, and out of network deductible were covered. Good luck and hope you are able to have the surgery this year.

Congratulations! Only seven days ago you were having major surgery and under anesthesia. I am surprised when I read posts from people who are going back to work a few days after surgery. My surgeon and anesthesiologist advised me that for the first four or five days I would sleep much more than I normally do and boy were they right. Like you about day seven is when I finally felt I could get out of bed without wincing. Its really important to do your breathing exercises or you run the risk of bronchitis or pneumonia. I too had the same issue with the fluid intake. I got permission to drink low calorie Gatorade which helped immensely. Good luck and sounds like you're on the road to recovery!

I started on protein shakes two days after I was banded. Although, I've been cleared to start regular solid foods as of last week, I am still drinking one protein shake for breakfast. I am tired of eating eggs, don't like yogurt or cottage cheese and have come to actually enjoy the shake. It keeps me feeling fuller and there are so many different ways to prepare a protein shake you can't get bored.

Hi BabyK. I entered surgery at 1:15 and was awakened in the recovery area at 4:00PM and home by 4:45. I was a bit nauseous (but thats a normal reaction from coming out of anesthesia) and I felt more discomfort than pain (I had SILS). I was given water to drink and escorted to the bathroom. I don't believe I had a catherer either since I peed as soon as I got to the bathroom. One thing that its important to note is that try to wear something comfortable including on your feet. I wore a sundress and flip flops. You want to wear something that is going to be easy to put on after surgery as bending is going to be a chore for a few days post op. I live in NYC so I was fortunate that the outpatient facility and my apartment are six blocks apart so I was home in a few minutes. Unfortunately although I felt well enough to walk home, the staff made us hail a cab. Be prepared when you get home if others depend on you (children, pets, spouse, etc..) cause you are most likely going to be sleeping the rest of the day. (that's if you're allowed to go home the same day). Good luck and keep asking questions! The more prepared you are the better patient and recovery you will have!!

Funny, I had the same thoughts as you prior to my surgery. I had an endoscopy a few weeks prior to my surgery and the same out patient facility so I already knew that you had to be completely naked under your gown. So the day of the surgery I was prepared. The day before, I had a bikini wax, shaved my legs and had a pedicure! LOL, my friends were like are you going on a first date or are you having surgery??? As many people have already posted here, the medical staff are professionals, and take your privacy seriously. The nurse made it a point to cover me and made sure I was comfortable cause boy, was it cold in there! Good luck next month and keep us posted.

I was banded on 7/14 and today was my first adjustment. The day of the surgery, it was filled at 3cc and today I had another 1cc fill. My PA preferred to start small to be safe. I did the water test and passed. Quick and easy. Good luck everyone and remember, we can do this!!

Hi Molly. My surgery date was 7/14 and I had my first fill today. (1cc). Since it was my first fill I didn't know what to expect and all I can say is you're pricked with a needle (slight pain) and that's it. I did a water test when I left and I passed. The PA suggested that I go back to soft mushy foods for the next two days or even liquids and then try to eat regular foods again. Good luck tomorrow and keep us posted.

I think its important that you realize that although you may physically be able to go back to work, are you mentally able to do so? With me, I was physically able to go back within 10 days of my surgery. But I chose to stay out a few weeks longer because I really wanted to make sure I was mentally ready for the challenges that I may face at work, and that is to be around so much food. I work in a department, where we constantly receive cakes, cookies, pies, etc..as tokens of appreciation. Being banded is a life altering experience and I really feel that you should take as much time as possibly can before you transition back to work.

Funny, I was banded on the 14th and just started experiencing this problem as well. I can actually feel the port through my skin. I emailed my surgeon and he said this was perfectly normal and the discomfort should go away in a few weeks. Basically, his response was, now that the swelling has gone down, I'm feeling the port now but its always been there. He also told me that its sewn to the abdominal wall...weird huh?

Like some of the people who replied to this thread, I too have a great paid time off policy at work so I took a full four weeks off. For me, I probably could have returned to work sooner but I really wanted to get acclimated with the new way of eating (mushy foods, protein shakes) without the scrutiny from co-workers. I am returning to work tomorrow and on Wednesday I can start regular foods again. :thumbup:

My surgery is scheduled for the 14th of July and I too am looking for cyber buddies. My surgeon does not have me on any crazy diets pre-surgery except for the day before. I was instructed to be on a clear diet 24hrs prior to surgery. I am looking forward to it but a bit nervous at the same time. Would love to meet new people who are experiencing the same feelings! Good luck all!!

Yeah! My surgery is also the 14th, whew only one week to go. I mentioned to my surgeon about how I've been reading that I should be on a pre-op diet before I get banded and he replied that's not necessary. As long as I don't gain any more weight I only have to be on Clear liquids for 24hrs before my surgery. Good luck and would love to hear about your progress!

Hi HoneyBrown. I too also told only 5 people in my immediate circle of friends and family. I don't want or need to hear any of their bullsh!t comments about this is the "easy way out" to losing weight. There has not been anything easy about making a decision that will affect the rest of your life. It is the decision you have to make for yourself and forget about everyone else. I briefly mentioned it to someone and her comment was oh just eat less and exercise more. This is coming from someone who has not been able to stop smoking since she was 15. So my response to her was, its like me telling you, just don't buy any cigarettes and stop smoking. Its easier said than done. I have come to terms that I might lose some friends during this process, especially those who love to judge. But I also know that I will be healthier and happier and thats all that matters. Hang in there!

I'm not a LI resident, but I am a NYC resident so would love to keep in contact with everyone. I went for my first consult on 5/13 and completed all my appointments (cardio, endoscopy, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, gall bladder ultrasound, psych, and nutrionist) within 4 weeks. I am a NY state employee and have an excellent health plan so it was pretty easy getting all this done in a relatively short period of time. Whew, with that said, my surgery has been penciled in for the 14th of July and now I'm getting a bit nervous. I spent so much time booking these appointments and exams that I didn't do much research about post-op lab band information. I've been overweight the last 10 years prior to that, I was never more than 130lbs. Unfortunately dealing with my mother's illness, I turned to food for comfort and steadily gained about 10lbs per year until I am now 230lbs. I am not looking for a goal weight but more a healthy weight. I would love to hear from everyone and maybe we can become cyber friends. Friend from NYC :confused:

@Hal. Thank you so much for responding to this thread. Your advice and suggestions is invaluable. I too, am scheduled for my lap band surgery on 7/14 and I'm a ball of nerves as well. I've chosen to only tell five people in my immediate circle of friends so it makes it a bit hard to talk with anyone about my feelings. I look forward to reading this forum as much as possible and appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions. :confused: