hermosa1

Hi Girls, Looks like you all have been busy the last 2 days. It took me forever to catch up. I enjoying reading it all though. I don't post too much but it's good to know that others are having similar experiences...calms the nerves. I had my 2 week post op today. Total loss 12#. The dr said any loss before the first fill is bonus. Since it's unfilled it's not working like it's suppose to, except for any swelling that might be making feel full. I said that is good since this past week, I have been getting very hungry in between my light and fit smoothies for breakfast and boost for lunch. StephC, i can't believe you only drink 1/2. I guzzle that whole thing and keeps me good for about 2-3 hrs. Do you know if there is a low-sugar one. I got the high protein but it has 25g of sugar! Beversman what are you doing to get 80g of protein per day (did I miss it in a post?). Also, who cares what you told the work people. What nerve to even ask you (unless they are good friends). But it is non of anyones business unless you want to tell them. I feel like I am not getting enough protein and that could be part of the hunger issue. They took off the tape over my stiches...things are looking good. Do any of you go to support groups in your area. I went last week to the one at my drs office. It was very interesting. Everyone is at different phases but no-one more than 6 or so months. Some people are doing really good and look great. Others not so much. It was again another reminder that once we are all off of this crazy liquid and mushy diet that this is only a tool and not a magic pill. I know we all know that but seeing people further along than we are it is just a reminder. One girl had the surgery 3 months ago and said she has not lost any weight because she still eats fast food all the time. Someone suggested that she needs a fill because she shouldn't be able to tolerate fast food if she was at a good adjustment. So again a tool... It was just a good reminder since I know we are still focused on the liquid only. Thought I would share. Take care all! Good luck for those going in this week.

Itsuptome, I am glad you are doing well. I was wondering since I haven't heard from you since before last tuesday. I had mine on the same day. I am doing well. No pain, only my incision to the right of my belly button (where the port is) bothers me when I bend down. I am still on liquids until next Monday then mushy. Too bland-yuck! I am ready for real food. Did you say you have staples? I haev disolvable stiches. I go for my 2 week post op on Monday. I am already down 10#. but like you I think it is just water weight. When do you think you will get your first fill? For the first week I wasn't very hungary after each liquid meal. Now I am starving after about 3 hours. I usually have a Light and Fit Yogurt smoothie for breakfast, Boost high protein (chocolate/yummy) for lunch and a soup for dinner. But right now it's not enough...Keep it touch. Glad you are doing good.

Nat, thanks again for the words of encouragement. Yes, I think he is still shell shocked from the $$ but we are very fortunate and not hurting for $$$. I think it is just his finial summation that i could not do it myself. I keep telling him, this is where we are at and all we can do is move forward. Sometimes it works and other times not so much. I know him and no matter how much $$ we have, he is and will always be a tight wad. Again, I think my final victory is when I reach my goal. Best of luck again to you and your goals. I am glad we have all found each other. Have a great nite. Keep us informed.

bandiva, Thanks for your 2 cents. I do appreciate it. I believe you are right. It is just good to hear from others than just yourself some time. We have only been married for 2 yrs and have seen and heard allot and I know it is only the tip of what can come in a marriage. You know how men's timing can be. thank you. Good luck with your continued weight loss.

I am down 7#s since my surgery on Tuesday. Go figure, liquid diet is absolutely less calories than what I normally consume on a regurlar day. The pain has been very managable, only 1 stitch bothers me when I bend down. It is the one to the right (my right) of the belly button, I think that is the one they used to actually put the LAP band in. It is the largest incision. Does anyone else feel like they can feel their port? When I wear my bra and sit down, I feel like my port touches my bra wire. It is very uncomfortable, not painful though. I think when I loose weight and my stomach is smaller I won't feel it. I can't wait for the 2 week liquid diet to be over, I am even excited about mushy food! I did not have a pre-op diet so I even feel more for those that had liquid 2 weeks prior to the surgery. I read that some of you who are a few days/weeks post op that you are not hungry. Have you had a fill yet? I have not and won't until 6 wks post op. I am hungry between meals! I fill up quickly with my liquids but a couple hours later, watch out...my tummy is a grumbly. On another note, for those self pays out there and I guess even those that are not...how are your spouses responding? My husband eventually became very supportive through the investigation process. I thought he was totally on-board even when we had to pay 100% ourselves (which we did). However, the last couple of days he keeps repeating it....$16,000. I can't believe we spent $16,000. "You better not mess this up". I keep wondering, did he think that once I had the surgery I would be down to my goal weight immediately? Why now? After the fact? And of course his lack of faith in me is discouraging. I know the best thing is to show him that of course I can do it and will. But it feels like a slap in the face. I keep focusing on me and my goals and small sucesses one at a time. I know he will turn around again. Any thoughts out there? Thanks.

kaydotrn, You are right they do put a tube down your throat to help you breath while under. But they don't put in until you are out and take it out before you wake up. The only thing you notice is a sore throat and cough. I highly recomend getting sugar free life savors or other hard candy. That and ice-waters really help. The part that acutally puts you under is the med in the IV, that is what freaked me out. I just kept thinking about my new self at the beach with husband actually being able to wear a swim suit. Good luck.

Beversman, That is too bad your family is not supporting you. When I first started looking into the surgery (8 months ago), my husband said the same thing thinking I could do it on my own. I took him to several of the informational meetings and do reseach with me on the web. He did start to see that this is a tool not a cop-out. How long have you been looking into it? Maybe trying to get your family involved in the process instead of just telling them about it, they will start to get it. I do hope so because even if you get a couple people to support you it will help you calm down and focus on the goal. Best of luck. I hope this helps.

Kaydotrn, Ccongrats on your pre-op weight loss! That's amazing. Yes, I thought I was leaving soon too but I am so glad I am home in my own environment much more than being at the hospital. I have been reading many of the posts on this site and it seems as though there are many variations in the pre-op diet and instructions to how long in the hospital etc... I guess every surgeon has there own way they like to do things. I was also a self-pay so I am not sure if that has anything to with it?? Considering I feel pretty good I am glad I didn't have to pay to for an overnight. The anestiology wan't so bad. I have very small veins and usually have a hard time finding a vein. The nurse was great she felt around with her hand on several areas, found a good spot and even gave me quick shot to numb it since she said the vein was deep and she was going to have to "dig". Sounds bad but I really didn't feel anything since she numbed it. Then once I was in the OR, I layed day and they started hooking monitors up it seemed cold but they put really nice warm blankets on me and leg warmers with pumps to help with the circulation. Then they had me breath through a mask and take deep breaths saying I would get sleeping...then bam it was over and i waking up! That's all I remember. So I wouldn't worry about it. I felt very groggy when I woke up but even right now, I feel good. Not sure, but that is probably part of the med, but that is fine wiht me. Also, for the Vitamins I am taking children's flinestones. Good luck, I hope this helps and let us know how it goes.

Hello Fellow Dec banders, I was banded this morning at 9:00 am est. I was supper nervous when I got there, my heart was pounding and I was sweating especially when they put my IV in. I was glad my husband was there to keep me company until I went into the OR. He helped keep my calm and focus on the goal. Once I went into the OR, the next thing I know...was nothing...I was out like a light and what seemed like 5 minuets later I was waking up. Mostly my throat was hurting and I was coughing allot. I felt woosy and sore and tired but that was about it. My husband drove me home. I had some ice Water and suar free life savors to suck on-those were very helpful on the throat. Then I went to sleep for about 2 hours. I am now up and have had some broth and ice water. I do feel so much better than on the way home but I will take it easy. i have tomorrow off but back to work on thursday. Carol453, were you also banded today? How is it going? I have had no problem getting down about 1/2 cup of broth. I hope you can start to get more fluids and stuff down. I think that has helped with my energy level. Itsuptome, are you home yet? let me know how it went. I am so glad this part is over and now the healin can begin. starting weight 245.5, 47%BF

Itsuptome, I like that and what a true realiziation. Thanks for the welcome. Congrats on the 13# down. It's only the begining for us. Let's try to post Tuesday evening if we feel up to it and see how each other are doing. Best of luck!

I am being banded this Tuesday 12/5 at 10:15 am. I am a self pay, couldn't wait any longer with the insurance battle. My procedure will be done at the Cincinnati Weight Loss Center. I do not have a pre-op recommended diet. I almost wish I did because I feel like every meal is my last "real" meal. I can't wait for the process to being, the anticipation is most annoying. At least once it is done, I will know how I it feels (how much pain, tightness etc..) rather than just guessing and most importantly start the loosing process. I am glad to have found the December banders so we can encourage each other! 72 hours to go!