clohse

Thanks for the words of wisdom and encouragement. In spite of how my previous post sounded I am really positive about the band and the changes I'm making. I have already noticed that some clothes that fit pre-surgery are quite loose now. And who is this person that is actually beginning to crave steamed veggies??

I'm not sure anyone can tell you for sure if you are a candidate except the doctor, but I can tell you how I went about getting mine done using BCBS. I started by asking my regular family doctor what he thought about it. He supported it and gave me the names of a couple of surgeons in my area that give the informational seminars. I showed up at one of the seminars, filled out their "application" and turned it in. From then on, it was mostly done between the surgeon's staff and BCBS. The dr office would call and tell me what I needed to to, and I followed their directions to the letter (because BCBS can be really snarky to deal with!) If you have any specific questions, feel free to send me a pm.

During the weeks before my banding my sister-in-law would ask me over and over "Are you SURE this is what you want to do?" As it turns out, she had a friend that had lots of complications resulting from her band surgery. Her friend almost died, and ultimately had to have the band removed. I told her that I was aware of all the possible complications, had done lots of research, and that my doctor was very experienced at doing this. Once I had addressed her REAL concerns, she felt much better and has been supportive. Whatever her reasons, don't let your friend change your decision. If you have questions or concerns, you should ask your doctor. I would also try to get her to focus on the two of you as WLS support buddies afterward.

I had the same thing happen. I asked my doctor about it at my post surgery checkup. After he finished yelling at me for weighing at home, he told me that the period before the first fill really shouldn't show much weight loss. He said it was the time to heal, walkwalkwalk, and get the new eating habits ingrained. It was still a little disappointing.

My surgery was Aug 13th and I still have one place that 'tugs' the new scar depending on how I move. I've found that if I use regular bandaids to sort of hold the skin together that feeling is really minimized. My clothes were irritating, too, especially bras! The port site was sore for longer than the rest, and still aches if I am tired or have moved around more than usual.

I love oatmeal. I use the 'quick' kind that has to be cooked for about 5 minutes or so. I nuke it with milk then add either natural applesauce or a smashed banana into it. I split it with my daughter for breakfast (hers gets just a touch of splenda added). nummy!

I was banded on Aug 13. After the surgery, my period came about a week early and was slightly lighter and shorter than normal. (I have been charting mine because of some irregularity way back in March.) I hadn't thought about the blood thinners causing it to start early. Interesting. If it is troubling you, or you are feeling anemic, you should definitely talk to one of your doctors about it.

Yes, it gradually just went away for me. I did have medicine from my doc to take, though. He sent me home from the hospital with 3 meds, an antibiotic, an anti-nausea and a pain med. I agree with the previous posters that say to call your doctor and insist on him calling a prescription in for you.

I was banded on the 13th. I was really nauseous for the first two or three days, too. I found that I was fine as long as I was still, but once I began to move around, the vomiting would start again. I tried to make sure I got my fluids in (room temp or slightly warm). I slept in a (mostly) sitting position for the first two nights. By the third day, I was off the pain meds, but still would vomit if I moved in a certain way. I don't know if it was from the anesthesia or from the band around the tummy, but that finally went by day 4 or 5. Hang in there, you are still healing. It will get better. Just be sure to do exactly as your doctor says.

I am scheduled to be banded this Friday. I started my journey back in March with the seminar and then the supervised diet for the insurance. It's been a whirlwind of specialists and testing, all leading up to Friday the 13th. I am ecited and nervous all at the same time.