madamsoul

Anyone from NJ out there? I had band removed and sleeve surgery scheduled for March 4th. On day 5 of liquid Proteins. Would love to hear from others, especially newbies/soon to be!

I am down 50 pounds and many clothing sizes since March 4th surgery - no longer diabetic and off blood pressure medication. I feel fabulous and have so much energy! Visited my grandsons last week in Florida and was the "nanny" for 4 days. We stayed in a hotel most of the time and while it was a little challenging food-wise, the room had a fridge so I stocked up on cheese sticks, hummus, bottled Water, Greek yogurt, etc. Breakfast was included but I stuck to my fat free plain Greek yogurt and added a little honey and almonds (courtesy of the hotel). I ran around with the children for four days and never got tired. No seat belt extender on the plane, walking was no effort - in fact I enjoyed it because it was exercise, I was able to cross my legs on the plane, etc. EVERYTHING was EFFORTLESS....................for the first time in forever I actually enjoyed the flights and everything. I just cannot believe this new, glorious life...........................SO GOOD!

Who wants to meet in Freehold, perhaps August 16 or 17, mid morning, at a diner? Or can anyone suggest somewhere else?

Can someone help me with how to use my fitness pal? I have not accessed in a while but did not find it user friendly. THANKS!

I had the band for 10 years - great the first year and had problems for the last 9. Removed in November 2013 - gastric sleeve on March 4th and I feel GREAT! As long as you stop eating when you should it is wonderful. I never felt sated with the bandand therefore made the wrong food choices - I never found that "sweet spot". I love the feeling I have with the sleeve - unbelievable - off of diabetic meds since day before surgery - I have been given a new life!

When are you available? Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday day? Perhaps early June?

When are you available...............Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday day? I'm in!

Welcome and ask away if you have any questions!

OKAY - so who is ready to meet in Freehold....................there is a diner on Route 9 just north of Rte. 33 - will look for the name................what is your availability the next few weeks? Who is game?

I am in Monroe Township - perhaps we could find somewhere midway - are you close to Freehold let's say? It would be great to get together, in person, maybe monthly to start? Anyone on board?

Hey all - haven't been here in quite some time! Had the surgery on March 4th and I am SO HAPPY! Down almost 30 lbs. since a week or so before the surgery. Getting used to what it feels like to be "full" BEFORE I feel like I have to throw up. It's a learning process but once you learn, it's heaven. Today I had a slice of deli chicken breast and a few bites of swiss cheese for lunch and it's such a great feeling. I hope all of you have as positive an experience as I did. Absoutely no pain after the surgery; the only problems were gas in my upper chest the first night and nausea - both passed by the morning. Then, just dealing with the drain (just annoying) and very loose bowel movements. Did I mention how happy I was? Not obsessing about food, life is so simple now. I used to spend my evenings stuffing my face am waiting for the person at the Chinese restaurant to ring my doorbell any day now to see if I'm still alive. Seriously, took out food from there 4-5 times a week LOL. Hope everyone doing well - keep in touch!

Thank you so much! The worst will be rescheduling to March 6th but that means 2 more liquid days...........yuck!

Dr. Dobruskin - the best!

I am so excited that everyone responded - perhaps we can get some sort of support group together at some point in the future. So here is my story in a nutshell - can't believe I'm still hanging in, without alcohol or drugs:-) I was supposed to have the surgery on Jan 15 - I’m in Princeton Medical Center, hooked up to IV, 45 minutes before surgery and my surgeon enters the room (in street clothes) to discuss biopsy results from my endoscopy indicating I may have Barrett's Esophagus and therefore sleeve would make it worse. Surgery was cancelled, I go on meds and last week I had another endoscopy and results were good – no problem. My surgeon wanted to be sure. So now we are all set for March 4th and…………………………………..SNOW???? I already booked a room at the Crowne Plaza down the block from the hospital because if the janitor has to perform the surgery, it’s happening! Hopefully my significant other will be able to get home on Monday to go with me - otherwise I will drive there and leave my car in hospital parking lot. Now I am on liquid Proteins for the 2nd time – today is day 11 and I want to kill people. It gets better – Dr. calls me Wednesday night – I had blood test done for pre-admissions and guess what………………………….electrolytes are raised – so now have to drink coconut Water and Gatorade to get levels up, have another blood test on Monday and hope it’s up otherwise anesthesiologist may cancel the surgery!

Central New Jersey in the house - would love to help - great idea!

Hello Ladies, Thanks for responding. My surgery is on March 4th and can't wait! I was banded in 2003 and was having problems - new doctor removed it in November. Can't wait to start the new journey. Patty 8763 stay strong - I've had a few ups and downs on this journey - if you want it, it will happen. MoBee good luck with all of your pre-op appointments! Keep in touch - do both of you live in North Jersey?

I am doing liquids only, at her request, but may have to add a veggie or two. I am sure everything will work out for you. I am now on day 8 of liquids and getting anxious - but it's a good anxious - just want the 15th to come and go:-) Good luck to you and perhaps we will meet at a support group? What hospital?

My surgeon is Lisa Dobruskin too (LOVE HER!) I started 2 week pre-op diet on Jan 1st and ready to shoot anyone in the line of fire:-) Almost done with week 1 so just have to hang in there another week. Had pre-admission testing and completed all mandatory doctor visits. Excited and anxious at the same time. Lapband removed on 11/26 - looking forward to my new life................boy, even a beet sounds good right now.

Surgery date January 15th - lapband was removed November 26th - a whole new journey and I"m very excited. liquids begin January 1st:-) Good luck to all!

My surgeon said many doctors do band removal and sleeve in same procedure but she will not. She likes to wait 6-8 weeks after band removal. Band was removed on 11/26 and sleeve is scheduled for 1/15. She did say the band and port took longer than expected to remove. I am so glad it is gone and looking forward to the next chapter - relieved not to have constant pressure in my chest and vomiting often. Good luck!

Had my band (after 10 years) removed on 11/26 - sleeve surgery scheduled for 1/15/14 - beginning of a new and more successful journey I hope:-)