Rachael

That awesome!! congrats!!! I am on full liquids now and i feel so much better! I know it will be worth it. I am already down more than I have been in the last couple of years. Can't wait to get to under 200 lbs. and eventually to my goal weight and I have confidence that I can do!! Rachael

Congratulations!!! It must have felt wonderful!!!

I am not going to pureed chicken or eat baby food meat...that is what canned tuna, chicken and white fish that I have in the freezer are for. I would seriously love some mashed potatoes but I am not complaining--full liquids are heaven compared to the clear liquid torture I was on for 12 days. I have been watching movies..not so much about food. We will make it. I have lost 14 lbs already--go me!! Rachael

I can't help answer your question, but I feel the same way. I had my post op appointment today (banded 3/18) which was about 1 1/2 hours away. Then, dh and I stopped at Target. I got stuff for my kids' Easter Basket/Easter Egg hunt, since I had extra money right now. I was in there less than an hour and had to come home and take a nap. The great thing though--no more clear liquids--I never want to see sugar free Jello again...LOL. My friend who got the band last year said it took her about a month to get completely back to normal. Rachael

That's what happened at my post op appt. She also went over the step down diet and reminded me to drink 64 ounces of Water. Told me to take Vitamins and a medication for my gall bladder. I was in and out in about 20 minutes. So happy to be onto full liquids today! And I do have some restriction already...woo who!! Rachael

Very hungry and tired of clear liquids. Can't wait to start on full liquids. The band is a great motivator. Don't want to mess it up by eating something I'm not suppose to. Tomorrow marks a week since surgery and I started to feel hungry on Wednesday. I can't start on full liquids until Monday after I see the surgeon's nurse. I am going to have some jello and a Popsicle. I keep telling myself that it will get easier when I get something more substantial in my guts. Rachael

LOL...I thought of the chewing and spitting disorder but I wanted one so bad. I realized immediately that it wasn't good to do that. I can't say that it hasn't crossed my mind...haha. So hard. I know it will get easier...the one thing I can say is that I have more will power than I ever thought I did--even with my lapse with the sugar free pudding--I followed the damn surgeon's (and nutritionist) orders to the letter. I can't wait to have my post op appt. tomorrow....and to see how fast I can proceed through the rest of these stages.

Me too! I had a cup of decaf last night..normally, I loathe decaf coffee, but it was heaven.

I have been reading your blog for awhile...it gives me such hope! I had no idea you were from PA. thanks for writing. Rachael

I have had no complications. I was banded on 3/18/11. Just sip the Water and walk (as much as you are able) afterward. I had pain. don't be afraid to take the pain med prescribed. Stay on top of that. The first three days I walked around but was very tired. After that, I began feeling better and better. Some of the folks on here have an easier time than I did. I didn't have bad gas pain...I have pain at my port site. It is still sore but I am sure it will pass. Good Luck! These feelings you are having are all normal!! *HUGS* Rachael

My mother in law is getting the lap band next week. She didn't have a bmi of 35 (she had a 34) either but tons of co-morbidities. She carried a weight on her to make the weight for her first appointment. I know this is dishonest but if it gives you an opportunity for a better healthier life, it may be something to consider. She has diabetes, heart disease, reflux, etc.I thought it was horrible when she did it, but I kind of understand how desperate she was. She has lost and gain several times. Or (another not so great suggestion) wear very heavy clothes, eat a heavy meal, and drink lots of Water before you weigh in with them. Wear jewelry (anything with weight), etc. I did this a few times---my first weight in with my PCP and weight watchers (when I would start and re-start). I hope this helps. Consider the last suggestion...it may push you up the 7lbs needed without you gaining anymore weight. Good Luck!! *HUGS* Rachael

I would be careful about losing all the weight. I would say go for 25-35 lbs lost. That way, you would (hopefully) be approved for surgery. I did the same thing with losing and gaining. I was careful on my pre-op diet not to lose too much. I know that sounds awful but I knew I needed help to maintain the lost. Good luck!! I hope it works out for you!! Rachael

Probably a bad idea. My mother in law suggested it to me before my banding....LOL. I would stay away from alcohol. Gatorade makes a Protein Drink...it is called repair. It is clear. Not too bad and it got me through before surgery...the bummer is that it is too sweet for me now, even watered down. Good Luck!! Rachael

You are a strong man. Pizza Hut pizza may have broke me. My husband brought him happy meals for the kids on Friday night. I licked one fry and throw it away. I then went into hiding until they were done eating. Saturday night my in-laws and a good friend from the state of Cal (we live in PA) came over. They went to Sheetz (local gas station/food place) for chilli dogs and fries. Also brought home my favorite--deep fried cheese sticks and nachos. I had a V8 splash blended with ice and sat at the table with them. I asked them to eat the cheese sticks and nachos so I wouldn't be tempted at midnight. I have renewed strength. It is hard but we can do it. And once in a while (granted great while) we can have a little "bad" food. Just not like I would have ate it before. We will make it through and feel and be healthier for it. Rachael

How long did you have pain around the port site? I am 9 days out and still have pain. I think I over did it today. I had a little of my pain meds left so that helps some. Thanks! Rachael

This is what the surgeon's recommendation and the nutritionists told me to do. it is one week, clear liquids, one week, full liquids, etc. It is very strict from what I have read and I cheated today. I have been on clear liquids for 10 days (2 days pre-op) and a week now. I was told not to proceed with my diet until I meet with the surgeon on Monday. It is impossible...I ate the sugar free pudding and a Protein shake and feel so much better. They are a center for excellence but this is a crazy diet. I even had a cup of decaf coffee with a splash of cream tonight. She told me not to drink decaf coffee or decaf tea. I am fine and I'm not gonna worry about it. Those clear protein shooters from walmart suck. Hopefully, GNC have some better ones.

Thanks so much! I am back on it now. I am not sure why she is so strict with her step either. Even in the book, it was one week clear liquids, one week full liquids, etc. She even said no to decaf tea. Obviously I am not a doctor, but I am not going to be so hard on myself. I may try a Protein shake tonight. Really is one day (tomorrow) gonna make a difference from Monday. Thanks for your response. I needed to hear some positive words...my husband is not being that supportive.

I had some depression after surgery. I had my surgery about a week ago. I have been taking celexa for about 10 years. It is not too bad. The worse was the first and second day after surgery. I just kept in mind that my body was getting rid of the anesthesia and it would past. I am hungry right now...but I won't starve too death. Keep taking your medications and talk to the other bandsters on here. I am lucky, I have two good friends who have been gotten and been successful with the band and a supportive husband and family. I can't tell you how many times I have said to my husband, "this will be worth it....right?" It is. You will feel much better taking the weight off. It is not an easy road but we can "rock it out"...as my best band friend says. Good Luck!!! Rachael

Thanks guys! I have been so hungry. I am about one week post op and am on clear liquids. Milk, cream soups, yogurt and sugar free pudding sound so good to me right now. I know I can get through this. It's not forever. I have a friend who is my biggest supports. She got the band last year and has lost 85lbs. At least I am losing. 10lbs since surgery. Not too bad. I swear I love this site, whatever I am thinking/feeling there is always someone on here having similar issues. Thanks, Rachael

I was banded on 3/18/11 at Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. My husband and I drove down the night before and stayed in a hotel across the street from the hospital, since I had to be at the hospital at 5:30am. I was nervous, since this was my first surgery ever. We arrived at the hospital at 5:25am and signed in. We were taken back to a second waiting room where they had a computer set up with internet access, tvs and magazines. My surgery was scheduled for 7:30am. We were taken back and put in the pre-op room about 6am. I had to get undressed, give an urine sample, and get the heparin shot. They then put the massaging things around my legs and tried to start the IV. The aid couldn't get it, so the anesthesiologist put the IV in. He said I had tiny veins and was very nice. My surgeon and her resident came in to see me next and before I knew it, I was given something to relax in the IV. I gave my husband a kiss and told him to take care of my babies. I got to the operating room and a bunch of people moved me to the table. I was told to breath into a mast and that was all I remember until 10:15am waking up in the recovery room. I asked the nurse for another blanket and she got me a couple of warms ones and put them right next to me. She told me that the surgery went perfectly and I would be going to a room soon. I remember going to a holding room where I got to see my husband and my sister in law. I was still drifting in and out until I got into a regular room. I stayed over night. Everyone at Magee took really good care of me. I got nauseated from pain medicine they were giving me and itchy. They gave me medicine for that. I had an upper GI before I left and a straight cath...not a pleasant experience but not terrible. Almost had to stay over another night because I couldn't pee. I wish I could say that I didn't have pain but I do and am still taking the medicine. Have been walking and still on the clear diet. Not too bad for my first surgery. Dr. Hamad is a wonderful surgeon and I would recommend her to anyone who lives in the area!

I was banded on 3/18/11 at Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. My husband and I drove down the night before and stayed in a hotel across the street from the hospital, since I had to be at the hospital at 5:30am. I was nervous, since this was my first surgery ever. We arrived at the hospital at 5:25am and signed in. We were taken back to a second waiting room where they had a computer set up with internet access, tvs and magazines. My surgery was scheduled for 7:30am. We were taken back and put in the pre-op room about 6am. I had to get undressed, give an urine sample, and get the heparin shot. They then put the massaging things around my legs and tried to start the IV. The aid couldn't get it, so the anesthesiologist put the IV in. He said I had tiny veins and was very nice. My surgeon and her resident came in to see me next and before I knew it, I was given something to relax in the IV. I gave my husband a kiss and told him to take care of my babies. I got to the operating room and a bunch of people moved me to the table. I was told to breath into a mast and that was all I remember until 10:15am waking up in the recovery room. I asked the nurse for another blanket and she got me a couple of warms ones and put them right next to me. She told me that the surgery went perfectly and I would be going to a room soon. I remember going to a holding room where I got to see my husband and my sister in law. I was still drifting in and out until I got into a regular room. I stayed over night. Everyone at Magee took really good care of me. I got nauseated from pain medicine they were giving me and itchy. They gave me medicine for that. I had an upper GI before I left and a straight cath...not a pleasant experience but not terrible. Almost had to stay over another night because I couldn't pee. I wish I could say that I didn't have pain but I do and am still taking the medicine. Have been walking and still on the clear diet. Not too bad for my first surgery. Dr. Hamad is a wonderful surgeon and I would recommend her to anyone who lives in the area!

I just friend requested everyone...LOL. I am so glad to have found this site. Whenever I feel alone and depressed, I can always find someone in the same boat to give encouragement. Thanks, Rachael

Hi, we are the same age and I also have two kids--boys! I was banded on 3/18/11. I would be happy to be your friend. I am also looking for friends especially right now....feeling a little bummed and useless. How old are you kids? Mine are 2 and 6.