benbax

1. Was your procedure outpatient or did you stay overnight? I stayed overnight. 2. Did you have complications related to surgery? No complications. 3. What you were given for at home pain? How many days did you take it? Vicodin - I took it for a couple of days. 4. Pain after surgery for how many days? Chest pains for 6 days off and on. That was the only pain I had. 5. Degree of pain...10 being your arm was cut off and 1 being a paper cut? Pain from surgery was around a "2." The chest pains, which apparently were from gas, for the 6 subsequent days were uncomfortable but tolerable. 6. Doctor and state where surgery was done? Dr. George Fielding, New York, NY

Thanks! How are you doing? I am SOOOO glad that I did this. benbax

:update: April 25th - still feel great but seem to be stuck at -30 pounds. I think that my stomach must have been swollen after surgery (which makes sense!) and made the band tighter and made me feel more restriction. Now that my stomach is healed - the band must have more room, since I'm able to eat more and I actually feel a bit hungry :hungry: - even an hour after eating. I've pretty much kept to 1,000 calories per day - so I'm not gaining back - I'm just maintaining. My first fill is on May 2nd :clap2: and I'm hoping that causes more restriction. So far I've been able to eat pretty much anything. With things like bread I just make sure I chew like crazy. There have been a couple of times that I've felt a bit stuck - usually if I've taken too large a bite or something has been a bit dry - but haven't slimed or pb'd thankfully! So far so good - just hoping the fill gets me back on the losing track!

:update: April 25th - still feel great but seem to be stuck at -30 pounds. I think that my stomach must have been swollen after surgery (which makes sense!) and made the band tighter and made me feel more restriction. Now that my stomach is healed - the band must have more room, since I'm able to eat more and I actually feel a bit hungry :hungry: - even an hour after eating. I've pretty much kept to 1,000 calories per day - so I'm not gaining back - I'm just maintaining. My first fill is on May 2nd :clap2: and I'm hoping that causes more restriction. So far I've been able to eat pretty much anything. With things like bread I just make sure I chew like crazy. There have been a couple of times that I've felt a bit stuck - usually if I've taken too large a bite or something has been a bit dry - but haven't slimed or pb'd thankfully! So far so good - just hoping the fill gets me back on the losing track!

First question: Since your surgery, what have you discovered about your relationship with food? I've found in the past (almost) four weeks since surgery that my relationship with food is no longer obsessive. I no longer feel guilt over eating certain things - because I'm eating between 1/3 and 1/2 of what I ate before surgery. I take the time to savor food and enjoy it - whereas I used to approach eating as "okay - i have this on my plate - what am I going to eat as soon as I finish this!" Second question: Did you experience any complications with your procedure, during or after? If so, briefly explain. I am happy to say that my surgery went very smoothly and I've had no complications since. I'm grateful to have found this Forum as I got an incredible amount of useful information (and different points of view) about every stage of the LapBand process - which helped me understand what to expect. The only discomfort for me was the intense chest pains (gas) that lasted for 6 days after surgery - but I was not surprised by this after reading about it from so many others. Third question: What are your feelings towards morbidly obese people now, and if you could sit down and talk with them, what one thing would you share with them? I would explain my personal story and my happiness with the LapBand experience. It was of great comfort to me that there was an option other than the kind of dieting and yo-yo lifestyle that I had experienced for the past 15 years. I am thrilled with my LapBand decision so far and thrilled with the incredible amount of support and information that is available to me on sites such as this and through my surgeon's office and support groups.

I'm another patient of Dr. Fielding and I had my first glass of wine 13 days after surgery. I've had a glass on a couple of other occasions as well. When I first met with the Dr. he mentioned that a glass of wine "before" dinner is fine - this made me very happy!!!!!

My pre-op 2 week diet consisted of slimfast optima Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch and vegetables for dinner and I lost 15 pounds! Good Luck!

:update: I feel terrific! :clap2: I have more energy than I have for a long time - everyone keeps telling me they can see a difference and that my skin looks great. I'm sure that's from eating healthy food! I've been eating soft foods and basically seem to be eating less than half of what I used to eat and getting that "full" feeling. I've only had one slightly uncomfortable moment after eating- I think i ate a forkfull or 2 more than I should have. I felt "Thanksgiving full" and needed to take a 10 minute walk and then felt much better. I've had a small glass of white wine before a couple of dinners (Dr. Fielding actually recommended that) - and have gone to restaurants a couple of times - soft fish, some pasta with cheese - chewed well, eaten slowly, and at least 1/2 left on my plate when I finished - such an odd thing for me to do. No bread, a teeny bite of someone's dessert - but I don't have those sweet cravings or needs that I used to have. Food just doesn't seem to be the obsession it once was! Toward the end of the day I seem to get a minor pain in my left shoulder - I've been reading the posts and apparently others have this as well. It is NOTHING like the 6 day post op chest pains - that was the absolute worst part of this journey and when you think about it - not too terrible!! I've started logging info on fitday.com and it looks like my average caloric intake is just under 1000 for the past week which I think is pretty good. Funny - but since I've started eating a bit more I am hesitant to weigh myself - I'm afraid I may have gained a bit back which apparently is very common once you get off liquids - something about water weight coming back. I have my first fill on May 2nd - and I'm looking forward to seeing (feeling) what it's like. Also planning to start exercising next week - probably the stationery bike...that should help too. Bottom line is that I really feel great!!! :clap2:

:update: I feel terrific! :clap2: I have more energy than I have for a long time - everyone keeps telling me they can see a difference and that my skin looks great. I'm sure that's from eating healthy food! I've been eating soft foods and basically seem to be eating less than half of what I used to eat and getting that "full" feeling. I've only had one slightly uncomfortable moment after eating- I think i ate a forkfull or 2 more than I should have. I felt "Thanksgiving full" and needed to take a 10 minute walk and then felt much better. I've had a small glass of white wine before a couple of dinners (Dr. Fielding actually recommended that) - and have gone to restaurants a couple of times - soft fish, some pasta with cheese - chewed well, eaten slowly, and at least 1/2 left on my plate when I finished - such an odd thing for me to do. No bread, a teeny bite of someone's dessert - but I don't have those sweet cravings or needs that I used to have. Food just doesn't seem to be the obsession it once was! Toward the end of the day I seem to get a minor pain in my left shoulder - I've been reading the posts and apparently others have this as well. It is NOTHING like the 6 day post op chest pains - that was the absolute worst part of this journey and when you think about it - not too terrible!! I've started logging info on fitday.com and it looks like my average caloric intake is just under 1000 for the past week which I think is pretty good. Funny - but since I've started eating a bit more I am hesitant to weigh myself - I'm afraid I may have gained a bit back which apparently is very common once you get off liquids - something about water weight coming back. I have my first fill on May 2nd - and I'm looking forward to seeing (feeling) what it's like. Also planning to start exercising next week - probably the stationery bike...that should help too. Bottom line is that I really feel great!!! :clap2:

Thanks everyone - was banded 2 weeks ago yesterday and I feel terrific. The first week was uncomfortable - really the chest pains only - but the 2nd week was much better and now going on the 3rd week and I feel better than ever. My partner is scheduled for surgery on May 1st - and at least he's now considering the band. He is stubborn though!!! Eating soft foods now and I can't believe how little it takes to feel "full" compared to pre-band!! My first "fill" scheduled for May 2nd. Hope you all are doing well!

I went to the information seminar the 2nd week of December and had surgery on March 26th. Everything I've read said to estimate approx. 4 months from initial consultation to surgery which is pretty much what my experience was.

Sunday April 1st :update: Well, it's been 6 days since my surgery. :clap2: The day of surgery was okay if not a bit frustrating. I had to be at the hospital at 12:30pm - and expected that I would probably be taken into the operating room around 2 or 3pm - but had to wait until after 5pm. :bored Woke up in recovery in that icky state of 1/2 in and 1/2 out of it - hearing someone say - "deep breaths - make sure you take deep breaths." Eventually came out of anesthesia - pain was actually minimal - not bad at all. At one point got a bit of pain med - and later a bit of anti-nausea med. Had a moderate head-ache - but the nurse said that was most likely caffeine withdrawal - I agree. Because of my sleep apnea - I ended up in the PACU - Post Anesthesia Care Unit (I think) which is kind of like a ward - not a semi private room or anything. My nurse was great. I didn't sleep very much at all. :tired On Tuesday morning the physician assistant checked my incisions, etc. and went over the post op procedures and I was released. I have to say that Tuesday was fine as far as pain goes - Wednesday got progressively worse as far as that burning chest pain :flame: (gas) goes - and actually that's been my only real discomfort all week. The incisions are fine - the port area being the only tender area - but those gas pains are pretty tough - burning chest toward left shoulder - very much like bad heartburn. It's odd because it really comes and goes - a heating pad helps at times. Did not have a BM until Friday - a bit constipated - and have had one minor BM on Sat. Strange because I had diarrea for 2 weeks during the pre-op liquid phase. :omg: I am not really hungry - completely tired of slim fast optima - blech already! I made some organic chicken broth but just couldn't bring myself to eat it - a thin organic tomato soup I heated yetserday was better. The Special K Protein water seems to be one of my favorites as I know I have to drink continuosly so this makes sure I am getting a little protein with my drinking. Also Whole Foods frozen fruit juice pops are great. Finding sugar free popsicles a bit boring. I think I need to get up and walk around more often - to help get rid of the gas (so many people menitoned that on this site). Was hoping to go back to work tomorrow - but I think Wednesday is more realistic - hopefully the chest pains will be almost completely gone by then...

Sunday April 1st :update: Well, it's been 6 days since my surgery. :clap2: The day of surgery was okay if not a bit frustrating. I had to be at the hospital at 12:30pm - and expected that I would probably be taken into the operating room around 2 or 3pm - but had to wait until after 5pm. :bored Woke up in recovery in that icky state of 1/2 in and 1/2 out of it - hearing someone say - "deep breaths - make sure you take deep breaths." Eventually came out of anesthesia - pain was actually minimal - not bad at all. At one point got a bit of pain med - and later a bit of anti-nausea med. Had a moderate head-ache - but the nurse said that was most likely caffeine withdrawal - I agree. Because of my sleep apnea - I ended up in the PACU - Post Anesthesia Care Unit (I think) which is kind of like a ward - not a semi private room or anything. My nurse was great. I didn't sleep very much at all. :tired On Tuesday morning the physician assistant checked my incisions, etc. and went over the post op procedures and I was released. I have to say that Tuesday was fine as far as pain goes - Wednesday got progressively worse as far as that burning chest pain :flame: (gas) goes - and actually that's been my only real discomfort all week. The incisions are fine - the port area being the only tender area - but those gas pains are pretty tough - burning chest toward left shoulder - very much like bad heartburn. It's odd because it really comes and goes - a heating pad helps at times. Did not have a BM until Friday - a bit constipated - and have had one minor BM on Sat. Strange because I had diarrea for 2 weeks during the pre-op liquid phase. :omg: I am not really hungry - completely tired of slim fast optima - blech already! I made some organic chicken broth but just couldn't bring myself to eat it - a thin organic tomato soup I heated yetserday was better. The Special K Protein water seems to be one of my favorites as I know I have to drink continuosly so this makes sure I am getting a little protein with my drinking. Also Whole Foods frozen fruit juice pops are great. Finding sugar free popsicles a bit boring. I think I need to get up and walk around more often - to help get rid of the gas (so many people menitoned that on this site). Was hoping to go back to work tomorrow - but I think Wednesday is more realistic - hopefully the chest pains will be almost completely gone by then...

NYU Program for Surgical Weight Loss Dr. Fielding and Dr. Ren 530 First Avenue, Suite 10S Take Elevator "F" to the 10th Floor Phone: 212-263-3166 Fax: 212-263-3757 Email: weightloss@med.nyu.edu

Yeah - I agree with Syrah. Sounds like you are healing well - I just also wonder about not being able to keep anything down. Have you tried taking ridiculously small sips (and does it still come up on you?) I was banded 5 days ago and I also have no appetite, but I try to keep drinking something all day. I don't have a problem keeping things down - just have that heartburn/ tightness in chest. I would check in with my docs office on Monday morning just to be safe. Good Luck!

There is no tactful way to say this - so here goes... during my 2 weeks pre-op fluids (protein shakes, etc.) I had diarrea. Now I am on day 3 post op Clear liquids (watered down Protein shakes, etc.) and have not yet "gone to the bathroom." Is this typical? It seems like most people have diarrea during post op fluids? Thanks.

With all due respect, the experience of the surgeon has absolutley nothing to do with wanting to put you on a 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery. Surgeons have different opinions just like anyone else and if you put your trust in a surgeon - you really should do what he/she suggests. "Very experienced doctors can place the lap band with no problem- no matter if the liver is large or not. Inexperienced ones need the liver to be smaller, so there is less chance of mistake." I think this is totally incorrect and could be very misleading to people who read this board for recommendations and information. My doctor is one of the most experienced at Lapband surgeryin the world having done more than 4,000 (I believe that was the latest quote) and he feels very strongly that it helps to de-fat the liver prior to the procedure. I don't think he's trying to make it easier on himself - I think he wants the patient to be as healthy as possible when they go in for surgery.

"Tucks" are very good - but any kind of moistened baby wipe really helps!

To Everyone Considering getting banded: I can't recommend this site strongly enough. I was just banded on Monday 3/26 - and i have found the entire process pretty amazing. Every step along the way has been almost familiar because of the information shared by the wonderful, courageous, warm, and generous people that post to this site. I spent a good deal of time reading the entries on this site for many weeks prior to my actual surgery, and I have to say it has really made the process so much easier and understandable. Thank You All for everything. :clap2: :kiss2: :clap2:

Well... it's the night before I go into surgery and get "banded!" :clap2: I've been on the "pre-op liquid diet" for 2 weeks, although i did cheat a few times. Nothing really major, just some popcorn one night, and on a couple of other nights a bit of protein like a bite of chicken or ground beef - really tried to stay away from fats knowing that the objective was to "de-fat" my liver before surgery. My actual journey started last December when I went for a mini physical with my pcp. I had been thinking of the lap-band since November and had done some research on the net - so I mentioned it to my Doctor. He said he thought it was a really good idea for me and recommended that I look into the NYU Dept. for Surgical Weight Loss. He had other patients that were doing very well on their program. I went to their website: http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu and found that the first step was to attend an information seminar. I went to the seminar expecting to see maybe 20 or 30 people and there were more like 250 people!!!! It was run by Dr. Fielding - the same Doctor on the NYU website videos that I thought were so informative and well done. He was great - warm, smart, well spoken - and he himself had gotten banded 7 years ago. This was a real sign to me that if the Doctor had one himself - he was talking from real experience...and what could be better or more reliable than that? The next step in the NYU program was to see their psychologist - Dr. Warren Huberman. I called for an appt the next morning and he called back with an opening that evening which I jumped at - I thought it would be months and months before I could see him with the holidays coming up. He was terrific - I shared my history of yo-yo weight battles and other aspects of my life. He said he thought I was the prefect candidate for Lap-Band. Next was a full physical from my pcp in January after the holidays. The next step was to make an appointment to meet with the NYU Nutritionist and had a couple of other physical checks with a great Medical technician in their office. This happened in February. I have to say that everyone at the offices of Dr. Fielding (and his wife and partner Dr. Christine Ren) is terrific. Very warm and friendly. My next stop on my journey was my appointment with Dr. Fielding himself in early March. This meeting went very well - he is as easy to talk with as I had imagined. I am very happy that he will be doing my surgery. Then I really lucked out - there was an opening for surgery less than 3 weeks later - on March 26th. This meant I had to schedule my pre-admission testing and that my insurance had to clear. I am very happy to say that both of these actually did take place without too much anxiety (although the insurance clearance came on Thursday - 4 days before surgery!) - and so I find myself sitting here the night before I go to the hospital to get a Lap-Band placed inside me to help me finally get my physcial act together!!! My next entry will be post-op... wish me Luck!!!

Hi: :help: If we are sticking to clear fluids - broths, etc. where does our Protein come from for the first 2 weeks after surgery? Thanks for all the tremendous help and inspiration. My surgery is this coming Monday :clap2: - just trying to get the house stocked with things I can have! Benbax

Hi All: Just sitting here thinking about tomorrow - when I am getting banded!!!! :clap2: I've lost 12 pounds during pre-op liquids. I have a great surgeon and I'm looking forward to much success. I'm really glad to have found this thread and will keep checking in on everyone! My partner is getting bypass in a few weeks - I just can't convince him to be banded - the idea of the port freaks him out. But the important thing is being pro-active and on the road to health!!! Best of luck to everyone!!!!

Well... it's the night before I go into surgery and get "banded!" :clap2: I've been on the "pre-op liquid diet" for 2 weeks, although i did cheat a few times. Nothing really major, just some popcorn one night, and on a couple of other nights a bit of protein like a bite of chicken or ground beef - really tried to stay away from fats knowing that the objective was to "de-fat" my liver before surgery. My actual journey started last December when I went for a mini physical with my pcp. I had been thinking of the lap-band since November and had done some research on the net - so I mentioned it to my Doctor. He said he thought it was a really good idea for me and recommended that I look into the NYU Dept. for Surgical Weight Loss. He had other patients that were doing very well on their program. I went to their website: http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu and found that the first step was to attend an information seminar. I went to the seminar expecting to see maybe 20 or 30 people and there were more like 250 people!!!! It was run by Dr. Fielding - the same Doctor on the NYU website videos that I thought were so informative and well done. He was great - warm, smart, well spoken - and he himself had gotten banded 7 years ago. This was a real sign to me that if the Doctor had one himself - he was talking from real experience...and what could be better or more reliable than that? The next step in the NYU program was to see their psychologist - Dr. Warren Huberman. I called for an appt the next morning and he called back with an opening that evening which I jumped at - I thought it would be months and months before I could see him with the holidays coming up. He was terrific - I shared my history of yo-yo weight battles and other aspects of my life. He said he thought I was the prefect candidate for Lap-Band. Next was a full physical from my pcp in January after the holidays. The next step was to make an appointment to meet with the NYU Nutritionist and had a couple of other physical checks with a great Medical technician in their office. This happened in February. I have to say that everyone at the offices of Dr. Fielding (and his wife and partner Dr. Christine Ren) is terrific. Very warm and friendly. My next stop on my journey was my appointment with Dr. Fielding himself in early March. This meeting went very well - he is as easy to talk with as I had imagined. I am very happy that he will be doing my surgery. Then I really lucked out - there was an opening for surgery less than 3 weeks later - on March 26th. This meant I had to schedule my pre-admission testing and that my insurance had to clear. I am very happy to say that both of these actually did take place without too much anxiety (although the insurance clearance came on Thursday - 4 days before surgery!) - and so I find myself sitting here the night before I go to the hospital to get a Lap-Band placed inside me to help me finally get my physcial act together!!! My next entry will be post-op... wish me Luck!!!

Personally I would tell her. She will surely be supportive and most likely be happy and proud that you are being pro-active and making a decision towards better health. My parents are very supportive - they have worried a lot about my weight and all the potential health risks associated with obesity. They agree that this decision is a good one. That means a lot to me. Best of Luck to you! :gluck:

After having read a lot about shoulder pain on this site, I asked a doctor friend who said there is a nerve connection between the shoulder and the stomach and that's why people feel pain - apparently the left shoulder. I bought a heating pad because everyone seems to say they have had relief by using one. Good Luck!