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I was banded 1-19-07

Everything went as planned! I arrived at 7:30, they wheeled me back at 9:10 and I was awakened at 10:00. No gas pain, no port pain and feeling fine. I do have some gas in my belly but that is working its way out! I have a bit of a sore/scratchy throat form the intubation but that too is tolerable I can tell some one has been pushing my insides around but no pain. I did take one dose of the pain meds when I got home but I don't think I'll need anymore. We'll see. The only problem was the IV team. They had to stick me 6 times to get a line inserted. I have big veins that are close to the top. All in all a GREAT DAY. It has begun! Thanks to all who offered up kind thoughts and prayers.

What pain meds did they give you and did they work? how much pain were you after surgery and how long did it last? from a scale from 1-10 10 being the worst pain ever how would u rate it?

Okay, so my surgery is just over two weeks away. I plan to document my progress with lots and lots of photos. Perhaps this makes me vain, but I want to look as good as possible even in the hospital, so I thought I'd buy some cute new PJ's for my surgery day. Well, I went to the Lane Bryant outlet. I found this really cute pair of PJ pants, pink with different colors of flip-flops on them. (Have I mentioned I LOVE flip-flops?) Well the tops that were supposed to go with them were tanks. I DON'T do tanks. My arms look really bad. (I've never seen anyone else other than my baby sister when she was born at 10 pounds who has rolls on their arms. Sadly, I do.) Anway...I found some cute tops that would match, but the largest one they had was a 22/24. Well, I have some quite large ta-tas, so I must have a 26/28 top. I know that this particular store often has extra stock in the back, so I thought I would ask a clerk for some help. BIG MISTAKE! I found a lady and explained to her that I needed a 26/28 in any color of that particular style of top. (All the colors in the collection would've matched the bottoms.) She looked at me for seriously at least five seconds without saying a word. The she said, "Well, I guess I can go look in the back for you." I go to the counter to wait and watch the lady walk over to a different style of top and she literally hollers back, "They have your size in this one. What about it?" This top had no sleeves either, and I'd already looked at it. I said, "No, thank you. Just forget it." The lady at the counter could tell I was miffed. She asked what I needed, and I said, "I'll just take the swimsuit." (I had already fought and won that battle.) She said, "Please allow me to go look for a top for you. What do you need?" So, I let her look. In the mean time, the other lady came back and said, "We don't have your size in purple." I wanted so bad to say, "Geeze, lady, don't you listen?" I had already told her I would take ANY color. Anyway, they didn't end up having any of the tops in my size, but I did appreciate the other clerk being willing to help. It was clear that the other lady did NOT want to be bothered. Maybe I'm just crazy, but I used to work retail (that's how I put myself through undergrad school.) and I would NEVER have treated a customer the way she treated me. This is just one reason people judge us "fluffy" folks as being lazy. Laziness, rudeness, and arrognace really get under my skin. This lady was two for three!

I'm going to start out by telling you about my journey. Sorry for the babble. I started my journey in April of last year. I went through all of my testing, dietitian, psych eval, plus some. I was originally scheduled for my op in November. It got pushed to December. A month before my operation, the insurance coordinator came in and told me that the doctor was leaving. I couldn't believe it. Luckily, I was able to transfer to another doctor and saw him at the beginning of December. I had planned to have my surgery over Christmas break. I attend school online and it is virtually impossible to miss class. Also, my husband was scheduled to have a break as well. Things got pushed back..again. The insurance coordinator at the new place was totally confused. She submitted my paperwork to the wrong insurance company, she got my name mixed up with someone else, and she didn't submit the correct documentation. BCBS IL determined that they wouldn't cover me. I was under 40 BMI and I didn't have the required comorbidities, although I do have asthma, gerd, and high cholesterol. I was crushed but I had come too far. I had looked as far as going to Mexico which I thought I would never do. I called the office and scheduled a weigh in. I put 5 lb weight around my ankles, wore heavy clothes, put stuff in my pockets. It was pretty nerve wracking and amusing....but I weighed in over 40 BMI so I was happy. Meanwhile, the insurance coordinator told me to appeal. I wrote a letter, my husband wrote a letter, the whole nine yards. Turned out all they needed was a submission of my weight. It was a predetermination letter not a denial! I took the initiative and submitted the paperwork myself. I about had it by then! I figure I will get news soon. A week later I get a call and the doctor needs to see me. There was no way that I would weigh in if they put me in a gown. I was determined so I ate a bunch of crap. Two weeks later, I went in with weights...in my bra this time (just 2 lbs) and I weighed in. They didn't even put me in a gown. I saw the doctor and he went all through my history AGAIN. It was so frustrating because they introduced a new system the day of my first appointment. Soooo....the doctor speaks to me and tells me that the information has to be resubmitted. Here we go again! I leave the office and they call me and tell me that my psych exam is not there. I knew for a fact they had it. I had the pile of files with me, psych exam and all on the day of my first visit. I told them and this time I was firm. Anyways, I waited for a few days then called the insurance company myself and my submission passed me for a "yes" for predetermination. I was so happy, I called the office and left a message...no call back then straight to voicemail. The following day I had the bright idea of using my husbands phone and I got to the coordinator. Turns out the original coordinator left and the job was handed to the scheduler and she admitted to me that she had absolutely no clue of what she was doing. I guided her through everything and my surgery was scheduled for Feb 10! Thank God! I have had periods of severe anxiety, depression, and mania. They have determined that I have bipolar but it has been up in the air for about 10 years. This whole situation left me on pins and needles. I felt fantastic for the past year (2013) but in December I came close to a mental breakdown. Everything was happening so haphazard and I honestly thought that God wanted me to lose the weight the natural way. I started to have anxiety so bad that it was hard to leave the house. It was really bad. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago and she increased my Effexor. Most of you may be aware of the mania that can occur with an increase in dosage.So here I am. My anxiety is soooo bad and my mania is driving me insane. Unlike many people, I do not enjoy mania. It makes me feel out of control and I HATE it. I'm trying to do my school work and I cannot put my thoughts into clear sentences. I'm anxious about the surgery, school, finances, everything. It is a vicious cycle. I'm concerned with recovery and my mental health. I know that the transition will be difficult but I suppose I need some insight on how any of you have dealt with your situation. I suppose I'm looking for a friend that I can share my journey with that understands how bipolar and mental illness can change with surgery. If anyone uses prayer, that would also be helpful. God is the only thing that keeps me going.

I excited I got my papers in to do my EKG and blood work just feel like everything is one step closer...I will do this then have my appt for my nut and psychologist on the 19 then my 2appt with the psychologist on the 26 then I see the nurse on sept 15 everything is falling into place

Mine is 10 day all liquid. Have my preop class sept 30. Hopefully this will explain more what I can have

I've lost 19 lbs and u don't feel hungry at all. A little gas pain not much no more pain meds. I'm loving my new life.

Today was a grand day. I cleaned house ( including furniture moving) all day and didn't even get tired. My kids were playing in the toy room, when my 4 year old daughter hurt her finger. While hugging and kissing her booboo better, she hugged back and practically yelled, " mom!! Look!!! I can touch my hands together when I hug you!!! I haven't seen my best friend since surgery ( about 3 months). She didnot support me in my decision for wls so I didn't want her around until I was fully healed and able to eat well enough in front of her. I finally got the nerve to ask her over for dinner. Her hubby ( also my hubby's best friend) was flabbergasted!! He just kept complimenting me. She never said a thing. Which is fine. I don't need her to say anything. It was nice to be normal around people and NOT have them ask Oh!! And yesterday I ran for 10 straight on the treadmill!!! Yay!!!

I'm looking for anyone who's sleeved and posts pics of meals, exercises, Snacks, before/afters, and of course puppies. My username is SHELBYRAYSCHROEPFER Starting weight 321- sleeve date 07/10/10. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Give it a week to 10 days if they already told you that they’re sending it through for approval!

Hi! I have been researching the weightloss surgeries for quite some time. I found myself to believe the sleeve would be the best option for me. I've completed my 6 month diet requirement and my doctor submitted to my insurance. I'm starting to have doubts and worries though. Background: 23 years old Struggled with weight since 1st grade Married (happily) 2 beautiful children (one of each) Husband has vasectomy (We are happy with 2) I tell you this because I'm childbearing age... no more kids for me though! Mother had lapband with a lot of success but than gained the weight back and had it removed I have struggled with weight my whole life. I don't want that for me kids. I want to be able to encourage them to exercise by example. My husband is 100% on board with whatever I decide is best for me. He says he will love me at any weight... bigger or smaller.. He is very supportive and is trying to be healthier too (he is technically considered obese, but he is muscle and not much fat. He was very into sports during his high school days and now he runs several mornings a week) I chose to look into weightloss surgery so young because I don't want to wait until I have a bunch of health issues. I want to be healthy and live as long as I can for my children. I want to be confident in myself, feel comfortable in my skin, and be able to do sooo many things that I could never do now. My concerns: I am very young... do I want to make such an alteration at this age?! I feel I do, but is it what's best for me? What if it makes more problems down the road? What don't they know about this procedure?! What are your thoughts on a youngster having this done?? Do you wish you would have or glad you didn't (or did) Eating: I obviously am still going to have to cook for my family. How is it going to affect my children? They are 19 months and 3.5 years old. They are still in the picky eaters stage of their lives. Will it be too hard for me to either make them a seperate meal or get them to eat better too? Moms with the sleeve: HELP! I don't want criticism from people. I hate bringing attention to myself and I'm afraid people will talk. I know they will. I'm not sure how I would handle this situation. People will ask me what I'm doing to lose weight. Do I tell them exercising and eating less (which is no lie) or do I tell them about the sleeve?? Extra skin: I'm not sure what to think about this subject... I've had 2 children so I already have a poochy lower tummy. I don't want to have issues with skin rubbing and flopping out. I also don't have the kind of money to spend on cosmetic surgery. Not sure about this one... Can I do this at such a young age???? Do you recommend it? This is a scary decision to make. I'm 5'8'' and weighed 288 pounds pre-diet. I've lost a little and now weigh 278. I would really like to lose 100+ pounds. I've found I'm a stress eater... which I didn't know about myself until recently. If I wait too long and get too hungry then I overeat. Otherwise, I don't really have trouble with drinking a shake or eating small portions.

I think, that she must have some good qualities to have a loyal friend like you,but if she were a good friend to you,then you wouldn't have to worry about jealousy making her nasty towards you and you wouldn't be afraid to share such an important piece of yourself. Yes, that's true. She is an excellent friend. I think everyone has that one thing that they can't deal with due to a bad past experience. For some it's a bad shopping or restaurant experience. For some, it's being bullied. For some it's getting your hair done or something at a certain place. For many, it's a bad relationship. There are many people who won't touch a drop of alcohol due to watching the downward spiral of an alcoholic. And there are many even smaller things. I won't touch tuna with a 10 foot pole after vomiting it when pregnant over 10 years ago. There are people (I am one of them) who never realized how many people they have had bad experiences or associations with until it's time to name your baby. LOL Point being that everyone (E V E R Y O N E) has an avoidance subject/issue that they can't deal with based on their association with a horrid past experience. This just happens to be hers. I don't judge her for it. I just don't want to put her, myself, and our friendship through the anxiety triggered words and actions that I know would result. I have to do what's necessary for myself.

Congrats! There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel!! I am on day 4 of that diet. My surgeon requires us to stay on it 10 days. I was doing really good and lost 8lbs for far. Keep us posted on your progress!! Good luck and see you at the finish line!!!!

I had GBS ON 12/10, surgery weight 228lbs, now 214. I have not list anymore weight since 22 Dec, 214. I'm drinking plenty of water, I get in at least 100 grams of protein a day and walk mile each day. I'm still in the liquid stage. My next appreciate is on the 29th. What am I doing wrong?

I'm Southern California Kaiser and I had to do a 12 week class, plus all of the testing and had to lose 10% of my body weight before surgery. My process was much longer than most - start to finish I waited 17 months.

I lifted a lot in high school and about a year or so in my early 20's. I always had good muscle memory and even though I had not worked out in years I always knew I could jump on a bench and do a few reps with 45's. I was shocked that I could barely get a couple reps off with 25 plates. I feel like I lost 70% of my muscle in my upper body. Now its the complete opposite with my lower body. I had no idea how much weight I could handle on a leg press. I dont remember being able to lift that much with my legs 10 years ago. I guess carry around this extra 100lbs made my legs super strong hehe.

You have made me feel so much better. Thank you so much. I am getting anxious/nervous, not really sure what word best describes how I feel. Mainly I am excited about the fact that I am actually going to lose weight. I'm not one who has ever really lost weight. I gained and have pretty much stayed where I am now. I go up and down 10 lbs and that is really about it. The fact that I am actually going to be able to lose the weight once and for all is almost overwhelming. Good luck to you and I can't wait until we see how we are all doing in the next few weeks.

I had to complete all the prerequisite's before getting my appointment with the surgeon. Took me almost 10 months but I've seen others on here get in right away. I hope you don't have to wait as long as I did. I had to wait almost 2 more months for approval but now I'm scheduled for February 5th.

I am 10 weeks post sleeve surgery. I love the support meetings I attend. I am actually going to one this evening. There are people in the group who report on the complications they may have had but for the most part the meetings are really supportive.

I have 10 days til my surgery. I too am a teacher. I went over to set up the furniture in my classroom yesterday. Got an early start due to the lifting restrictions after surgery. Keeping busy helps take my mind off food. I am fortunate that my preop diet is very low carb, not strictly liquids. Next week, I will probably try to do more shakes though because the protein sources I am eating are high in fat . Next week I am booked with preop appointments and workshops. Worried about the desire to snack during the workshops.

Hi Time to Love Me, Did you end up having your surgery at Lahey Clinic after all? My surgery is on Monday 10/30/06 with Dr. Nepomnashy. I'm nervous and excited. So far the center at Lahey has been wonderful. Any comments you have are appreciated. Thanks. Baylee

First off before I even start...I'm not asking "you" to donate to my site. I am asking for your input and advice. I only want people to donate if the "Want" to donate. I have seen alot of sites online of young girls asking for donations for breast augumations. What suprised me is that people donate to them just for offering before and after photos. I have seen some pretty horrible porn type sites but I have also seen some sites w/ tasteful non porn like photos. Yesterday I sat down and worked my ars off building this site! matter o fact I have not been to bed yet since I woke up yesterday! I signed up with Adsense google and I get ad's I pick how many etc. on my site pages. they pick up words that I write about to pick the type of ads on my site. SO I have alot of surgery stuff thus surgery ads.. but the neat think ( I think its neat) is that when people come in and they want to know lets say about the lap band..when they click the ads taking you to medical sites about the band I get paid! I thought that was neat! I dont know how much yet I just know I can make anywhere from .01 - 20.00 a click! just for looking at the ads! Now I cant make money by clicking my own ads matter o fact if I click my own ads I can get banned! All in all I thought it was neat. and the money from the clicks will go to the Donation fund~ And I know its real because My sister in laws friend runs a Gaming website and he make 400.00 a month running a blog about video games! How cool is that?! I just want you to flip thru tell me what you think of the site, what you like, what you thnk could be better, what you hate whatever lol Heres the link: http://www.trufolk.com/DoubleDDonations/index.html

:thumbdown:yeah thats what i thought until a month ago! my mentality, all it takes is diet and exercise...and possibly 100 attempts with diet and exercise. i'd lose weight, sometimes fast some times slow, 30 lbs 40 lbs...only to regain sometimes twice the amount now at 288lbs it is honestly easier not to diet, that way my weight stays the same give or take 2-3 lbs instead of the extreme like recently losing 17 gaining 36! my sister told me about lap band...a few of her coworkers had it done...WLS always scared me it was way too drastic, too dangerous, cutting what? putting what where? um no. so that was june 10-ish, so i started looking into it and i was hooked...i think this surgery was designed for me, i just think i'm going to have the most amazing results, because my problem is eating...i can exercise with the best of them, and yeah i'm a weirdo...but i'm hooked on exercise for months at a time, but i get so discouraged when my progress is ruined after one weekend of a binge...so if the lap band will help me with portion control, making better choices, well then gosh darn i can do the rest. i know some people have done months of research, and it sounds like i'm rushing into it, but i don't think i am, because i was totally opposed to weight loss surgery 30 days ago, i've spent 3 weeks online looking into it, i know i can lose weight by myself...but i've seen what happens when i do it by myself...i call myself "yo-yo" i don't expect my band to do all the work for me, and i know even though its not a risky as gastric bypass or any of the others, its' still a surgery, so still very serious. my surgery is scheduled for july 24th, and i've been on my preop diet for 4 days now...i'm excited :biggrin:and scared:eek: at the same time!

Not lose?? That would be wonderful... I gain... like 10 lbs. It goes away after, but still... it sucks!! Anyways, yes, it is completely normal. It also sometimes affects my weight the week before as well.