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No such thing as normal. All of my fills took 2 days to take effect except the last one and it didn't settle in till about day 10 and it's been consistent since then.

I FINALLY got my sleeve done!!! I was scheduled for 1pm but because the surgeon was delayed I ended up starting at 3pm. The longer I waited the more active and jumpy the little butterflies in my tummy got. I was so greatful to see the anesthesiologist lol. I was told the procedure would take 1.5 hrs then have 1 hr in the recovery room before I would be transfered into a room to see my hubby. I was brought to recovery at 5 and woke up to the most horrendous pain and nausea. Every time they asked if the pain and nausea was improved I could honestly say no. After quite a bit of dilaudid, Tylenol, and anti nausea meds I finally started to get to a level I could tolerate without thinking I'd made a terrible terrible mistake. I was under the impression it would be the same kind of pain I I had with my cesarion section. SO much more. I gotta say I was very upset with the staff. They didn't listen very well, and acted like I was stupid. My main nurse would ask details that I struggled to provide not only because I was in intense pain and the meds we're making me tired but also cause my throat was dry and on fire. One convo went like this..... Nurse: "what kind of chronic pain do you have" Me: "nerve pain, one at night like RLS in shoulders, arms, back and legs . And dif kind during day. (Should have told him that felt like when you hit your funny bone but it was too hard), and joint pains" Nurse: "what do you take for it" Me: "nothing, My dr wanted to give me something like gabapentin or cymbalta but I didn't want to add more meds till after (should have told him after we figured out my immune deficiency but that didn't come out)" Him: "what dose do you take", Me: none, I don't take it yet" Him: "I don't see it in your chart" Me: "I'm waiting on it" Him: "Do you take narcotics for it" Me: "no" Him: "what's the highest number 1-10 it gets too" Me: "gets to a 5-6" He then hands me off to another nurse so he can go to lunch and I hear him say.... "she has chronic nerve pain in her back and arms and lives at a constant 5-6. She says she takes gabapentin or cymbalta for it but I can't find it in her chart. She must get it from another provider" I wanted to scream "NO NO, It GETS to a 5-6, and I don't take ANYTHING for it".... But they walked away and I fell asleep. He kept drawing his own conclusions and it was really annoying. One thing that really hurt my feelings was he told a nurse that my son was waiting for me in my main room. Not normally bad but I'm 28 and it was my HUSBAND. I know in pain and right out of surgery I didn't look like myself but normally I'm told I look 16 and why the heck didn't he check my chart to see I was 28 not 48??? At 8 o'clock (yes that's right, 3 hrs in recovery not 1) I was finally sent to my main room where the nurses continued to try my patience. Nurse: " oh you didn't tell me you had a son!" , hellooooo I JUST met you and we haven't said more than hi to each other!!! But I didn't say that. The biggest problem with this bunch of nurses is that they didn't listen. I mean LITERALLY didn't listen to me. They sat at the comp in my room not saying a word and when I tried to ask a question I had to repeat myself 4 times and practically yell to get their attention. One nurse kept trying to take my pulse...RIGHT on the IV they put in my wrist. I told him oweee and he looked at me like a bother Me: "Why didn't the dr switch the IV site like they said they would" Nurse: "we can't take it out, you need it for the pain meds" Me: "I don't want it out, I was wondering why they didn't switch it" Nurse: "no we can't switch it somewhere else" Me: "no I asked why the anesthesiologist didn't switch it in surgery like I was told they would since the site is shallow." Nurse: "oh i don't know" Me: "it's not in my chart?" Nurse: "no, they only write why they do something, not why they don't. They must have forgotten. But we can't change it, you need it for pain meds. Grrrr What is wrong with these people. I still know I was raspy but I don't have an accent or anything and I was speaking pretty loudly. Im in so much pain I was told I need to start walking once the pain is managed. I asked if I can walk with the catheter in and they said yes. Seriously? Is this true? I'm so shocked at these nurses! I'm used to going to an IHS facility (government run) with nurses who are attentive and read your chart. I was really expecting Providence would have been the same or better since after all it's supposed to be a hospital with a high standard of care . This is throwing me off!!! How do I handle these people? So this is my experience so far. It's s been harder than expected, but Im trying to keep positive.

I am not a good example, as my body responds to trauma by retaining Water. My doc told me most people lose 10-15 pounds because they can't eat much - I was in hospital for 10 days and actually gained 30 pounds (all water retention in my legs). I didn't even start on any solid foods until day 9 in hospital. Today is exactly 7 weeks since surgery and I am still up about 3 pounds from surgery. My appetite was pretty non existent for about 2 weeks, then I had a few troubles with a fickle band, but I would say I have been back to normal appetite for about 2 weeks. If they are doing it as an open surgery, it is a big deal as they are cutting through muscle. The lap band surgery is nothing in comparison. The most important things are to follow your dr's instructions, control your pain and not doing anything abdominal for at least 6 weeks (i.e no vaccuming, don't lift more than 10 pounds). I think I did really well (except for the water retention) because I was very fit before I went into surgery. It is really important to be physically strong before the surgery, so you want to make sure you eat really well for as long as possible before surgery (you do not want to be nutritionally deprived in any way). If you are having trouble eating a nutritious diet (including fruits, vegetables and carbs), I would consider an unfill before surgery.

UPDATED INFO: I did not have to do the 5 year weight loss statement. I had to: 6 month diet with office notes and letter from doctor supervising weight loss-I did Medifast, which sucked but works if you can tolerate it. psych eval-found my psych with google search.-cost me $200 for the testing and report (insurance did not cover, even though THEY require it. Would that be ironic or just stupid?), $10 co-pay nutritional eval-found my nutritionist with google search too. she sends a report to doctor $10 co-pay bariatric rehab class-at the local hospital, about what to expect and exercise. Pretty basic stuff. $55 seminar with surgeons-very informative-no cost Best of luck, and I hope I get approved soon!

I really like Vitacost! They have a referral program too. If someone refers you, you get a $10 off code and when you make a purchase, the person who refers you gets one too! Vitacost has great bargains! I love the quality of their products and the savings! Here is a link: http://www.vitacost.com/Referee?wlsrc=rsReferral&ReferralCode=90206257

Because I am in idiot, and cannot seem to get my requiments in, I am hunkering down and making a schedule of when I should be eating and what. Has anyone else done this, and willing to share with me? I am not looking for specifics of what to eat (cheese, ham, etc). Something like: 6am - protien shake - 4 oz 8am - Breakfast 10 - snack 12 - lunch 2 - shake - 4oz blah blah blah....and so on. I have a desk job and I forget to eat and drink. I never feel hungry, and what I do drink (what little of it I do) keeps me feeling full for a long time. I had surgery a month ago, and am cleared for soft and regular foods that I can tolerate. Anyway, suggestions for success are most appreciated! Thank you!

Made an appointment for 8/19 hopefully all will go well and I can get back on track. Thanks for the encouragement.

40 pounds is awesome!!!!!!!!!! I'm 10 1/2 months out & have just lost 40 pounds.

I haven't gotten surgery yet. I'm going to try losing weight without surgery first. I currently weigh 470 pounds and it seems impossible to find exercise equipment for people my size. I have a recumbent bike that is rated for 250 pounds. I have used it and my inner thighs get tired. I'm not sure if this is because I'm not used to riding, or I'm too cramped on the bike? I can only last 10 minutes before my legs get too tired. It's frustrating because I'm not out of breath and my heart rate isn't that high. If I ride 3 times a day at 10 minutes, would that be effective? I'm hoping with weight loss I'll fit better on the bike and can ride longer. My caloric intake per day is roughly 1500 calories. I would ultimately like to do 3 sessions of 30 minutes a day. I also want to make sure the fatigue in my thighs is not something I should worry about and am just getting back in shape.

I'm not good at quantifying pain. I don't like any pain ( who does:confused: ) and the pain was more substantial than my LapBand, but it didn't last long. I think stopped taking pain meds after Day 3, but the biggest problem for me was the drains. Once those little plastic hand grenades were out (I did take a 1/2 dose of pain meds on that day - Day 10 or so), I could maneuver around and didn't feel so house-bound. So more so than sharp pain, I felt a swelling. It was a Fluid retention, jelly belly kind of sensation. Over time that ebbed a bit... but after 12 wks I still feel swelling especially after a busy and hectic day - or when I've been stuck in any position too long. Ironically, swelling seems to subside when I lie down - so in the morning it's usually at it's lowest. All in all - I would say the fluid retention & swelling was more of a prob than the pain. I'm sure you'll do fine. Happy Band Journeys to all

It must be difficult for you when you are so close to your parents to do this like this... but sometimes we just have to do what is best for us. My sister had hers done about 10 years ago and only told 1 person because she didn't want to "hear" it...but we have all been supportive and she has maintained fabulously. Now it is my turn...I am almost to the point of getting my date... and I haven't told anyone by my best friend and my fiance... my parents are both gone; but if they were here, I know I would have their support all the way. Don't try to do this alone, it is never a good thing...find a support group, if nothing else, you need someone that is there for you 24/7... if nothing else...this group is here for you! Take care...and good luck... you are doing what YOU need to do!

I can't believe my surgery that I fought so hard for is on Tuesday! I'm more excited than nervous!! What things should I bring w me to the hospital on Tuesday? I'm so ready to change my life! Pray for me, please! Thanks!

Do any of you guys drink liquids at a specific time slot, say between 10:00 a.m to 12 Noon. And then stop, so that you don't have to drink anything after luch or dinner, and consequently maximize a feeling of satiety ? Just wondering how may people do that or do something similar to that. Do you guys any specific liquid "routines" besides the no liquids rule before and after a meal ?

Hey everyone! Im new to this site and my surg is Mar 19. Im nervous about anestheia and leaving my kids. Any words of wisdom?

10 lbs usually = a dress size for me. However, I can only say this about going UP a dress size b/c I haven't been sleeved yet and haven't lost 10 lbs in a long time to go DOWN a size! lol!

I feel maybe a little out of place posting here, because I'm not a mother, so please forgive me if you would have preferred if I stayed out of the fray. My perspective as a graduate research assistant that works about 8-10 hours a day, most often including weekends with a new husband and a VERY demanding volunteer role that takes up the rest of my spare time, is that I had to sit down and have a frank discussion with my husband. I'm making 0 assumptions about your relationship, so perhaps this won't be relevant to your situation. I had to sit down with my husband when I made a commitment to regular exercise. I told him very seriously that this was important to me. And in order to successfully commit to exercise I needed XY and Z from him. I find at least my husband is very responsive when I present things that way. It sounds like you're very tired in the evening (understandable!) but very busy in the morning. If morning is a time when you feel like you're ready to exercise is there a tradeoff you can make with your husband ? For example, "I'll take morning duty Tuesday/Thursday and weekends if you take MWF ?" Or something like that ? Best of luck ! I hope you get a plan worked out !!

Tomorrow @10...this is just driving me crazy. I hate waiting. I hate not knowing if they'll get me in before the end of December. For some reason I'm feeling depressed more. I should be happier I'm almost there. I'm not afraid of the surgery. I guess it's just that we're struggling right now with me out of work and I've been tracking all my food but I'm not seeing any difference. I'm usually under 1200 cal. I just want results it's been a rough week,drama, every time I turn around. My dogs health is going downhill fast. I've been chasing him around with a mop and his leash. The insurance company took out a large pymt 3 days early and bounced my checking acct. Just keeping decent food on the table is a struggle. I had a great pcp and she left the practice and the new doctor is an idiot. I'm in constant pain with my back and she isn't listening to me. It's the anniversary of my mother's death and my son's birthday at the same time. I'm sorry I didn't mean this to be a rant our I would have put it in that category. I just don't know how to get out of this funk. I'm sorry y'all. I'm just having a pity party.

Also, think about if you have to carry a book bag for your books- you'll be on a lifting restriction for 4-6 weeks after surgery, usually nothing over 10-15 pounds. Otherwise you may give yourself a hernia!

How far out from surgery are you? I had RNY and constipation is a constant companion since surgery. My doctor put me on Linzess and it really truly helps. I did not start that though until i was post op a year and still having trouble with it. There are times even with the Linzess that I have to take a stool softener with laxative but that is maybe once a month or so. Prior to RNY I always had the other problem......and i have decided I would much rather have the other problem than constipation. That is about the only negative thing for me post RNY and I am 28 months post op and it is not that difficult for me to deal with. If you are newly post op, I would give the surgeon a call and ask for the best remedy for you. I know mine had me using Milk of Magnesia and even suppositories when it got really bad. I went 10 days post op before I was able to go and only with the help of the items mentioned.

I have used MFP for almost 10 months now. I find it easy to use and a must do for anyone tracking food intake, which I highly recommend. One of the best features for me is tracking of Protein and carbs. I found this very helpful as time progressed. I am eight months post surgery and every time weight loss slowed for me, I was able to increase calories in the right places to continue weight loss. I also make regular adjustments in what I eat each day depending on how the day has gone for me Pay particular note when trying to increase activity or exercise levels. I found that I needed to increase carbs to get the energy I need to increase exercise levels. I have gone from 600 to 1200 calories during the last eight months and weight loss has been very steady for me. MFP has been a very useful tool in managing the food intake. I have also aded a Fitbit Flex which syncs seamlessly with MFP

Hi Gina! I'm going to Dr. Ortiz as well. My surgery date is November 16th. Are there certain things you are worried about? I've done a lot of research on him and the OCC and haven't really found anything negative. He seems to be a very well-respected, educated and wonderful surgeon. He's not the cheapest down there, but also not the most expensive. I think there are some threads on this site about other people's experience with him. I'm very excited to go down there. And no, you are not crazy! A lot of people hear "Mexico" and they think of chickens in the operating room in some dirty strip mall clinic. The OCC is top notch from what I've heard. Have you gotten on the OCC's website and watched their testimonial videos?Hi! Yes. I've been all over the website. Googled. Yelped. And your right I haven't heard anything negative. I think it's a great choice, I just need some confirmation and you have given it to me. Thank you. When did you schedule? I was wondering how long I would have to wait after I scheduled. Thanks so much for your input! I just scheduled a few weeks ago and sent in my deposit. My health insurance, of course, would not pay for the surgery, and paying out of pocket was ridiculous. The coordinator I've been working with at OCC, Ora, said that you can schedule anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months out. Do you have a date in mind? I decided to set my date for Nov. 16th, right before the holidays. That's a time that I normally put on a good 10-15 pounds. Have you done searches on this site for Dr. Ortiz? I think you can even just search "Mexico" and find a lot of good info like what to expect when getting picked up at the airport, crossing the border, the hotel, what to bring with you, etc. I'm already making lists! I've also found a few videos on YouTube that were helpful. Do you have someone who can go with you?

Hello all!!! Tomm im getting sleeved! 9/13/2021 im excited and nervous!!! Can anyone tell me what to expect I have to be at Hospital at 8am surgery is 10:30. Im saying goodbye to be overweight, sleep apnea, and all other unhealthy issues/habits!

I don't have good news for you! You may have only lost 7 lbs since the beginning of the year, but you may have lost 15 lbs of fat and added 8 lbs of muscle? Losing fat is not a linear line on a chart. It seesaws with the food we eat and the exercise we do. Fitness is good but it can rob you of lbs lost. But again, it's a good thing. 10 lbs a month is usually much more than most any bander loses. Usually it's in the 4-8 lb range so you're pretty close to where you should be. It's so much easier the first 3 months post surgery to lose more weight but as we progress it gets harder. The math doesn't lie. 3500 calories equal one lb. You must burn 3500 more than you consume to lose 1 lb of fat.

@@Deborah Bennett Thank-you for pointing out the nightguard! That is also part of the treatment plan, I just forgot to mention it. My treatment plan just for the top teeth is like 3 pages long, but somewhere on there is a nightguard. I would be very upset if I broke my brand new teeth, lol. Apparently they also want me to wear flouride trays at night? And when invisalign is done a retainer? I'm like...I'm going to choke to death in my sleep with all that stuff in my mouth. Unfortunately, because the two crowns I have in the front are "unstable" the dentist and I were both concerned they would pop out of my mouth again if I did the invisalign first, so the current plan is to do the top 10 crowns and Zoom the bottom to match the top, then use invisalign to even everything out. Then after invisalign is done, then we will put two bridges in the back of my mouth where I had molars pulled. Like you, he said the best plan would be to do invisalign first, but the chance that my crowns fail between now and when the straightening process is finished is high and I'm afraid of being in a meeting and having my tooth fall out. You also make a good point about telling surgeons about dental work. Hopefully they aren't resting the laryngoscope on my teeth to intubate, but they might be even more motivated to not do that if they know how much those front teeth cost to replace, haha. I think the 010 color is closest to the Bl1 and 0M1 I was looking at. I've read online a lot more people being bummed that they didn't go light enough than that they ended up with teeth that were too bright. I wonder if the dentist can do half my temporaries in the brightest shade and half in the second brightest so I can have a better idea...

I gained 10 pounds in the hospital. It took me 2 days to lose it all after I got home.