Looking for September 2010 Bandsters

[CSinTX 0]

I'm also a september hopeful

So hopeful that I wanted to have a cute graphic to Celebrate (I've seen others that have them with their "band-month"

I made one for girls and one for guys. Let me know what you all think. I love doing graphics (its what I'm going to school for)

To get the logo, you should be able to click the thumbnail to bring it up full sized. Then you right click and chose "save as" or something like that. Save it to your hard-drive and then go to "User CP" which is at the top left of every page here (just underneath the people in the banner) and click "edit signature" and there is a spot to upload it. Make sure you check the box that says something like "Add image to signature".

I thought I would bring this back up to the top since we have had so many new folks join our group.

Also if you want to add a ticker to your signature to display your weight loss, go to TickerFactory.com. You'll follow the steps and once you get the ticker just like you want it, copy and paste the contents in the first box into your signature. Then as you loose all you have to do is go back to TickerFactory.com, enter your 4 digit pin and save. It will automatically update your weight loss here.

Cathy

[BandedNellie 0]

I survived!! But not after a couple of bumbs in the road. The day of the surgery went great.. Had to be at the hospital at 6:30. My husband and I stayed at a hotel close by.. Woke up at 5am, took a shower got ready.. Went to the hospital they asked for a urine sample to make sure I was not pregnant.. I could not get a sample ( which stressed me out ) so they finally took blood. Of course I was not pregnant so off to the surgery.. Absolutely no problem.. woke up in a lot of pain, but they were right there with the happy juice!!! Now I am not suppose to spend the night.. just waiting for me to pee ( AGAIN ) in order for me to go home.. wait until 8pm for them to cath me and they admit me to get my bladder going. As soon as they cath me I started going about every 3 hours.. so was home by noon the next day. Frankly I think it is nuts that some insurance companies think this is an outpatient procedure.. Actually relieved that I spent the first night at the hospital. TAKE your ICE PACKS home with you!!! I love mine.. it is always on my belly - makes it feel better. I did come home a couple pounds up on the scale however I have been on a IV for 24hours..so once my bladder gets worked out.. and I gt rid of all this Fluid I am on the right track.. Absolutely no appetite.. but forcing the liquids not to get dehydrated again. Isopure is gross.. but forcing it down.. now just waiting out this hurricane Earl coming up the pike!! More later!

[CSinTX 0]

I survived!! But not after a couple of bumbs in the road. The day of the surgery went great.. Had to be at the hospital at 6:30. My husband and I stayed at a hotel close by.. Woke up at 5am, took a shower got ready.. Went to the hospital they asked for a urine sample to make sure I was not pregnant.. I could not get a sample ( which stressed me out ) so they finally took blood. Of course I was not pregnant so off to the surgery.. Absolutely no problem.. woke up in a lot of pain, but they were right there with the happy juice!!! Now I am not suppose to spend the night.. just waiting for me to pee ( AGAIN ) in order for me to go home.. wait until 8pm for them to cath me and they admit me to get my bladder going. As soon as they cath me I started going about every 3 hours.. so was home by noon the next day. Frankly I think it is nuts that some insurance companies think this is an outpatient procedure.. Actually relieved that I spent the first night at the hospital. TAKE your ICE PACKS home with you!!! I love mine.. it is always on my belly - makes it feel better. I did come home a couple pounds up on the scale however I have been on a IV for 24hours..so once my bladder gets worked out.. and I gt rid of all this Fluid I am on the right track.. Absolutely no appetite.. but forcing the liquids not to get dehydrated again. Isopure is gross.. but forcing it down.. now just waiting out this hurricane Earl coming up the pike!! More later!

Glad to hear from you again and that you survived. How was the ride home? I was so afraid that I was going to get sick and was not in any hurry to leave the hospital but right after I left recovery, I was wheeled into another waiting room where my first trip out of bed was the bathroom and about 10 minutes they had me WALK out the door - so much for the wheelchair. But they did give me morphine to get me home without getting sick - needless to say, I sleep the entire 1.5 hour drive home.

Wanted to say, I too weighed myself when I got home and was 3 pounds more than when I left 6 hours earlier but it quickly peeped out. Since the surgery last Friday, I am down 5 pounds in 1 week. I'll take it.

Hope your feeling better soon.

Cathy

[Brian-LA 0]

Hi Danide,

I am in the same boat you are in - I have to self pay for my Lap Band too ! You are being banded the day before me I will be banded on Wednesday.

I also have to pay $16,000 for my band. I am a little apprehensive about paying $16,000 it is a lot of money and I am going thru Care Credit so by the time I pay for it it might end up costing me $22,000 ( I will probably pay it off quick to lower the total ) . BUT I want to change my life so much and get this horrible burden of obesity off me it is worth it. Obesity has effected my life so much I don't even know or can I comprehend a life without obesity yet. BUT it has to be much better. I know its effected my self confidence in great ways. I am not a bad looking guy but I have had no luck with women at all. Even with excess pounds good looking normal weighted women look at me / talk to me but my self confidence is so low and I feel so horrible that I just blow it constantly.

In the last couple of years I have gotten most of my life goals and I have come together pretty well but I suck socially. I have a good job and make good money. I am a nice guy and very dependable. I have gone from entry level at my job to among the top levels at my job of a couple hundred people in a couple of years time. But I still suck socially and I have a weight problem. This is one of my final obstacles in life. I know it isn't going to be easy but I know in the end it will be worth it.

-Brian

[Brian-LA 0]

Hi CSinTX ( Cathy ),

How are you feeling post surgery ? I am glad you are down 5lbs. It is just the start !

I got scoped on Wednesday and they did find a small hiatal hernia and my surgeon will correct it when he does the lap Band.

I am a little apprehensive today - 5 days from surgery. I have yet to start my liquid diet. My surgeon just says 2 days ahead of surgery - I will probable start tomorrow night. I am prepping my place by buying my Protein Drinks and getting rid of any and all food. I live alone so I can sanitize my place. I am wondering if I should go to a final dinner with a special friend ( woman I am in love / lust with but who triggers some emotional eating ) or just flush my old life / get ready for my new start. Decisions. Decisions. arrggggh.

-Brian

[MrsFitand42 0]

I got my surgery date - Sept 17th!

I had my seminar yesterday. They wanted to keep my original surgery date of Sept 10th but I hadn't started my liquid diet and would only of had 8 days to do it. I told them no way I can't do it that soon - I need to shrink my liver!!! LOL

So I am Day 1 on my liquids. So far so good - not hungry at all. We will see what I say a few days down the road

[MrsFitand42 0]

Hi CSinTX ( Cathy ),

How are you feeling post surgery ? I am glad you are down 5lbs. It is just the start !

I got scoped on Wednesday and they did find a small hiatal hernia and my surgeon will correct it when he does the LAP-BAND®.

I am a little apprehensive today - 5 days from surgery. I have yet to start my liquid diet. My surgeon just says 2 days ahead of surgery - I will probable start tomorrow night. I am prepping my place by buying my Protein drinks and getting rid of any and all food. I live alone so I can sanitize my place. I am wondering if I should go to a final dinner with a special friend ( woman I am in love / lust with but who triggers some emotional eating ) or just flush my old life / get ready for my new start. Decisions. Decisions. arrggggh.

-Brian

I say flush away!! :thumbup: A new you means a new life to live.

[sandi2004 2]

My surgery date is scheduled for Sept. 28th. I'm so excited. I can't wait to start this new journey in life.

Hello to all of you getting banded in September. You are starting the rest of your life and i wish you all the best. This month is special to me because it is my birthday month. On September 15 it is my birthday. I will be 62 and I have more energy, am more active and healthier than I have been since I was a teenager. I have lost 250 pounds and have kept if off since surgery in 2004. Of course, my other favorite day of the year is May28, which is my bandaversary, the first day of the rest of my life. If you are interested, check out my surgery day story at Sandis Lap Band Surgery Day Story - May 28, 2004

[mom05 0]

BandedNellie- so glad to hear that your doing well & thank you for sharing your experience. I find it so helpful to read from others that have had the procedure and their experience at the hospital...

Sandi- thanks so much my date is 09/22. I am so glad that you are happy with your band and that you are successful. Will definitely check out your site.

BrianLA- decisions, decisions.... make the best one for you... You already made one that is probably one of the most important ones in your life, so your on the right track.. good luck

Edited September 3, 2010 by mom05

[CSinTX 0]

MrsFitand42 -- Congratulations Tiffany on getting your surgery date. :biggrin:

Brian-LA -- Hi Brian, I am going great. I feel almost 100% am able to sleep on my right side but not my left. I can even sleep on about 70% of my tummy, again jacking up the left side which is great because I am a belly sleeper. I am getting around normal, driving to town and today - cleaning house. Thanks for asking.

Since you live alone, I would suggest you stocking up on sugar-free popsicles, Soup, Protein Drinks, Jello and yogurt. I found some excellent popsicles that are made from juices and only 25 calories each. The best Protein Drink (but kinda expensive) is Special K Protein Drink, comes in strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. Oops, add milk to the shopping list for your Soups.< /p>

As for your "Last Dinner" I did Chilis with my husband, even though I ate a salad. I knew I would be on a liquid diet for 9 weeks (3 pre-op and 6 post-op), so it was my reward for doing this. I did not over do it, nor did I order desert, just a salad. If you are going to reward yourself you should do it this weekend to allow plenty of time for everything to be processed through your system. Just make sure you surround yourself with people who support you and don't temp to you eat more than you want.

danide -- I feel for you and anytime you need to RANT we'll be here. I could not imagine how I would feel if I was denied. I learned about this procedure from a co-worker in January and had no clue there was even a procedure like this. I was sure this was my ticket to a happy healthy life that I committed 100%. I have a daughter who is in her 3rd year of college and we are paying $2000 a month in tuition, room & board. Taking into consideration our house payment, my husband and I live on about $500 a month. I would have been absolutely crushed if I was denied because I know I could not afford to cover the cost. I would have simply given up.

It's a big decision and I am glad you have decided to go for you.:scared2:

missjoany -- Wow you have really had some major obsticles. Your determination will work for you and you will be successful with this tool. Congratulations on your surgery date and glad to have you in our family.

South Dakota Girl -- Welcome and congratulations on your surgery date. I was one of those who did not want to leave the hospital but was booted out. I surgery was at 8, woke up in recovery at 10 and was leaving the hospital by 11.

fusionbell -- I had my surgery a week ago today and could have gone back to work by Wednesday. I am glad I took the week off which is allowing me to get caught up on things that I had put on the back burner. I'm not a smoker so I can't answer that question. But just think, by this time next year how much better your health will be. Good luck.

Mandyrae -- It's good that you know about your heart because that will make you more determined to make this work for you.

__________________________________________________

So I have a question for everyone. Just curious because there has been such a big different in pre-op diets.

1. How long after surgery will you be on liquids?

2. How long will you be on mushies?

3. At what week can you move to regular food?

My answers:

1 - for 6 weeks

2 - for 1 week

3 - starting 8th week after surgery

[leeblewb 9]

The official pre-determination came through from Cigna today. Yeah ! Surgery is on for the 15th. Starting liquid diet today, so will only have 11 days of it. Now, all of a sudden I am nervous. What is up with that?

[danide 0]

A blessing? A miracle? OMG you won't believe this, I still can't...

So I get called at 930 am from the hospital telling me that if I need to bring money to the main hosptial and more more to administration building in a whole other area by 2:30pm today or I can't get the surgery on Tuesday (since everyone is closed for Labor Day). So I get the checks by 11:30am, run to the one place (15 miles away) then to the other place (22 miles away in the opposite direction)... OKAY- I get home at 1:30 this afternoon after all is said and done.... OKAY- at 1:45 pm I get a phone call from the surgeons office.... 6 minutes before the financial lady gets a phone call from my insurance company... OKAY- They are APPROVING me for my entire surgery! :thumbup:OMFG... are you SERIOUS. I literally screamed. So apparently my doctor sent ANOTHER form for a second appeal... And it was APPROVED! HOLY CRAP. After all this poop I have been going through emotionally, after the running around today, after PAYING today, 1 HOUR before the office was closing until Tuesday--- I get approved! I am SOOOOOOOO thankful! I don't know how it happened but it did! So she told me that a family member can pick up the check during my surgery one Tuesday for the one check. I had to call the administrative/finance people- they were able to verify that its approved too- they said they will mail me the check back.... And then I had to call another department about my refund for the pre-surgery cost- they said they will mail me back a refund check! OMG How CRAZY is that. Thank you dear God! :biggrin: WOW I don't even know what to say! What a relief! :scared2:

Ohh and then 25 minutes later I get called again- I have to be at the hosptial on Tuesday by 5:45 am!!!!!!

Thank you for the support people! I <3 You all!

Brian- maybe you will receive a blessing too!

[sunny day 0]

Hey Everyone! I am new to this site and just recently had my first consult with surgeon. I have been given all the paperwork or really checklist of physicians that need to be seen prior to getting a letter sent to GHI. At first my i was scared when i left his office only because this is a huge decision that i am making, and was thinking of having the single incision LAP-BAND®. Of course I smoke, which makes it more difficult for me. I guess i am more stressed knowing that i have to quit or no surgery and that made me more intense. I have already seen the endocrinologist and cardiologist, have a pulmonary visit tomorrow. My insurance doesnt cover the nutrionist so that will be an out of pocket expense, but its ok because i have to do this. I am 5 ft tall and have gained over 85 lbs in the last 3 years alone. I can barely make it up the stairs, i have atrial fibrillation, which is a heart arrythmia, and I just wanna be able to play ball and run around with my 9 year old son. i can't wear jeans because my waste is tiny and behind is plump, lol. I have to be healthy for me and for him. i hear such great stories on here but of course with any surgeries its a bit scary. we have to take the bad with the good i guess. if we want to be healthy we gotta do what we have to do.

has anyone here smoked prior to surgery and if so what did you have to do to quit? i am also worried a bit about the eating, and the gas pains that i have read about. i don't have a gallbladder so i guess its no worse than that...i hope not..lol..

i am hoping for an october date, but we will see. i am trying to get all my md appts done within the next week and then will submit everything to surgeon for submission to insurance? does anyone have GHI? im curious as to how much time to take off from work, maybe 2-3 weeks, does that sound reasonable? geez so many questions..lol

please keep in touch everyone!

ladies and gents i wish you all the best of luck with your surgeries and post surgeries.:biggrin:

i have ghi and it took about 7 days after they submitted paper work for approval > im taking off 2 wks even though i have a desk job . im scared to go back earlier best of luck on your journey

[sunny day 0]

how do have the September Sweeties and a ticker as your signature had to delete one to get the other any help would be appreciated

[pooky032281 8]

MrsFitand42 -- Congratulations Tiffany on getting your surgery date. :biggrin:

Brian-LA -- Hi Brian, I am going great. I feel almost 100% am able to sleep on my right side but not my left. I can even sleep on about 70% of my tummy, again jacking up the left side which is great because I am a belly sleeper. I am getting around normal, driving to town and today - cleaning house. Thanks for asking.

Since you live alone, I would suggest you stocking up on sugar-free popsicles, Soup, Protein Drinks, Jello and yogurt. I found some excellent popsicles that are made from juices and only 25 calories each. The best Protein Drink (but kinda expensive) is Special K Protein Drink, comes in strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. Oops, add milk to the shopping list for your Soups.< /p>

As for your "Last Dinner" I did Chilis with my husband, even though I ate a salad. I knew I would be on a liquid diet for 9 weeks (3 pre-op and 6 post-op), so it was my reward for doing this. I did not over do it, nor did I order desert, just a salad. If you are going to reward yourself you should do it this weekend to allow plenty of time for everything to be processed through your system. Just make sure you surround yourself with people who support you and don't temp to you eat more than you want.

danide -- I feel for you and anytime you need to RANT we'll be here. I could not imagine how I would feel if I was denied. I learned about this procedure from a co-worker in January and had no clue there was even a procedure like this. I was sure this was my ticket to a happy healthy life that I committed 100%. I have a daughter who is in her 3rd year of college and we are paying $2000 a month in tuition, room & board. Taking into consideration our house payment, my husband and I live on about $500 a month. I would have been absolutely crushed if I was denied because I know I could not afford to cover the cost. I would have simply given up.

It's a big decision and I am glad you have decided to go for you.:scared2:

missjoany -- Wow you have really had some major obsticles. Your determination will work for you and you will be successful with this tool. Congratulations on your surgery date and glad to have you in our family.

South Dakota Girl -- Welcome and congratulations on your surgery date. I was one of those who did not want to leave the hospital but was booted out. I surgery was at 8, woke up in recovery at 10 and was leaving the hospital by 11.

fusionbell -- I had my surgery a week ago today and could have gone back to work by Wednesday. I am glad I took the week off which is allowing me to get caught up on things that I had put on the back burner. I'm not a smoker so I can't answer that question. But just think, by this time next year how much better your health will be. Good luck.

Mandyrae -- It's good that you know about your heart because that will make you more determined to make this work for you.

__________________________________________________

So I have a question for everyone. Just curious because there has been such a big different in pre-op diets.

1. How long after surgery will you be on liquids?

2. How long will you be on mushies?

3. At what week can you move to regular food?

My answers:

1 - for 6 weeks

2 - for 1 week

3 - starting 8th week after surgery

My answers:

1 - 2 wks

2 - 4 wks

3 - starting after the 6th week post-op