August rush 2010!!!

[Dee31 0]

Hi All,

I am 31 yrs old 220lbs and just got approved for the Realize Lap Band and will be getting banded this friday August 13th. Everything is happening so fast and I am very excited but extremely nervous. Hoping some of you can give me some answers to the questions that I have.

1. How long is the surgery

2. How painful is it after the surgery

3. I am getting it done on friday and hoping to return to work on Monday-do you think this is realistic?

4. What should supplies should I get to have at home?

Thank you all, you are all great :party:

[Tally23 0]

I get banded on Tuesday.. im excited right now but family members are nervous. I dont think that will kick in till tuesday when I leave for the hospital.. Im ready..There was a point where I was pissed off with myself and I just wanted everything to be done. I wanted to have the band right away so I could continue with my new life... Guess that is part of the emotional process

[Beachbunny 5]

Hi All,

I am 31 yrs old 220lbs and just got approved for the Realize LAP-BAND® and will be getting banded this friday August 13th. Everything is happening so fast and I am very excited but extremely nervous. Hoping some of you can give me some answers to the questions that I have.

1. How long is the surgery

2. How painful is it after the surgery

3. I am getting it done on friday and hoping to return to work on Monday-do you think this is realistic?

4. What should supplies should I get to have at home?

Thank you all, you are all great :party:

Dee , congrats!!! didn't your surgeon tell you what your diet will be and what to buy?

[spoiltmom 44]

Hey Dee I was just banded yesterday. I think you should be able to return to work on Monday as long as you have a desk type job and not manual labor.

I'm already up and going today. The only pain I had was pain from the gas they use to do the surgery with but it wasn't too bad.

Congratulations!!

[AmberK 5]

1. My surgery was about 1.5 hours.

2. Pain hasnt been too bad but I've had 2 prior c-sections and those were much worse. Its just been the gas pain that Ive been dealing with.

3. Im 3 days post op and feeling like total crap. I felt GREAT the day after surgery but days 2 and 3 everythign just hit me. I've been running a low grade fever (normal according to the nurse) and have zero energy. I don't know that I would be able to go to work just 3 days post surgery but Im a wimp too. :smile2:

4. I didnt get too much as far as supplies. Just my pain meds from the doctor, plenty of Clear Liquids per my instructions from my doctors office. I did have DH go to the store and pick up some flavorless Protein Powder that I can put in my broth since Im thinking that might help with my weakness.

Did your doctors office give you pre and post op diet instructions?

Hi All,

I am 31 yrs old 220lbs and just got approved for the Realize LAP-BAND® and will be getting banded this friday August 13th. Everything is happening so fast and I am very excited but extremely nervous. Hoping some of you can give me some answers to the questions that I have.

1. How long is the surgery

2. How painful is it after the surgery

3. I am getting it done on friday and hoping to return to work on Monday-do you think this is realistic?

4. What should supplies should I get to have at home?

Thank you all, you are all great :party:

[juliek1968 1]

I typically only check out the blogs...but decided to be adventurous and check out other parts of this site! :party: hahah....Anyway, I came across this Forum! I too am being banded in August....actually, I'll be banded on the 10th! I am SOOO excited! I'm a little nervous of the pain...only b/c I've never had any kind of serious injury or surgery or broken bone....nothing! I have NO idea what to expect...although I'm thinking it'll be pretty bad! Anyway, I'm day 7 on my liquids...and someone was right. After the 3rd day of being starving and CONSTANTLY thinking about food, it has gotten remarkably easier! I can't believe it...but it is really true...and if someone had told me that last Monday, I surely would not have believed them! hahahah....

It's nice having this little group of people who are all banded around the same time! I'll be excited to track everyone's progress too!!

Anyone from MA??

Hi Jennay, I am from Ma. I am having my surgery at the Beth Isreal. Where are you having yours? I am Just waiting for my new insurance company to approve...I was already approved by Tufts but my hubby's insurance changed to Blue Cross so now I am waiting again...My surgery is scheduled for August 23rd.

[jennay5180 0]

Hi Jennay, I am from Ma. I am having my surgery at the Beth Isreal. Where are you having yours? I am Just waiting for my new insurance company to approve...I was already approved by Tufts but my hubby's insurance changed to Blue Cross so now I am waiting again...My surgery is scheduled for August 23rd.

I'm having mine done at the Caritas Norwood Hospital. I had done a bunch of research and heard great things about Surgical Weight Loss Specialists in Norwood. It is a father/son duo that only do Lap-Bands. So, you already did the 6 month icanchange program through Tufts? Ugh...that sucks if you had to go through other hoops too! :smile2:

Yay...at least you have a date scheduled! That will be so exciting! I am very excited...and a little nervous...just about the pain b/c I'm a big baby! :party: hahah....Plus, I've never been in a hospital as a patient before....so this is completely new experience for me too!

Anyway, I'd love to keep in touch!! It's great knowing there are others around getting the same thing done!

~Jen

[MelissaAZ 1]

Officially Banded!

I am home from the hospital tonight and was offically banded yesterday! It was a lot smoother than I expected. I prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best and it really turned out to be no big deal. It really wasn't bad at all. I woke up from the anesthia really easily, I was up and walking around 2 hours after recovery, in fact a few of the nurses couldn't believe it and said they were amazed that I was already walking. I have 5 inscions, and 4 are pretty tiny. The doctored covered them with a clear glue like substance, no stiches or steri strips. I was able to take a shower 24 hours afterwards. But was told not to scrub the area. Not like I would have wanted to anyway!!

I had a lot of gas in my chest and shoulder areas, and it killed but I had read countless posts that its best to walk walk walk after surgery and that is SOO true, every time I would finish walking around the ward, I would let out a burp and started to gradually felt better each time.

I had originally thought that it was going to be an outpatient procedure, in fact when the hospital called to confirm it a few days earlier they said it was outpatient as well. Well when I got there yesterday morning at 7:30am to register the nurse told me the doc wanted me to stay inpatient for insurance purposes (I guess he gets reimbursed for more of the procedure that way.) I was pissed at first, since I didn't plan or pack for an overnight stay. I had absolutely nothing with me but my ID and insurance card and chapstick. But I agreed, knowing that I have lots of expereince in hospitals, it does give a feeling of comfort knowing that with the push of a button a nurse will come and bring me some gooooood drugs. :party:

I didn't have tons of pain but kept getting the pain killers, and I would highly reccommend that. I had some of the best sleep I've ever had last night. Like floating on a cloud :smile2: The pain wasn't bad, I just more so just felt uncomfortable and "tight". But nothing I couldn't bare, mosting gettnig up and laying down is the toughest. But it's been less than 48 hours since surgery and I feel fine. I've been up and down a few sets of stairs, and probably circled the ward about 15 times no problem.

So, now I'm home. I'm not hungry really. But my stomach is gurgling. It's an odd sensation....I thought I was going to be on an all liquid diet this week, but they gave me pudding and yogurt and milk which is great. (Better than broth!). So, I think I will do ok. I have all day tomoorrow to rest as well (Sunday) and then I plan to go back to work Monday instead of Tuesday. I don't think I'll have a problem.

Oh but does anyone else have to give themselves self injections daily post-op for 10 days of a blood thinner?? I found out I had to do this and it freaked me out!! My first one is tomorrow.

[juliek1968 1]

Hi Jen, I didn't realize Norwood Hospital did bands. Thats where we always go for er visits...I have two kids!! It is a very good hospital!! My parents go their too for all their medical needs. My doctor is out of the BI so I have to stay in his network for my insurance.

I did have to do the 6 months I can change program and then the insurance changed, but it was good I started loosing weight and learned alot about the surgery.

Don't worry about the surgery...It sounds like everyone on here is doing really good ) and the meds will take care of the pain! I am a little nervous, but really can't wait!! Keep in touch )

[Alanna 10]

i did the 6th too...How is everyone feeling?

[AmberK 5]

YAY! Congrats on being banded and Im glad you are feeling so well! I dont have to do the blood thinner injections but I can tell you that from when I had to give myself fertility shots its not too bad. The first one was the worst becuase I was freaked out that I was giving myself an injection but the needle is so small and you can hardly feel it.

Officially Banded!

I am home from the hospital tonight and was offically banded yesterday! It was a lot smoother than I expected. I prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best and it really turned out to be no big deal. It really wasn't bad at all. I woke up from the anesthia really easily, I was up and walking around 2 hours after recovery, in fact a few of the nurses couldn't believe it and said they were amazed that I was already walking. I have 5 inscions, and 4 are pretty tiny. The doctored covered them with a clear glue like substance, no stiches or steri strips. I was able to take a shower 24 hours afterwards. But was told not to scrub the area. Not like I would have wanted to anyway!!

I had a lot of gas in my chest and shoulder areas, and it killed but I had read countless posts that its best to walk walk walk after surgery and that is SOO true, every time I would finish walking around the ward, I would let out a burp and started to gradually felt better each time.

I had originally thought that it was going to be an outpatient procedure, in fact when the hospital called to confirm it a few days earlier they said it was outpatient as well. Well when I got there yesterday morning at 7:30am to register the nurse told me the doc wanted me to stay inpatient for insurance purposes (I guess he gets reimbursed for more of the procedure that way.) I was pissed at first, since I didn't plan or pack for an overnight stay. I had absolutely nothing with me but my ID and insurance card and chapstick. But I agreed, knowing that I have lots of expereince in hospitals, it does give a feeling of comfort knowing that with the push of a button a nurse will come and bring me some gooooood drugs.

I didn't have tons of pain but kept getting the pain killers, and I would highly reccommend that. I had some of the best sleep I've ever had last night. Like floating on a cloud The pain wasn't bad, I just more so just felt uncomfortable and "tight". But nothing I couldn't bare, mosting gettnig up and laying down is the toughest. But it's been less than 48 hours since surgery and I feel fine. I've been up and down a few sets of stairs, and probably circled the ward about 15 times no problem.

So, now I'm home. I'm not hungry really. But my stomach is gurgling. It's an odd sensation....I thought I was going to be on an all liquid diet this week, but they gave me pudding and yogurt and milk which is great. (Better than broth!). So, I think I will do ok. I have all day tomoorrow to rest as well (Sunday) and then I plan to go back to work Monday instead of Tuesday. I don't think I'll have a problem.

Oh but does anyone else have to give themselves self injections daily post-op for 10 days of a blood thinner?? I found out I had to do this and it freaked me out!! My first one is tomorrow.

[jenontheband 0]

Amber, Melissa and Amanda,

Thank you so much for posting! I go in this coming Wednesday and although I am nervous, I am so LESS nervous because of your updates. I can only hope that mine goes as smoothly! Thank you again!

[tammybrant 0]

I WAS BANDED ON AUGUST 2ND. I AM 6 DAYS POST OP AND FEELING HUNGRY. I ALREADY HAD LIKE 3 TABLESPOONS OF MASHED POTATOES AND SOME CRACKERS.......THE ONLY ACHE I HAVE IS IN MY NECK. IT FEELS STIFF! LIKE CHALK ON BOARD! I'M ALSO SORE WHEN U BREATH. IT'S BEEN 6 DAYS AND I THINK IT'S MENTAL THAT IM HUNGRY...WHY DO THEY HAVE YOU ON liquids SOOOOOOOOO LONG????

[Mandyrae 0]

Hi everyone, I am new to this site and just wanted to introduce myself! My lapband surgery is scheduled for August 26th. I am excited and nervous but sooo ready for this.

Right now I think I am ready and don't have too many questions but I know that will soon change once the band is in place. I look forward to getting to know everyone!

[zeniada 9]

Hi everyone, I am new to this site and just wanted to introduce myself! My LAP-BAND® surgery is scheduled for August 26th. I am excited and nervous but sooo ready for this.

Right now I think I am ready and don't have too many questions but I know that will soon change once the band is in place. I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Yeah an other 26'er... us 26'ers need to start a support group what do ya say???