UMASS Banders?

[MassMom01527 26]

Congratulations on your weight loss!! I can't wait to begin losing weight at a steady pace like that. I want to correct myself, I called the test the other day an endoscopy, but it was actually an esophageal manometry like yours. I didn't realize they weren't the same thing.

Thanks again for all the information! It has helped me so much! You can probably tell by all of my questions, but I have a pretty intense fear of the unknown. It makes me feel so much better to get as much info possible before hand. I appreciate you taking the time to answer all of my questions.

I am 10 days away from surgery and I'm feeling really good about my decision. My husband has been so supportive so far, but he's starting to get nervous, which of course makes me nervous in return. Are you married? If so how has your spouse or partner been with everything? My husbands biggest problem is that he thinks our lifestyle is going to change afterwards. I'm sure it will to a point but he thinks he'll have to change his eating habits as well. He's an athlete and has the luxury of being able to eat whatever he likes as often as he likes. (He make me sick lol) What has your experience been?

[manseaud 0]

Just wondering if there are any other UMASS (University of Massachusetts) banders out there? Pre or post -op.

I just found out today that my insurance provider has approved my band surgery....YAAAYY!! I have been preparing since January and honestly thought the day would NEVER EVER come when I would finally get the "green light."

I don't have the date yet but it will be within the next 4-6 weeks....yikes! I was hoping to touch base with some other Umass banders for support. I l'd love to hear other people's experiences...

[manseaud 0]

Hi! i just started with the program at UMass. Already had my first in-take appointment with Dr. Dragoon. Real nice and very easy to talk to. I have an appontment with the pyschologist on 6/30 and nutritionist on 7/25. Then I am all set for the classes. I am hoping to get the lap band procedure done in the beginning of 2012.

[chitchatchew 0]

So now just a week to go until your surgery, right? By this time next week I'd expect you'll be home and sipping your Protein drinks .

I'm glad your husband has been supportive. I was just like you and craved all of the information I could get. Fear of the unknown is indeed powerful, and there's lots of unknown ahead. However, at this point you're hopefully well-educated and comfortable with your choices (if not, please be sure to ask questions before your surgery). Personally, I chose the unknown of the surgery rather than the likely "known" of what was ahead for me if I didn't make some radical changes. No thanks!

Anyway, yes, things have kind of changed for those around me a little bit. I'm not married, so I don't have that challenge or support. But my family and several friends (I told very few people) have been very supportive and are constantly concerned about my well-being. They were understandably nervous before the surgery and right after. It's harder for some than others and I really do try to be aware of the fact that not everyone is interested in the exact weight or measurement of their portions or the time it takes to log every bite - LOL. I'm very fortunate to feel like my choice was definitely respected, if not actually embraced. I do see some of my loved ones eating a bit differently sometimes and I'm very grateful for their awareness and support.

It's great that your husband is able to eat without packing on the pounds! But, I'll bet you've tried different diets over time before you got to this point, although I'll bet the lead up to the surgery has been more intense than those. Even though it's a choice and something you want surgery is still scary! As you learn to eat with your band it will be a tough couple of months but things will get back to normal - you'll just be redefining normal a little. I'm able to eat pretty much all foods with very little difficulty. That gives me lots of choices, and therefore, normalcy and makes it very manageable to handle the social aspects of eating.

Sorry for the rambling. I'm excited for you and it makes me think about where I was the week before my surgery - nervous, brave, worried, resigned, hopeful, sluggish, defiant - all of those things. Just a few months later and I think you can take nervous, worried, resigned and sluggish out of the list and add strong, powerful and committed to the list - and double up on the hopeful! Sorry, rambling again!

Looking forward to hearing how your preparation is going!

[chitchatchew 0]

Congratulations on getting started! Your timeline sounds about the same as mine (intake appointment in June and surgery in February). Good luck!

[MassMom01527 26]

Manseaud...welcome to LBT!! You're going to love this site...but be careful, its way to easy to get addicted! LOL.

Chitchatchew, again, you're amazing! Everytime I read one of your replies I feel a whole new wave of ease and inspiration. Everything has been going great! Don't feel like your rambling, I'm like a dry sponge soaking in every word.

I had my pre-testing and pre-op today. All the my testing has come back normal thus far and we have the official "green light" for Tuesday...woohoo!! I had lots and lots of questions answered today, I feel like I have earned a degree in WLS by this point in my journey. I could probably start leading the pre-surgical skills classes too lol.

I think I've officially gotten over the nervous/anxious phase, I'm just eager to get this over with at this once and for all. After seeing a picture of myself taken on monday, I am POSITIVE I have made the right decision. My husband will have to adjust I guess, its been all about him and the kids long enough, its my time now hahaha.

I'll keep you updated on how I make out on Tuesday, I'm prepared for the worst and praying for the best!

~Steph

[chitchatchew 0]

You're almost there! Just checking in to let you know I'm rooting for you and looking forward to hearing that everything went well. I'm guessing that you're spending today consuming only Clear liquids, which I thought was tough.

I'm glad to hear you're past the nervous/anxious stuff. You've got a lot of work ahead, but it's all worth it. It's exciting to be where you are right now! Good luck and I hope to hear from you soon!

[manseaud 0]

Good luck, MassMon01527! Keep us posted!

Manseaud...welcome to LBT!! You're going to love this site...but be careful, its way to easy to get addicted! LOL.

Chitchatchew, again, you're amazing! Everytime I read one of your replies I feel a whole new wave of ease and inspiration. Everything has been going great! Don't feel like your rambling, I'm like a dry sponge soaking in every word.

I had my pre-testing and pre-op today. All the my testing has come back normal thus far and we have the official "green light" for Tuesday...woohoo!! I had lots and lots of questions answered today, I feel like I have earned a degree in WLS by this point in my journey. I could probably start leading the pre-surgical skills classes too lol.

I think I've officially gotten over the nervous/anxious phase, I'm just eager to get this over with at this once and for all. After seeing a picture of myself taken on monday, I am POSITIVE I have made the right decision. My husband will have to adjust I guess, its been all about him and the kids long enough, its my time now hahaha.

I'll keep you updated on how I make out on Tuesday, I'm prepared for the worst and praying for the best!

~Steph

[MassMom01527 26]

Hey there!

Just wanted to let you know that surgery went GREAT! No nausea, no port pain and NO gas pains! I was a tad sore yesterday but I feel amazing today. I even got up this morning and went for a walk with my daughter. The meds make me a bit sleepy but I'm not complaining, cause its nice to rest after not sleeping in anticipation of surgery.

Anyhoo, there you have it! I feel like my prayers were answered for a smooth and easy recovery. Thanks for asking how I was doing!

Talk to you soon,

~Steph

[manseaud 0]

Wow! I am so glad the surgery went well for you! I hope I have the same luck when I have mine.

Hey there!

Just wanted to let you know that surgery went GREAT! No nausea, no port pain and NO gas pains! I was a tad sore yesterday but I feel amazing today. I even got up this morning and went for a walk with my daughter. The meds make me a bit sleepy but I'm not complaining, cause its nice to rest after not sleeping in anticipation of surgery.

Anyhoo, there you have it! I feel like my prayers were answered for a smooth and easy recovery. Thanks for asking how I was doing!

Talk to you soon,

~Steph