Brand New to EVERYTHING!

[Nicole T. 0]

Hi everyone.

My name is Nic and I'm new to the board, as well as new to being a patient of the Lapband.

I was released from an overnight stay yesterday and I have a really great doctor, who is followed by a very thorough and trustworthy team. I feel like I'm apart of their surgical family now, in some way.

I was reading this board for a little while, looking at what to expect on the pre-op and I really found it helpful. I've gone to group meetings, I've met with the nutritionist 3 times and I've done every test humanly possible!

Well, now that I have the Lapband, admittingly, I've been a bit emotional. I was on the phone with my boyfriend during my ride home (I've had a very supportive family and boyfriend to help me along with this) and I just remember becoming so emotional and crying that "I can't believe I've let myself get to this point. What have I done to myself?" I just want to know some positive input because I'm very emotional of a person as is and the fact that I am now on my stage to recovery, I am looking forward to being ache/pain free and doing a lot more for myself because I am still very, very sensitive in my movements.

I walked around for a half hour a few hours ago and due to my inconsistent sleeping since I've had this done, I dose off here and there but I am always trying to move around to prevent any complications, and that's been eating away at me, too. I'm so terrified of complications from clots and anything else that I can't seem to shake the feeling of being terrified.

I've been icing my tummy with the packets they gave me in the hospital, using a special pillow they gave me, as well as actually wearing a loose gown to prevent any irritability against my incisions. I've given myself my "Lovenox" injection (yesterday in the hospital, and this morning) and I'm just concerned that even if I'm sitting down that I shouldn't be?

Any advice and input would be so much appreciated. I will be writing on here, I am sure, with more concerns because I've found that a lot of my concerns are the same that other people have had on here and it makes me feel like I'm not alone. That it really is a wonderful thing and that I did all the proper steps, all the right things and everything came out swimmingly. They said I did excellent in my surgery, not one complication and as soon as I was out of recovery and into my own room, a few hours in, I actually started the walking on my own. I did 5 laps every few hours around the wing where I was staying in the hospital about 4 times (with walking here and there, getting movement, going from the bed to several different chairs). I just hope I'm doing everything. I've been sipping my 1oz-2oz of Protein that I can tolerate and sipping Water on the side.

Like I've said, God wouldn't give me more than I can handle and I've found that to be true because I'm healthy, here and ready to recover and actually put the work in.

There's my little introduction and of course, I'm glad to be here amongst people who know what I'm talking about and I, them.

[PalmBayTish72 4]

Well, I just typed up this long huge message and then my system crapped out on me. Congrats on getting the band and remember to take it easy and follow doctors orders, ok? I was banded 18 months ago and i started an online blog which journaled my details. Since you have some free time on your hands, if you want to visit it, go to www.dreamsofskinnyhighheels.blogspot.com and you can start in 2010 and fllow my progress. Just today i posted my before/after photos that have me at 126 lbs lost....I just posted on below.

You can do this and just remember not to overdo it. If you have gas pains, Gas-X chewables and a hot Water bottle will be your best friend. Just relax, take it easy and welcome to your new life!

[formykids2 4]

I am still pre band, but I have to say, I am so impressed with the information on this site and the willingness of people to answer questions, share stories, and uplift people when they need a little sunshine. I also LOVE that people who have had good success post pics and show us what we are headed for even though right now may seem like a bummer be it having to do testing or the diet or waiting on pins and needles for insurance approval. You have definitely come to the right place for positive community in the "bandland".

[Nicole T. 0]

Thanks for the insight and I'm starting to read your blog. Kind of inspired myself to write a little blog, even if it's just for myself at this time. Just so I can keep proper time management and log my intakes more or less and note any changes, etc.

I just took my first shower today since my surgery and it felt awesome. Pretty positive and happy that I'm doing everything I am supposed to and more, hopefully.

I'm stoked.