February Bandsters?

[takingmeback 6]

Tomorrow's the big day! I can't wait, by this time tomorrow it'll be all over! I've spent the last few days completely fine with my decision, no nerves or anything. Then boom I walked out of my office, got in the elevator and had a meltdown:( now I'm wondering around my apartment trying to find something to occupy myself; I just want to go to sleep so I can wake up already!! I love reading everyone's experiences, it's been a huge help!! xx

[Furcoat1951 1]

Hey, got done Feb.9th. Back to work on Monday.

Has been a bit rough but I'm learning. Life's all a Learning experience, right?

[N3wm32012 7]

I made it "2-23-12 at 7:00 a.m

[N3wm32012 7]

I made it "2-23-12 at 7:00 a.m

[sassyfrass 24]

Sorry for the disappointment of having to reschedule, but it will all be worth it in the end.

For the newly banded group, congrats! I am glad all has gone so well for you. Especially all those without much pain at all. I can only pray to be that successful with my surgery next Wednesday. I have one more week of low carbs. It is not real easy with sweets everywhere I look, but I have made it one week already! I wish all of this week's surgeries many blessings and much success! :0)

[judych 225]

Sorry for the disappointment of having to reschedule, but it will all be worth it in the end.

For the newly banded group, congrats! I am glad all has gone so well for you. Especially all those without much pain at all. I can only pray to be that successful with my surgery next Wednesday. I have one more week of low carbs. It is not real easy with sweets everywhere I look, but I have made it one week already! I wish all of this week's surgeries many blessings and much success! :0)

... i hope it all goes well with you next week. judych

[Queen Bea 11]

I am now banded!!! woohoo!!!

I went in to the surgery center at 6am, actually made it there before the staff and had to wait for the doors to open.

I signed in and signed my willingness to have any additional procedure needed if the surgeon were to discover anything.

I was taken into pre-op area and prepared for surgery. Anesthesiologist gave me the initial sedative before they rolled me in, and by the time we made it into the surgery room I was already woozy.

By 7:38am I was placed on the surgery table and the real sedative was pushed into my IV, ooooeeee! that hurt, felt like my wrist was being cut off, but in seconds I was out.

Next thing I remember were the recovery nurses trying to get me to wake up, I was freezing cold and couldnt stop shivering, they were having trouble keeping my bloodpressure at a norm so they could start release procedures.

Before I knew it they were standing me up and walking me to Radiologist to do the Barium swallow.

Next they had me sit and start release procedures.

I was dressed and released by 9:23am

Yes, total turn around from surgery time to release time was less than 2 hours! I was shocked myself.

I found out that I did have a small hernia that needed to be repaired, strange to me becuase I had no idea I had it.

I was originally feeling ok... I went to turn my Rx in at pharmacy and then headed home to wait for them to be filled... the mistake I made was to lay down, once I did, the gas pressure started, I had no abdomen pain just the gas pressure and pain in my chest and shoulders.

As long as I was up and moving I was feeling pretty ok, I walked around the store for a bit and it was pretty easy, just felt weak and a bit woozy.

The hardest part was taking naps, because when I'd come out of one I'd hurt more from the gas pains then when I fell asleep, anything sedentary caused me problems, but I was still feeling effects of anesthesia. I decided to sit up in a more firm chair and sleep sitting up with pillows around me, it made things a lot easier.

The worst pain from the gas felt like a cement brick was pressing on my chest and someone had straps and were pulling my shoulders back, and every once in a while an airbubble would move under my ribs looking for a way to escape. I never could release any of the gas, so Gas-X was my answer.

By 7:30-8pm I was feeling a whole lot better. Gas-X plus the Pain meds, is all I've taken. I have had no nausea, the only thing I have taken in is Water, and chicken broth. I couldnt stomach the Jello.

I had pizza delivered for my kids, since i had no desire to make dinner... the smells were great, but i didnt dare get close to it...

I need to drink a shake to fill me up, but i am scared to... I'll try one for Breakfast tomorrow...

I hope my accounts of my surgery day helps others... like everyone has said, everybody is different, tolerance of pain, recovery time, meds needed... take it slow, eventually we will get back to our "better" selves and writing to each other about our workout routines

Queen Bea

[Queen Bea 11]

hello everyone....im waiting for the hospital to call me to let me know what time to arrive tomorrow ....gosh I cant believe its my time to shine finally.....i have wanted this for soooo long....but as I sit here I find myself bursting into tears one min and happy the next....thank you all for your support...God Bless

Looking forward to hearing how it went Dee257.

[Queen Bea 11]

February 29th is my scheduled surgery date. Going thru the pre-op diet now and its not easy. The shakes get repetitive. I'm only supposed to do the protien shakes with skim plus milk and I can have one protien bar through out he day in place of a shake. I guess I can make it through 8 more days. Lol. Does anyone know if its ok to have a meal here and there... Like a boneless, skinless chicken breast cooked with Pam or tuna. I am reading some doctors do not even require a pre-op diet. Any advice, tips or input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

My Dr's pre-op diet stated that if you had to have a 'cheat' it needed to be a very small portion of chicken breast or tuna, dry... but to do it seldom. Well I couldnt make it thru the week without doing it here and there. but then again i was drinking the whole 4-5 shakes a day either, i couldnt stomach them and they were making me gag.

[Queen Bea 11]

Tomorrow's the big day! I can't wait, by this time tomorrow it'll be all over! I've spent the last few days completely fine with my decision, no nerves or anything. Then boom I walked out of my office, got in the elevator and had a meltdown:( now I'm wondering around my apartment trying to find something to occupy myself; I just want to go to sleep so I can wake up already!! I love reading everyone's experiences, it's been a huge help!! xx

I was the same way, all the way up until the middle of the night last night (surgery 2/21) I was strong and motivated and had no doubts. Then a big bomb of emotions fell on me, what if something did happen, what if there was a complication... what would happen to my children, who would take care of them, what if i was making a selfish decision to have a voluntary procedure and they lost me because of it... I was able to calm myself down after a while. I walked around the house giving them kisses and sending them text to remind them what they meant to me...

[judych 225]

I am now banded!!! woohoo!!!

I went in to the surgery center at 6am, actually made it there before the staff and had to wait for the doors to open.

I signed in and signed my willingness to have any additional procedure needed if the surgeon were to discover anything.

I was taken into pre-op area and prepared for surgery. Anesthesiologist gave me the initial sedative before they rolled me in, and by the time we made it into the surgery room I was already woozy.

By 7:38am I was placed on the surgery table and the real sedative was pushed into my IV, ooooeeee! that hurt, felt like my wrist was being cut off, but in seconds I was out.

Next thing I remember were the recovery nurses trying to get me to wake up, I was freezing cold and couldnt stop shivering, they were having trouble keeping my bloodpressure at a norm so they could start release procedures.

Before I knew it they were standing me up and walking me to Radiologist to do the Barium swallow.

Next they had me sit and start release procedures.

I was dressed and released by 9:23am

Yes, total turn around from surgery time to release time was less than 2 hours! I was shocked myself.

I found out that I did have a small hernia that needed to be repaired, strange to me becuase I had no idea I had it.

I was originally feeling ok... I went to turn my Rx in at pharmacy and then headed home to wait for them to be filled... the mistake I made was to lay down, once I did, the gas pressure started, I had no abdomen pain just the gas pressure and pain in my chest and shoulders.

As long as I was up and moving I was feeling pretty ok, I walked around the store for a bit and it was pretty easy, just felt weak and a bit woozy.

The hardest part was taking naps, because when I'd come out of one I'd hurt more from the gas pains then when I fell asleep, anything sedentary caused me problems, but I was still feeling effects of anesthesia. I decided to sit up in a more firm chair and sleep sitting up with pillows around me, it made things a lot easier.

The worst pain from the gas felt like a cement brick was pressing on my chest and someone had straps and were pulling my shoulders back, and every once in a while an airbubble would move under my ribs looking for a way to escape. I never could release any of the gas, so Gas-X was my answer.

By 7:30-8pm I was feeling a whole lot better. Gas-X plus the Pain meds, is all I've taken. I have had no nausea, the only thing I have taken in is Water, and chicken broth. I couldnt stomach the Jello.

I had pizza delivered for my kids, since i had no desire to make dinner... the smells were great, but i didnt dare get close to it...

I need to drink a shake to fill me up, but i am scared to... I'll try one for Breakfast tomorrow...

I hope my accounts of my surgery day helps others... like everyone has said, everybody is different, tolerance of pain, recovery time, meds needed... take it slow, eventually we will get back to our "better" selves and writing to each other about our workout routines

Queen Bea

..What wonderful news.. and now thats over. all you have shared is very interesting. thanks for telling us about napping sitting up in the chair with pillows if its necessary for comfort. Also.. i didnt realize that you had to swallow barium... yukkkk ... i suppose it does make sense though. they need to know how things are placed after surgery.

Have you got all your dietary requirements?? or did you have to shop for them afterwoods??

Congrats... the worst of it is over. judych

[Sojourner 2,446]

February 29th is my scheduled surgery date. Going thru the pre-op diet now and its not easy. The shakes get repetitive. I'm only supposed to do the protien shakes with skim plus milk and I can have one protien bar through out he day in place of a shake. I guess I can make it through 8 more days. Lol. Does anyone know if its ok to have a meal here and there... Like a boneless, skinless chicken breast cooked with Pam or tuna. I am reading some doctors do not even require a pre-op diet. Any advice, tips or input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

During my pre-op appointment, we were told that the liquid diet was just that...liquids only! SF Jello and SF popsicles are alright, and they count towards your "free fluids" goal. The only solid food I am allowed is 1 cup of raw salad veggies with a FF dressing...I opt to have them plain.

I have completed Day 12 of my 14 day liquid diet, and have been able to remain compliant, despite my husband (34"waist) eating pizza and Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies across the table from me. Just another life skill I need to learn...how to distract myself and remain compliant with the diet requirements. Four days ago I had an intense craving for salt, and was very happy that chicken broth was on my approved liquids list!

I am not an expert in this field, but after nearly completing my 2 week liquid diet, I have been through situations which have tempted me to cheat...like wanting to ask my husband for 1 piece of macaroni from his mac and cheese. As a former addictions counselor, I know that having the first "forbidden food" may open the flood gate to give myself "permission" to have more...and the last thing I want to do is self sabotage my efforts towards weight loss!

I agree with others who have shared that the pre-op diet is sort of a "test run" to experience what level of discipline and focus it will take to remain compliant and use the Band as the tool that it is to achieve your weight loss goals.

I hope this post has helped you, and perhaps others...I hope that this group continues through the following phases of our weight loss journey. I think this group is so helpful and supportive. Thank you all!

Surgery is scheduled for 2/24...yea!

[Talk teacher 11]

Well my surgery was yesterday and overall things went great. Dr found a hernia that he had to repair so he said I would be a little more sore than I was probably expecting. So far not too bad. My husband is like a damn drill Sargent so when they wanted me to start walking he wouldn't give me a break but I think it was great for me because now I have no gas pains at all. It is 3:30 a.m. And I am trying to decide if I want to go to work today. Yes I feel that good not even 24 hr post op.

Good luck to everyone coming up on their journey.

[MrsRicco80 24]

Oh the nerves are kicking in can't believe tomorrow is almost here. I just hope all goes well. I Am scared of complications I have two lil guys that need me. God please watch over me. I love this forum cause you all give me hope and ease my nerves. Thank you all who post and let us know how your doing post banding you are all my angels

[Jenn0207 2]

I had my pre-op appointment yesterday with my doctor. When I asked him if I need to be on a pre-op diet he said no that he does not require one but everything I read online your supposed to go on one. Worried that there might be complications with my liver being too large. Anyone else have a doctor that didnt require them to go on a diet before surgery?