March Bandsters!

[dellaland 11]

Less then 48hrs I will be banded I am so nervous everything has been happening so fast for me i am also so excited to see what my new life will unfold

[Loneil 25]

Well just an observation but I'm 4 days post surgery and I have NO idea how there are some people who go back to work next day. I went to church with my husband this morning and the instant I got home I needed to go to bed. I'm already considering not working tomorrow' date=' I have serious respect for those of you who went to work immediately. [/quote']

I don't get it either, but I guess everyone recovers differently. I had asked off a week from work, but ended up taking 10 days total. I went back 11 days post op, and it felt perfect for me.

[Loneil 25]

Lisanj

I was banded on the 9th as well. I am not having any problems with depression but it is a common side effect of general anesthesia. It could be you are just feeling left out. It is hard to sit around and watch others eat. I have been cooking for Chris in the evenings but I sit there eating my Soup and Jello while he eats whatever I fixed. The first day back to work' date=' Wed. everyone went to lunch as usual.........I had to sit in my office sipping broth, and jello. Meals are a big social event. Soon we will be able to enjoy the same foods........smaller portions but the same food. We have made the right decision for US. WE CAN DO THIS....

D [/quote']

Going back to work has been tough. Yesterday everyone ordered taco bell during lunch while I sat and ate cottage cheese. It suxed, but I just kept telling myself, they are going to gain weight from eating that junk, and I am going to be healthy and loose weight! ( but it still kinda suxed cause it did smell good:( )

[VioletC 5]

I don't think my previous entry went through? So it's now been 20 hours since I was banded. I have only had water...feel slightly like I have been hit by a bus!!! My doctor wanted me eating eggs and toast today...not going to happen!!!

One thing I was surprised at was when I came out of the anesthetic I thought I couldn't breath. I went into a little bit of a panic. I am breathing fine and my o2 saturation is great but those deep breaths are still hard to get

[Pollyanna12 74]

Surgery tomorrow, I am already tired! Just from the clear liquid diet (oh the drama!) Actually the last week has jot been too awful. I am riding on some high motivation right now.

Best wishes for all who are struggling pre & post oo - fast healing for post surgery, and all who have depression - this may be a laproscopic surgery (less invasive) but this is really a big deal! For alot of us it the first time we are truly ding something for ourselves ~ and not for others. Hang in there, talk to someone (other Bandsters, friends, physicain or counselor). You will see the light at the end of the tunnel

[Kmom2 12]

First of all good luck to those getting banded these last two weeks of March! I have been reading lots of entries about people struggling with the pre-op diet, struggling with lots of food issues, family gatherings etc. It would be my greatest wish that family members would be ultra supportive of the Bandsters in their family. Please keep in mind that this liquid, full liquid phase is just that......a phase. It won't last forever. I encourage everyone to focus on the positive, how much better they feel, more energy and to take pride in the fact you took a very difficult step in the right direction to BETTER YOUR HEALTH. That's what it boils down to. Better health. If your family can't support you, SHAME ON THEM and look around, ask your doctor's office; there are lots of alternatives to find support. Find them and actively participate in them. Family gatherings are gonna be tough, but keep your focus on spending time with those you love. The food should only be a small part of the day. Now this is a really tall order for most of us considering our entire lives have revolved around food in one way or another. But if you are strong enough to go through this process, you are strong enough to change your focus!

This process is not for sissies. If you have been through it, follow the doctors/dieticians directions. If you are getting ready to go thru it, stick to the pre-op diet if you have one, don't get discouraged if you cheat. I cheated 3 times and ended up eating hot salsa, chips and some left over spaghetti the night before my operation. Just get back on the diet, and go forward. When the weight starts coming off, the clothes start feeling a little more loose......it will give you more strength to carry on. I promise it will all be worth it.

[lisanj 15]

Hi Lisanj' date='

I see your doctor is same as mine, my surgery 3/28/12. How did everything go with the doc and his staff, just curious what to expect.

Thank you.[/quote']

Hi Alex..everything went great with the doctor and the office..surgery went well...i am sure you will do great! What hospital are you having it done?

[lisanj 15]

yep. it makes sense. you are probably feeling like a cord has been cut. You have been a part of the family get togethers all your life with meals involved . Now you have stepped back from actually joining in the way you used to with the meals.... i bet you are wondering even if the gatherings will be the same?? im going through these mental issues and i havent been banded yet. i have family gatherings here at our home . we have children in their forties now and they in turn have children. my kids and grandkids have always wanted to come here to Celebrate birthdays and xmas. we always have a table that is just groaning with food. Now i know that i cant behave like i used to. i can cook' date=' prepare, compliment the others on their food dishes that they bring, but i cant sit down and wade through like everyone else does. This happens more times in a year that i have ever thought of. im wondering now how much im going to enjoy the social side of it knowing that i cant eat much at all?? ...and , whats more, this is a shameful thing to say. .it makes me realize just how much we were/are depending on the food side of it to enjoy each other. So, no, you arent alone and how you feel isnt silly... its perfectly understandable considering what you have taken on. Give it time, just recognise it for what it is, and work it out. Food isnt supposed to be the crutch for social gatherings... and we need to be able to renew our thinking on this one. Just imagine yourself being with family members, being slimmer, being healthy, being in control. you will find that you will enjoy the gatherings more because you will feel good about yourself through it all. Just a thought, i hope you feel better real soon. sending hugs judy[/quote']

Thanks so much judy...i come from an Italian family and we always base everything around food...i love to bake and cook and eat of course...my family is doing everything they can to try to make it easier on me but they still have to eat and go on with their daily lives..i know i have to do this but i thought it was going to be hard not to eat because I'd be hungry but it's more emotional than anything..i know i have to do this and keep telling myself "it will all be worth it." Good luck to you judy..when is your day?

[imarzz 5]

Kmom2 thank you for your insight and encouragement.

[alexd 12]

Hi Alex..everything went great with the doctor and the office..surgery went well...i am sure you will do great! What hospital are you having it done?

Thank you, Mountainside.

[neekoal 37]

I don't get it either, but I guess everyone recovers differently. I had asked off a week from work, but ended up taking 10 days total. I went back 11 days post op, and it felt perfect for me.

Well I went into work this morning (surgery was 3/15) and was sent home within 3 hours by the boss. Apparently, I "look like bloody hell" (he is from the UK) although I appreciate them taking care of me it felt bad that I looked so bad. In his defense, they don't know what I had done, they only know that I had a hernia repair done. So now I'm in bed for the rest of the week, again I have much respect for all who went back to work fast! As they others said, everybody is different that is for sure! I pray the rest of you don't "look like bloody hell"!

[DeesDiary 13]

Well I went into work this morning (surgery was 3/15) and was sent home within 3 hours by the boss. Apparently' date=' I "look like bloody hell" (he is from the UK) although I appreciate them taking care of me it felt bad that I looked so bad. In his defense, they don't know what I had done, they only know that I had a hernia repair done. So now I'm in bed for the rest of the week, again I have much respect for all who went back to work fast! As they others said, everybody is different that is for sure! I pray the rest of you don't "look like bloody hell"![/quote']

I was banded the 9th and went back to work on the 14th. Luckily I didn't have to lecture my first few days back so it was really office work. However; I was there for 10hrs, not a good plan. I find I am stronger each day and my mobility is getting better each day. Everyone recovers at their own speed. The best way to help recovery is slowly adding activity and building strength. A positive attitude toward our new life is a must.

D

[BandedStacy 13]

I agree that everyone heals at a different rate and everyones pain tolerance is different. Today is day 6th post-op for me and I am feeling really good....I started my mushy food on Saturday, per my doctors rules, So far I have eaten the best EVER mashed tators. I mixed in Mrs Dash Garlic & Herb seasoning and to thin them out I added chicken broth to them. OMG you thought I had eaten a meal cooked by a proff chef WoNdErFuL I tell you. I've also added sugar free pudding, refried Beans, creamy Soups, & fruit to my protien shakes. I have started to see the light at the end of the tunnel...

I am struggling with getting in enough Water every day I am short by about 16-32oz it depends on the day. So I have started to add my hot tea as part of my water intake. I started walking yesterday I walked about half mile and was pretty tired after. Today I walked 25mins on the treadmill and managed to walk 1mile. woo hoo. I also feel pretty good.

I hope all of you struggling will find the strength that you need to get you through. Enjoy the day and smile.

[AlishaK 5]

I don't think my previous entry went through? So it's now been 20 hours since I was banded. I have only had water...feel slightly like I have been hit by a bus!!! My doctor wanted me eating eggs and toast today...not going to happen!!!

One thing I was surprised at was when I came out of the anesthetic I thought I couldn't breath. I went into a little bit of a panic. I am breathing fine and my o2 saturation is great but those deep breaths are still hard to get

I had the same problem with breathing right after surgery, it was so hard. My o2 was low so they made me take deep breaths and gave me some more oxygen for about 15 minutes after my procedure. I am amazed that your surgeon wanted you to eat eggs and toast already! I guess every surgeon is different. Glad everything went well for you, you are on the road to recovery and better health!

[ready4changein2011 70]

thats rough that you are feeling so bad. is there any way you can take some more time off?/ what sort of work do you do??

I am a Registered Nurse, on a surgery floor, yesterday was a nightmare. Was in so much pain tryin to stand up.