December Bandsters 2009

[terriamn 0]

Su59, I'm 59. Surgeon told me my furnace was more worn out then a younger person and it would be a long uphill battle. My family doesn't want me to have the lap band and this just fueled their fire but like others I'm apprehensive about the surgery but not the lap band. I'm going through with it. Tried a Protein Powder from Trader Joe's, it was horrible.

[KarynA 0]

My husband drove me to my EGD appt. yesterday... in my car. When he got in, he noticed three-packs of unopened gum in the door console, in the center console and, when I opened the glove compartment, more fell out onto the floor. He said, "omg, what'd you do rob a 7-11 of all their gum?" So ya, I understand about the chewing... whatever it takes, right? At least it's all sugarless.

About the appt., it was at the surgi-center where my surgery is scheduled (on 12/4). I didn't really understand WHY I needed a ride there (and back) if all they were going to do was put a tube down my throat to check for ulcers (and such). Ha! Silly me! Do you know that they put you out for that?... It's really brief, but wow... I had an I.V., oxygen, a hospital gown, a bp cuff... and then I was wheeled into an OR where I was anesthetized. It was as if I was having the LB procedure that day. I had no idea. The good news is... there are no problems. My throat and stomach are fine and good to go. And the best part is, I really liked the place, the nurses and the office staff. It was clean and organized. I felt cared for. It's a good sign, I think.

K

Edited November 15, 2009 by KarynA

[KarynA 0]

Way to go, Claudean! I knew you could do it!

[illuminationlady 7]

My husband drove me to my EGD appt. yesterday... in my car. When he got in, he noticed three-packs of unopened gum in the door console, in the center console and, when I opened the glove compartment, more fell out onto the floor. He said, "omg, what'd you do rob a 7-11 of all their gum?" So ya, I understand about the chewing... whatever it takes, right? At least it's all sugarless.

About the appt., it was at the surgi-center where my surgery is scheduled (on 12/4). I didn't really understand WHY I needed a ride there (and back) if all they were going to do was put a tube down my throat to check for ulcers (and such). Ha! Silly me! Do you know that they put you out for that?... It's really brief, but wow... I had an I.V., oxygen, a hospital gown, a bp cuff... and then I was wheeled into an OR where I was anesthetized. It was as if I was having the LB procedure that day. I had no idea. The good news is... there are no problems. My throat and stomach are fine and good to go. And the best part is, I really liked the place, the nurses and the office staff. It was clean and organized. I felt cared for. It's a good sign, I think.

K

I never heard of such a thing! Wow! I am soooo glad I didn't have to do that. Congrats on the clean bill of health! Was there a reason your surgeon ordered this test or does everyone have to do this? Just curious????

[alilash 0]

Karyna - The test you were talking about with the tube is the one I am waiting to be scheduled and not looking forward to. I was told the tube is put up my nose then I have to swallow it down my throat...they will leave it in my stomach for 15-20 min then pull it out and I will be done. But, I asked if I would be put out and the nurse told me NO, I have to be awake during the test?! :thumbup: There is no way I will let this test stop me, but man I can't wait to get it done!

[KarynA 0]

You know, I just assumed it was a standard test - ?... NO? Maybe it's just standard for my surgeon. If I've learned anything from reading these posts, it's that no two surgeons are exactly alike. Has anyone else had this done?

It was a much bigger deal than I had originally thought it would be on the one hand... and a much smaller deal all in all (quick, painless) on the other. So don't worry alilash! If you're procedure is the same as mine, trust me when I tell you, it was a piece of cake. The thing is... I'm pretty sure the tube went down my mouth - they sprayed a cherry furniture polish-tasting numbing agent into my mouth that I had to swish around and swallow and then they gave me the anesthesia (not a general, but something called 'MAC' - monitored). It felt like I had a few shots of tequila.. and I know I was talking up a storm... like I would if I had a few shots of tequila... then it must have hit me. The next thing I knew, it was 7 minutes later and I was waking-up in recovery. I got to have Water (finally!), some souvenir pictures of the inside of my throat and stomach (kinda cool and kinda gross at the same time), and as soon as I felt completely awake, we were on our way to dinner. Arrival time: 3:15. Departure time 4:30. Oh ya!.. and they biopsied my throat tissue. They said they did anyway - I didn't feel any different and I didn't cough up blood like they said I might.

Thank you for all for your positive energy and support. It means a lot.

[alilash 0]

Thank you so much for all of the details Karyna! That helps me relax and not worry so much :thumbup: Have you decided what Vitamins you are going to take after surgery? I have read different things on this site how some ppl only take a one-a-day and are fine, but my doctors office is pushing for much more. They gave me some new vitamins to try esp made for weight loss patients called Bariatric Fusion. I have only tried one flavor and not sure I could take 2-4 of those a day. I am hoping the other flavor is better or I can find something I like.

[KarynA 0]

Thank you so much for all of the details Karyna! That helps me relax and not worry so much :thumbup: Have you decided what Vitamins you are going to take after surgery? I have read different things on this site how some ppl only take a one-a-day and are fine, but my doctors office is pushing for much more. They gave me some new vitamins to try esp made for weight loss patients called Bariatric fusion. I have only tried one flavor and not sure I could take 2-4 of those a day. I am hoping the other flavor is better or I can find something I like.

I've seen Bariatric Fusion mentioned a few times on the threads here, so I'm thinking that's a safe bet - health-wise. But they're not too good, huh? I've also seen posts about people taking regular (non-bariatric) gummy vitamins, which sounds good. Last week, I went to Whole Foods and bought a mango-flavored liquid Multi-Vitamin after reading a post from someone who couldn't swallow their vitamins after their surgery. Of course, it occurred to me ($32 later) that vitamins can always be crushed and mixed into Protein Drinks or applesauce. *There's also a liquid Vitamin called Vemma that I wanted to look into. I'll let you know how the mango stuff turns out. Somethng tells me it's gonna be nasty-tasting and hard to swallow.

[illuminationlady 7]

December is fast approaching. Our list continues to grow and so does our thread. KarynA is keeping our list and will post it tomorrow. She states that we are over 50 people! Wow! Congrats to all of you on being banded and starting your new life. Aren't we excited yet? What are you doing to prepare for the big day?

Nov. is half way over and soon it will be Thanksgiving. This is what I've done: I'm 6 days smoke free!!! I can't believe it! Now I just have to lose some weight. I wanted to quit smoking first before attempting to lose any more weight. I didn't gain anything though. So that's good. I've purchased my sippy cups and children's plates and utensils. I've bought the GasX strips (take this with you to the hospital). I am going to use EAS Protien shake mix from costco. I will purchase Viactiv Vitamas and Viactiv calcium chews from Target. I also need to purchase liquid Tylenol. I will get out my heating pad and have it waiting for me when I get home. I'm reading a book about Gastric Banding I checked out from the library. I continue to talk to my supportive husband and continue to post.

What are you doing to prepare? I just figure if we all post what we are doing we can learn from each other's posts and be really prepared...:wink2:

[Irishbookworm 0]

Illuminationlady: Congrats on 6 days smoke free! I promise it gets easier. I quit cold turkey 3 years ago and I've never regretted it. Each day is easier!

Alilash: I was told my my doctor that we had to use a bariatric Vitamin of some kind because we won't be getting as many nutrients from our food. I ordered a sample pack from Bariatric Advantage and gave them a try. I wasn't impressed. The best thing was the chocolate calcium chews. I did get free samples from Celebrate Bariatrics and they're REALLY good, and less expensive. I went with those. Multi-Vitamin, Iron + vit C, Calcium + vit D and sublingual B-12.

As for what I'm doing to get ready? I'm stocked up on Protein powders, I bought a couple of sugar free flavored syrups online (haven't come yet, they're from DaVinci), and I have my immersion blender, all for Protein Shakes. Also, I have almost all of my first 3 months of Vitamins ready to go. I still need my multi, but, I'm going to buy those this weekend when I get paid. I bought some infant spoons at Walmart last night. My niece is 8 months old, so, I was seeing what she had and went and bought my own, ha ha. I also have some small plates to eat off of and little bowls that hold 4 oz each. I'm thinking I'm about ready to go! Anything I'm missing?

[Melinco 1]

My dietician said to take two flinstone chewables with Iron once I get banded. For now, I'm taking a one a day multi Vitamin.< /p>

As far as how I'm preparing so far: Right now, I'm just doing my pre-op solid food high Protein low carb diet. I did buy a new set of scales so I can track my progress. I've got sf puddings and jellos, but they are more for my pre-op than post op. I already have a blender and a food processor. Oh, I did also buy some of the Viactiv Calcium chewables.

Once I actually have a date, then I'll start buying the foods for after surgery.

[kslessar 0]

Hi Everyone,

Congrats on quitting smoking illumination lady, that's fantastic :tongue2:

Well, I'm 3 weeks away from surgery and I had my last appt at the surgeon's office today before the big day. I start my liquid diet tomorrow! I'm super excited I'm also getting more anxious as the days go by. I'm a huge worry wart by nature and i'm getting a little nervous about the surgery. Don't get me wrong, I still want it done, I'm just being silly I guess. So at my surgeon's office, I had the options of the following shake flavours: chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, coffee, chicken Soup and mixed vegie soup. The office lady there gave me samples of each to take home to try before I buy the rest of my three week supply. I thought that was pretty cool, try before buying. I'll let you know how they taste for me. Everyone's tastes are different though :wink2:

In preparation for the surgery I quit smoking in September. Haven't looked back on that one.

I've purchased some little containers for the mushy stage so I can make one big lot of food and freeze it.

I'll have to look into a Multi-Vitamin. I found out today I have to take 6 fish oil tablets a day before the surgery. A bit excessive, but it's to help tissue repair after the surgery.

Good luck to all with their upcoming surgery and I enjoy reading all our stories.

Edited November 16, 2009 by kslessar

[Doer 14]

I have a December 18th band date. I am so excited it's hard to contain myself. My surgery is on a Friday and I'm hoping to be back to work Monday so I get a few days in before the Christmas break in our school.

[slmsister 0]

Yes we are - how are you doing? Getting ready for a pre-op diet? It's exciting knowing I won't be alone on the 15th of December - I will be thinking and praying for you. Keep me posted on how you are doing

[illuminationlady 7]

As for what I'm doing to get ready? I'm stocked up on Protein powders, I bought a couple of sugar free flavord syrups online (haven't come yet, they're from DaVinci), ?

What is the suger free flavored Syrup for? Inquiring minds want to know...