JaGo

In preparation for my weight loss, I purchased a scale about 2 weeks before surgery. I researched several and came up with the Eat Smart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale Model #ESBS-01. I was skeptical at first because it's made of glass, but to my amazement, it works great. It must be kept on a hard floor and not carpeting, and whenever you move it, it will recalibrate itself for accuracy. It cost about $29.00 from www.amazon.com with free delivery. It lights up too - I love it!! Just so you know, as with any scale it may be a couple of pounds different when you weigh-in elsewhere, like the doctor's office.

Quite a bit of conversations seem to center around getting that first fill as if it's a first "fix." I am perplexed by that. It seems that some think it's suppose to be an automatic part of the process, but in my prep, I was given the understanding that though fills may be necessary, that should be determined once we have done our part with diet and exercise and not as an automatic "right" to have one. I see that some doctors automatically schedule a first fill at one's post-op appt, but what I don't understand is how do they know you need a fill until you have healed? You may not need one. I think that fills are being over-rated and issued before you get to know your own body and how you feel after you've healed and done your part. Just because we feel hungry doesn't automatically mean we need a fill. Hunger by itself is not the gage to determine if we need a fill or not. I thought it was determined by a number of factors such as if we're eating properly and exercising. Then, if we are still really hungry, a determination is made for a fill, not just getting fills as a routine procedure. I think we would run the risk of getting too many fills too soon, then when we really need more down the road, we have already reached our capacity. Community, what do you think about this?

I went in for my first post-op visit yesterday, 12/3 and got a clean bill of health. I spoke with the nutritiionist about my liquid diet and how I was ready to gnaw my arm off. She said that since I was doing so well I could graduate to pureed foods! That wasn't due for another week, so I was glad to hear that. Even with the pureed foods, I was very hesitant to eat - not wanting to cause any unnecessary harm to my stomach. I ate some tomato bisque - it was delicious!! Because it tasted so good (it was rich) I thought I'd get an upset stomach. Stomach churned for about 5 seconds, and then it stopped. I guess it was reacting to the change. I really love coming to this site because you get so much insight from others (in a caring manner) and you also learn a lot about the do's and don'ts. You all have been wonderfully supportive to folks like me!! I've also hear much conversation about getting (wanting, needing, gotta have) fills, I inquired about it at my visit, and it was explained very well to me that fills are not encouraged unless you are outside of the "green zone." If you get too many fills too soon, then much later or when your weight loss slows down and you really need the fills, you are nearly at your capacity, then what? That made a lot of sense to me. I will not be rushing my fills, especially knowing that right now, I'm still healing and should get through that process first. If I am doing all the right things (wise food choices, excercising, drinking plenty of water), and still feel hungry, then it's probably time for a fill. A fill is not a "cure-all" but a necessity only after you have done your part. Looking forward to the day when the weight loss will be due to good food choices rather than from the liquid diet. Now that I'm being weaned off the liquids, I suppose the test starts NOW!!

Yes, I wish someone would explain to me as well what these terms are: "PBing" and" Slimed."

Hey, Fellow Chicagoan (well, pert-near)! Sounds like you've had a tough road and been through a lot. Looks like you're all set for Monday!! Thank God!! Keep us posted as to the outcome and your experience with recovery. May God bless you much! JaGo

I'm scheduled to return on Monday. I haven't been out of the house since surgery and having been guarding my stomach against bumping into things like the sink. I'm sure I'll probably be okay, but I'm just tired and don't really want to go. For the past few days I have been working on a presentation at home that I have to give in staff meeting on Monday. The next few weeks are very busy at work and I'm not looking forward to it. Hopefully once I actually get there I'll feel better about it.

Well, I was home alone for the holiday. I planned it that way so I wouldn't have to concern myself with even smelling foods. To my surprise, I fell into a depression. I have been experiencing all the things you have. I have only been on the shakes, broth, Jello, and Protein powder with a cup of 1% milk - that's it! I'm not really hungry but consume something for the sake of nourishment. I feel better knowing that what I'm experiencing is normal and you all here are going through almost the same things. I will be glad when we get passed this. I live with my sister and together we take care of our mother who has severe dementia. My mother was invited out for Thanksgiving, but brought a huge plate back. As I was preparing the leftovers for her today, it really made the thought of the shakes and broth more repulsive for me. I just had a cup of broth and I am so full. I know I need to get in a shake for the protein, but I'm too full right now. I appreciate everyone's comments and encouragement, knowing that we go through this together and it's nothing strange. Keeping my eye on the prize!! JaGo

Actually day 4 post-op from 11/22; I feel like so much is going on on the inside that I'm very cautious about consuming what I should. The gas is there, the periodic chest pain, which feels more like pain in the esophogus. When I walk, I have to hold my stomach because it feels so bloated and hurts. The shakes and broth have become very unappetizing and I have to force myself to get it down. For some reason, it's difficult to get in the proper amounts of Water. I had a depression spell yesterday, which really surprised me. I really haven't been hungry though I felt my stomach growling yesterday, but I make myself drink for the nourishment. I have to keep telling myself that this is merely the healing phase and to be patient and that I will feel better soon.

I'm feeling good as well 2 days after surgery. I haven't really felt hungry but know that I need nourishment. So far, I've only had broth. I know that Protein is the priority, but I haven't had any yet. Until tomorrow, I can't use skim milk to mix the protein; however, once this broth has settled. I will use 24gms of protein into 8oz of Water, and then again at dinner. I do have bloatedness and am taking Gas-X and will be patient for it to go away. I, like some of you, have moments where I feel like "what have I just done?" I think it's all about getting past these early post-op days and not judging the future on how we feel now. Right now, it's all about healing and nothing else. Let's be kind and patient with our bodies, we've come a long way to get to this point and a long way investing in our healthy futures. Yes, right now there is so much to remember - I have been keeping my post-op instructions in the bed with me so that I don't make any mistakes. My most difficuty is the soreness and ackiness in the procedure area (I had the single incision). So when I walk, I must hold my stomach for relief. Though I'm very sore, I am not taking any pain meds. I had one dose of liquid Tylenol last night, but that's all. I don't even know if it worked. I will be thankful on Thanksgiving because I'm grateful for this opportunity to get healthy. And honestly, I haven't thought much about the holiday because I've been focused on the Lapband. I refuse to think about any festive foods I'll be missing; why toture myself? However, I am looking forward to the next steps of mushy foods - I am SO DONE WITH SHAKES!!

Hi I'm JaGo, I was banded on 11/22 in Chicago by Dr. Rami Lutfi. He was great!! Everything went well and he ended up also performing a hiatal hernia repair. I wonder why that's so common with Lapband surgery? I had developed Atrial Fibrillation in recovery and they had to rush me to the cardiac unit. I'm fine, but will have to take meds to control my irregular heart beat (which can also cause clotting to the heart). Between that an the uncontrollable dry heaving (the worst) and severe, nausea the first day was miserable for me. But Tues 11/23 was much, much better and no more nausea. I am walking to loosen up the gas and everything seems fine. Interestingly, I have not been hungry, but I am still going to follow the post-op clear liquid diet because I know that I need nourishment. My first hospital meal wasn't until the next day at about 2:00p. I had chicken broth, sugar-free Jello and 2 sugar-free popsicles. I couldn' finish the other popsicle! They gave me hot Water, I guess for the tea, but I didn't know what to do with the 2 Protein packets, so I put it in the hot water and drank it (yuck). I knew that I needed the protein first, so that's why I did that. I sprinkled just a sample in my broth, but I didn't think it would taste so well, being vanilla flavored with no sweetness. Anyway, I will figure out how to get that Protein powder down. Don't think I can have milk until the 3rd day, so it's no problem to hold out until then. Blessings to all the November Bandsters!!!

Sheryl, You've come to the right place. There is so much to learn here, even from those who have shared how they've failed - you learn what NOT to do; you learn what works and what doesn't. We even get tips on where to shop for the supplies we need and for bargain prices. Lastly, I like what Csolo said in her last statement, which we can take a lesson from; she said "Now it's time to change the way things are done!" A new mindset is the action towards change. If we continue doing things the same way, inevidibly, we will GAIN the same results.

Another Nov 22nd-ner!! In Chicago. I'm winding down on day 8 of a 2 week liquid diet - nothing but Protein shakes, broth, and other Clear liquids. It's rough, but it will be rewarding in the end. It's amazing how these diets vary from doctor to doctor. I don't get it. Let's all the 22nd-ners stay in touch postop!! Though my measurement below shows I've lost 8lbs, that was a number of days ago. It's got to be at least 10-12 by now.

Got the news today of insurance approval!! I have BCBS of IL HMO-Blue Advantange. Been waiting for that news for only 2 months, but the anxiety made it seem like ages. My reaction wasn't what I thought it was going to be because suddenly, the reality hit me and I became a tad nervous - as many of you have described. Nov. 22 is the day! I don't have a time yet, but hope it is very early. I've been on my 2 week liquid diet since Nov. 8 and am determined that I will not cheat, realizing the bigger picture of a healthier me is all it takes to stay on track. It's not easy, but I will do what it takes!!! This forum has been so helpful and educational for me and I will continue to visit and post here. Anyone scheduling at Mercy Hospital in Chicago - on or around the 22nd? JaGo

I'm on day 5, started Mon 11/8. Tues-Thurs were very tolerable. Today (Fri 11/8). I'm feeling the weakness. I trust it will get better and I am determined to go through it without complaint. I did find myself a tad crabby the other day at work because the day was stressful. I have been trying to keep busy to help keep my mind off of it. I WILL NOT CHEAT!!! Hey Firechic, Not sure if I can do only 4 shakes a day, but am impressed that you can! I do try to just have one shake at lunch time, and top it off with broth, and SF Jello or pudding. The sweet stuff is getting t be a bit much, so I will drink more hot broth and coffee for that soothing feeling. I'm sure this will be over before we know it!!

Mamadot, Your message caught my eye because 100lbs is my goal too! My surgery is not 11/22/10 and I look forward to writing you back when I hit my goal as well. It's amazing that you said you reached your goal on 9/17/10 because that is the same date that I went to my info session in Chicago to learn about the Lap Band procedure. Isn't that amazing!! You have inspired me!!! :thumbup: JaGo

I'm scheduled for Nov 22. Started 2-week pre-op liquid diet yesterday. I've been reading everyone's experience with their pre-op and wasn't looking forward to it. I have developed a determined mind-set that I will get through these 2 weeks without much drama. Yesterday's start wasn't the best, but I know what I did wrong to make it not so good. Instead of drinking my Breakfast and being done. I sipped on it for a couple of hours. Needless to say, it threw my whole appetite off and I felt unsatisfied all day. By lunch time I was ravenous, and dinner didn't had much satisfaction. Today was much better, I did it differently and had my breakfast shakes like I should have. I picked up a variety of broth flavors: chicken, beef, turkey, and vegetable (I really like the flavor of the vegetable broth). I will switch up and not have the same thing everyday. I bought a few low-fat broths - not good at all! It tasted like the chicken was dipped once to add flavor. My only concern with drinking broth is that they are high in sodium (over 900 mg). I will check back in by end of week to let you know how the week went. My paperwork was sent for approval to my insurance company today (11/09/10). I have BCBS of IL - Blue Advantage. Hope to here back before Friday! Anyone else in the Chicago area have any experience with this insurance? How quickly did they respond (with a yes, of course)! :thumbup: I will weigh myself in a few days because the ticker below needs to be updated. A few days ago, my personal scale (not the one I weighed in on at the doctor's office) said I lost about 6lbs. I know I've lost more than that but don't know how much. I ordered a digital scale for weighing in after the surgery.

Ausbracal, I have bcbs of IL too (Blue Advantage) this is good to know. I just had my psych appt yesterday and he will submit his report to dr on Monday. Hopefully by midweek, I will have an answer!

Mine was on 09/17. Some questions were: - Hospital stay (generally same day or overnight) - Recovery period - a few days, to a week - Activity once healed - any kind of exercise, will not harm band or you - Insurance coverage - call your particular ins co for facts - How many days off work for appts/classes- approx 9 mandatory committed days. - % of complications - Long term medical support? Yes - Can procedure be undone? Yes, but not recommended. You will go back to pre-surgery state - Will band make you eat less or right? Not necessarily, it is a tool to assist you. Without disciple you can still overeat if you set your mind to it. Overeating can cause band slippage and other complications. - What if I feel I can't to this? Then dr. will not do surgery because you are not ready. That's all of the questions that I can think of that were asked during my info session. You will get a kit with valuable info an a video of testimonies from successful banders. They welcome ALL questions. They will address common fears, so don't be intimidated - ASK ALL YOU WANT! I have a tentative surgery date of 11/22; awaiting insurance approval which should come through next week! :eek:

I can't believe that you have multiple psych visits, and like some of the others, hundreds of questions to answer. I do however understand a good doctor wanting to be thorough and make sure that you are mentally in the right place. Unfortunately my visit didn't have the opportunity to really reveal anything about me. He still doesn't REALLY know where my head is (not in a 5 minutes eval).

I had my appt yesterday at 1:00p, I was literally out of the office by 1:05p. I couldn't believe it! He NEVER asked me anything related to the surgery or even about weight loss or how I felt about it. He asked typical questions about: What do I do for a living Ever had suicidal thoughts Depression Have children Have friends On medication Feel like killing self or somebody Feel stressed Do you have high blood pressure or diabetes Any medical problems and are you healthy now (I wanted to say, look at me - 261lbs of an unhealthy problem!) I was very careful in how I answered even the simpliest of questions. I didn't want anything to get in the way of not being recommended for surgery. Example, he asked if I'd ever been depressed, well I didn't lie and stated, yes, about 15-20 years ago. Because I said that, he asked more questions about it, but I was very confident that that was not an issue any longer. Some questions he repeated in a different form. I could hardly understand what he was saying - seemed like he was mumbling and just going through the motions to approve me. I didn't care, I just wanted to hear that he would approve me for insurance purposes. I would never go to him professionally, he had no personality and was assigned to me through my insurance. What I did understand him say clearly was that he would send over his approved recommendations on Monday pm. That's all that is standing in the way of submitting everything to my insurance for surgery approval. And that's all I cared about! :eek:

I'm 59 - surgery on Nov 22. I have had similar experiences to yours...cpap (which I stopped 2 years ago - too uncomfortable), knees and joint problems, legs swelling and ankles painful. My blood pressure had been trying to increase too. It took me three years to convince myself that this was the right decision. I initially fought it tooth and nail. I'm not looking forward to the liquid diet either, but have resigned myself that tht is a major part of the process - so I will have a good attitude about it and get through it!!

How does one add that Tickerfactory.com meassurement to your post?

Kathryngnv, I haven't seen too many other people my age or older, I was so glad to see your post. I was questioning myself whether I waited too late - I really do know the answer...its never too old to get healthy. Anyone else out there 55 or older? Let me year from you!!

I too am excited about my date of Nov 22 (well, tentatively scheduled, awaiting pysch and insurance approval)! Like you, I have concerns about the pre-op diet around coworkers, but planning hard for that and mostly eat on my own, or go out (even if it's to my car). I am subtly cutting back and refusing unhealthy things they offer me - making no big deal about it. Simply saying "no thank you" with a smile is enough explanation needed. My plan has been gradual - folks see me eating healthier, nothing more. Though I get along well with my coworkers, I consider this a private matter and will not tell them. I am purposely not striking up conversations surrounding my eating habits or weight loss. As I go strictly to liquids, it might be a little trickier, but again, they don't need to see me eating, I take my lunch to my cubicle rather than at the lunch table - been doing that for a while, eating while I work (for now). I admit, I am slightly challenged about the pre-op diet (2 weeks Clear Liquids bef and after is required), but have started cutting back already and drinking Protein shakes for Breakfast with frozen banana and strawberries blended in soy milk. I've lost about 3-4 pounds within a couple of weeks just by prepping for the prep! Let's stay connected about our Nov 22 surgery date. I purposely pushed for Monday the 22nd since it's Thanksgiving week. I'm off work that Thursday and Friday and taking Mon thru Wed off as vacation days, which gives me a week to recup before returning to work. My support person said that that week looks good for scheduling, and once insurance is approved, I can have that date! Looking forward to this journey - let's do it together!! :thumbup: