Lauren825

Has anyone out there had lap band surgery with an HMO through Blue Shield in the San Diego area? If so, where did you go, and what was the procedure for getting approved?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

I'm on day 21 post op, and yes, I can tell it's time for a fill too! The swelling has gone down so there is a lot less restriction, and I'm starting to feel more hungry than I have in weeks. They can't fit me in for another 4 weeks though, so I'm going to have to really watch myself. Hope you are feeling better!!

I'm two weeks post-op, and honestly, it wasn't until about day 6 or 7 that I started to feel normal again. You're almost there!!

Today is my two week band-iversary, and I must say . . . I feel great!! The first week was pretty rough, feeling like my stomach muscles had been severed, allergic reactions to the bandages that left my abdomen looking like I'd stuck those bathtub adhesive decals all over it, culminating in a case of hives that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy! Guess what, I'm allergic to latex . . . who knew?? Week two, I noticed I could sleep on my stomach, I could get up without assistance, the hives have finally started to subside, and I'm still not really hungry!! During the mushy stage, I've been able to eat pretty much the same things I prepare my family for dinner, with a few modifications (throw the protein in the food processor, omit the pasta, rice, bread, etc.) The main thing I notice though, is how much more energy I am starting to have, and how clear-headed I feel. I am sure this is in large part due to cutting sugars and starches out of my diet for the past month. But the real bonus is that I am down a whopping 23 pounds in all, and I have been able to fit into the clothes I 'grew out of' last year . . . luckily I saved them! Even with the allergic reactions (which are not common), if anyone out there is on the fence about being banded, I would tell you to go for it! I have dieted my entire life, and I will say that this is by far the easiest time I've had. Mentally, it just feels different knowing that this is a complete lifestyle change. There have been a couple of times where something has smelled really good, or I've been pretty hungry and started to eat what would have ordinarilly been a much larger portion. After a few minutes, I am fully satisfied, and just don't want anymore. I can already see that this is going to work for me, because my band tells me when I've had enough, and I quit right then. All in all, being banded has been a very positive experience for me, and I really look forward to working with it over the coming months to build a healthier me!!

Glad to hear you're still able to go out and have fun . . . Pre-band, we used to go out for Margarita's once in a while, and I wasn't sure if I'd still be able to do that or not?? And you're exactly right, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

I ended up developing five rashes shaped exactly like the bandages that were placed over my incisions. Each was bright red and about as thick and bumpy as non-slip sticker on a bathtub!! So with cortizone cream 3 x a day, they start to go down, and now I've got hives everywhere!! Saw my doctor and surprise, I'm allergic to latex!!

Irish Car Bombs?? OMG, how did that work out with the band??

I had my gall bladder removed about five years ago after losing 80 pounds in 9 months. The gall bladder attacks felt like I was having a heart attack. The pain was mainly around the middle of my sternum. During attacks I could barely breath because it made the pain worse, and I (who never sweat) had beads of perspiration all over my face. At first my doctor put me on antacids, which only prolonged the suffering. I just knew it was my gallbladder, so you may want to ask for the ultrasound up front to save yourself from getting the runaround. It got to a point where I could not eat anything with any oil or fat in it without having an attack. However, on the bright side, I was as good as new the day after surgery. Get it checked, and good luck!!

How funny, I haven't owned a scale for several years because denial was easier that way. I just bought one two weeks ago, right before my surgery, and now I actually look forward to getting on it!

Well thanks for the vivid description . . . lol!! Seriously thank you, I've been wondering what this "sliming" thing is, so I really do appreciate the explanation. I wanted to make eggs yesterday, but after reading that they caused sliming for someone else, I passed. I'm too scared! Hope you're feeling better!! :-)

Well, I did it!! I was banded on Wednesday. Surgery was a breeze; it was out-patient, so I was only there for about 4 hours. I am still on the liquid diet, but have had no difficulty keeping things down, and have zero appetite, which is awesome!! My only complaint would be the pain on the left side of my abdomen. I am assuming that is where they sewed the port into the stomach muscle. It is still extremely painful to sit down or stand up. I have been through childbirth and had my gall-bladder removed a few years back, and I didn't need any pain meds after leaving the hospital. This is different though. At times, it feels like my ab muscles are being torn in half. I am not a drug person at all, but this time, I'm taking them!! Just wondering if anyone else felt this way, and how long it will last?? Other than that, I am down 15 pounds since starting the two week pre-op diet . .. yay me!! The most difficult thing is getting enough calories in each day (never thought I'd say that!) To all of my new friends who were banded this week, congratulations!! We're on our way!!

This is exactly what I got on here to see tonight! I have developed welts shaped about the same as each of the five bandages that were placed on my stomach after surgery one week ago. The welts are thick and itch like crazy. I am going to Urgent Care tomorrow because it is all I have been able to do not to scratch up my wounds. From what I've been reading, I think I was allergic to the glue on the bandages. Does ANYONE know what I can do to get some relief?? I am so worried about putting something on the itchy welts that might cause a problem with the incisions from my surgery, which are still healing . . .

You're so funny, but I know exactly what you're saying . . . I have truly missed my collarbones!!

Congrat's and good luck!! Surgery is a breeze, really. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time to recouperate afterward. Tomorrow, it will be a week since I was banded, and I'm still not 100% yet . . . I'm getting there though!!

I am 6 days post-op, and I thought it would be like having my gall bladder removed too . . . it wasn't!! Maybe because I'm in my 40's, and that was in my 30's, I don't know, but the pain in my stomach muscles is searing at times, although it is finally starting to lessen. Yesterday was the first day that I completely put myself all together (hair, makeup, etc.) and went out for about 6 hours. I came home exhausted!! Baby steps, and we'll get there!! Good luck, and congratulations!!

Ravendays, your bee sting description with and escalating burn is exactly right!! Thanks, now I know I'm normal (well sort of :-) I think asking for help to hoist me off the couch has to have been one of the most humbling parts of this experience.

I was just getting ready to do my own blog, but thought I'd reply to yours first because my issue is similar. I was banded on Wednesday (four days ago), and my abdominal muscles are still killing me. I need help standing and sitting and am still on pain meds . . . a big no no for me!! Just wanted you to know you're not alone.

I used to tan a couple of times a week, for about two years . . . and then I got malignant melanoma once, twice, and a third time. Since I didn't spend much time in the sun, and two of the melanomas were areas that would have been covered by a swimsuit, I came to the conclusion that the tanning bed was the culprit. I have three nice long scars to remind me to stay away from them. Now it's spray tans only for me!!

Congratulations on your weight loss, sounds like you're doing great. I am being banded tomorrow . . . nervous but excited!! By the way, the picture you posted of Signal Hill is gorgeous!!

Good Luck to you!!! I'm being banded the next day, on the 9th. Very nervous, but ready to get it over with. Wondering what the magnesium citrate is for? Haven't heard or read anything about that??

I've gotta say I think it is much easier to be a man!! Typically, they get to sit back and just eat what is served to them. They are not the ones who have to put together meals, holiday feasts, and Superbowl spreads!! It's just a little frustrating when the hostess with the mostess (me) cooks up everyone's favorites and lays out a virtual smorgasboard of game day goodies, but I can't partake!! I am only THREE MORE DAYS away from being banded, and there is no way I am going to cheat. The last thing I want is to be the cause of my own complications in surgery; how stupid would that be?? So the alternative, I have actually had to leave the room and shut myself in my office while I sip on my protein shake pretending it is all my favorites. I read in someone's blog recently that 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels', and I keep repeating that to myself. The first two days of the pre-op diet were tough, but after that, I thought I had it down . . . until now. I actually wondered why I was being banded when it was so easy to diet. Now I remember why!! I will get through this, because there is no alternative, but it does help a little to have a place to come and vent. :-) GO STEELERS ! ! ! ! !

Thank you for the tip about the gas!!! I am being banded in four days, and I have been reading how painful that is in so many people's blogs; I think that is actually the part that has been scaring me the most! I will definitely mention that to my doctor. Congrats on your weight loss, sounds like you're doing great!!