healthywoman

Wow, you look awesome-all that work and no real pain?? What a blessing. I hope you are able to post more pics soon. Ignore the negative people who commented. Keep up the good work. I am five months out from my LB surgery, have lost 30 pounds, and hoping my skin will rebound enuf to avoid TT. My body doesn't do well with anesthesia so don't want to go there again. Healthywoman

You are only three weeks out from your surgery so you have about three more weeks of this on/off pain. Walking is the best way to get rid of the gas trapped in your abdominal cavity since the surgery. It really will subside, slowly but surely. I am 4 months out from my surgery. Like you, I thought that pain would never go away but it does. Walk as much as you can every day. Remember to eat slowly and chew very well. You are probably just getting to solids so chew,chew,chew!

My surgeon always places the port just to the right of midline, just below the ribcage. I was a bit surprised at how close to the surface it was, but it makes sense to be accesible for fills. I too, wonder how evident it will be once I lose weight, cuz my upper half isn't nearly as large as my lower half. Just have to see how the clothing fits as I lose the weight. I'm down 25 pounds, had surgery Aug 18th, have 60 more to lose.

Good Morning everyone, I am 9 days post -op and feel very well. An occasional pulling sensation at the port site when turning over -still sleeping on the couch tho- but overall things are healing nicely. Had my staples out Thursday, and was told to go on pureed foods instead of another week of liquids. Still doing some liquids as I'm a bit nervous about putting "real" food into my pouch. Is anyone else at this stage of pureed, and how does it feel in your stomach? I'm went back to work yesterday-I stand most of the day- and only felt extra tired last night. Even went to the first high school football game last night! My stomach muscles felt sore frome sitting on the bleachers but not a problem. To CHICHOLICIOUS: The best thing you can do to relieve the gas and shoulder pains is walk. Walk alot even if it is just laps around your living room. I didn't walk enuf and didn't get the gas moving so had gas pain for too many days. I felt like you at the last minute before surgery, thinking this really is extreme to lose weight. But I looked at my whole life since puberty and all the yo yo dieting and realized that it wouldn't change. That is my pattern, and I needed a more permanent solution. We come to this point in our lives when we are determined to make a change and we must go for it. You will be happy with your decision. I only told the people who absolutely needed to know- about 6 people. Everyone else really doesn't need to know your private medical info. I also had a hiatal hernia repaired and only give that info to the people who need to know about the fact that I had surgery and can't do some things because of it ie: lifting more than 10 lbs. So I suggest not to worry about it. Good luck to the rest of the "soon to be banded". I'll keep you in my prayers. HW

Hi all, I am four days post-op and feel prettywell. Drove to church yesterday and then attended a baby shower for the preacher in the afternoon. Today I feel even better. Have not needed even the tylenol today. Hang in there, those who are still waiting, it is so worth the temporary pain. I feel so much more in control of my health since I made the decision to research the band, and now, banded! Looking forward to seeing the scale tomorrow as the swelling is continuing to go down. Heads up to those still waiting- you will gain weight at the hospital, depending on how many fluids they give you. Just be aware and not discouraged-it's temporary. Since my initial visit to my surgeon, I have lost 13 pounds. I'm very satisfied with that. I'll check in later to see how you are all doing. HW

Good Morning all, I am BANDED!!! My date was the18th, all went well with the procedure, but the pain meds made me dizzy, nauseous and generally out of it. I ended up requesting them to stop the dilaudid, and just give me extra strenghth liquid tylenol. It took all night to get me back to normal, and then I actually felt better. Rested up all day and came home last night. I haven't had enyf pain for prescrition meds -that is amazing to me. I'm drinking my liquids-two week post op for my doc, and not having trouble. The port site is the most painful spot, keep a pillow handy to get up and down. I've been up folding laundry already today. I'm looking forward to feeling even better tomorrow. I'll check in later. HW

Thanks to the new bandsters for checking in and congrats!!!! It's MY turn tomorrow- 9AM. supposed to be outpatient, but the doc said "don't be a hero!" you can stay overnight if you want. I dont. Think I'll rest better at home. I'll check in as soon as I can. Thank you to everyone here for the constant support. Talk to you soon.HW

Hello all, I can't wait to hear from todays bandsters-hope all went well. I went for my pre-op visit and lost 8 lbs since consult appt. Still have three days of liquid, then surgery on Thurs. My doc requires two more weeks of liquids post -op. Should be losing like crazy! Sat in a room with several bandsters and heard lots of stories- pain levels, healing times, vomiting stories, and just before I went in to my visit, these two ladies were pulling up their shirts to show me the scars!!! Too funny! I don't believe I'll be one of those type to whip up my shirt at a support group meeting. I'm counting days and really understanding that there is no turning back now. However. I'm not changing my mind. I've had 35 years of the same yo-yo experience and don't expect that it would change. Thank god for lapband. Anxiously awaiting word from this weeks bandsters. HW

Hi Alexandra V, I'm not banded yet -my date is Aug 18th-I'm so excited to get started. I was just wondering if you had discussed this with your surgeon or your support group-if you go to those. Also ,might sound like a silly question, but have you had any fills? I've read that on rare occasions there might be a slow leak in the port line and you lose any/all restriction. So you don't feel any of the benefits of having the band, just because you really don't have restriction. Just a thought. Good luck to you and hope you finally get to your goal before your wedding. Thanks to the others here for the advice and suggestions about the meals. My mind couldn't understand how you could eat enuf calories to stay healthy when I look at the size of the stomach pouch. Makes more sense when I picture about a cup of food. Do you all chew, chew, chew??? Thanks again. HW

Good afternoon to all. Kristenaz and Flammingjun we are all being banded this week- I'm on the 18th at 9am! I am so excited to get past this point and on to the hard work ahead. I'll pray for us bandsters this week. Jonmon have you tried writing a journal about your expeience? It might be helpful to see all the accomplishments you make on this journey. It's a huge success for you to acknowledge that your eating habits are a problem, research options to support your decision to do something about it, and then make a choice and follow through!! You are just days away from your procedure date so you have already jumped through tons of hoops to get to this point. Changing your point of view about life after banding might make thins go more smoothly for you in social situations. You will still be eating, mostly the same things as the rest, but possibly making healthier choices than your friends. You might be eating slower than they do, but again, it's healthier for you that way. I don't mean to "preach" , just maybe giving you some options about the choices we make in everything we do including how we feel. Cara and Caryn, how are things feeling several days out? Is there anything that we can do for the gas pain? Is this gas from the surgery where they blow up your abdomen to get a better view, or is it gas in the intestine that going to make us toot???? Is the heating pad making any difference for you? What type of pain are you talking about with the port? sorry for all the questions, just feeling a bit anxious I guess. Just four more days for me! HW

Thanks for the update Cara and Caryn. Too bad about that phone. How are you both feeling tonight? Cara, you drove the same day didn't you??? How is your pain level, and if you are home with two boys, are they able to do most of their own care? Are you both resting? Just wondering about the daily routines that must go on and the rate of recovery. I appreciate you both taking the time so soon after the procedure. Still no regrets ???Praying for your SPEEDY recovery!! HW

Has anyone signed up for the Lapband journey online? Just wondering -haven't had time to do that yet. HW

Hi Peps, I buy the hemp hearts at the health food store-I checked online and the shipping was outrageous for the Bob's Redmill products. Is there a HF Store near you? I live in a small town, and surprisingly we have a good hf store close by. Anxiously awaiting word from Caryn and MSLady about how you feel today-praying all is well. Welcome to miss joli, Bama brandy, bucnurse and Josh. How great Josh that you and your wife are going through this together! Must feel good to be supportive and ecxited together. I haven't told anyone outside my husband, and thd child care provider for the day of the procedure. Just not happy with the opinions people were giving during my research phase. My pre-op is Monday the 15th, and will find out about inpatient vs. outpatient. The receptionist said inpatient, my insurance said outpatient. I do NOT want to stay all night! Sounds like Ms lady was feeling pretty well and didn't need to stay all night. I think I will rest better at home. HW

Good Morning, Thank you MsLady for getting back to us so fast-I'm so encouraged about the procedure now. I can't believe you drove already!!! Peps, I finally have the name of the protein-Body Fortress Super advanced Whey protein-you shouldn't have any troulble finding it. The hemp hearts are the inside of a hemp seed, High in protein, high in omega 3,6,and 9-heart healthy, and a very good anti inflammatory- all natural. Can only be bought at health food stores and online. I only use Bob's RedMill brand cuz some of the other brands have too many shells, the outer coating of the seed. They tast great and have provided much needed relief from constipation and migraine headaches. I'm one day closer to my date-Aug 18- seems like the days are dragging. I want it now!!!HW

Hi Peps, I buy th Super Advanced Whey Protein with 26 grams per scoop-can't remember the exact name-Bio something-I'm not at home to check. This brand was recommended by anothe bandster and it tastes great. I've been on it for 8 days. It comes in a big plastic tub, not a can . The label is black and orange. It will say 52 grams on the front label, but that is for two scoops. I use one scoop at a time so I can have several shakes per day, based on 1000 cals for my pre-op diet. I'm allowed a frozen meal of less than 300 cals on days 3-12, but all liquids first and last two days. I have chosen to do all liquid some extra days,just because its sooo easy-no thinking required. I make a frappe mix in the AM with Benefiber, one scoop protein, 3 tblsp hemp hearts, several icecubes and 5 ounces of water. Tastes great and when eaten with a spoon, feels like a meal. I really haven't been hungry much either unless I don't have my shakes on schedule. I'm looking forward to hearing from our bandsters in surgery today- praying for them all. When is your procedure date,Peps? Mine is Aug 18-just can't wait to get this over and start the next chapter. HW

Thanks for the heating pad tip-didn't think of that or the pillow. I've had one c-section, and a miserable hysterectomy so I'm thinking this lap surgery will be a breeze compared!! I am taking the Super Advanced Whey protien chocolate and it tastes sinful . It's so tasty/non-gritty I feel like I'm cheating. I get it at WalMart for $15. I've lost 8 lbs in 7 days and hope it continues to come off. My doc says he will cancel your procedure if you gain between the consult and pre-op visit. I believe him!! I'm saying prayers for all of you this week. Please check in here if you can, post-op, to give us some wisdom for our procedures next week. Thanks

Good luck to all the people getting banded this week. I am so excited to say my date is Aug 18- I've only told three people. Heard too many negative opinions way back when just exploring the band. My PCP was outright ugly with her negative opnion-told me to see a counselor and explore my relationship with food!!!!! Can you believe it? I'm concerned about 2 things- pain after the banding, and getting back to work. I'm only taking off seven days. Anyone have suggestions of what we should have available during the first week of recovery??

Thanks for your very funny, very honest post. I went to my seminar last night and my Doc talked to us just like your post. No beating around the bush. I am waiting for a consultation appt, know my ins. covers LB, and trying to be patient. I will remember your inspirational story as time goes by. I have 90 lbs to lose, which feels like a million. I understand it's not just weight loss, but a healthier lifestyle and the band is the tool I need. My PCP isn't supportive and feels surgery is a copout. The surgeon told me he will set me up with a new PCP. One more hurdle jumped. I'm excited to get going. Good luck with maintaining your amazing new body.

Good luck tomorrow! I think the hardest decision was choosing to have surgery- you did that a while ago! Hope all goes well. I attend my seminar tonight and hope to have surgery before December. I know my ins covers it- just not getting any support from my MD who thinks surgery is a copout. Isn't it the surgeon who fills out the paperwork to verify medical necessity?? Looking forward to a healthy lifestyle!

Congrats on your surgery and 7lb loss so far. Was wondering about your ability to exercise since youv'e had two strokes?? Have you created alternate forms of exercise? I am not banded yet- will attend my seminar tonight. Am excited to start the process and get on to a new healthier life. Good luck to you.

I am new to this forum. I'm in the research phase of lap band. I have been overweight for 35 of my 50 years. Tried WW and Jenny both multiple times-lose and gain back even more each time. I am at my heaviest non-pregnant weight of 210. My doc has flat out told me she won't sign any forms for surgery basically because she believes it's a copout. Wants me to see a psychologist to "explore" my relationship with food. That's easy- I love food. I don't know how I will get clearance for surgery, if my doc won't cooperate. Any advice????