leeworks

Been a month since I was banded and finally off all my diabetic medications!

Was banded on 12/05. Was in the hospital from Monday to Friday because of other medical issues taken care of at the same time as the banding. Had a pretty rough week but am home now and feeling a whole lot better. Moving around pretty good and almost standing straight LOL. Now I can concentrate on the losing weight and looking forward to being fully recovered.

^{Two more days and I have my surgery. The 2 week liquid diet hasn't been bad at all. The first week the weight came off fast but then slowed down this week. I've lost about 12 lbs. so far on this liquid diet. I've lost quite a bit of weight since starting this journey and people ask me why go through with the surgery since I'm doing it on my own. I tell them it's keeping it off that's the problem! Anyway, I wish everyone a speedy recovery!}

My surgery date is 12/5/11. Starting my liquid diet today. I am very excited and looking forward to the rest of my life!

Did you have to stop all of your diabetic medication during the pre-op liquid diet?

Sending positive vibes your way.

December 5th

I will be banded on December 5, 2011....it can't get here fast enough

My surgery date is December 5, 2011. I start my liquid diet on November 21....just before Thanksgiving But I am so looking forward to being banded!

Thanks everyone!

I saw the surgeon today and I will be banded on December 5, 2011!!! I will have to stay for 2 days as I am also having several hernia repairs. I was told I had 3 ventral hernias and I was only aware of two. Had the barium swallow this morning and found out about the hiatal hernia..that make it 4! My surgeon said he will be able to take care of it all but it will take a few hours. I had a surgical breast biopsy a week ago and found out today that it was benign! I am so looking forward to this surgery being over with and starting my new healthy life.

I haven't been banded yet. Will see the surgeon this Tuesday and find out my date. I don't have a choice as they only use the Realize Band.

date

For those of you who have had it done, which band did you choose and why? My physican and office staff said either is fine. They are leaving it up to us the patient to decide. Please help me decide. Is there a pro or con to either selection. What made you decide which band to choose. Thanks for any help. Hubby is being banded Oct. 21 and I hope to be in Nov/Dec depending on insurance approval. Thanks for all your help and advise.

You do look great! 57 lbs. Wow...I hope to do as well when my time comes.

Hi,

I am also in my 5th month of a 6 month program through Geisinger in Hazleton, PA. The surgery however will be performed in Danville, PA when that time comes. I was told there are two doctors that perform the laparoscopic band surgery (Realize Band) at Geisinger, Jon Gabrielsen, MD and Anthony Petrick, MD. I have yet to meet them. Here is some info on them:

http://www1.geisinge...s.cfm?pid=64390

http://www1.geisinge....cfm?pid=105355

I am about and 1 hour and 25 minutes away from them. The place is gigantic. There are shuttle buses in the parking lot to get you to where you have to be. I had surgery there about a year and a half ago and stayed two nights. My son also had surgery there when he was a baby. Both times we had positive experiences. Hope this helps.

Hello Everyone,

I just found out that I may have a low functioning thyroid (which I'm sure you all know causes weight gain, depression, fatigue and other issues) and now I'm wondering if I should be going through with this surgery or trying to treat the thyroid issue first. Of course the surgery is scheduled for Monday, this is the first time I have considered cancelling and now I don't know what to do. I am going to see my nurse practitioner tomorrow. But I'm kinda freaking out!

My question is does anyone else have hypothyroidism that is being treated but still having or have had surgery???

Thanks

I am hypothyroid and have been on medicine for about 10 years. The meds did not help me lose any weight but does keep my thyroid #'s in the normal range. Since I have been enrolled in the bariatric program, I have lost weight by replacing some meals with Protein shakes and watching what I eat. I still plan to have the lapband surgery, hopefully before the year is done.

Sorry to hear that your have had so many health issues. Good luck for your tomorrows.

Thank you Niterun...one day at a time!

Hi.. this is my first post although I have been lurking here since May 2011. I have been trying to get as much information as I can. I started this journey in April when I found out I had a moderate sized ventral hernia as well as a smaller one that they don't seem to be too concerned about. I had a hysterectomy a year ago when they found endometrial cancer. Luckily, it was contained and I did not need to have any further treatment. However, I noticed within a year that my stomach was getting bigger and a CT scan was done. I was referred to a surgeon and he said that I had to lose weight....at least 75 lbs. before he would do surgery as this type of hernia will grow back at my currently weight. He steered me to a bariatric surgeon. I was overwhelmed. I asked a friend's wife who is a doctor and she said the same thing. I have been reading whatever I could about bariatric surgery and have decided to have the lapband surgery. I am 3 months into the 6 month program and have attended group sessions and nutrition classes. I have a behavior class scheduled for tomorrow. I have about one more class to take and then I suppose they will soon have me taking tests that are needed. I was told that they could probably remove the ventral hernia during the lapband surgery. I also have diabetes and am hypothyroid. Since I have been in this program I have lost about 17 lbs and was told I need to lose at least another 10 before surgery...I am right on track. At age 58, I have been thinking alot about extending my life as much as possible. I have finally gotten my blood sugars under control. When I saw the endocrinologist last week he was very please but has scheduled me for a ultrasound of my thyroid as he felt a goiter...geez when it rains it pours. Add another one to the list LOL. I have been testing out many of the Protein Shakes so I can be ready for the liquid diets to come. Anyway, I have found this site to be very helpful and continue to look forward to learning more. Now....if only I could figure out the weight loss ticker......

Yay...I figured it out!