MassMom01527

Again, thank you SOOO much for all of the useful information. I have been expecting the nausea after surgery, its the gas pains after that came unexpected. Why wouldn't they take the air out when they're done? I'm sure there is an explanation for it, but it seems silly doesn't it? Maybe they get as much as they can, they just can't get ALL of it? Who knows, either way I'll just have to deal because they outcome is going feel so much better than any gas pains. Did they give you any pain medication? The weight center recommends the book Weight Loss for Dummies (which I bought) and it doesn't really address the issue. Basically, I just want to know if you get something more effective then tylenol or ibuprofen? I am a bit anxious about the esophagus testing, thanks for being so honest by the way! Some people on this site are so band-happy that they leave out the negative aspects. When you had the test, was getting knocked out an option? HA

Thanks so much for the info. I recently heard from someone else that the esphagus testing was actually the most unpleasant part of thier journey so far. This person wasn't knocked out for the procedure (I believe) and had to do a whole bunch of swallowing. If anesthesia is an option...I'm taking it! It does NOT sound pleasant. As far as the bloodwork goes, I'm not worried, just curious is all Anyone else had any other types of experiences?

I have the esophagus testing on the 24th. Has anyone had any issues with this? Is it uncomfortable or painful at all? Does it require anethaesia? Are you in any pain afterwards? Also, I have the blood work on the 29th. What are they looking for? I'd love to hear what everyone else's experiences have been...

Jenjaw, I think she's right, when it comes to taste...you definitely get what you pay for. I would be careful with GNC products though. Most of their products are WAY overpriced! Once you find what you like, try to get it online. Also, some stores, such as walmart, (who acutally have ALOT to choose from) will let you buy online and ship to a store near you for free. That way you just pick up your purchase, you don't have to worry if they have what you like in stock. One other suggestion...Glucerna has a butter pecan flavor that will do the trick when you need something different and sweet.

Hi Shauna! My BMI is 44, and when I met with my surgeon last week, he did a pretty thurough exam (external) of my stomach and liver. He did say that he was pleased with what he felt. I've been preparing since Dec/Jan and the liver shrinking is what they've been preaching all along. My WLS team put so much emphasis on losing wieght before surgery too, I've only lost 3lbs. My surgeon wasn't concerned about that either. Now that I'm less than 3 weeks out, neither seem to be a deal breaker. I think your right on target, maybe my liver isn't as enlarged and hardened as some folks. I just wanted to see if anyone else was in the same boat, thanks for the reply!

Hey Jenjaw! I am so relieved! Trying shakes, thats what I've been doing too. My husband runs a company that distributes nutrional supplements, so I've been able to try just about everything under the sun. So far, I really like Boost Glucose Control strawberry and the Carnation Instant Breakfast chocolate. What have you found that you like?

Hey there! I have also been seeing Kathleen for nutrition. I find her a bit dull, but then again how exciting can her job really be? LOL She has been great all along and her suggestions are always soooo helpful. I am so encouraged to hear that your experience has been so wonderful at/with umass. They've been awesome so far but it was starting to weigh on me that I hadn't met anyone in my boat. Dr. Perugini even seemed to lean towards the bypass method, but I stand firm that the band is the right choice for me! I just found out today that I can take 4 weeks off of work using my sick and vacation time. AMEN! Now I don't feel like i'll be rushed afterwards. I'll have time to properly heal. How long did you need to take off after your band? How did you feel right after you woke up, and then at home? Did they give you pain medication? I am so paranoid that I'm going to be in a lot of pain and not get any relief. After having both of my children I breastfed so I was only allowed mortrin. I know its a completely different circumstance, its just makes me worry. Also. do you go to the monthly support meetings often? I was hoping to go this month but I'd have to miss my little guys last t-ball game...he'd be crushed! So I am going to attend next month, post band. (Can't believe I'll be "post-band" then) If you're there, we'll have to say hello! Thank you SO much for all your information and well wishes!!

I seriously think that I am the only one on here who doesnt have to do the pre-op diet. I keep reading about how much everyone one is dreading their pre-op instructions and thought maybe I was doing something wrong. I called and spoke with my surgeon's office today and asked if I should be starting soon, and they said no, just Protein shakes the day before surgery and nothing after midnight the night before. Is anyone else's doctor saying the same thing? Why do you think he is so relaxed about this? Thoughts?...

HI! I am so happy to hear from Umass folks! My surgeon is Dr. Perugini. I've only met him once but he was pretty straight forward and confident. Who did you have? I was going to request Dr. Kelly only because I had met him a few times, but I think I'm happier with Dr. Perugini. I'm being banded on July 5th..woohoo! You were banded in February huh? How are feeling and doing? Being 4 monthes out, how do you feel about your decision? How is your progress? How have your fills been going? As you can see I have lots of questions (LOL) I haven't met any banders from Umass at all. In fact, when I took my pre-surgical skills class I was the one and only bander. They were ALL having by-pass surgery. It made me second guess my decision at first, but after ALOT of thinking, I've decided its still the right choice for me. I look forward to hearing back from you!

Hello Everyone! I am also being banded July 5th! So excited and anxious at the same time! I am 29 years old, I live in Massachusetts, married and have 2 great kids. I wanted to say that I agree with Shauna! Aly, don't feel bad about being young! I think its wonderful that you are doing something now and being proactive...Good for you! If I had known about the Lap Band when I was your age I could have saved myself years of tears and frustration and yo-yo dieting. I have been preparing since December and can't wait to start my new healthy life! My husband is great and has been so very supportive in the process, he's nervous about the anesthesia but then again so am I. I'm glad you guys started a July Banders Topic. Now we can all encourage and uplift one another.

Thanks so much for the advise! I am taking all of the advise and encouragement I can get right now. I have som many things going through my....eager to get it over with and start my new life!

Hi Maria! I just got my surgery date today too...July 5th! I wish you many blessings with your band! Best of luck! Are you just as nervous as I am now that you have an actual date? I was SOOO excited all along and felt so prepared. Now that I know my date I'm so anxious...in a good way of course!

Just got off the phone with my surgeon's office....getting banded July 5th!! I am so excited, yet so nervous. I thought I was ready, now that I have a real timelime, I am having lots of different emotions. Is this normal to second guess the whole thing in the weeks and days leading up to WLS? If so how did you overcome it? I'd love thoughts and encouragement

Just got off the phone with my surgeon's office....surgery is scheduled for july 5th! I think I'm even more nervous now!

Definitely check your insurance plan's requirement for coverage of the procedure. I went through this just last week. I was sooo nervous even though I met the requirements (according the benefit hankbook). I was paranoid that the authorization wouldn't come though. The suspense got the better of me in the and I called my provider directly and asked if it had been approved. I couldn't wait to get the call back from the surgeon. They told me that it had been authorized. Woohoo! Just call your provider and ask directly

Hey there! Our stories are so similar! I am having the surgery at Umass, hopefully within the next month or so. I have jumped through ALL of the hoops...classes, tests, evaluations, approvals and appts. I am just waiting for the Dr to call and schedule the actual day. (which is extremely painful just sitting waiting) I'm not an impatient person, but this is driving me nuts LOL My husband is also supportive yet reserved. He's been right there with me through out the entire process. He is terrified that there will be some risk or freak accident. Just shows how much he loves me lol. I haven't even discussed the surgery with my mother, she lives 1500 miles away and isn't very supportive either. But The rest of my family and friends have been amazing, but dont really get what I'm going through. Thats why I reached out to people on here. I didn't realize that Lahey also did WLS. Thats great! How long ago did you decide to go through with this? I have been considering it for almost 3 years? I began the process once before and chickened out. A few years and 50 lbs later, I realized I couldn't do it on my own. So here I am, glad to hear from you

Thats when I should be having my surgery as well! Keep posting about your progress. Are you as nervous as I am? I keep bouncing back and froth from excited to anxious, I am so excited to began my new life but I am terrified and anesthesia and I'm terrified of the discomfort afterwards....sigh!

Just wondering if there are any other UMASS (University of Massachusetts) banders out there? Pre or post -op. I just found out today that my insurance provider has approved my band surgery....YAAAYY!! I have been preparing since January and honestly thought the day would NEVER EVER come when I would finally get the "green light." I don't have the date yet but it will be within the next 4-6 weeks....yikes! I was hoping to touch base with some other Umass banders for support. I l'd love to hear other people's experiences...