erdarc

Nellie- any updates? I've just been referred for weight loss surgery class #1. Is that the one where they weigh you? I bought some ankle weights to help my cause' date=' my NUT told me last year that I was too thin for WLS @ a BMI of 39.8 and that if I were heavier.... So I read between the lines and am worried about being not heavy enough. Those last 8 lbs just about killed me to put on & I'm having a hard time keeping them on.

Connie- my PCP wants me to do weight watchers , and exercise more which I tried to do b4 my wedding and only lost a net of 5 lbs which came right back over the honeymoon. She seems such a negative nancy, even now that my BMI is up to 41 & my bp has been so high she's given me bp pills. I don't feel like she's on my team... My Gyn is totally supportive & so is my derm dr!

Anyways. Can anyone outline the process in the dc/md/va area?[/quote']

Find a new pcp! Ask your GYN for a name. Now that you have hypertension and are on meds that is another risk and some insurance companies cover weight loss surgery with BMI over 35 with 1 other risk factor. I had to outline my weight loss history attempts which included multiple (failed) attempts at weight watchers!! When i did my pre-op consults (cardiology, pulmonary, nutrition), they all thought i wasn't "as big" as the usual wight loss patients they see. i explained that i knew i was losing this battle and if i didn't do this now then I would be that big! Best decision I have made. Good luck, don't give up !!

My first week postop I was definitely not getting enough calories. I wasn't feeling well and was having a hard getting in all my Protein Shakes and Water. I switched to gatorade to be sure I was getting some calories and electrolytes. And actually made me feel better until I was up to being able to drink more.

You look great!! I had a tough recovery also. And was wondering what I got myself into. Now I am just over 1 week out from the surgery and slowly starting to recover. Still hurts to move but better each day! Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration!!

My recovery has been tough. I don't know how you did it going back to work in 2 days, I was still taking Roxicet 3 days after my surgery. And not supposed to drive for 2 weeks after and still have staples in place. My job is mostly desk but I have to get up and down a lot. No lifting. My MD office had said 2-4 weeks out of work no matter what your job.

Thanks for the responses! They are helpful.

How long did any of you all stay out of work after you had surgery?

I had my surgery last week. My most uncomfortable area is the port site and it is protruding from my stomach.

Is it normal for it to be protruding like this? I can't even sleep on my side and it hurts to bend over. I have been sleeping somewhat upright.

Will it be like this forever?

I don't even know what a bento box is?!!!

I've been making bento boxes for a couple of years now...to the point that it borders on mild obsession and it just occurred to me that bento boxes are (luckily) basically the

perfect for people with lap bands!

Tiny, gorgeous boxes, carefully filled with visually stunning, nutritionally dense, interesting food, and they're designed to be portable- what could be more appropriate for people who rely on Portion Control and careful nutrition?

Bento boxes are practically tailor made for people with lap bands!

I had a short period where I was only making my husband's lunch bentos and for some reason I wasn't making my own between the surgery and a few days ago (first fill).

I guess I didn't know what do do and had to learn about how to eat again.

But after I thought about it I realized that bento-ing is actually what I really need to be doing in the long term...

so I'm over the moon because it's one of my favorite things to do and I'm so glad it's so appropriate for my weight loss agenda, so bring on the kyaraben!!

I have over 100 pics of my bentos I think I'll start a website about it.

Any other bento box people here?

Any other "bandits" have an entire section of their kitchen devoted to cute little lunch boxes, ornate toothpicks and little sauce containers from Japan?

I'd be shocked if other bandsters weren't bento boxing.

It's just..so...perfect!! :thumbup:

I would worry about setting yourself up for a blood clot. 2 risks for blood clots are surgery (esp abdominal) and long car rides. Why chance it?

I got banded on 6/13. I feel like I had a tough recovery. A lot of discomfort. Then gushing and swooshing sounds through my stomach. Then liquid stools. Then got my period which I hadn't had since November. I am 5 days out and still uncomfortable. Only drinking Clear Liquids and Protein Shakes. Sometimes I feel like I need more calories because i get lightheaded and shaky. I get a gas pain up and down my esophagus after drinking something. Then I can't seem to finish my Water or Protein shakes towards the end of the day because I am too full. Is it normal to feel what I think is my port site on right sife of my belly? Feels similar to when I was pregnant and the baby's heel was pushing against my stomach. After 2 c-sections and gyn lap surgery, this is definitely a harder recoery than I had envisioned.