itskellyraye

I went bowling about 4 weeks after my surgery and didn't have any problems. You know, it's all about listening to your body and if you feel like you're pushing it to hard then you should stop.

My surgery was done by a Doctor but I wouldn't have minded if a robot did the surgery. I took a class last semester about technology in health care and I learned a lot about them. Most robots are still operated by a doctor, just from a distance. Everything is planned out by the doctor before hand and it only has a limited range of motion from where the operation is being done so if the robot does mess up, it's still the doctors fault. And, actually, a robot will have steadier hands than a doctor will and would be able to perform in a quicker fashion. In some cases, it might be better to have a robot do the surgery. I would've trusted it. Haha.

That seems really fast to be on regular food. I'm 4 days post-op and can't imagine eating regular food yet.. even though I'm tired of soup. You're probably still really swollen and that's why you've had the stuck episodes. But, I agree, protein shakes are the way to go. It should subside your hunger enough to get you to the next meal.

I have these feelings, too. The pain in the chest and everything. It's from the gas they pump into you during the surgery. I'm burping like crazy just to get it out and it hurts alot. And most of the time I can't even tell if I'm hungry or if it is just gas pains so that is probably what you're feeling. I'm just drinking tons of Water and taking my Gas X strips and waiting for it to pass. It gets a little better everyday. \ Just hang in there, we'll all feel normal again soon.

This is so funny! I got banded on Monday and that night there was a marathon on Discovery Health about people getting Weight Loss Surgery.. none were Lap Band but still I thought it was funny. Then the next day I saw a commercial for Lap Band through a different hospital than the one that did mine. I'd never seen it before! I didn't know what to think of it. Coincidence or something else? Haha

Good luck, Scott! Tomorrow is also my big day! Actually, we'll be at the hospital at the same time. Haha. I'm starting to get super nervous but it'll be worth it once it's all over with. I'm looking forward to hearing how everything went for you.

That is very true. I guess it's one thing that I'll have to play by ear. Thanks everyone for replying.

That's good that your labs aren't until the end of the month. Usually the first week of the semester is a lot of lecturing and note taking. That's just from my experience, though. Haha.

Yeah that's what I figured. I have my pre-op at the hospital tomorrow so I'll just see what they have to say about it then. Oh, thats unfortunate! I've heard several reasons as to why we're not allowed to have metal on us but I'm not sure what the real reason is. It seems odd that they wouldn't require you to take off your rings, though. I've had it for about 2 1/2 years and sometimes if I take it out it can't be tricky getting back in when I take it out. I'm not sure why. I guess it depends how long the surgery will take, which of course is impossible to tell. I'm just going to leave it and see if they say anything, I guess. Thanks for replying!

Hi, all! My surgery date is on the 25th (Monday) and I know I have to take all my piercings out because you can't have any metal on you that day, which is fine, but the only one I'm a little worried about is my nose piercing. They can be a little finnicky when you take them out even years after they've healed. Well, do you think it'd be ok to put a retainer in it during the surgery? It's plastic and practically invisible. Does anyone have some insight on this?

They just want to make sure that you're going into this with realistic expectations and that you're not going to develop unhealthy eating habbits afterwards like starving yourself. Just answer honestly and I'm sure it'll be fine.

Well, yes that is true. I guess I worded it wrong. But, still checking your measurements is the way to go. I'm sure it'll lift your spirits!

I agree. I see all the time on here about people complaining about not losing when they're busting their butt in the gym but it's true. Muscle weighs more than fat so you might be becoming more lean instead. Try taking your measurements. You might be able to see a difference that way.

This is interesting. I've never heard of anything like this. What should I put on an ID bracelet if I decide to get one?

I actually don't have a lot of pressure from family or friends. I just didn't want the "food police" every time I ate. You know, the basic "are you allowed to eat that?" questions... I'm sure as time goes on, and the weight comes off, it'll get easier to talk about and I'll come clean. But, right now I just don't want anyone to know. I definitely don't think it's unusual.

Hi, Christine! I am also getting banded on Monday. How exciting! I've been on the pre-op diet for a week and have lost 11 lbs. so I think it's common. I'm not even on the liquid diet... I have also heard that they are supposed to use the first weight you walked into your Doctor's office with, not the weight you lost since that time so I don't think it'll be a problem. And, like you, I haven't told anyone about my surgery except my mom and dad. My weight has always been a sensitive subject and I don't really want the extra pressure from everyone else when the I put enough pressure on myself. I think it is your decision and whatever you feel comfortable with. You're the one that'll be going through all the work so, quite frankly, it's really no one else's business unless you want it to be. Good luck on your journey! I hope the surgery goes well!

You know, I think everything we say 2 weeks before surgery should never be taken seriously because there's always so many thoughts running through our heads and that's when all the doubts set in and the realization that failure could happen. I also get banded in a week and I'm having these thoughts, too. They're inevitable. But, honestly, I wouldn't have gone through all this if my mind wasn't made up already and neither would you. I'm 22, so I understand where you're coming from about this being a huge committment. I'm also one of the ones that has been overweight my whole life. There's so much I've missed out on. So many tears have been shed. My whole life I've thought, "If only I was skinny..." But, finally, I reached the realization that I'm not going to let the weight control me anymore. I'm not going to miss out on anything else life has to offer. I've been on the pre-op diet for 7 days now and I've lost 11 lbs. That's something I never thought in a million years I could do myself. But, it happened because of the hard work I put in and it's a great feeling. It just makes me more excited to get the band and start my new life. And, soon, when the weight starts falling off you, you'll realize how much of a great decision this was despite how hard it was. Being young works to your advantage, because now you're training yourself better eating habits for when you're older when it's most important. There's a long, long life ahead of you and if you get the band and use it to your advantage, it might be a lot longer life than if you didn't get the band and change your ways.

My doctor recommended shakes that have less than 20g of carbs per serving and more than 15g of protein per serving. I haven't found some that I really like yet. The EAS premade shakes from WalMart weren't too bad though.

I've been on my pre-op diet for a week now and have lost 10 lbs. I eat mostly eggs, canadian bacon, or a Protein shake for breakfast. For lunch, I'll make half a tuna fish salad sandwich or something. And if I get hungry before diner I'll have another protein shake. Then, for dinner I've had a lot of chicken or ham with broccoli. Last night, we had pork chops and a can of mixed vegetables. I haven't been stingy with the sauces either! So, it's easier than you might think. Plus, all the protein doesn't leave me as hungry as I thought I would be. Just try and keep the carbs as low as possible, and the protein above 80g a day and it should be no problem! Just keep reminding yourself that if you don't do it, then you won't be able to get banded! That's what's keeping me motivated.

Hello! Welcome! This site can be a huge resource to gain information on the procedure. I'm not even banded yet and I feel more prepared than ever! I hope you find out everything you'd like to know. Personally, seeing before and after pictures was enough for me. Haha.

Hi Darlene! I haven't been banded yet but I went for my pre-op appt. today and I asked the exact question you did. Now, it mostly depends on your insurance. I have Tricare and I was told that I can go to my Family Doctor to get a referral for the fills and insurance would cover it. And, most likely the Nurse Practitioner will be the one doing them. But, again, it does depend on what insurance provider you have.

It wasn't required for my insurance (Tricare) but it is required for my surgeon that I do the high protein, low carb diet for 2 weeks prior because it helps to shrink your liver which makes it easier to do the surgery laparoscopically. It all depends on your surgeons preferences but I think there's less risk if you diet before.

Thank you Diva and Jen! I guess your doctor is aiming for fat free food instead of low carb? I think eggs have a high percentage of calories from fat but that isn't saying a lot since there isn't a lot of calories in eggs to begin with. In my opinion, eggs are the perfect food for this kind of diet because of all the Vitamins and nutriets it has, as well as, high Protein, and 0g of carbs. I guess you could always ask your doctor if you're allowed to have them.

Thanks so much guys! I'm on the high Protein, low carb diet as well. For Breakfast, I just fixed 2 eggs and 3 slices of Canadian Bacon. I imagine I'll be having a lot of that during the next 2 weeks, as well as chicken and tuna. Haha I'm not too creative with food. I just feel lucky that I'm not on the Clear liquids diet that some people have to go on. The surgery is on the 25th. Only 14 days, I can't believe it's almost here!

My pre-op diet is officially started. I kind of wish I had a better "last meal". Haha I'm pretty excited about it though because it means I'm one step closer to the surgery. Wish me luck!