NJ2NC

Absolutely! and I know that will be my biggest hurdle. I started practicing prior to the pre-op diet and have my entire family reminding me "don't drink, your about to eat" I'm still on liquids (9 days post op) so I haven't been able to put my practice to real band-life use yet. food makes me very thirsty too and I know it will take some getting use to.. Good luck!

Hey there, Last year when I began my journey around March 2011 I grew out my perm and did the "Big Chop" I wore my hair short and curly a few years back and wore it very light brown almost a blonde color I really liked it. This time it is was more for exercising with no excuse! I didn't want a lot of color so I could swim and exercise, wash and go! I was banded Jan 17th and I still have it short and curly I work across the street from a gym and will really begin to use it properly after I heal up. I would love for it to grow out and maybe do some natural twists but I'm not sure, knowing me I'll perm it back out by the end of the year and wear it short and spiky so it won't interfere too much with working out, guess I'll just see where the journey takes me.

Hope that cough get better, I did a lot of coughing too and it hurts! My surgeon used what's called (I think) Durabond on my incisions some sort of surgical glue..every nurse that came in said "Oh that will heal nicely with Durabond you'll barely have scars." I've had no bleeding, no band-aids, no mess! I hope you feel better very very soon. I went back to work on Monday, 6 days post surgery and it has been ok just really tired when I get home. I'm 9 days post op now and just starting to get a little appetite and starting to get tired of liquids, Jello and cream soup!! but I'll hang in there and keep my on the prize!

Life2Short, Tomorrow's the big day.. Your in my thoughts and prayers for a smooth journey into the next phase of your life..

Wow so many similar stories I guess I should wait and see how people adjust and they will see how hard I'm working and be ok with it..if not..OH WELL as you all said if they dont, they weren't really friends. OK 5 days after surgery I'm doing great I even went to Church today..liquid diet isn't so bad I never actually get the feeling of "hungry" I just drink a shake/water or sip on some Soup when I realize its been a long time since my last drink LOL I get sort of a tightness after I have the creamy Soups I guess that the band telling me I had enough so I stop eating at that point. I am a tiny bit sore but moving around very well. I will try going back to work tomorrow..Luckily I can do my work from a desk and I have a great team!

Wow thats beautiful..thanks for sharing your story, you are a great sister.

Thank you, I'm staying on top of everything. I've had very little gas, no nausea and the soreness is maybe a 2 on a scale of 1-10 very manageable. Everyone at the hospital was great and encouraging.

Yes I did have my surgery Tuesday morning..Day 2 isn't so bad. I haven't had any nausea and very little gas. Soreness is getting better I actually skipped a dose a pain medicine by accident. Guess I really didn't need it lol I'm taking it easy and walking a few times throughout the day, sipping Water and Protein shakes without issue. I feel great and have no regrets. I'm looking forward to a healthier and more active life! Everyone is so supportive! thanks.

Hello everyone, I was told I did great in surgery no complications. I did stay the night..thank goodness for that the inclining bed was a life saver. I was afraid of how much soreness I would have post-op but I have to admit it was manageable, I did ask for pain meds several times tho. Walking was good seem to help a lot I walked the halls each time I was disconnected to use the restroom. Now I'm home on the couch with everything I need within an arms reach. Everyone is so supportive on this site. Thanks to you all.

Hello all..everything went great yesterday morning. I'm glad I spent the night. I'm home now resting and watching the boob tube. walking is no problem and pain is easing up some. Thanks for all the support.

Thank you...Good Luck to you too on Thursday!

Tomorrow morning I go in at 8:30am. I'm so excited I can barely relax. I've read so much on this forum and realized some people range from little discomfort to major pain post-op. I really hope I fall in the "little discomfort" category lol. I found out last week I definitely have to stay overnight due to sleep apnea I am beginning to think that is going to be a great thing..round the clock medication haha. It's weird, I'm not worried about any steps of the surgical procedure but I am about post op pain. Go figure. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers..

Thanks for the support! and God Bless you too..

Thanks ladies, I definitely know it is not a quick fix. I've told them plenty of times I'll be a the gym too! the weight won't magically go away without my hard work, but sometimes I think they forget that. I just keep telling myself to be strong especially since I was just asked today (jokingly I hope) about going to eat Japanese food from someone who know I can't. Luckily I'm not easily tempted and have no trouble saying NO. Short and Chunky, I think you should change that name now 75lbs size 14 wow..that's great but what's fabulous is your normal blood pressure and sugar and all your other normal ranges! I have a hard time picturing myself "thinner" but don't get me wrong i would LOVE to look in the mirror and say wow, I've really slimmed down LOL

Hello Everyone, Tuesday Jan 17th is my big day to get banded I'm so excited it's been a long "well worth the wait" journey. In addition to my family I've shared my lapband journey with my closest friends and a few close co-workers. All through the journey everyone have been very supportive but now that I'm down to final week I'm hearing comments from people like "well I guess I better get to the gym now that you're gonna get all skinny" and "I've joined the gym so I can keep up with you" or "you really don't need a lapband if you stay on the diet you're on now (the pre-op diet)" and the best one yet is "don't get to sexy". I'm not sure how take those comments and I know there will be more. Now I just laugh and say It's not a competition! Has anyone experienced any of these kind of remarks? How did you respond? Its truly not a vanity thing and as people in my closest circle should know but they now only see the 'skinny' aspect of it and not the improved health aspect, could they be possibly jealous?? Has anyone had friend issues since getting banded?

I'm at work and just read this thread...my co-workers (Who can only hear not see me) must think I have lost my mind and went off the deep I can not stop giggling..I just love this forum..I get banded next Tuesday Jan 17th and I'm finding some very interesting and worthwhile information on this site! my jaws are hurting from trying to suppress a loud giggle.. truth be told I would be very uncomfortable asking my male doctor that question..lol

I'm on day 8 of my 2-week pre-op diet, surgery is next Tuesday January 17th, I don't have to explain my excitement I'm sure you all know. So glad to hear everyone is doing well and/or have found strategies to help them feel better (I know I'll be on pain meds for a long time, I'm a wuss when it comes to pain). I'm doing pretty good on the pre-op diet down about 6 pounds so far. I'll admit my energy is a bit low right now..however that has done wonders for my long-time insomnia now I'm getting plenty sleep..so I guess the low energy could be looked at as a good thing. lol I like the protein drinks and since I'm never been a big breakfast eater until now I think they will become a permanent part in my post-op life to help balance my day.

Best Wishes Mish1908! I start the next phase of my life next Tuesday. I can relate to how you're feeling 100% Keep us updated.

HI Bri, my journey began in March of 2011. I went for my first approval in July but had an insurance requirement delay however I did received my approval in December and I get banded on January 17th. I'm on day 4 of my pre-op diet. The plan designed by the nutritionist isn't too bad I only get hungry if I go more than 4 hours without either drinking a Protein shake or eating my small meal. I get 3 Protein shakes a day and 2 small meals lots and lots of water/sugar free liquid. Hopefully we can support each other through our challenging life changing journey..

I'm getting banded on the 17th, right now I'm 4 days into my pre-op diet...so far so good. Best Wishes to you..I have the same concerns but I pray all will be well.

Thanks Coalminerswife23, it has been. I hope your approval comes through soon as well..

I am on pre-op day 4 (banded on 1/17/12). I understand this is suppose to be a very very low carb diet no sugar diet to shrink the liver. I do 5 meals a day (3)protein shakes (always more than 15g of protein and no more than 5g of carbs) and (2) low carb meals or a lean cuisine not Pasta based long as it's 300 calories or less and more than 14g of protein then the carbs are ok. The meat and veg meals usually have less carbs then most of the frozen meal varieties. with that spaced out throughout the day and LOTS of Water I'm pretty satisfied.. and there are a few freebies I can munch on too (sugar free Jello, celery, etc.) Good luck.

It appears all the programs require slightly different things. I was required to go to the Nutritionist as part of my program (I get banded on 1/17/12 - YaY). I was advised to take the following: 1. Chewable Multi-Vitamin for adults (no gummies recommended) 2. Chewable Calcium Citrate w/ D3 - 1500mg/day (500mg pills spaced out morn/lunch/dinner) 3. Do not mix Multivitamins containing Iron with calcium supplements (take 2 hours apart) 4. Do not substitute Tums (calcium carbonate) for your calcium You may want to talk to your nutritionist or doctor to get what combination is right for you.

If I have to stay overnight past the 24hour mark..I believe it will be another $150. Sorry to hear about that promotion hopefully something bigger and better is waiting for you down the line. I haven't started my Protein Shakes, I go to the nutritionist next week to go over the pre-op diet but I have a good idea what it will be..either way it will start on the 3rd.

Thanks Grider! Good luck to you too. I've just gotten all my pre-op/post op appointments set, hospital co-pay fee paid (which was $150) and now all I have left is to wait 18 days and try not to get over anxious. I'm sure with the lab work, and pre-op visits I'll be hit with a few additional bills. I'll be sure to add them all up and post the total cost so others (like myself) who's researching out of pocket cost with Fed Basic will at least know what I paid.