Meowmom

I am going to have gastric weight loss surgery in the next couple months. I have been doing the classes with Kaiser, who I have my ins. with. I am hearing rumors from class members and nurses, that there are quite a few problems with the band. I have heard that there is a 25 percent failure rate, and they are undoing almost as many as they are doing.
I have only 60-70 lbs. to loose, and I really don't want to have a bypass ( my only other option ) as I fear loosing too much weight and looking older, as I am in my 60's now. I am also concerned about the malabsorption issues and the 'dumping syndrome' that comes with the bypass.
I would be very grateful to hear some feedback about this.
Thanks a bunch
Rita

I had my 2 week post op Wednesday. My Dr. said I could go to regular food. Interesting how they all differ a bit on that issue.
I did get 2 CC's added and was happy about that, but don't really feel much difference. I have been pretty hungry and can eat about 1 cup or a bit more. I have been trying to stay under that, but I get hungry after a couple hours.
How are you all doing with that part? I lost 20 lbs. in the first month and don't want to gain any of that back.

It is mostly sore, but when I walk very much, if I turn a certain way it does feel sharp and hot and pulls. But not all the time. I am really feeling very good.

Tomorrow is my big day! I can't believe it's finally here. I'm all ready to go and I think that I have everything that I will need for the first two weeks post op. I'm so excited!, not feeling nervous. If I'm nervous about anything, it's that we will oversleep in the morning, have a flat tire on the way to the clinic, I'll wake up with a fever, etc. That would be the only thing that would throw me for a loop, if something happened that would make my surgery not happen tomorrow. However, I'm very confident that around 9:20am, in the morning, I'll be having my surgery. I have many people that have promised to be thinking of me and saying a prayer: that my body will be strong, my surgeons hands will be steady and sure, my anesthetist will be vigilant and I will have little pain and heal quickly. I trust in God's will and know everything will go smoothly.
My real challenges will come afterwards. As I read these messages and blogs, I've come to realize that I am entering a whole new life style. I'll need strength and encouragement along my journey. I'm a food addict and have been for a long time. Food has a calming and almost numbing effect on me at times. It's what I turn to when I'm tired, bored, anxious, stressed, etc. It's also a big part of family get togethers and celebrations. My two grown daughters are overweight also. They are very supportive of my decision, as they know how much I want this. I'm hoping I can inspire them both to change some of their eating habits before they are my age. I come from a family of large women. We all love to cook and feed ourselves and anyone else who walks through our door.
My husbands family had a family reunion last weekend. Right in the middle of my Protein diet. It has been planned for months and I knew it was coming, of course. I signed up to bring all the plates, napkins, cups, etc. I did not cook, like I normally would have. Several of my inlaws commented on my missing brocolli salad, homemade meatballs, choc. cake with butter cream icing. They were a bit dissapointed. But they survived, and I was able to survive also. I ate my Protein Drink and veggies, along with one bite of my husbands hamburger. I called that a huge accomplishment for me, as there was tons of mouth watering and fat laden foods. I still had a really good time and so did everyone else.
I know this is not going to be easy and I will have some hard times and a few set backs, But one step at a time I'm going to climb this mountain. On the other side lies better health and a new me.

It is mostly sore, but when I walk very much, if I turn a certain way it does feel sharp and hot and pulls. But not all the time. I am really feeling very good.

Your not alone Rebecca, your in good hands with these ladies! Just watch out for that Carolina girl, LMAO kidding! Seriously what she and Dolt said is most important and the truth. I was banded 6 years ago, lost 160 lbs and maintained my weight, it's hard but as time passes you become more adapted to it.

Hi everyone.
Surgery Thursday. I had to stay one night as well, but didn't mind. They kept the pain meds coming and I had great care. I live alone and thought that best as am still a bit weak and lightheaded.
I feel pretty good. Incisions are pretty sore, and I am having quite a burning sensation in my stomach, sort of like bad indigestion. The Gas X strips do help quite a bit, so I recommend them. Otherwise feeling quite well. For those of you that have surgeries coming up, it isn't bad at all. And good luck to you all.
The new live starts now!!!
I was down 10 lbs on the liquid diet, and 15 from the beginning of the process. So I have a pretty good start on this. Someone even commented that it shows already. Wow...
Rita

Banded Thursday 7/20. I am feeling very well. Just a lot of soreness on the left side.
Good luck. Think positive and remember this is the start of your new life. I just keep telling myself that. And be patient with yourself.
I lost 10 in 3 days on liquid diet but am up 3lbs. as of yesterday. I believe it is the IV fluids they give us in the hospital. I am sure it will start coming off quicker now.

Hi everyone.
Surgery Thursday. I had to stay one night as well, but didn't mind. They kept the pain meds coming and I had great care. I live alone and thought that best as am still a bit weak and lightheaded.
I feel pretty good. Incisions are pretty sore, and I am having quite a burning sensation in my stomach, sort of like bad indigestion. The Gas X strips do help quite a bit, so I recommend them. Otherwise feeling quite well. For those of you that have surgeries coming up, it isn't bad at all. And good luck to you all.
The new live starts now!!!
I was down 10 lbs on the liquid diet, and 15 from the beginning of the process. So I have a pretty good start on this. Someone even commented that it shows already. Wow...
Rita

Hi everyone.
Surgery Thursday. I had to stay one night as well, but didn't mind. They kept the pain meds coming and I had great care. I live alone and thought that best as am still a bit weak and lightheaded.
I feel pretty good. Incisions are pretty sore, and I am having quite a burning sensation in my stomach, sort of like bad indigestion. The Gas X strips do help quite a bit, so I recommend them. Otherwise feeling quite well. For those of you that have surgeries coming up, it isn't bad at all. And good luck to you all.
The new live starts now!!!
I was down 10 lbs on the liquid diet, and 15 from the beginning of the process. So I have a pretty good start on this. Someone even commented that it shows already. Wow...
Rita

Hi everyone.
Surgery Thursday. I had to stay one night as well, but didn't mind. They kept the pain meds coming and I had great care. I live alone and thought that best as am still a bit weak and lightheaded.
I feel pretty good. Incisions are pretty sore, and I am having quite a burning sensation in my stomach, sort of like bad indigestion. The Gas X strips do help quite a bit, so I recommend them. Otherwise feeling quite well. For those of you that have surgeries coming up, it isn't bad at all. And good luck to you all.
The new live starts now!!!
I was down 10 lbs on the liquid diet, and 15 from the beginning of the process. So I have a pretty good start on this. Someone even commented that it shows already. Wow...
Rita

Four hours to lift off. Can't wait. Just want some Water. Nothing after midnight and surgery isn't till 1:30. I had bad low blood sugar reactions on no sugar liquid 3 day diet. Tell your Dr. if you are hypoglycemic. Had to load up on Snapple. Lost 10lbs though in 3 days. That's a big motivation.
Will let you know how it goes.

Four hours to lift off. Can't wait. Just want some Water. Nothing after midnight and surgery isn't till 1:30. I had bad low blood sugar reactions on no sugar liquid 3 day diet. Tell your Dr. if you are hypoglycemic. Had to load up on Snapple. Lost 10lbs though in 3 days. That's a big motivation.
Will let you know how it goes.

I wore a 40 DD before being banded 3 months ago. Now I am a 38 C and wearing cute, strapless tops and dresses.

Me too! Boy, I'll drink to that. chicken broth at least for now.

You're lucky to have minimal gas pain. That's great, I have surgery at 7 am tomorrow. Super nervous!!!!!

I'm here, I'm here...July 17th. Good luck to us....
Rita

I am July 19 as well! THREE MORE DAYS!!

Greetings All!
I'm Bibi and I am getting banded on the 20th (this Friday!)! I am very excited and a bit nervous too. I am 43yrs old and I live in Largo, FL. I am on day 9 of my pre-op liquid diet and I have lost 15lbs. I lost the 15lbs in the first 4 days and now I think my body freaked out and is holding on to all fat stores . I am happy about the 15lbs loss, but wondering if it should be more.
I have been reading a lot of blogs and lurking on the boards learning from everyone's experiences. I am grateful that there are so many people who are willing to share their successes and failures. I am really anxious about moving forward, but I know that I have to let things follow their course.
Best wishes,
soon to be banded, but for right now...
Bibi

Surgery date is July 19th. Lot's of different feelings. Fear and excitement. Not looking forward to the liquid diet although only 3 days for me. Definitely up and down with the emotions.