ILUVMATH

I was having problems after my last fill. I was told to drink hot liquid in the morning before thinking about breakfast. It has worked for me.

Just wanted to say that I looked into the lap band surgery several years ago. It was more trouble than it was worth to do anything. I am a Texas teacher. In January 2012, the requirements changed. You no longer have to jump through hoops. Your BMI only has to meet a certain requirement. If you were discouraged about your insurance coverage, check again. I'm glad that I did! Dana

[quote=APPROVED Candace83]Got my approval! dr appointment will be Jan. 16..2 weeks. surgery probably first of Feb. one happy girl right here! You are doing the right thing. Thank goodness for your perseverance. It will be great.

I don't know if anyone has ever brought this up, but I'm wondering if I choose not to exercise if that will be bad? I look at it this way,........I have never exercised. After I lose weight, I will probably not exercise again. So, my thought is, why exercise now if I know that I will not continue the habit? Just a thought. Just let the weight come off slower.

You must be emotionally ready. I, too waited until my insurance restrictions weren't as bad. I have a daily struggle with my eating habits. Even with insurance, I know that I did pay a lot for this surgery. I think it is the not wanting to waste my money aspect that keeps me going. The hardest part is getting to your green zone. I think I may finally be there after today's fill. If you are strong & set your mind to it, you can do it. It is a lifestyle change, but don't be scared. The lifestyle change can be developed. I know that I am still making adjustments. Good luck to you. Dana

I had lap band surgery in July. I was assigned to the surgeon in my hometown, but got changed to a surgeon further away since my hometown surgeon had to have shoulder surgery. I was very pleased with my substitute surgeon, but his office was too far away to keep going & not miss a lot of work. I paid a big transfer fee to get moved back to my hometown & be able to not have to miss work. The thing that I find strange are the different instructions. One surgeon said it was okay for me to have my Diet Coke & the other surgeon said no to any carbonated drinks. One surgeon said no popcorn & it wasn't a problem for the other surgeon. This is just a couple of differences. There are other differences in diet & lifestyle. One surgeon says mushy food after a fill. The other says liquid diet after a fill. One surgeon numbed my skin before a fill & did it himself. He also didn't use an x-ray for the fill. The other surgeon uses an X-ray & no numbing. The fill is done by a technician & I drink something during the fill. I think that I've been on both extremes. I just find the differences very interesting. I'm okay with both. I will do what it takes!

Gallbladder attacks seem to occur after weight loss. My sister had to have hers removed after losing weight. Her problem was an attack in the middle of the night. Violent vomiting & pain. However, they sucked that puppy right out through a tube. No more gallbladder! She went back to work in a couple of days. Good luck to you. Stay on top of things.

Mine was 4 weeks after surgery.

Got 3 cc & then he had to take out 1/2 cc after I tried to drink water & it got stuck.

I had surgery on July 26th. I got the lap band with plication. My surgeon calls it the I-band. It holds 13cc's. I had my first fill today. It was a piece of cake! My surgeon put in 3 cc's. I drank Water & the water felt like it was hung at the top of my throat. It made a weird little gurgling sound. He took out a half cc. Taking out that tiny bit made the water go right down. I'm on mushies for 5 days & then back to regular food.

Coffee is okay with my doctor. I am also told that my beloved Diet Coke is okay after I've poured it in a glass & let some of the bubbles go away.

Congratulations! Has to be a great feeling.

I was the same way. My surgeon's nurse told me to get the protein shots. I was able to get them down even when I wasn't hungry. They look like those energy shots, can be found at WalMart by the protein powder & drinks. They are usually fruit flavored & are loaded with protein. You can also get them from GNC.

Your mouth will be dry. I packed sugar free Lifesavers to suck on. They gave me a little pillow to protect my tummy from the seat belt. I took my own pillow from home that I used instead.

Good luck. It will be a great day in your life.

Congratulations! Nice job.

Congratulations. It does feel good to post in post op threads!

Of course, the first visit wasn't as bad as I thought. I had lost 16 lbs in 2 weeks. Everything seems to be on track. Get my first fill on August 29th, a little over 4 weeks from my surgery on July 26th. Done! Whew!

Tomorrow I go see my surgeon for my 2 week follow up. I am nervous. All the things keep running through my head. What if I've messed up? What if the band has slipped? What if I'm not losing fast enough? Will I get a fill? What if..........? You can see that I'm driving myself crazy. So, what should I expect the first visit? I did find a local support group that meets at 6 pm on Tuesday nights. Maybe going will help calm my insecurities.

My surgeon's staff warned me that my neck & shoulders would hurt from the way they have to position your head & neck for the anesthesia. Maybe this could be your pain.

I am a 16 days post surgery. I am still sore under my left rib cage. I finally figured out that is where my port is. I occasionally sit wrong & feel a sharp pain under my right breast. I don't know when this will go away, but it is nothing I can't live with. I dont think I'd worry too much if the pain is bearable. Good luck to you.

Yes. Math nerd here!