velvetbuckle

Wow, My band was placed June 26 and I have my first fill July 5, which by my genus math skills makes it 9 days post-op. Is that too early?

I have told only a few people, I would like to shout it out loud but a friend who had hers 5 years ago has advised me against it. It kind of makes me feel unauthentic. She stated "It's a tool, and it's no ones business" She is now a nutritionist and a personal trainer and only a handful of people know. She has worked hard for her new body no doubt and she doesn't want the "Anyone can lose if they have the surgery" She had it removed earlier in the year, it wasn't filled for the prior year at all. I'm still undecided and really doesn't matter to me what people think, if they don't pay my bills I don't pay them no mind! My sister had the bypass and has denied it from the beginning, then lies straight out stating she dieted and exercised like a freak-what a crock, but it's everyone's personal decision.

Sounds like you may be dehydrated friend, you need to drink, slowly and consistently, I am 5 days out and haven't been nauseous. I did gas x chewables, either way call your Dr in the morning, they will know what to tell you for sure! Good luck friend.

Yes! I found it again after I threw a baby fit typical of a 5 year old. Then I couldn't find where I posted that I lost it in the first place, the lesson is just like I wrote about, I need to learn my way around better. Thanks for reading, and thanks for the Good lick lol...

Holla fellow bandmates! Welcome to my Day 5, so glad you could make it. Today is a great day, I have minimal discomfort and if I HAD to I most certainly could go to work tomorrow. The past 6 days seem a jumble in my mind. I remember driving to the hospital, I remember the liquid courage before surgery. I remember the post-op and the nurse combing my hair back into a ponytail. I remember slightly more than that until Thursday. I went to the grocery store and over did it, I had a bad night that 2nd night and paid for it with not being able to get comfortable. I took it easy on Friday, went outlet shopping yesterday, and today I went to Walmart for about 1 1/2 hours. (doesn't everybody?) I also spent around $60, it always seems to end up being around $60 no matter how good my intentions are, no matter what I need to replenish or just get for the hell of it. I've been trying to familiarize myself with this site and it is slow going. I don't know if it's just me not being able to navigate around it so easy, or if it just has too much stuff to delve into at once. I do know this on my short time here, if you have a question about anything, and I mean ANYTHING, chances are someone here has been there, done that, and has the tattoo to prove it. I guess that's the point isn't it? It's a great thing to be able to cyber gather with "like" people not only finding people close to us, but in the same state, country, and yes, all over the world, simply amazing to be able to share our stories, our lives, our hopes and dreams, the good and the bad, when we know better, we should do better! Thank you bandmates that have come before us, went through trials and tribulation, pain and agony, laughter and tears so that we may find comfort in your defeat as well as rejoice in your accomplishments, again we thank you! I have yet to have anything but water, crystal light, coffee, and vanilla protein since Tuesday. I may get a little crazy tonight and splurge on some chicken broth, I'm edgy like that don't you know! If I sound redundant in my writings it's because I never reread or edit my posts before I hit the publish button. This may be obvious to some of you because I can only imagine all my grammatical errors, and for those I will just apologize across the board right now, please forgive me. I don't even know if anyone reads my "blog". I know at least 4 people have because you have commented and I received a notification telling me. I had my surgery Tuesday, June 26, 2012 and I am scheduled for my first fill July 5, 2012 That makes my first fill just 9 days after my band placement and hernia repair, I can tell you are dazzled by my mathematical abilities from that difficult equation. Looking through this site, it sounds like that's a tad bit early. Today was the first day I got an actual hunger pain, no worries I splashed it into oblivion with protein. I noticed some of you all didn't get filled for a few weeks, up to a few months. Everyone's different, no truer statement. Have I mentioned that through this I have still had to prepare meals for my 2 teenage boys? Well, I have and I do. Just because I have a road to go down doesn't mean I have to drag them through the pot holes with me. Sure, I could have sent them out for fast food everyday but that's an oxymoron kind of, don't you think? "Mom had the twisty tie surgery to lose weight, so we have to eat out so in a decade or so we can do the same thing!" Uh, I don't freaking think so! I pre-made some lean BBQ chicken, roast and potatoes, and had lean turkey and ham on hand for sandwiches so they wouldn't starve, teenage boys are always starving! Today I actually cooked (over the stove mind you) for the first time since my banding. What's for supper? So glad you asked! I made spaghetti, I nixed the garlic bread because like the rest of the country I don't want to turn my oven on because it's freaking too HOT! Tonight was the first time in a long time I didn't eat while cooking. You guys know what I mean, I used to call it "tasting" but the truth is I was eating, and eating a lot. I may not serve myself a plate, so to speak, at dinner time, twisting my mind into thinking "I don't even eat dinner!" I know the truth, I ate dinner whilst cooking it, and during that process I'm sure it would be equivalent to seconds and sometimes thirds. Well anyway I went passed that first hurdle. I cooked the lean ground beef and drained it, then I took a small tidbit and put it in my mouth. This is especially strange because I loathe beef. I chewed and chewed then I spit it into the trash. Real sexy and ladylike huh? Needless to say, ground beef still tastes like crap and I didn't even attempt that with the penne, nor the sauce I'm just not ready to test the water nor gamble regarding food at this time. Onward and Upward Bandmates, come from a place of gratitude instead of entitlement. Lo & Behold...

I was on the table at 4:15pm and in recovery at 6:00pm. I was home by 8pm, this is my 5th day post-op and am currently on "vacation", however depending on your profession, I would give it at least 7 days, I could go to work today if need be though! Good Luck!

I struggled with my decision for 5 years. I was by my ex-husbands side during his bypass, he was older and had gained 100 pounds after our divorce. His brother passed away at age 45 due to complications of obesity. His other brother is also 500 pounds plus. After going through everything with him, seminars, Dr appts, group meetings etc I decided to lose 50 pounds myself, and I did! I watched what I ate and walked-walked-walked! It took 2 years but I did it! Fast forward 2 years later and you guessed it, it came back. In the meantime my sister had the bypass and I don't know how she passed the psych eval, she's 2 years post-op and sucking down Big Macs and pizza and either vomiting it after eating, or going into a deep depression. My decision came in January when I surrendered that yes, I could lose the weight again, but needed a stronger and better tool to keep the weight off for good. Plus over the years it takes a toll on my body to yo-yo like that. I'm not saying that you will gain the weight back, just sharing my story. Whatever you decide will be the best for you, know one knows you like you know yourself! Good Luck, Onward & Upward!!! My BMI wasn't that high and my Dr LISTENED to me and said I would be a great candidate, I'm out to prove him right!

Hey Girl! I was banded on tuesday and was also told I had a large hernia repair. I couldn't take a real deep breath until this morning. I never received one of those breathing mechanisms but I know what youre talking about, my friend got one when he got his bypass 3 years ago. I have had several scope surgeries and looking back on all of them it did take a while to breath deeply. My 5 sites of entry do not resemble a 12 oclock, my nurse sd healing is slightly different with hernia repair, I never knew I had one either. It's my understanding it's quite common. My biggest issue 5 days out is sometimes I feel my heart beat through where I assume the band has been placed, like when I stand too fast, or sit down quickly. Good Luck and Onward and Upward!

I have had anxiety for over 20 years. I was on anti-depressants for years, until after awhile I finally got a Dr to listen and guess what? I wasn't depressed, it was anxiety! I was prescribed a small dose of xanax and take it when necessary. It has made a big difference, especially when I thought I was having heart attacks! My heart is great. I feel a little chest tightness when I do my walking, then I start letting my mind go into freak out mode, I continue walking and it goes away! So I decided it was my lungs getting used to me "really breathing" instead of just doing it involuntarily. Everyone is different, that's why we are individuals! Onward and Upward my friend!

Holla people of the banding! It is Day 4 post-op for me. In my previous entries, I used hours-no more, I shall use days from now on because 1. Adding 24 to everything gets on my nerves 2. I'm just not that good at math Today was a fabulous day for me, I took it easy yesterday after overdoing it on Day 2, so Day 3 I mainly rested, read, watched TV and thought how long is my stomach going to look so bloated? Isn't that an odd thing to ponder? I'm fat, but I don't want to look unnecessarily bloated! Pretty ridiculous, anyway that's how I felt. I have only taken 2 pain pills today, which is good because I was starting to fondly imagine them being M&M's. I continue to fall in love with my Crystal Light Lemonade and drink about 20-30 oz of protein today. I have yet to feel a hunger pain, or think about food in an unhealthy way, does no good so I will not waste my brain cells on disgusting greasy food that I no longer like, and Lord knows it doesn't like anybody! Today I woke up feeling 99% better. My pain is minimal and seems to be concentrated to lower left and lower right side of my abdomen. There are no sutures or bandages there, that's just where it hurts for me, again, this may be from the hernia repair I just don't know. The important part is that it is getting better and better every day. I went shopping at Old Navy today, we have an outlet close to my city. I purchased 4 or 5 pair of terry cloth shorts that have a drawstring and they are the shiznet, especially in this heat. I looked upon some bathing suits and told them I would definitely be seeing them next year, maybe every style! I came home and walked 1 mile and took a shower, I feel great! I still havent tried to put solid food in my mouth, I'm uncertain if my Dr put any restriction or not when he placed it, but the way I feel now, I don't need it yet. I want to thank everyone on this site, you guys are truly the only one's who understand, I thank you and am grateful for you everyday. Tomorrow is Day 5 and I'm excited about each and everyday that I'm alive. I'm also thankful I chose the band and not the bypass, it was the better decision for me. So here I am on Saturday night feeling anxious and happy about my future. I wonder when I can enjoy a glass of wine? I know they're empty calories but I still want a glass. I'm sure beer is out of the question, I don't like beer anyway. I will have Crystal Light Strawberry Kiwi and pretend, I'll put it in a wine glass! Lo & Behold!!!

I'm day 3 and passing everything now, I used gas x and had my kids burp me by patting my back like a baby! It worked, it will take time to get rid of it all. Onward and Upward!

Hello good people from me to you on day 3! I absolutely overdid it yesterday and I felt it last night. I could not get comfortable even with pain medication, felt like I had been in a sword fight-and I suppose I had been. I am a "side sleeper" and that is pretty much impossible right now, so it's on my back-or seated in my "Edith Bunker Chair" with my storage ottoman to rest my legs and feet. Sleep seemed to come in 90 minute intervals, and now I feel the need to order all kinds of funky stuff from the info-mercials I had to watch last night because I was too exhausted to get up for the TV clicker. It was a rough night, note: Do not go krogering 2 days after surgery, no matter what! Which brings me to today sweetlings and I am 85% better than I have been any other day! Taking it way easy today wasn't so much of a choice as my body dictated that was what we were doing today like it or not. I have been reading "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed imagining myself walking ANY trail in my condition and it brings forth thoughts of laughing hysterically! However, I may give hiking a try-when I am healed of course. I talked with the nurse yesterday and she didn't know if my Dr. had put any fill in my band or not, she would guess no, but was not 100% in her answer. Today I drank about 30 ounces of Crystal light and about 8 oz of protein and milk, no hunger, no desire to chew, no desire to get a fill on July 5. I took a shower last night, gee that was fun-NOT! I just wanted to stand under the beating water and let it ease the pain my shoulders were screaming to me, I shaved my legs and underarms best I could. We shall see how I feel on the 4th regarding my fill. I woke up this morning and feel so much better and finally have the knowledge that one day soon I will walk erect again! I could kick myself for doing all that stuff yesterday that was so necessary but not really. You show me your surgi-strips and I'll show you mine is the joke I keep running through my mind-too much narcotics I imagine. I am going to have some carrot cake yogurt, some more Crystal Light, and curl up and finish this book! Now that my friends, is an exciting Friday night. Lo & Behold!

Holla to everyone reading! Well it's been almost exactly 48 hours since I was banded. I'm still sore to bend over, coughing, and laughing are somewhat painful but tolerable. I went to the grocery store today, my son went and did the lifting for me. I had no problems except the heat outside-WHEW LAWDY it's a hot one! I have a call in to the nurse because I am not the least bit hungry. I had to make myself drink some chicken broth last night, and some protein today. I feel as if maybe it's filled already, although my first fill is scheduled July 5, I don't think I'll need one at this rate. I can drink everything as much and as fast as I did before, just not a single hunger pain, or desire to chew at all. Maybe it's part of the "healing" process, maybe because my Dr. also said he repaired a large hernia? Whatever the case, the facts remain that I'm not hungry. I still have 5 bandages on, 1 over my belly button, 2 on either side right above, and 1 far left and 1 far right. It seems as if the soreness is evenly distributed. Tonight is the big bandage removal and taking a shower YAY! I believe I have some surgical strips that will remain until told otherwise, I think anyway. My throat was a little raw and voice was slightly hoarse from the tube, but that is all but gone away. The way I feel right now is that a "fill" in my band in 7 days would be too soon, especially when I'm forcing myself now to take nourishment. I'm thinking it's a little longer to heal from the hernia possibly, not sure but I intend to ask the nurse when she calls me back. Have a great evening everyone, onward and upward Lo & Behold!!!

Hello lap band family! It's been 24 hours since I was on the table. I am a little sore, but nothing that cannot be managed. The most difficult part was waiting to go into surgery. Thank goodness for the through the IV liquid courage that was offered, it helped tremendously, actually, I'd like to have a bottle to myself lol. The Dr. said I also had a large hernia which he also repaired, good thing because I had no clue. I have my first fill July 5, at 1:30pm. I'm not hungry at all and am drinking water and crystal light lemonade easily. My pain and nausea medication is swallowed with no effort on my part at all. I already had some Gas X for the, well, the trapped gas and it seems to work well. I just have some light pain behind my right shoulder. I am walking easily, bending not so good but that's what I have teenagers for. My boys have been wonderful thus far and I intend to milk it for all I can get out of it, because I know it won't last forever! If you're reading this and struggling with the decision as I did because you're pissed that you have lost weight before and mad that you just can't do it again, GET OVER YOURSELF! If you could have done it again, you would not have gained the weight back in the first place. Look I used to work at Nutri-System for God's sake. Remember, this like everything else is a tool, you can use it, or you can eat through it, and you will find yourself looking back thinking your journey could have started long ago, no regrets people. Hopefully as I get more familiar with how to use this site, I can put more content for your reading pleasure. Thanks! Lo & Behold!

Well, what do you know, I am now a blogger. 24 hours from now I should have been banded and in recovery. My feelings at this time are all over the place. Anxious, brave, excited, scared. You name an emotion and I have felt it. If I'm not ashamed of using this tool, why are there so many people that are? I feel it is no different than any other tool, less bypass. I've been thru that surgery with my ex, a cousin, a sister, and a good friend, I only know 2 people that have been banded, 1 is an absolute star student, 1 who only lost 20 pounds she said as she had a hot dog in 1 hand and a slurpie in the other. I'm pretty much on my own, I think I must like it that way. I think my fear is change, with change usually comes chaos, and Lord knows I have had enough of that. I have decided to do this after losing 65 pounds on my own and gaining it back over 2 years. That's what pisses me off the most. That I thought I had the battle won, when in fact it had just begun.