The Laughing Cat

Be careful about picking up drugs in Mexico. Sure you can get just about anything without a prescription, but you will be in trouble with US Customs without the script. Should you be caught, the last thing you want is a hassle by Customs when you are newly post-op. Just have your doctor in Mexico write you up a prescription for the liquid form of Lortab/Vicodin like Sojourner mentioned. It's OK too if you have a US doctor's prescription. I live near the Mexican border and would never take a painkiller across without a prescription. Best of luck to you.

My surgeon told me he could put it anywhere I wanted. Not having any preference I let him choose based on his experience. Mine is about three inches above and two inches left of my navel when I stand. It doesn't seem to be in the way of anything at this time. Best of luck to you.

You can do it and you will. It won't be easy but will be very gratifying to lose 4-5 pounds in that short pre-op time. Are you on a special diet? Don't forget to exercise in any way you are able. You have done too much work to not make this final push in the prerequisites of your surgery. Best of luck to you

Too bad you can't wait another day or two before flying. I assume you can't avoid this trip so soon after surgery. I would wear loose sweats that have a lot of room at the waistband. Carry a small pillow with you to hold over your incisions and don't forget your pain meds. Please be prepared if the meds cause you an upset stomach. Hydration is important, particularly on an airplane, so get a bottle of H2O to sip. The San Diego airport is not that big, but I would still get a wheelchair to get you to the gate. I wish you the best.

My hiatal hernia was repaired at the time of my lap band operation. I have seven incision sites instead of the usual 3-5. My pain and recovery were certainly within the limits of normal and actually not as bad as I expected. Best of luck to you

If I had to do it over... I would have prepared my environment better. The emails would be caught up, the laundry folded and put away, the house **** and span, bills paid ahead, more groceries stocked, etc. I would have been sure I had nothing that was pressing or required of me for a least a few days if not more. Otherwise I believe I was ready medically, mentally, supportive and education wise. Best of luck to you the Laughing Cat

In the information seminar my doctor advised up to a month, different insurance companies vary. In my consultation I was advised my insurance takes about 2 weeks (Healthnet of CA, ***). Mine was approved in 9 calendar days and that included Memorial Day weekend! I was surprised, HMOs don't usually move that fast for me. Best of luck to you.

The most important for me is my measuring cup. My brain and reality have two different ideas of portion size. I don't care what something weighs...it's what fits in the measuring cup that matters.

Welcome! I have learned when you get a craving, it will go away whether or not you indulge it. If you don't indulge, the cravings become further apart or not as intense. Please stick to your pre-op diet, it will aid your surgery. My doctor told me every pound I lost pre-op was one less to lose post-op. Too simple! the Laughing Cat

Welcome Angie! This forum has tons of people with loads of information to help make your transition to banded life easier. The search feature can assist in finding answers and should that not work completely, just ask. Great job on your weight loss so far. the Laughing Cat

My doctor did my first fill by feel. He used lidocaine, felt like a mosquito bite, and then the saline. This guy did a fine job of locating my port merely by feel since it's under a large amount of belly fat. The procedure was done in a snap! My concerns about pain and poking were unfounded.

Yes there are nutritionists who specialize in bariatrics. Your doctors office would be a great place to ask for recommendations.

Congradulations on your progress. Will you get a CPAP machine for the sleep apnea? I have one and my sleep apnea is mild. It wasn't hard to get used to but I still don't like it. I'm hoping with further weight loss I can get rid of the machine!

I agree with Banderama in that we all are different. Yet we have mostly the same goals. Fears are transient. They change size and come and go. I don't know anything about fibromyalgia. but please don't be afraid to use the pain meds. The pain after surgery is temporary. Some of us have more, some less. It does go away in a fairly short time. I wish you the best

Holy Cow! I got tired out just reading about your day. Your energy level puts me to shame. Yes, I believe you overdid it. You are still healing both inside and out. Don't forget your Water, lack of that can result in fatigue. Best wishes the Laughing Cat