Sooverit!

Hey Apples: WOW....128 lbs. amazing!! And ..I have to throw this in...at our age! Did you ever dream this could be a possibility at this age....it's almost impossible to lose weight after age 50 period. I'll be 50 next year and before getting the band I just thought I was doomed to increasing obesity, lowered metabolism with wrinkles and menopause thrown in to really send the message home. wrong...my metabolism is defintely getting a boost from eating this way esp. during this "mushy" stage....eating small meals every few hours. It is such a healthier way to eat. Before it was eat till my insulin spiked then look for some sweets!! best to you, ..

Yikes excuse what looks like very poor grammar in my last post!....I should have checked it before submitting, I really don't talk like that.

Hi Indigo: I can never understand these forums sometimes. The last post I saw on this kind and generous forum you statrted was from May 08, but I know once I enter this I will see more current posts. So waht I'm saying is I'm in the dark right now and you may not even have kept this up? O ;p I love what you said about LBT being your transfer addcition....as far as addicitons go I guess this would be a healthy one? I wish I has a new "treadmill desk" though as I feel guilty sitting for so long! :tt1: Well justed wanted to put my two cents in here. I can't believe I'm only 1 week post op?!?! It feels like a lifetime:lol: First the roller coaster of decision making....took me 3 years to get the guts to do this. Then the year long frustrating insurance coverage fiasco that never panned out. Then the pre op nightmarish test subject weeks. Then wheww....the actually surgery ....worse than I thought.....a lot worse but the pain and nausea was temporary thank goodness. :tt1: Now it's the easiest part for me ....losing weight and eating healthy! THis part i thought would be the Hardest!!? This is cake....I love eating slowly, methodically and being aware of what I put in my mouth. My skin and hair glow with health and I feel like my body is morphing into a woman 10 years younger. That is my body is looking like it did 10 years ago before I became pregnant at 40 and became obese for what I thought would be permanently. Did I tell you I like to write also...:whistle:..youll have to put up with my ramblings ...sorry:embaressed_smile:

I live outside of NYC and always look forward to coming into the city for any reason. It's a great big beautiful city and I think of it like (Paris) Disney World for adults. I used to work in the city when it wasn't like it is today. Tourism and our Mayer helped heal the wounds of 9/11..let's keep it going. I will see you in NYC! m

Someone wrote: eah, I just love the implication that those of us who have had WLS in large part for the cosmetic benefits are somehow morally corrupt, but a huge pair of plastic knockers is OK! Ha ha ...this is funny but I also find it hard to believe that even a morbidly obese person isn't going into this looking forward to cosmetic benefits...we're all human!

In Europe where the Lap Band originated you only need a BMI over 30 to be qualified and yes some people there choose to have this procedure to avoid gaining weight with age.

Welcome back Joanne!! Way to go ...you sound like you are moving right along. How was post op for you? I was thinking of you because it was a little more than I thought. It's like I had no fear about the surgery but worried so much about not being able to eat. As it turns out the surgery was the hard part for me but being banded's been nothing but a blessing. I love eating this way....slow with awareness not inhaling my food like a starving animal! :angry_smile: Welcome home.

Hi Janet: May I ask you a question I am afraid to ask anyone else because I am afraid I won't be honest but I can tell you are the non judgemental thpe :-). I am 6 days post op and have been doing great. I gradusated to mushies as my people say you can start when ever you feel up. Today I had Peanut Butter, low fat natural, so far so good but I think I had way to much. I went bck to the old grazing habit and had way more than 2 teaspoons. I stoped and went out for a walk everything okay ...until now 4 hours later I feel pain around the port area...not the incisioon but deep in the area which is at the middle top portion of stomach about 3in south of breast bone. Any ideas? Did I harm my pouch heaven forbid!> I never threw up or PBd or got stuck but ...just asking in case you may have heard anything like this. thanks so much

As I sit here with my cup of coffee going down fine and helping my constitution as it always has if you know what i mean I am just amazed at the miracle of this body I temporarily possess and it's ability to heal! I feel healthier 6 days post op than I have in years. NADZ: Take it easy on the pre op diet ...just do the best you can. 12/16 sounds like a great date....I'm excited for you....it will come and go and you will be so glad you took this step you will see! good luck! m

Oh and MacMadame is complete correct and very astute in her understanding of these folks! I forgot to mention that my insurance company Cigna - worst - changes their stipulations constantly. THe 40 BMI rule changes often ...now it is having a 40 BMI for more than 2 years with substantial proof and uncer that comobities that don't respond to meds!

Hi peace....i rather liked your rant this morning. I think the rage inducing insurance companies in my experience are an equal opportunity pain in the Asjkljkf, but what I've seen so are is they usually know they have to cover a patient who's BMI is over 40 period. It's a shame because I only had a 37 BMI but 98 lbs. over weight and developed recently (during my ins co. coverge rejection period) Hypertension and pre diabletes.and dangerously high Trigliserides ..if I didn't find this low BMI study and do something to change fast...I think I would have had a heart attack like my sister and dad did and eehhh gad my daughter's only 11!! I can clearly see now as you will, that my hunger que was just way out of wack. I was plagued by hunger most of the time and couldn't feel full ever. I feel normal now with the band. I eat like normal folks...not like a woman with an over developed survival mechanism living in modern times! :-) best to you!

My surgery was 12/2 also! I have to say you are one healthy woman ....When I thought of food for the 2 days post op I would be so nauseous it was awful. I was afraid this would last forever! I also was lucy enough to get my TOM the evening after my surgery that day!!! I think bandster hell is the time before you can get a fill because you are still healing. I made a salmon mouse by putting canned salmon in the blender for some time. It really was tasty and filled me up. Also protein shake and jello work to curb the hunger pangs. Your fill will be here before you know it@1 Hang in there....this thing works ...you've seen the stats! :-)

Who knew sugar free Hot Chocolate could taste so decadent! This is one kick ass Christmas gift I gave myself! I love my band....I'm only 5 days out but it's great so far! :thumbup:

I logged on to theDailyPlate.com great site ...thank you!

Oh Liza...I don't think superwoman could resist pb cookies ..especially when they were baking and you smelled the aroma! Don't be so hard on yourself....3 is ok. You walked away ...that dosen't sound like a food addicted person to me! good luck wiht packing and tell DH to bake them when your not home and stressed with packing!

Oh Brydie...I just read your post and it made my night. You are so kind. I hope I didn't get you in too much trouble. I don't even remember the panicky pre-op person who was asking all the PBing questions :=)! Sorry to hear about your almost PB at the lunch. A muffin some how seems like bread to me and a possible no no. I would skip the muffin next time ?...just not worth the hassle and go for the really good stuff!~ What a relief to finally have the procedure done and be on this side~! whew! I am so incredibly thrilled to be banded Byrdie...for the first time in my life I feel like a normal eating person. I'm not constantly hungry and thinking about what I can eat next!~ What freedom! I just had a sugar free popcicle and actually felt it fill up my stomach before I was completly finished!~!! I had those pops before surgery and would wolf down 3 and it would just tickle my hunger and get it started!! Thank you so much B for your support! Have you heard from Joanne? I know her surgery date was yesterday. I have been thinking about her all day! I'm sure she is fine and taking it easy hopefully in the hospital. I had an out patient procedure and wished I had one day to recoup. I had a really tough 48 hours but today is day 4 and what a difference. I'm started to feel good ...and getting a taste of what great feels like. see you soon, Soo

I felt like I wasn't getting normal hunger urges what I would get is similar to what your experiencing. I would also feel nausea. When I drank a protein shake or had a sugar free pudding or jello it helps!! Hang in there you'll probably feel better tomorrow. I had a tough 48 hrs too.

I am 3 days post op and had the REalize band placed empty but for the first time in my life I am not hungry and havn't been since Tuesday! In fact I have no appetite except for the mornings...I have a Protein shake, sugar free pudding, apple sause, chicken soup strained, canned peaches in the food proceesor, and canned pears...yum. Do I feel deprived....not in the least bit. It is a miracle!! This may change I am hoping it won't. I got a wonderfu surprise tho I started my period the evening I got home from out patient surgery!! Sue: I'm glad I read your post ...The only thing I long to eat is the tuna packed in foil I purchased pre op. I think I'll wait on that!

I am 3 days post op and had the REalize band placed empty but for the first time in my life I am not hungry and havn't been since Tuesday! In fact I have no appetite except for the mornings...I have a Protein shake, sugar free pudding, apple sause, chicken Soup strained, canned peaches in the food proceesor, and canned pears...yum. Do I feel deprived....not in the least bit. It is a miracle!! imay change thhe o as I got ththe e wonderfu give of starting my menstrual cycle the evening I got home from out patient surgery!! Sue: I'm glad I read your post ...The only thing I long to eat is the tuna packed in foil I purchased pre op.

I am considered a low BMI (37) and was part of a low BMI study. After being turned down 3x by my ins. companies and jumping through all their ridiculous hoops I was lucky enough to find this study which only cost me around $12,000. out of pocket here in NY would cost almost double that. My care was TOP notch and the follow up is wonderful and it's only 20 mins from my home. I remember seeing the ad in a woman's newspaper for the Obesity Center which is the follow up care center and it popped out at me and after that this process took on a life of it's own and I just followed. I wasn't giving up but I felt discouraged with money/economy being the way it is. The pre op was diet was really not too strict for me. Here is another reason to nip it in the bud ...being a low bmi er the entire preceedure is considered lower risk also. I tried to keep it low fat and kept it liquid for a day or two. Was banded on the 2nd and feel thinner and motivated to get going with exercise already! I am so happy I did this! All the best to you all!

Had my surgery on the 2nd and healing well. The body is truly amazing in it's constant efforts to return to health! My cuts no longer hurt but nausea is still a problem. I'm learning that at this point nausea may mean hunger. I go for a Protein drink and it helps with the nausea. No real hunger though!! I haven't had solids since Monday and I feel constantly full!! I feel full after a one sugar free jello! it's great. A few things to remember: Bring Warm slip on Slippers, (I used them while being taken to the hosp. door in the wheel chair and on the car ride) Chap Stick - used before and after surgery to help with dry lips! Bring your own favorite pillow with a favorite pillow case. I used a pillow case i used to use as a kid. When I returned from surgery the sweet nurse had it laying neatly on my head of my bed. It was comforting. Remember to take it when you leave....it will feel like a teddy bear in the wheel chair. Bring warm blanket for car ride home. Purchase or have a heating pad waiting by bed when you get home. I needed it. Have fresh Water bottles by night stand when you get home. You will need to drink a few oz of water every 20 mins. Don't forget to leave your jewlry home :rolleyes:I forgot to take my rings off and had to trust DH with them under that kind of stress! When you get home sleep as much as you can and walk around also when you can. Accept hugs when offered:girl_hug:

Oh princess ...call your doctor as soon as possible about that hon. How does it look? Is it still red or swollen or any dampness around it? I don't have too much pain there but then again only one incision hurt badly after surgery but it may be from the C-section I had that took out some nerves in my stomach I think! But please call...that's what their paid for....keep us posted!

I Just remembered I didn't have shoulder pain either! I had every other type of pain including nausea but this is only night 2 after surgery and feeling tons better. I am going to be brave and try a little cup of coffee tomorrow morning. I let you know how it goes.

This was such a great idea for "Goddess" to start this thread for us. It really helped me to read these stories the night before my surgery and now I will write mine. We thought we didn't need to sleep over the night before surgery at a hotel near the hospital as we realized as we had only driven an hour to get there but in the morning we were so glad we did. My husband and I stayed at a Hyatt Suite 20 mins from the hosptial as my surgery was scheduled for 6:15 a.m. A bit extravagant for these hard times but in this case these clean beautiful apt. like rooms were just what the doctor ordered for frayed pre op nerves. We arrived at the hospital a bit early but waited only 5 minutes for the nurse to call my name. I was the first patient for the day and was lead to a large, clean, bright room with 4 adjustable, comfortable looking beds and a bathroom near each bed. I felt relieved as it was much nicer than I had anticipated. The nurse who I was lucky enough to have assigned to me couldn't be nicer or more competent and it turned out that she went to the same high school as me many miles away. I was asked a few of the same questions and before I knew I was shuffling my body on to the rolling bed and a male nurse was covering me with warm sheets. So far so good and I'm still not really nervous. Then like planes on a runway you are parked behind other pateints ready to go into the OR. Each person is assigned their Anethisiologist. The man in front of me had more nurses than than I did as he was going in for heart surgery I believe. I heard him say that his previous surgeon was Dr. Oz.. The (oprah dr. OZ) but before he became famous, the nurses were impressed and commented how we had a celebrity amoung us. The next part wasn't as easy ...I was wheeled in finally to the OR and it still is the scariest looking place on earth. It was a cross between a horror movie and a UFO room ...the lights were a weird green irredencent. I would say either just close you eyes through this part or ask your anethesiologist to be put you out right away as prep makes you uncomfortable - as it did me. My anesthesiologist was a kind elderly aisan man but I think he was a bit too gentle with the anesth. as i woke up:ohmy: while they were taking out the tube. I remembered later like it was a dream . I was grabbing my mouth and coughing very hard and saying I can't breath!! the nurses then shouted quickly to take a deep breath..I did and went back to sleep. :tongue2: I was very alert after the surgery and could move myself to the bed easily. I think the aneth. was light on me because I had some alergies. I think I might have gone back to sleep and woke to my husband who looked anxious but relieved when we talked. I was in more pain than I thought I would be actually. The nurses repeatedly asked the level pain I was as in 1 - 10 ...I always said 8 but the pain did subside with every "nap". I was able to sip water after an hour and have jello after 2 hours. I left after urninating enough to show all was well. We were on our way home by 3:00 p.m. I felt fine on the way home:thumbup: Best to you! Having this amazing devise is worth every minute of discomfort I went though!:thumbup:

Oh thank you for looking it up Princess...I am calling my doc tomorrow. Can you believe it? I'm 49 and had a few irregular periods so i wasn't expecting it the first day out of surgery!! Yikes...i was like just what I don't need now! But I'm learning the lap band isn't for sissys and I'm getting tougher by the day! Wow...you are down 21 lbs. already since the 28th!~~you must be thrilled! Are you having fun trying on clothes in your closet that were tight? I put on a sweart shirt I had that used to be a bit snug to pick up my daughter from school tonight and it fit better than it has already! thanks again for your help!