Im_Lost_Again

I was banded by Dr Clarey on 4/20/07. I have briefly met only one other that was banded there and personally know two that had the RNY there. Anybody on here from Dayton? I really like DB and so far I am doing great with the weight loss. I'm seeing the inches melt away way before I see the pounds drop. I've already dropped one pant size. :whoo: I decided it last year it was about time I got the weight off permanently. I have 5 grandkids and couldn't run after them. My, then 2 year old, Granddaughter got away from me at a park and ran toward the street. I couldn't get to her in time and it scared me to death. We were lucky there were no cars around at the time. This year is MY year. I'm doing things that make ME happy and healthier. My Log in name is the same as my Geocaching name. Anyone interested in it can email me or check it out at Geocaching.com. It can be a good way to get some excercise while having fun. Good Luck to ALL!

I have had pain too. It's from not chewing the food enough, making sure it's going to be able to get through the band. I have trouble with beef in general. Try using some condiments while eating, but try using them sparingly or go with the low-carb ones. Good Luck!

I hear about this on the news today. They were discussing if it's OK for kids. I give it my blessing! I know a couple of kids that definatley need it. Good luck to you! I hope you keep in touch and let us know how you are doing! Donna

Shonda, Dr. Clarey did my surgery on 4/20/07. Do you know what size band you have? Depending on how much the swelling has gone down and the size of your band, you may be able to eat without much restriction until your 6 week check up and you get your band filled. I had the same issue. I found out that if I eat meats (mostly chicken) that it takes longer to pass through to the stomach letting me feel fuller longer. Stay away from the soft foods that can easily slip through. I had a few people tell me that they didn't lose anything during the first 6 weeks. 21 pounds is AWESOME....Good Work! (I'm down 30 so far.) I had a few days of weekness. Are you getting enough protein? Start the day with a protein shake. I use Unjury, it tastes really good, but you can only get it on line at unjury.com. They have chocolate, vanilla and Strawberry Sorbet. You can get them in the large canisters or individual packets. You can buy sample packs to try them out. Good Luck! Keep in Touch. Donna

Teresa, sounds like a dream job with great benefits! I wish you luck! Tell Dr Siddiqui that I feel that having one of his nurses banded would be a BIG benefit to him and his practice. It would make me, as a patient, feel that the nurse really knows what is going on with me and how I feel physically and emotionally. I've worked with a RNY patient and the diffences after surgery are numerous, so someone taking care of me that had the RNY may not understand what is going on with me. (Just my 2 cents worth).

I thought I gelt my port just under my incision, but when I got my fill she put the needle in a few inches lower. Now I think I was feeling scar tissue since it is gone. At this point I can't feel it.

Congrats! It doesn't take long to get much easier. I didn't have but a couple of days that I felt weak. That is when I started to watch my protien intake more closely. I use the protien drinks that they sell at the office and unjury (can only get on-line). It's helped quite a lot. If you don't get enough protien you can suffer from hair loss. Keep in touch! Donna

You can still do it, even if he said you don't need to. Have you watched the surgery video? He talkes about the pre-diet and it's benefits.

You have a smart doctor. I'm 48 and got my band three months ago. I wish I had done this years ago. I didn't get those health problems until my 40's. I can't imagine having them in my 20's. Sounds like you family isn't educated about the band. Get them literature, have them talk to people that have had the band. Have them go to the seminar with you. The more informed they are the better you will do if you have the band. You can PM me with your questions or questions from your family. The band is one of the BEST decisions I have ever made! Good Luck and keep in touch. Donna

I've had my band since March 20. 2007. The band is not a magic wand. You still need to watch what you eat afterwards not just stay away from the foods that will get stuck in the band. I have noticed that foods that are mushy like mashed potatoes, applesauce, sugar free Jello, etc. do not stay with me very long, thus I get hungry sooner. meats stay with me for what seems hours. I feel full and do not have the desire to snack. If you do eat the mushy foods, I suggest that you eat them first as they tend to help the more solid foodds slip through the band faster. Drinking Water during a meal defeats the purpose of the band. I limit my fluids to sips IF needed. If you follow the 45 minute after meal before you drink suggestion, you will get the full benefit of the band. Don't sabotage yourself. If you eat right and walk, walk, walk. You should have good results. I lost 12 pounds on the pre-op diet then didn't lose but a couple of pounds until I got my first fill (1.5ccs) almost 8 weeks later. It's during that time that you are eating the mushy foods and the swelling around the band is at it's maximum. As that swelling goes away you will notice that you are getting hungry sooner and can eat more. Be careful not to over do it. I'd be glad to answer any questions that you have. PM me if you wish. Good Luck! Donna

Congrats on the decision NaNalga. I have a concern over the no pre-op diet. How overweight are you? If your BMI is low (around 40-42) you may be OK without the pre-op diet. If it's over, you may want to do it anyway. The purpose of the pre-op diet is to make the liver more pliable thus reducing surgery risk. It makes it easier for the doctors to move it around allowing them easier access. My BMI was 40.2 at surgery. I did the diet for the full 10 days. I drank slim-fast for Breakfast and lunch and for dinner I had either a piece of chicken or fish (without breading). It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Let me know how it goes! Good Luck Donna

This is a good place to ask questions. I've had my band since 3/20/07. I'm down 30 pounds. I love my band. I don't know how I survived without it before! Let me know if I can answer any questions or put your mind at ease. Good Luck! Donna

I got my first fill last Monday, 1.5 CCs. So far I haven't had any real problems. I walk quite a bit and watch what I eat and drink lots of Water, but haven't lost any more yet. My initial weight loss to date is 25 pounds, 70 to go. (I can't get my ticker to work properly.) Tonight I am going to the Dayton Bariatrics Seminar with my Daughter-in-law. She's wanting to have the RNY (spelling???).

Thank you Nurse Teresa, I am glad to know that he is still practicing in the country. I would rather know the truth and put the speculation to rest. Thanks again! Donna

Does anyone know where Dr Siddiqui went to? Originally he was to do my surgery. He seemed very nice.

Has anyone had an MRI after being banded? I am scheduled for one today. I read the specs on the band and it has stainless steel in it. I'll let them know when I get there, but was wondering if anyone had had an MRI with one.

Maybe if I had read my card :opps2:

Sorry I coudn't make it. We had a family emergency.

Hi Chris! The eating restriction hasn't been bad for me. At this point I need a fill. I'll be calling and setting up an appointment today. Day by day it got easier to eat just don't push yourself too fast toward solid foods. I too had a large mass under my large incision. It has gone down by about 85%. I can feel where my port is, but it's not like it sticks out or would be noticable by anyone else. I can also sleep on my stomach without feeling it. I feel on top of the world...and you will too! Keep in touch! Donna

What are you scared of? The surgery or life after being banded. This was my 6th surgery, I had already had and appendectomy, 2 carpel tunnel releases and both knees operated on (and gave birth to 2 kids). This was the easiest of all! Life after is GREAT! There are a few things you have to totally give up and a few habits you change, but it isn't that bad. I'm not three weeks into having the band and I love it. I just got back from Easter Brunch at Holiday Inn. I had salmon, green Beans, a tad of sweet potato casserole and a taste of a few other items. I left feeling full and satisfied. Not only that, but we only paid for a childs meal for me. I have not had any cravings since the surgery and my energy level has been overall wonderful. Only two days did I feel tired and that was early on when I don't think I was getting enough calories. A little apple juice and I was up and going again. All I can think is, Why didn't I do this SOONER! Good Luck and please keep in touch! Donna

Susan, Good Luck. I hope you hear from your insurance soon. I know it's nerve wracking to wait! Keep us posted! Donna

It took me about a week until I was 100% Again. Keep up th good work!

Hi Everyone! I was just introduced to this web site and haven't had much time to read through the threads. But I will. I'm scheduled to be banded on 3/20/07. Right now I'm on my pre-op diet. I've been told that I can have fish or chicken to help curb food cravings but the rest should be liquid. I'd like to hear what others have been told about the pre-op diet. I'm really excited about getting banded. The surgery doesn't bother me (this will be my 6th surgery). The post op diet had me a bit worried until I sat down and made my own list of foods that I can have that I like. I then bought me one of those bullet mixers so I can experiment with the foods. This should be interesting! Especially with the protien powder additives. To keep myself psyched I have been going through clothing adds pickout clothes I'd like to buy for myself in a few months. BTW - The name I chose for on here is my Geocaching name. My friends tell me it fits me well. :paranoid

That is awesome! I'm so glad you are doing well. Taking care of a 1 year old can be tiring. Keep up the good work but don't over do it.

I'm not sure if I can make this meeting. I'll keep watching here just in case.