Booyah!!

Well I made it through post-op day three! I felt a bit nauseous this morning, but after that passed I felt great!! I got to have a shower today and helped my son with his speech for school, I think I might have over done it a bit thought because I am hurting a lot right now. I think its mostly gas pain.....so I took some more gas-x. I am getting tired of clear fluids and would love to move on to full fluids, but am going to wait the two extra days that my surgeon suggests. How is everyone else doing?

Can I be in your group? I get banded next week. I am 30, married and have a four year little boy. I would LOVE to have a band buddies

Noted! My hubby is totally going to chuckle though when I tell him that I need a bidet type device. We decided that we are going to make a tshirt, that says, "If you think wiping your a$$ is hard when you're overweight, try doing it with incisions!" LOL! Now I'm changing it to, "Try doing it with a port!"
It's funny that it's these simple little issues that have been bugging me most. Knock on wood, I haven't had any of the nausea or heartburn, no vomitting at all

Step by step, Day by day it does get better. I say use the pain meds as needed dont suffer through if you dont have to. I think I may have stretched a little too far trying to take care of personal buisiness in the bathroom. Be careful and exhale any time you have to bend. Like my nurse said, pretend you are blowing candles out as you stand up. Wishing all the best in the recovery process.
Linda

Thank you, Alita. I started following the post-op guidelines that I was given and also started using the myfitnesspal website. I've been staying under 1200 calories. As of this morning, I've lost 11 pounds! I did take measurements earlier this month. Please do keep me in your prayers tomorrow.

Hi Everyone,
New to the site and schedule for surgery 2/26. I am looking forward to traveling this road with all of you.

It iS all very exciting and it's very natural to be nervous. I'm a registered nurse and also been through more than my share of surgeries and I'm a little nervous too.

Hello! When the doctor does the surgery, he has to pump your abdomen full of gas. This gets trapped in different areas and seems to accumulate in our shoulders at times. Walking is the best way to get rid of it. It can last for even a couple of weeks, but mine seems to be on the minimal side at this point. The more you belch, the better because that gets it out. This pain is very uncomfortable for some of us, not so much for others.

Dave here and had surgery on the 19th. Feeling better except for the horrible neck and shoulder pain on one side. Feels like a pinched nerve. Was told it was gas? It's the only thing holding me back. Dlpleasants@fcps.edu

Hi, I was banded on Thursday 2/21. I'm a 32 year old mom and have 2 preschoolers and a wonderful, supportive husband. I was just looking for a band buddy who was banded around the same time so we could share experiences.
I haven't weighed myself since surgery an will probably wait til Monday morning but I'm so anxious to see the number on the scale! Oh - one last this- I'm hoping to lose 90lbs. (I already lost 20 thought the preop diets)

Hi Cindy, I also would love to be band buddies witha all. I had my surgery on 2/21 and I too have had the pain shift around, and the most is at my port sight, which everyone says is normal. I now have a bit of bruising but its not spreading, so I believe that is good. I keep ice packs going most of the day, I have 5 incisions, 4 are smaller but i do have one thats much bigger than the others and asode from the port area, that big one can get painful too.
I can finally get out of bed on my own, with out Hubbies help ! So day by day it goes =)
Linda

Hey, I'd love to join in too. I was banded on 2-18. Have lots of support at home from my husband and daughter, and when the older children come home they are great too. But none of them have a clue about lapbanding, and so it is nice to discuss the things that come up with those of you who do.
I have one more day of the clear liquid diet before my doctor allows full liquids. I am so anxious to have a bit of yogurt or pudding along with milk products. One more day!
Hey, since we are all new. What does your belly look like? I have 6 little incisions. 2 of them are about 2" 3 are just like one cm, and the last one is about an inch. Then I am so totally bruised all around the larger 2 incisions.
I'd love to hear about everyone else's artwork on their tummies.

Good luck tomorrow to: Booyah!!!, NurseKelly, and Frederic!!

So much to reply to! Here goes...
Dave, so great to meet you. I'm looking to lose 100 lbs too! Can't wait to start the journey with you.
Hi Felicia! It sounds like you have a good, healthy attitude toward the band. That will absolutely be a great asset in the coming months. What kind of concerns about post op do you have?
Ohh I'm interested in the C25k. I would need to walk, as I have a degenerating lumbar that I had surgery on, but I want to do marathon walking. It's my goal. You and I are about the same weight. I refuse to weigh myself til next Monday, when I start my pre op diet. lol. We'll do it together!
Crystal, great post! You have done tons of research and thinking, you're going into this experience well informed. And wow, already practicing the band lifestyle? And what a great job on your self motivated diet! You're going to do a fantastic job with this. Kudos to you.
Cynthia, the fact that you're being so honest with the pitfalls and obstacles is healthy and positive. The family can also adapt to you...after all, although you're the one going through the surgery and weight loss, this will impact them too. You'll be happy and excited, energetic and will be doing more, even with your injuries. And losing the weight will certainly improve many aspects of your current medical issues, I bet! I'll cheer you on, if you'll cheer me on, okay?

You can do this!!! I love to eat, but I want my life back!! Spring will be here, we will all be getting healthy, and feeling good again!! I am sick of feeling miserable all day!!! Been battling the bulge over 20+ years. I teach on my feet, but have to sit down at times, unlike in the past. It's getting worse and time to act!!

Hey! Now that I figured out how to "join the group" I'm posting my reply I was perplexed when it told me that I cannot reply to this topic.
Anyways, I'm Crystal from Alabama. Unlike many of you, I don't have a date yet for my surgery, I have to attend a BEGIN class next Tuesday and then they will call and schedule my surgery. I received insurance approval last week after doing a 6 month doc supervised diet. I really can't wait to have this journey even more underway!! Like Felecia, I struggled with the decisions to do WLS. Not sure why you struggled but for me, I was one of those people who felt like I'd be taking the "easy way out" I never thought of it as a tool that helps you along in the journey that you are indeed still the one making the food choices and exercise choices. So back in 2010 I gave this weight loss thing my very best effort...I worked out at Curves, did Zumba 2 times a week, got into fitness bootcamp, did >10 5k's and trained for and finished a half marathon. At my peak, I was working out 4 hours a day and working a fulltime job. It was an incredible year and I learned SO much about myself. I am strong and determined. When I crossed the finish line of that half marathon, it was one of the best days of my life because I had completed something that no one else ever expected me to, but worse than that, I never expected or believed that I could but I did. With God all things are possible! Over that year I lost a little more than 70 lbs. I absolutely breaks my heart to admit that in the last two years since then I have put most of that back on. Its just not realistic for me to live that like that year every year...I mean 4 hours a day? So the last two years I've thought and prayed over this WLS topic and I've done my share of studying and reading up on it. I think I'm pretty well educated in what's about to take place in my life so hopefully there won't be many surprises. I've found Protein Shakes that I like, I've been taking chewable vitamins for about 6 months now, I had my last carbonated beverage May 28...and I'm trying to make conscious efforts to not drink with meals and to take smaller bites and chew alot. I really just can't wait to get back into a routine and see some positive results...I look forward to watching everyone's journey and enjoying encouraging each other along the way! I'm ready to start making myself a "rewards" list for certain milestones along the way and achieving them one by one on the way to the life I've always wanted! Good Luck to all!!

Hi! I am Danielle and I have surgery on 2/1 - that is NEXT FRIDAY! AHHH. I am going to be 28, been struggling with weight for 10 years and I am going into this surgery weighing about 260. My goal is about 175. I have tried everything before and always failed the maintenance part. I am ready to make the change with the support of all of you guys! I plan to start doing the couch to 5K once I am all healed and look forward to getting in shape. I seriously don't know what I would do without this website. Creating this group was a great idea!!

I'm Felicia. I live in Michigan. Like Dave, I have surgery tentatively scheduled for February 19. At my heaviest, I was 275. I'm at 244 now. My goal weight is 135. I've struggled with the decision to have wls for years. I'm finally at peace with the decision and can't wait! Like many others, I have concerns about what happens after surgery. However, I know I'm in a much different space than in the past as far as weight loss is concerned. That being said, I also realize that I need the assistance that the lb can offer in my journey. Good luck to everyone! We can do this!!!

Onamission, good luck this week with your surgery! I am ready to forward with this adventure but I have to wait til the 21st.
I wish you the best!
Linda

Great stories from all ! I enjoy reading the, all. I am day 9 pre-op liquid diet, I am using the Bariatric Advantage shakes (5 a day!) and cant complain about being hungry. If I am Its usually when I am due for one. I am down 12 pounds since I started the liquids, it is just wierd to have made it to the "200" 's after at least 5 years in the 300's. 11 days to go until surgery!! sooooo excited for this new adventure in life.
Good luck to each and every one of you =)

I am on day 2 of a very strict 14 day diet. I am allowed 4 - 6 EAS Advantedge shakes a day, 3 or 4 (8 oz. servings) of vegetable, beef or chicken broth and 64 oz. of Water a day. No milk, no caffeine, no food.................... That last part is kicking my tail end tonight. I am sitting in our office studying (decided be begin my graduate degree program a few months ago - yes I am a masechist) and I have come to realize that I am a "study snacker". I am looking for something to crunch. liquid does not crunch and I am doing my best to try and ignore this feeling of want that is occurring. I am sipping on a strawberry Protein Shake and I snuck a small baby spoonful of Peanut Butter, but still want crunch. My 7 year old daughter told me to crunch my ice in the shake. Not exactly what I was hoping for, but she is right. It will "crunch". The simplicity of it seems perfect in her mind, but in mine I am craving things that I cannot have. Which at this point really is the issue - my mind is overloading the reality of my hunger. I know that many of us deal with these issues, but I have to work through this and get it out.
I know I can do this - mentally and physically. Cravings are just the minds way of trying to keep you familiar with the habits that you have created, good, bad or indifferent. This practice of futility (posting my frustration), is not giving into the craving, but is letting my mind get rid of this emotional outburst of need. I can now realize the little things, that are really not so little when they add up. My snacking mode while studying is also my snack mode while working. You really do not realize the bad habits that you create for yourself until you restrict or change your pattern.
Day 2 is almost over and there are 10 more short days to go. The next challenge will be how I handle my new liquid only diet at work, where only a couple of people know and the ladies all bake and bring goodies for everyone. Training sessions and lunch meetings are the standard, so I am putting together my list of excuses now so I can survive the pre-op (2 weeks), post-op (2 weeks) and mushy stage (1 week).
I CAN do this, many others have before me and I am using them as inspiration. Thank you for letting me vent.

I'm just finishing up day 2 of my 14 day pre-op diet. I'm surprised by all the different instructions we get. I think I like my diet better than some of the others, but I want to lose a bunch of weight during the 2 weeks. Probably won't happen since my diet isn't as restrictive. My doc just requires 10 pounds and the purpose is to shrink the liver. I get a Protein at each meal, fruit for Breakfast, veggies at lunch and supper. No Snacks. Just lots of Water when i get that hungry feeling. Today wasn't too bad, but I'm not up and about burning any calories either.
Kate, what is Orange-vanilla carrots? How do you make them?
Did you find a free sample offer somewhere? I'm thinking I better get to stocking up on my post surgery stuff soon. chocolate Splendor sounds tasty. Jen, that is wonderful that you have a hernia--wow that wording doesn't sound good. But for financial reasons, it is good. I have one too that my doc will repair.
can_do, I want your doctor! I do think that it is a good idea to start practicing lapband eating habits though. Good for you.
mg25, I'm glad I DON'T have your doctor! At least I can eat a few solids. My doctor's plan is to teach us how to eat during this pre-op and we are supposed to be chewing each bite 30 times, waiting 1 minute in between, no liquids for 30 minutes before and 45 minutes after each meal, etc. I'm happy for the practice. But more importantly, a total liquid diet would take way more determination I think.
Danielle, I hope you are doing well with your pre-op. Remember, we WILL get through this.
mg25, , jen, kate, danielle--keep working hard. I will too. This is the first part of our lapband experience, and when we make it through this pre-op, it will prove that we are all strong people. Then the other members of this group will read that we made it through, and they can too!
I feel like a dorky cheerleader with all these we can do its!
Cindy

I personally think avoiding your doctor is a bit foolish. If you're having problems then your doctor should be your first call not your last resort. By putting off calling him then you are potentially making the problem worse.
Your doctor's job is to treat and help you- let him do his job. Call him.

My last fill, it took me about a month for thing to settle down entirely....
I could not get anything down the first week and came close to calling my Dr.
I decided to give it a rest also..trying to force foods so close to a fill only kept irritating it.....during the "rest" I stuck with Soups, shakes, and things like mashed potatoes and other mushie foods....
eventually things started to get better.....actually I feel I CHANGED also...
I know a lot of people who experience this and stuck it out.....I also know people who went and had a slight un-fill....not going to say one was right or one was wrong....
I will say, I am very glad I stuck it out...i enjoy the restriction I currently have, and have had for about 20 months now.....
You'll never hear me complain about being hungry - tempted with foods and fear of over eating,....It's just not part of me anymore....
I am, not only comfortably in the Green Zone....but have also found that "groove" where life just goes on from day to day as though I never had the band....everything taken for granted
and has become part of me...not some set of rules I need to remember or abide by....I suppose there are rules, but I don't have to think about them anymore..
Well, the only "rule" I need to adhere to is "Listen to my band" and obey what it is saying....otherwise....

Booyah!! going in on 2/21/2013