jaysd74

Thanks Daffodil...we're follow March banders AND March 21st banders. In chatting with some of the local San Diego banders who used my same MD 8+ months ago, they too had to do the 10 days pre-op liquid diet. They were just as jealous that I had to do 5. Perhaps the MDs have learned something in the recent past and word is just getting around...not sure. Had my first post-op appointment yesterday. Doc is very pleased with how well I'm healing and surprised at how good I look and feel. The one mistake I made was asking exactly where my port is - I had been guessing since I can feel something hard in that area when I sleep (i'm a stomach sleeper). He was feeling around...pushing gently where the port was. That was it...although he was gentle, that bit of irritation put me down for a few hours. that was actually the worst discomfot I had since 3 days after surgery. But, it went away just before bed. Doc gave me the go ahead for soft foods. I went straight home and had a bit of cottage cheese. For dinner, pureed chicken (2 oz.) and mashed yams (2 oz.). It was like eating food for the first time...I totally looked at the food differently, as energy vs. satisfaction. It was really cool to see it that way. This morning...scrambled egg beaters. yum...it was so good. I am physically active...going back to the gym in 1 week. For now sticking with walks around the city and neighborhood. It's all been really good. Looking forward to hitting some good cardio. Good luck to you too!

Hello everyone! Well...my tool is finally 'installed' - I am so very excited and pleased with the experience. I started the pre-op journey in Jan of 2006 and had my surgery this past Wednesday, 3/21. My general info: 33 y/o male; 6'3" Scripps Weight Management Program (San Diego) 385 lbs when my PCP reffered me to Dr. Lee 374 lbs when Dr. Lee referred me to Dr. Bhoyrul (surgeon) 355 lbs when insurance approved me for surgery 344 lbs on surgery day The Scripps program was INCREDIBLE. It was a great learning process as I was not even 100% certain that this was the direction I wanted to go. They provided me all of the information and support that I needed and let me make the decision on what I wanted to do. I could of had it done within 6 months, but it took 14 and that was ok...that's what I needed. The 5 day pre-op clear liquid sugarfree diet was BRUTAL the first couple of days...but I adjusted and got use to it. Had the surgery on Wed morning and I didn't think that I was going to be in that much pain after. But it's gotten so much better with each passing hour it seems. Dr. Bhoyrul did find a hernia that he repaired while he was in there - so I'm sure that added to the pain - but all in all, I'm feeling like I'm at about 85% 'back to normal' today. Granted this is my 'new' kind of 'normal'. What else??? Other than that, I am looking forward to eating some food with substance. I never thought that I would be so excited about eating mashed potatoes, yogurt or even some cottage cheese this upcoming Thursday (my 1 week out date). Sounds so good! I'm sure I'll think of more later. Any questions? Ask away! Take care, Jason

THANK YOU!!! AF - I'm laughing at myself right now...it's like getting that preverbial price check on condoms over the loudspeaker at the grocery store! THANKS! Jason

I was surprised at the recovery time too. I was banded a week ago today (time fly's!). Day 1, I was kind of out of it. Day 2...UGH! But all-in-all, nothing unbearable. Day 3 much better by the hours. I took pain meds for 3 days...easing off each of those days and have had none since. All is so good! Right know I just feel a knot in the left side of my stomach and feel like somebody gently kicked me (the bruises). 1st post-op appt is tomorrow at 1:00PM...can't wait to add some soft foods! Good luck!!!

Newbie here...and a couple of quick lingo questions... What's "PB" and "AF"??? PS - Great info and advice here...thanks! Jason

Some sort of skin glue...I thought the MD or nurse (who know, I was out of it last week) said it was Dermabond. I guess under the top layer of skin they used dissolvable sutures for the muscles and other layers. When I first saw them I ws shocked. I didn't expect 5 incisions and they were all swollen and puffy - but today at 5 days out of surgery the swelling is down and they are looking good and much smaller. Bruising is setting in today around each incision. icky. Great question/poll! Jason

WOW! Thanks all! I didn't expect to see so much immediate response and support. It;s amazing how a little encouragement and the 'pats on the back' make me feel. Much appreciated everyone. I will definitely keep you posted! Take care - Jason

Banded on Wed, 3/21! Things are going excellent! 4 days out of surgery and I'm feeling about 85%. MD found a hernia while in there and fixed that too so I don't know what pain is from what. The "i forgot" when i got home: 1. Protein powder (duh) 2. A shaker to mix shakes - blending in the blender added too much air and the gas in general was already driving me crazy. 3. Book: Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery. Partner bought it for me as soon as we got home. Looks really cool with lots of recipes that show what you can eat 'x' weeks out and how much. Can't wait to use it starting next week. Alright - getting late...gotta run. Ciao - Jason

Yes! My understanding is that you definitely need Protein beginning your first day home from the hospital. I bought the big bag of EAS protein from costco. Calories, Carbs, Sugar, Qty or Protein per serving was even better than the guidelines the MD gave me to follow. And it tastes pretty good (chocolate). Then again...having had 7 days of clear sugarfree liquids for 5 days pre-op and 2 days post...the Protein shake was like eating cake batter to me...YUM! Good luck! Jason Banded: 3/21/07 Dr. Bhoyrul - Scripps San Diego

Hello there... I was just banded this past Wednesday, 3/21! I am so excited and things are going great. My partner bought me (us) this great cookbook titled "Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery". Being that I'm only 4 days out of surgery and have yet to get the stage of eating anything other than liquids...the recipes in this book sound AWESOME! What's really cool it that it tells you at what stage (week) post surgery you can eat that particular recipe and the portion size accoring to the week you are in. I can't wait to try some of the foods. Congrats on beginning your journey...I'm excited that mine has begun too. Take care, Jason