Bandista

Leg and foot pain can make exercise challenging -- my husband has these issues. A recumbent bike could be a good solution. Ours was pretty cheap and has a lot of miles on it now. No electronic parts so nothing to break. Good to move. Also he does a PT routine in bed, off the foot/leg involving weights. Maybe get a PT to work up something with you? Leg lifts from various positions, etc. -- now up to five pound weights could not walk a year ago.....

Hi there and congratulations on your surgery date. I'm going soon and getting some things together based on various suggestions. I will be in the hospital for one night as they do a barium swallow the following morning to make sure band is all set before release. Here's my list: Pillow for hospital and small firm pillow for coughing and ride home Robe for walking around after the surgery Slip-on shoes for same... Earplugs/earphones (I am sound sensitive) iPad, cell phone, charger Journal, pen, book My CPAP machine, sigh Water (for my machine and for drinking -- don't like city water) Toothbrush/paste Carmex Biotene -- new to list, thanks! Gas-x strips for car ride Home: Fresh sheets on bed Heating pad Papaya enzymes Milk of magnesia Stool softeners Prescription pain meds filled liquid Tylenol Popsicles Teas -- ginger, decaf black, Kukicha (what I usually drink), peppermint I have one day Clear liquids then a week of full liquids, so making sure we have stuff on hand as I won't be out shopping, etc.: Protein shakes broth Boxed organic creamy Soups (I like Pacific brand) Hot Cereal for thinning out (have not figured this out) fruit juice More Popsicles!

Hi there and welcome! I have found this site to be so helpful for support and education. Finally getting banded next week. I struggled with my weight for so long and am relieved to have help on the horizon. Best wishes to you!

Hi Mandy, that's great news! (And I love that article, too, Missy.) Think I'll go read it again! Best wishes to you........keep us posted on your progress. What is your protocol over the next few weeks? I am getting banded Tuesday then clear liquids one day only (!?!) and on to full liquids for a week, then full liquids plus smooth foods then mushies.

Hi there, I'm getting banded 11/5. Even though this will be a whacky month, I don't want another challenge to pass me by. So here I am! Name, real or screen~ Bandista Goal weight for November 30th~ 234 Weight on November 1st~ 238 Age~ 52 City/State~ New Hampshire Dietary goal for November~ Transitioning through the stages of learning my band. Exercise goal for November~ Lots of walking while waiting to be cleared for my regular workouts. Personal goal for November~ Reconnection with my body. Listening. Date banded~ November 5th, 2013. Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~ 10 pounds Favorite Thanksgiving Activity~ Putting up twinkly lights.

Hi Ashley, I am November 5th as well. And Zorro. So that's three of us in one day!

Happiness!

Nervous and excited here, too. Not really worried at all but the anticipation is getting to me after all the time leading up to this. Need to keep busy this weekend and Monday then YAHOO, the big day..... How is everyone doing?

Congratulations -- perseverance pays off! And of course four months can seem like forever but it's really nothing. Just one season. Thanks for the reminder that it can take time to get the band working right. You are doing beautifully! Yippee!

I'd call them -- you are the patient, the customer, the client. They need you to be successful so what do they suggest to help you get through.......

Great post -- thank you so much, Di. I'm very excited about starting this new chapter in my life. Your experience is so inspiring -- I'm hanging on to all this positivity. And 2muchfun, that is hilarious about the UPS man. JFC we love your ears, and you, too.

I drink water with a splash of unsweetened cranberry and/or lemon which really helps with water retention (I also out a capful of aloe in for digestion, etc.). Very swollen right now for some reason (day 11 pre-op diet) and have had three 32 oz. bottles of this today. Big workout day.

Yippee! Great to hear this. Five more days of waiting for me then finally the big day. Getting a little antsy.....just want to be on the other side.

Well you already have encouraged some one else -- me! I am five days pre-op and it's good to read these posts from others who have gone through the process so recently. Sorry you have not gotten the clarity and service we all want from our medical professionals. We really do have to be our own advocates, that's for sure, and need to educate ourselves continually. This forum has been so great for that. I really do feel ready. Hope you continue to feel better each day -- go slowly and take it easy! Best wishes.

Yippee! Here's to not worrying about the past -- just today and going forward. A number is just a number. What counts is how you feel. So happy for you! And for all of us, as I was just rereading this thread (great one by the way) I was thinking about H.A.L.T. Do you know that one? Don't let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired.

Popsicles really helped me those first few days. Haven't even had one for a week now.....guess I'd better pick up a few boxes for post-op. Getting to be that time!

Hi there, thanks for a great post. So happy for you -- you are rocking this thing!

Congratulations -- I am a November Bandster's, too. Can't wait to get it over with and start this new chapter in my life! Best wishes to you. It's going to feel so good to lose the weight. I know it may take some time but I will get there.

Hi Zorro, we have the same date!

Wow, way to go! Imagine jogging a 10k -- you did it and everything else in this last year. You have changed all the possibilities for your future, given yourself choices. So happy for you and hope all goes well tomorrow. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the inspiration.

Better to be blabby than flabby.... Me? I'm crabby. Five days til surgery. Yikes! Now I think I have PMS. Husband driving me crazy, and my mother, and the dogs, and my work. Oh dear. I don't want my period next week.

Fantastic! This is very inspiring -- thanks so much for posting.

First couple of days are tough but it gets much easier......that reminds me, time for another shake! Five more days to surgery........

Hi Jane, my insurance company has one requirement only, a BMI of 40. I tried the co-morbidity route (documented high BP and sleep apnea) but no-go -- 40 or nothing. Well I wasn't at 40. I was close (37) but it was pretty stressful. I kept asking which weight would be reported to the insurance company and when. I got as heavy as possible and then added some to make the weight. Then when I finally got to meet the surgeon I told him this and he said that they would have let me weigh in with my coat, purse, whatever it took. Wish I had known that in the beginning but there was no opportunity for that kind of dialogue. But I made it. And you will, too. If you are over the cutoff you are over it -- just wear the three layers and your clunky jewelry, have whatever in your pockets, etc. Tell them your concerns, too, so they know you are borderline. And good luck to you through the process -- exciting to begin your journey!

Hi there, glad you are feeling better! It's good for those of us pre-band to hear what recovery is like for different individuals. Prescription pain medication can take its own toll on the body, that's for sure. I feel a little nervous about next week but I have cleared the deck in case I need the recovery time. And the script filled in case I need that, too. Now to get through the next five days -- anticipation!