Medikdave

It took me two days to write out what I wanted to say, but once I was satisfied, I copied it, pasted it into Facebook, and hit Post. I said "Screw it, I'm doing this for me." I know that seems harsh, but I'm the one making this journey, and anyone who knows me knows the battle I've had. At the end of the post, I advised that if anyone had a problem with what I was doing, they were welcome to "unfriend" me. If they wanted to leave a nasty comment, I would happily delete their comment, and delete them from my friend list myself. I know...ooooohhhh, so mean! I'm not a Facebook junkie, that's my wife's department. But, I knew there would be questions, and I figured I would be more annoyed by repeatedly answering their questions than I would be by them knowing the truth. You didn't do this so people would like you, at least you shouldn't have. You did this for YOU. So, revel in your victory. If they don't like it, well...let them eat cake!

Fair Warning, this is a long post. But, it's worth the read. The September before I had my band (band was in June 2013), my wife and I were...ya know ...when suddenly my head started pounding so hard that my 18 years of medical experience started screaming "Thar she blows!" (that's referring to a blood vessel, y'all). Needless to say, I was done for the night. I'm a seasoned firefighter, and I've NEVER been more scared than I was that night. EVER Afterwards, I was standing out on the back deck, stressed out, and....smoking a cigarette. I looked down at it, said out loud "You're a f**king idiot", and pitched it into the grass. That was the last one I had. I dumped the rest into the toilet. I thought about my wife, my two little boys, my two not so little daughters, and cried. My blood pressure was through the roof, and I knew why. The next day, I stopped by the fire station and had one of my buddies check my pressure. 186/106, 40 years old. By the end of the day, I was taking blood pressure medicine. I started looking for anything I could to help me quit, that wasn't the patch, or gum, or eCig. It never made sense to me to use nicotine to quit my nicotine addiction. I stumbled upon Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Smoking. http://www.allencarr.com I bought the audiobook and listened to it everywhere I drove. This guy was a 4+ pack a day smoker and quit cold. I won't dive into his methodology, but can tell you that between his book, and me keeping my family in my thoughts, it worked. The true test came one week later. If you know anything about firefighters, you know we are a tight knit brotherhood. One of my Fire Captains died in the line of duty. In picture #2, that's me on the left. I'm in the honor guard, and had to stand at attention next to his casket, while his 11 year old son, Nicolas, wailed. Easily one of the worst days of my life. I wanted a cigarette SO BAD. But, I decided that I can't willingly do that to my family. I had to be strong for myself and my family. I am now a non-smoker. 9 months later, I had lapband surgery so that I can take care of the other problem that will surely shorten my life. 2 months after I had the band, I stopped taking blood pressure medicine. I no longer need it. Sometimes it just takes a life changing experience to put a foot in your a$$. If my experience helps you or anyone else, then glory be. But, you have to take inventory of what or who is important to you, and YOU make a conscious decision. Don't quit because someone wants you to, do it for yourself, or it will never happen. I don't judge anyone for using Chantix, Nicorette, etc. But, I personally do not believe in them. Not anymore. Go buy Allen Carr's book. He recommends that you read through his book completely before putting down the cigarettes. I had already stopped. But, every time I felt a craving, I had the audio book on my phone, and I hit play. He got me through it. Good luck. Anyone who needs some encouragement or wants more info on how I got through it, you're welcome to PM me.

So far, I'm all set for June 25th. Started my Pre-Op diet yesterday. Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch, then for dinner, 6-8oz. chicken or fish, 1 cup of greens, 1 cup of fruit. First day was ok, but I couldn't get home fast enough to get that fish in the skillet! I'm so glad that last Saturday's fishing trip with my Dad went so well. We each came home with 10 Speckled Trout, so I'm stocked up with plenty of fresh fish. Anyone else getting banded on the 25th? Cheers, David

Not sure what my issue is yet, but I see my PCP tomorrow, so we'll discuss it. I just got banded 2 weeks ago, and I just started to eat soft solids. I've only had twice what I would call a vasovagal response, or maybe even near syncope. Both times, it happened when I swallowed too much food at once. As it passed into the upper pouch, I got dizzy and was semi-conscious for a few seocnds, meaning I didn't completely pass out, but couldn't recall anything during the "event" either. I checked my pressure immediately after the second one, and it was 122/70. So, it may have just stimulated the vagus nerve, causing my heartrate to drop, then recovered. There's no way to truly know without my HR being monitored during the event. It's likely that I'm almost ready to stop my BP medicine, which will be very nice. I'll find out more tomorrow, hopefully.

Yesterday's surgery went pretty well. I'm pleasantly surprised at how well I'm doing, especially after reading some of the horror stories that people have told about their surgery experiences. At this point, I just can't wait until after 5pm today, so I can take a shower. So far, I've got some mild pain in my left shoulder from gas, and some tenderness where the port is sewn to my abdominal muscle. I get to advance to thick liquids tomorrow, so hopefully things will only get better from here. Anyone else get banded yesterday?

Ok, I feel real silly posting this.... But, I'm 7 days post-op, and I'm SO glad that I haven't had any nausea or vomiting. Then, a few minutes ago, I accidentally swallowed my gum. Someone PLEASE tell me that chances are very slim that it's coming back up.

My first post-op appointment is in the morning, so I'll be asking at that time. I think that's a load of crap that it would have to be scraped off. The stomach (even the pouch) is moist tissue. It's not like its the same texture as your shoe tread.

Good. It was just one piece of doublemint. But, since I haven't vomited since I got the band, I don't know what it's like and I would really like to avoid it at all costs. My friend laughed at me. I was in a meeting, and all of a sudden said, "Sh*t...I just swallowed my gum." Then I just got up and walked out to get water. Lol.

I agree with B-52, that what led you to this point was not your fault. Kidney stones are nothing to trifle with, ever. BUT, according to what your nurse told you, and based on the symptoms you are now having, you need to get yourself in to be checked out! As a bandster, I am a rookie. As a former ER/Trauma Nurse, and as a still certified Medic, I'm telling you that you don't want to err on the side of stubbornness. A test as simple as a barium swallow will allow the doctor to see if you've had a slip. Go in, get it checked. Don't sacrifice your health. Isn't your health the whole reason you went down this path? Please let us know how things turn out.

I'm one week post-op, and I'm hearing the same thing. I just figured it was the liquid trickling through the band into the lower half of my stomach. I've never heard so many bowel sounds without a stethoscope! LOL

I spent a long time anguishing over the decision to band or not to band. I kept hearing my Dad in the back of my head saying "Why are you taking the easy way out?", etc. After a lot of thought and prayer, I finally decided that I am doing this for me, and no one else. If I were to do this to please others, then I'd be destined to fail. Eventually, after I had my initial consultation, I started telling my family members. The only person who was concerned was my Mom, because she's the type of person that doesn't like anything that isn't natural or homeopathic. But, luckily, all of my family members were supportive, because they all knew how unhappy I've been. Even still, I was so self conscious. But, then I had one of those moments where I just said "F**k It!", and I spilled everything out on my Facebook page. The show of support from my firefighter buddies, friends, and family was amazing, and made me pretty emotional while reading it. I'm not usually one to post my life online like that, but I just needed some kind of affirmation. All rambling aside...the most important thing I learned while making my decision, is WHY and for WHO I was making that decision. I'm doing this for ME. That sounds selfish, except that I'm doing this for reasons like: I want to see my 2 little boys graduate, I want to hold future grandchildren in my arms, I want to grow old with my wife. Maybe it would help to explain to your daughter that the reasons for you wanting to improve your health include her, and aren't just selfish and vane reasons.

My doctor said 4 weeks for a private pool, 6 weeks for a public pool. I have internal sutures with surgical glue on the skin incisions. I don't know if the rules are different for incisions with external sutures.

I still have a dull ache in my left shoulder, but it's pretty mild. I'm only feeling pain in my port area if I move a certain way or if I touch it. I was able to move to "thick" liquids this morning, so that is going to be a welcome change. My stomach has been growling loud enough that my dogs were looking at me funny. lol Glad to see that you're doing well also!

An ENEMA? Maybe you should verify that the surgeon is working on the topside and not the bottom. lol

Well, by this time tomorrow, I'll be banded. Excited, terrified, etc. I've stocked up on broth, sugar free popscicles, liquid Tylenol, chewable Gas-Ex, heating pad. Any other recovery recommendations? We're having a "talk" with my 2 little boys tonight to explain that Daddy can't wrestle for a few days, lol. They love to pounce on me in my recliner. That's ok. Soon there will be more than enough room for all 3 of us in my recliner.

Success! I have my Pre-Op appointment this afternoon, and my surgery is still on for tomorrow. They said I was scheduled for Wednesday, but I never received a call. I even went back and double checked my voicemails, nothing. Someone oopsed. Oh well, I'm the last one to criticize another for forgetting something. My memory is horrible, drives my wife crazy.

My surgery has been scheduled for over two weeks, and I was never told anything. I'm going to be furious if I'm turned away tomorrow morning. EDIT: ok, I may be getting upset too quickly. According to rbmk14 above, she had her Pre-op appt. on a Monday. So, all may not be lost. I just know I had coordinate my vacation time with several others that I work with. Plus, my insurance deductible resets on July 1st. If I don't have my surgery this Tuesday, my cost is going to go from $155 to $1000. I just need to keep my cool and reserve my judgement until i have a chance to talk to them tomorrow. I'll let you all know how it goes. I think I'm about to email my patient advocate at True Results, as well. See how many angles I can tackle this from.

I'm supposed to have my surgery done by Dr. Wilkenfeld on June 25th, in two days. The only thing I'm nervous about is that the surgery center called me and asked me if I had completed my Pre-Op appointment with Dr. Wilkenfeld's office yet. My response: "What Pre-Op appointment?!" Apparently, they were supposed to call me to make an appointment, and someone dropped the ball. This was 2pm on Friday, and their office was closed. Needless to say, I got upset in a hurry. Without the appointment, my surgery gets rescheduled. That means all the arrangements I've made with work, childcare, etc. all go down the tubes. Plus, I may have to start my pre-op diet over again? Someone PLEASE tell me their office staff is very easy to work with. Their office opens at 9am tomorrow. I plan on being on the doorstep as they unlock the door. I've got my laptop and my Verizon card, I'll work from the waiting room if I have to, and wait patiently for them to fit me in to the schedule. I'll be nice and professional. But, if they tell me my surgery is being bumped because one of their staff forgot to call me in for the pre-op appointment, I'll likely be going to one of the other surgeons.

Sorry, but what is "Onederland"?

I love Biofreeze. I have a big pump bottle of it at home. I'm glad you said something, I never would have thought to use it.

I'm so excited, and scared, and happy, and terrified.... Two weeks from tomorrow, my life will change for the better! I can't wait! Well, sort of... So, a little about myself first, I guess. I've been fighting this lovely battle ever since puberty set in. I'm 40 now, so it's been awhile. I was fairly athletic in High School, so that kept things in check. But, as soon as I went to college, I went from Eating/Soccer/Eating/Wrestling/Eating/Cycling to Eating/Partying/Eating/Sleeping/Eating/Studying, etc. I'm sure many of you can tell the same tale. Even though I've stayed physically active, I just can't keep the weight off. I'm an active Volunteer Firefighter, I do 30-45 mins of cardio at the gym 3-4 times per week, and I'm even a 7 time veteran of a local charity bike ride called the MS150. If you know anything about the hills around Austin, TX, then you know a bike ride from Houston to Austin is no easy task for the "Gravitationally Challenged." Everyone wants to draft behind the big guy! Damn skinny people.... For a long time, I've had two demons: Smoking and food. Demon #1 died in September of last year. I was working out one night, and suddenly felt like if I didn't stop, a blood vessel in my frontal lobe was going burst. My head was pounding. It was truly the first time I've ever felt like I was going to die. I was a nurse for 8 years, and I've been a Volunteer Firefighter/Medic for 19 years. I know the score. My BP was 186/106. All I could think of was my family. My beautiful wife, my (17 year old) little girl, and my boys, 4 and 5 years old. The cigarettes went in the toilet, and I went on BP medicine. Time for the other Demon to die as well. It's the scariest, strongest, tastiest one of them all. I love food. I'm not saying I love to eat, that's different. I love food. I'll spare everyone the torture of listing the foods I think I'll miss the most. I know I'm experiencing the same thing that 99% of you felt, but I can't stop thinking of the foods that I love to taste, knowing that so much is going to [have to] change, two weeks from tomorrow. I'm praying that this is one of those times when there is only one set of "Footprints in the Sand". At least I can tell my Savior that the longer he carries me, the lighter I'll be. From what I've seen, this is a wonderful forum. I'm looking forward to hanging out here for the foreseeable future. Take care all, thanks for 'listening' David

Yes it is. I told a friend that I feel like if I don't take drastic measures, then they'll be taken for me. I want to see my boys graduate. I feel like if I don't do this and lose the weight, once and for all, I will be cheating myself out of so many wonderful things. My wife asked me last night what my goal is. I told her I want to wear a size with only one X in it.