serenity

I was banded on May 23rd. However, so much more has changed. One day prior to my surgery, my mother took ill. The day after surgery my mom entered hospice and passed on four (4) days later. Needless to say, all the planning and reading for the banding went out the window. I just returned home today and had the opportunity to review my discharge papers that I left behind. Feels like weeks or months have passed by and you could imagine the stress and emotional rollercoaster I am on now. In the midst, I mistakenly ate food, forgetting about the restrictions until something lodged in my chest. I have just returned to my home and trying to resume my regiment and through this loss, I am determined to become healthy and shine in honor of my mother who was supportive of my decision. My first follow-up appointment is tomorrow and hopefully, I have not done any damage to myself. Love ya Mom

Thanks....so much going on and I really want to move to the next phase....I will let them know on Monday and let the dice roll as they may........

I am scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, May 23rd and have just been diagnosed with an ear infection and placed on antibiotics for 10 days :sick Do you think they will delay the surgery for that? :faint:It took so long to get everything done.....:mad:

I have mild sleep apnea and I have the CPAP machine, I hate it, I can only sleep on my back as when I turn it is so uncomfortable. In the middle of the night, I find myself pulling it off and returning to sleep. I don't know if I will ever get used to it. I have been using it 2 weeks now. How long does it take to get acclimated?

:clap2: Wishing you well Anne........may you have a safe and painless recovery, can't give any advice as I will not be banded until 5/23/07, God's will. Take care and get a good night sleep.

Thanks for the reply NBJEN...you are 100% correct, it will be worth it. Post when you are banded and share the experience.

I have been truly overwhelmed with the number of diagnostic test I have had to complete before surgery. I am afraid I won't have any sick time left for recuperation. So far I have seen the nutritionist, psychiatrist, sleep specialist, pulmonary doctor, gastroentronolgist(sp?), internist, cardiologist, I am sure I am missing someone. Aside from the nutritionist and psychiatrist, I have had two or more appointments with the others and never can they seem to be scheduled in one day or early morning. Rather 12 noon seems to be the favorite appointment time of day. How do you keep your business to yourself (not sharing with your job) when you have miss a week of work for test? Now, I am waiting approval for the latest and greatest CPAP machine.....and of course I have to go back to make sure it works. Enough already. :cry I did not have this many test when I was bringing life into the world. :faint:good grief!

Aint't life something (smile) God is awesome..... A situation that has challenged you, has lifted so many people....hooray for you on opening this door of communication.

Thanks, I will go to the health food store and pick some up as most people on this site state the gas pains are difficult to manage and you were not too graphic, fore-warned is fore-armed! I take an express bus to work each way for about 90 minutes, that is gonna be interesting (smile)

Does anyone know about the use of charcoal capsules to relieve gas? A friend shared that they are very effective and natural opposed to using gas-x or other products?

I love this site. Everyone here is so real...why can't everyday life be so supportive. Krystal, I am scheduled to be banded on 5/23/07 - North Shore Hospital. Reading your story was helpful. I know that when I can't have something, I crave it more, and I have had more pity parties than I care to admit, but I am learning to cut those shin-dings short. I too will check for you here and I hope that you will check on me. WasaBubble Butt....you are cool people, that was very kind to open your arms, ears, alright computer (smile) to Krystal....hope you got room, I may be stopping in from time to time too.

Hey Newbie.....I am scheduled for May 23, 2007. I know there is a list out there, but I can't find it now, what are the must haves after surgery when you come home? and what protein did you choose for the liquid portion of this process, I purchased muscle milk as they said it was filling, any suggestions?

Thank you ALL for your responses. I will keep reading on this site because I need diversified viewpoints. In this thread, I get to read some of the "not so nice" things about being banded. I know it will take lifestyle changes, and yes, I am going forward, but I want to be as informed about all sides as possible. Dawn I like what you said about being "active" again (wink, wink). To all who responded, thank you for caring enough to voice your opinion.

Getting closer and looking for feedback from anyone who has been banded by Dr. Gadaleta with North Shore Surgical Specialist, affiliated with North Shore Hospital - Manhassett. I feel confident with his practice, just want to hear what you guys have to say.

I am awaiting approval and have been on this site continuously looking for the good and bad. This particular thread caught my eye as most of you do not appear thrilled with the band. I myself am quite afraid of any WLS, but I am also afraid of the complications that may occur with my health if I don't do something. But am I trading one unhealthy lifestyle( obesity) for another unhealthy lifestyle (PBing, slimming, reflux, etc...) Gosh, this is so depressing, I know, seek the advice of the medical profession, but often it will be you guys that will tell the truth about living it and that is equally important. I don't even know if this warrants a response, just posting my thoughts....

thanks, hope all of you are right, just opened my bills and discovered that the two sleep studies I had were not covered by my insurance company as the sleep studies assured me they were. My insurance company states that they are not participating providers with BCBS. here we go...what don't kill makes you stronger>>>>I am going to be the hulk!

thank you...I looked at the animated surgery and that scared me. It seemed that the incisions would be bigger and I was afraid of that. Thanks again.....working this through post by post

Today I was given my pre-op screening date of 5/17/07. Needless to say, I am getting scared :omg: . I have read so many post, maybe too many. They have all been candid and helpful, but suddenly the reality of surgery is setting in. 90% of the post are positive, but of course the closer I get, that 10% is looming large. I am afraid of the incisions, the healing, the scarring. However, I am mostly afraid of the chewing as I am a gulper. I think I chew twice and then down the chute. :hungry: I started practicing and found my jaw hurt after chewing more than five times. Also I have RA and the pain meds are fairly large, oh heck :faint: I am stressing. Seems so drastic, someone shake me :help: I am taking myself on an anxiety ride. Hope I am not the only neurotic on this site, I hate to be alone:second: .

Hi Futuro2: Glad to hear that about Dr. Gadaleta and you are right Carol is great. I have BCBS and my only concern is a five year weight history from my doctor. How did you do with that?

Hi everyone. I have taken the step to have the lapband surgery. It has taken me a long time to get to this point and have two pre-op test to complete. As the time is nearing for final approval, I am getting very nervous. My family is split on my decision, in particular my daughter (14) who is against it and urging me to try harder (running and eating better). :think She is afraid of my having surgery and it is hard to argue with her because although a relatively safe procedure, it is not guaranteed and I understand her fear. Needless to say, it adding more stress to the decision. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest....whew.... My question other than the fear is: Has anyone worked with the office of Dr. Dominick Gadaleta - North Shore Surgical Specialist and if so how was your experience. :help: Pam