Carrie

Congrats. I'll be a week on Thursday and I gained 7 pounds in the hospital on IV fluids. My fingers looked like sausages. So I've lost ONE pound so far. I'm happy for you, not so much for me.

Thanks everyone. I ended up going with Hubby and the kids shoe shopping. Then I ended up in a really neat store in Plano (DFW area) that buys and resells handbags, so I ended up with a new Black Leather Coach purse for $100. Now I'm home and too exhausted to switch purses, maybe tomorrow. When will my energy return? When will I poop again? When will I feel like I'm going to survice this? Even though I've had Lap Band I imagine my stomach rotting away with a bunch of other unwanted stomach and then think of the fact I can't eat it's just too much for me to deal with. :thumbup1: -Carrie

I still feel like I had this surgery for the wrong reasons, like I was pushed into it due to having to move cross country w/o a support system there, hubby already took the time off, we already got the loan, didn't know if we would get the $5k we had already paid back, etc... I've kept a happy face as long as I can. Today I feel like shit and I'm deeply depressed. I've been in bed all day. They apparently used betadine which I am allergic to to prep me and I have a rash all over my stomach (I told them and had it on my bracelet I was allergic) that is driving me nuts, along with a husband asking what's the matter? I'm really mad at myself for being pushed into something like this. I told the OR staff I had changed my mind but they didn't stop, they just knocked me out and continued. Back to bed I go... day 5 or 6 or whatever freaking day this is sucks. I can't believe I did this to myself. :001_tongue:

As someone who had the band for 5 years, feel blessed you didn't get one! Congrats on your approval!

I have watched a lot of Kellawanda's videos. She seems to have really put her heart and soul into searching for why and a resolution for her weight.

I had my surgery there and was totally happy with the care and compassion I got. My doctor does most of his self pay patients there to keep the cost down. Everyone I ran into was very nice and they have a whole floor of nothing but Bariatrics. I had never heard of the hospital prior to having my surgery there but I would have no problem recommending them to anyone having surgery. They aren't that big so you really feel like you are important to everyone.

I'm only 4-5 days out depending on how you count. I had a good 5 months or so on a liquid diet due to the now deceased Lap Band that had invaded my body controlling me like some alien would on a horror film. So I'm not necessarily wishing to eat as the smell of food bugs me at the moment, no nausea, I just don't like the smell of cooking food. Anyone else going on youtube to find people who are a year or two out who are successful for inspiration? I find it amazing to watch them. I don't really watch the post op period as everyone is different but after 6+ months it seems interesting. I thought I might remind someone who is wonder why they did this to themselves a chance of seeing the outcome.

I agree, I'm not sure I'd want to explain the good, the bad, and the ugly with so many folks. You are still learning your new and improved body yourself. Then once you do lose the weight (and yes, you will!) then instead of beating you down for getting healthy for yourself, the team and your family they should be a "fan" if you will, if not @#$@ them.

I'm with him.. but that's a great idea!

I can only give you my experience with the Lap Band as I know that is one of your choices. I had the Lap Band put in Aug. 2005. I originally lost 140lbs. All was well for about the first 2 years. Like so many people who can quote my story, I began having problems with the band and ultimately had to have all the fluid removed. I was okay for a while and went through a pregnancy. I gained ZERO weight during my pregnancy which really freaked out my doctor as I had almost weekly ultrasounds to check her growth and delivered an almost 8lb butterball . After her birth I began having even more severe problems with my Lap Band. I got to the point where I was on primarily liquids for 6 months prior to having my band removed and sleeve done at the same time last Thursday. I figured the only difference is clear liquids rather than other liquid foods at this point. My band was placed wrong by a doctor who at the time had an awesome reputation. It was dangerously close to my heart and major blood vessells. Thankfully my new surgeon, Dr. Castro had the skills and experience necessary to get the band out without any complications and sleeved. So that's about 5 years worth of Lap Band experience. I did gain about 60lbs back, so I am 70lbs under my start weight, therefore even with all the complications, I am a Lap Band success story!! Imagine that!

I was sent home without any pain medication thinking that the medication I took for my fibromyalgia might cover it. I knew it was not for acute surgical pain. I also had an On Q pump that I was told and instructed how to remove on Saturday. Sunday was tolerable, I was happy to be around my kids, however today has been miserable. Is day 4 worse than the previous days or is it just me? I called Dr. Castro and to tell you what kind of doctor he is, HE CALLED ME back. I was shocked that he would take the time to pick up the phone and call me himself to see what the problem was. He is calling me in some liquid Norco and he said if that didn't work to call him back day or night. He just gained about 40lbs worth of respect from me, not that I disrespected or didn't like him earlier. So anyone else have a day 4 worse?

Thanks for pointing this out. It's something I have never thought about doing.

Wow talk about a unique scenario. I could however totally see that happening especially if you were like me and had a giant port. I don't really know how much our opinions count. Personally I've always been told insurance is there to put you back where you were before hand. In your case that's not possible based upon medical issues, not that you are refusing another band or anything. So the next closest in price is the Sleeve which apparently you are interestd in. Personally I would write a letter to the appeals department and have it in writting in their hot little hands. I'm not sure how WC differs from traditional insurance but they should be willing to make your loss minimal which in this case is giving you a sleeve because you can't replace the band. After they get the appeal letter, as they should at least have an appeal process, THEN if they don't agree see about suing them. Please keep us posted as this is a very interesting situation. I was debanded 4 days ago and I had my band since 2005 and my port was huge, so I could totally see such a thing happen.

Thanks for giving us newly 4 days out from surgery hope. As far as the ribs, I don't know if I should feel sorry for you or envy you. lol

It does sound like you have a stricter doctor than most. I was allowed soda up until the day before surgery. I'm now 4 days out and scared to do anything (including soda drinking) that could cause additional pain or discomfort. It really helps a lot to have a great support system at home and at work. I had one job shortly after being banded where the girl I worked lunches with would take off for 45 minutes leaving me with a 15 minute lunch and mad. I'd eat what I could because I was starving come back making weird sounds and she would make comments like what did you eat too much? I just wanted to hit her in her head. I had to get away from her she was so miserable and loved to force that on others. She did that to me at least every other day. At least you're lucky to get the post-op time at home. Best of luck to you!

My nutritionalist actually told me because I have two kids under the age of 5 that I could take it (2,500mcg) 3 times per week to give me extra energy.

First of all you look amazing! I can't believe you got so lucky with your arms, I was going to ask about your workout routine. Even with the surgery, you should be very proud of yourself. It's nice to see that you can get lower and continue to lose or maintain that it seems it's kind about the way one continues to eat and excerise still.

You will do awesome. You do have a cutie for a daughter.

I'm going to add those to my list. I have two kids who I'm always looking for something other than chicken nuggets to feed. Thanks for the suggestions! BTW let me say I have never heard of this item, perhaps it's a regional thing but don't feel bad posting something so "simple" as it has given some of us new options to continue on our way! :tongue_smilie:

Mike you sound just like me a Texan who loves meat and potatoes. I'm happy you are able to move along in your diet. It's supposed to be rare for someone to experience dumping but apparently it happens. I know my sleep medicine knocks me out quicker than ever now. I slept with my glasses on last night!

It's great to see all this being only 3 days out. I know someday I'll be back on regular food and it sounds like you guys eat about what I was eating when my lap band worked correctly and I lost 140lbs, which is really exciting for me, the person who wonders if I will lose weight after being on liquids for so long.

Thanks everyone for the support. I am on day 3 of post op and doing well. Still sore but not on pain meds. Hardest thing is not being able to play the way I normally do with my kids ages 5 and 1. We had to setup a system where I constantly have someone around to lift her until I get cleared to do so. But I feed her and love on her still. I just found I get tired some during the day but that's happening less and less. :confused1:

Congrats on your new surgery and may your journey go as you want it to. Take care!

I hope you are doing well. I went in on 08/26.

Any news? Wishing you the best!