HarleyNana

Penni you look great! I had my daughter in law take a couple of pictures of me Sunday night before the surgery and she just kept clicking away, because usually I'm yelling, "don't point that thing at me". So hopefully I will have some after pics to send you to post before and afters for me. I like your new avatar pic as well.

Babs, I'm so sorry to hear you're having so many trials and tribulations at one time. It sounds like you're really being challenged right now. I know what you mean about the meds, my doc tried to send me home with percosets today, but I opted for darvocets (sp), because I don't like to take meds at all. They make some pretty low dose anti's now and if it would help cope with your situation, it may be in your favor to try one. As for the hair loss, my daughte in law's mom takes propecia (sp) because she has been thinning and she's not a bander, just a very small person. Take care and don't let these milestones undo what you've worked so hard to accomplish. If it takes a few meds to get your through this, then go for it, be glad there's something out there to help you through this, plus you've got all of us @ LBT.

I'm happy to say, as of 26 hrs ago, my port is now in place on my right side between my right boob and rib...I think! I know it's under one of these bandages. Although on the xray this am it looked like it was on the left, I'm not really sure where it is, I just know I got one!

I'm glad I took time to read a few more posts before getting ready for my big day tomorrow. By this time tomorrow night I'll be in bandland. Thanks for all the positive thoughts.

Delarla, just when I was feeling sorry for myself, really getting a case of, "what in the hell am I getting ready to do?" syndrome. I think I'm even getting close to a panic attack, although I've never had one. So, after reading your story, I'm going to suck it up and stay focused on the new me and my journey ahead. You've been such a martyr, I only hope that if I have any problems I can handle them as well as you have. Thanks for letting us share your ups and downs. PS Any encouragements today will be greatly appreciated, still a little, what am I saying, a lot nervous and scared.

Thank you, boy do I feel silly.

Leatha are you calling hard proteins? (This is one of those, you don't know until you ask ?) you said its ok to ask dumb questions

Thanks Everyone for all the support and advice. My surgeon said he has heard this site (right side, near rib cage) leaves less chance cor port to flip or tube to bind, although, seems to me the sternal would be the best. Who knows what I'll end up with, LOL, the proctor may decide to put it sternal..we'll see...now what would I like to eat today?

I'm not looking forward to that with DH around, it's ok for him to blow a wall out, but if I make a tiny noise, he immediately bellows, "Did you fart???". I can hardly wait! Again, Blossom, when do you get your first fill?

Well I think we should change your name to Ms. Perky Boobs! OMG if he puts my port under my boob, boy will he have his hands full. OH, what did I just say? By the way, it's quite interesting to read where everyone's port is located.

Jen, I only have to do clear liquids the day before, which is Sunday, the 5th, thank goodness. I really feel for you, cause I'm already dreading liquids for that day. I'm not a cook (at all) and I'm nervous about the postop diet. I hope I'm like a few of the bandlanders who don't have an appetite, though if I am, it'll be the first time I didn't have one. (appetite). Good luck, I'll be thinking about you, and get that shopping done now! PS, Leatha any other suggestions for the post op, when you say broth, could you be more specific, I've never done broth in my life, didn't want to admit it to anyone, so no laughing. Do you mean that stuff in a can by Swanson? I thought that was for mashed potatoes.

Well Fran, it's the 3rd, I guess a little early to be letting us know how you're doing, but just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you and will be right behind you. Save all those liquid recipes for me, LOL. Hope all is well!

Thanks for the prayers, although you might want to start a little earlier, the butterflies are growing! Thoughts of blood clots, what kinds of liquids to drink, am I going to starve to death, am I going to succeed, am I making the right decision? I've questioned myself more in the last 24 hrs than the last 2 years. Thanks for the support.

Blossom, when do you get your first fill?

What's even funnier is we all turn around to look and see if anybody noticed, then we look on the floor to act like we stepped on something that made a noise. Since I wear slip ons, I usually try to make a noise with the heel of my shoe, like the reverse of tapping your toe...hehehe

DeLarla, that was an awesome reply. I'll ask my doc if he has an extra one for you, I'll tell him how sweet you are and to please try to find one!

Wow, I'm impressed. During my initial visit, I asked one of the girls in the office why my doc chose Inmd and I was told the rep story....so I ASSumed when I asked him about the 10cc and said I didn't need that size, it was from a diff manuf, ALTHOUGH, now that you mention it, I think he did say it would be available in the OR if needed. Maybe I should just be a reader and not a participant. Hopefully when I have your experience with the band I will be as knowledgeable. Thanks for correcting me.

Leatha, personally, I think the 10cc is a good idea. I've often wondered/worried about reaching that max cc's before I've reached my goal. From what I understand, the rep from Vanguard didn't impress my doctor and was not very knowledgeable about the band so he went with the Inmd because of the reps expertise. As this surgery becomes more famous, I will be quite surprised if the 10cc, regardless of maker, does not become the band size of choice. Thanks,

What part of NC, I'm in VA, about 1.5 hrs from NC and as of Monday, my doctor will be doing fills. When I questioned him about his "lack of experience with fills", he informed me he was quite familiar with ports, because he had several cancer patients who had similar ports for their treatments.

Danyielle, I'm in Virginia, my doctor charged $4500.00, and my hospital bill, which includes pretesting, ekg, xrays, blood work, etc, anesth, 1 night stay..$10,500.00..in ADVANCE..cash or cashier's check. Oh yea, my doctor's bill includes fills and follow up for a year.

Ok you win! I'm not Even going to try to compare the ingredients, LOL. Eight times is a lot to remember, and I had dry mouth something terrible today. Maybe the spray vitamins, maybe not, but I think I'll give Penni's a try first.

Michelle, I know you must be mentally exhausted. I'm so happy there was no erosion or slippage. Now back to your journey! Take care.

I forgot to mention I don't drink protein drinks because I can't stand the smell of vitamins. I sprayed this into my hand and wow full of vitamins, but that spray in my mouth was very mild and gone now!

Has anyone tried the new "spray vitamins" by Vitamist. I was given a sample 30 day sprayer. The box says, "The Purest in the World", Women's Health. It's got all kinds of Vitamins and nutrients, including B12, "painless alternative to B12 injections" Also states this is recommended for WLS patients because of their unique patented delivery system that offers fast and highly effective absorbtion rate...100% Here goes...eww it stinks, omg, great, 1 spray (8 times a day, that'll be a little hard to remember). Only a tiny bit of after taste, not bad at all, hmmm I'm impressed. They have a phone number 1-800-582-5273 for home delivery..probably could call and have a sample sent to you to. I'd recommend it. Thanks for mentioning the vitamins, I should have tried it weeks ago. Vitamist.

Good Question!!! I will add that my book of questions I have for my doctor on Friday at my preop visit. The 10cc really sounds like the best idea, but then again, more is not always better. May your band be your best friend, regardless of size.