wrangler054

It's taken me a while to catch up on the posts cause I haven't been here in a long time. Life and work has been keeping me extra busy.

Congrat's to everyone on the weight loss. No matter if it's a large or small amount, every bit counts.

I had my first fill this morning. 1.8cc. I was a little sore today and stomach a little upset. I'm back on liquids for 3 days and then mushies for 2 weeks. So far I've lost 39 pounds and I'm looking forward to losing more and not being so hungry all the time.

My husband is so supportive but he keeps telling me I have to get the band removed because my boobs are getting smaller. lol I'm going out tomorrow to buy a new bra.

Howdy ya'll. I've been away for a while due to life keeping me extremely busy. However I do have good news. I've now lost 31 pounds! My first goal was to break the 30# mark, my next goal is #35 mark.

I feel so good. My knees don't hurt walking up and down stairs any more. We were talking about my weight loss at work and in the warehouse they have 1#, 5# and 25# bags. We went back and stacked them up on each other and it really helped me realize how much 31# is! It's crazy to think I use to carry that around on my body.

Eating hasn't been bad at all. The problem I have is I eat Breakfast so early due to work and then have to wait 6 hours for lunch and I'm starved by lunch time. I have to reschedule my first fill next month due to work reasons but I'm really looking forward to it so it'll help with the hunger.

Hope everyone else is doing well. Hang in there if it's rough - you can do it!

for everyone who's on liquids or mushies, hang in there. You can do it. I know it's hard but if you can make it through this stage, the rest of the weight loss will seem easy b/c you can always look back at this time and know inside that you can do anything.

Well, I bought a new scale yesterday by homedics, it gives you BMI at the same time as your weight, and when you press your number it tells you what your weight was last time. I tought it was pretty cool. Accordind to it I have lost 9 lbs. since surgery, but because it's new I am not going to trust it, I will wait until I go to the dr. on Wednesday and see how close my home scale is to the dr.'s.

I bought the same scale weeks ago and it is very accurate. A co-worker weighed herself on it and then went to a doctor's appointment the same day. Both weights were the same. I love this scale.

Congrats on the weight loss Jackie! Keep up the good work!

Now, I'm off to ride my bike!!

Movement, movement, movement is the best thing we can do for ourselves. I was so scared hearing stories from people who said weeks after surgery they still felt gas pains in their body - but I really feel by walking and moving so much it's saved me and it's helped bring my energy level higher.

Its amazing how much more energy I feel with the weight I've already lost. I can't wait to see how much more energy I have when I lose more weight.

I had a great weekend. 5 friends from my college years (1990-1994) drove down for a reunion. Only 1 knew why I had the surgery so it was great to be able to talk with her about it.

Anyway, Friday they wanted Mexican, so we went to a restaurant and I ordered a chicken burrito. I pealed back the burrito and only ate the shredded chicken. Then last night we went into downtown Nashville and we at jacks bbq and I ordered the oven roasted chicken. I pulled back the skin and only at the chicken - it was so tender it fell apart - delicious!! Plus I can have cream of corn so I was able to eat that too. Oh and Saturday we bbq'd and while they all had steak, I cooked some scallops and ate those.

I thought it would be harder w/ the food but it was pretty easy. The hardest part was finding time to drink all the Water b/c it was pretty easy to lose track of time w/all the fun I was having.

I was also told no Water with meals, but I'm drinking little bits while I'm getting used to food to help it go down. My doc is more concerned with my nutrition right now (that I'm getting enough). I have started regular food early, so I'd rather drink a little than get stuck. Long term, nothing to drink 30 before and at least 30 after. I knew that would be hard for me....and it is. I tend to drink a LOT with my meals and am finding myself very thirsty while eating.

I'm the same way with drinking a lot while eating and it was so hard today to wait 30 before and 30 after before drinking.

I never realized how much I drank w/my meals before.

Today was my first day on mushies and tuna never tasted so good for lunch. I also had eggs for dinner.< /p>

I had my post op follow up today and the doc said everything looked good. I forgot the date of my fill. It's a little later than we'd like but we couldn't schedule it any sooner.

Good luck to everyone being banded tomorrow. You all will be fine and wake up in bandland!

Today was my first day back at work since surgery. It wasn't bad at all. In the afternoon, I felt pain where my port is but that's it.

The problem I did have was I got so busy working that I'd forget to drink. 20 - 30 minutes would go by and I'd see my bottle sitting there so then instead of sipping, I'd take a gulp and pay for it with discomfort for a few minutes.

I'm seriously thinking of putting a pop up reminder on my computer every 5 minutes to take a sip of Water. That way I won't forget.

wrangler, my regular physician did do bloodwork and said my kidneys reflect that they need more fluids ... so I guess 64 ounces isn't enough and I have to up that!!!!!!

Good. Now you can tackle and defeat the problem.

It's hard to drink what is needed every day. I found myself falling behind yesterday and today.

I have a post surgery question.. What did you buy food wise and medication wise (over the counter stuff) prior to sugery to get you through the first few days?

I've bought apple juice, cranberry juice, popsicles, orange juice (no pulp), Jello pops, beef broth, chicken broth and veggie broth. But no meds.

I'm supposed to be on clear fluids until Sunday and then full fluids after that for 10 days.

Any suggestions on what to buy to stock up? I'm going tomorrow after work to shop.

I bought the adult chewable Tylenol, that's it for the meds. I haven't needed to use it except for a headache. As far as liquids, just the normal, veg, beef, chicken broth. sugar free jello and I have my EAS protien shakes.< /p>

I just noticed that the area below my port incision is swollen. The incision area looks fine.

Is it like this for anyone else?

I have PCOS as well. I was diagnosed about 6 years ago. All my doctors missed it until I switched to a new PCP a friend recommended. My first visit there he diagnosed me with it. He lectures other doctors on PCOS. He first started me out on Gluchaphoge (sorry I know I messed up on the spelling) but we found out I had horrible muscle cramps with it. So, we switched to Actos and I've been using that until a month before my surgery when my Lap Doctor told me to get off of it. It's a shame more doctors don't realize some of their patients have PCOS and that woman don't realize what it is. I had no clue until my doctor told me what it was and then it was as if a light went on and everything made sense.

Good luck to everyone who is being banded on Monday! You'll me be in my thoughts and prayers.

As with everything I've read, I think it's different with every doctor.

Right now I can drink Protein and then my crystal light right after each other w/no waiting period. However once I start my muschie period, I must wait :30 before/after eating before drinking again.

I got on the scale this morning and was so happy! I'm down a total of 22# now! It's so amazing how much better I feel physically and mentally with the weight loss.

Fluids are important to avoid leg cramps. I've had them but I don't believe it's from the surgery, its from riding my stationary bike and using muscles I haven't used in a long time.

I too, move my legs in circles when I wake up just to help the circulation.

I do have back pain, but that is because my back is out of place. I can always tell when it's out of place really bad b/c my left thigh becomes a little numb from a pinched nerve. I can't see a chiro yet 'cause I just had surgery but I will be seeing one as soon as my doctor gives me the OK.

I haven't found myself hungry after surgery except for today. I drank my Protein early and was out all day, didn't get back until late afternoon and first thing I did was have a Protein Drink. Felt much better.

My doctor told me no gum at all forever. The reason being, the possibility of swallowing it on accident and it getting stuck in the band.

I'm very sorry to hear about the bad experience at the hospital. I think of myself as lucky. I've been in the hospital 6 times, (4 surgeries, 1 bronchitas and 1 UTR) and each time I was treated very well. (Well, the doc durrng my UTR told me that if I wouldn't eat bad I wouldn't have to be on Lipator but he said it in a very condesending manner and my hubby almost decked him)

However, my mom, grandfather and grandmother all had horrible hospital experiences.

Grandmother - infection that killed her

Grandfather - doctor and nurses ignored my grandfather and gave him wrong treatment. Made him worse, my mom complained and said either they take the lean off my grandfather's house or she'd sue and within 2 days the lean was taken off.

Grandfather - doctor who ignored my mothers wishes and 3 days later my grandfather died. My mom never received a bill from the hospital for my grandfather's treatment.

Mom - suppose to be given local anestic for procedure but they didn't give it to her. She jumped when the scalpel started to cut her and her doctor yelled at her to be still. He didn't listen when she said she could feel what he was doing.

I feel very grateful this experience went very well. I made sure to engage in conversation with my nurses, asking them why they went into nursing about their schooling, and thanked them each and every time they helped me with something. I kept telling them I'm sorry for calling them every 90 minutes to help me up to go to the bathroom and each time they said that's what they are there for, to help.

I've sent a thank you card to the staff on the 3rd floor of Centennial Medical Center for Woman b/c of the great care they gave me.

wrangler, you are really doing well with exercising!!! You go, Girl!!!

Thanks. I just turn the tv on and watch it as I ride. It helps keep my mind and eyes from looking at the miles.

The one thing that is bothering me is, when I'm sitting it feels like my heart skips a beat. I take Atenolol for heart palpatations but until I had my surgery, I didn't feel skips like this. I'm not sure if I'd call it a skip maybe a hard beat. This only happens when I'm sitting. When this use to happen, I'd start to panic and have a panic attack. I haven't had any panic attacks, I'm just getting annoyed by it happening.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Janey

Hi Lucky # Sevens!!,

Just got banded thursday and got home from the hospital last night. I can't take any pain med because it make me so nauseated and I am walking real slow. My whole body just aches. Please tell me this gets better soon!!

Anyway other than that, I am so very happy to be a bandster and I know that in my heart that this was the right choice for me.

Oh my throat feels awful and I found out that the anisthesiologist had a hard time intubating me and had to call another doctor to try it. So my upper lip is swollen and has a sore.

Oh also, I am not hungry or thirsty and just looking at food or smelling it makes me nauseated too

I have to keep reminding myself to drink the clear fluids and eat Jello.

Take care everyone!!!

XOXO

Janiee

My gas pain didn't really hurt at the hospital but once I got home I really felt the pain. Esp when I laid down and then got up. It was all throughout my chest and neck. Starting the day I came home (Thursday) I began riding my stationary bike. I've taken it slow and ride it twice a day 5 miles each time. In between I walk around inside the house. It's now Saturday and I still have a little pain but for the most part, it's almost gone. As long as I walk or ride the pain decreases. Just keep moving around and you'll feel better. Hang in there.

Hello everyone,

I got my Band date yesterday, it is July 31. Pre-opt is the 25th.

I can't wait and yet I am a little nervous. I have never had any surgery before. You ladies know we guys are great at killing spiders, snakes and various other manly duties but we are real wimps when it comes to being sick (or having surgery).

My Doctor is Dr Olsen at Centennial in Nashville. My wife had gastric bypass in 2002 by Dr Olsen and she is doing great. While my wife never suggested I have any surgery once I did my research and decided to have it she insisted on Dr. Olsen and Centennial.

I start my pre-opt liquid diet tomorrow. 600 cal. per day. I think my daughter feeds her gold fish more calories per day.

Wrangler054 Glad to here you are doing well.

Am I the only guy getting banded in July?

Thanks, Good luck to all!

Chris, you'll do great. Dr. Olsen is so wonderful. The morning of surgery he came in and spent time talking with me, assuring me everything would be fine and the next day during his check up, he was smiling and really sweet.

Everyone at Centennial from the orderlies to the nurses to the anesthesiologists were extremely nice. They all put me at ease made me laugh and I wasn't nervous at all. They gave me medicine to "Relax" me but waiting in the pre-op room before the medicine I was so relaxed I took a short nap. I can't say enough wonderful things about the staff.

Dr. Olsen makes his morning rounds at 7AM and he will allow you to be discharged whenever you feel you want to leave after he visits.

The pre-op diet and post op Dr. Olsen puts you in is really strict - more strict than a lot of the diets other banders are put on but it's really worth it. In fact, he admits he's stricter with his diets than other surgeons but that's why I chose him.

Good luck. You can do it.

Hi everyone. Today was a better day. Not as sore but I still have some soreness. Been coughing and doing my breathing exercises - both help a lot. I've already rode the bike twice today and have been walking around the house. Every once in a while it feels like there is a lump in my chest and then it rolls and disapears. It only seems to happen if I'm sitting in a semi-laying position in my bed.

I know this sounds bad and funny but I finally had some bowel movements today. Earlier today my hubby was reading my discharge info and he was getting really worried cause I hadn't had any movement - now he's happy. lol Who would have ever thought my hubby would be happy with his wife having bowel movements. lol

My throat still hurts and I'll be happy when that pain goes away.

I have a question about crushing your pills. I've been crushing them and it really sucks mixing them in my Jello to eat them. What do you put your crushed pills in to make them go down easier?

Hey everyone. The surgery went great. I was taken back about 9:15 and was in my room around 12:30-1:00.

The doc said there were no problems or complications. He put in a 10cc band. After the operation, the pain medication wasn't working but then once the gave me a little morphine - well lets just say I was happy. All the nurses, doctors, everyone was great and so nice. After surgery, it took me forever to pee, I only went 3 times until midnight, then it was every hour and a half I was calling a nurse to unplug me so I could go to the bathroom.

I'm sore but it's not bad. I slept this afternoon, but I've also walked around the house and because it's so hot, I rode my stationary bike twice. The doc said I could ride it as long as I didn't over due it.

I'm a little warm, temp 98.8 - same temp that I was when I left the hospital. I've taken some chewable tylenol and I've drank some broth w/protien mix as well as drinking my crystal light.

Here's a couple of pics of my port incision. I feel a little bloated from the gas but it's slowly working it's way out.

I hope everyone else who had their surgery yesterday is doing well.

Kathybad, I'm getting to head to "bed" now. We watch the show Pirate Masters, reality TV, we are so into. We watch just about all of them. Survivor is our favorite, and then Big Brother. So the shows over, the news is starting, and I'm heading up the stairs in just a few minutes.

Had to check on one thing real quick. He's waited this long, another few minutes won't kill him.LOL!!!

I'm a reality show junkie too. I love Survivor, in fact, I'm friends with one of the past contestents...Rafe from Guatemala. I knew him before he went on Survivor and the show didn't change him at all. He's still one of the sweetest guys around.

Anyway, I'm off to bed. I have to be at the hospital at 6AM for blood work. I'll be staying over night at the hospital so I'll check in on Thursday after i get back. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and well wishes.

For those who have the band, how long did your surgery take? 1 hr? Hour and a half?

For those who are waiting for the band, how long did your surgeon say it would take?

I can't remember how long my doc said the surgery would take and my hubby and I are wondering.

Thanks.