DawnG

My boyfriend has to lose about 200 pounds and is getting his WLS on Monday. He heard about the Oprah doc and grinned... thinking how much he'd theoretically grow. I'll be sure to let you all know once he reaches the footlong mark! LOL!

Hi there! First of all, you shouldn't be afraid to discuss improving your health with your doctor. If she isn't supportive of your desire to take charge of your weight and health, then its time to find a new doctor! I'm not sure where you live in NYC, but my PCP is in Clark, NJ... just over the Goethals bridge and was extremely supportive. I know its a bit of a drive, but I would completely recommend him if you live in Staten Island. He kept encouraging me during my 6-month supervised weight loss period and wrote two very strongly worded letters of support to submit to my insurance. The letters worked and I was approved for surgery within 1 week. Good luck and let me know if you'd like information on my PCP or surgeon. I'd highly recommend both!

No catheter for me either. My surgeon believes that his patients are motivated to get up and walk after surgery (to the bathroom!) if he doesn't give one. I did have a bit of a scratchy throat from the breathing tube, but overall was in pretty decent shape. They did send me home with an inspirometer (sp?) which reminded me to take slow deep breaths after the surgery.

Actually there are a whole bunch of exercises that can be done from a chair or a hard flat surface. I was taught these during my physical therapy (I had a back injury). I know you can do searches online and find them. Also, you may want to consider the exercise ball. I was terrified mine would burst the first time I used it, but my therapist assured me it could hold me weight and it has. I still use one at home 'cause it's great for strengthening your core muscles.

Lots of luck on your new journey! Congrats on making the decision to take back your health! It's a bit scary, but you can do it!

I'm sure each surgeon does things a bit differently, but here is what my experience was like on surgery day: ~7:30am - arrived at hospital ~8:30am - got a visit from my doc and the anesthesiologist (who promised to give me something to take the edge off ~9:00am - got wheeled into OR for prep, got my sedative and don't remember much else ~12noon - started waking up (I'm horrible with anesthesia!) and got sent for my barium swallow and x-ray ~3pm - woke back up from my pain injection and they let me go home after walking around for a bit Overall, my experience was much better than I feared. Did I mention I am a wimp with pain? I was scared before the surgery, but my mind was put at ease by the great staff at the hospital! GOOD LUCK!

My doc says no carbonation... ever. He said he's seen people stretch out their pouch by drinking too much soda. The nutritionist said if I must have some soda, that I need to let it go flat first. What's the point in drinking it flat though?!

Congrats Stacy! I also use a CPAP and cannot wait until I can toss mine too. Sleeping with the mask and dealing with the air leaks and tangled hose is a pain in the butt. My pressure is pretty low (6 cm), so I am hoping I can lose enough weight by the end of the year to ditch it!

Sounds like you are doing really well! Congrats and Happy 4th!

Sandra, Congrats on your surgery! I had my surgery on 6/25 and have my port in the same spot. It was really sore for the first four or five days and has gotten much better. I had lots of trouble twisting/bending to use the ladies room and also to get into bed. Mine is just sore now, but not much pain. Hopefully yours will do the same.

I was very uncomfortable for the first few days, but now I am feeling great. Except for the hunger. I was able to drive 200+ miles yesterday for an interview and today spent the day tooling around with my fiance. If you hang in there for a few more days, it will get better

I ordered all of my shakes from GNC and got their "gold card" for $15 so I could get a discount every month. I figured it was worth it. They'll ship for free if you order a certain amount and you can usually find dicount codes on the web if you google them. You'll end up saving about 25% and get them delivered to your door. What could be easier?

I absolutely would recommend against driving. Not only are you risking the chance of blots clots due to immobility, but you also are risking an accident because you will not be able to react quicky to situations. Also, it is extremely unsafe to drive if you are taking any presciption pain meds like Percocet. My doc told me not to drive until I was off them for at least 24 hours. Do you really want to manage the trip with no pain medications either? Call the airline and ask for an aisle seat in coach (try to get seated on the left side of the plane so you can lean right into the aisle, since your left side will be sorest). If you check with a travel agent, you can probably also find a flight that is underbooked and maybe even find a way to get an empty seat next to you. Worst case, if you absolutely want the extra room, book two coach fares and put up the arm rest. You'll have plenty of room and save $$ over first class. The only thing you'll miss out on is the 1st class meal LOL GOOD LUCK!

For me it was 7 months. I needed to do six months worth of supervised diet for my insurance to cover it, so I did that December - May. I was scheduled for surgery in June.

My doctor requires 48 hours clear liquid and then a full-liquid diet until our two-week follow-up. As long as everything is OK, we are allowed to do the soft/pureed food for the next 2 weeks. I was told we could have cream Soup, smooth yogurt, puddings, applesauce w/out chunks, and whipped cottage cheese during the liquid stage. Of course, this is in addition to any low-calorie non-carbonated beverages and Protein shakes. I pureed a can of vegetarin chili 'til it was liquid today for lunch. I hope I didn't push it too far. I just couldn't stand the darn cream Soups anymore. There were no chunks in the chili so I hope I didn't damage anything by cheating a bit. Anyone have any creative ideas for the liquid stage?

Hi Kelly, My fiance is also a teacher As long as you get your surgery the week before having to go back to school, you should feel fine. I had my lapband surgery one week ago today and I was out shopping and doing normal stuff with minimal discomfort. You won't be able to lift the 4 year-old for a few weeks and the first days might be rough so I'd be sure you have some help around the house. In terms of insurance approval, I've been told they are all different. Mine required a 6-month supervised diet to approve. Once I submitted all my records, I was approved in a week. I've heard others don't ask for the 6 months and will approve with a high BMI and/or co-morbidities. Your best best is to discuss it with the surgeon's office about your particular insurance... they usually have an "expert" on staff to deal with the insurance company crap. Also, make sure your insurance doesn't have an exclusion for weigh-loss surgery. It's alot to think about, but if you are like me, you probably have tried it all and are at your wits end. I am SO glad I made the decision to do this and would recommend it to anyone in a similar situation. Good luck! Dawn

Wow DBA! Can you tell me what you've done to lose 62 lbs in 6 weeks? I'll suffer through anything if I can have those results! Ja9, thanks for responding to my post. You've made me feel better. I was worried that I wasn't doing something right. It can't hurt me to drink too much liquid, can it? I've being trying to stick to small portions on my Soup and yogurt but I have been letting myself as much as I want. Can anyone else chime in on this one? Thanks, Dawn

Thanks for your response. I didn't make the support group meeting on the 27th... still too uncomfortable for the car ride. I am feeling much better by now, but I am hungry all the time. Is this normal? Please tell me it gets better!

Gina, It's almost too easy for me to get everything down. I constantly feel hungry. I've been drinking 2-3 bottles of Water per day PLUS my Protein Shakes and some creamy Soup and yogurt. How about you? Dawn

Ok, another question for the group. I am feeling almost no restriction 5 days out from banding (6/25) and am curious if i should be this hungry. I am able to drink a 1/2 liter bottle of Water in less than 2 hours (thats 25 oz) and an 8 oz Protein shake in about 1/2 hour. I have yogurt in 3oz increments and I am starving 30 minutes later. I can drink 5 oz of Soup and don't feel full either. Basically, I am so hungry that my stomach is constantly "growling"... even to the point where the hunger pains wake me out of sleep. I feel a slight tight sensation beneath my sternum when I swallow my medication, but that's the oonly time. None of the liquids bother me at all and I haven't had any nausea. I have avoided drinking within an hour of eating, but it doesn't seem to affect my fullness level. Should I be worried? PLEASE tell I me I won't stay this hungry for mcuh longer! Or is this how I should expect to feel until I get my first fill? Thanks so much! Dawn

Bama, you should definitely consider getting some real some protein shakes. The Carnation stuff isn't going to cut it. I've bought the ABB and the GNC brand ready-to drink shakes (50 grams in a 15 oz can). They come in a bunch of flavors and are pretty tasty. I drink mine over the course of a few hours between meals.

I also was banded on 6/25 and yes, I definitely feel bloated and uncomfortable. Most of my worst pain has subsided... except for when I twist or bend. My best friend is a nurse and said alot of what I'm feeling is just the result of surgery, not necessarily the band. She said to give my body a feel weeks to get back to normal from the swelling and effects of anesthesia. In any case, looks like we're in this together. I'd be happy to be your weight-loss buddy!

Congrats Sonia! I just got banded on Monday (6/25) and I think the worst of the pain is over. I definitely wanted to cry every time I had to cough those first few days becasue it HURT! Good luck on your journey to good health!

Hey there! I just got banded this past Monday (6/25) and I live in Northampton County, PA. Good luck in your decision-making!

Ok, this may seem like a silly question, but what does PB stand for? I keep seeing it on these boards and only got my band on 6/25. Seems like something to avoid, but what IS IT?! thanks!