Darragha

One week of "things that can go through a straw" One week of mushies Then onto solid foods I am five days out from surgery and SICK of Soup. I just ate some SF Jel-O and it tasted like heaven. When does the exhaustion go away? Darr

My doctor didn't ban me from anything on a "forever" term. I heard him mention more than once that a short-term combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen would work well for pain. Don't think I dreamed it! But I'll check, just the same. Darr PS Leena: you lost 23 lbs in 8 days? Wow!

We have a horse. This whole "barn fashion" thing...I think I know it well. Darr

I didn't have a second thought until I was on the table about to go under. Then, for a moment only, I wanted to bolt and get the hell out of there. I'm glad I stayed now.

Went in at 1:30 or so. Was home in my bed by 7pm that evening. It took me a little while to come out of the anesthesia, but I did and after I shook that all off, think I did great! I think my own fears of surgery were the worst of it all. I do have some pain, but it is manageable with Ibuprofen. Darr

Since I was just banded, I've been forcing fluids a little at a time--but today I noticed "being hungry" for the first time. My stomach was even growling. I ate half a cup of blended pea Soup and I actually "feel" restriction even though there shouldn't be any yet. I licked a rice crispy treat and took a nice long whiff of it as my husband ate his "cookies" today. No harm done. It didn't make me want to eat the entire plate of treats. In fact, I felt pretty darn satisfied knowing I didn't want any. Neat trick, that!

I was banded on 9/19 and so far, haven't experienced the "gassy shoulder pain" so many have mentioned. One of the nurses even told me about it. She said to walk around slowly and stretch my arms out, then apply heat if I get the chest-gas. I guess I've been lucky, because my gas has taken a lower path, if you get my meaning. Getting some decent rest has made a big difference with my pain/discomfort levels. The liquid pain killer (Lortab) gave me insomnia. Switching to Ibuprofen helped. The only place I'm having any pain now is in the port area. I can "feel" where the band is, but I haven't had any problems with it. I'm getting down about 2 cups of Soup a day, at least 2 bottles of Water and 1 or 2 Medifast drinks. Of course, I'm awake most of the time. At three in the morning a little water and a Medifast certainly helps me feel better. The soups are all fiber-rich, highly blenderized chicken and beef soups made by a neighbor. She made me 10 cups, each individually portioned and frozen. My mother made me split pea and blended it up with chicken stock. This morning my husband made me extremely smooth and creamy oatmeal with benefiber and whey Protein added. I've been walking around the house, but hope to get out and go around the block this weekend. I haven't had to use my hotpack for about 24 hours--but man, that thing was a lifesaver. Darr

I was banded 9/19, too. Lortab gives me insomnia, so I was climbing the walls last night. Got permission to take some Benidryl today--'cause that knocks me out. Have used my Gas-X and have had about 2 cups of brothy Soup, a couple of Medifast shakes and lots of Water since 3am-- I'm very tired and some places hurt--but I'm still glad I did it. Congrats to all the bandsters of 9/19! Darragha

Hi I uploaded a few photos to my "bandster blog." Once I'm less groggy, I'll finish uploading the photos and post my experience. Save for two little "that frightened me" issues, it all went really well. Darr

I'm OK! Not the most pleasant of experiences (that gas mask in the OR before going under...a bit claustrophobic am I), but I'm OK! I was home and in bed by 7pm, and have not really slept yet. I itch and am having some insomnia. The staff at NWWLS is fantastic--that much I can say right now. What kind and decent folks. My nurse told my husband to buy some chocolate milk for the ride home. Such nice treat. My cat got spayed yesterday, so now kitty and I both have stitched on our belly. I'll post more as my head clears. Darragha a new band member!

You go, guy! I inject humor into my novels. Love can be pretty damned funny, huh? Darr

If you don't write, you should. I have the ghost of Union soldier living (living?) in my house...so I guess that makes me a damned Yankee. Hey, pudding would silence my troops, too. See you on the battlefield. My troops move into position tomorrow. Darr

Excellent quote. I'd use it, and I'm Buddhist. Our heartbroken gal has packed her bags, yes?

Yo, Crash...you write romance novels? A burly dude like you is probably a total teddy bear! Welcome to the banding world, and WRITE ON, BROTHER! Darr

The time draws nigh! Any last minute suggestions to help make my journey a more comfortable one? I've read the threads, made the list, going shopping tonight and I'm cleaning the house today. Liquidy foods are frozen, mushies are in there, too. My Lortab elixir is sitting right here on my desk. Tomorrow! 24 hours from now I will be one of the few, the proud, the banded! Darr

Congrats! My banding is 9/19. I'll follow your threads to see how you progress. Maybe you can post a few pointers!

Leave now. Do not pass "go." Do not collect two hundred dollars. Or you will go directly to jail. Men who abuse drugs and alcohol do not respect themselves much less anyone else. Their God is the drug and their lifestyle revolves around the worshiping of same. I believe I gave my ex-husband the choice: Marijuana or me. Go to treatment or our marriage is over. He chose drugs over me. I'm rather happy with that decision as my second marriage is a blessing--but damn, girl. Get out while you still can.

Bloo...where did you have your surgery done? Darr

Thank you. I feel like I'm doing great! 20-40 pounds 40 days would be impossible (unless I'm banded)! I'll shoot for 20lbs by the 19th. Darr

I am kvetching! Just had my telephone pre-op and when asked about my pre-op weight loss, I proudly announced that I've lost 16lbs since August 1st. I met with the doctor on 8/9. He apparently wrote down "must lose 20 to 40lbs" on my chart. 20-40lbs BEFORE surgery. Saw him on 8/9. Surgery is 9/19. I've lost 16lbs and was feeling pretty darn good about that, but now I'm like they just debited my account 16,000 dollars and I might be turned away for not losing enough weight beforehand? I've worked like a trooper to lose 16lb in a month's time. I have 10 days until surgery. I might lose another 2-3 lbs, realistically--but another 20? This is Bandster Hell, huh? Darr

Don't know how I will tolerate it yet, but, TOAST. I love toast and coffee for breakfast. If toast won't go down after banding, then it is outta here, buckaroos.

"The band is a con." Yes. Of course it is. And the world is flat. Diets work and Britney Spears is a good mom. I've been studying posts herein for awhile. No-one who hath been banded is on a diet. Not one of them. They are certainly enjoying challenging new ways of eating, but then, isn't that the point? Eating too much too fast too often is the culprit. Eating less, slowly and when hungry may not be what the food industry has in mind for us, but it is the way bandsters eat. It's not a diet. It's a lifestyle change that will help us enjoy what we eat more fully, because there's no third bite. Anything after two bites is just for show, any way. I will be banded in 10 days. I swear I hear a chorus of angels praising my decision. You want a con? Let me introduce you to my former husband. You want to live healthy and eat joyfully: get banded. Darr

Going off depression meds cold-turkey is bad. Not good. Can you grind your meds up or pop the capsule and put the powder in liquid? Ask your pharmacist! Darlin'--you need a seratonin upload!

LadyJ, I'd certainly like to know who did your first surgery. Darr

My doctor at NWWLS is using a "new" band--and the protocols for it are different than what I was initially told. With this new band, I'll be on 1 week of liquids, 1 week of mushies and then on to solids. I'll find out more at my pre-op on 9/10. Darr