Tylerbaci

To ERAOUL,
Good Luck Tomorrow! I was banded on the 14th and I just had to take it easy the 1st day after surgery. Just take it slow, follow Dr's advice and look forward to a new wonderful future!

Hi Tyler, I'm with you -- no surprises! Congratulations on your band....I am day 16 now and so, so happy. This was a life-changing event, not just the future weight loss and all that but I feel different in other ways.

Best Wishes to all new banders. I am 7 days post and feel great. So glad I did this. I know the harder part comes after I get my first fill but reading the experiences my fellow banders have had will help me keep a forward thinking attitude. I appreciate everyone's honest input. I hate suprises and this clears up any questions I have had. XO

Best Wishes to all new banders. I am 7 days post and feel great. So glad I did this. I know the harder part comes after I get my first fill but reading the experiences my fellow banders have had will help me keep a forward thinking attitude. I appreciate everyone's honest input. I hate suprises and this clears up any questions I have had. XO

I started my LB process in June and am newly-banded. This is such a great place for information and support. I learned far more here than in the materials provided by the hospital or my office visits, etc. There are some very knowledgable people willing to share their individual experiences.

I was not able to consider a permanent surgery to my stomach -- that was too drastic for me. I like the idea that all my organs are still intact and should it ever become necessary the band can be removed easily. I like it that the band is adjustable, that the tightness can be increased and decreased to find just the right place for my optimal weight loss. I will be seeing my surgeon weekly to assess whether I need a fill, and although that is a little time-consuming I like it that I have this partnership. The accountability. I believe that many hospitals and surgeons prefer other surgeries because this followup time with the surgeon is reduced, and thus the expense. I'm so happy my surgeon is in this not just for performing surgery but my for my long-term weight loss.

I am 52 and have struggled with weight issues for 22+ years. I have been hovering in the 240s for a long time and had to hit 250 to qualify for the surgery (a BMI of 40 was my insurance company's only requirement and even though I have high BP and sleep apnea they would not consider co-morbidities). The day of surgery I was 243 (lost some on a pre-op diet) and this morning I am 232. I expect it is going to take quite a bit of time to get down to my goal weight but I am committed to a healthy weight loss.

When I started my process I began a journal. First I listed all the things I want to be able to do -- all my reasons for getting surgery. It's been helpful for me to have one place to record office visit info, my own thoughts, research tidbits, guidelines, etc. Also I got a therapist. Over the summer it was helpful to meet with some one to talk over the process and help me make sure I was ready. Even though I've done so much work around my food issues and dieting, self-image, etc., I got a lot out of this because the emphasis was different. I was ready to let go of personal failure. Being unsuccessful at so many attempts to lose weight over the years is so disheartening. I feel like the band is just the aid I need to fight off the hunger and help me get back in sync with my body.

Wishing you the very best. What's important is that you have decided to take charge of your health and your future. You are choosing yourself.

Hi There!
I had a whole response written up and I accidentally erased it. Must be too early in the morning for me to think clearly! I just finished writing a blog about how I've been feel with the band. I've lost around 40 lbs and I'm 3 months out from my surgery. This site is perfect for reading what's up with people and how the band is working or has worked for them. You will even read people talk about their negative experiences with the band. I think it's good to get both sides of the coin so people who are trying to decide what to do can get all the information they need to make their decision. For me, the band was the best thing I've done for myself. Don't misunderstand the band requires hard work and dedication. The band requires lots of follow-up and communication with your surgeon and his team to make sure you are where you need to be. When you first get the band it requires a lot of will power to stay on track because the band isn't really helping you yet.
I've had two fills and I'm calling today to see if I can come in early to get my third. I can tell my band is still not in the green. Make sure you find good Protein shakes that you like and Soups that you like because when you do your pre op diet and after fills you will need things that you think are yummy. I use powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and also the cheap stuff from Wal-Mart called Body Fortress. There are better ones that have no sugar and low or no carbs if that's what you are into. I just like mine with a little no sugar added frozen fruit, soy milk and vanilla Body Fortress. There are tons of sites you can find for recipes for bariatric patients that have very creative recipes for shakes and regular food.
Exercise is important to help you as you move along to lose faster, and to help with plateaus. I have back injuries that are making exercise very difficult but I'm keeping my chin up and I'm still losing so I'm happy. I have over 100 lbs. to go but I'm determined and there are plenty of people on this site to prove it can be done. Read and listen to there advice they know what they are talking about. Ask questions, but remember if it doesn't jive with what you believe or with what your surgeon has told you remember that your SURGEON is always right! LOL!! I wish you the best of luck in your journey and look forward to hearing what you decide to do!
Best Wishes!

Jump on it! I love/hate my band daily. The loss is reported to be slower but...most of this is up to you and how well you follow the rules. I chose the band because of some of the side effects of GB. I wanted to have some control and I really didn't want to give up all the foods I love, just the amount I consume. I was able to lose most of my 70 odd pounds without much(very little) exercise; so the portions of food is my key. Many things impact my daily life with the band. Allergies...the post nasal drip will stop me from eating. I am full all the time (ha) and just can't eat solids. At these times I sip lots of hot tea. Eating early in the day never works for me and and bad weather makes me feel tight. eggs are my enemy almost always, I can eat most foods without problem as long as I chew it as I should. I honestly haven't had any problems with my band, almost 5 years. Although I didn't reach the goal my doctor set, I have been able to keep it off. 163 lbs. is so much better than 240 lbs. I am a size 10/12 and I love it. In late Aug. I started walking and I am now up to 3 plus miles 3 o 4 times a week. I feel great, get antsy if I can't get to it and I am mad that I didn't start this earlier. I also haven't had very many fills, and I'm not sure I ever found my green zone, so I still eat more that the recommended amount. If I stick my neck out, get a fill and continue my power walks, I'm sure I would easily get another 15-20 lbs. off. However, at 56 I don't need to be a size 6, and I think my DH might lose his mind. The band gave me my life back. I feel better, don't have the issues my two friends who had GB face daily and I don't regret a minuet of it.

Hi YaYa, Walking should help the gas pains. I took Gas-X one time and have been good. I do have a cough as well but thought it may be allergies. Each day gets better and better. I'm 6 days out and feel great! Relax and walk.

Congrats! You did it. Now you can look forward to a happy and healthy new you.

GREAT!

Today is my two-week Bandaversary and I'm so happy. The process has gone very well for me. I did a lot of planning, including making an appointment for a haircut today. A little present to myself! Along with stress and emotional eating, eating from boredom, etc., I used food as a reward system for myself. Time to come up with some good alternatives, ones that involve taking good care of myself. Getting the band was such a gift -- a way of choosing myself and my healthy future. That has done wonders for my self-esteem already.
I'm happy to report that I still love food. I'm a good cook and I'm "in" food all the time -- nothing has changed there. The thing that has changed is that I am not really hungry. I have no cravings whatsoever and I am satisfied on very little food. It's only been two weeks and I'm fully prepared for a return of hunger; it just hasn't happened yet. Right now I'm transitioning into smooth and soft foods that are a little less mushy. I really want some veggies and have steamed beets on hand for my next meal. A half cup of those and a half cup of cottage cheese will make a splendid lunch. This is something that would have only been an appetizer before -- the beginning of a much larger meal and/or an afternoon of grazing. Later there is salmon on the menu. I have had turkey chile and all kinds of Soups. Sunday we went to a potluck with people who don't know I'm banded and that was fine. I brought a pureed squash Soup and had some Indian pudding for dessert. And we have eaten out a few times. This is something I was worried about but it was so easy. There may be foods that don't work for me and beef may be one. I had a bite of a Mexican dish I was making and I chewed and chewed and chewed until I spit out the little piece of spicy ground beef. Beef may be off my menu.
My only concern right now is that I'm not having enough calories. The doctor told me not to worry about calorie or Protein goals at this time, so I'm trying to relax about the notion that I'm putting my body into starvation mode. On Thursday I meet with the nutritionist at the hospital but I know I am the one who has to figure out what's going to be best for me going forward, including a calorie goal to meet each day. Any thoughts on this are very welcome.
The incisions are healing up nicely and I've resisted the temptation to overstretch or do any lifting. I started walking in the hospital and have become a walker. This is something I really wanted to accomplish -- pulling that switch in my brain to want to exercise. I still have a little ways to go. There are those old voices that tell me I can do it later, or I already had one walk so this isn't needed, etc. But I've started talking back and overriding. I have more will power now not only for resisting food temptation (have not really encountered any yet so that's easy) but also the will power to get moving.
I really want to thank all the people here who have been cheering me on; you are wonderful! Best wishes for a fine Tuesday. And I got to create a post today, something I haven't been able to do since the changeover. Yippee!

Thank you ladies! I'm in my room. I'm sore and my left side of my back is hurting.
I was getting the plication as well but due to scar tissue from previous surgeries, The doctor didn't do it. But other than that I'm ok.

My consult with my surgeon is tomorrow at 1:30 my surgery is Thursday morning. I'll get the exact time at my consult. I thought it was forever away now it's coming up fast! I am so ready to get this done.

Bandista, I am an outpatient so no overnight. I think overnight would be better but gotta do what the Dr orders. I have been following your progress and it seems you are on the right track. I think that we'll all wish we had done this years ago. At least I'm hoping. I look forward to getting off HBP medicine. I'll post my experience after my procedure. Thanks for the good wishes, back to you!

Thursday is the big day. The hospital changed my arrival time from 5:00 am to 7:30 am (much more civil) Op will probably start at 10:30 and possibly be released no later than 1:00. Today spent re-reading all the material the Dr.s staff has given me. Have everything in the house that I think I'll
need.Now just need to get through tomorrow.

Thursday is the big day. The hospital changed my arrival time from 5:00 am to 7:30 am (much more civil) Op will probably start at 10:30 and possibly be released no later than 1:00. Today spent re-reading all the material the Dr.s staff has given me. Have everything in the house that I think I'll
need.Now just need to get through tomorrow.

I'm being banded on Nov. 14 at 7:30. Excited and nervous all at the same time! I know we all will do great though.

Day 2 post op can move to full liquids today! Not really hungry but have major head hunger. My worst pain is my neck, throat, and I have a headache and as long as I sit still my stomach doesn't hurt (as long as dogs don't come bounding up!) I get to take a shower today!!!
I am going to try and relax more today than I did yesterday

Congratulations! So happy for you. I am day four post-op and feeling really good. A return of energy but taking it easy. Except for walking, lol. I am doing a lot of that and it feels really good. Pretty sure that is why I'm healing so quickly -- that and not taking narcotics. Still doing a little Tylenol and ibuprofen here and there but not much. Slept through the night two in a row, hallelujah. Have the left shoulder pain but I know it will go away and the incisions aren't bad -- like a cut healing. Whole stomach feels better today - less distended and more normal. Not hungry yet but will have some broth and Soup, etc. I'm on full liquids. Good luck -- wishing you a weekend of relaxation!

So my new birthday was yesterday! November 7 2013 I started my new life! I arrived at the surgery center at 0630 they took me back about 7(time I was suppose to be there) got all hooked up to an IV got a bag of antibiotic and a shot of heparin. Was wheeled back about 830ish and I woke about 945 was home by 11! Felt pretty good some mild stomach pains. Took my pain med and one dose of the anti nausea med and the gas ex strips just in case! Was able to sleep off and on. Woke this morning at 230 with the infamous gas pressure and a sore neck and jaw. Took a gas ex strip and layed back down. I was going to let my kids stay home today, but they both wanted to go to school! Crazy kids so I drove them to the sitters this am it wasn't to horrible! Came home took the pain med and drank some chicken broth. I have been wanting to burp and sometimes I can and sometimes I can't. So far so good! I can't wait for the healing to be done so I can start exercising! Oh the doctor does put saline in the band at time of surgery so I feel a little a head of the game!
So today one day post op I went to the bank and payer my mortgage, did some laundry, picked up kids and went to SAMs club (I used an electric scooter)
How is everyone else doing that was banded!
Ps thankful I can FINALLY post and see others post!

I'm on full liquids as well. Just made some homemade Soup for dinner. I am glad to know someone else is tired today. I feel as if I have slept all day long and still cannot get caught up. But my incisions feel better today and I am way more mobile. Haven't eaten a whole lot today but I really am trying to make sure I keep my Fluid intake up. Glad to hear everyone is doing well!!!

I am feeling good 3 days post op! All I want to do is sleep today *yawn* my neck and jaw are still sore. I am still on full liquids until Thursday( first day back to work BTW) I have major head hunger and just want a bite of cottage cheese or spinach asparagus dip heated in the microwave... Soooo yummy! Lol
So I sit here and sip my chicken broth and lite cranberry juice and dream of mushy foods

Felt pretty good most of the day today. Just got out of the shower, that felt good! Am really feeling bloated today so took another gas-x strip. All in all I feel much better than I expected, but still taking it easy! Going to the couch again and have some lap cat time while I watch more shows I DVRed.

YAY! Finally able to log in and post! Had some issues logging in after the forum change. I am home! My surgery was scheduled for 9:30 am but due to a hospital emergency (not mine), I didn't go in until 1:30 pm! UGH Guess I could have went home and came back but I didn't want to do that, I was already changed and hooked up to iv's etc. The surgery took about an hour. I did not stay overnight. Once out of surgery I ate about 1/2 cup of italian ice (which tasted DELICIOUS!). Once I was in recovery 2 hours and went to the bathroom I was free to go! Stopped on the way home and dropped off prescriptions, pain medicine, an antibiotic, something for nausea and something for heartburn. Got home, went to bed and hubby went back and picked up meds for me. I am on a clear diet for 2 weeks. I go back to surgeon on Tuesday for a check. I feel better than I thought I would. I get spurts of energy, then get tired. I have not been hungry but very thirsty, so drinking Water and apple juice. I may try some chicken broth later today. Tummy is sore, as to be expected. I have been sleeping on and off. Irish, how are you doing!? So glad the surgery is over, now onto healing and getting healthy!

Me too! Good Luck and let's touch base as we progress.