kayzoog

Yay! The big day! Don't be too sad. My boyfriend, Russ, could not take me because he had to work. But, the nurses were super nice, and it seems to go so fast, so it was ok. I was happy to see Russ immediately after surgery, when it was over and I could tell him the whole story. You will do great! Congratulations!

Thanks! 's blog helped me when I was just starting out, and it inspired me to start my own. I am glad it is helping you. I just updated it with my 4-week recap and the experiences of being on a plane with the band. I'm currently at 35,000 feet feeling no discomfort! Good luck to you! Keep us informed (maybe start your own blog!) - K

It's interesting how every surgeon's instructions are different. I was on liquid for 3 weeks post banding. I drank the Premier shakes, and did not have a limit for the amount of oz. In fact they wanted me to have 5 or 6 a day. Which I could not. At first I could barely finish 1/2 of an 11oz shake. And I could only have the shakes, tea, coffee, broth, Crystal Lite, popsicles (SF), Jello (SF). Absolutely no juice. 2 days after my first fill (at 3 weeks), I was able to finally go to mushies. 1/4 cup of egg, refried Beans, tuna or other Protein per meal. Supplement that with Protein Shakes, add a jello or popsicle and that's it. No other types of food for two weeks. I am one week done, one more to go. I feel no hunger after my small 1/4 cup of food. So it's really easy. Next week I get to try adding soft cooked vegetables. I think the main thing is to follow your surgeon's plan. If you are having issues, ask the nutritionist. They may bend it a little to fit your individual needs. - K

My surgeon's paperwork said they would like you to lose 10 lbs prior to surgery. I was on low-carb diet for 2 weeks and pre-op liquid for 2 weeks and lost total of 16lbs before surgery. Check with your surgeon for their specific ideal weight loss. Every surgeon is different. - K

Good job Jesse and Amber! It took me a week to go walk around the park. Amber, everyone heals differently. The important thing is to listen to your body and rest as much as you can! My nutritionist said I could get moody and emotional, but it hasn't happened to me. Congratulations on being on the other side!

I agree on LAUNDRY!!!!! I made the mistake of thinking, oh I will be home all week, won't need to do laundry prior. I ran out of sweats and comfy shirts. So make sure you have lots of sweats/jammies whatever if you don't do your laundry. As far as telling people: I posted to Facebook the night before surgery. I didn't need critics in the weeks before when I had my own doubts. But by the night before, I was already set. There wasn't much anyone could say to make me change my mind. I got TONS of support and well-wishes. I also got two people messaging me for information because they had been considering it, and two distant friends messaging me saying they had Lap-Band and love it. It was very reassuring! I hate secrets anyway, so it was just in my nature to do it that way, plus I wanted to blog about it. However, I was VERY nervous to press the "enter" button on the post. But, once it was done, I felt good. - K

If you don't want to do a complete Estate Planning with a Trust, you can simply set up your deed to the house as "Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship (JTWOS)" with your fiance. That way, if you pass on, the fiance gets the house no questions asked. And you get the house, if he passes. That's how we have our house. (My boyfriend and I are not married). You avoid probate which costs money, and your parents may contest your wishes if they aren't formal. It's a pretty easy thing to do. Good luck! - K

What an important question! About 5 years ago, I read a book by Suze Orman called "Ask Suze about Wills and Trusts". It was such an easy book to read. After that, I set up a Revocable Living Trust and all my insurance, bank accts etc have the beneficiary listed as the Trust. That way, I just change the beneficiaries on the trust documents when I want to, and it's divided through that. The Trust handles the financial stuff. Then, I have power of attorney documents, personal property distribution, and a Last Will and Testament which lists out who my kid is and who his guardian should be, and the powers that my mom has as the executor of the trust. The most important document (when thinking about any surgery) is the Advance Health Care directive, or Living Will. This indicates your end-of-life decisions and whether you want to be on life support, or get a second opinion, etc. This is really important because you don't want to burden your loved ones from trying to remember what you wanted. I had this long before even considering surgery, but I was glad I could say yes when the hospital asked me. Everyday I feel relieved that this binder of documents is in place "just in case" (my mom also has a copy). I did these all myself online, and then got them notarized. (You have to for it to be a legal trust recognized in court) I think LegalZoom.com offers this. You have to do it specific to your state. It sounds complicated but it really isn't. I highly suggest everyone at least write down your advance directive (living will) and give it to a trusted love one. It's good peace of mind. - K

I got a 4.5cc fill on the same day I went to transition class for mushies. Even though I was clear for mushies because I went through the class, I had to wait to enjoy them. I had to be on liquids another two days, but then could transition to the mushies on my own. I am flying next week, so this conversation is very interesting to me. I heard somewhere else that if you stick to liquids on the flight, then you are ok. :)K

WooHoo! Congratulations! First, enjoy the moment! Second, start trying out some different Protein shake options, so you are ready for the liquid diet. Ask your surgeon's nutritionist for a list. Find one you like now before you have to 100% be on them. Third, buy a blender to make the shakes more interesting. Nutribullets are cool. Fourth, take some "before" photos Fifth, schedule time off work (I suggest at least a week) Sixth, do the happy dance! Yay! You are on your way... - K

Great job!!! You look amazing! Very inspiring!

Congratulations! It was a relief to me when it was all done as well! I hope you have a speedy recovery! - K

I was scared to do liquid too. I didn't think I could do it. But it actually sounds worse than it is. I read all the blogs Blissfullybanded mentioned plus her own. They are great resources of inspiration. Good luck!

Wow! I wouldn't even know how to shop for a size 4! Imagine how many more clothes fit in a closet when they are that small! Ha! Congrats - you've done some hard work!

So inspiring! Thank you! -K

Congrats! Great story! I'm almost three weeks out and would do this again in a heartbeat! Sounds like you have done a lot for other people. Time to focus on YOU! - K

Hang in there. It does get easier. I'm on day 30 liquid pre and post op. Make sure you are getting enough protein to keep you satisfied. When you start to have mental hunger, try doing something else to keep your mind busy. It's hard, but it's not forever and it's so important for successful surgery. -K

Congrats Nat! I was super nervous about the pain myself. But, as you have probably read on these forums, everyone has a different experience. And any pain you might have, is temporary. You can read in my blog- the first 5 days were all different. Just know that you can get through it! Also, if you have to take the pain medicine, take it. That's what it is there for. But, I recommend trying Tylenol first to see if it takes the edge off. The narcotics have other side effects that are not fun. Good luck to you! - K

I'm not on mushies yet, but I am 2 wks post-op and can still see the "bump" that you are talking about.

This is great! A real reminder for those even in the beginning stages. On the liquid diet still, I am dreaming of real food. But, I need to not get too excited and make sure it's the "right" food. :)K

Good luck! Congratulations on the big day! -K

Don't be bummed. Everyone heals differently. I took a total of 8 days before I went back to work. (Read each day on my blog http://banderland.weebly.com). And I'm still not 100%. Just know that it gets better and better with each day. :)K

Hang in there! I'm so sorry, that really sucks. But, you would rather a surgeon be nice and well, then working on you while sick. It's a temporary set back. You've come so far, just take deep breaths and center your mind. It will happen, and you will do great!

My surgeon insists on protein post-op. I was never on a clear diet. However, my stomach also makes the wierdest noises. Not hungry noises. Just noises. It may be because I am drinking a lot less than pre-op just because I am not hungry at all.

Love this! I have a long coat from college that is in my closet just waiting for me to get to goal and wear again! Congrats!