jaybro

Hi folks, Everything is going great since my March 11 surgery. There are a couple things I didn't expect. I am eating a lot more than I thought I would (even after my first fill). I know I've got to find my "green zone," it's just been a little surprising. I am going down every week (very slowly), but my surgeon says I'm doing great. Okay, here's the deal: I STILL have left shoulder pain (mostly it's at night) from the gas!!! It goes away when I lie down, then when I wake up, I don't have it at all (until evening time). WHAT GIVES??? I am two months out of surgery. This seems odd to me. Any ideas? My surgeon did not seem worried at all, but he's not the one with the left shoulder pain! LOL Jaybro

For those of you who have yet to undergo the surgery: YOU CAN DO IT! I was super nervous, especially because I didn't know what to expect...but I'm telling you that we make it so much worse than it really is. I am doing fabulous and am feeling great. No problems at all. When you get a skilled surgeon and a wonderful team (YAY to Grand Traverse Surgery), they make it such a positive experience. For everyone: My weight loss has slowed. I'm wondering if my body is used to such little calories going in. I've also noticed that I don't feel the band (at all), and I am HUNGRY. Protein shakes help, as do thicker Soups, and soft-type foods (like cottage cheese and applesauce), but my stomach growls a lot. But that's okay. It can be angry with me. Eventually, when I'm healthier and have weight off of me, my stomach will be happy that I put our health first. So, I let it growl every now and then. I let it remind me that I am no longer going to be a slave to food. Be encouraged everyone! Here's to HEALTHY living!

I go in tomorrow for my first appt. post op. I didn't even think to ask questions! LOL

Sorry, just have to vent for a sec. Everything is going great (had my surgery this past Tuesday), and I'm recovering nicely. BUT THESE GAS CRAMPS!! Ugh! They are killing my shoulders and collarbones! I've walked around stores. I've walked around my house. I have heat packs on my shoulders, but I can't get over the discomfort. Okay, that's all. Just had to vent! LOL

I just got banded, but boy oh boy, my stomach is making some really weird noises. It's part growling, part vibrating. no pain, just weird. I'm not hungry...couldn't think about food, but maybe my stomach is hungry? Strange, very strange. It would help if the clear liquid portion of the post-op diet allowed for Protein. What do you all think?

Everyone's journey is different, and each decision is personal. I am also over 300 pounds, and I opted for the band. Slippage and erosion are extremely rare, especially with the newest band technology. All the complications with lap band to me were not nearly as scary as the whole "cutting" the stomach part. The lap band is reversal if something rare like that does happen, and there is no major cutting. I just had my surgery yesterday, and it was outpatient. I'm already home, and other than soreness and some shoulder cramping (from the gas they use), I'm recovering nicely. I do know people who got the sleeve and were successful. One did have some complications at first (stomach contents leaking) and was in the hospital for three months. She's fine now and well on the road to recovery. Basically, we all know horror stories about all the WLS; we have to weigh the benefits to the risks. For me, getting healthy is a major benefit, and the lap band offered the least amount of risks. So far, I'm not regretting my journey. Good luck with whatever you decide.

My doc told me no ibuprofen (it irritates the stomach). Advil is ibuprofen. Maybe other docs feel differently? He told me to take Tylenol. I HATE taking Tylenol, so I hope that I can avoid headaches! LOL

Went in early this morning and glided through everything. The worst thing post-surgery was feeling foggy from the anesthesia. But after forty minutes of being in and out of the fog, I made myself sit up and start sipping water. Then I got walking. Feeling sore in the midsection but no pain yet. I am feeling some muscle tenderness probably from the gas. Overall, I'm doing great. I'm already home and on the road to recovery!! :-)

Hi everyone! Tomorrow, March 11, is the DAY! I go in at 6:30 in the a.m. I am super excited (not too nervous, surprisingly), and am so ready to start my life! The only down side is that today is nothing but Clear liquids, and I am STARVING. LOL... Oh well, this too shall pass. Please send a prayer my way. I'll take as many as I can get! :-) Jaybro

Wow, very motivating! My surgery is this Tuesday, and I have said good-bye to food. My love affair has ended. It doesn't mean that I won't pine for certain things later, but I start Clear liquids at midnight, and then I'm wheeled in Tuesday morning. what I'm ready for is to start my life again. I'm ready to shop in stores in other areas than the "plus size." I'm ready to go to aerobics classes and not be the biggest person. I'm ready to be GOOD to my body. The lap band is going to be the tool I need to truly end the love affair with food. No, it's not a magic pill. Yes, it will take hard work and sacrifice. But I have never been so excited and so ready for what my future holds. You know what it's called? HOPE. I have hope.

My surgery date is next Tuesday, March 11, and I woke up this morning with a sore throat, coughing up phlegm (sorry, not to be gross), and my eye was swollen and crusty. I'm heading to urgent care (at least for eye drops), but HELP! I don't surgery cancelled! Will they cancel it if I still have a sore throat? Totally freaking out right now....

Hi everyone, My date is March 11! I am super excited, but today as I studied notes from the doctor's office and what I need to do to prepare myself, I started getting jittery. I have some questions, and please if any and all could answer (honestly, of course), I would appreciate it. Knowing beforehand would really help: 1. What were your initial feelings when you woke up from surgery? 2. If you experienced pain/soreness/gas cramps, how long did it last? Was there anything that relieved it? 3. Were you hungry? Were you nauseous? 4. When could you go back to work? When could you travel (an hour drive to a friend's house)? .5. Could you feel the band in there? Thanks! I so appreciate any and all info! Jaybro

How's the pain in relation to the soreness? Have you tried sipping broth or anything? Please keep us posted. I get banded on March 11, so I'm really excited/nervous. Here's to our new life! Jaybro

How do you know when the band has slipped? My surgery is in two weeks, so I'm interested in figuring out what the red flags would be for something like that. Thanks! And good luck!

Wow! What a transformation! I believe all people are beautiful no matter what, but girl, you are a KNOCK-OUT! Congrats, and I pray for your continued success!

Nine years ago, I was actually on the surgical table for an open cut Rou-en-y, and as I lay there waiting everyone's nasty comments kept replaying in my mind. I had no one's support. Everyone thought the surgery was too risky, I wasn't done having kids, I could do it on my own, etc. I ended up telling the surgeon I couldn't do it. I wasn't ready. He was very understanding, wished me well, and I left the hospital with my stomach in tact, but an enormous weight on my shoulders. Nine years later, I am still over 300 pounds. I have truly tried everything. I am 39, and I am tired of trying to please everyone and listen to others when it comes to MY BODY. I've researched the lap-band, I confided in my husband (the only person I've told, who is now 100% supportive of me, I think the other surgery was too invasive and it scared him), and I am now set with a March 11 date. I AM NOT WALKING OUT ON THIS ONE! At least not without a lap-band. I said all that to say, I have learned and grown as a person. I've learned that people are jealous when you have made a decision that is seriously going to help you. Your manager sounds just like that. Misery loves company. I would just smile and encourage her WHEN you lose the weight. But whatever you do, don't make my mistake and listen to the Negative Nelly's. You have to do what is RIGHT FOR YOU! God bless... Here's to a healthy, happier us! Jaybro

Kayzoog, Hi, quick question: when you mix the coffee with a vanilla Protein drink, is the coffee already brewed? And is the protein drink already mixed (If so, what kind do you use)? I know this sounds like a silly question, but I'm new to all of this, and it sounds like a good recipe. Any other smoothies that you like? I start my pre-op diet on Monday, and I'm trying to wrap my head around it. Also, for everyone else, did anyone ever try the high protein soup packages from the surgeon's office? I bought some high protein chicken broth and am wondering how it tastes...??

How did you feel right after the surgery? A lot of pain or discomfort? I'm getting banded in a couple weeks, and I'm wondering what to expect. Sorry I can't help with your actual question! I do hope you''re doing well. Take care!

My surgery date is March 11! My pre-op diet starts February 25. Birdyellowhoney, I'm right there with you. I have to admit I have self-doubt. What if nothing works with me? What if I'm destined to always be big? I've failed so many times on diets, maybe I'll fail with this. But I have to overcome that. With that being said, I am super-duper excited at the possibility of good health! Here's to HOPE!