SuzyGayle

Ditto taking the Centrum chewable multi Vitamins, and Caltrate chewable Calcium. A few people stated they don't like the taste of the Centrum, but I have no problem with it. At first just nibble the pills, should have no problems. Good luck!

Check with your diabetes doctor about the metformin. I had to discontinue it 2 days prior to surgery as it interferes with the anesthesia....I had to do this with previous surgeries also. My diabetes doctor said not to take it post-op and see him 4 weeks after surgery. I had surgery 2 weeks ago, have lost 22 lbs and my blood sugar levels are normal ! Still have 3 other diabetes meds to get off, but this is a start. Am closely monitoring 4 times a day...making sure it doesn't go too low now, Again, contact your doctor. Also during my pre-op meeting with the surgeon, they also wanted me to stop prior to surgery..... Good luck !

I was banded on 9-21-07 and am still on liquids including cream soup...doctor and nutritionist stated NO tomato soup at this point as it as too much acid....if you have a Trader Joe's or Wegmans neaby, they have GREAT cream Soups....Cashew Carrot Ginger, Buttersquash with apple....add a little cinnamon or nutmeg.... Good luck!

Those on a lot of meds should also keep in touch with their regular doctor or as in my case, my diabetes doctor. Am closely monitoring by sugar levels as went off one medication before surgery and my blood levels are normal...but I have 4 other meds to get off and you don't want to be driving when your blood surar drops !

A big help for me was reading "Fighting Weight" by Khaliah Ali, daughter of Mohammad Ali, the fighter. It's a great read for what happened to her before and after surgery....gives you a good insight...you can find it at any major bookstore. I knew before I read the book I was going to do this, but reading her experiences lessened the fear of the unknown. Good luck !!

I took the red tylenol extra strength after surgery instead of getting the pain medications filled after post-op. Take a sip or two, don't try to drink.

Had my procedure on Friday 9/21/07 and feeling quite well. The only thing I notice is that when I go to "sip" liquids, I feel a pressure going down and it takes me quite awhile to get the required 3-4 ozs down. Is this normal.:car:...I didn't expect that type of pressure. Thanks for any info out there ! SuzyGayle Date of Prodedure: Friday 9/21/07 Place of Procedure: GBMC, Greater Baltimore Medical Center Doctor: Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki

Add me to the list...banded 21 September. Good Luck to all !

Suggest you go to the drug store and get a pill crusher. I take quite a few pills a day and just crush and let it go down with liquids. also suggest you use chewable daily Vitamin...I use chewable Centrum and just nibble away. Good Luck!

Goldie, you are never too old to be better.....and healthier! I had my surgery one week ago and have lost 13 lbs....am off one of my 5 diabetes medications....hey, I'm not going to look 25 at this age anyway, but that's not the goal....same with you, be around for your grandchildren! Good luck !

During a nutrition class during pre-op, the dietician told us to avoid chicken with white meat and use dark meat instead...stated it's easier to swallow.....also said to not eat it plain, to add a little low-fat gravy.... good luck !

Congrats on banding! As one over 50 I know exactly what you are going through...I had my surgery on 9-21-07 and did it for health reasons and not to "get skinny"....realistically, at our age we are going to sag a lot more than the 20 and 30 yr olds ! Am starting at a fitness center with a personal trainer to spot train my "sagging" spots and hopefully won't be too bad !! Never to old to get better !

What you think is hunger pains, might just be gas rolling around...try not to think of being hungry !! I was banded one week ago and still have a rumble or two, but really am out and about...good luck !

Wow, I would be terrified of eathing anything that quickly! I was banded on 9-21-2007, here's my schedule Stage 1, 1st 48 hours, Clear Liquids Stage 2, Weeks 1-3, full liquids such as Protein shakes, skim or soymilk, cream soups-strain the chunks, no tomato soup as it has acid. Stage 3, weeks 4-5, pureed diet, foods with consistency of baby food or applesauce Stage 4, wk 6, intro to solids1 Plus NO Pasta, bread or rice for 6 Months.... Good luck to all, but really follow what the doctor states, most should have received a notebook on what to do ...take care

I was banded on the 21st and am still on Clear liquids. For Protein, try Isopure zero carb Water which has 40g protein. I bought it at the Vitamin Shoppe last week, plus it was on sale ! Am allowed no juice or Protein drinks yet. Good luck!

Update to the swallowing problem.... 2 days post op had hard time getting liquids down, so next day called my surgeon....he had me come in that pm and get another post-op "swallow" test which showed the liquids sitting in my esophogus.....my esophagus was swollen and the liquids were very, very slowly moving down the esophagus, but my surgeon immediately had me admitted and hooked up to IVs to prevent dehydration, also had me on steroids to reduce the swelling...just released today and am doing much better. Back on track with the liquid diet as before...but I did find out at the doctors' office I lost 11 lbs and I'm thrilled. My goal is not to get "thin" but to get healthy. I'm already off one diabetes medication (was maxed out on Metformin, but have 4 other diabetes Meds to get off..,.,my diabetes doctor has 12 patients who have had the lap band and all 12 are off ALL medications for diabetes, cholestral, high blood pressure, etc. SuzyGayle

Thanks Kacee...,.I think I read too much about the slippage and banding too high and assume that's me ! Normal I can deal with...I guess I just wasn't expecting it....looking forward to my 1st weigh-in... SuzyGayle

I was banded on Friday 21st Sept, after starting all the paperwork in May....thought it would never get here and am looking forward to the futue ! Good luck other banders in the class of Sept 2007. SuzyGayle DoB: 21 Sept 07 Physician: Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki, GBMC-Greater Baltimore Medical Center

Hi: Just had my lap band procedure yesterday. I had no problem with any respiratory or lung issues....your anethesiaologist (sp?) should go over all of your issues with you...and ask him questions !! Good Luck Had surgery as an out patient and was home by 7PM. Slept pretty good 4 hours, then up for an hour and another 3 hours. Put a couple of good pillows on the bed and had no problems with breathing or pain.. Good luck with your surgery ! SuzyGayle 9-22-07

Am glad to see how well you are doing. Being diabetic myself, I'm interested in how you are doing with your medications. I'm on a variety of meds an am curious if you reduced or got off any of your meds. My surgery is this Friday, 21 Sept and am so looking forward to becoming much healthier. SuzyGayle

Hi Everyone My big day is Friday, 21st September and an so ready....have been ready since making decision early ths year....having surgery at GBMC in Baltimore....several friends had the by-pass, but I'm too chicken ! Am looking forward to not eating for awhile ! suzygayle