new_me_2008

I am sitting here, 10 days after my banding and feel the need to write. I relied heavily on these boards (lurker) prior to making my decision and even more once the decision was made and surgery was looming. As I read the boards, they are filled with questions and some of them highlight the things that can cause discomfort and pain which is helpful because I am sure that we can all agree that we do not get enough time to ask our doctor. Also, who better to provide to give guidance than those that have walked the path in front you? These honest opinions, good and bad, are the reason that I finally made the jump into the banded way of life. I fear that many may drop in to see what this life is like and see the many issues that come with a major operation, complete change of life and the inevitable ups and down of weight loss. I noticed that my posts were focusing on all of the 'pain' of the surgery and none of the positives so that is why I am writing. Here is why today, I feel as good or better than I have ever felt: I was lucky to have the ability to self pay (sacrifice to my family but I will make it up to them) I was able to find a great surgeon I was able to be in and out of surgery and back to my home in 5 hours I was able to read all of the great posts about what to have along with me and learn to live on GAS X (thank goodness) I am able to experience the feeling of hunger - I cant remember when I ever felt this before as I was a world class grazer I was able to recover so well in 10 days that I can barely even tell that I had surgery - wonder sometimes if I even did! Walked to lunch today - unbelieveable statement, never exercised before I am able to read great posts by Jack, BOO BOO, JULIENYC, WAS Bubble, Ghost, Wheetin, TracyinKS, Chickie and many more, who show me that there is more to life than food, cravings will pass, weight loss is possible and exercise can be fun. (not to mention that Plastic Surgery is doable) I was able to read peoples posts who are very close in date to mine, AMY, RAINER, and others who made the process more real and not so scary. I am able to choose to quit complaining about the minimal discomfort that has come from what will be a life changing operation. This was hard, boy was I whining yesterday! I am able to make it thru a work day not obsessing about dinner (even when I am hungry!) not falling asleep at my desk from carb overload, nor eating a drawer full of candy...who da thunk it? I am able to experience weightloss with the hope that I am doing this sensibly and in a way that can be permanent. In the end, you posters have solved every concern that I had and helped through this doorway into a new life. I should have done this long ago, but now that I have, I will continue to look to you all for support as I am sure to stumble along the way. Those of you considering it or on your way to surgery - Do it! Don't get sidetracked by the complaints of the actual surgery and look to the future! Thanks, Tina

I am on day 9 and doing great too. This has been really easy except for the GAS! I am starting to be hungry but when I eat/drink something the ravenous hunger goes away. I am on full liquids - mushies and I have found a new love for hummus. I have cottage cheese for breakfast, soup for lunch and some hummus for dinner - I have also just had a sugar free popcicle for the first time which was good. All in all this has been great- wish I was not hungry - and really cant believe that I have to wait until NOV 20th for my first fill. I have to wait longer than most becuase I am travelling for business around the world (literally -India and Asia) and my doctor wants me to take that trip before I get my first fill. I will be on food by then. I have lost 12 pounds and hope that I don't gain any back before the fill.

I had surgery 3 weeks from my consult - I was a self pay. I am 9 days out and feel great - definately wish I would have done this sooner.

I was very happy with their 'hands off ' approach. Once we determined that insurance would not pay (due to lower BMI) then we were off and running, no useless processes just needed to satisfy the insurance people. I did alot of research on my own, read the lap band book they provided and then met with the surgeon (1 week prior to surgery) It has been a little over a week and I feel amazing. Wish I had done it sooner.

Amy - thanks for the post. I get hungrier every day and tonight around 6 is was the worst ever. I dont even feel like I have a band and I feel like I could eat like I did in the old days. It has helped to drink more water and of course protein, but I am getting very sick of that. I am on full liquids and transitioning to mushies (probably a little faster than Im supposed but I am only eating things on the list. I will not have a fill until Nov 20 and I just cant imagine waiting that long. God help me if I have to start exercising in place of eating!!!!

Thanks. I was going to use it because I thought that it was made for just that, right? I will do some more research to find out.

Mine too! I actually am getting tired of it. It is kind of funny because 'in the old days' I NEVER heard my stomach growl because I grazed all day long.

Please let me know what you think. I was banded on the 8th and the strips are starting to go and just wondering if I should immediately start using mederma (or another product) to try and reduce the scarring?

Amy - great job and thanks for the posts. I always enjoy your perspective and you are just ahead of me so it is nice to 'see what is coming.' I was banded monday 10/08 and am now back to my first day of work. I am down 12 pounds - but am totally prepared to see that slow way down as I am now on mushies. I am not hungry and even the mind cravings have gone down significantly. Although being home m-f and watching TV could kill a person with all of those food commercials!!!! Anyway, this has been amazing for me too - WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG? No pain at all now, I was at the mall all day Friday, did a spa day all day Saturday (the facial lady was really peeved that I didnt want to take off my robe so I told her I had surgery and I think the thought of it just grossed her out - oh well.) Gas is weird and not painful anymore - LIFE IS GOOD!

dont do the hot bath - baths are not allowed as they can impact your incisions.... I have the same issue with the gas although it is getting better every day

Tulip -thanks for the post. We have alot in common. I was banded on Monday (10/08) and I travel ALOT for work as well. My next trip is the 24th and I will be on mushies - so I am nervous but hope it will go well. socal- I will be in India and the Philippines on Nov 9 - exactly a month after my surgery. I will not have my first fill by then but I am still anxious about the whole thing. I eat meat but still worry about the travel. Thanks for the post, it is helpful.

Wow! great job - I hope that I can have the same results in two months!

Thanks for the question and the posts. I was banded on 10/08 and thought about postponing it many timesdue to business travel. I am leaving for NYC in 10 days then in early November I will be going to India and Manilla for about a week. Wish me luck.

I was banded monday 0ct 8 and I am supposed to take a week off. I have not felt like working until today, I probably could go back if necessary. It is so boring at home. This morning I cleaned out my closet and that was extremely motivating!!!

I was banded on the 8th too! I have no real pain except for the GAS!!! The GAS is a pain in the A&$!!! I am not sure what to do at this point.

carrot: it may be different for everyone...I told the dr to add medicine to the IV since I have been known to throw up after surgery. I made it through, no problem. It is a little sore, nothing even worth complaining about. The worst part for me is the sore throat and scratchy throat - I sound like a man! All this and my surgery was just this morning!!!

I was banded this morning and I am feeling really great. I lurk on these boards and the support is really amazing. I am so excited for this new way of life.

It was a breeze. I was at the surgery center by 6:15 and in surgery at 7:40 (early)....I was back to my house by 10:15. So far so good. Thanks for all of your help. Tina p.s. I will write more tomorrow

my surgery date is tomorrow 10-8! My internet is down so sorry for the brief note. I will check in soon. Tina

Too funny - actually my DR was born in India and when I expained my fear of travelling there she said no problem, if something crazy happens they will have no trouble helping me through it! Thanks for all of the advice - I feel better about it.

Today is my final meeting witht the surgeon before my banding on OCT 8. I just want to thank you all for writing on this board, I have read it many times over the past few weeks and I re-read it this morning as I was feeling like I should cancel the whole thing because I am scared that it will not work. Your words got me through this little rough patch and now I am back to knowing that this is the right thing for me. Have a great day

The Dr says this is fine and that I will not have a fill until after I get back, but I am very nervous about travelling 22 hours by plane so close to my surgery date. In addition, I am going to New York on OCT 24, but this seems more doable. -:help: What do you think? Are there any of you out there that travel alot for business and face the same challenges?

nic: According to the Dr., I do not qualify as my bmi of 38 is too "low" unless I do the whole supervised diet thing for 6+months. Additionally, I do not have any co-morbities at this point, so that is just another strike against me. Once I finally sat down with my husband and explained how I really feel about my health, he was fine with the expense and we are both just happy that I can get this done quickly and get on with life. Why are you self-pay?

I posted on the OCT board but will post here as well. I went for my initial consult last TUES! When they told me that I was not going to qualify for insurance pay I had a moment of clarity and just decided to go for it and self pay. As a result, they have scheduled me for OCT 8. This is a very fast turn around for me but I know that if I put this off any longer, I will just come to the same solution but at a higher weight. So, here goes! I love these boards and hope to maintain contact with you all as we move through this journey.

I am joining the team! I am scheduled for surgery on OCT 8 and I am self-pay here in Arizona. I am very nervous but excited at the same time.