mousecrazy

Thanks for starting this thread, because if you didn't I would have! I am 2 days post-op and the only real pain I have is from gas! Well, at least I knew what to expect,f rom reading here, but I didn't really think it owuld be as painful as it is! I am following all of your advice, too...walking, Gaviscon, heating pad, repeat...just waiting it out. The port incision/location is the most sore, but that makes sense. Thanks to everyone; your answerw are reassuring! Cindy

I love Maine! We have gone there the last two summers for vacation...not this year, but it's been a different kind of summer. So, Band Buddy, we are on the edge of the cliff! My surgery is one hour after yours...8:30! Good luck, I'll say a little prayer for you. Cindy

I'm glad you are doing well. Follow the dr.'s orders; rest, walk, rest. Thinking about you and wishing you the best! Cindy

Hang in there, Ruthie...I just finished a 5 month hospitalization with my mom. I was away from my family for 3 weeks, and it seemed like forever...but I agree with Chunk. Enjoy eing there for your mother now and eat as healthily as you can. Keep your eyes on the big picture, long term. This is a big old speedbump, and we're bound to run into them here and there. It's how you navigate them that makes the difference. ((((hug)))) Cindy

I figured the bra line would be a problem (well, not for the guys!), and the waist would be a problem, so probably somewhere between navel and ribs is the best place...I just kind wanted mine on the right side of me, rather than the left. That should be okay. Thanks everyone for getting "port-personal" with me! Cindy

Try painting your house! I'm painting my daughter's room, and it kept me occupied all day! Now, I'm sore and my arm aches, but I didn't eat, just protein shakes and water, and a nice little dinner (I'm allowed that in pre-op...don't know why there are so many different ones). A little prayer never hurts, either.

Hi, Ruthie! I'm a scrapbooker, too, and love it when I have time...a North Texas Bandster group would be great...let's see what we can do!

If anyone understand how exciting it is to get approved, we do! Congratulations! (I usually tell people my approval was embarrassingly easy...I think they might have stamped, "It's about time!" on my paperwork! Good luck, Cindy

Good luck, Colleen! I'm sure it will work...you have to work pretty hard to defeat it. My doctor did tell a funny story about someone (no names mentioned!) who drank cake batter! Cindy

Anwyn, I hadn't thought of it as nesting, but I guess I am. I am trying to finish painting my daughter's room before Thursday, so we can get her furniture back in there and out of my way! I'm also working on the laundry, because there are just those fave clothes that are soft and comfy and I want them ready to wear! I'm having my surgery at the Surgery Center of Fort Worth, which is really more in North Richland Hills or Hurst. Dr. Marsden is my surgeon. I agree that it is nice to talk to someone when you want to find out more and get some "atta girls"! Cindy

Thanks for the info, Soonergirl. I am pretty sure the dr. said he'd ask us where we wanted it, but they throw so much info at you, I can't be sure! Now that you mention is, the other two people who have shown my their ports had them on the left side, too.

Go to General Lap Band Discussion...there's a sticky note post, I think it's the 2nd one, called Before and After Pictures....have fun!

Niecie, well, you are being banded one day before me, so I can't answer about pain...put that in the search feature, and see what you come up with...what I've read here is that it seems to be pretty individual...some people were wiped out for a week, and some were shopping the next day. I'm just hoping for something in between!:laugh All the luck in the world with your surgery! Glad you found this site, it has been immensely helpful to me! Cindy

Just signed your guestbook! You did a great job, and I am envious, because I want to learn how to do it, too...I can see you took a lot of time with it. I like the black background and the bright colors! Good job! Cindy

I knew I'd think of another question...I'm probably just hounding ya'll to death! Could you give me some ideas of why you chose the location of your port? Left side, right side, high, low, etc? I'm going to have to tell the surgeon where I want it, and I am not sure..... Port stories, anyone? Thanks in advance, Cindy

Chris S, that's what I usually do...I bought a digital scale (guess I'll sell the other on Ebay), so I'm set. sometimes weighing every day makes me crazy, but I probably won't be able to help myself! You have done great!!!!!! I was reading your stats, and you are at the goal weight I have set for myself...thanks for visiting here and posting even two years out from your surgery. You inspire me, and other, too, I'm sure! Of course, I'm kinda new, and they probably know you already...thanks! Cindy

Go for it! It isn't hard at all...if you're crafty! I'll let you decide which definition of the word applies best here.....Cindy

Hi, Ann! First, welcome! Second, congratulations! We are starting out at approx. the same weight...but you've lost quite a lot since your starting weight, so you're further along than I am. You'll love reading and learning here, and the support is tremendous! My pre-op doesn't sound as strict as a lot of other people...I can have fruit and oatmeal for breakfast, then a protein drink, then 1 serving protein and 1 serving green vegetable for dinner, and another protein drink. I am doing different things...like somedays I have had the pro drink for breakfast, tomato and egg for lunch, and pro drink for dinner, etc. I am losing weight, but want to wait til surgery pre-weight before I change my ticker! Glad to have you with us! Cindy

We were talking about this in another thread somewhere, so I looked at different websites, and jeez! They were wanting $50 t0 $70 dollars for the cute ones! In stainless steel. I don't even want to talk about the gold ones. Sooooo, I ordered just the tag ($10). I went to the craft store and got some lobster claw clasps, some beading wire and some stretchy plastic, already had some cool beads (husband collected them for a while) and made my own cool bracelets! They have a lobster claw on each end, so they will clip onto the tag on both sides. Once you figure out what you want on them, it doesn't take long, but I suggest you read about how to fasten the clasps on, so they will stay fastened. I just bought a beading instruction book at the same craft store. I do think it would be a good idea to wear one, but if you are discreet about your surgery, then I don't know what you would do. I'm kinda boastful about having a lapband, so it doesn't bother me to flaunt a pretty bracelet! Thought someone might get inspiration from this idea. Cindy

Hey all of us July banders! There are so many! I just want to say good luck to everyone, and I will be eagerly watching the boards for news of your surgery and progress! I am proud of everyone for being brave and courageous, and for keeping such great attitudes! Hugs to all, Cindy

Like the others, I think you have to make the decision that fits your personality. Myself, I'm an open book about lots of things, not everything. Lapband surgery is one of the things I have been very open about; and have had nothing but good wishes and encouragement. My situation might be different, too. I have worked with the same teachers for 20 years or so...yes, there are a few new ones here and there, but mostly, the same crew, kinda like a dysfunctional family. So, if I tried to keep a secret like that, it would soon be out anyway. Also, I have found when I can tell others about something, they respect it, and I have even helped some people to learn about subjects they were previously uneducated about. On the other hand, I would never be offended if someone kept their surgery secret. You do what you think is right for you. My 2 cents (but I usually throw in 1 more for good measure!) Cindy

Thanks, gals! I doubt I'll weight myself for about a week after surgery...4 days away now! I appreciate all the help, as always!

Yipee, Katerzz! It's probably not practical, but I think you should get a few things in your new size. I say you've earned it! I like Walmart, Target...and how about eBay? I sell stuff there sometimes, and I buy from there, but you do need to knowy our measurements, because that's the only way to check the size of the clothes. I know you are thrilled! Way to go! Cindy

HI Lovecats85! I drive through Coppell, too, on my infamous commute to work. I like the idea of a North Texas Bandsters club...although my husband calls us the "lapdancers!" It cracks me up, but hope it doesn't offend anybody. I'm certainly no lapdancer, in the usual sense of the word! I get banded this Friday by Dr. Marsden. He's really great! Cindy

I was just wondering, do they weigh you right before surgery? I've been on this pre-op diet, and want an "official" surgery weight. I guess it's a trivial question, but I figure someone here knows the drill. I think I have a few other questions, too, but I'll get to those later! Thanks in advance, Cindy