meggs353

Good luck! You'll do great!

Good luck guys! Let us know how you do!

I choose lap band because the surgery itself is much safer. I was willing to go under the knife for my health, but I wasn't willing to risk my life. Lap band can have a higher risk of (non-life threatening) complications post-surgery, but a lot of that can be reduced by having diligent follow up with your surgeon and following all of the band rules (eg, chew thoroughly, take small bites, eat slowly). Being just a few days post-surgery now, I'm so glad I didn't have a more invasive procedure because that recovery would be much harder. Also, when I went to the info session at my hospital, the surgeon showed data that lap-band and gastric bypass patients have similar weight-loss long term, but sleeve patients have worse outcomes and gain more weight back because they can stretch the sleeve out, even to the size of their old stomach.

My doc gave me a script for a pain killer in the Vicodin family. We had to fill it at the hospital since it's a liquid that most pharmacies don't carry. So far I've used it the 2 nights after surgery. During the day I've been taking 1000mg of Tylenol every 4 hours. I'm only 2 days post op, but I'm noticing the pain lessen each day.

Congrats on the 1st day back to work Briefs!

Hi Keeper, 1 day post-op now and physically I'm okay. I've been taking 1000mg of Tylenol every 4 hours, and that helps. I have soreness in my belly, and along my chest, back and shoulder from the gas pains. I was taking gas-x yesterday but then I read gas-x doesn't help bc the gas is pumped in your abdominal cavity not your stomach. Walking and a heating pad on my shoulder have helped though. I don't have any appetite, I've just just been sipping a lot clear liquids. I got down 1 protein shake yesterday, and 1 today, but that's it. Mentally I am looking forward to feeling better, and looking forward to eating real food again (eventually). Hoping I'll get at least 2 protein shakes in, in the days to come.

The time has come - surgery tomorrow! (Nov 11, 2014) Looking back, the 2-weeks pre-op flew by. Can't believe that's done already. I hope to look back at the 20 days post-op transitioning to real food the same way... (Gosh, I can't wait to eat real food again!) Also hoping when I look back at the months to come, figuring out the band, getting fills/unfills, finding the green zone, etc, it will feel like it flew by! Pretty soon, this will all be a memory, just gotta get there. Feeling pretty nervous about starting this new life, very scary, but no looking back now! It's so nice to have a community of people who are going through this and have gone through this and know the same thoughts and fears. It's also great to hear from people 1 year out and more who are doing well and give me hope for success! Good luck to anyone having a band tomorrow!

Thanks all! Now entering my first day post-recovery. So glad to be on the other side and start my new journey (first recovery, then band life). I'm 29 years old (single), so my parents have gratuitously stayed with me, so I'm living as a kid again for a few days

Banding complete! I survived yesterday was tough with lots of gas pain, but I walked every few hours as instructed. Just starting today and finally passing some of this gas, so I think that's a good sign! Good luck to the upcoming bandsters!

Getting banded today

My dr told me the reason for not drinking while eating is bc it puts you at risk for throwing up if the food hasn't passed through the band yet. She said it's not bc of the thought that it "washes the food out". I've definitely read that in a lot of places (and my nutritionist said it too - contradicting the dr), but wanted to share what my doc told me. (I'm listening to my doc over my nut). If this is true, then as long as drinking while eating doesn't make you puke then you should be okay. You can see what your doc thinks about it too! I would also say to listen to how your body feels: does it make you feel sick? are you more hungry? are you losing weight? That can also guide you towards good behaviors.

Hi Keeper - did your doc give you any instructions? Every surgeon/hospital is different but you should follow the plan given to you. If you don't have a plan and you're worried, feel free to call your doc and talk it through. Many people are on a 1-3 week high protein, low card diet to shrink and defat the liver before surgery.

As I've been reading the forums, I've noticed that a period without losing weight (I've always know this as a plateau) is called a stall. Why the terminology change? A plateau is a long, level piece of land - seems like a good enough analogy for when your weight levels off for a period of time. Thanks for the help.

I've been doing good! Down 9 lbs. can't say I've enjoyed pre-op, but it's bearable. I've been so busy with work and volunteering that I haven't had time to think about being hungry. Some days I only got 4 of 5 shakes in because I was getting home so late. I'm off from work on Monday to do final errands, (surgery on Tues!) then I'm off from work for a week. I'm so looking forward to the time off, even though I will be in recovery! I need a break. Hope everyone else is doing well too!

Hang in there! I'm getting banded on Tues the 11th and I had second thoughts too. It *is* scary. But I see how successful people are with WLS and I want that too. Just review all the reasons why you decided to this. And then think about the things that scare you and what you can do about them: if you have pain after surgery you can work with your Dr to get meds (plus I hear walking is great); if you're not success after surgery, meet with your Dr / nutritionist / psychologist to discuss why, and make a plan to get on track, or visit these boards for support and advice. If you miss certain foods, it might stink, but you can work on finding foods that you can eat that you love, and remember it's worth it. It won't be an easy journey it doesn't have to be an impossible one. Good luck!!

Congrats!

My dr's office gave me a sheet with band tips. One was that the band can get tight on planes and they recommend not eating solids before, during or shortly after the flight. I have a 6 hr flight from NY to Cali 3 weeks after surgery. I'm concerned bc you can't bring liquids through security so I can't bring my Protein shakes. Does anyone banded have experience flying? Do you skip eating food on the flight? Where do you buy the liquids? For this flight I can probably find *something* at an NYC or San Fran airport, but I worry if I travel somewhere more remote I won't have anything decent to drink to fill me up for a long period. Looking for some advice and experience! Thanks, Meghan

Thanks all for the feedback! Sounds like everyone's band is different. It's better to be safe than sorry, so I'm grateful to hear all experiences.

Thanks for the great experience tips Kitt! Very helpful. Good to know it's worthwhile to take it easy on the band while traveling.

Thanks for the tips! I just re-read my instructions and it actually says a "generally clear liquid diet" before, during and a few hours after. Does Water with Protein powder count as clear? (Probably not...) Does anyone know any clear Protein drinks? Maybe as long as the powder is well diluted, or I drink I thin shake (if I get medical approval for it), I would be fine. They suggest this to avoid getting stuck, throwing up, etc while traveling and not being able to get Fluid out of the band. Seems like pretty safe advice.

My surgery is planned for Nov 11. So far I've told all my friends, all my family, and my small team of co-workers (there's only 10 of us in the office!) I've found it very liberating and motivating. Everyone has been so happy and supportive of me. I feel like I have this great support network now. I was a little embarrassed to admit I was getting surgery, but I have no regrets about sharing. I only told close family and a few friends while I was deciding, but once surgery was scheduled I was open. Now it's nice, people at work check in on me, and ask questions. I can tell everyone just wants the best.

Thanks for the update Liz! I'll look out for a new meeting. I agrees it's a totally gross day, most people probably wouldn't want to come!

Clever Elizabeth. I decided to tell people at work (there are only 10 people in my office though!). I've seen threads with people discussing who they told, and it seems most people don't share. I've shared with all of my friends, my family, and coworkers. It was a little embarassing, but for me it was very liberating. And I'm really lucky bc 100% of the people have been supportive. You definitely know the people in your life, and I don't mean to say you should say something or not, just wanted share my experience.

That's great! It's amazing to meet so many people going to the same practice! I am 3 days into pre-op. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. It's not great, but I thought it would be *horrible*. I've been using the GNC Total Lean shakes that the nutritionist recommended. They're really good. They sell a similar formula in a powder and it's really gross, so I stick with the ready-made ones. I ordered a ton online! We need 5 a day pre op for 2 weeks (depending the brand, but most are 5), then at least 2 a day post op for 10 days. It's over 100 shakes. Can't wait to see how everyone does, and I'm glad I found out about the support group. I can't attend this week, but I'm looking forward to future meetings

I have not been banded yet, but from what I've been reading you may only need a small fill at first. Then as you lose weight, the band might get looser and you'll need more fills. Good luck!