justmel1957

I think you will find that it will make a huge difference. It sure did for me! No more fear of that scary night-time reflux! It is wonderful.

What kind of hernia repair? There are different types. I had a hiatal hernia repiar w/ my banding and I am as thrilled with that, as I am the band. It always gave me such terrible reflux. I am delighted that it has been repaired. Easy recovery. I was back to work in 5 days. No problem.

I fly alot for work, and was able to feel good while traveling about 2 weeks post op. At 3 weeks I felt great. I am at 4 weeks post op now and feel completely normal. I would definately discuss with my healthcare providers and see what they recommend/allow. My Dr. wouldn't let me fly for the first 10 days.

I too have Federal BCBS and had surgery May 7th. I did receive an letter of "approval" before surgery, but now am wondering if it was not really an "approval" after all. You have me worried. When did you have your surgery? I had a BMI of 37 but with severe reflux, back pain, joint pain, etc. He also repaired a large hiatal hernia on me too. Keep me posted. I will be anxious to see how we both fare.........

Here's another option. It requires batteries, but doesa great job of mixing those powders: Product Detail - Tornado Mixer Set of 4 Hand-Held Portable Mixers=

I took a week off but could have returned sooner if my doc had allowed me to drive. He insists no driving for a week to 10 days. Saw him today for my first post op visit and am doing great. (banded 5-7). Loss of 8 pounds YIPPEE

I too had the HH repair and was thrilled to have it done. It has caused and aggravated so many problems in the past for us such as GERD. I was as excited about that as the band.

Yippee! My biopsies turned out negative and I am breathing a huge sigh of relief. Now I can focus on other things. Went back to work yesterday and was exhausted by the time I got home, but did pretty well. Issues with my bowels, either too loose, or not at all, but am figuring out the best plan of action on that issue. Haven't had much of an appetite just yet, but am getting plenty of fluids, just not enough protein yet. Will focus on that after I see the MD on Monday. My biggest and wierdest complaint is my legs. They aren't really painful. No red sreaks, or swelling or anything like that, but just "restless". I find I can only sit in certain chairs, and am fine when I'm up and walking. During the night I sleep fine with no symptoms. Anyone else experience this?

Glad every one is doing OK. I was banded the 7th and spent the night in the hospital. That experience was not good to say the least. My room mate was an elderly woman who was from the behavioral unit and was very irritating to say the least. I know she couldn't help it, but why in the world would they put us together when there were other rooms open. My nursing care lacked a lot to be desired as well. Good thing I'm a nurse or I wouldn't have a clue as to what to do post op, etc....... Now that I'm home I'm progressing pretty well. I see the Dr the 19th and get the results of a node biopsy he removed while in there. It was enlarged which is worrisome. Just hope its the result of my having a "bug " a week or so pre-surgery. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Don't have much of an appetite yet, and the pain is Ok except for the neck/shoulder pain which could either be gas or from the node removal or hiatal hernia repair. Not sure. Will return to work by Thursday for sure. Good luck to those going this week........... Mel

My doctor gives the option of having a vena cava filter inserted as a prevetative measure in regards to clot formation. The filter would "catch" the clots before they reached your heart/lungs. My rationing for not doing it was that my BMI wasn't that high, and I can easily ambulate and have no risk factors. And am a very compliant person. Now, I'm wondering if I should have had it done...........

Just checking in.......... I was banded Wednesday: spent the nite in the hospital and have done pretty well I think. Clear liquids day 1-4, and today started full liquids (for 10 days). The doctor also repaired a large hiatal hernia while he was in there, and also said I had some enlarged lymph nodes, which he removed for biopsy to be sure nothing wierd was going on there. I'm hoping it was just due to the fact that I had a virus the week before surgery and nothing serious. I'm a little concerned about that. I've been ambulating as instructed but am concerned about clots. I decided against the filter, which, now I wish I had done. My legs feel a little wierd, but not red, swollen or painful. Maybe I'm just overly worried. My post pain is mostly from the the removal of the node and hernia repair. The incisions aren't bad at all. Wish me luck on the biopsy reports. I'm anxious to get back to the office and find out the results. Good luck to the rest of the May group..........

I was banded May 7th and my doctor requires 20 days of once daily Lovenox injections. They aren't bad. Better than the risk of a clot.

LOL! It's not original..............think I heard it on some movie.....can't remember what. had my last MD visit yesterday........... this time tomorrow, I will be "under the influence" with not a care in the world-LOL YIPEE

Doubts, fears, uncertainties? Sure.............I'm 48 hours away and am having all those thoughts, but know deep down that I want this and can do it. I think it's just like any other major life decision........sometimes you just gotta jump off and build your wings on the way down! (or up??) HA

I'm May 7th as well...............and I too am getting a bit nervous. Not about the surgery itself..........just everything that comes "after". Have my hospital pre-op visit today and that's it. Good luck to everyone who has their date this week..........

I'm sure we'll all do fine, its kinda like getting married........the cold feet syndrome! LOL For me, I'm fine with the procedure itself, its the "after-stuff" that weighs on my mind. Like, will I PB in a restaurant in public with everyone staring at me? Will I go to a function and stick out like a sore thumb because I dare not eat whats being served for fear I cant get it down? I have middle eastern friends I travel to see in Paris and refusing food when you are in their home, is considered rude. How do I handle that?

Southern Illinois, but having my band done in Paducah, KY

I'm also May 7th!

I love it too!

gmechele: I think we are all a little nervous. And I think we should be. This is something that none of us take lightly and I know we've all put a lot of thought into this. But.....with that nervousness comes a great deal of excitement!! It's a new beginning and a new journey into territory we've never been to before. We can read and chat with others who have gone before us, but each one of us is different and our journey will be OUR journey. Unlike anyone else's. Naturally we have a lot in common, but each of our bodies and minds will all react or act a little different to the next persons. Good luck to you.......I know you'll do fine. Just think, this time NEXT year we'll look great and be so glad we took that step! :wink2:

Absolutely! I too have been having trouble letting go of my fav foods and enjoying the last supper thing! I have to go on a 30 day liver shrinkage diet which is going to be sooooo hard for me! He requires a diet that has NO salt, NO fat, NO sugar for 30 days to shrink the liver for surgery. It will require cooking in ways I never have and carrying food with me all the time that meet these requirements. The no fat, I can live with. The no sugar I can deal with! But the NO sodium is insane. Anything in a can or prepared is loaded with sodium. I travel for work quite a bit and just don't know how I am going to do this......... The PA told me (and she said if I said she said this she would deny it) not to worry about being that strict. Because my BMI is lower (36) if I would lose 5 pounds she would be happy. But, that PA no longer works at my Dr's office. I'm dreading this more than any other part of the process.

Yes I am close to you and I travel to E'ville fairly often. I work for the VA and travel to the E'ville clinic there. It's nice to meet someone close by.

May 7th is my date! Finally! I've been "in process" for about a year. Ready to get rolling......having it done in Paducah, KY. Dr. Argotte. I expect to be a slow loser. BMI of 37. But as long as I'm losing, even if it takes me a year, I will be happy. Looking forward to swimsuit weather NEXT year! LOL

Good question. I too would be interested in any replies. I should be scheduled soon-hoping for March. BMI of 37. I just saw a friend of mine who had the bypass surgery. Has lost 100 plus pounds. She has been obese since her teens (40 years). I was shocked and how loose her face skin appeared, especially under her eyes. I'm hoping will only about 70 pounds to lose, it won't be nearly as bad!

well, looks like i'm about ready for a surgery date. just heard my insurance will approve it (BMI 36) so am just waiting for what i need to do next. hoping for a march date.