1SkinnyChick

This thread was perfect timing for me. Thanks to the starter and the responders. I have a concern that my band is placed too high as well. Fortunately, I do not have any issues swallowing. I can eat as much and anything I choose. I went for my first fill friday, 1/15/10, 4 days ago and the doc performs this under fluoro. The nurse went to position the machine where it should be, stomach area and the band was not visible. The doctor told her to move it up just a bit, that my band was "up a little higher, but still in a good place". This was said before the machine was even lifted. How did he know it was in a good place?! The nurse moved the machine higher to what I believed was still a somewhat reasonable place and they still did not see the band. Finally the doctor moved the machine up very high and had me turn slightly at the waist and they were able to see the band. At my pre-op I'd asked the doctor why I felt something (didn't know what) other than the port this high up on my stomach. He assured me it was my port and probably swelling. (this was 24 days post-op). I knew then it was my band. I got the fill, 3ccs, which after doing the barium swallow the doctor said the band would be very tight. It is not tight at all. I feel no fullness. I really don't know what my next step should be. Should I just try to get another fill and see how it goes or should I raise hell now?

I went back Day-5 to my desk job. I felt a lot better than being at home laying around with limited walking space.

I was looking everywhere for our HappyMe to see how things went. Finally figured out how to find all your posts. I'm sorry your experience was uneventful but glad you're home and getting better!

best of luck, NurseJojo, You're going to do beautifully!!!

:thumbup: Only hours ago I read a whole slew of warnings about not vomiting post-op. Danger Averted. THIS TIME! but I can't figure out why i was going to. I am 4 days post-op, on the full liquids diet. I hadn't had anything to eat or drink the entire day except water before this incident. I sipped, slowly, because it was very hot 1 cup of chicken broth. I didn't feel any fullness or anything in my pouch, so there was no stuck feeling. If anything I was still hungry. 15 minutes after sipping my mouth started to do the pre-vomit watering. In the past lemon juice has helped me get past this, fortunately I was able to get to a packet of True Lemon which worked. Why did this happen? It's terrifying when I'm trying to do everything right.

There are more than 100 of us December Delights, please join us.... Here's the link: LAP-BAND Also search the pre-op board for December 2009 Bandsters. Lot's of great info and great people.

KarynA, Thanks for posting that. I Was seriously considering doing a few minutes on the Wii Fit step program. I knew it wasn't a great idea, but I didn't think it could hurt. Clearly, it can. I'm sure the worst part of the experience was having to admit hubby was right. :thumbup: Melinco- the prescription may not be a bad idea. i had not felt nauseas(spelling) at all until 5 minutes after removing that patch. I'd convinced myself it was just in my head, but maybe i do really still need the patch. i'm gonna ask my doc when I speak with him this afternoon.

great job with the not smoking thing! i know how hard that was for you. your HARD work paid off with the earlier band date. congrats!

i love my wii fit. lost 40 pounds with that sucker and strict protein and veggies diet. gained it all back. thank good ness for my band! can't wait to be cleared back to workout on the wii. i asked santa for the wii fit plus and the pink accessories. i've been a good girl. i should get it.

Those were the warning signs my doc and nurses made me swear to call and report. The cough and lung discomfort should be reported according to my med team. Have you done the incentive breathing exercises? They are supposed to ward off pneumonia and other lung problems. I would call my doctor. Please let everyone know how you're doing.

Thats exactly what has helped me. Patting my chest, stomach and back to get the gas moving. It seems to work better for me than walking. Hot sipping is really helpful. The gas pain is going away however. Oh, and heat pack. I slept with the heatpack on my port site. That was a great relief.

Hi, How did everything go? I'm scheduled with Dr. Elli on the 4th. Getting nervous.

Good luck. Safe travels and happy banding!!!

Congratulations Electrawoman, I'm sure everyone is glad to hear you had a good experience. A lot of people were praying for you.

Most of us December Bandsters struggled through Thanksgiving on liquid diets. Christmas will be a little easier since there are more activities than eating. If you havn't already checked it out there are a few other December Bandster threads that have good prep info. The posters in the group have promised to give regular updates. very supportive community.

Hi! Looks like quite a few of us share the same band date. The 4th here as well. Please join the group and see how many others share our date or week. Here's the link: LAP-BAND

I love it!

Yeah!!!! What she said!!!!

I'm hoping I can have it again. Rice is my absolute favorite food in the world and it's on a quite a few bandsters' no-can-do list, so fingers crossed. Anywho, I just sipped my chicken broth and pretended it was chipotle. Wasn't so bad. :thumbup:

I'd planned my "last meal" of chipotle burrito bol tonight, but went in for my pre-op this morning and they moved my surgey date up. Liquid diet starts today. lol. I love my luck.

I was pretty lost, as well. I did a search on "lists" in the forum and foind a lot of info about the things you mentioned above. I was not told of many of these things, either, and my only appointment left before surgery is for a chest x-ray. I am now searching the boards every day for anything else anyone suggests. So far, I have: sippy cups - to prevent gulping water toddler silverware - portion control toddler dishes - helpful with travelling with mushy foods. gas-x strips - apparently during surgery we're pumped with air and the gas can be painful. chewable vitamins - swallowing pills is discouraged liquid pain reliever magic bullet - or other smaller blender for liquids only stage food processor - for pureeing, apparently blenders liquify too much protein drinks - to ensure enough protein, protein helps heal protein bullets- shots of protein costco? baby food - jury's still out, i'd rather puree my own calcium chews shot glass - for measuring, this is 1 ounce heating pad - comfort for chest/gas pains wedge pillow - some have trouble laying flat stomach binder - no idea what or why ice trays - to freeze puree, portion control miralax - for constipation, to make it easier to GO campbells cheese soup - cause i looooove cheese Did we ever start our December Group?

I have Dr. Elli. I met Dr. Meyers, though, and my friend was banded by him. He is great. Very patient. Skilled. I haven't had to pay a thing, either, and I know BCBS-IL was horrible about approving before, but the process is so easy now. I highly encourage anyone who was scared off before to try again now. Day One's staff should also be commended for their hard work and thoroughness. That goes a long way in approval as well. I have had several visits, and as you said I only had to pay co-pay. 20.00 for Surgeon Consult 20.00 for Psysch Eval and I'm sure another 20.00 for pre-op testing. I even saw the dietician there at no cost to me. They bill the insurance. If BCBS-IL pays, great, if not, Day One will not charge me. I think they have a great program. 3 visits and BOOM. approved.

My approval was easy breezy. I agree with someone above who said it was lilely the surgeon's office error. BCBS-IL has changed their guidelines and it is a pretty easy process. I was approved in less than two weeks after my paperwork was submitted.

I was YAYing too much. My new date is December 9th. I was really hoping for the 7th. I'd gotten all prepared. I'm a little bummed. I know it's only 2 days, but still....

It works!!! Congrats on the 7 lbs!:w00t: