CynthiaMcC

You also may want to consider Biotin, it is a vitamin, can get it at Target, Walgreens, etc. I saw a noticable improvement with my hair after a few weeks, and as a bonus, my fingernails look terrific and are much, much stronger than pre-surgery.

Congratulations!

You'll do great, it sounds like you have a good plan in place. While every doctor has a different plan, I'd suggest doing some homework now to see what you can eat when and then plan the menu around that. For example, I could eat certain crackers at three weeks so plan on crackers with a very soft cheese, etc. I'd definitely suggest a Soup course, there are a ton of wonderful fall creamy Soups that can be low fat and filling. While you probably won't be ready for turkey, you can make several sides that are band friendly, such as mashed potatoes (or even mashed cauliflower), roasted carrots, cranberry sauce. I think you will be surprised at how easy it will be, you will not be as hungry as you think. I, too, only told a few people about the surgery. I simply said I was recovering from the flu for the first few weeks when people asked why I was not eating much. Good luck and enjoy!

Yes, I do have a desk job, and a short commute, so it was pretty easy ...

I understand your concerns ... I decided to tell my boss and my assistant. My boss because I was concerned that if something went wrong and I was out longer than expected, I did not want to explain then. And, my assistant because I know she would be concerned with the doctor's appointments, etc. I had surgery on Friday, was back for a 1/2 day on Monday, then all day on Tuesday. I told others who asked that I had the flu, it was flu season and no one asked any questions. Good luck to you, whatever decision you make will be the right one for you.

Yes! For me, it is the week after my period ... very noticeable difference ... loosens up the week of, then very tight, then back "normal." I've been tracking it for about 3 months now ...

Congratulations! You look great!

You know, I have ... my last fill was at the end of May and I was tight, then injured myself (torn ligaments in my ankle) and chalked the tightness up to that and TOM, it got better for a few weeks, then bad again ... however, I've got a doctor's appointment tomorrow and think I am going to ask for a slight unfill. I am thrilled with the weight loss, but have definitely been struggling with food. Yesterday I think I got stuck on soup and had a miserable night. Today is still bad and I can only get small amounts of fluid down. I've had acid reflux for the first time in my life and, at this point, would rather lose a bit slower and be healthier. Who knows, I may regret it ...

Hi there -- The decision to be banded is not an easy one, nor should it be, since it is a major lifestyle change. In fact, it took me a few tries before I made it to the seminar, then quite some time to fill out the paperwork for the initial appointment, and then to go to that first appointment. HOWEVER, I think those delays were actually very helpful. It gave me time to try (again) to lose weight on my own and it gave me time to really think it through. By the time I was in the surgeon's office I was committed and ready ... I have not looked back and, now, 6 months later, think that getting banded was one of the best things I could have done for myself. Good luck to you on your journey. Cynthia

I've done a series of small rewards along the journey ... new haircut and highlights when I hit 50 pounds, a braclet I've wanted for a few years when I hit the half way point so far ... coming up when I hit onederland will be a little shopping spree (definitely needed since it should be in a few weeks and my clothes are hanging off of me) ... not sure what I will do when I hit 100 pounds lost and when I hit goal, but it will be something good.

Congratulations on reaching the half way point ... terrific accomplishment!

Congratulations on hitting onederland!

Hi Ann -- I'd be interested in walking ... with a caveat, I sprained my ankle 9 weeks ago and found out yesterday that I have some torn ligaments, so assuming my doc does not think I need surgery or continued restricted activities, I am up for it. Since the sprain, I have not been working out much and need the activity. I should know the outcome on Thursday. I work downtown and live in Lafayette Square. Cynthia

Hi -- I've noticed over the last 2 months that I become extremely tight for about a week after my period ... has anyone else experienced? I went off the pill about 6 months ago and am considering going back on ... any advice? It is driving me nuts that one day I can eat something and the next day Water can be painful. Thanks. Cynthia

Thanks, everyone. Please do not get me wrong, I do love the band, and am happy to put up with some tightness. I was just surprised by difference from week to week.

I am so very sorry. Losing a pet is like losing a family member, please give yourself time to grieve.

I was banded on Friday and driving on Monday. I only took RX pain meds at night for the first week so I felt comfortable driving to and from work.

Hi -- My anniversary was the first, I am at about 54 pounds. I have had three fills, skipped the fourth. I think I am at about 6 cc in a 10 cc band. Cynthia

Yes, I went in last week and discussed it with my doctor. We decided to wait a month ... I had lost 11 pounds in a month and was getting stuck pretty often, plus had sprained my ankle and was not working out. We agreed it would be better not to push it, but to focus on eating well, exercising, etc. Good luck to you. Cynthia

I have not talked to my doctor, but am scheduled for a fill next week and was going to call the office. It does not happen everytime, but almost everytime. I've been paying particular attention to what I am eating, but that does not seem to matter. Ice cream headache is a good description, very intense and sudden. I feel a little less crazy now ...

I've also found him to be quiet and reserved, but he has never seemed bothered by my questions, and I tend to be on the assertive side. He did his own seminar that I attended at the Webster Surgical Center. I had to change my surgery date at the last minute due to work and he was very accomdating. Now, regarding St. Alexius, I also live near there so I was fine with the neighborhood, but found the staff to be hit or miss. The OR, pre and post op, nurses were great, and I was there on the day of a major blizzard and people were calling in like crazy. However, the nurses on the unit seemed disinterested and bored. I was out of surgery about an hour and needed to go the bathroom, we called them and no answer and a friend went to check with them, we were not sure if I was in any shape to climb out of bed and walk to the bathroom ... they said go ahead. Now, I am not a healthcare professional, but I was at a huge risk of a fall, still slightly doped up, tied to three IV lines and I was suppose to get out of bed and walk across the room? All was well, but that was a sign of things to come. No communication, no one ever proactively checked in, aside from a chaplain, and I had to be very proactive for pain, and anti-nausea meds. Other patients were literally screaming for hours, an elderly man who kept screaming "I Sh*t myself. I am sorry, I won't do it again. Please help." And an elderly woman was also screaming. I am not saying their needs were not addressed, they may have been, but the screaming continued at length. The next day, I was jumping out of my skin ready to go home. A nurse came in with instructions that were completely different than what I had been told, and when I asked Dr. Wagner, he said those were instructions for bypass patients. Finally, on the admin side, they were just as bad, I received my forms for the pre op visit a week after surgery, was told to arrive a half hour before the hospital opened, and this just in, was turned over to a collection agency asking for $3700 ... which was the discount negotiated by the insurance company off the procedure. Sarah in Dr. Wagner's office was furious to hear about it and is handling the issue. So, all said, this procedure was the best thing I have done. I would not willing go back to the hospital, but would certainly go to Dr. Wagner.

I was banded by Dr. Wagner in February. Insurance paid, but there was no mention of a program fee. Overall, good experience. His staff is great, very helpful.

Has anyone noticed that they "feel" their fill a few days later? I received my 3rd fill on Friday morning and followed the restricted diet, however, I noticed yesterday that I felt a lot tighter than I had the previous day(s). Last night I woke up in the middle of the night, drank some Water (which is very normal for me) and immediately felt "full," almost to the point of being stuck. Then this morning, I was rushed so just grabbed a Slimfast Optima and feel very full with it and have been sipping it for an hour. With a long weekend coming up, I am concerned if this is a trend and am wondering if anyone has experienced this. Thanks.

Thanks, glad it is not in my head. I have not PB'ed yet, but have been sticking to mushy food. I'll just be careful and hope to see the impact on the scale!

I've noticed that I've been losing my hair too. I have thick hair so it is not noticable, but I am concerned. I've been trying to up my protein, be vigiliant about vitamins, etc. I'm just hoping it goes away soon!