DonnaMarie

I am doing well also everyone. Tomorrow I can finally drive cuz I am sick of being home! I am still on the liquids and really not that hungry. I have my moments and I just drink the serving and I am fine. One thing I did learn is the 15 min rule. Wait 15 minutes after eating and you will feel full. It takes that long for the brain to get the signal of feeling full. There have been times I drink my portion and thought sheesh I am still hungry! But I waited and POOF!.. I felt full.. Gas isnt so bad now. I did have the left shoulder collection for a couple of days but that has subsided. I have some fatigue.. dont know if I am not getting enough Water or if I am not getting enough Protein. I see the Doc on friday so I will be on pureed then and can have more protein like eggs and chicken and tuna etc. Just checking in.. I am not getting on a scale until Friday so I will let you know the results 9 days post op. Hugz, Donna Marie

Hey everyone.. I am a new bander.. July 5th.. doing well.. Now.. anyone else having really wierd food dreams??? lol last night I dreamt that my mother and I worked in a bakery that secialized in italian Cookies and gourmet cookies. I am not a big cookie eater but last night I was eating chocolate covered Oreos.. lol Then I woke up and went back to sleep and had this wierd involved dream where my late father was there and I was talking about the band and how excited I was about it. Then I started eating a sub with barbeque chips! lol We went for a ride in the car and my dad got in the car and sat on my Big Mac and I scolded him and ate it anyway.. OMG! I am such a nut. My dreams are always very wierd and I always remember them. So I am sure you will be hearing more from me.. Anyone else experience these?? Donna Marie

Everything you are feeling, I feel too.. no worries and no freaking allowed!! lol I am not really lightheaded but I do have the gas pains and had alot of gas pain in my upper chest and my shoulder. Plus, on that table, you are stretched all out and they are not that gentle with ya girlfriend! They flip you around and position you in different ways. So, early on, there is soreness.. No worries.. HUGZ! Donna :scared:

Hey Paula.. that fuzzy headed feeling will subside. Think about how little calories your body is taking in compared to what you used to eat. You body is saying, "WHOA!".. It gets better. I was banded the same day as Daniella.. 7/5/06.. we can do it! Donna :0)

Hey gang! I am home.. since yesterday and doing very well. Had trouble with the pain meds but now just taking Tylenol and it works fine. I had alot of port pain but today I am just sore. Kinda like a pulled muscle. Can't really bend over good so picking up things is hilarious. I do this "Matrix" leg stretch move to get what I need or to feed the kitties. LOL My diet is liquid.. carnation instant Breakfast, popsicles, Jello, cream of chicken or mushroom Soup (strained), egg drop soup.. I will be on that until I see the doc on the 14th. That is all for now guys.. I feel a nap coming on.. oh yeah did I tell you I am tired??? whew! Hugz, DonnaMarie:p

Congrats! I was also banded on July 5th. I am also feeling well. I am a bit sore but not excruciatingly so. I am a gas bag though.. lol sheesh.. never thought I would publicly say that about myself. LOL I started the Protein drinks and just had a popsicle.. Really not hungry. That is a good thing! Congrats again! DonnaMarie

I am 32 with no children. I was in a LTR and had 2 miscarriages cuz I have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Hard time ovulation and making the egg "stick" .. Now I am single and would love children someday. So banding will help me with that I am sure so I am blessed to have had the surgery.. In fact, just had it 2 days ago! DonnaMarie

Hello everyone.. My surgery is Wednesday.. the 5th and I am so excited. Well and nervous too. :faint: But I know things will go well. I am on this drug that they made me start taking a week prior to surgery. It is supposed to help protect my heart and stuff during surgery. They said they give it to people who have hypertension and or diabetes. I have both.. lucky me.. So my blood pressure is real low and I have been so dizzy and feeling icky.. Today wasn't as bad as yesterday though. So cannot wait! 5th is the day and I am so excited! Wish me luck and I will be amongst the banders! Love, Donna

:clap2: Hey everyone.. I have my surgery date now.. July 11th! Just a couple of appointments before that.. endoscopy etc.. I am very excited. I have put on some weight.. I think alot of it is stress related. I bought my first house! Hee hee! Been busy with that but heard from the surgeon and made all the appointments. This is really happening! Seems like I have waited so darn long. As always I am blessed to have found you guys. You guys are the only ones who REALLY understand.. God Bless! Love, DonnaMarie

I am going to be having my surgery in late July, early August. I know of 2 people who have had the surgery several months ago and they are kinda not losing. Reason is, I think, they are not following the instructions. One lost alot at first and now she is eating more. She should be going to the doctor and getting a fill but she says she "likes to eat" and prefers it the way it is.. but she stopped losing weight. It is almost like she lost quite a bit and is happy even though she has alot more to go to really be healthy. My psychologist told me that you can fix the stomach but you still have to fix the head. It seems like there are many (not all!!) that think the lapband is going to be a quick fix and POOF you are going to lose weight. I am realistic about this and know that I have to get a handle on food and what I put in my mouth if I am going to succeed. I realize that if I seem like I am eating more, off to the Doc I go for a fill! One of my relatives is now concerned that I will not succeed because of these 2 that are ignoring the Doc's orders. BUT, they do not have access to support which I think is extremely important. I have you guys (YAY!) and I also have a support group thru the hospital which is awesome! So to sum up my feelings, I feel that making the right choices are just as important as the surgery itself. Just because we have this band, doesn't mean we can eat whatever we want.. right choices is also the way to go! Thanks for letting me ramble! Donna Marie

Hey everyone! I am officially approved by my insurance.. Now just have to wait until July.. It will be here before I know it. I have to wait because that is when my disability will kick in at work and I will be paid with time off.. wonderful! Soooo I gotta wait.. I have alot to do cuz I just bought my first house so I am moving next month. Hugz, Donna **waiting on surgery in July*

My psychologist pretty much summed it up.. "They are fixing the stomach but NOT fixing the mind".. even though you are banded, you still cannot eat the same kinds of food you used to. My pre surgery classes are drilling into our head the "dumping syndrome".. you really cant have sugar, ice cream, Cookies, cakes, chips, etc etc etc.. it will make the difference between seeing a loss and not. Now, I am not an expert since I am not even banded but this is what they are drilling into our heads early. If you don't eat right with the band, and pick and pick junk food, you are not going to see the results...that is just what I learned.. Donna :0)

Hey everyone! Well I finished all the preliminary stuff to get the surgery. I have to wait on insurance now. My co worker was approved after 2 weeks and she doesn't have any underlying conditions. I have diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol so I shouldn't have any problems. Only thing is, I have to wait until July for the surgery cuz that is when my company disability can pay me full pay for time out. I am single and live alone so I have to rely on that hence the wait. It really sucks but I can do it. I waited this damn long.. I can wait a 4 more months or so.. Just an update.. Hugz, Donna

YAY!! WOO HOO!! *does the happy dance* Hopefully soon I will be able to post the same message. I have already done my psych eval and the nutritionist visit.. all i gotta do is the support group, and the pre op class and I get my date.. They are saying early april! soo YAY!! and I will put you in my prayers for that very special day. The first day of the rest of your life!! How wonderful! Donna

Oh Donna! I so feel your pain! I am doing a 5 day Protein sparing fast.. all I get to eat is 3-3oz servings a day of protein (chicken, beef, turkey, tuna) and 3 cups of broth (beef or chicken) and all the Water and crystal light I can tolerate. This is to show that I can follow instructions and that I am serious about this surgery. I am on day 2 and I am so hungry BUT it is getting easier. Each hour that goes by is easier. I am going to do it and you can too! From one Donna to another!! Good Luck! Donna

Hey everyone! Today I met with my nutritionist and I have to go on a 5 day strict diet to prove that I can follow instructions. Then I have to go and do a urine test so they can find the keytones proving that I did it. lol On March 15, I have to go to a support meeting and then I have my pre op class on March 29th.. then.. (whew!) I will get my surgery date. Pending approval of course. I have United Healthcare and I have diabetes and hypertension so I am sure that I will get approved. They are pretty easy about the band.. Just wanted to give you an update.. I am so excited I could scream.. this is really happening! Hugz, DonnaMarie

Hello everyone.. I haven't been on here in awhile and I am sure some of you have forgotten about me! Sorry! I had a bit of a delay with my Lapband journey due to work scheduling and the holidays but I am soo back on track. So far, I had my appointment with my surgeon and that went well. He thinks I am a good candidate. Yesterday I saw the psychologist and he gave me the go ahead. He is 100% sure I am ready for this process and I have the motivation to succeed. We talked about alot. He said that even though your stomach is smaller, your brain stays the same size. I thought that was very profound and we talked alot about triggers and the reasons why we eat. I have found that I do most of my eating when I am angry (at others or myself) and also when I am bored. He is going to work with me along with the nutritionist to try and change these behaviors. He also said that people with a sweet tooth normally have the most trouble but I don't have that being a diabetic. But I am realistic to say that I am going to have to work hard and this isn't a magic cure. Just a boost.. Anyway, the next thing is I am going to see the nutritionist on Thursday. And then I have to go on a very strict 5 day diet. This is to show my motivation and that I can follow instructions. They are going to test my ketones and then I see the surgeon again. Once that is done, I have a final meeting with the nutritionist and the psychologist together with other patients and I have to have some blood work and an endoscopy. THEN... my surgery date!!!!!!! :clap2: Sorry for being so darn long winded but I feel like sometimes I have no one to talk to about it. I do have friends but they have this crazy idea that I am taking the "easy way" out.. comon.. there is NOTHING easy about this. These are not my close friends saying this so I am not telling anyone else. I am so happy I found you guys and have you guys for support. I am almost there! I am thinking surgery date with be this spring. Hugz, Donnamarie

Hello gang.. I am a newbie.. I went to the seminar and I also had my very first appointment today with the surgeon. He gave me what I need to do before surgery. I have to see a nutritionist and then a psychotherapist so I am not crazy.. LOL Then I have to go on that Protein diet so they can check my ketones. I am so excited I could burst! Once I get all that done and get insurance approval (I have United Heathcare and since I have the correct BMI and I have diabetes that wont be a problem. The Doc said they are the easiest that he deals with) I will see the doc and get my surgery date. Then I have 2 support groups to go to and I am on my way! I am so glad I found all you guys. I am nervous but in the long run know that I am doing the right thing. You will be hearing more from me! Hugz, DonnaMarie:)

Hello everyone.. I finally went to the seminar, the first step in the Lap Band process. I also contacted my insurance and was given a pleasant surprize. The surgery is 100% covered! Also, I don't need a referral. The only qualifiers are BMI of 40, clinically Morbidly Obese, and a psych evaluation which is required by my surgeon anyway. I am soo psyched! I totally qualify and don't really have to jump thru hoops. I sure hope not anyway. :banana Now, on wednesday, I have to go to a support group. And in the next week or 2 I will get the date of my first appointment. YAY! I am very excited about this journey. Although, my significant other is afraid for me. He is afraid something is going to happen to me. I try to explain the procedure to him but he is stubborn. Not sure what is going on there but I feel like he will come around eventually. My mom came with me to the seminar and is very hopefull for me. Of course, she has all the mom worries. Just wanted to give an update. I havent posted in a long time cuz I was waiting for the seminar. Hugz, Donna Marie

Darnit.. cannot get this ticker to work.. *sigh*

this is just a test..

Hello! I am in Groton Connecticut.. the other end of the state. I work in New Haven and plan on getting banded thru St. Raphael's Hospital. I am going to the seminar in early November. Bringing my mom with me for support. I am kinda doing this incognito. Not really telling alot of people. I have lost 15 lbs on my own. But it is so hard. I exercise my butt off and eat healthy and it doesn't help because of this darn insulin resistance. (I am diabetic) Just wanted to say hello and you guys are doing wonderfully! Good Luck and I look forward to reading all your wisdom and you continue this journey! Donna

whoops.. forgot to answer the question about how long at the current job.. for 9 years this past month!

1. What is your name? Donna 2. What color shirt are you wearing? Grey 3. What are you listening to right now? A&E on TV 4. What was the last thing you ate? chicken Noodle Soup 5. Do you wish on stars? Yes 6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Pink 7. How is the weather right now? raining 8. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Mom.. 9. Favorite Sport? Baseball 10. Favorite drink? Crystal Light (I am addicted) 11. hair color? Blonde highlights 12. Eye color? hazel green 13. Siblings?1 brother 14. Favorite month? December 15. Favorite food? Mexican! 16. What was the last movie you saw? Kingdom of Heaven 17. Favorite day of the year! Christmas Day 18. What do you do to vent anger? vent to someone about it 19. What was your favorite toy as a child? my cookie monster doll 20. Summer or winter? winter 21. Hugs or Kisses? kisses 22. Favorite ice cream flavor? chocolate 23. Restaurants or home cooking? home cooking 24. Will everyone care enough to respond? of course! 25. When was the last time you cried? when i watched a show about kids w/cancer 26. What is under your bed? dust, pair of shoes, paranormal book 27. How long have you been a member of Lapband Talk? just started 28. What did you do last night? spent time with my boyfriend 29. What are you afraid of? spiders 30. Favorite car? my new toyota corolla 31. Favorite flower? daisy 32. How many keys on your ring? 9 33. How long have you been at your current job? Since we started the business 1973 34. Favorite day of the week? Saturday 35. What did you do on your birthday? spent time with family.. it is on Xmas eve! 36. How many states have you lived in? 2 37.How many cities/towns have you lived in? 5 38. What is your favorite form of exercise? hiking 39.Your favorite store for bargains? Christmas Tree shop 40. Wasn't this fun? Yes

Hi everyone! My name is Donna and I have decided to pursue Lap band surgery. I have been the given the go ahead by my endocrinologist. I am diabetic. I am 5'8" and weight 285. I have been heavy my whole life. I have tried every diet and what not to no avail. I am an active person and do eat good foods. My endo says that my stupid metabolic issues (insulin resistant) make it very hard to lose weight and he thinks the lap band will be the added boost that I need. But hey, even if it is good food, I still eat too much of it.. LOL I am 31 years old and have decided to do something for myself once. I am glad I found this board. I think you guys will give the support that I need. I am going to the seminar November 9th.. still a ways away but I am patient and will try to stay healthy while I wait. Just wanted to introduce myself.. Donna