NormaRae

Rose, You are so much braver than I was. I knew some of my family would be against it so I did not tell them until yesterday...it was done by then so not much they could say. Anyway, the one thing I was not prepared for and did not like was that I gained weight during surgery. The nurse that removed my staples today said that it is normal to gain 5-10 pounds because they pump you up with air and because of all the saline. She said it will disappear within a week to 10 days and quicker if I walk a lot. That was reassuring. Rose, It is a very personal decision which you have done. On the side of bypass, you would not have to have fills and I think you are likely to lose more. I never considered bypass because of it being more invasive. Best of wishes whatever you do. I sent this site to explain exactly what I had done to my family. http://www.realizeband.com/

I am finding that each program may have some differences in the pre-op and post-op diet. To me the best thing is to follow what your own doctor gives you. He knows you and your situation best. Yes, my doctor said it is ok for me to have protein shakes now(surgery was 10/14 this is 10/16) but if your doctor says clear liquids that's what you should do. I did have the protein shake yesterday and feel fine but don't do it if your doctor says not to.

Good to know. We have BCBS New Jersey also. I was concerned about the cost of fills. I had my surgery at 8:30 AM yesterday. I am at home now. It is about 2pm. The surgery was so much easier than I imagined. The mind can play tricks on you if you let it. I can have protein shakes, scrambled eggs and cottage cheese. I just have to make sure I get 60 grams of protein a day and 64 oz of water (can be flavored water, decaf tea, crystal lite). I go tomorrow or Friday to get my staples removed. I have a little discomfort around the staples. One is near my bra line. I have not had any gas pain. I slept most of the day yesterday so was not tired enough to sleep well last night but I was not feeling badly. I am not going to weight today because I had soOOOO much fluid from the IV that I know would make me heavier than I actually am. Good luck to all of you who are worrying. I was there 2 days ago. But the worry was wasted.

YOU GO GIRL! You are doing a good thing watching the food shows and learning new ways to make your family meals tasty and healthful. I should acquire your habit. Nice weight loss too! Keep up inspiring us to do better.

MaryBN, Are you in the pre-op diet stage or post-op? I know! I had grand kids over today raiding my fridge. Of course, I wanted to help them. I am trying to think would I rather eat with them (all bean-poles) or be able to actually play with them and be here to watch them grow up. If I follow through---no as I continue on this journey I will be healthy enough to let the kid that is still inside me out.

Renita, I am not surprised by the feeling. We are giving up a way of life. I believe it is normal to feel as you do. My doc's documentation said it is not unusual to go through some depression post-op. It is not a downer, we know it is not all going to be great. LapBand is just a tool and it takes time to learn how to handle new tools. We are here to support you and all of us in getting through these things. Tomorrow or the next day you will be sharing joys with us!

Terry, Wow --- you are doing well! Congrats! I am still on the pre-op and being faithful but I seem to be plateaued. Scary! I hope I don't do this after. However, I have not been exercising. I guess I better get off my fat arse if I want to get over having one.

Renita, LOL Thanks- It really sounds like you are having a lot of success. Wonderful! So they only put steri strips on the incisions? No sticks at all? This is sounding easier all the time. Good luck with the doctor visit. He/She will be so pleased at how well you have done so far.

Renita, How many days since your surgery? Your mom is so right about the itching. It should subside soon. Perhaps call your doc and see what you can put on the incisions to reduce the itch? Calamine may help but I wouldn't want you to try it unless the doc says ok. I am so excited I could peeeee. Oh wait, I think that is from the 64+ oz of Water and flavored water!

Good luck in Illinois. I am having my surgery on 10/14 in Joliet, IL with Dr. Lehmann...are you in the Joliet area. If so go to the support groups when you can -- that helps. Cherrish is a great moderator and supporter. After my surgery I will probably spend more time on the Realize web site that here. Dr. Lehmann said his patients that use the web site seem to have better results than those who do not. Let me know how you are.

Sooner, Excellent! Great job and a great encouragement for those of us who are still awaiting surgery. Do you think if you had taken only part of your meds at a time with maybe a half hour break you would have been ok? I take several meds also and I a bit concerned about that.

I had a pre-op consultation today. Doc said to bring my cpap. I don't have it anymore. Hated it. I do have my husband's but I think it is set higher than mine was. Has anyone ever gone to the hospital and "forgotten" their cpap. I don't want to not have my surgery but the cpap is really going to be a problem. I stopped at a local med supply to ask about the nose pillows. They wanted 35 dollars for them. I will never ever use them (hopefully) but even if I am forced to use it, that's a lot of $$$ for a few hours post-op. Do any of the nurses out here know anything about the cpaps and what happens if I sort of forget to bring it?

Did you make a mistake? That's more than one hundred pounds. Or was your surgery in 2007?:eek:

Did you need anything for pain after the surgery? Glad to hear you are doing well.

Sorry, I don't know what keloids are?

I know I am obsessed with reading all your notes. We are all banded together even before we are banded. Thanks for all the information and encouragement.

My surgery is on a Tuesday. I plan to go back to my pt sit down job on Friday. Does that seem realistic?

Yahoo! Glad to hear you are doing well. Are you back to work? Any advice on what to bring to the hospital? Did you have much abdominal pain? Since I have had a couple of abdominal surgeries and know sort of what to expect that is not a big concern for me. When will your doc let you do mushies? drive? hopefully the vacuuming won't come too soon LOL.

Hmm I finally got it. I resubmitted the request. But then it said I do not have access to the spread sheet. I am doing something wrong I think.:tt2:

I can not remember my google password so I guess I can't get there. Supposedly they were going to email it to me but nothing in about 3 hours :tt2:

They all did a great job! I was not sure at first if it really was Ifill. And the Palin person has all the right mannerisms.

OMG The Palin-Biden clip is hilarious. TKS for sharing and good luck with your band!

Wow! Renew...you look great. Sure gives hope to the rest ot us.

Congrats on the new life! Please stay on this thread. It is good to hear how things have progressed. What do you thing was the most difficult for you?

:cursing:oops that was "hunger did go away" Surgery scheduled for 10/14