Cheri

Hey! Feeling the same today as before. I drank a glass of skim milk today because I am actually HUNGRY (I think appetite is probably a good thing at this point??), and I feel pretty good tummy-wise. I wish I could describe the sensation I am having a little better. I have an area about 2 1/2 inches around that is discolored somewhat to the left of my two big incisions. Right at the center of the discoloration, it is warm to the touch, and it feels like something is stinging me (the way a steroid shot feels when they first put it in) and burning me (just like your finger on a curling iron). It feels this way all of the time, but is severe when I change positions. I am wondering if it is maybe the tubing rubbing my insides, but doc seems to think it is an infection (although I haven't actually seen him). My dear dim-witted hubby says he sure hopes they didn't leave something inside me (nice thing to say, eh?), but at least I would have my surgery covered for sure then!!!! lol So, any medical people out there, he put me on cephalexin for the "infection" and will see me Tuesday. My question for you is, would you go ahead and be seen (I am a chicken I think from reading all of the bad things and having a friend pass away after bypass due to sepsis last month). Not that I would wish this on anyone, but I sure do wish someone else had the same experience so they could talk to me about it! If you know anyone or talk to anyone with a similar situation, please have them talk to me, as I am actually quite freaked out right now!!!!! thanks everybody! ~cheri

Hey Guys! Thanks for the support! I talked to the doctor's office today. He was in surgery all day, so they talked with him briefly concerning my issues (discolored patch on side of tummy, bees stinging me with their fiery stingers, hot and hard area, as well as tremendous diarrhea and shoulder pain). He said it sounded like infection to him. Since he was not able to see me today, he called me in some antibiotics to use over the weekend (my post-op appt is Tuesday). He told them that if I don't feel better to go to the ER. I don't like the thought of that since my local hospital puts more people in the ground than back on their feet! But, I will definitely not fool around with this!! The worst part is that the pain meds he prescribed do Nothing for the issues I am having - but an ice pack on both seems to relieve it somewhat! I'll keep you posted! ~cheri

Woo Hoo Tess! Way to go! You are still in my prayers for a nice, quick recovery!! ~cheri

Wow, it is amazing how so many people so far apart can have so much in common! I have read (and taken to heart) every word written in this thread! I must say thanks to all of you for the words you have written, and this wasn't even my post!!! I feel the pain you feel, and I am using your positive words to help myself through this time!!! Thanks thanks thanks! ~cheri

Well, I went to my doctor yesterday for my pre-op consultation. I really thought I would get more information from him concerning the post-op eating and such. Well, what I got was a required clear liquid/laxative diet for the day before surgery (hey - y'all didn't tell me about that doozie!?!?!), a packet from inamed with cards and a brochure about the product, and a statement from the doc that it is up to me to make use of the band. I really hope I get some literature after the surgery, I mean, this site is awesome, but I was hoping to have a strict guideline from the doc. I do so well on strict regimens (Jenny Craig), but suck at things such as weight watchers where it is all up to me! Now I am really worried that maybe this isn't for me after all! I have already paid and don't know if I have made the best choice for my personal situation. I really thought my doc would be more involved in the whole experience. Any thoughts?

You aren't going to my doc, are you?? I guess they're all pretty similar in their information giving! I pretty much had my tooth extractors out at my pre-op appointment too!! The nurse I had on surgery day didn't have any information for me (i had just assumed I would be sent home with some sort of plan to follow). She must've seen the panic in my eyes, because she went online while I was in recovery and downloaded a bunch of stuff for me. She also made copies of other docs' (gastric bypass) post-op diet plans. I thought that was a great thing to do!! She went way beyond her duties for me, I was definitely blessed, but I still wish I had my own set of plans!! I am going to see the doc on Monday for my 1 week post-op to get my staples out, I will ask him to refer me to a nutritionist at that time! I'm not worried about it too much yet because I still have no appetite, and liquids is actually pretty easy to figure out!! Good Luck, dear! It's all good!!! ~cheri

Okay, how about I give up sex for 30 days? My husband may have a cow about it, but it sure won't bother me!!! wink wink Let's see, I am only two days into this, so I am going to go with walking at least 30 minutes everyday for 30 days - does that sound reasonable? Let me know if this is a good chip choice!! ~cheri

Hey all~ I made it! Got my band yesterday - WOO HOO I am so incredibly sore though. Throat hurts from the tubing, backside still sensitive from the pre-op laxative diet, whoosie whatsie hurts from the catheter, my neck, shoulders, and underarms are bruised and very sore/stiff, gas pain in left shoulder (don't get me started), bleeding from my five insicions, and obvious allergic reaction to the adhesive on the tape they used!!. Let's see did I leave anything out? Oh yeah, started my monthly friend while being operated on!!! nice, huh??? And both my 1 yr old and 3 yr old decided to head-butt me in the stomach this morning - I am pretty sure that helped start the bleeding, ya think? Did I mention that this was my first big surgery, so I really didn't know what to expect! I promise I am not usually a whiner, so I am blaming it on the anesthesia and my monthly friend! I feel worse than I had hoped but MUCH BETTER than I had expected - so that is a great thing! I would do it again in a heartbeat! Besides, the band and insicions aren't really too bad, just a little sore and stiff - it's all the other crap that I am having trouble with! Went to the mall today to start some Christmas shopping and get some walking in! I think I was there a bit too long, but the walking really helped with the shoulder gas pain (who'd think the gas would affect your shoulders??) I definitely recommend walking and a nice hot shower! ***Important message - Those of you who are about to get banded and are klutzy like me, please have some one get you one of those "gopher" things. That way you can pick up the light things you drop all over the place instead of yelling for someone to come pick it up for you!!! I dropped my hair brush three times this morning and couldn't bend over to get it. I finally got it in between my toes! So, tonight my hubby and the kids will be going out to buy me the gopher at Walmart!!! *** Take care y'all! ~cheri

Thanks to all of you for listening to me complain! Just to clarify, I actually have three kids, but the oldest one rarely head-butts me anymore (she's 8 after all!) My youngest one is having a tough time with actually having to walk everywhere. I hardly ever carry him around, but he must know that I can't lift him because he is now a permanent attachment to my legs! I am so sorry for scaring any of you with my complaints - guess I should've waited to post - YIKES!!! I am feeling quite a bit better now. Not as big a whiney butt anymore!! Went back to our neighborhood mall for a little "gaseous removal" walk this evening! Let me ask a question if I may, am I supposed to leave the bandaids off of my holes when they come off or should I replace them? Mine keep bleeding, but the hubby says the nurse told me to leave them off (why do they talk to you when they know you are stoned?!?!?!) And, I didn't get a dietary guideline at all, so I am going to try to choose one from here and stick to it!! Any suggestions? Since my doc didn't specify, I need to get a good 'un! ***More important info for the newly banded - while you have your hubby and kids at Walmart getting you a gopher to pick your stuff up (got one by the way WOO HOO), have them pick up an ice shaver and some sugar free koolaid mix. Mix the sugar-free packet with a cup of Water. Shave some ice and top with the Koolaid concoction! My dinner for the last two nights has been the best grape sno-cone ever!! Easy, on the plan, and the kids love them too!! By the way, Kool-aid now has invisible mix, so definitely a lcear liquid, and no stained clothes or rugs!! YEE HAW*** ~cheri

I am so sorry - what do they think is causing it? That is tough news, I truly hope all goes well for him! ~cheri

Oh Jack! Thank you thank you - you have given me inspiration to move ahead with this! but... Satiety vs. saturation - what a battle! See, I am the one who can not stop at satiety unless it is something I don't like. Saturation baby, why stop at one piece of bread when the whole loaf is sitting there, three scoops of ice cream taste so much better than 1, you know the deal! So, I am hoping the band will help me out with this little issue of saturation (which has also been referred to as gluttony and addiction from time to time!). Maybe she can get a tight grasp on my attitude as well as my appetite (is that what it is?) Well, I guess I will find out soon as she will be invading my temple in about 12 hours! I am going into this hoping that she helps me help myself! ~cheri

Hey! I have been reading a lot of your posts - man, you are a HOOT, not a QUACK!!!! I say maybe you should be counting inches instead of calories and pounds! I am sure that with all of the activity you get and the dietary guidelines you follow that something big is happening!! Why don't you post a before and now pic and let us see what we think?! That will help you get things in perspective (or you could just put on the outfit you wore the day before your surgery and see how big it is on you now!!!!) I am one of your personal cheerleaders - rah rah vinesqueen, go girl go! ~cheri

Thanks for your input! Tricia, the link is so helpful - what I need is step by step, and your menu is exactly that! woohoo Hopefully I will get something post-op as well! I didn't mean to sound negative concerning my doc - I have met with him 3 times and he has been absolutely great! I guess I just wanted more of a "coach" - I don't know. I was required to have a sleep study, endoscopy, labs, and xrays - but no nutritionist! Maybe I would do well to find one? I know this site is going to be indescribably valuable for me, but you can only give me a virtual kick in the rump when I deserve a good swift one!!!! Maybe that is where the age-old guilt trip comes into play?!?!?!?!!hehe Thanks again! ~cheri

Hey girlie! Glad to see you are faring well!! I am sorry to hear about the dreadful situation with your hospital neighbor. God has reasons for everything, and that's what gets me through this disorganized mess called life! I actually very rarely know what those reasons are, but sometimes ignorance is bliss!!! hehe Anyway, congratulations and happy banding!! Let me know what to expect as I go Monday bright and early!! ~cheri

Well, its almost time girls, and I couldn't be more excited for you!! Get home quick to let us all know how it goes (all will go great I am sure!!!) We're here rooting for you! December Bandsters

Girl, I hear you!! I am being done on Monday, and have the same hopes/fears as you. My best advice is to read, read, read (when you are not walking- start now, easier when you are recovering!!) There are a million absolutely terrific people on this site and I am sure each and every one of them will be cheering for you!!!! I have started a December Bandsters list if you want to get on it. we are rooting for each other, praying for each other, and doing whatever else we may be needing at the time! PM me if you want added!!! Good Luck, chick, and I'm here cheering you on!!!

Hey - no sad faces here!! Look at what you have done so far! And I don't see any gain, so it's all good girl!! I am sure you want to be in that bikini by spring break, but maybe you are meant to be in it Next spring break! Maybe it is true that the slower u lose it, the longer it stays off!! Good Luck - I am rooting for ya!!!

Jini~ I think you are going to be my inspiration! I don't know if you happened across my post about my situation, but I have some support issues. I lost a very close friend to gastric bypass 3 weeks ago. She did not tell any of us she was even having the procedure! So, now my friends are all dead-set against mine!!! I try to tell them that not only is my surgery completely different, but everything about me is different from her situation! Of course I am a lot more scared now than I was before. I worry about something happening and them never forgiving me. I am trying to make them understand that this is something I NEED to do for myself! So, for now I will put the issues with my personal situation aside, and watch yours and fee's progress!!! I am here rooting for you!! ~cheri Gotta share my crazy schedule too! Live in Alabama, driving to Ohio Tuesday for Holiday, flying to Vegas for anniversary on Friday, back to Ohio Tuesday, drive to Alabama Wednesday, pre-surgery consultation Thursday, surgery Monday!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

Way to go! I have been a member of the Y for over a year - now if I would actually go! I used to go three days a week, but, over the summer, they changed the rules concerning children at the gym. My little ones go to the nursery. My bigger one is no longer allowed to go in the nursery with them, but she is not allowed in the classes or workout rooms either!!! How's that for stinky!?!?!?!?! Guess I could go during the day since she's in school, but the whole not being allowed to take her is such a GREAT excuse!!haha Good Luck - I know you can do it, and just wait until you see the results from working out - hot mama alert!!! ~cheri

Hello Girls (and guys) I am excited/nervous about my upcoming surgery. But ~ I have lost the support of my friends because another of our crew had a gastric bypass procedure mid-October. She was in the hospital for almost two weeks with every complication known to this type of surgery - leaking, dissection of the pouch and intestine, latex and penicillin allergies (no one knew), had an asthma attack, ended up with sepsis(sp?), then went into heart and kidney failure. She passed away two days before Halloween. It has only been a couple of weeks, so I am very sad and worried about the reaction of others (lots of talking about vanity issues, is it worth leaving family and friends behind just to look good, blah blah blah, lots of worrying about my personal outcome, and TONS of wondering if that was a sign that maybe I should not do this!) I realize that lapband and bypass are worlds apart, but no one else is even willing to listen to me. I am not doing this just to look good! Sure, I am excited about being able to actually snap my pants, but I am more excited about getting on the floor with my kids without my legs falling alseep immediately! My husband supports me 1000% as does my oldest child, but no other friends or family members. I am not going to the same Doc, or even the same hospital. I won't need any physical help from them, but I do need their mental support during this. Any ideas for me? Also, please help me out with what to expect before/during/after the procedure. How long will I need help around the house? What are some restrictions that you have encountered? Any strange surgery issues? When can I resume exercise? Should I try liquids for a few days before the procedure? You can probably tell by my questions that I haven't had my pre-surgery visit with my Doc (Dec. 1st - so close to surgery day, but I want to start preparing now!!) Thanks for listening to me!! I am hoping to make a new group of supportive friends on here (I hope my other friends come around as well!) ~Cheri

Congrats - I'll be cheering for your quick recovery (and all of your awesome words of wisdom when my day comes!!) Hang in there, and remember that clear chicken broth is like 10 bucks at those expensive Japanese Steak Houses (so it's like a delicacy!!! )

Wow!!! You guys are the best! I have been reading and reading for days, but was a little afraid to post ( call me silly!). Now I will not be afraid to open up!!! I am so excited about my surgery (can you actually be excited about surgery?!?!?!) I am ready for a new life, not that this one stinks or anything, but I can't wait to be able to get down on the floor with my kids! I have help coming for the week following surgery (family lives over 500 miles away) and 1 friend willing to help as well. My kids are little, but the older two can pretty much handle themselves (I hope!!) My biggest worry is getting my 1 year old out of his crib each morning and in/out of his car seat. I guess my hubby could always bring him to my bed when he leaves for work - not sure that is the greatest idea, though since he just finally got out of our bed!!!!!! So anyway... thanks for the help! I can tell that this will be my number 1 spot for info and enouragement!! Now that you have let me in, you may have to tell me to hush sometimes!!!! Thanks again! ~cheri

I agree totally about the boots!! I am 5'8" already, so you wouldn't think I'd need the height. I am telling you, the new boots out right now are comfy and really do make you feel slimmer (even my sizes 11s)! - I'll take anything I can get!! By the way, there are so many shades of brown out there now - be careful! Some look great with light colors like salmon or turquoise, but others really need to be paired up with white or off-white to look right!! Good Luck~ remember, it's not all about how it looks when you wear it, it's all about how you FEEL when you wear it!!! ~cheri

Hi Tracy! I have my surgery scheduled for Dec 5th with Dr. Les Miles at Medical Center East in B'Ham. After meeting with him on a couple of occasions, I found him very honest. He laid all of the issues I had out for me, but also had a great sense of humor! I am unsure as to how many surgeries he has completed, but I am happy to put my trust in him. BTW, the fee I have to pay (yeah, yeah, insurance is not covering it for me) does include the first year fills and appointments! It is somewheat higher than the Doc in Decatur, but is only 45 minutes from home, and includes all the post-operative care!! Thought you might like to know! Good LUck (wish me luck too!) ~cheri

Don't throw those size 11s out! Send them to me!!! Does anyone really ever have enough shoes, anyway?? lol