Di4AU

Oh my! So sorry you had to go through that. That scares me more than anything, throwing up a lot. I would think you would feel it if it slipped, though. I guess. Wouldn't you?

That's what I mean, Jason, tomorrow, start getting your protein. Are you taking your vitamins, and do they have iron? I was very lightheaded until I realized I wasn't taking any iron. I got some chewable flinstones with iron to take along with my regular vitamins and felt better immediately.

Jason, did you get something to make protein shakes? You've got to start getting your protein at this stage.

Jason, I'm so glad you're doing so well. Just take it easy and heal. I ate so much jello at that stage, I don't think I can ever eat it again. Just the thought of it makes me gag! It just seemed to get sweeter and sweeter until it was disgusting. By the time I was a few days away from soft foods, I couldn't care less about eating something solid, I just wanted something that wasn't sweet.

Jason, it sounds like you're doing great! Walk as much as possible, and don't forget your breathing exercises, that's really important. I'm glad you have such a good support system at home.

You've probably left home by now, but I'll have you on my mind today, Jason. Let us know how you're doing when you feel up to it. I'll go say my prayers now!

And walking helps, a lot! The more you move, the more the gas moves.

I bought every kind of sugar free juice I could find, not only for that, but for after surgery as well. Just make sure it's diet or sugar free and NOT citrus.

Jello is fine, anything that melts as soon as you put it in your mouth is fine, like popsicles too. And those things count toward your liquids.

I did see our picture! Good angle for me :eek: You know, I actually felt that way for about six weeks after surgery. Right until I had my first fill. Lisa says I was probably still swollen. I can't wait to feel that way again.......

Sounds like good restriction to me. Stay away from the pizza! I have to wait four more weeks, due to holiday and then my vacation and I'm not really happy about that. Missy, thanks for sharing, girl! Seriously, I know what you mean, constipation is a struggle with me sometimes as well and the pre-bandeds need to know that. When I remember, I take a chewable Fiber Choice which keeps things going. Our nutritionist says an apple a day should take care of it, too.

Jason, put the soda in the fridge (not the freezer) and let it get really cold and then mix it with some juice and it won't taste so bad, cause it is awful. It makes for a fairly unpleasant afternoon, but I was so excited it went by pretty fast. Stock up on sugar free frozen popsicles and jello, they went down much better then broth (still can't stand the thought of it).

Wow! I don't check in one afternoon and somebody opened the flood gates! Congrats all around. I know now I'm going to have to check in more often, because I have a feeling this thread is about to explode! Realize Band - You will read tons about it vs the Lap-Band here (most of it not true), but I will tell you what Dr. Schmitt told me. He said they are basically the same, the diference being the Realize Band is wider to reduce chances of slippage although there is no evidence to support this, and slippage is generally caused by what YOU do, not the band. The port is flat, but bigger around and he has had fewer complaints of port site pain, post surgergy (it's not sewn in). And they have a cool website to do your food/activity journal, etc, but AP is coming out with one too. All I can tell you is my own experience. I had very little port site pain, could only feel it getting up off the couch, etc. but if you hold a pillow to it as you get up, there's none. I never took any pain medication once I got home, other than liquid tylenol that night. I think my initial pain was from the hernia repair anyway, I don't really know. In addition to dieting, you guys need to start exercising. It will really help you in your recovery. I'm serious! I know, I hate it too, but when that scale doesn't move, it's very motivating to see it drop when you do excercise.:thumbup:

I'm sorry we didn't meet you either! I hope you got all your questions answered. Unless you carry all your weight around your middle, they'll only suggest a two week low fat, low carb diet before surgery. In my nutrition class, Veronica looked around and said nobody in the group needed to worry about it. But, it is good practice and I lost 10 pounds in those two weeks!

Jason, the docs will let you pick which band you want, but you need to let them know today at preop. I have the Realize band. I'm so excited for you, I can remember how I felt. As far as preop diet, they only suggest a low fat, low carb diet two weeks prior to surgery. Of course, you'll be on all liquids the day before surgery.

I don't know what you're stomach issue is, but it sounds like a hernia, which they will repair during the surgery. I had what Dr. Schmitt described as a "pretty big hernia". Didn't even know I had one! But, I can tell now, swallowing is different, and no more heartburn or reflux. None. And I eat some pretty spicy stuff.

When my co-worker had to have a psych evaluation and I didn't, I thought it was because on the form we filled out about past dieting and weight loss, I had filled it out completely and she didn't put anything. I thought maybe they just wanted to find out if she had ever tried anything before and if she was serious and knew what she was getting into. At the meeting Veronica suggested it was required for those taking certain medications, like anti-depressents, which my friend does take. So, I don't know, really.

It was great to meet you too, Shawna. I thought it was a good meeting. And I'll only miss the September and November meetings. I really do get motivated when I go. Down another 2 lbs this morning! I think it really depends on who's handling the claim. Mine went through, no problem. I knew there were people who were denied, some even twice and then got approval for the surgery. Persistence is the key, I guess. Sorry, I didn't get to meet the others here. Where were you??????

You definitely have to nudge her! And you may need to call the other doctors yourself and make sure they have sent in approval letters (get them to fax you a copy, too). You can look back in this thread and read about our frustrations with Neomi. We've all been through it and hopefully she is getting some help. You better get on that C-PAP, as that card has to be sent to the lab and then to Dr. Kim before she releases you.

Well, there are a bunch of fat people in one room! Seriously, it's about the same size crowd as the seminars. There's usually a speaker and then the "banded" (who sit in front of everyone), stand up and introduce themselves, tell their story if they want. Then you get to ask tons of questions, anything you want. Some people will even let you feel their port! And if you don't want to ask a question in front of everyone, you can always ask someone after the crowd leaves. There's usually someone who has JUST had surgery and I found that to be very interesting when I was in your shoes.

Yeah!! :biggrin: NOW, you're going to have to hound her to get a date. Just be very nice! :tongue_smilie:

My husband took my picture the other day with his phone (he never takes pictures), he was showing me a comparison with the first picture he took with his phone (Christmas). It was just my face, but I could really see the difference. I always want to kick people when they look me up and down and then say "I can really see it in your face". Missy, keep up the good work, you're melting! Wish we could meet you Saturday. OK, so how about we meet in the cafeteria 9:30-9:45 ish?

Yes, the support group meeting is at 10:30. Those that are already banded, however, meet at 10:00 and then join everyone else. I'm open to any suggestions.

Cafeteria sounds good. Last month, the "banded" met in the room where we had nutrition class prior to the regular meeting. I haven't received an email yet about this one. If I don't hear anything today, I'll email Veronica. I guess we could meet our "rookies in waiting" after the meeting unless you guys want to get there before our 10:00 meeting? Where the heck is Wendy? Have you heard from her?

Oh good!! I missed last month due to work and I was really disappointed, so I'm looking forward to this one. It would be great to meet everyone.