bandofhope

Hi Y'all.. I'm a St. Patrick's Day bander and I am doing great! My diet has progressed to full liquids, cream soups being the thickest consistency limit for the next 8 days. I've had no surprises except I really didn't expect it to be this smooth after the surgery. I have been sore, but taken my pain meds about 5 times; the port area shows no inflamation/leaking but is quite sore.. that will take time to heal. My husband helps me get in and out of the recliner.. that is a problem and I finally slept on my side last night. I can feel the difference when I eat... there is no tight restriction but I can tell that I am full with much smaller amounts of food. I have had several episodes of dizzyness from the lower calorie intake but expect that to go away as my diet levels out. I hope everything keeps going this well.. I believe this is the best thing I have ever done for myself! Good Luck to everyone!

Jason... I understand the booth business and I am sooooo happy for you! I can't wait for the day when I can go into a restaurant and not panic over what type of seating they have. Congratulations!! I'm going to try to start coming to the support group meetings myself- I live about 2.5 hours away and it is hard to make the trip to Birmingham.

Hey everybody... I am on the post-op full liquid diet and I'm getting antsy... give me a good word about getting through the after surgery diet. Thanks!

Hang in there perfectionist.... I thought my surgery day would never get here and it finally did- Just take each day and keep your mind on the goal- it is a lot of work, planning, organization and patience that is required but you will make it. Although I have only been banded for 4 days, I know it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. Best of Luck!

Hi Y'all.. .I GOT BANDED... on St. Patrick's Day by Dr. Schmitt. Everything went great- but, I am home in some pain. I'm not going to suffer so I'm taking my pain meds as needed. Just wanted to let you all know I'm official now!

Hi Manda, I was banded on St. Patrick's Day as well. My surgery was great; walked shortly afterwards. I have been sore since I came home but am taking pain medicine for that. I do know what you mean about not being hungry and not feeling restricted. I have been drinking water, apple juice and a protein mix with water (not milk) to keep my energy up. Even though I have not felt hungry, I had signs my body needed the fluids- like my dry lips and mouth. We were banded on the same day and are having similar circumstances.. so, I guess that's normal for now. Good Luck!

I just got back from Birmingham.. we stayed overnight in a hotel. Everything went great- St. Vincent's staff was wonderful and Dr. Schmitt is a fantastic surgeon! I am having some pain, which is to be expected- so I am off to take a dose of Lortab, get in my recliner and take a nap. I couldn't be happier and I'm sooooo glad I did this! God Bless all of you that helped with encouraging words along the way-:sneaky:

Thanks alot.. I'm waiting to fall asleep adn just let tomorrow happen!

Hi Folks, I get banded by Dr. Schmitt on Tuesday.... St. Patrick's Day! I am reading over all of your posts trying to not be nervous and also, seeking practical information that will help me the day of surgery and in the days following- especially concerning pain, gas and sleeping. Please feel free to offer any advice or ideas to me that you found helpful. I want you all to know that I have been reading this site for the past year and you have helped me in many ways, but, especially in giving me the push to have the courage to get banded. Thanks so much and say a prayer for me! Gena:thumbup:

Hi Bama folks, I know this is a crazy question but what did y'all wear surgery day to go home? I wear leggins and T-shirts at home and I'm thinking that might work well; but, I'm worried my stomach will be killing me. Offer suggestions, please. I'll be in the hands Dr. Schmitt on St. Patrick's Day.. I can't wait!!!!

Hi y'all.. .guess what??... I can log on here and finally post what I have been been reading from other for a year now..I HAVE A SURGERY DATE!!!!!! YEAH!!!!! March 17- St. Patrick's Day!!! I wish y'all could see the smile on my face as I am typing this- But, with that comes this great shadow of doom- the preop liver shrinking diet. I understand I need to drink liquids and eat one low fat meal a day such as grilled chicken and a salad. Will this work? I haven't been on the scales but I fear I've gained about 20 pounds over the last 9 months waiting to get my dr visits and preapproval done. Do you think I will be put on hold for the weight gain? And again, should I be able to do my liver anygood with a 2 week liquid diet? I feel like a fool.. help!:confused:

Hey y'all... when you remember the name of the protein shooter will you please post it? Also, what area of WalMart are they located and what's the price??? Thanks so much for the help!

Hi Gang- I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and I am on the cpap machine. I want to understand exactly how this will affect my surgery so please correct the following thoughts... My understanding is that I stop breathing at times when I sleep, quite often, actually- so, the machine keeps my airways open- should I stop during my surgery, that will be taken care of by the vent down my throat- when I come out of surgery, the cpap machine will assist me breathing should I have problems at that time.. such as what??? slow/irregular breathing from anesthesia still in my system whether I'm awake OR asleep.. is this correct? Thanks for you help.. this makes me nervous!!!

So what if it is easier to keep weight down with a gastric band?... are we to suffer and strugle just because we are taking control of our lives after years of defeat? I am waiting for my turn at surgery,but, if I thought it was going to be HARDER with the band to get this weight off I have been carrying around for the past 40 years, then I wouldn't do it. No one says that people struggling to breathe with heart problems are taking the easier way out when they have a pacemaker implanted. I can't see myself appologizing to people after my surgery for being brave enough to help myself with the new weight loss technologies available on the market. I do understand what you are saying, because I have heard the same comments as well. .. that's the main reason I have chosen not to tell people I am getting this surgery before I have it done- afterwards, I don't care who knows. I simply don't want to hear the reasons from folks for not getting it while I am anxiously waiting on my surgery. Let's all try to stay strong and be proud of ourselves for realizing we need help from this wonderful new tool that can help us control our weight! :thumbup:

I LOVE IT... THIS IS MY FAVORITE POST LINK.. ALMOST BETTER THAN SNL!!! Thanks, Butt, for holding RockBaby to the fire.... If you come on this site, act cocky and put yourself on a high-horse, you're gonna get knocked off everytime.. it's not what you said or didn't say or what statistics you say it with.. it's that smart-mouth-I-know-it-all-attitude that got you in trouble, RockBaby. My guess is, if the truth were to be known, you've been told that same thing a million times before- haven't you? And quite frankly, I agree with one of the original responses... they are both bands that create restriction around the stomach... period. A few pounds lost here or there with one or the other makes no difference if you've reached the point of having one implanted, anyway! Most of us will go with what our doctor suggests, because for my two cents, my job in this weight loss venture will be the same no matter which logo is hanging around my stomach... Merry Christmas to All and God Bless! and don't forget to check back here daily folks where the banding saga continues......................:thumbup:

Oprah is about the best example of narcissism in our society as I have ever observed. She tries to make up for her self-perceived "flaws" by over-compensating. She shows off her "generosity" as much as possible, yet has no real connection to actual REAL LIFE. I live in Chicago; I have been watching her for years. It's all an act, and she does it to make herself more money. The issue with her weight is HER issue. She has to deal with it the same as the rest of us. The biggest difference is that she somehow thinks that she's SO wonderful that if she "speaks out" about her issues, that it will somehow "help" all of us poor, unfortunate souls, who have nothing to live for. I haven't watched Oprah since I was in college 10 years ago. She is a hypocrite and is out for herself. :thumbup:Sara... I LOVE WHAT YOU POSTED... AND I AGREE 100%... SORRY FOLKS... I'VE GOT TO GIVE OPRAH A HARD TIME FOR A LITTLE BIT LONGER.. SHE'S WELCOME TO TYPE A FEW LINES ABOUT ME SHOULD SHE WISH.. :tongue_smilie:

I agree with you, coltonwade...add my name to the list of folks that are sick of "oprahworld.. the alpha and omega of the universe" - the last thing she needs to be doing is speaking to people about loosing weight - burnout is the oprah word of the day

Sorry, but I have to agree-- she's no better than the rest of us, but- she does prove that lots of money and a team of weight loss guru's can't stop that thing we all, including Oprah, have in us that eventually makes us gain back the weight we worked so hard to loose. So, it just validates my desire to have a band- She should consider a band herself.. one thing is for sure, if her insurance won't cover her surgery she'll have no trouble with self-pay.......

hey debbut.. I am laughing my butt off at your surgery dream...that made my day! i am very nervous because I am getting closer to my surgery date.. I have my psyc consult tomorrow and my sleep study Monday night.. then I meet with Dr. Schmitt and then it's surgery time!!!! my 6 month supervised diet info was faxed to the office today and my other preop testing as well... so, it was nice to read your post and laugh a little... i love this bama group!

Count me in the pre-op diet blues too, Creed. I start my 3 week count on Monday. I am so glad I found you on here- I'll have someone in the same boat as me. My doctor did not recommend a drink so I will try optifast- I can have creamed soups, though. By the way, is your actual name Creed?

Di- that is wonderful! I can't wait until I can wear shorts in public again.. what a great feeling!

Now I am worried. It appears all of you on the 6 month BC/BS prediet lost weight. I gained about 12 pounds. Will that prevent them from approving my surgery????!!!!!! I have the psyc evaluation and sleep study to go and that is it...I'll be glad when I get through with all of this. :smile2:

I'm right there with you, Jason.... ROLL TIDE!! And congratulations to the success of everyone! My time is coming soon....

Yeah, CD!!! I am so glad all went well for you. Take care of yourself and Please, Please, Please.. tell us all about it when you are able. Those of us waiting for our turn are on pins and needles wanting to hear details. Congratulations, you did it! God Bless!

CD- I know you are nervous and I would be too, but, I believe all will be well with you during your surgery. Please let us know how everything went- I am on my last phase of BSBS requirements; sleep test and psyc evaluation and then I hope to get a date by the first of Jan. So, I will look forward to reading about your experience. God Bless you and enjoy the new life you are creating for yourself!