GoneFishin

China, I am doing well. Thank you for asking. Down #33 total, #15 of that before surgery. No restriction, so I am ready for my fill next week.

Banded 12/15/09. First fill 01/25/10

I also have BCBSIL. Call Kelley @ Obesity Law and Advocacy Center If you have met all the requirements, the makers of Lap-Band will pay for them to represent you in appeal. Your surgeon must request the form from Lap-Band.

You are beautiful! I hope you are able to put your past behind, and may God bless your future.

Initially you will need to sip v. gulp. Also, very cold drinks can cause contraction of the band and greater restriction.

Ashley, I was banded 12/15 and our experiences are similar. I have very little restriction, but have been able to maintain my initial weight loss with sensible food choices, although I do eat more than 1/2 cup at a time. Maybe 3/4 and up to 1 cup. I suspect I am doing oaky as I was down another #2 this morning. Looking forward to my first fill on 1/25. I haven't really experienced the "hell" some refer to, but I would like to reduce my intake volume to insure I am not stretching my stomach.

Male here, with all the appropriate plumbing. Banded 12/15/09, first fill coming 01/25/10...Dan.

I was banded on 12/15 and also stayed overnight. I had a hernia repaired concurrent with the band placement. I had some trouble with nausia when I got up to walk, so my room nurse made the decision to keep me over. I too, was glad I stayed. Felt brand new the next morning

Congrats! You were banded on my birthday and I had my 2 week postop exam today. All is well and I "graduated to softie" foods today also. Down #25 since starting preop liquids on 12/02. God bless you.

That's what I like about Jachut.

Just a thought...you might want to advise your Dr so he/she can check for possible complications.

Today was a BEARCAT! Just the aroma of some of my favorite foods drove me CRAZY. Specifically, 1)hot buttered popcorn and 2) greasy, cheesy pizza. Then I thought "I'm almost a week into my post-op liquids! I can do this!" I came home and warmed some tomato-pepper Soup from costco and put garlic salt in it. IT WAS HEAVENLY! I felt so decadent. The key is to not go out in public hungry. I am going to eat before I leave and always take something with me. WE CAN MAKE IT, KIDDO. d.

Jacqui I always respect you insight as one who has "been there and done that". I was Just banded on 12/15/09 and know when I have questions, you will have the answers.

I was just banded on 12/15, but I think the weakness I am feeling is more from surgery recovery than lack of food. I had a hernia repaired at the same time. During the two week pre-op period, my surgeon allowed one small "real meal" per day along with two Protein shake meals and there were "free foods" (vegies) that I could have all I wanted and they kept me satisfied. I can only assume that the objective really is to lose enough weight to shrink the liver, and that can be done by cutting the caloric intake even with real food. The day before surgery was Clear Liquids only and nothing after midnight. I really didn't suffer during the pre-op stage and lost 17 pounds. My post-op consists of days 1 and 2 (surgery day and day after) clear liguids days 3-14 all liquuids (Dr said "anyting that will go through a straw easliy and not have chunks in it"), after that mushies then real food. My surgeon's lack of dietary strictness might be because I have a Realize band, but I really don't know that for sure. DISCLAIMER Please allow me to say don't do as I did just because my Dr. allowed it. You MUST follow your Dr's instructions flawlessly. I really have to say it hasn't been too bad yet, but I'm sure I will have my moments. Everyone seems to. Dan.

I am so blessed to have my sweet and supportive wife. I will be banded on Tuesday 12/15 and she has even been on preop liquids with me. Says she wants to lose a few pounds and that's a good way to do it. She has virtually memorized my postop requirements, studied menu ideas and has encouraged me every step of the way. She is more support than I can ever thank her for. I can only imagine how difficult this would be without her.

Many are opting for the vertical sleeve after band removal.

Hey TOO, I can totally relate. This time of year is what I live for. Hunting....winter steelhead....ice fishing. I am currently 3X and will be banded on 12/15 so you are down to where I am starting from, but this time next year we will both be fleet afoot. "Real cowboys sit in the middle so they done have to drive, and they don't have to open the gate" Take care.....D.

Here is the link http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/pre-op-shopping-list-post-op-86113/ A year from now, we won't be the people we are now! God bless us all...Dan.

I sent it to your email. If you don't get it. let me know.

Hi all, I remember seeing a list of thing to buy before surgery. Actacid, vitamins, that kind of thing. I thought I had it bookmarked, but miust have lost it. If you have the link, please forward it to me? Thanks. I'm being banded 12/15 by Dr. Jeffery Hunter @ Virginia Mason is Seattle. Thanks again.

austrolatrishy, I had my final preop visits (surgeon, anesthesiologist and nutritionist) today and started my preop liquid diet. The surgeon and his staff helped build my confidence a lot today. Surgery is still on for 12/15. I am so happy to hear you came off without a hitch. From all I read, you can expect to be sore for a few days. Take care of yourself.:sad:

12/15/09 here......and I'm hardly a DIVA.

I share your concerns. I am 15 days pre surgery and have my last preop appointment the day after tomorrow. I suspect they will start me on liquids then. I am not so concerned about the anesthesia, rather "is this really the right thing to do?" A friend just had his band removed because of erosion. He was very sick. As he reflects, he admits that his surgeon and staff were very inexperienced. Also, he really did not do as he should have. But a lot was not communicated to him, so he didn't know what to expect. I hope you and I are more knowledgable.

I just got a call from Kelley at Obesity Law and Advocacy Center or obesitylaw.com telling me that she was just faxed my approval from BCBS IL. My employer has an plan exclusion on weight loss surgery, so this was a difficult process and has taken close to two years. I was denied twice by BCBS IL and obesitylaw.com was denied once before finally approved. I am very excited and ready to make the necessary changes to start my new life. I truly appreciate all the support and encouragement I have received from all of you at this forum, and I can say without hesitation that I will have many more questions for you in the future. Thanks for being there for me. Dan

Me too. I didn't know I could sleep so well. One thing I discovered during my sleep test: my O2 level in much higher with the CPAP.