Enchanted

My suggestion is that you call your insurance carrier and get a listing of all of their requirements for qualification and then document, document, document. I documented all of my attempts at weight loss -- low carb, weight watchers, blah blah blah -- how much I weighed when I started a particular plan, how much I lost on that plan -- and then was able to show that I also regained. I also documented my struggles with diabetes -- when I was under good control and when things were more difficult to control -- which meds I was taking, etc. Be well-organized, know your policy, meet their requirements and then be hopeful. If you are not approved, you have the right to appeal the decision by supplying additional information. Best of luck to you.

I absolutely did not bounce right up out of the bed. I spent my first two days post-op completely out of it. If you've been on an all-liquid diet, the diarrhea makes sense. Lots of people experience nausea after general anesthetic. I suggest calling your surgeon's office and explaining your symptoms to them. You do not want to start vomiting at this stage of your healing (or at any point, really). I hope you start feeling better soon.

My surgery was 4/30 and I was bloated until sometime earlier this week. Something changed earlier this week, I was less swollen and less bloated and I could finally, finally get in more liquids. Hang in there.

You probably want to ask your doc how long you have to wait after surgery for riding roller coasters. After that period of time, you should be good to go :thumbup:

My best piece of advice is to stick with what your doctor has told you. This initial period isn't so much about losing weight, but about healing from your surgery. It's hard. I've also had some hard days, but you need to do this in order to heal and be able to move on to the next steps. Hang in there.

Oh...I don't think it's nuts to unfill.....and I looooove Vegas and would definitely consider it if it was an option. I'm still a newbie, though, I'm not sure I'd trust myself enough to get right back to the doc for a refill at this point :thumbup: And, yes, Arbor Day was in jest. But maybe President's Day wasn't? :thumbup:

One of the things mentioned at my pre-surgery seminar was that my surgeon won't do unfills for vacations or special events. I think this is probably a good thing for me. I attend a number of events, then there are vacations and, of course, the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year's holiday season. Mother's Day . . . Easter . . . Presidents Day ... Arbor Day . . . and the list goes on :thumbup:

This is a tough topic. Someone posted that this is like an addiction. It's not like an addiction, it is an addiction. People continue the practice even though they are aware that it is having adverse effects on the people and relationships they care most about. Addiction. WOW is so immersive. If you choose, you can step into that world, leaving reality behind (at least for awhile). In that world, you can be successful and strong. You can conquer anything! You're part of a team (guilds) and may even be one of the leaders. You look different, act different. It's an escape from having to deal with the real world of jobs and kids and spouses -- all of which make constant demands. I honestly think that for someone with a serious addiction, quitting cold turkey and never looking back is the way to go. It's too much of a risk -- family and friends, real life. I honestly think the only way to stop for the true addict is cold turkey. Maybe some day with some distance, they can play more responsibly. But this is creating and emergency in your family -- and it needs to be dealt with as if it was an emergency. Counseling can help, too. If not for him, for you.

My pre-op diet was not as strict as some of the others. They suggested that I start replacing some meals with shakes, but other than that, I didn't have anything special to follow. (Just needed to lose before surgery.) It's hard to dedicate yourself, follow the plan and lose the weight. But it is necessary if you want to proceed with surgery. You'll probably want ice cream and other treats -- but do you want the surgery more than that? I'm guessing that why your doc's office had an issue with the ice cream you had is because it offers nothing in the way of real nutritional value and after your surgery, you will need to be focused on good food that fills you up nutritiously. Good luck to you!

While it may not seem like it, your surgeon is acting responsibly by waiting to talk with the psych before going further. Just think if they waited until much later in the process to have the conversation and there was an issue that needed to resolved . . . what an incredible waste of time that would have been for everyone. I'd call both of them -- ask if there's anything you can do to help facilitate the conversation. Perhaps try to find a mutually agreeable time so they can stop with the phone tag. Hang in there -- lots of people have roadblocks along the way to approval and surgery. Best of luck.

I was told that violent coughing can cause problems and that if I get a cough, I should call for a prescription liquid suppressant. The doc said that the over-the-counter meds are no good for getting it quickly under control. But..the other posters are correct. You should call your own doc.

So excited for you, Ms T! I'm sure you'll do great! Update us when you are up and moving around!

Date you were banded: 4/30/08 Weight loss to date: 20 pounds (since surgery) How are you feeling: Slight pain on occasion. I still get worn out easily. I need to start walking, but get fatigued so easily. Still on just protein for another 6 days.

My surgeon's office requires that you have an appointment with one of 3-4 people they work with regularly. I asked at the office and they said I would probably like "Dr Bob." I've been in therapy for years (first dealing with a bad marriage and then kept going because it's been so helpful). So, my experience with a therapist has been extensive and I thought I knew what to expect. This Dr. Bob....it was shocking. After paying in advance (as if I couldn't be trusted to pay on the way out the door?), I walked in, he had a yellow legal pad and sat there writing for about 10 minutes. I thought he was, perhaps, writing notes about his previous client. It felt very awkward to be sitting there in his office in silence while he wrote on. He asked me what I knew about the lapband. Explained it's a tool, blah, blah, blah. Then he asked me two questions: * If I was in a crowded theatre and there was a fire, would I start screaming? * What does the phrase, "People living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" mean? Mind you, during this entire time, he was writing *extensively* on his yellow pad. He said, "Well, I don't think you're crazy." We'll get this letter right off. The appointment lasted about 40 minutes. And for his writing? He was writing the letter....word for word....while we were talking. He was weird. It was weird.

While I was considering surgery, my good (male) friend suggested that I just try to eat like a banded person would and see if that would work. Now, he is also overweight so I suggested we do it together. This brainstorm never got off the ground :tongue2: Just before my surgery, he told me he may try to just eat exactly what I'm eating. I said, "OK, today is the day we start having one small meal and two Protein shakes each day." This idea also never took off. This isn't about willpower. This is about having the right tools.

I've only told my close family, two friends and one person I work with. I totally agree with the person who said once told, it's impossible to "untell." Years ago when I told friends and extended family about low carbing, I faced all kinds of questions, comments, and judgements and ended up feeling like I needed to defend my decision and food choices. People were also watching me eat at parties, etc., and that was just weird for me. While I need (and have) the support of the most important people in my life . . . right now, I need to focus on healing from the surgery and learning to live with the band. I don't need anecdotal information from uninformed (well-meaning?) people who have not walked in my shoes and who have never struggled with serious weight issues. So...I may tell more people eventually...but for today, this works for me. As an aside...I don't think of this as a secret. It's just a private matter.

I felt my port through my skin for the first time a couple of days ago (banded 4/30). In comparison to my incision, the port is located up and to my right a couple of inches.

I was banded 4/30. I'm trying to avoid business travel (from east coast to west) for now. I'm still getting way too tired way too easily. I also know that when I'm traveling for business, I need to be "on" for more hours than when I'm working from home. So..if you can avoid it, maybe you should. But if you have to, clear with your doc first and get as much rest as you can.

That's interesting. My doc suggests not getting pregnant for two years after band placement (seems a bit long to me). I'm sure this is to ensure that maximum weight loss has occurred before pregnancy.

I'm 12 days post-op and still having trouble getting in all of my Water. I can drink 3-5 ounces at one time, but then I feel so full. (I think it's bloating, actually.) At four days post-op, I was still drinking one ounce at a time. Every 20-30 minutes.

You are probably experiencing some swelling from the placement of the band which will make you feel...not hungry. This is also part of the joy of the band -- not feeling hungry. You're just a few days post-op. Of course, you cannot tumble around with your toddler. I spent my first two days post-op camped out in my bed barely awake. The next few days were spent trying like crazy to get in enough Water. I'm now 12 days post-op and still get more tired than usual, have some pain at my incision sites and still cannot always get in all of the water/protein that I'm supposed to. Be patient with yourself. Your body is healing. I do think you should consider going to liquids, but not without talking with your doctor or nutritionist first. I had only water my first five days. I'm now on Protein shakes and water for two weeks. I honestly have not been hungry. (Mind hunger and cravings are another story!) Hang in there..

Today has been my first day without a nap. Hopefully, I am back on schedule! I did sit with the heating pad on my back for awhile :frown:

Like another thread here, I have found it so helpful to read the experiences of others that I thought I'd post my own. Two days before surgery, I went to my surgeon's office to get weighed, have blood drawn and sign papers. I was on no specific pre-op diet (other than having to lose 5% of my original weight and not gain it back before surgery). As part of this visit, they discovered that my blood pressure (BP) was running low with a diastolic of 60 (I was taking BP meds). It was also at this appointment where I got prescriptions for lortab liquid (pain) and compazine (suppository for nausea). My hospital (Bon Secours in Port Jervis, NY) has a bariatric unit (Center of Excellence). No need to go to admissions or fill out additional paperwork -- I was really impressed that everything was so well organized. I was given two super-size gowns (one to be worn in the usual fashion, one to used as a robe), a pair of huge blue no-slide socks. The rooms in the unit are semi-private with reclining chairs instead of beds. There is also one shared bathroom for all patients on the unit. The nurses came in, started the IV on my inside forearm. I was given a long-lasting anti-nausea med (cannot remember the name of it). After waiting 30 minutes or so, I was loaded up into a bed and taken down to same day surgery pre-op. The pre-op was a room of perhaps five beds. I am a very private person and the idea of sharing space like this did not make me feel the most comfortable. However, the nurses and everyone there were very respectful, curtains were drawn, conversations could not be overheard -- a good experience. My medical history was reviewed, nothing to eat, no make-up, no jewelry, confirmed I was there for lapband My blood glucose level (I'm diabetic) and my blood pressure (still lowish) were taken. The anesthesiologist came in to introduce himself. Asked about previous surgeries. I told him I always wake up coughing a lot and that I have season allergies. He asked the nurses to give me an abuterol treatment before taking me back. The breathing treatment (my first ever) was not a big deal...just breathe it in. Finally, it was time to go to the OR! The RN came to get me and as she was wheeling the bed, she told me that two years ago, she had the same surgery by the same doctor and I was in excellent hands. Once in the OR and scooted over to the table (why I wasn't allowed to just get out of one bed and on to the table, I don't know), I started looking around the room at all of the equipment and then thought to myself, "Why am I doing this? I don't need to see it all." Laid my head down, the anesthesiologist said he was giving me something to take the edge off. A few seconds later, he asked how I was doing and that was that! They woke me up in the OR, I remember not liking the oxygen mask. I also remember my eye itching. I reached up to rub it and the nurse grabbed my hand and tucked it back under the blanket. I had a fingerstick (I assume for blood glucose checking) and they put a HUGE piece of gauze and tape around my finger (I guess they don't have simple band-aids in the OR?). Anyway . . . I tried to rub my eye again and the nurse asked me to stop. I said, "you can't make me." And I tried again! The nurse said I really needed to stop and I said, "I don't wanna." Then she said, "You'll stop if you don't want to scratch your cornea and spend the night in the hospital." Fine, fine...I stopped. I heard her tell the nurses in recovery that I was being difficult. My response was, "I'm not trying to be difficult, I'm trying to be cute." They must have soooo many stories of people coming out of anesthesia! LOL I also heard them talking about my BP dropping in the OR and requiring meds to bring it up. I did not wake up with the horrible coughing that I have had in the past, just a little bit of normal anesthesia clearing cough. I had the leg massaging boots on -- weird feeling as you're coming out of it all! Then, I fell asleep. Woke up in the hall of the bariatric unit. Got situated for getting out of the bed and walked to my room. Got settled into the chair. Was promptly presented with three one ounce cups of ice chips. My mouth was SO DRY. I dozed a bit. Got up to walk the halls. Dozed a bit more. Pain was ok. It was hurty, but not anywhere on on the level as my C-Section. After who-knows-how-long, I was taken down to radiology, drank the bad-tasting (but not VILE) stuff. I could see the band! Woooo :angry_smile: Went back up to my room, was given pain meds via injection. Rested a bit. The surgeon came in to talk with me. I think I was barely coherent. I asked about the size of the band (8cc with a 4cc fill) and that's all I remember about that. After the doctor left, I was told I could get dressed and leave anytime. So, I got dressed, walked into the hall expecting there to be something to sign or something to do, but there wasn't. I walked out (another surprise to me). It is a fairly long walk from the unit to the parking lot. I'm surprised they just let you go like that -- unescorted. I was totally doped up, out of it. It was fine and I made it fine. Just surprising. Once home, I crashed on the sofa. Then moved upstairs and crashed on my bed. I really and truly slept the first two days away. I took my liquid pain meds the first two nights (more anticipatory than because I was in severe pain). I had difficulty getting out of bed the first day. My worst pain was upon changing positions, especially standing up..I could feel things moving around. I was supposed to drink one ounce of Water every 20 minutes while awake. The first few days, I know I didn't get enough water. By Saturday (surgery was on Wed.), I had not had a bowel movement and my instructions were to take two ounces of milk of magnesia. I thought it would taste gross, but it was not horrible. I had my first bowel movement about 2 hour later. And then diarrhea every hour after that for the rest of the day. I was afraid it would hurt...it did not. My best friend became the heating pad on my back. It felt so...comforting. I was not hungry a bit. Had my first shower on the Sunday after surgery. Removed my bandages to reveal the staples. Turned my back against the water and let it flow. One of the best showers of my life. Went in for my post-op check on Monday. Staples out. (I thought this would hurt, but I literally didn't feel a thing.) The doctor put steri-strips on the two largest incisions -- said it would help with scarring. Talked with the doctor, got instructions for food for the next two weeks (shakes only...gross). People said I looked good. I said I was still sore, but feeling better every day. They took my BP and it's up again, but not enough to take meds. My blood glucose level is excellent and I've not needed any meds since day or surgery. Wooooo :cursing: Today is one week post-op. I have very minimal pain. Mostly at the incision sites. I don't burp at all...it feels like I'm going to, but then I hiccup instead -- that is uncomfortable. I've sneezed twice -- thought that would hurt, but it didn't. I have mild diarrhea (all-liquid diets will do that to a girl! and a boy, for that matter). I had five incisions -- two are covered with the steri-strips. The other three look like...paper cuts. I've lost 13 pounds or so. I worked half-days on Monday and Tuesday. Back full-time today. I work from home in a stressful (but not physically strenuous) position and wanted to be sure I was completely together before coming back. I'm completely together :smile2:

Chester is close. Where is the support group there? My surgeon's office has a couple every week. I need to make a point to get to them. I forgot to mention in my original post that my belly was bloated like crazy for a few days. I seriously looked like I was pregnant. Would have been funny if it wasn't uncomfortable :cursing:

have you tried a heating pad? I love it. The nurse at my surgeon's office also suggested one of those handheld vibrating massage things. GasX works for stomach gas, but not the abdominal gas from being inflated during surgery.