Jennyt71

I updated mine today. Down another 2.

Thanks Ann...Yes, I do have questions like anyone who may be considering this procedure. I am very interested in talking to anyone is Houston who has had this surgery.

I do believe, that first and foremost, I should make an app. with a surgeon and go directly to the source for most of my answers, however, the doctor, more than likely, has never had this procedure done. It's kind of like (for me) going to a male ob/gyn. Doesn't have a clue about what I am "really" feeling...Anyway, I am hoping to hear from someone from Houston. Thanks Best Ever Barkleigh

Yep - Im here in Houston! I went to Houston Surgical Specialists (Dr. Marvin). I knew 2 others that had surgery with Dr. Marvin and all 3 of us are doing great. He does seminars through University General Hospital and Methodist Hospital (where I had mine done). There are several nurses and staff members at the seminar who have had the band and/or bypass to answer questions too. His staff has been extremely helpful and they're always willing to answer questions.

For my surgery, I went in at 630a and was home by 5pm. I was walking around and doing fine that night. The next 2 days I had shoulder pain from gas, but that was it. I only took the pain medicine a couple of times. My surgery was on a Thursday and I was back at work the next Tuesday (I have a desk job with little to no lifting).

I have never had surgery before, so I was extremely nervous - but everything went very smoothly for me. My coworker had the surgery a week before me and so I was able to watch her go through the process and was with her at the hospital when she had hers done. She went in at 6am and was up and running around at 2pm - ready to go home! I have had no port pain or pain at my incisions either, and I'm about 6 weeks out from surgery.

I posted my surgery story here on the forum, others' stories are also very entertaining! There's a sticky subject - I think its under Post-surgery or General-surgery topic.?

Let me know if you have any other questions - you can PM me if you dont want to post the questions here. I've had a great experience with the band & my surgeon and would do it all over again in a second!

Jenny

Hi!~

I know each person's insurance is different, but I had to pay up to my "maximum out of pocket" (which is $2000) and then the rest was covered by my insurance.

I came on here and asked a ton of questions and went to 2 seminars before deciding on the surgery and surgeon. I just got banded 1/22, but would be happy to help any way I can. :thumbup: My father was banded a few months before me and my coworker was banded 1 week before me (all the same surgeon)..so I've had a great support group here at home. My surgeon's staff has been wonderful too - they've answered a ton of questions from "what should I eat" to "is this pain normal" in the past few weeks!

Whoooooohoooooo! ok thanks guys I got my Wii fit to weigh me with the right weight today. You all where right I just had to weigh myself on a solid surface. but now the program thinks I gained 17 lbs and it gave me a really hard talking to about gaining the weight. i think this is the first time I had a game jump on my butt for gaining weight. it shamed me....LOL..I felt like i let the system down....Now it says I have to lose 19 more lbs to get to my goal I set yesterday.

LOL - mine did the same when I had a blip in my weight. When you go to the chart of your weight and BMI, that dot on the chart will be red and your Mii will say "I dont know what happened!" :thumbup:

I love mine but I think I over did it this past weekend. I did about 60 min of yoga, strength, step, hula hoop and running. After the running my left side was killing me. So...tonight I'll just do the step and yoga.

My first fill went well. No pain and the PA found it pretty quickly. She numbed the skin and when she pulled the saline out, I didnt even know it. She put a little more back in and I was ready to go. I'm a little bruised at the site, but had no pain. I'm scheduled for a second fill on 4/24!

I was also told to only have liquids for 24hrs and then mushy foods for another 24 hours. Down 3lbs from Friday! yay!

Could you put me back on the list?

Jennyt71............245..............213............204..........9

Thank you!

Im not keeping my old clothes - I donate them as soon as coworkers and friends point out how baggy they look. I've been clinging on to some favorites and wearing them to work - and I didnt realize how silly they looked. Im having a hard timing really believing I can go a size down (I know..sounds really stupid, right?). I have a great resale store close to me and I've been donating and buying. Since most of their clothes look brand new, it looks like Im spending a fortune on new clothes - but Im paying less than $10 a piece. :wink:

Nope, not keeping the clothes, I want them out of my closet so I am not tempted to wear them again and I want to fill it with smaller clothes! Hopefully this time next month, I will no longer be wearing sizes with a W behind it!

There is another one that I heard was popular so I bought it and now I have to use it. It's called Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009. There's paint Grenade toss, cannon attack, handcar pump, tire trail, rowing, monkey bars, log jump, log walk, boxing, punching bag dodge, and running. All of these can be customized by you. I purchased mine from Best Buy.

I'll definitely check this out! Monkey bars? LOL!!

I've tried the running on Wii and its just too painful right now - I can feel the port too much. I'll have to wait untilI lose a bit more and dont jiggle so much. :wink:

I love my Wii Fit! Mine still says obese every morning, but the BMI is going down! :wink: I can do about 45min a day on it now - doing the aerobics mainly but a few yoga and strength exercises. The balance ones just frustrate me. LOL

Mine is on hardwood flooring - it is very accurate in weighing me.

I wish they would come out with a Fit 2 game or something - gets old doing the same step/boxing/yoga routines everyday. Just my 2 cents.

Just wondered if you made a decision between lap band or RNY yet?

Im 37 and never considered RNY, even though I do have 100lbs to lose. My aunt had RNY and did great at first, but years later put all the weight back on. I know each person is different, but watching someone yo-yo like that really made me think. I have never had surgery, so the RNY seemed extreme to me and really scared me off.

I met a coworker who was looking into lap band and we talked about it quite a bit and went to a couple of seminars. I researched it for several months before ever deciding on a surgeon and starting the process.

I know for myself, that I chose the right surgery and surgeon. It took awhile to go through all the insurance hoops and I was finally banded this January - but it was well worth the wait.

Update us and let us know which you picked!! :wink:

Hi all

I'm Jennifer, 37 and with no kids. I'm in Houston and spend most of my time at work, working in the yard and with my animals (dogs & cats). I really dont have the desire to get married or have kids - yet - and I dont know if I ever will. Life is going great right now and I have a fantastic, supportive family, great friends and the perfect job.

I was banded on 1/22 and Im not having any complications or pain. I've really changed my eating habits and now Im exercising too. I know this was the perfect choice for me and Im glad I did it!

Nice to meet everyone here! :wink:

These have been fascinating to read! Such a diverse group!

I'm a HR Analyst at the second largest oil & gas company in the US. LOVE it - hope to be there another 30 years. My goal is to be an expatriate in less than 5 years!

sharons - I have completely changed the way I eat since getting the band. I was always eating out and I drank enough Diet Coke everyday to fill a pool. I havent had one since my surgery and I dont even crave them now. The last weekend I made a couple of bad choices (Chili's and Olive Garden), but I'm still far better off than where I was before my band!

I could never stick to a diet before - but worrying about "hurting" the band, "wasting" my money and having to weigh in has really helped me! Course my coworker getting the band 1 week before me has been a huge help too - we can compete over weight loss.

But - to answer your question, I wouldve never had the motivation to change my habits without the band. I now do the Wii Fit everyday (anywhere from 20 min to 60 min) and its enough to break a sweat, but not rigorous.

My first fill is tomorrow. Kinda nervous...went with my coworker yesterday when she got her first fill and everything went very smoothly. Im dragging her with me tomorrow. LOL. I havent felt any restriction in the past week and I'm HUNGRY only a few hours after eating lunch and dinner. I hope after the fill I will feel like I did right after surgery - that was GREAT. never was hungry!

I made a couple of bad choices last weekend and it seems to have caught up with me - I lost 10 since 1/29 and put 2 back on in the past couple of days. Hopefully with the fill I wont be able to eat SO much and wont be hungry after small meals.

Name...........Start lbs..........Current..........Goal.......To Go

Barb12590..........176...............176.............170.........6

Bklyn1984...........263.0............261.0..........253..........8

Bobbie155...........255.8............255.8..........245.........10.8

Burgygirl.............230.2............230.2..........220........10.2

coloradobanding...236...............236.............220........16

crzytchr..............239...............238.............229.........9

CubsGirl17...........139...............138.............134........4

fordgal88...........202...............199..............195.........4

gingerbug...........179.8.............179.8..........167.8......12

irishgal...............197...............197.............185........12

Janesays.............214.8............212.4..........202........10.4

JuneAct2.............198.6...........169.5...........155........14.5

Justmeyouknow.....165.4...........165.4..........155..........9

Kaninag.............219...............219.............209.........10

KikiVal315...........212.5............212.5..........206.........6.5

Kristilaw.............264...............264............250.........14. 0

lcwils01..............223...............223............215...........8

lindar172............229.4............229.4..........219...........10

Long2BThin.........202.4............199.4...........192.4.........7

ltgordon.............250.5............250.5...........240..........10. 5

mair...................225..............222.............215........... 7

Merda................270...............270.............260.........10

mljalways...........215...............215.............200........ 15

MsNickelback......179...............179.............167.........12

pvtash61............228................218............200.........18

sue in ne...........257 ...............256............ 245..........12

ValJean..............266...............266.............254.........12

Jennyt71............245..............216............204..........12

I was looking for more games on the Wii that would be as good as the Wii Fit - I'll have to try the fitness couch game! Im doing the boxing, running, hula hoop and step every night..trying to work in some of the yoga poses, but I have NO balance. LOL. Any other ideas for other physical games would be GREATLY appreciated! :rose: Thanks!

My time to surgery is pretty much identical to bklyn1984. I went to the seminar in May of 08, went through blood work, testing (EKG, stress, etc.) and then had to go through 2 sleep studies. Everything was approved right after Thanksgiving and my surgery date was 1/22. I did hold it up some too - I couldve scheduled the sleep studies quicker, but certain times of the year my company does not allow days off -- so that did put me behind a little.

You have not really started using the Lap Band for weight loss yet. The first few weeks have not been for weight loss but for healing...weight loss has just been a fortunate side effect of liquid/mushy diet.

The meaning of Bandster Hell is the period between when you go on solids to when you start getting fills and really using your band. Weight loss often stalls and weight gain is even common but that is alright and perfectly normal, we've all been through it. You have done some drastic switches to your metabolism in the past 4-6 weeks and now it is a little out of whack but it will normalize.

Just be patient and try to stay calm. This was a stressful time for me too, there is a lot of worry and concern over whether we are doing things right and whether this will work for us. But if you just do what your doctor says everything will be just fine.

Thank you for this post!!! I have been SO frustrated over the past few days. I've been doing good on food amounts and working out each day for 30 minutes (taking it slow for now since I was banded 1/22 - just step and walking - but will work my way up to more intense workouts).

Your post gives me hope!!!

I work for a very large company, but the group I am in is a very tight-knit bunch (about 15 of us). I was open about it when I started looking into it last summer and spoke with several coworkers about it. One coworker joined me and she had the surgery a week before I did. We both have a ton of support from our supervisor and coworkers - I'm glad I told them. Each person is in a different environment at work - and I can tell you if I was at some of my past jobs, I wouldve never spoken a word about it! Right now, our supervisor tells us how proud he is of us and our coworkers always have nice things to say.

I LOVE my Wii Fit! Unlocked the boxing and advanced boxing yesterday. I try to do at least 30 min a day - mainly hula hoop, step and now boxing!! LOVE it!

I was itchy too - but the physician's assistant said I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive in the bandages. I was banded 1/22 and still have red squares on my stomach outlining where the bandages were. I was scratching the edges and ended up with some sores and scabbing there. :tongue2:

Is this site ever updated? Has it not changed since 2005 (except for the conference info)...would be nice to have a place to go to for events in the area.

I had the same pain for a few days early last week (was banded 1/22), but its gone now. I think its the same pain you are talking about - seems like it was under my left ribs.

I had my surgery on 1/22 and...Well, everything is going great..I went back to work on Tuesday (1/27) and glad I did. I cant stand sitting at home (even though my job is a desk job - no manual labor here). Its good to be back at work and around other people. Pets don’t make for great conversation. Two of us here at work had the surgery a week apart and our coworkers and boss are super supportive!

My surgery was scheduled at 8:30 and I was to be at the hospital at 6:30a. I got there, no room ready…sooo..waited about 20 min and was given a room..but no bed. They said they’re bringing in a “special” bed. What? A nurse comes around the corner, trying to push and pull this huge bed with a pallet jack lift on it.

Ok..whatever. She tells me to get in the robe and then in the bed. The Pre-Op group is ready for me, we’re just waiting on the nurses to take my blood, give me a pregnancy pee test, and then take my money. Right then, another nurse comes in and asks why Im in that bed. Because, that’s the bed they brought me. So, they take it back out and bring in a “normal” bed. I get back in and then get rolled to Pre-Op.

Laying in Pre-Op, listening to the staff and nurses talk about the Fortune list of the best companies to work for (Methodist Hospital is #8). Listened to the other patients talk about the surgeries they’re going to have (sounded like mainly back surgeries). The anesthesiologist came in and asked me a bunch of questions – he was very nice. Didn’t seem to believe me when I said I’ve never had surgery before and Im not on any medications. He startled me when he asked/stated “We’re here for a bypass?” UM NO. Then he reassured me several times they will check what surgery is being done and there’s a “time out” in the OR before anything happens so everyone is on the same page. GOOD.

The nurse in Pre-Op was trying to give me my IV..ugh..pain. worst part of the entire day. She blew the veins in the left hand after a few pokes and then put it in the right hand. Got the shot in the stomach and that didn’t hurt at all. The surgeon came around and talked to me briefly and seeing if I had any questions. Whats weird is, this whole time I wasn’t nervous, scared or anxious. My blood pressure was lower in the hospital before surgery than any of my previous doctor visits! I was SO ready to get this done!

The assistant came to roll me around to the OR and I laid outside of the OR door for a few minutes. The anesthesia assistant came around and put the sleepy meds in the IV tube. The operating room was so cool - glad I stayed awake long enough to see it. They were listening to Led Zepplin while getting the room ready. dont know the title of the song, but if I hear just 2 seconds of it, I could tell you if that was it or not. They had these huge lights above that said "Do not remove to sanitize" all over them and flat screen tvs over the bed. They rolled me in there and boy I could feel that anesthesia when it hit my vein. Strangest feeling - cold really.. you could feel it go up your arm. I don’t remember closing my eyes but I could hear them and felt something bump into the right side of my bed (xray machine), they slid a board under me and all I hear is "XRAY!" ...thats it..I was out...ROFL.. woke up awhile later (I was told I was in recovery over a hour asleep) in recovery to a lady telling me to breathe deeper.

The two people next to me in recovery were in SO much pain..OMG..they were screaming. One lady was confused and hurting, so I kept hearing several nurses tell her that they were trying to control her pain. All I know, it was BRIGHT AS HELL in that room. I put the covers over my head and then thought ..hmm..other patients are going to think I'm dead. I felt something on my feet but couldnt make out what it was, but they were warm. (turned out they make covers for your feet from those egg crate bed cover thingys..I have no idea what their purpose is..but they were nice to have. LOL The nurse seemed to feel bad - "We're going to get you out of here soon and into a room, I promise!" I felt like I needed to be in pain - I was the only one not screaming..ROFL. but I didnt feel hardly any pain. Everytime they asked me on a scale of 1 to 10, how was my pain…I told them 1 or 2. I was ok, just sleepy. Seemed like just a few minutes later and “my escort” was there to take me to my room. He gave me a cloth to put over my eyes and away we went.

Got to my room and just listened to my ipod for about an hour. Mom and her friend came in (they both work at the hospital) and we talked for a few minutes. The surgeon took 4 pictures of the procedure and gave them to my mom. She wasnt as impressed as I was. I'm glad he took them! They're in color and show the liver, stomach and band. TOO COOL :eek: My new nurse came in and helped me get out of bed and walk up and down the hall. I was so worried I was going to be in pain – but just was sore and stiff. She had a University of Texas sticker on her name tag, I asked her "UT?" She laughed and said, "Yep, and I saw your shoes"..ROFL..I was wearing my Texas Tech Crocs. In the hallway there were about 10 other patients and me walking with their nurse and pushing their little IV holders - looking like mental patients out of 12 Monkeys..LOL..but it didnt hurt to walk and so the nurse said ok and I got back into bed for another hour.

The nurse came back in and helped me get dressed and go to the restroom - was still kinda hard to get out of bed and stand up from a sitting position. she took out the IV and I waited for my mom and friend. We were out of there soon after! It didnt seem like I had surgery..its weird. Drove home and even going over the bumps and holes on Shepherd didnt hurt (if you know Houston, you know Shepherd). I was home right about 5pm. I stayed up for quite awhile – watched Grey's and XGames – then I was out for about 4 or 5 hours. Woke up the next morning and had some more ice and then crystal light.

The Friday after was the worst day with the shoulder pains and just trying to find a comfortable position in the recliner and on the bed. I did take my pain medicine that day, but not Saturday or any time afterwards. I had no problem taking the medicine catheter out (small amount of drainage? I sprung a leak) but I did get very light headed and dizzy when pulling off the bandages. Ugh. Sunday I was doing laundry and moping around the house. Monday I had a couple of dizzy spells, but nothing serious.

Now it’s a week later and I’m doing just great. Lost 15lbs and now on mushy food. eggs never tasted so good – neither has Cream of Wheat! I even slept through the night last night – that’s the first time in 10 years. Maybe its from the surgery, or maybe its from no diet coke for a week. I thought I was going to really miss Diet Coke, but I haven’t craved it at all! I doubt I’ll pick another one up. I AM sick of fruity drinks though. I’m still not hungry but eating here and there trying to get my Proteins and Vitamins. Im worried about going to “regular” foods and not watching what I eat so carefully – but one day at a time. I have a great support system (dad had the surgery last fall and my coworker had the surgery a week before me)…so hopefully they’ll help keep me on track! My first fill is 2/27. :w00t:

Hey everyone. :crying:

I got banded yesterday! :tt2: Doing great this morning. No complications, everything went very smoothly.

I've never had surgery, so this was an experience..LOL. The surgeon was great (Dr. Marvin in Houston) and the nurses and staff at Methodist Hospital couldnt have been nicer.

I have a little pain in the left shoulder and my mouth is really dry - but thats it. I'm not hungry and my port site isnt hurting at all. I took some pain medicine last night, but havent needed it since. Those Gas-X strips seem to help the shoulder pain.

I cant wait to see the results - Ive been at this since last May, but so glad I stuck with it and got it done! Hope everyone else's surgeries go just as smoothly.

Good luck everyone!