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Full disclosure: I'm only a week out, but I've noticed that I'm not craving anything, and I've been three weeks on restricted foods (pre-op and post-op diets). The major change for me is what I'm drinking. I gave up my beloved diet cokes when I first started the process, and exchanged flavored waters for them. However, since being banded, I haven't touched any of my supply of flavored waters. All I've been wanting is plain ice cold water, and lots of it.

Hey Scuba, if you're having surgery today, I hope everything is going well for you, and that your fears were laid to rest. It really is about getting healthy, and I admire you for tackling something that was hard for you. Hopefully, your doctors and nurses were sensitive to your concerns. I know mine went out of their way to make sure I felt very comfortable. Titantiff, I hope you don't let these few negative posts send you away. First off, your post was flippin' hilarious - "underoos and sharpies" - lol! Secondly, I've received so much support from this site, and for the most part, I've found people to be very generous with help and resources. Also, if you go to your control panel, you can put posters on ignore. I hope you stay.

After reading about everyone sleeping in a recliner the first night, I figured it was a good idea. I also was a little concerned about getting a fluid buildup in my lungs, so I thought the slight incline would be helpful. About 3 am I woke up and walked around some to stretch and had some water. The couch looked so comfortable, so I laid down on it and when I woke up, I was curled up on my right side. After that, I slept in my bed, and after about four nights, I could lay on my left side (port side - that sounds like a boat - haha). I'm seven days out, and this morning, I woke up on my left side, my back to the alarm clock, and I reached around to turn it off, without thinking. EE-OW! I felt like I ripped my port out. Well, not quite that bad, but, boy, did it sting. I'll be a lot more careful about that move for a long time.

nayray!! What exciting and wonderful news!!! Congratulations!!!!

I was able to compare the two types of bands side by side and I really liked the Realize band much better. The band was wider, so I felt safer about the possibility of a slip. The inside of the band, the "balloons" were also quite noticeably softer to the touch compared to the Lap Band. I felt much more comfortable about that being against my stomach for years to come. Also, I've read, but I don't know this to be a fact, that the Realize Band may have fewer issues with food getting stuck. The port seemed to be the same height to me, but the lap band port was shaped like a cone, and the Realize Band was flat. I much preferred the way the port was attached to the muscle by the Realize Band, because it seems to be much more secure with the hooks, and it looks like it'll be more comfortable in the long run with the flat top. My doctor will use either band, and he leaves it up to the patient to decide. I was banded last week, and I have no hunger issues yet, and I feel great.

When you've had time to read these boards more, you'll see that there's as many different pre-op and post-op diets as there are posts. Some people have no pre-op diet and are going out to eat a last dinner the night before, while others are on clear liquids and have to have an enema the day before. I was somewhere in between, which worked out well for me. If you follow your doctor's instructions, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Now, now, tarrn13, it's not abnormal at all to feel nervous about being naked in front of strangers, even if they are medical people, especially if you have body image issues, which many overweight people have. I'm sure there's many people who've been very successful with their weight loss after lap band have had the same fears.

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to get too nervous. For me, being prepared, and reading up on the surgery and what to expect helped a lot. I had laproscoptic gall bladder surgery awhile ago, and I didn't have any problems with the residual gas, so I was surprised when I kept reading about people having problems with it. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't have any real issues with the gas after my lap band surgery last week either. I was gassy and I felt bloated, but I didn't have shoulder pain or anything like that. I took a few Gas X pills after a day or two, but all in all, it wasn't even remotely painful. Maybe you'll be lucky too.

Hi Mejones! You're just one day ahead of me with your surgery. I'm glad to hear you're feeling better now. I would have to say, for me, it pretty much compared to gall bladder surgery. I'm sorry you've had a rough go of it, but it will be worth it in the end!!

I was banded last Thursday, and I still feel full on my liquid diet. I start mushies tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to eating some different foods, but it's not because I'm getting hungry yet. Believe me, I'm not complaining! It's been amazing.

$13,500, Richmond Surgical Group (VA), includes one year follow up plus fills

I also had a foley catheter, so no underwear going in or coming out. However, this was all done while I was knocked out, so I didn't feel a thing. This is so routine to the doctors and nurses, don't worry about it. Like others have said, they've seen worse and they've seen better.

I like those coffees too. Occasionally, for a treat, while I've been on my post-op liquid diet, I add two tsps (which is about 20 cals give or take) to my chocolate Carnation Instant Breakfast for a mocha flavor. It's makes for a nice change.

I'm taking Walgreen's High Potency A thru Z chewable for adults (it's a generic of Centrum) and two Tums sugar-free for calcium. I started off with Flintstone's chewables, but this adult formula has a much higher percentage and number of vitamins and minerals. I also like the taste better.

You have a great attitude, thin within!! I'll be keeping you in my prayers. Good Luck!

I was on a pre-op diet for two weeks, but it wasn't a liquid diet. I had two protein shakes, one fruit, one yogurt, 4 oz lean meat (turkey, chicken, etc), 2 slices light whole wheat bread, unlimited non-starchy veggies per day - (abbreviated version). It seems there are as many diets to no diet as there are doctors. I know it will be hard to handle a liquid diet while you're traveling for business. Best wishes to you.

Good Luck!! I'm sure you'll do great!! I was banded last Thursday, and I don't start mushies until later this week. I've only had a twinge of hunger. I wish I could stay like this until all my weight dropped off! It's seven in the evening here, and I still haven't had my third shake today. I want to get the protein in, but I could skip it if it weren't for that. I'm sure "bandster hell" is just around the corner for me, but for now, I'm savoring the feeling of being full with just liquids.

That's terrific news, Debbie. I'm sorry you had such an anxious week, but in the end, what a fabulous outcome. Congratulations!!

Hi Pettstar! Glad you found us. I've also learned so much from reading everyone's posts. It's one thing to read all the materials about how things "should" go, and quite another to read about the real life experiences of fellow banders. I'm just a day ahead of you; I was banded Thursday. My only pain now is in my port area. I feel tons better leaning back than sitting up straight. I also had the ON-Q Pump and loved it. What a little miracle that was. I could tell the difference when it ran out of juice. Welcome to LBT and good luck going back to work tomorrow!

Way to go, Marienola, the end is in sight now! I know it can be hard to stick to that diet, but you're half way there now. I'm so happy for you. Not that I'm obsessing about food, BUT, I took a nap today, and in my very first dream I had a big box of Krispie Kreme donuts. In my dream, I broke off a tiny bite and savored it. Then, just before I woke up, I had a box of KFC for my kids, and I couldn't resist taking a bite of a leg. OMG, it was sooo good. Just before I swallowed, I thought, NO, I can't, I'll mess up my surgery, and spit it out. Even after I woke up, for a second, I couldn't remember if it was true or just a dream. I then went and had my afternoon protein shake, and you know, it went down easier, because I really did feel rotten during my dream. I've seen it said here over and over, "Nothing tastes as good, as thin feels." That sums it up for me.

I voted no, although I'm still on the post-op liquid diet (mine is only a week, and then I move on to mushies). I didn't cheat on the pre-op diet either. I feel like this is my last chance to be thin again, and I'm not about to jeopardize everything now for a quick fix of food. I'm don't mean to be critical of anyone else, because I know the lure of food is such a challenge, but for me, I just don't have any desire to go off track.

Boost for diabetics Carnation Instant Breakfast, sugar free, in blue bottles or can I really liked both of these. Carnation only came in choc at the grocery I shop, and it was very good. I got Boost in choc, vanilla and strawberry, and they all tasted great too.

I don't mind that question at all. I was required to pay in full that morning, $13,500 :lovechoc:.

GG, I was also prescribed Oxycodone, and I've taken about five tabs (I'm allowed one or two). One tab seems to relieve the slight burning sensation that I'm having at some of the surgical sites that are not next to the bigger incision. I'm sorry to hear that you're having that painful burping, or non-burping situation. That's hurts even when you haven't had surgery.

Hi, and welcome to LBT. I think you'll find a lot of information here, that will help settle your nerves. My pre-op appointment started at around 9:00 and I was finished at 2:30. I had basically the same tests that your doctor requires. I also had to pay for my surgery that morning. I'm self-pay.