themis

I just got banded on Monday, I don't feel a thing. When I woke up after surgery, I was thinking maybe something went wrong and I didn't get the band. But no, I got the thumbs up from the doctor and later saw my incisions for confirmation. I don't feel my port, don't feel my band... I don't feel the least bit different, other than the affects from the surgery.

I'm with you Carrie. I was banded on Monday also. I had a rough start on Monday with the anesthesia and feeling a bit nauseous. But now I'm starting to feel better and have stomach pangs from hunger. I myself, don't feel hungry but my tummy is growling at me. I sip on the Special K protein water and drink some broth. Also some Jell-o will give you the feeling of eating without cheating.:biggrin:

I'm getting banded tomorrow morning as well and know exactly how you feel! You good luck!

Doing that as we speak. It's the grossest stuff! I have 2 drink 2 bottles! blech!

I agree! Not even my kids know. Just my bf and a couple close friends (that don't even live in town). It's no ones business but my own.

I lived in central Dayton, off Hillcrest Ave close to Good Sam. hospital. That was a long time ago. I moved to Texas in 1981 but my mom still lives there, so I go home once in a great while. I still consider Dayton as home, unless of course visiting Dayton, then San Antonio is home! LOL!:biggrin2:

Hey, Congrats!!! I originally from Dayton! I actually checked into a couple of places in Dayton/kettering because my mom told me they were good.. but I like my doctor and being at home.. =] I get banded on the 25th! We'll have to keep in touch!:thumbup:

Hi Barb! I'm right behind you! I'm from S.A. and I get banded on the 25th. My family doesn't even know, not even my kids. In fact outside of this board, only 4 people know in total. This place is great! Try to find a band buddy that uses the same doctor as you.. It's awesome! I did a search for my doctor's name and found my band buddy. She's been awesome! Don't worry about your friends and family, you are doing this for yourself. No they won't (or don't want to) understand. But everyone here does. Good luck!:wink2:

Luckily she was available and in the same office, so I just got an appointment right away. Then they made a call and set up my psych eval for the next day, the doctor that did my lab test was also in the same office, but they didn't have anything available the same day, so I had to wait 2 more days for that. But yeah, once they know you have the money, everything just goes quickly. My friend got all of hers the same day, it just depends on their availability.

That's an interesting question. I was sure that I didn't want to set unrealistic expectations. I went over my weight history with my doctor and told him my all time low was 117. I explained I didn't expect to get down that low, after all I'm 47 not 20. His response to me was, "how did you feel when you weighed 117?" I said I felt great. He said, "Then why are you selling yourself short? You said you felt great at that weight, then why stop at 130? You are paying to have this surgery done, why wouldn't you want to make the most of it?" I had no response. Because it made absolute sense.:mad2:

Getting banded August 25th! I've been making myself a nervous wreck! LOL! What happens if I don't pass my psych eval, what happens if they find something in my lab tests! Such a drama queen! My psych eval was awesome, he said I was a perfect candidate. I told the nurse after my EKG, the doctor was so quiet, I was waiting for him to jump up and say, my God, you're having a heart attack!:mad2: I'm trying to practice not drinking for 1 hour after eating... I got the no drinking WHILE eating thing, but I didn't think it would be that difficult to not drink AFTER a meal. :smile: Time to break out the timer! LOL! It's funny the things you take for granted.

This is really a question best asked to your doctor. I am in a similar situation as you. I'm 5'3" and have battled with weight forever. I initially wanted the By-pass, but when I discovered the LapBand, I realized right then and there, that was for me! If your BMI is that low, I would think LapBand would be perfect for you. Bottom line is, you need to make a decision to have this and put your effort into as well. As my Psych Dr. told me, "If I want to hammer this nail into this board, I need a hammer. But having the hammer isn't enough, it is only a tool. I need to use the 'tool' with skill to hit the nail into the board." You can cheat any diet and that includes ANY WLS! You need to have the self-discipline to use this tool to help you, it doesn't do the work for you. That goes for either surgery. I know how you feel though, I'm self pay and you want to make sure if you're putting this much money into this, that you make the right decision. My advice, discuss your concerns with your doctor and make the RIGHT decision together.

I agree... do not mention anything to your employer yet. Chicks3 gave you some good advice. Be sure to start with your PCP first and have their support through the whole thing. I am an employer myself and if some one told me about this right after they started working for me, I would question their loyalty to the business and that could make an uncomfortable work atmosphere for you. You have no idea IF they will cover your surgery or when... so definitely don't mention it until the time gets closer... and things are confirmed. Good luck with the new job AND the surgery!

My surgery is in a week, I've been buying little by little each time I go to the store, but I know I'll be in the same situation as you this time next week!

You should have probably gotten some sort of pre-op diet. You might want to check. Each doctor is different. Mine is a low-carb/low fat diet. He told me I could have the surgery in a week, I mentioned the diet and he said 14 days is great, but 1 week of this diet was fine. They WILL know if you do the diet or not. The day I was at the office my doc mentioned his patient didn't follow the diet at all, because his liver was huge. It makes it more difficult for the doctor when your liver hasn't shrunk at all. Did you have a nutrition consultation? She's the one that gave me the low down on the diet for pre-op.

Congrats on your decision! I'm self pay also. Once you are funded, things move very quickly! I had my consult and nutrtition consult the same day, psych eval the next day and lab testing 2 days after that, my lapband surgery is scheduled for the same day you are having your consultation (8/25). This process can move as fast or as slow as you want it to. I know I was so excited to get things started and then I was so nervous once I did. I can be a big ol' drama queen! LOL! But not once did I doubt that what I was doing was the right thing. I was more nervous that something would prevent it from happening. But here we are just a week away! I have to do a low carb/low fat diet for at least 1 week (preferred to be 14 days, but my doctor told me 1 week was fine.) Be sure you do your homework, ask lots of questions and if you can build a relationship even through email with another patient from your doctor, then do so. I was fortunate to meet some on through LBT that has kept me sane! :thumbup:

Charles, You should do a bit of shopping for doctors.. one of the things that you will read in here, is that different doctors suggest different things. It seems your list is a synopsis of all those things combined. I just had a long chat with my doc about all this yesterday, basically rumors verses facts... I will be banded in a matter of weeks so I wanted to start stocking my house with the 'right' things. The biggest change for me is medication for the first 6 weeks. He said, crushed, chewed or liquid only. (i.e.: pain reliever) But pre-op... is 14 day low carb Post op- is a transformation diet basically, for 4 weeks, you go from liquid to mushy to solid. You need to get used to it... and gradually work your way to solids. He said you can eat anything (peanuts, steaks whatever) as long as you chew, chew, chew. The main thing to remember is you want to get the most out of the food that you eat. You need to have protein, so if you are going to get full quickly, you want to make sure you eat the good stuff first. Just keep reading in the forum and make sure your doctor works with you on your concerns.

For those of us about to be banded... I realize each doctor has different criteria and each person is different in what they experience... but... What things would you do differently if you knew then, what you know now? For instance, one person said they would have bought multiple gas relief products... To help us prepare.. should we stock up on certain foods, meds, dos and don'ts... that kind of stuff... Also a side question... has anyone used Reglan for the gas? I use those sometimes now, I'm wondering if it will be okay after banding.

Okay, I'm getting banded soon and have a few questions... Did anyone drive the day of their surgery? For those banded awhile, does anyone still consider diet pills to curb their appetite? (yes I know that's what the band is for, but I read a lot of comments about not feeling restricted, so I'm curious) What is the earliest you went back to work? I'll be honest first 'kay? :thumbup: If I can, I'll probably drive the first day... I'm gong to be by myself, so if I need something, I'll go get it if I can, if not I can call some one, but I hate to bother people... Diet pills have never really worked for me, or I wouldn't be getting banded... but can't say, if I'm not feeling restricted at some point down the line, I might try one... depending of course what I read from you guys. I plan on playing this one by ear (so to speak).. I figure I'll try going back the 2nd day for a few hours at least. I have a desk job, but freedom to lie down or walk around if needed. My only concern is I have an office upstairs (no elevator). Hopefully that shouldn't be too bad, I'm sure some of you have a bedroom upstairs right?

Thanks for all of your responses. I wasn't planning on driving myself home from the surgery. I was just thinking if I need something from the store that I didn't have at home, I'd just drive to the pharmacy which is 2 blocks down the street and no major roads... I'm sure my friends, especially my bf will get whatever I need... I just figured if I'm supposed to be walking on the day of my surgery, I should be able to drive! I guess not.. Believe me I'm all for resting while I can get away with it! LOL! My surgeon only keeps you there for 3-6 hours after the surgery. I get Tylenol for my pain meds. Jack thanks for your clarity. You're correct. I based my question on things I have read here. But your assessment is a much better and realistic one. Thanks for the redirection!

Man.. you all are scaring me! :blink:I am about to get banded soon... how many people have had this happen? I hate throwing up. If I throw up more than 2 days in a row... I'm going to the doctor. I tend to throw up with my eyes closed, cuz looking at it makes me even more sick! LOL! Seriously though... I am assuming this is not normal.. does everyone throw up on the band? I thought it was just if you didn't eat right, or the right way... or too much... perhaps even getting used to it in the beginning.

It's usually from not eating right. At my grocery store, and I think Walgreens has it.. there is a vitamin supplement for "hair & nails" . Sometimes it's on the bottom shelf... a friend of mine who had cancer told me about it, she took it and said it works great. I took it when I was losing my hair from just dieting a while back and it does help.