Susie Girl 75

I go tomorrow for first fill and I am also nervous. Thank you for all of your input and stories, it does help. When my doc does an adjustment, he makes you drink barium and puts you under some sort of xray machine... I would think that method would bring the chance of a second or third stick with the needle... I sure hope so because I'm not a needle person...

If I can make a suggestion to you... Call your doc and let him know what's going on. I was feeling the SAME way you but when I went for my one week post op appointment, I told my surgeon and he told me that if I were feeling that bad, I could start pureed foods a week early!!! I felt 100 times better and you will too, just call your doc first and get the 'all clear' ... :Banane37: Hang in there!!!

I can see by your post that you're only 31 years old. My doc told me that youth is on my side. It might help that we're a little younger doing this... I think it also has to do with how much weight you loose and at what rate of speed...

Welcome BDS! I am new bandster as well. I was banded 07/03 in Chicago and have lost 14 pounds already. My pre op diet was 14 days, full liquids. Slim fast shakes, sugar free kool aid, sugar free popsicles, tomato Soup, chicken broth, etc... That is what my doctor instructed for me, but I know that every doc is different. You might want to call your surgeon's office and find out what he normally does. I wouldn't want to give you the wrong advice, I can only share my experience with you. Hope that helps and welcome to LBT! Chi-Town Susie Girl...

It's all in the approach BubbleButt, it's all how you come at people... My sarcasam may have been uncalled for, but let's call a spade, a spade BubbleButt... I've seen your sarcasam come out on more than one post, in more than one thread and that's fact!!! Come on... I just feel when there are 3 or more 'veteran' bandsters all going after one newbie, it's really not fair... We are not doctors or surgeons and I felt that Ebeth was being treated a little unfairly, and not just by you, but two other 'veterans'... I know that you are trying to help, that is what we ALL doing here... I respect the fact that you take the time out to post and reply... that shows that you're a good person, and that you care, but when three or more 'veteran' bandsters start going at one person, it's a lot to take and I guess I was just looking it from the newbie's point of view, because I'm a newbie myself... All advice is good advice from people that have the experience, but it's sometimes a bit much to take when you're first starting out, that's all I'm saying... I'm really not against anybody giving good advice, I not, I just also think that we need to listen to our doctors more and not come on this site for instruction that should be given by an MD... No arguments on follwing procedure here, really and truly!!!

Are you aware that I was also telling Ebeth that she should call her doctor? Oh, its so not evil!!! Why would I give my opinion telling someone to call their doctor but expect them not to listen or follow doctors orders. If you re-read what I wrote you would see that. I am all for listening to your doctor and following orders! I am not a rule breaker and have following my post-op diet to the letter!!! That's the only way to ensure success!!! I think you just like to oppose and argue BubbleButt... I feel sorry for you actually... I would hate to go through life like that.

For me it was quite a long process. I started back in Novemer of 2007 and I wasn't banded until July 3,2008! I had to do with my insurance carrier. BCBS Illinois wouldn't approve the surgery until you had 6 mos supervised diet with a Dietician. Once that was all out of the way, it went pretty smoothly. You can do a lot of your other pre-op stuff during your wait. Waiting that long was agony though, I'm not going to lie. But, here we are all these months later and I've been banded!!! It's all worth the wait!

Hi Peaches, and WELCOME! No need for nerves, although I must admit that 5 weeks ago TODAY I was in your same shoes and having my Fiancee Michael try to calm me in the waiting room before they took me in to the OR. My surgery was a HUGE sucess! My surgeon was done with the whole procedure within a hours time and I was home on my couch resting comfortably that same night. I had a little pain and soarness the first few days but I would say within a week I started feeling like my old self again. I'm five weeks out now and feeling GREAT! I have a little tenderness near the port location still by my surgeon has assured me that is normal. Good luck to you and God Bless! I will say a little prayer for you...

I'm not sure, but I don't see how at this point, meaning if there is no restriction... how can stretching the pouch can even happen. That is a good question thoguh? Maybe somebody that happened to can tell us?????

Congrats! I am 1 month post op and have lost 15 pounds total and have yet to have my firist fill, but when I hear success stories like yours, it inspires me! You did an amazing job Karen! WAY TO GO!!!

I feel your pain sister! I am 5 weeks post op, I lost 12 pounds pre-op and I've only lost another 3-4 pounds post op. I am back on 'regular' foods now and my appetite is back full force and it's taking every ounce of will power that I have to control myself. it's not easy. I go for my first fill on 08/13 as well and I CAN'T wait! We need to both post after our fills so we know how the other is doing! Hang in there and have faith in the band! :thumbup: I know this tool will eventually start helping!!

I think it's so wonderful that we have not one, but two MD's on this thread... (You two know who you are) You're both skilled surgeons, so we are SO lucky and blessed to have them grace us with their words of wisdom!!! With all of their combined surgical experience under their belts, how can you not listen to them??? Ebeth, and everyone else: If you have true medical questions and you are concerned for your band, then you should be contacting your doctor as well. Posting on this site is great and can be helpful, but nobody on this post is an MD... please keep that in mind...

I don't think you have anything to worry about. I am 4 weeks post op and have just this week tranisioned from soft food to regular food depending and I can most tell that my stomach is still a little bit soar and not used to having regular food... We have to keep that in mind... we have been on liquids, for some of us up to 4 weeks... we need to reconditon our new tummys... I think that could be why you had a little soarness... just my guess but if you are that concerend I would call you doc... BUT to answer your other question, I would LOVE TO HEAR from somebody that actually had their band slip... CAN ANYBODY LET US KNOW????

I know it's not always easy to do, but if I were in your situation I would have not choice but to find another doctor. It should not take 12 weeks, or three months for a fill. My doctor is making me wait 6 weeks and I'm already not very happy with him. I'll pray for us both! patience is must right now...

I go 08/14 for my first fill and I literally can't wait. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one going through this. Thanks for the reply Andrea.

Hi Michele! My name is Sue and I too was banded in July... July 3rd to be exact! I lost 12 pound pre-op and was 289 the day of surgery. I have not weighed myself since, as I DON'T want to get depressed or sad if I don't see a huge drop in weight, which I know that wont. I to am struggling with will power and now that I'm almost 5 weeks post op I am back on regular food with no restriction, see like you I have yet to have my first fill. I go on 08/14 and CAN'T WAIT!!! I have been extremely depressed the past two weeks and I feel like I'm in bandster hell. Although I have changed my eating habbits, I still don't feel like the band is working at all right now, and after all... isn't that why I did this? My Mother and another girl I work with have both commmented on how they can see that I'm starting to loose but I don't see it and I WILL NOT weigh myself until I go for my first fill on 08/14... I know that if I only lost a pound or two over the past 4 weeks I am going to be upset. My port area is too still a little soar, it's not 100% healed yet and that' is to be expected... My surgeon told me that it takes a full 6 weeks... we'll see! Please know that you're not alone and I feel the same way you do. I feel hungy and can eat what I want with no restriction, and it sucks. Making the right choices are hard and I can't wait for 08/14 to come!!! Hang in there and write me as often as you like... everyone can use a little more support, and lord knows I need it too!!! Best, Chi Town Susie Girl

Hi Nikole! God bless you and welcome to LBT! It sounds like the soarness is normal. I felt a little hunched as well. Don't sit straight up. Sit at the angle that you feel most comfortable. That's what I did! Give it week or so and you'll start feeling like your old self. As far as showering goes, my doctor told me showers are fine, but dont take a bath. No submerging in Water for two weeks. The full liquids are fine. I did have tomato day 2 after my surgery and I was put on the puree diet after only one week, but every doctor is different and seems to give differnt post-op diets... did your doctor tell you about staying on just liquids for a week or possible two??? Anyway, hang in there my dear! you will start feeling better in no time. I hope this helped answer a few of your questions! Chi-Town Susie Girl!

Kizzie, I'm so happy for you that got to the bottom of this and I'm so sorry you've been in bandster hell for the past 6 weeks. Hang in there and god bless you. You are in my thouhts and prayers!

I am going to stop at Target after work and take your advice. I think these crazy digital scales are for the birds! :wink2: I think the old school ones with the spinning wheel is the way to go!!!

I don't know what you should do... I mean, waiting a whole year for your band??? I couldn't imagine that. There is no way they could schedule you for maybe a week before? If that were the case, you could have your surgery and STILL make the wedding. I tell you, I was back at work in 4 days!!! Good luck my dear, I will pray for you that you come to a decision that works out for everyone involved. hope that helps, at least a little bit. Chi-Town Susie Girl!!

I had to be on all liquids for two weeks prior to the surgery. Full liquids like protien shakes, tomato Soup, I drank sugar free kool aid like it was going out of style. It was extremely difficult and I did falter a few times, here and there (not that I am saying that cheating is good) but I am just being honest. My doctor wanted me to loose a few pounds before the surgery and they also want you on all liquids prior the the surgery so your liver shrinks a little bit. If the liver is enlarged, it's harded for them to manuver around while doing your procedure, that's all... and as large people, our liver tend to be larger and fattier! :wink2: The pre-op diet is hard, but I managed! As I mentioned, I wasn't as diligent as I should have been the first week, but I did stick it to very closely the second week. My surgery went off without a hitch and I was home the same evening watching movies with my fiance! Hope that helps! Susie Girl!

I too was banded in July, 07/03 to be exact. I lost 12 pounds during the two week pre-op diet and have not weighed myself since being banded. I go for my first fill on 08/14 and I am very excited. I have this week been back on regular food and have no restriction at all, which they told me is normal since there is no Fluid in the band yet. I wish I had better advise for you sweetie, but I myself am not sure how this all going to work for me just yet. I have since changed my eating habbits drastically and I think that's step one! I have over 80 pounds to loose so, for me this is going to be quite a journey. As far as going through the procedure, that part of it was a piece of cake. I have and excellnt doctor, quick recovery... I was back at work in 4 days! I was a little soar for the first week but nothing I couldn't handle. I think we ladies have a higher tolerance for pain anyway! :wink2: Good luck to you and I will pray you find strengh to make the right decision for you. Chi-Town Susie Girl!

Debski, Congrats and way to go on being banded! This is the start of whole new life for you but please keep one thing in mind. The true start of this journey begins when you have your first fill! I was banded 07/03 and am having my first fill 08/14! it's been a long wait and I haven't lost much weight since I was on all liquids... Just a thoguht to keep in mind! Best of luck sweetie! you are in my thoughts and prayers! Chi Town Susie Girl!!!

Thank you Eileen, I too was well aware that Dr. Meyer's was trained by Dr. Horgan from Argentina, but Argentina is not Mexico, last I checked... Two seperate countries actually!!! I'm so glad that your girlfriends sister had such a wonderful experience in Mexico, I think that's a great thing and If I were a self-pay patient, I would make a different choice, but that's really all that I was saying. I don't criticize or redicule anyone that has made that decision, they did what is best for them. I was simply stating that would not have been the correct choice for me. I think Doc Meyers is wonderful and I would not change a thing about my procedure or anything about my decison. He is a great doctor and I was very fortunate to find him!!! I only hope that you feel the same way. Best, Chi Town Susie Girl!

I refuse to clutter this thread with a petty argument and that's CLEARLY what you are doing. I have been to Mexico, twice actually... 1st time in 1995 and the 2nd time in 2000! So, telling me to 'explore' is a mute point. I don't need to share my traveling travel experience with you to know that I coudn't drink the water while traveling there. I do read, and I have traveled out of the country and I refuse to continure a bicker fest that is totally off the original topic of this poor girls original post. I will conclude with this final point and then I will NOT POST AGAIN to this thread... so any response you send will not even be read... If we here in the US are not the best at everything and Mexico is such a great place, then why in the world are you still living in, where is it? Arizona... Last time I checked, AZ is part of THIS great country that we live it. If you prefer life in Mexico, you really should move there. My body and whom I let cut it open is my choice... you should learn to respect that.