TQUAD64

I would encourage you to move forward with the process. The bad habits we acquired over our life time will not dissipate over night, but banding is a tool that will help you. I would encourage you to seek counseling and connect to others on this forum. Your demotivation can stem from the fact that you have indured several denials, making you think that the surgery really isn't going to happen. Good luck to you.

All I can say, after reading this thread is that I really enjoy being single (divorcee 10-years). I can really focus on myself/health without having to worry about how a significant other is impacted by my actions.

Interesting. Why doesn't the surgeon take out the gallbladder at the same time as he/she inserts the band? Other surgeons have done it that way.

After reading posts about this topic before my surgery, I made sure not to weigh myself right after my 11/11/08 surgery. I didn't want any disappointments. My pre-surgery weight was 251. I dropped 10 pounds on the pre-diet and weighed in at 241 on my surgery day. Today, I weigh 225 pounds on my bathroom scale. On 11/26/08, I meet with my doctor for my first follow up appointment, since the surgery.

My surgery was on November 11 and this weekend is the first time since surgery that I actually started feeling better. I am sleeping at night without pain. I am shopping, driving and walking and do not feel overly tired. Tomorrow is my first day back to work full time at a stationary job. However, I have a 1-hour commute one way, so I am hoping all goes well. I will work three days and then have four days off for the holiday to help my recovery.

Did anyone use just Tylenol? I'm also scared of drinking too fast and nothing sounds good to "eat." Would love to hear what drugs others used right after and what "food" helped get rid of this yucky taste. Water is not doing it. Thanks for any input. I had terrible reactions to the pain meds in the hospital. I went home with a anti-nasuea patch behind my ears, plus two additional patches just in case. At home I had liquid Loritab. I would drink broth first then slowly drink the liquid Loritab. Once the Loritab was gone (I did use it all), I started drinking liquid Tylenol. I have one or two doses of liquid Tylenol now, because I am really active in the community. I have a little pain now from doing a lot of errands. I am trying to get myself back into shape for my return to work on 11/24/08. I am a little sore, but it is manageable. :smile2: I am now 225, started out at 251.

Prior to surgery approval with my insurance, I had to do a 6-month supervised weigh in diet. Once surgery was approved, I had to do a two-week pre-op diet to shrink the liver for a better surgery outcome.

I agree, it is very individual and dependent upon complications. I scheduled two weeks off from work, but wish I had scheduled three weeks. I had a problem with my spleen bleeding during the surgery and pain management was out of control. I have issues tolerating pain meds, so I ended up staying 2.5 days in the hospital. I am still sore, but I am driving around town, running errands, and doing light chores. I go back to work on 11/24/08 and my surgery was 11/11/08.

My doctor stated that the FDA says it should last 10-years. That is the only info I have. Sorry.

Hi, I was banded on 11/11/08 and my four incisions still have their steri-strips on. My doctor told me to leave them on and that they would eventually fall off. If they did not fall off she would take them off at my first post op visit on 11/26/08.:drool: If I were you, I would leave them alone or call your doctor for clarification.

Well, my Starbucks pre-op fave was a white mocha nonfat no whip. However, post op, I don't like the taste of it any more. I didn't realize my taste buds would change with the surgery, but they have.

My nutritionist stated around 1,200 when I am on solid foods. I am still on liquids. But I really don't recall my doctor telling me how many calories.

This is what I had: sf pop cycles sf jello chicken broth beef broth crystal light light juices diluted

Good for you! And never give up. You can do this!

Things I wished I would have known: How tired I would be because of lack of solid food. liquid diet post op sucks! How bad the gas pains and diarrhea would be post op. I should have took three weeks off rather then two. How hungry I would be three days post op.

I am banded now and the only person who knows that is my sister. I haven't told anyone else. I started changing my eating habits months ago letting people know that I was trying to eat healthier. One of the reasons why I chose this procedure was that weight loss is gradual, thus not having to explain to people why the dramatic weight loss.:cursing:

Thank goodness for medical insurance, because I ended up staying in the hospital and extra day for a total of 2.5 days. I only pay co-pays of $15.00 for each fill. Dr. visits are $15.00. The hospital stay and procedure fully paid by the insurance company.

Yep, I was rivited to the television set as I watched all the weight loss stories on tv last night. All were heartbreaking. I am so glad I had this surgery done last week. I want to be healthy.

My doctor gave me a choice and I selected the Iname Lap Band. Mt doctor gave me a 10cc band, which she pre-filled with 3cc during the surgery. So far so good.

Well, I started losing a lot of hair during the pre-op diet. Not so much now post op, but plenty of hair loss pre-op.

:smile2:Hi Chentel: I was banded last week and I tossed the idea of gastric bypass around as well, since I have 100 pounds to get rid of. Anyway, after doing lots of research I decided to do the band, becuase it was less invasive and has a quicker recovery time. I am glad I selected the band. Now, there are many people on this web site that have lost 100 pounds from the band. There is a thread some where on this web site that tells their stories. They will give you hope and inspire you. Good luck!

Candicane: I had my surgery on November 11, so our recovery is at the same time. Last night I swallowed my liquid pain medicine the wrong way, which through me into a coughing fit. OUCH! I grabbed my hospital cough bear, placed it over the main port incision and braced myself. I tried to remain calm and work through it. I think it is very natural to have soreness one week after surgery in the incision area. I think the area of concern would be if you have severe pain that you can not tolerate.

I was not allowed to bathe until two days post op. And was told not to mess with the insicion area.

I spent two days at the hospital and had to wear the hospital gown. I do not think they would mind if you broght your comforts from home (blanket).

I was banded on November 11 and I feel tired, weak, and a little bit of pain. But I feel so much better than when I was in the hospital. I am totally taking my time to recover and will be off work for two weeks. Good luck to you and try not to rush it.