lindas0809

Baylake- you go to tickerfactory.com and put your info in and it will give you a code that you put into your signature. I think you can put ticker help into the search box and you can get detailed directions. Good luck.

I think this is different but I do remember the tech in the hospital telling me to breathe into the spirometer and being worried that my oxygen level was low after surgery. He said that the lungs "become" collasped during surgery and we need to fill them back up asap to avoid pneumonia.

Hey Lindsay - I wondered how you were doing. I am still pretty sore(keep wondering how all these people say they work a day or two after surgery, no way). I haven't been hungry up to this point, but can feel it coming on. This week I can have protein shakes, broth, yogurt, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and popsicles. I still have a lot of gas, the trade off for the pain is no hunger. I think this week is the worst and it'll get better next.

Hi! Glad to hear you're doing well. I was banded the 5th- have been pretty sore, but feel much better today. I did not tell a lot of people either - no one at work. I think you'll find that people are either very private about it or they shout it from the rooftops. I think what ever works for you is OK.

Hey everyone- had surgery 6/5 in the afternoon and was home yesterday. Surgery went well, but I have a lot of pain- I'm thinking mostly gas. I'm definitely not eating enough, but trying to get some things down. I feel like I'm a little slow going compared to some, but overall I'm doing well.

Michelle/Missme- I'm on Friday too and getting nervous. I only have to do one day of liquids prior. I don't know if it's good or bad - have been eating too much. Good luck to us all - maybe we can touch base on Monday. :wub:

Lindsay- Feel free to send me a PM if you want to talk. I'm Friday too and my nerves are starting to get the best of me. Let's just remember why we decided to do this in the first place, and focus on the results. Please let me know how things are doing.

Honestly if you read a lot of posts you'll see most people end up taking a lot longer than they think it will take if insurance is involved. I know I started last summer and will have my surgery next week. Yes I was frustrated along the way, but it's a lot to do and you have to use the time to get yourself organized and learn as much as you can. Good luck!

I just finished my tests today(yea!) I had to get a chest x-ray, blood tests and ekg. This is standard for my hospital, I've read a lot of people have a lot my tests and some have fewer so I think it's totally dictated by your Drs.

I have aetna too (HMO). First I've assumed that you made sure your plan has WSL coverage(not employers take that). I opted to do the six month plan of just having a Dr. supervised weight loss plan. They also offer a 3 month multi disciplinary(diet & exercise) plan. Other than waiting the 6 months, I had a good experience with Aetna's approval process. Good luck!

Just by coincidence I found out today you'll get an updated one in the mail once the date is scheduled. I just did.

Hi Lindsay! We are being banded on the same day 6/5- I just finished all my preop stuff today (hopefully all the tests are OK). Let me know things go with you- I have found a lot of support and advice here. Good Luck with everything.

I had a PCP that I didn't really like and asked for a referral. His nurse referred me to another Dr. in their group who had "experience with that". What the??? I politely declined and found a new PCP that I love - she is supportive, but gives me a balanced view. I have never had a Dr. that I liked before, so in a way I have thank that jerk for turning me away.:crying:

Steve, I'm not sure where you've tried, but here's the area hospitals(off the top of my head) that do the surgery. Hopefully someone will take you. Johns Hopkins- Bayview St. Agnes UMMS - Baltimore GBMC Sinai Hospital Shady Grove (Bethesda,MD) Good Luck!

I have had several Dr.s tell me that a should have bypass not the band(because of my weight and diabetes). I would just suggest that you do your own research and if you feel strongly that the band is for you (like I did ) be able to speak to the Dr. about why. I think many Dr.'s deal with people who come in everyday and have no idea there is a big difference between the two proceedures and then they end up treating everyone like the they know nothing. Just listen to all the information and decide what you are most comfortable with. Good Luck!

I don't know - I've wondered too. I have a kitchenaid blender and food processor. Magic Bullets are on sale at Costco right now -I looked the other day but thought it was one more gadget I don't need. One thing I did buy was a "blender ball" cup to mix up protein shakes on the go - it is awesome!!

Good luck with your journey. I think as you read posts you'll see we all had/have reservations but our need to be healthy has overridden them. I'm curious about your Dad having it at 74- did he have a problem finding a surgeon to do it at his age? I'm asking because my Mom has becoming interested in having it done since I've started - she's 69 and worried she can't get it done.

Well, I have no advice, but I'm scheduled for June 5th and am getting crazy scared. We just have to keep faith that we are doing the right thing. Coming here helps keep me focused on the weight loss not the actual operation. Good luck!

My Aetna letter had 12/31/2099-12/31/2099, so I don' t think it's unusual. You may want call to check, maybe I should too....

I really dislike protein drinks so I've been using Sugar free Carnation Instant Breakfast. It has 13 grams of protein with milk, not a ton but Ok by my Dr. and it's pretty good.

I just got Designer whey unflavored powder at the Vitamin Shoppe for $20 for a big 2 lb tub. It doesn't have much of a smell, which is good. I can still "taste" it in stuff a little- but I'm picky. I plan on adding it to crystal light when I'm post op.

I have a four year old and luckily unless she's sick she's not too clingy anymore. I plan on telling her about me going to the hospital the day before(why make her worry) and letting her know it's a belly issue and that she won't be able to jump or sit on me for awhile and that I can't pick her up, but that we can hug and kiss. I find that if I tell these things before hand and let her know she will be a big helper to me, she follows direction pretty well. I plan on having my husband "remind" her before I come home. I'm sure it will be tough. :wink2:

Nicolerose, Maybe you need to start taking in a few more calories for awhile, sometimes that helps a plateau in weight loss - and only weigh yourself once a week. As far as the fill - do you feel like you are at your sweet spot or is it a lot of self control on your part to eat so little? I would at least go in to talk to your Dr. let them know what you're doing and see what they recommend. Good luck - you are doing awesome!!

WOW- that sounds so tough. I don't think I could do all liquid. Seriously talk to your Dr. about options to get a little more nourishment. I'm lucky that my hospital just dropped the pre op diet to just the day before surgery because they had done research that showed they were not that effective(you have to love research hospitals). Hopefully you can get some Protein shakes added to your diet. Good luck!

I'm sorry you're going through this - it's stress that you don't need while you're recovering. I completely understand the paycheck to paycheck, we've been doing that for awhile because of a combination of factors(my husband and I are both lucky enough to have our jobs though) and it starts to wear on you. I keep thinking this is a bad time to have surgery having to but special food and the medical bills, but I know that is an excuse for me. Anyway, there are a lot of us that understand - keep your head up and let us know if you need support.