Elisabethsew

I don't have the low profile port but the only way you can tell I have a port is to palpate my stomach when I am lying down. Since you did the fast and have the date, you need to weigh (no pun intended) doing it all over again, getting a new date, etc., against the low profile port. You could also discuss with your surgeon where he/she places the port. Let us know what you decide.

Welcome! It sounds like you're a band success and losing at just the right rate. Congratulations!

Welcome and good luck with the surgery. I chose not to tell anyone besides the 2 people closest to me and don't regret that decision one bit. It's best to do what you feel will work best for your success.

You got the brand new J&J band and I've heard the website is excellent. I hope all goes well for you. Congratulations and welcome!

Congratulations on a successful ablation and on getting your surgery scheduled. I had ablation for an AN nodal re-entry rhythm and now only have occasional episodes. Make sure the surgeon knows you're on coumadin because you'll need to stop it before he operates. He might also opt to have you give yourself heparin prior to surgery.

It sounds like you might need an antibiotic. If the color of the mucus is not clear, you should see am MD for a culture. I hope you feel better soon.

You might need another fill. Also, make sure you don't drink at all with your meals. That will help to prevent over eating.

I'm not a transplant patient but I do care for them in the hospital (I'm an RN). Pills that are not enteric coated or time released can be crushed but most patients are able to swallow them one at a time. It helps to take the pills with a hot beverage as it assists in breaking them down and flushing them through the pouch. Good luck!

The purpose of the pre-op diet is to shrink the liver. Mine consisted of no fats, protein shake (medifast) 3 times a day and clear liquids for a week. It's a tough diet but very necessary to a successful surgery. Try keeping yourself busy so you don't think of all you can't eat.

Anesthesia SLOWS everything and that includes the GI system. Walking a lot and drinking a lot helps to get things moving in the immediate post-op period. Once you can tolerate solids, 10 raw almonds a day provide natural fiber.

The average weight loss is 1-2 lbs a week and you're averaging better than that. Why would you be jealous? It's better to concentrate on your progress and following your prescribed plan than to compare yourself to others. You're a success!

Obesity is a complex disease and the band is merely an aid in the battle. Eating solid proteins and NOT drinking with eating keeps the pouch full and produces a feeling of being full that some of us never ever felt. Dealing with the emotional aspect of obesity is not healed with the band so you have to consciously question yourself before eating, "Am I hungry or simply feeding a habit?"

Welcome! Fertility is enhanced with the lapband so be careful! LOL. As your pregnancy progresses, the band is deflated to prevent complications so pregnancy concerns are not a real issue. Good luck!

The informational meetings are usually free and banded people are there to answer questions. Start dialing surgeons' offices and scheduling yourself for these sessions. You'll meet the surgeons and his/her staff as well as others who are where you're at. Good luck!

Indiogirl said it best. You'll have a healthier life and the option of plastic surgery so focus on the added years you're giving yourself and worry about the skin issues when/if you have to. Good luck!

I also had some heart issues that required surgical intervention. Your cardiologist might be able to have the insurance company waive the 6 month diet consideration. Call the insurance company and ask to speak to your case worker. Explain the cardiac issues and ask what can be done to either waive or lessen the supervised diet requirement.

Remember that healing takes 6-8 weeks so it's natural to feel full after small amounts of food during this time. Once the swelling subsides, people often feel hunger again and that's when it's time to start getting fills scheduled. It's also important not to compare yourself to anyone else. Some people heal faster than others and the anatomy of the body and internal organs are all unique. Follow the rules, let your body heal, and learn what's "normal" for you.

It's VERY normal to go through a range of emotions when you're considering a surgical intervention to combat obesity. It's definitely NOT a quick fix and it requires life changes to be successful. Getting all the information you can, asking questions, and talking to those who have been there will arm you with what you need to make a very personal decision.

A sense of humor definitely keeps you healthy and the ability to laugh at life's crazy situations is a gift.

Tell your family that you appreciate their concern but that you are following the prescribed diet and tell them if they have any questions, you would be happy to make a group appointment for them to see the registered dietician.

I have Empire BCBS PPO and they too demand a 6 month medically supervised diet. It takes up to 3 months to get all the testing done so make an appointment today and start documenting. My MD documented weight watcher attempts and that counted so explore all options.

Many fills are done with a topically injected lidocaine to numb the area. This is a tiny needle that you barely feel. You'll feel pressure as the needle goes in but no real pain... I promise.

You should be fine if you completed the course of antibiotics. Your MD might want another CBC before the surgery to make sure your white blood cell (WBC) is normal. Good luck!

It's nice to see all the Long Islanders! I'd be interested in hearing more about the J&J band.

My decision was NOT to tell anyone but my boyfriend and my best friend and that proved to be the right decision for me. I tried and failed at MANY diet over MANY years and did not want anyone evaluating me. Some people tell everyone and love the support they get. The bottom line is that you need to do what's best for YOU and not worry about anyone else. It's a very personal journey and sharing it, or not, is a personal choice.