kpdgal

You also have to remember, weight loss right after surgery isn't going to happen over night. Remember all those IV's you were hooked up to, you are full of fluid, Plus your intestines are still sluggish a few days after surgery and even more if you are still taking your pain medication, so your not getting out the waste that way either. Key is to drink lots of liquids and get your protein going, things will start moving along better, and the weight will come off. Good luck guys..!

Dear Dirt Track... Well my hospital experience may be a little diff than yours will be, but here goes mine... Got to the hosp. 2 hrs before surgery to register. Just got comfy in waiting room and they call my name. They take my fiance and I to a room where I get into my gown. Several nurses come in and ask questions. They hook me up to a IV, and give me a herprin shot in my stomach. Anestestia (sorry about spelling!) comes in and asks if you have any ?'s. Then they come and get you to take you to the OR. But not before you get a shot of happy juice. You are aware, but dont have a care in the world once you get to OR. I was out before the mask hit my face. Next thing I know, Im in recovery and its time to get up and get walking..!!! It was a very good experience for me, I was never nervous or scared. Just happy to get it over with. It was scary swallowing the liquid they give you to xray your pouch cuz i didnt know what to expect when I swallowed, but it was really the same as always, and still is. I have the Realize band and my doc put it in empty, I get my 1st fill 4 weeks post op.. Well hope this helps! Im here for what ever questions you have..!!!

Post-Op Day 4. Resting comfortably on my couch, take a deep cautious breath in, and it happens, mouth full of dog fur! AGGGGG I coughed and gagged so much I hurt myself. Here's the culprit now! [ATTACH]130[/ATTACH] This is my 4 yr old Pom Pearl. Shes getting shaved tonight!!!!

Post-Op Day 4. Resting comfortably on my couch, take a deep cautious breath in, and it happens, mouth full of dog fur! AGGGGG I coughed and gagged so much I hurt myself. Here's the culprit now! [ATTACH]130[/ATTACH] This is my 4 yr old Pom Pearl. Shes getting shaved tonight!!!!

This is the problem with the band, you only get out of it what you put into it. There is no way we can go back to eating the way we did pre-band. You have to commit to eat less even when you have restriction. Log your food on fitday,daily plate etc and see what you are really taking in.. Get with your doctor and get a calorie/carb/fat guideline. The band (and you will hear this a million times on this forum) is only a TOOL. Good luck with your journey. You will find your stride, there are a lot of helpful people who only want the best for you here. You were strong enough to have the surgery, so I know you are strong enough to make this work for you!:cursing:

Ok, so Day 3 Post-Op my Fiance and I decide to go on a little drive to his fathers house. I thought since I had seat heaters, I could use the time to soothe my aching back and get some fresh air at the same time!!! Armed with my sippy cup I decide some fresh unsweet tea from MCd's would be lovely. Stopped at first one, got my tea in my sippy cup put in my sweet and low and take a big swig...........GROSS, TOO SWEET!!!! I start thinking, well I guess I forgot what sugared goodness tasted like and away we go.. Take one more swig and decide its too good to be true, and try the tea I hadn't sweetened... And Of COURSE! Sweet Tea!!! ugh... so we drive to Bojangles a few exits down, order another UNSWEET Tea, same thing, this time I stay at the drive-thru for my test sample.. I go through the sun-roof!!!!! How hard is it to take orders and give people what they asked for?!?!?! So it took 3 attempts to get my tea, sippy cup armed, off we go.... Coming back home, I suddenly get the biggest pain in my chest, I don't know whether to crap or go blind!!! so I start yelling pull-over! pull-over!!! I have to get out and walk!!!! So here I go on the side of I-40 walking around doubled over with my fiance close behind!! I let out the burp of the gods!!!! It was sweet music!!! Got back in, made it home, went to bed!!! Ugh.. Anyways, first road trip post-op, im going to have to call that one a loss!! Better luck next time I guess!!!

Ok, so Day 3 Post-Op my Fiance and I decide to go on a little drive to his fathers house. I thought since I had seat heaters, I could use the time to soothe my aching back and get some fresh air at the same time!!! Armed with my sippy cup I decide some fresh unsweet tea from MCd's would be lovely. Stopped at first one, got my tea in my sippy cup put in my sweet and low and take a big swig...........GROSS, TOO SWEET!!!! I start thinking, well I guess I forgot what sugared goodness tasted like and away we go.. Take one more swig and decide its too good to be true, and try the tea I hadn't sweetened... And Of COURSE! Sweet Tea!!! ugh... so we drive to Bojangles a few exits down, order another UNSWEET Tea, same thing, this time I stay at the drive-thru for my test sample.. I go through the sun-roof!!!!! How hard is it to take orders and give people what they asked for?!?!?! So it took 3 attempts to get my tea, sippy cup armed, off we go.... Coming back home, I suddenly get the biggest pain in my chest, I don't know whether to crap or go blind!!! so I start yelling pull-over! pull-over!!! I have to get out and walk!!!! So here I go on the side of I-40 walking around doubled over with my fiance close behind!! I let out the burp of the gods!!!! It was sweet music!!! Got back in, made it home, went to bed!!! Ugh.. Anyways, first road trip post-op, im going to have to call that one a loss!! Better luck next time I guess!!!

Well I am on day 2 and am finding after a few teaspoons of chicken broth that I dont want anymore. So I stop, it is an all day process to get your protein in.. I caught myself taking my sippy cup into the shower with me!! Ya that's right, I got a sippy cup! I didnt want to chance getting caught up with too big of a swallow..! I love it, anyways, I bought 2 bottles of Isopure 40grms of protien in a 20oz bottle, which literally takes me all day to drink, and then I got a couple of protein bullets that have 45grams in 3 oz and I take those in a medicine cup like its medicine, otherwise I cant stand it! (Fiance's idea!) I am still very sore and can only sleep on my back, which I never do, so that's causing me back and neck pain, but it does get better everyday!

Well I am on day 2 and am finding after a few teaspoons of chicken broth that I dont want anymore. So I stop, it is an all day process to get your protein in.. I caught myself taking my sippy cup into the shower with me!! Ya that's right, I got a sippy cup! I didnt want to chance getting caught up with too big of a swallow..! I love it, anyways, I bought 2 bottles of Isopure 40grms of protien in a 20oz bottle, which literally takes me all day to drink, and then I got a couple of protein bullets that have 45grams in 3 oz and I take those in a medicine cup like its medicine, otherwise I cant stand it! (Fiance's idea!) I am still very sore and can only sleep on my back, which I never do, so that's causing me back and neck pain, but it does get better everyday!

Well had my surgery today at 10, was home by 2! I really don't remember much, every one was very nice and I never felt nervous or the "what have I gotten myself into's" Not a whole lot of gas or pressure pains that I was expecting, I feel like I have had a c-section tho! My pain meds are keeping it at bay tho. I had a bout of hiccups that about put me under, but they quickly passed... Im surprised about the fact that I cant tell the band is there, I was afraid to swallow, I didn't want to feel that restriction right off, and so far I havent! Drinking 6 oz of watered down juice every hour as per dr.'s order along w/some other clear liquids for the week, then back to protien shakes..!! Whoo whoo!

Well had my surgery today at 10, was home by 2! I really don't remember much, every one was very nice and I never felt nervous or the "what have I gotten myself into's" Not a whole lot of gas or pressure pains that I was expecting, I feel like I have had a c-section tho! My pain meds are keeping it at bay tho. I had a bout of hiccups that about put me under, but they quickly passed... Im surprised about the fact that I cant tell the band is there, I was afraid to swallow, I didn't want to feel that restriction right off, and so far I havent! Drinking 6 oz of watered down juice every hour as per dr.'s order along w/some other clear liquids for the week, then back to protien shakes..!! Whoo whoo!

Today I ran around like an expectant mom, getting my nest ready to come home after surgery! I had to have every piece of laundry cleaned, beds stripped, all floors swept! everything organized. I knew it was stuff I didn't want to see this week un-done because I would over-do it fixing it later. So all clean!!! Spent the evening shopping for clear protein drinks and juices for post-op diet...Dang expensive!!! I found Isopure 20oz drinks for 5 bucks a bottle, only bought 2! Still not nervous, more concerned on how I am going to work out being a 100% belly sleeper after surgery that anything else. I have 100% trust in my Doc!.. Anyways, will update everyone tomorrow evening!!! Take care

Today I ran around like an expectant mom, getting my nest ready to come home after surgery! I had to have every piece of laundry cleaned, beds stripped, all floors swept! everything organized. I knew it was stuff I didn't want to see this week un-done because I would over-do it fixing it later. So all clean!!! Spent the evening shopping for clear protein drinks and juices for post-op diet...Dang expensive!!! I found Isopure 20oz drinks for 5 bucks a bottle, only bought 2! Still not nervous, more concerned on how I am going to work out being a 100% belly sleeper after surgery that anything else. I have 100% trust in my Doc!.. Anyways, will update everyone tomorrow evening!!! Take care

Three months is going to fly by!! All the hoops you have to jump through keep you busy and before you know it, your working around the house to get ready for surgery! Which is what I am doing right now..!!! Knocking around the idea of whether I should shave my legs or not!!!! hahaha after all that's not the end of the body they are worried about!! hheheh

Well, I can't believe this 6months process has already come to a head. It seems just like yesterday I was making my first appt. just to see what this lap-band thing was all about! I am going with the Realize band at my surgeons suggestion. I have no fear or hesitation what-so-ever about having this procedure done. I can not wait to get this process started. I have been on a 2 week liquid only diet. I had one slip up on my 7th day when the "I'll never have again's..." thinking about my favorite meal (which I wont discuss for all those who are trying to make it thru their fasts without skinned knees!) anyways, had my "last,last" meal and next day was right back at it...I have lost 8 lbs so far in 12 days, so I think im doing very well. I get married in Sept. Hoping I have enough time to make a difference in my appearance by then!:w00t:

Well, I can't believe this 6months process has already come to a head. It seems just like yesterday I was making my first appt. just to see what this lap-band thing was all about! I am going with the Realize band at my surgeons suggestion. I have no fear or hesitation what-so-ever about having this procedure done. I can not wait to get this process started. I have been on a 2 week liquid only diet. I had one slip up on my 7th day when the "I'll never have again's..." thinking about my favorite meal (which I wont discuss for all those who are trying to make it thru their fasts without skinned knees!) anyways, had my "last,last" meal and next day was right back at it...I have lost 8 lbs so far in 12 days, so I think im doing very well. I get married in Sept. Hoping I have enough time to make a difference in my appearance by then!:wub:

Welcome and good luck on your journey, lots of helpful info and people on this site.

i think its normal, my doc gave me a rx for ambien to rest more comfortably until you get used to it. he told me its normal to feel alittle claustaphobic (excuse the spelling) first time out with the machine. Good news is, after the surgery the apena should go away with weight loss!

I have been going to UT's weight loss and surgery center since Nov, 2008. Lynn and the office staff have made my 6month insurance required medically supervised office visits a very smooth process. I was recently approved by Cigna and will be having my surgery June 5th by Dr. Matthew Mancini who I have personally met twice durning my process. Tessa the centers dietician is a valuable resource as well as Lynn. I am very happy with my progress and several co-workers (5 so far) are either done with their surgery or are in the process. I would highly reccomend their program... Stephany Epps

I had to be weighed in once a month for Cigna Insurance requirements, there was no weight loss requirement for Cigna, and my surgeons only rule was I wasnt allowed to gain any weight, I ended up only taking off 3 pounds.. So it really depends on your insurance requirements (which you can research to make sure) some want a 10% weight loss. My nurse did RX phentremin (Wrong spelling !) but I didnt take them. Good luck either way,and theres plenty of people on here to help you..!!!

Naynay2, I had mixed emotions too. I would go from being excited to talking myself out of it altogether. The best thing I did was use this website as a tool. I read postings on the topics I was most concerned about and made my decision to go ahead with my procedure in May. The thread that has personally helped me the most was the "share ideas, what did you have to eat today" posts. It helped me realize that you can still actually eat foods you love, just modified into healthier versions and much less of it, which I was fine with. Many of us have restricted ourselves so much more in our past efforts to lose weight difference is, this time we have the right tool in place to accomplish it..! Good luck on whatever you decide to do! God bless

So, tell us, how are you doing? What have you experienced in your first almost month post-op? Whats working for you and whats not working for you?

Make sure to take gas-x, that will relieve alot of that pressure for you, and rest some, but most said walking around helped them the most...! I hope you have a good rest and report back tomorrow!

Well, My family and I have planned a trip to Disney World for valentine's weekend. Of course, the only thing I can think of is sore knees and footsies and trying to remember what rides I can actually squeeze myself into. Whats worse than not fitting into a ride? The look on your 13yo son's face as you have to get out of line and take the walk of shame!! But a little sing-songy voice came up in the back of my mind... This is the last year you go to WDW as a fatty!!!!!!! Next year I will not worry about any of the aforementioned issues!! Whoo-Hoo.. So, its bittersweet.. I will make sure to enjoy myself none the less. And look forward to next years adventures. The process so far has been pretty routine, Dr.'s approval, Blood work, Sleep study, seminar. This month will be the psych eval and visit to the nutritionist. My insurance requires a 6month medically supervised "diet". So April will be my surgery month good Lord willing and the creek don't rise!(VE) God bless