nicci63

It's been a painful interjection in my sleep - started throwing up in bed, out of the blue. never had reflux issues before. threw up 7 or 8 times. hard wretching, bringing up digested food.....gross... hadn't eaten since 7pm, this was around midnight. wasn't stuck on food, no pain before hand. sipping on warm tea right now to ease pain in my throat. was banded in dec 08, been losing nice an steady since then. am kinda concerned, any thoughts??:cool:

Plan ahead of surgery day, and you will have a much easier time in recovery. This is a general list that i have posted before, it's not comprehensive, but will get you thinking about what you may need to make life a little easier during your post-op time. Have a great surgery, I did, almost a year for me now, and 77 down :thumbup: Blessings for Christmas and the New Year Nicci63 NON-food ITEMS: Heating pad (12inx24in) - for shoulder pain if you have any Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) - for shoulder pain if you have any A few books or movies Squishy pillow for car ride home - for seatbelt (shoulder pad) Make sure you have a good blender Small mouthwash sized plastic cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups – 100ct – for making Jello in!) PHARMACEUTICALS: - follow doc’s instructions for meds Adult liquid Tylenol - check with your doc before using Wet Wipes Pill crusher Chewable Vitamins Stool Softener - check with your doc first Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm FOOD ITEMS: - follow your doc’s instructions on nutrition post-op Protein shakes Protein Water (K2O) Plenty of water broth or stuff to make broth sugar free popsicles Sugar free jello Sugar free breath mints (chewable) Crystal Light Bouillon Cream of Wheat Creamy Soups Applesauce FAT FREE yogurt Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds(got instant, more flavors, price per box) Sugar free hot cocoa Decaf tea CLOTHES POST-OP: Loose fitting, easily removable button down shirts or PJ tops Thong shoes/slip-on/Crocs - so no bending and tying LADIES – tip for surgery day, wear a button down shirt, and no bra..it’s much more comfortable!!

The heating pad is suggested for the shoulder pain only, not the tummy. Should have clarified that, thanks for your input. the list is meant as suggestions only, obviously people should follow their docs instructions first. :thumbup:

Button down shirts were easier to get on and off, just my opinion.

Have seen this list before, but it's worth posting again it's so useful if you are getting ready for surgery! :thumbup: NON-food ITEMS: Heating pad (12inx24in) - for shoulder pain if you have any Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) - for shoulder pain if you have any A few books or movies Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) Make sure you have a good blender Pedometer(depending on the one you get – don’t forget to adjust to your stride) PHARMACEUTICALS: liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check early in case pharmacy needs to order in advance) & check with your doc before using Chewable or liquid gas-x, or strips Wet Wipes Pill crusher Chewable Vitamins Hospital Medicine cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups – 100ct) Cough Drops Stool Softener - check with your doc first Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm FOOD ITEMS: Protein shakes Protein Water (K2O) Plenty of water broth or stuff to make broth sugar free popsicles Sugar free Jello Sugar free breath mints (chewable) Crystal Light "On the GO" assorted flavors Bouillon Cream of Wheat Creamy Soups Applesauce FAT FREE yogurt Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds(got instant, more flavors, price per box) Sugar free hot cocoa Decaf tea CLOTHES POST-OP: Loose fitting, easily removable Button down shirts Thong shoes/slip-on so no bending and tying Sports Bra! Sutures will be hurt by under wires LADIES – tip for surgery day, wear a button down shirt, and no bra..it’s much more comfortable!!:smile:

SOrry to hear you had trouble with pain l8deestar....that bites. hope you are feeling better now. I started on soup today...oh how nice to have flavor in my mouth!!! best wishes for the new year...let's make it an awesome one. nicci

does anyone know if chronic coughing can affect the band? i have had a horrible cold all week, and cough like crazy sometimes. hope this won't affect my band.....

Recovery continues to go well. no real pain, no gas pains, no hunger...just thirsty. would like to sleep better but that will come. how soon can i lay on my side? i don't have any sensation at any of my incisions, thanks to the ON-Q painbuster ball, that thing ROCKS....:thumbup: kids are at grandmas house, and i am going up today to spend christmas with them..not driving, someone is picking me up. then home on my own for a couple more days recovery without the kids i hope. we'll see how long grandma can cope. MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone, God bless, and take good care. here's to a healthier new year! Nicci:wink_smile:

things i have learned that might be useful to other newbie bandsters.... 1. wear a button-down shirt (it's easier to get on and off after surgery) 2. i bought small plastic bathroom cups to make Jello in - perfect portion size 3. have your doc use theON-Q pain buster ball,it is amazing, i have not gone above a 3 in pain (out of 10). if he doesn't know what it is, have him google on-q pain buster..... 4. get all the help you can, so that you can rest and recover, no need to rush into going back to work, unless you absolutely have to. 5. stay in touch on line here, the support is wonderful. well, back to sipping warm tea, and a jello for me. all is well here, take care friends. nicci

HEY we're twins, i did it!! Nicci

well gang!!! how did it go for you? I was in surgery at 9.30 and home by 3pm. No real pain, little sore in the left shoulder and a little sore around the port site...but that's it right now. sipping on warm tea, water, jello in phases. feel good, been up and walking around since i got home. watching White Christmas on TV. and just relaxing. Sure hope your journey has had a pleaseant begining like mine. The nurses and staff were SO suppportive and encouraging. big smiles all around. Be blessed this Christmas season, and keep in touch. Nicci:thumbup:

n2u1977: we're banding twins.....actually there are about 6 of us having surgery on the 23rd, that i know of. check out my Dec 23rd thread on this forum too. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f84/december-23rd-bandsters-82191/ i am hoping i can still go ahead with my surgery as i have a cold....sometimes they won't let you go under with a cold...we'll see. if not and i have to reschedule i will be BUMMED!!! good luck to all of us today:thumbup:

Well I hit an obstacle this weekend.... I have a really bad cold. Please be praying that it goes away so i can have my surgery on Tuesday with you guys! I will be SO disappointed if I have to reschedule. :tounge_smile: Take care and God Bless. Nicci

Hi, i have surgery scheduled for dec 23rd, and have been doing my pre-op Atkins diet since Dec 1st (my choice). Lost 18 lbs so far. Glad my doc just reuiqres Atkins Diet pre-op and not liquid diet. Having surgery in Pueblo Colorado with Dr James Smith, he's a wonderful doc, would recommend him to anyone. Will be posting my progress here post-op. it's so encouraging to hear everyone elses stories. Keep up the good work, and keep encouraing each other - we can all succeed on this journey i know it!! :huh2: God bless, and Merry Christmas to all. Nicci

Had my pre-op assessment done today at the Med Center, and also met with my surgeon. Asked him tons more questions. Like, did i have a say in where the port went....yes i did! Also found out that he uses the On-Q painbuster for pain control post-op and i am excited about that, i have heard great things about it. Maybe your surgeon does the same thing? Only tests i had to do were EKG and bloodwork, everything else is in place. Getting very excited to move ahead with my new life. Keep in touch with your post-op experiences. Nicci:thumbup:

hey there, good luck with your surgery. I grew up in Huddersfield, but have lived stateside for 20 years now. we'll be thinking of you on the 23rd!! nicci

I'm having surgery on dec 23rd too, we have our own thread started for dec 23rd bandsters too if you want to join us!! best of luck on our band day!! nicci

Hi everyone, I am doing my pre-op diet right now, i started early to wean myself of those nasty carbs!!! Have lost 15 lbs in two weeks, and surgery is on dec 23rd so hope to lose more by then. All is going well, have major excitement about getting banded, and have learned so much from this site. Keep up the good work everyone. Blessings for Christmas.. Nicci:thumbup:

Hey there, i have a date for my surgery now with Dr Smith. Dec 23rd. Can hardly wait! Hope all is going well with you. Nicci

You sound like you have a huge burden on your shoulders. I haven't been banded yet, but can relate to the stress eating, and the depression that seems to linger in my life too. I wish you well, and will be praying for you, and your family situation. Go TONY!!! another NASCAR fan :thumbup:

i use EAS Advant Edge Carb Control Shakes from WalMart - about $5 for 4, if you drink them nice and slow they really fill you up and taste nice too. good luck with surgery nicci

I am one of the many having surgery on the 23rd, let's join together and encourage each other through the process. I'm in southern Colorado, where are you? Happy Life Change to us all. Nicci:thumbup: