Band_Groupie

Thanks Lingling for doing this! I'm so interested in seeing people's goal BMI's as I have no clue what's reasonable. I set a range, but I'll give you my 'pie in the sky' goal (probably not attainable, 100# sounds cool though, but I'll be happy with less). Set me at 5' 8.75" (doc counted me at 5'8" which I was thankful for), and end goal of 148#.

I would have paid even more for a headband...for head hunger...I'll take a pink one please.

That was helpful! Wish I'd gotten some keepers...my feet look like watermelons on long flights (and one of my many sisters has had 2 mini-strokes). Thank you Dr. Cali!

Well today is my last day to get help around here getting ready for DD’s graduation party. DH is traveling to San Francisco Wednesday through Friday (dinnertime), which is exactly when his family arrives (they’re coming a day early, but at least everyone is staying at a hotel this time). The boys have pretty full schedules with track, work, and other lessons this week, so if I want anything moved, packed up, leaves put in tables, in other words anything that weighs more than a few pounds, then today’s my chance to order everyone around…umm…I mean…ask for help. Like most busy families we have a few piles of unfinished projects laying around (shelves of Stars Wars toys my DS1 collected as a young child that he wants to box up and put in the attic before going off to college, piles of too small clothes, etc.). I’m waiting for my pain meds to kick in and then hopefully I’ll get busy like my usual OCD-tendency superstar-cleaner self. This morning I thought I’d turned the corner. I held off my last daily dose of pain meds until right before bedtime last night hoping I’d sleep through the night for once. It worked and I slept until 5am…not exactly all night, but I was happy. I came downstairs for about 3 hours then got very drowsy so I decided to go back to bed. Then I got cocky. I saw how well some of my band buddies banded this week were doing; heck some of them are sleeping on their sides already. Well that sounded wonderful to me (I’m a side sleeper), and look at me I’m doing well today…and heck, I’m LORD OF THE RING now aren’t I? So I had DH help me and I got back into bed and slowly turned to my right side as my hugely swollen belly tried to flop down toward the bed. HOLY *Insert Catholic school girl curse words here* (we don't really know how to curse so things like 'Holy Sister Arcangela' come out)!!! OK…I…can’t….breath!!! What happened???!! Did the surgeon sneak back in and start cutting me open again just for grins??!!! Must…turn…to…back…NOW!!! *more CSG cursing* Whew! More…pain…meds…NOW! I felt like someone was ripping my left rib out through my abdominal muscles! Pain meds…sweet relief…I was almost breathing normally when I fell asleep. Two and a half hours later I’m up…back to being super sore, but up. Now I know why people keep posting that they just know they’ve done something to mess up their band surgery. I’m NOT a worrier, especially about me, but for the first half-hour I was up I was convinced that I dislodged those stitches that hold your band to your stomach and now it’s slipped. The next half-hour was devoted to; I ripped the stitches off my port and now it’s flipped over so I proceeded to prod my very sore left side where the port is…smart I know. I’m over it now. While I’m pretty sure I ‘disturbed something’ (DH’s words), the chances that I caused permanent damage are slim and there’s nothing I can do about it now anyway. See, again I’m my own worst enemy AND my cup is always more than half full. No more Lord of the Ring for me…I back to being a minion of the ring and I obviously still have a lot to learn. Now on to my domestic dominatrix duties... (Oh, Lena- Spew Alert!)

Great details! I wonder if we have 'charcoal' in the States? I've only heard folks talk about simethicone. Luckily, I haven't had too much problem with gas as it comes and goes pretty quickly. I can't believe you can sleep on your side already. I tried last night and lasted about 30 seconds...felt like my incisions were ripping. Feel better soon, and CONGRATULATIONS BANDER!

Stockings? We have plastic sleeves with 3 sections/chambers going up. They go on your calves and then they hook them up to a pump that alternates each section blowing up then deflating (they come off the same day as the surgery). And you're not a whoose...this is a big surgery, and it hurts post-op (just took my pain meds and I'm now 4 days out). Hang in there, it will all be worth it! -BG

Ahh, Bandster Hell...I can hardly wait! I read the thread link, but not all the replies. I'm guessing they got some flack for not knowing this was going to happen. I'll be honest and say that I wasn't on here one day before I knew what bandster hell was...and I'm not sure how you could understand what a fill is and not realize that there will be a period without one, plus knowing you need several, that it won't be perfect for awhile. I'd never berate someone for not knowing this, but I'll tell you that I'm amazed, not by how many are frustrated by bandster hell (I know I will be), but by how many are totally surprised by bandster hell. I've always said I'll be happy if I have good restriction by the fall/holidays and if it's sooner, then great. I've spent some time reminding DH about this (only person I've told) so he understands I might even be gaining weight at points. I think it's important to set realistic expectations so you're not dissapointed. It's so hard to wait all this time, finally get your 'tool', and then have another long wait before it's really working. That's why having this group to go through this with is so important. We've got each other to vent to and give support. I wish they handed out a dose of patience with the band.

I'd be interested in seeing people's goal BMI (since I don't know heights, their BMI means more to me). Just a suggestion.

I'm the grammar police at my house. My DD spells very poorly. I blame it on the 'invented spelling' program that she was a part of for four years in elementary school (spell it like it sounds).

I'm certainly more tired than usual. I could probably take a nap each day (and I can't EVER take a nap, ever), but I don't because I'm hoping I'll sleep through the night (haven't yet). You've got a double whammy though if you only gave up the Dr.P on your surgery date. I weaned myself slowly off caffeine prior and I felt like I was in a fog for weeks. You'll get through this and getting off the pain meds and adding solids will help with your energy as well.

Hey early! I was in on the 22nd too. I'm hoping tonight I'll turn the corner as I've been up every night for pain meds. I still have to get DH to help me up and down...sore! Here's hoping tomorrow is better for you!

What your insurance policy probably won't spell out is which comorbidities count; generally it's only the big 5: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, sleep apnea, and obesity related heart problems...AND you have to show treatment/medication for these problems. It's not likely your back will help, but it's worth asking the insurance specialist at your surgeon's office. I have osteoarthritis, slight scoliosis, and severe lordosis in several sections of my spine, had xrays done this year and attended physical therapy. My back didn't count at all as a major comorbidity. I also have other 'minor' obesity related comorbidities; asthma, incontinence, etc. and these won't get you approved, but they'll help your case if they're on the fence. You didn't say what your BMI currently is, but the general rule is you need one or two of the 5 biggies I listed if your BMI is 35-40, and usually none if it's over 40 so get a copy of your policy. I'm glad you said you already had blood work done (I'd also ask for a diabetes test and a sleep study) as many here had comorbidities they didn't even know about (I didn't know I had hypertension until I started this process). Good luck to you, and don't give up yet...for most of us this is a battle and lots of hoops to jump through...but look at me...I just got banded 3 days ago and I didn't think I'd qualify when I started.

bird- Glad you're doing so well! You're an inspiration! I was also banded on the 22nd and would say I was very well educated prior (although I'm the first to say I've got a lot left to learn about post op). The gas hasn't been too bad, and I did get sick only at the hospital, but my stomach is still very sore (the pain woke me at 2am again in the night and I was up getting more pain meds). I have a very high threshold of pain (had 2 of my 3 kids with nothing and an epideral only with the third, had a hysterectomy with not as much movement pain as this, but I'm used to being active and stomach muscles are used for so much). I think we just all have slightly different experiences...that and my age is probably a factor LOL. Each day gets better! Post op diet: I'm on SF Clear Liquids for 3 weeks; including popsicles and Jello and the only non-clear is 3, 8oz. glasses of skim milk a day.

Don't you love blogging...it gives back so many ah-ha moments! No matter how great things are now, we can always be better than our current selves, on the outside and on the inside. OK, tough love...I'm going to be watching how much you weigh on your birthday! You can and will do it! ((hugs)) BG

Hmm. Maybe that's just their way of making sure you start exercising enough.

Never heard anyone mention walking for 30 min. after each meal (not that it's a bad idea). Are you sure you don't have this confused with the fact that you're not allowed to drink anything for 30 min. after eating (that's a normal requirement)?

I've been using the SF Chocolate Syrup in my skim milk as it's my main source of calories/protein and I must drink 3, 8oz. glasses per day. I'm not a milk drinker so it's been a life saver (13 kcal per Tbs, 1/2 gr. protein).

I'm assuming you know that PBing that often can cause all kinds of complications that can lead to band removal even. I'd strongly urge you to talk to your doc about getting a small unfill and then perhaps you'll be at your sweet spot. No doc wants you to be PBing that often. Good luck! -BG

Weighting...it's always a good thing when you put yourself back on the list. So sorry about all your losses and I'm glad you're back on the journey! Keep up the good work! -BG

Smooth sailing to you...into port (hee hee)! -BG

I'd go to Physical Therapy and let them determine the safest exercises/machines.

*Post Deleted for Lap Band Book

Good question! My plan (subject to change LOL) is to never be on a 'diet' again...ever. I've been on them all and they don't work (well, I've lost a ton, but gained it back). I do plan to spend a lot of time upfront learning; how to eat healthier, exercise, counting calories, liquids etc., and yeah, I'll be stocking the cupboard with lots of low cal (shhh- yes, diet) foods. I'm going to TRY not to worry too much about what I'm losing or not during Bandster Hell (easier said then done...patience will be tested), and I've been saying since last year that I'm not expecting real restriction until the holdays this year (if it comes sooner then great!). I do plan to follow the Bandster rules, which means not drinking your calories ever (so no Protein shakes EVER once I'm past this pre-op time unless I'm running low on getting protein in for some reason. I don't get the banders who are drinking 2 meals a day years out from banding...why get a band?). I'm hopeful that eventually (maybe a year or less out) I'll be able to eat the same healthy foods my family is eating (leave out the less healthy ones, but nothing will be totally off limits- I'll just have to figure small splurges into the day) but just a lot less without having to count calories etc. (hoping I'll know enough that it's all habit by then). If I'm not losing I'll go back to counting calories for awhile just to figure out what I'm doing wrong. So in other words I plan to follow the Banding guidlines and make this a lifestyle change. I know I can live with a new lifestyle, but I can't live forever on a diet. Sound like magic to me...we'll see how it goes. I do think a plan like Weight Watchers is the kind of plan that people can incorporate into the bandster rules (you can do both together without breaking the rules) if they need the added structure to help them along the way and I know that's there if I need it.

I took a laxative yesterday and that seemed to help the gas a lot (we'll see what happens today). Before that I wasn't passing gas at all. Have been taking the GasX consistently and using the heating pad too (and walking).

Theresa- Are you using a heating pad (helps my back a lot)?