inhishands

Hello, Had my first pre-op appointment on Jan 6th, and I lost 30lbs total:thumbup:!!! One thing though, I had chosen the Lap-Band but he used the Realize Band instead. I could have understood if there was a reason, but none was given. I was going with the Lap-Band since it has been around longer, and the pillows on the band seemed to be a better fit. Well, I guess I'll have to get used to my Realize Band and trust they won't have a recall on their product in the future . Also, I thought there might be a slight chance of going on the puree diet a little earlier, NO CHANCE. Well, I'm still excited, just sick of liquids.

I went to Borders, looked through a few books, and I really liked Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. I ordered it from Amazon, and I also order The High-Protein Cookbook: More than 150 Healthy and Irresistibly Good Low-Carb recipes. I ordered the cookbook after reading information and reviews about it from Amazon's website. By the way, I saved almost half the cost of Borders price for Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies.

I use regular, I can't seem to wrap my head around warm soup, I want it hot, so I don't use the UNJURY. I get my protein in other ways. I use INJURY for cold shakes, and I use ISOPURE drinks, they have a good protein count.

I love the Healthwise hot chocolate also, it actually taste better than other hot chocolates I have tasted. Another thing that helps me is the plain chicken bouillon in a cup of hot water. It gives me a dinner flavor, and it is relaxing to me also. Thanks!

Thank you! I am hoping Dr. Irgau will allow me puree on my 2 week also.

Hello everyone, I was banded on 12/19/08 by Dr. Irgau, and surgery went extremely well. I'm glad to be on the other side continuing the journey. I was on Optifast 10 days prior to surgery, then the 2 days liquids. At this point I am sick of liquids :party:. I'm not hungry, but I miss the chewing and flavors from food. I guess this is what they refer to as head hunger. I sat at the table for Christmas while my family ate Christmas dinner and I had a protein shake , but I made it through. What has been helping me is making a chicken broth with bouillon, which takes good. And also, I was cutting small pieces of ham chewing the juices out, and spitting out the meat:thumbs_up:. It helps with the need for chewing and satisfies the need for flavor. I am so looking forward to puree days. Has anyone been allowed puree sooner than the 5th week out? My two week appt is Jan. 6th, and I will have to ask Dr. Irgau. Oh, by the way I could not figure out how post to this thread without replying. I don't think I did this correctly.

Hi, My surgery day was yesterday 12/19/08. It went extremely well. I arrived at the hospital at 6:30 and was quickly sent to change. Went to the prep room where a nurse started my IV (first shot, no pain), and gave my an injection of Lovenox (blood thinner) in my thigh. I was wisked off to the waiting area where they asked me questions about my last liquids, and meds that I had etc. The doctor came in to greet me, and the anestheseologist said his was putting something in my IV to make me a little drowsy, well next thing I knew I was in the bed in my room after surgery. I don't remember going to the operating room, I don't remember coming from the operating room, and I don't know how I got in the bed in my room. I was not in pain, just a little discomfort and my throat felt sore. I slept for quite awhile, then I was up and about walking around the hospital every 3hrs. and using my lung machine that you blow into to keep your lungs clear. Everyone was talking about how well I was doing, and that I didn't look like a had surgery, even the doctor commented about how well I was doing. Then I was taken down to x-ray to make sure my band was properly in place, and I was asked to drink this nasty liquid to make sure I had no obstructions. The following day I was given discharge instructions, and then showed a video on how to do my Lovenox injections. I have to use this for 20 days, since my BMI was over 50. This medication prevents blood clots. Afterwards, they came to get me with a wheel chair, and I was taken to my car and my husband and daughter brought me home. However, after getting home I was feeling so well I decided to pop in a Weigh Watchers walking tape and do the first 10 minutes. Well what did I do that for, walking wasn't the problem but I decided to do the arm exercises and lift them over my head. Well, after three lifts that was it, now I'm in pain. I hope I did not cause serious injury. I took my pain medicine and it took some of the edge off, but it still hurts. It is now one o'clock in the morning, and I'm afraid to go to bed. If it is still hurting in the morning I will call the doctor. So, whatever you do don't do anything strenuous, only walking!! I don't know what I was thinking. I could kick myself for ruining my perfect surgery day:tongue_smilie:.

Yes, I had to pay a $550.00 fee to St. Francis Hospital's Bariatric Center, this covers my support group visits, and nutritionist follow-ups for the next 5 yrs. This had to be paid before surgery, but they told me this upfront. I also, have to pay my regular co-pays to the doctors when I see them, and for lab work.

I was reading a post the other night, and she recommended Palmers Firming Lotion (for pregnancy and weight loss) and Bath & Body Works Bring Up the Rear Anti Cellulite and Firming Lotion. So far I bought the Palmers Lotion and I will pick up the Bath & Body Works later. I figured I would use it as I'm losing weight. I tried it on my arms, and it seems like it might work. The person that posted the comment really raved about it.

Hi ItalianSoul, Welcome!! I forgot to speak about the online videos. I found one and let my husband watch it and that helped overcome some of his fears. I have BCBS of Delaware, my papers were fax into them on Monday and I'm waiting for approval. I already have a surgery date, I guess they kind of put the cart before the horse :wink2:. However, my surgeons office seems confident that I will be approved. I hope they are correct.

Thank you for the welcome. I'm in on Optifast until Tuesday of next week, then I go onto the 2 day clear liquids and Friday 12/19 is my date. I just want to be on the other side of the operation, and begin the journey. Liquids are not as bad as I thought they would be, but I do miss the chewing:crying:.

Hi Pretty14yah, I am also new to the site, but you have the same situation I had. My husband was also nervous about the surgery, so I took him to a information session and a support group with me. That way he was able to see for himself what was involved and to hear the positive comments from others in the support group involving the surgery. Just try bringing him with you and he can see people who have actually had the surgery, survived, and have good things to say about their experience. Also, keep in mind he may have a fear that you will lose the weight and leave him. So have a little patience with him, but at the same time don't let that hinder what you need to do for your health and wellbeing.

Hello All, I'm here in Delaware by way of New York . I just joined the website, but I have been "listening in" for awhile. My date is scheduled for Dec. 19th., two days before my birthday and I can't wait. I have tried so many other diets also, and have lost, but re-gained what I lost and then some. Hopefully, this will be what I needed. I have a lot to lose but I will take it one day at a time.

I finally decided to join and make my first post. I hope I'm doing this correctly, using this site is kind of tricky. Anyhow I have been on here "listening" in since June. I didn't want to join until I was further along in the process. Well that 6 months has flown by and I have a surgery date. I'm excited and want my band in place like yesterday! My doctor is putting me on Optifast :thumbup:, I'm afraid I will do someone bodily harm for a piece of chicken by the end of my first day:lol:. But I know it is for my own good, too much belly fat. Speaking of fat, I know this sounds ridiculous, but I was wondering about back fat (rolls). Has anyone that has lost a bit of weight experienced sagging back rolls, or do they melt away. I know this is a strange question, but I have been dying to know. While I'm waiting for surgery, I'm trying to decide if I want the Lap Band or the Realize Band. Well, I guess that is enough for now. Bye!

Thank you smsmithart for such a quick reply, I thought I was the only one up this time of morning. I'm glad to hear that it does go away. I hope I have the same experience.