txspatter

In all honesty (banded March 12th)...you're right, the trapped air does bring pain. However, the outcome of it all is worth the suffering. I'm sure it differs with everyone, but the air has to work it's way out of the body. Walk as much as you can and be strong...remember why you're doing this!

Then how about this? Try www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com You will be the happiest people in the world to see this gal's site...TOO TREMENDOUS!

And then sometimes we wonder...if not banded...why the big push on the site for one particular brand? Couldst there be some kind of 'connection' with the product/company? Just my curious grey matter at work. Matters not, I'm doing what I need to do and I am banded!!

My nutritionist from St. Luke's, Houston said Viactiv is very good. Guess it depends on their mood or mindset maybe. My surgeon also approves it...

Wow! I can't even imagine the suffering with dry heaves!! Bless all of your hearts and tummies. I just had a little tomato soup, tasted wonderful...pushed a little gas out as well.

I consider it 'referred' pain from the surgery...and gas! Walking up and down the hall has helped but here I sit right now with another bout of the back pain. I can't sleep due to it, either.

How do you get all of your protein in only two days out from surgery? I'm baffled!!

You need a back rub and you need to start walking. I'm walking the hall and around the dining room table, many times throughout the day. It has helped me. And, for the first time today, I could have soup again...AND THAT PUSHED SOME GAS OUT!! Good luck, gas pain is not kind!

Hi ya'll...how did you get 70-90 grams of protein right after surgery? I'm two days out and am completely baffled. Did you fix a time schedule? Help me, please. Pat

Hi Folks, Boy, I came in here to get my mind off me for a few minutes. My surgery was last Thursday, the 12th. I'm battling the gas and a slight temp...but, feeling much better this afternoon. I've just discovered that I need to put me on a 30 minute feeding schedule, I guess. I want to be sure to get as much of my protein shake down as possible today. Before surgery, that shake was done in the blink of an eye...now, it looks like a tonnnnn of shake. I'd appreciate any advice you might share regarding this. I applaud all of you and love reading your thougts. It does the heart good to see a 'doctor' sharing thoughts here as well. I hope everyone begins to experience great success...I'll be back...I want the support and the experiences...it helps to know I'm not the only one going through this today!!!

Hello to all...I am two days from surgery!!! As you see in the title, I've lost a few pounds and that's what has kept me going day to day. It's exciting to see the scale drop and more exciting to already be wearing clothes that have simply bulged in the past and now have room to let. The protein intake is the most important aspect of the entire diet. If I slacked on that, the scale reflected. I want to encourage everyone who thinks they're struggling to hang tough and give success a chance! BTW -- my protein shake last night was 1 scoop of vanilla powder, 8 oz. 1% milk, a tblsp of sugar free instant pudding mix (banana cream) and about 8 ice cubes -- all in the blender....YUM AND YUM AGAIN. Experiment and see what pleases your taste buds! Best wishes to everyone for a terrific future!

I have completed the first of two weeks on the pre-op liquid diet. I have lost 13 pounds as of today. I'm able to have Campbell's Healthy Request Soups, sugar free pudding and jello, sf popsicles, protein shakes and juices. I find I do far better if I get at least 40 grams of protein down by noon. Otherwise, after day 4...it became 'ok'...I'm already loving the lost weight and a slightly different feel in the clothes! That's something I would notice this soon, but it keeps me focused on the right things! I have my banding on March 12th.

I am on day three of the pre-op liquids. I have two weeks of this with no real food AT ALL! I was very tired last night, so, I've already taken 42 grams of protein from the 3 ounce 'bullet'!! I eat jello, sugar free pudding and drink shakes. I am allowed the Campell's Soup at Hand and the Healthy Request. They help. I have one for lunch and one for dinner! Wowee..zowee! It's challenging, but for some reason, I'm down 6.5 pounds already. I'm sure a lot of fluid, but, it at least makes me remember why I'm doing this. It's not fun, but I think of the rewards down the road...new beginning, better living! I enjoy all of your 'shares' on here! Thanks. Pat

Don't know what type of mask you have, but, if it doesn't feel right, try a different style. I have one of the gel masks that is a small triangle, fits just over my nose. And, my four poster bed provides a great 'hanger' for my hose, so I don't battle with it. I've had my BIPAP for 5 years. I bleed 3 liters of O2 nightly as well. My only suggestion is not to panic. When you feel the urge, give yourself a strong self talk about the mask feeding you air, not suffocating you. If you can work through it a few nights, it will get easier. Not great, but easier! I hope to get rid of mine in the future after banding and weight loss! Hang in there!!

Hi Folks, My surgery date is March 10th...I begin my two week liquids on the 24th of Feb. Aetna had me do six more months of diet under the doctor's eye and then approved me. Through those six months, I've had strong self talk, lots of think time and more. It is challenging...it is life changing. But, it's all for a better quality of life. I ran into a lady this afternoon in Walmart. I was browsing the protein powders...she picked one up. I said, 'have you had surgery?' And, we were off into a fun visit. She had the sleeve end of December and is now 30 pounds lighter. There was no negative thoughts in her words or on her face. She is pure excitement, shared some recipes with me that she does for work, etc. More and more people are doing this and the large majority are highly successful. It's our choice...it's our wish to change our stagnant lifestyle. Sluggish, sleep mask, bp meds, diabetes type II, who wouldn't won't a chance to perhaps leave all of that on the curb? I hope everyone has success and makes all the way!! Good thoughts and well wishes!!

It took one week. I hope yours is as fast and successful! I do deal with many left over issues of undiagnosed sleep apnea from March, 2004...I think Aetna realized they needed to give me any advantage possible to resolve some of those issues! txspatter

Hi folks. I have my surgery date for March 10th!!! Although I did not get to see my doctor in November (missed one of the six month visits required by Aetna) they approved me and I am very excited! I hope everyone is having success with dates, surgeries and following successes! Take Care! P

I started the 6 month weight management, visiting my PCP monthly July- December. In November, I showed for my appointment, he was having heart issues and in the hospital. Thus. my bariatric coordinator has said, she'll file my records from my visits, but feels Aetna will deny. Can you tell me anything about this? Thanks so much

Hi...I have been dealing with that mind battle since September...knowing my date's to be in January. Glad to see I'm normal! Good for you already having your date and moving forward at Christmas time. This life change poses many thoughts, quandries and considerations daily...I'll be glad when I'm on the charts and ready to get a ROUND TUIT!!

Hang in there...NO FEAR!!! Meet it head on with a smile and optimistic point of view. You've waited, worked hard and now it's here. Good for you and go, girl, go!! Jan 8 is close at hand. And, yes, I have a lot of stuff going on in my head as well...but, this is a chance for a new beginning!

I've just completed my six month waltz for Aetna with extended dietingl!! I've seen all of the surgical team now, waiting for the final word on a January date. I'm kinda in shock that the time has passed and it's knocking on the door now! YEAH!

And, so, another 'newbie' here. I've been working towards a January surgery date...having to dance the 'two step' for Aetna to meet all of their requirements. Thus, they thought I should diet another six months and see my PCP monthly just to say I've dieted, I guess. Strange, haven't we all spent our lives fighting the battle? Regardless, we'll see what happens in the coming weeks. My great doctor at Baylor Col of Med in Houston was the one who twirled around on his little black stool and said, "I'm recommending you to our bariatric surgery team for Lap Band. If we get the weight off, many of these health issues will go away." I was in shock! But, I've seen the entire team, had an excellent 'heart' report after the big tests and all is on track. I finally attended a support group at BCM last Thursday and was told about this site. So, here I am...I do enjoy comments and pictures, but I really like to see a pic with a weight when it was taken. It gives great info to the 'looker'!! lolol And, so, for today, hello, I'm Pat...in the loop and 'weighting' for a date! Have a super one yourself!! Oh, my surgeon is Dr. Vadim Sherman, head of the DeBakey Bariatric Surgical Team at Baylor College of Med in Houston. Yes, I've seen him and I was highly impressed with his demeanor, professionalism and more. And, yes, he has performed many, many surgeries.