RealityCheck

Bandster Hell!!

I think we always assume that everyone is out of bandster hell. I know I can still eat a great amount of food if it is mushy enough. Can not wait for my first fill, then those smaller meals will do their job! Woo-hoo!

If you got sent home with a disposable inhalation spirometer... that is great to use. To be honest I am just recently being able to take deep breaths again and I got banded Feb 9. It took me about 2 weeks to get back to normal breathing and I probably should have used the apparatus more than I did. You should however report this to your doc because they may want to take chest X-Rays and a CT just to rule out any pulmonary issues (like a clot getting lodges somewhere).

Hello all fellow Febs... I was banded 02/09/09... if it were not for the incisions and slight restriction (probably psychosomatic), I would not know I had anything done. Keep posting and I pray that we all do well! I have my first post-op appointment next Thursday and that has been scheduled for a few days before my proposed move to mushies. Have a great day all...(ok yup... there is something in there al right!)

I made it! I was banded Monday 02/09 morning, The surgeon said that I did very well to get my body prepared for the surgery. No complications. Now if I can just get rid of this darn gas. I have not been this excited about flatulence since giving birth. Having som referred pain in my left shoulder but the posts are pretty dead on, I just put my hand over my head and that helps. Not staying on long... I am now ready to commit to my recovery. I have elected to take a full month off... so no excuses! Have a great day all! ~Real

I made it! I was banded Monday 02/09 morning, The surgeon said that I did very well to get my body prepared for the surgery. No complications. Now if I can just get rid of this darn gas. I have not been this excited about flatulence since giving birth. Having som referred pain in my left shoulder but the posts are pretty dead on, I just put my hand over my head and that helps. Not staying on long... I am now ready to commit to my recovery. I have elected to take a full month off... so no excuses! Have a great day all! ~Real

I just got banded on 02/09... while previously I had not had such a hard time with post-op nausea I did this time. I can not remember what they gave me, but not only did they put something in my IV but I also received a few shots over my lenth of stay. To go though... I dod get some phenergen to go w/ my percocet (which makes me nauseated).

How long had you considered having WLS before your initial consult?

I know everyone's surgeon is different... mine is quite conservative and for the past 12 days I have been on a liquid diet. Today, was a day I was fearing... the weight check-in to see if my surgery, which is scheduled in less than 72 hours, is a go or has to be postponed because he was not happy with the pre-op weight management!................... Well I made it! I am scheduled for 5:30am Monday morning! :scared2: Time to tackle the rest of my life... tomorrow is day 1, the day after that... day 1 again! Gotta live every day, one day at a time! ~Real

I know everyone's surgeon is different... mine is quite conservative and for the past 12 days I have been on a liquid diet. Today, was a day I was fearing... the weight check-in to see if my surgery, which is scheduled in less than 72 hours, is a go or has to be postponed because he was not happy with the pre-op weight management!................... Well I made it! I am scheduled for 5:30am Monday morning! :thumbup: Time to tackle the rest of my life... tomorrow is day 1, the day after that... day 1 again! Gotta live every day, one day at a time! ~Real

Well just because someone posts a week before their op does not mean that it took a week to decide and prepare. I just started blogging and posting because it really helps me to see that it is not just me who may feel, think or what have you certain things. I have been considering banding since '05 but have accumulated knowledge and decided to do certain things (like try for a family first which I have a beautiful son) when I felt it right. Especially with the advent of it becoming less and less invasive. You will never know someone's entire process from a poll unless you get to know them or ask the right questions. However, at the same time I would attribute success to pre-knowledge, the changes you make and what and how you apply what you have learned and continued to learn. DO not knock those who may be getting up the courage to finally begin to speak about this process that should not be taken lightly. I guess in all I am saying I agree with muchh of your thought, but at the same time... you do not know everyon'e story from one poll! Initial Consult: 09/08 Psych Eval: 10/08 Insurance Approval: 12/08 Pre-Op: 01/09 Proposed Op date: 02/09

I appreciate your support Gretch! Thank you again!

Well... today is day 9. Now I am not going to lie, there were a few hard times in these past 9 days, but those were due mostly to behavioral issues. Actually, today I had my first growling stomache (thanks to a staff meeting when I would have been drinking my shake). In actuality though, I have been alright. I am supposed to be doing 5 shakes a day and can have broth... I do not think I have done 5 shakes yet... usually 4 and found some bariatric low-carb, high protein soups (85 cals w/15g protein) that halp me make my day complete. I even work out throughout the week (By the way, that only works if I have about half my shake before and then the remainder right after). I have a SF jello cup whenever I want a treat, H2O and plenty of SF drinks (like Crystal Light). I have to call in and verify my weight in 3 days and if my surgeon is not happy with my progress my surgery will be post-poned. This is what I think about most of the time. I can not even work because I am so caught up in the what ifs. It feels good to say it though. All you posters help me to keep going. I wish every one the best of blessings, and will keep you posted! ~Real

Well... today is day 9. Now I am not going to lie, there were a few hard times in these past 9 days, but those were due mostly to behavioral issues. Actually, today I had my first growling stomache (thanks to a staff meeting when I would have been drinking my shake). In actuality though, I have been alright. I am supposed to be doing 5 shakes a day and can have broth... I do not think I have done 5 shakes yet... usually 4 and found some bariatric low-carb, high protein soups (85 cals w/15g protein) that halp me make my day complete. I even work out throughout the week (By the way, that only works if I have about half my shake before and then the remainder right after). I have a SF jello cup whenever I want a treat, H2O and plenty of SF drinks (like Crystal Light). I have to call in and verify my weight in 3 days and if my surgeon is not happy with my progress my surgery will be post-poned. This is what I think about most of the time. I can not even work because I am so caught up in the what ifs. It feels good to say it though. All you posters help me to keep going. I wish every one the best of blessings, and will keep you posted! ~Real

I am on day 9 of a 2 week pre-op liq. diet, I do EAS AdvatEDGE shakes. They only have 2 net carbs and 17g of Protein (lucky me my surgeon requires low carsd, Protein Shakes only). The chocolate seems to be the best, and I think I am going to take the advice of someone up there and put it in the freezer! Initial Eval: 09/08 Post-Op: 01/09 LAGB: 02/09/09

Ok, listen... I know I know I know... it makes your liver shrink, easier surgery, blah blah! I guess right now it is the fact that my stomach is still the normal size, afterward I would expect not to be as hungry as now, and the surgery will force behavior modification. It would still be a good thing for some sort of "class" on the new behaviors that are going to be needed. Like what about spending 30 minutes eating a meal instead of gobbbling it down. Showing what a portion of food is, these are the things that I am doing for myself so that it will not be such a shock. Anyway, I appreciate the support, we all need it! But at the moment I am starving, I just jogged a half mile, did a circuit of weight training, then cardio for 20 minutes. Let me go get my shake!:blushing: I am kinda excited about it though... I am doing EAS AdvantEDGE and all I had at first was choc (which is not bad)... but I finally found the strawberry... so it will be a treat - I HOPE! ~Real

Ok, listen... I know I know I know... it makes your liver shrink, easier surgery, blah blah! I guess right now it is the fact that my stomach is still the normal size, afterward I would expect not to be as hungry as now, and the surgery will force behavior modification. It would still be a good thing for some sort of "class" on the new behaviors that are going to be needed. Like what about spending 30 minutes eating a meal instead of gobbbling it down. Showing what a portion of food is, these are the things that I am doing for myself so that it will not be such a shock. Anyway, I appreciate the support, we all need it! But at the moment I am starving, I just jogged a half mile, did a circuit of weight training, then cardio for 20 minutes. Let me go get my shake!:smile: I am kinda excited about it though... I am doing EAS AdvantEDGE and all I had at first was choc (which is not bad)... but I finally found the strawberry... so it will be a treat - I HOPE! ~Real

I am scheduled for my banding on February 9th! I am excited but anxious at the same time. I did not do as well as I wanted my first couple of days on my full liquid diet. But, as I start to see the weight come off... it is driving me to do what I have to do, what I need to do! I have read so many other's posts and it is amazing at the differences in pre-op diets that are being recommended. Mine a full 14 days, others, 7 days, some a month, some get veggies and bars some only clear liquids... but I think what would be really good to see is a program to help with behavior modification even before the liquid diet. I thought I was the only one out there about to chow down on some lettuce or asparagus... It is ok though... we will make it and hopefully help others! ~Real

I am scheduled for my banding on February 9th! I am excited but anxious at the same time. I did not do as well as I wanted my first couple of days on my full liquid diet. But, as I start to see the weight come off... it is driving me to do what I have to do, what I need to do! I have read so many other's posts and it is amazing at the differences in pre-op diets that are being recommended. Mine a full 14 days, others, 7 days, some a month, some get veggies and bars some only clear liquids... but I think what would be really good to see is a program to help with behavior modification even before the liquid diet. I thought I was the only one out there about to chow down on some lettuce or asparagus... It is ok though... we will make it and hopefully help others! ~Real

I am a Feb9 too... good luck!

You should speak with your nutritionist because it depends on your surgeon.

I am scheduled for my banding on February 9th! I am excited but anxious at the same time. I did not do as well as I wanted my first couple of days on my full liquid diet. But, as I start to see the weight come off... it is driving me to do what I have to do, what I need to do! I have read so many other's posts and it is amazing at the differences in pre-op diets that are being recommended. Mine a full 14 days, others, 7 days, some a month, some get veggies and bars some only clear liquids... but I think what would be really good to see is a program to help with behavior modification even before the liquid diet. I thought I was the only one out there about to chow down on some lettuce or asparagus... It is ok though... we will make it and hopefully help others! ~Real