bevanfranks

April, I think you're doing great. I'm happy for you and it sounds like you'll do wonderfully with your band. I'm so happy I had surgery. I know it'll take a bit of time for me to lose the weight I need to lose, but I'm confident that I can do it with the band. I did not tell anyone at work what I was doing. I didn't even tell them I had surgery. I just took some vacation time. I just didn't want people to try and convince me not to have surgery- when I had already made the choice for myself. So far, it's been just fine keeping my little secret. The first week back to work was the hardest, but I told people I was on a Protein shake diet, because they were wondering why I wasn't eating. Maybe I'll tell them eventually, or maybe not. . . ha ha-- we'll see. A few close friends and family know- so they are my support group and I'm ok with just telling them. Lisa

April, Wow, 13 lbs? That's great! I lost 6 in my first week. I suppose everyone is different. Make sure you are getting in your calories and drinking enough Water. I know the doc recommended to make sure to get your calories through soups, keifer, etc so your body has energy (vitamins) to use to heal. If you think you're losing too fast you can always e-mail Dr. Simpson. I've done it a few times and he replies QUICKLY! Have you added in cream soups? Cream of potato, etc.? You have to strain them out, but you can have the cream part. I know once I was able to have those, it was a nice switch from the Protein shakes/keifer only. I was glad to have something sort of salty. As far as feeling weak goes, YES-- I felt weak during the first week or so. It's partly because your body is healing, partly because you're on a liquid diet- PLUS it takes a while for the anesthesia to get out of your system (or so I've heard). Also- it's SUPER HOT all of a sudden! That makes me tired, regardless of surgery! I think you'll be feeling like yourself in no time. Soon you can have cottage cheese, and other soft foods. They will give you more energy. Hopefully returning to work was ok for you. I have a desk job, and returned on the 6th day after surg. It worked out just fine for me, but I don't have to do much other than walk around a bit here and there. Lisa

Congrats on your surgery! Day by day your soreness will decrease, and you'll notice your clothes fitting looser and it will all be worth it! Walk, walk, walk- that's the only advice I can think of. Especially after drinking anything, I felt best if I walked after-- I kind of imagined it funneling down better. Take care, and keep us updated. Lisa

I had my first fill today! I'm now on liquids for 24 hours, so I'm kinda hungry, but not too bad though. The fill went really quickly and easily. I'm hoping it will really help me in the weeks to come. Charms, did you have your appointment today too? Lisa

April, Good luck on your surgery tomorrow! I wish you all the best. I'm sure you'll do just fine. You'll be losing weight in no time! Take care, Lisa

I'm sure you'll do just fine. I was nervous too, not sure what to expect. I think it's different for everyone, but I think Dr. Simpson is a pro- and that makes it go smoothly, easily. Just think-- not long and you'll be on the losing side!!! Are you on pre-op diet now? I'm sure Doc S or his nutritionist will or has given you a packet about eating? It shows what you can eat at each stage after surgery? Well, As I remember, the first day or two are FULL LIQUIDs, at that time you cannot have Keifer, tomato soup etc. I think it's just the first day, but I wasn't hungry that first day anyway. . . but then after a day or two, Dr. Simpson includes kefier, etc. in his definition of liquid diet. I had a bit of a nauseated feeling in the morning for the first 2 or 3 days. It was not really bad, but I e-maild Dr. S just in case, and he told me to try taking the Keifer w/my pills, Maybe my stomach was too empty. Yes, I did take my Multivitamin. I bought Centrum Chewables, which is great- easy to swallow! I used to take some liquid Vitamins, but the nutritionist at Dr. S's office recommended to take these Centrum chewables, because the liquid brand I was taking may not be complete. When you're on restricted (liquid) diet, you definately want to get all your vitamins in-- plus it probably helps us heal better. Ask me any questions you have-- I don't mind. I was really anxious before surgery, and wished I'd had someone to ask! I have 2 banded friends, but they had different doctors, so their experiences varied slightly. By the way, any questions I had, I usually asked Darcie-- she was great. A few days before surg I got my period-- I was so nervous about that/embarassed, but the nurses didn't think anything of it. Darcie assured me that it's no biggie. She also told me that the nurses prep you- and Dr. Simpson only sees a portion of your stomach through a paper/sheet,etc. The staff that that surgical center are so great/happy, etc. and I felt very comfortable with them. I'm excited for you, and I know it'll go smoothly and you'll be so happy. I haven't had any fills yet, but I already can tell that this band is really going to help me change my lifestyle for the better. Lisa

April, I had surg on a Tues. I took a week off work. I did not spend the night at the hospital, but I stayed at my aunt's house in Scottsdale for a day. The doc had recommended staying in the area, or spending the night, since I live out of town. I opted to stay at my aunt's because I thought I'd be more comfortable. However, the hospital staff was great, so I don't think it would have mattered if I had just stayed there. On the day of surgery, immediately after I felt pretty icky from the anesthesia, but that icky feeling wore off after about 2 hours. It just made me groggy and slightly nauseous, but they gave me medicine to get rid of nausea. Mostly, I was just so happy to have had the surgery finally! I was excited, and didn't let the it get to me too much. I was sore, but that's to be expected. It was tolerable, and not as bad as I had thought it would be. The NEXT day was a little harder. This may be because the meds from the hospital had worn off, plus I hadn't slept in my own bed. (Actually, for the first few days, the most comfortable position for me was to be in a recliner). . . I was given pain med from Dr. Simpson, but I only took half doses, because I don't like the idea of pain med. But also because the pain wasn't too bad. The hardest part was when I had to get up and down out of a chair to walk around. Using my stomach muscles was kinda difficult. Dr. Simpson told me to only take the pain medicine if I felt like I needed it- he also recommended liquid Tylenol, which I ended up taking more than the heavier stuff he prescribed. By day 3 I was only taking the liquid Tylenol (liquid is easier to swallow), and by day 4 or 5 I wasn't taking any medicine. The doc requires you to get up and walk around for 10 min every hour after surg. This helps with the gas pains. It's gas from the surgery-- because during surgery they fill your stomach with air to be able to see everything. It takes a few days for this to all dissipate. I took a heating pad with me to the hospital-- per recommendations from others, though didn't use it that much. You may want to bring one just in case. I also took LOOSE clothing- and flip flops. You won't want to bend over much, or wear anything too tight. After surgery I found myself burping here and there, which did make me feel better. I never used to be one to burp much, but since being banded I do sometimes. I assume air gets trapped as water/food goes down?? No one had mentioned this to me prior to surgery, so I wanted to let you know. It' s not like I do it a lot or anything, but usually once after eating, or walking around. . . By the 3rd day I felt pretty much back to normal, though I was still sore when I moved certain ways for the following 1-2 weeks. I think it was mostly from the port incision-- because they sew the port to your muscle (I think). On the 3rd day I went shopping for a short time with my mom-- just to get out of the house. So, I must have been feeling pretty good! I didn't want to carry anything though-- for example I didn't want to lift my purse, because it put strain on my sore stomach. Just be prepared to take it easy for a few days, but all things considered, I thought Dr. Simpson did a great job. Have you ever had any surgery before? Also, I had mostly Protein shakes, Jello, Keifer, yogurt, and tomato or bullion Soup for the first week or so. Prior to surgery I had

That's great April! I"m so excited for you! I think he's a great doc and the surgery really is worth it. I'm only a month out, but I am already so happy I did it. I've got my next appt on June 18th, day after your surg. Do you live in Phx, or do you travel to see him as well. I live in Yuma, but I go to Phx for Dr. Simpson because of all I've read/heard about him-- I think he's the best. Lisa

I haven't had a fill yet (I was banded May 12th) but I HOPE to get a fill at my next appt. which is June 18th. That will be 5 1/2 weeks for me. It seems that my doctor bases it off of weight loss (like if you're losing really well he won't fill) because he wants weight loss to be reasonable, not too fast. He also mentions that if we don't lose any weight for 2 straight weeks that we should call for the next fill. That's just something I read in the info packet he gave me-- like I said, I haven't had my first fill yet, though my band does have some Fluid in it, I'm not sure how much. The doc said he puts some in during surgery. I realize not all doctors do it this way though. Lisa

KimberlyJ- Don't worry- many of us have a food addiction on some level- I think that's why we need the band. My doc recommends working on finding hobbies. We need to learn to implement other things in our lives to keep our minds off of food. I'm pretty much newly banded, and I know that I don't have much restriction yet, and that causes me to feel hungry more often. BUT I am also noticing that sometimes I'm "hungry" soon after just eating-- which doesn't make sense. So, I'm learning to determine when it's just "head hunger." For me it's usually out of boredom. I'm trying to find a book I can get excited about (I'm not much into reading) but I'm willing to try new things-- or maybe some crafts. . . If you can, try doing something new-- when you feel the urge to eat. Also, have some sugarless gum, some Water, and then make yourself wait 15 min or so and if you're still hungry, have something small and healthy. As for the Swim Aerobics-- GO FOR IT-- I've had a dislocated knee and had to do swim aerobics and it's great! It's low impact on your joints, it's fun, and it provides a great workout! Best of luck-- you can do this! Lisa

Jachut- you mentioned that you love running now and it's an important part of your success. I do believe that-- right now I'm on a low exercise- walking only plan until I reach my 8th week post op. (I had surg on May 12). I belong to Curves and it works well for me, but I'd like to try other things to get more activity on my own. Do you run outside, or treadmill, both? How did you feel about running BEFORE being banded? Just curious? Did you always kinda like it, but just not do it as much, or never liked it before? Thanks, Lisa

Mariposa, Thanks for posting about your Friday appt. I think since surgery (May 12) I've lost about 10-12 lbs depending on the scale). I had lost 6 by my post-op and it seems to be about another 5 or 6 since, but my weight has stayed up and down by a pound the last week and a half. So you've lost 23 since surg? That's great! I'm not sure if he'll give me a fill, but I hope so. I try very hard to stick to the recommended types and amounts of food. I feel hungry after 1 1/2 hours sometimes and 2 or 3 hours other times. As for tortillas you mentioned-- I"m pretty sure the nutritionist at Simpson's office said we can have an occasional corn tortilla-- just in case you didn't know. I never cared much for them, but lately I have had them on occasion with some vegetarian refried beans/salsa. Another good thing about them is that they are small! Thanks for posting some of your foods- it's helpful to me. I'm going to try having some lettuce wraps. Question to all of you-- do you just have your 3 meals, or do you have a small snack or 2 throughout the day? Some of the literature we received from Simpson's office says not to snack between meals. Other things say you can have a small snack if you're hungry?! Sometimes I get hungry too fast so I do have a snack-- fruit or veggies. I am careful to get my Protein in first as recommended. Not sure why I get hungry too fast. Once I'm allowed to bump up my exercise a bit (I'm still on walking only for now) then I think it will help some with appetite suppressing. Lisa

wow- that's interesting, I never heard that before. I wonder if you have to get a bit of an unfill, or if it just goes down by itself over time. . .

Mariposa-- Well, I called the office and asked if he would do a fill on a Friday, and they said that he does sometimes. But I've used up lots of leave since pre-op and surgery and just couldn't chance it this time. I hope for your sake he'll do the fill for ya! He probably will! I'd love to be able to go on Friday's too, because I'm off on Fridays. Let us know how your appointment goes. I'm excited for ya. I agree with you about planning meals. If I don't plan, I tend to eat less healthy things. Can you give me examples of some things you're eating? I think I worry too much about slips, so I'm always trying to make sure I have somewhat soft Protein, so I've been mostly having Beans, and I should probably have more chicken, meat, etc. It's confusing how they say "chicken that's dry" or this or that type of meat can get stuck. I"m afraid to venture out and try more foods! Maybe I've just read too many horror stories! ha ha Charms- yes, we can do coffee/tea sometime. I know we'll all do great- I think Dr. Simpson is a really great dr. Lisa

My appt. is at 2:30pm. I made it for late in the day so I could go to work from 6:30-10:30, then leave for Phx. It's about a 3 or 3 1/2 hr drive for me. But it's funny we have the same schedule so far. Maybe we'll meet at a support group or another appointment. How far is the drive for you? Did he mention anything about the fill at your post-op appt? I didn't ask him, though I wish I would have. I'm pretty sure he'll give you a fill. We'll both be 5 1/2 weeks out. That's about the right timing for a fill according to things I've read. I also noticed on one packet (from the nutritionist) it mentioned that if you haven't lost any weight for 2 weeks, schedule your next fill. Do you think your scale might be different from his? You'll be losing in no time- don't worry! Congrats on your little baby! I have a son, but he's 13. I sure miss the days when he was younger. . . it is a precious time. I'm shocked at the amount they billed your insurance. Did that include the surgery or only the hospital stay? Did they do anything special while you were there? I left the hospital around 3pm I think (on the 12th). Unfortunately my insurance excludes any weight loss surgery, so I'm self pay. I financed the surgery. Are you measuring foods? Do you know how long til your hungry again? The doc told me to pay attention to that. I have been measuring pretty well, but I get hungry about 2 hours after eating. I think he said it should be 3 or 4. I've been fighting the temptation to eat though. Hopefully I can start getting fills to keep me satisfied longer. Lisa

Mariposa2009, Did you get your fill today? How'd it go? I'm hoping to get my first fill at my next appt. w/Dr. Simpson on June 18th. Lisa

My surgery was at 7:30a.m. on the 12th. I think I was the first one. I was so nervous! But it went pretty well. What caused you to have to stay the night? My aunt lives in Phx, so I was able to leave- provided that I stayed at her house, not leaving the area for 24 hrs. I lost 13 during the pre-op diet, and by my first post-op visit I had lost another 6. However, it's hard to say where I'm at now, based on my scale, because the scale at the doc's office is quite different. I had initially asked to schedule my next appt. for June 19th, but then I read on his website somewhere that he prefers not to do fills on Fridays, in case there are any complications (ie. needing an unfill or something like that). SOOOOO-- I called back and scheduled it for the 18th (Thurs). because I really want to get my first fill at that time. I'm not sure exactly how it works, like if he evaluates and then decides, but I hope to get the fill. I don't want to have to turn around and drive back to Phx a week or two later. It's not easy for me to get off work. I"m burning up a lot of my leave time. Also, I really feel like I'm having to try much harder lately to not eat more than I'm supposed to. Right after surgery it was easier, but I suppose that's due to some pain, plus maybe swelling in the stomach. I know I'll always have to make wise food choices/portion control, but I think it's just time for a fill. What kinds of things are you eating? I've been having cottage cheese or oatmeal in the mornings, and usually vegetarian refried Beans w/salsa, or really soft chicken for lunch/dinner. I know this is long- but one more thing-- did you end up going to any support group meetings? I haven't yet, but I might try to go on the 18th if they are having one. Lisa

Charms, I was also banded by Dr. Simpson on 5/12! I may have seen you there. I haven't been to the support groups yet, because I live in Yuma, however I'd like to try going to one soon. How is everything going since your surgery? I've been feeling pretty good, and I'm doing well with the prescribed eating. I'm excited to get my first fill though. Lisa

My doctor told me I should do Clear Liquids for 3 days, then from day 4-7 do full liquids (thin cream Soup strained), Protein shakes, drinkable yogurt (Keifer). . . then on my day 8 (which is today) I'm allowed to try some mushy/soft foods. If it goes well I can continue mushies, if not, do another few days of full liquids. I had cottage cheese today and some blended garbanzo Beans w/liquid to make them smooth like yogurt consistency. I also chewed the cottage cheese because I'm trying to be overly cautious. I also worried, because I see SO MANY people who are on liquids longer-- BUT-- My doc has done several bands, and he teaches other docs how to perform the surgery. He comes highly recommended. So I feel ok w/his recommendation of introducing mushies as long as I tolerate them well. Therefore, I wouldn't worry too much about the fact that you had the eggs (as long as you didn't throw up)-- but from here on out, just make sure you get the eating plan from your doc. You'll likely be introducing some foods soon anyway. At least the "mushies" or soft foods. And chew things really well so they go down easily. Lisa

I'm one week out, but I"m allowed to start mushy/soft foods on Tuesday -- it seems that many others say they can't for 2 weeks. Anyone else allowed to switch to Soft foods on day 8 after surg? Just wondering. . . My doc gave me all kinds of info and said that's the "plan" but I wonder if I should continue liquids just a bit longer (not that I want to!) but since I paid so much for this surgery-- I want to get the full benefit. Maybe let my band settle in a bit longer. . . Lisa

I'm one week out, but I"m allowed to start mushy/soft foods on Tuesday -- it seems that many others say they can't for 2 weeks. Anyone else allowed to switch to Soft foods on day 8 after surg? Just wondering. . . My doc gave me all kinds of info and said that's the "plan" but I wonder if I should continue liquids just a bit longer (not that I want to!) but since I paid so much for this surgery-- I want to get the full benefit. Lisa

HSJ- good luck on your surgery--- you'll do great! I had mine yesterday-- and I'm sore now, but for a few days that's to be expected-- By next week we'll both be feeling great. Good luck-- See you on the other side!

Oh, and my doctor said he had a little bit of Fluid in my band when insterted. Lisa

I just had surgery yesterday, and I was very nervous beforehand. However, the medical staff was all very professional and sensitive and (suprisingly cheerful at 5a.m.!). My surgery went well, and I had really expected to be in more pain-- it's not too bad. I'm a bit more sore today than yesterday right after surgery though, but I didn't even take pain meds except before bed last night. You'll do just fine-- chin up and you'll be so happy once it's done! Everyone at the hospital was super-supportive and they try to make you feel more comfortable. After your pre-op preparation, they wheel you into the operating room, and then before you know it you wake up in recovery. The anesthesia made me feel a bit sick, but not for long, and I was able to sleep once they took me to my room. My doctor discharged me by 3pm. Lisa

I had surgery yesterday, and afterwards I didn't feel as bad as I thought I might. Somewhat sore, but tolerable. This morning (24 hrs after surg) I feel quite a bit more sore. Anyone else? Is this normal? It's not horribly worse, plus I haven't taken pain med since last night, but it's definately harder to walk than yesterday. Lisa