Bunkport

My port was placed in the same location. This was done because I had a wound close to the area on my side where it originally was supposed to be located. I haven't had my fill yet, but my M.D. assured me that this location should not be a problem. I was banded on July 31st. If you are still having pain, I would say you need to contact your Dr. Otherwise I don't think from what I've been told there is anything to be concerned about. BTW...how do you feel after your fill? I have mine on Sept. 8th.

WTG!!! congrats on your success

I was in the same boat. Had surgery July 31st. The amazing thing for me is that I feel satisfied-not hungry- and the cravings I had in the past have disappeared. I am very aware of the foods I eat and making good choices. These choices satisfy my food needs and I have no "munchies" anymore. I also became aware of the difference between being hungry and just plain bad habits. I know I am rambling here, so let me just say this...I needed to become aware of and practice good eating habits. Having the lapband as a tool to help me with this has been a godsend! If you are ready to commit to making this total lifestyle change (and are up to having major surgery)...then this path may be just what you are looking for. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. This wesite is great for information and support!

Hi Julie, It was great speking to you the other night! I look forward to meeting you in person next week! Have a great weekend! Linda

I am in Elgin and using the Kane Center. Dr. Rantis is my Surgeon. I was banded on July 31. Everything went smoothly for me also. No vomiting and very little pain/discomfort. I work at a school too, and thought I would go back to work after the week-end, but ended taking off the entire week. Glad I did and am ready to back on Monday. After I finished my 6 months of MD appt.'s I had to go through a series of tests. Psychological, Pulmonary, and sleep Study along with another seminar. Once those were completed, I called and set up my date. To give you a better idea of my timeline, I began with my first seminar in October 2008 and was banded July 31, 2009. Listen carefully to the doctors and follow the protocol to the letter. I met several people who thought they should "call the shots" and they ended up being postponed over and over. One lady in particular was very frustrated and blamed everyone but herself. Also was quite a Debbie Downer to talk with at the seminar. Protein shakes were the diet of choice for two weeks prior to surgery. I won't lie...that was really tough for me. And mine ws extended an extra week due to a medical complication unrelated to this surgery. My surgery took place at Alexian Brothers. Surgery can be Day Surgery-Out Patient if you're scheduled early enough in the morning. That is what I was originally hoping for. I ended up staying overnight and glad I did. The staff there was marvelous and the extra time at the hospital gave me the opportunity to get up and walk frequently. I believe that early walking on the floor made the transition to home a smooth one. I was sent home on modified liquids and with a prescription for Tylenol with Codine. All medications for the next month must be taken in liquid form or crushed. Talk to your primary physican to arrange this. I did need to change a couple of meds to accomodate this. You will also need a liquid "complete" Vitamin. I bought mine at Walgreens. I also bought a bottle of liquid Tylenol. I found it did the trick and I didn't need the codine. When you have your Pulmonology appt. they will give you a prescription for Lovenox. This is a blood thinner that is given by injection. You will need to get this filled before you go to the hospital. I was taught how to give the injection at their office...but the best education was given to me by the nurse at the hospital. She had me do this last Saturday before I left. It doesn't hurt, but there is someting about jabbing a needle into your abdomen that just doesn't sit right...so the practice at the hospital was a plus. Ask them to do this for you! Mushie foods start today! WooHoo! I could go on about this very positive experience. If you would like to get together and talk, I would be happy to meet you. Perhaps at a local restaurant for a bowl of soup!!! Otherwise...keep posting questions and I will be happy to answer whenever I can! Good Luck...I believe this is the best gift anyone can give themself! Linda

I wake up every morning (8+ hours of sleep) and I am very groggy. I feel like I am in a fog most of the day. today it finally began feeling better around 4:00 pm (US-Central time zone). Have any of you had a similar experience?

No other problems than the fogginess...hope your phlegm stuff clears up soon...doesn't sound like much fun! Good luck!

...sounds like we are on the same journey. I was banded at Alexian Brothers last Friday (July 31). I am a couple of lbs. lighter, but thought I would be further along. I feel great and have very liitle pain, so I guess I'll need to be patient. I must say, I'm not hungry, and have no desire to eat. Looking forward to eating "mushy" foods.

I was banded on July 31st. Check with your MD to see if they want you to continue on a Clear Liquid or Full Liquid Diet. Since I left the hospital I am on a "Full Liquid Diet". The Full Liquid diet includes Cream of Wheat or Farina made thin; Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar); low-fat (skim or 1%) milk; soy milk; high protein Boost, Optisource, or Ensure drinks; strained, low fat cream soups; and vegetable and fruit juices. Additionally I was told that I could add non-fat dry milk to any of these to add protein. I discovered that College Inn Culinary Broth is good. It comes in a 1 quart box and I found it in the same place as boullion cubes in the store. It is already prepared and is seasoned. The chicken broth made with white wine and herbs for seasoning is very good. I didn't care as much for the beef steak broth, but it did provide a change. I'm not a big Jell-O eater, but have become a big fan of "Jigglers" for the sheer pleasure of chewing something. I'm really not physically hungry...I'm just fighting the mental/emotional eating. Hope this offers some help.

They gave me a Bari-Bear at the hospital which helps greatly. If you have a "hard" pillow available, keep it near and hold it against your abdomen when coughing, sneezing, etc and it will really help. My sneezing attacks come in 3's...never had anything like it before...go figure!

I meant to add this to the end of my last post..."Please keep us posted on your progress!!

Are you any better today? I sure hope so. I was banded Friday and fortunately except for some post surgery aches and pains, all seems to be well.

I'd give anything for a fresh salad from my garden. Surgery changed from Monday the 27th to Friday the 31st. Another week of shakes... oh dear!! lol

Good Luck tomorrow...you'll do great!!

July 27th here which is my actual birthday and my "New Birthday"!!!