KariWI

Hi, Couple days since I have posted anything here. Good luck to all who are being banded between Christmas and New Years. I have been banded 2 weeks today and feel like I turned the corner and feeling much better. Christmas was pretty easy, I didn't have any "big" meals to make it through with most of my family being out of state. The people we did have over thought it was great that I kept things simple with soup and sandwiches. Brunch casserole Christmas morning that I passed up with little problem, fruit salad that I "mushed" up for me. All in all it went well. I am starting to feel a little more hunger. I have been experiencing some "head rush" and dizziness when I get up to fast and wondering if maybe I need to cut back on my high blood pressure meds as now it is to low. I need to hit one of the drugstores and have the machine take my bp to see where I am at. I have one more week before going back to work and already making some plans on how to get through the hectic schedule and still get my water. I work half of the day in a sterile enviornment that we cannot have any liquid with us, only in the lounge on the other side of the laboratory bldg. Guess it will be good way to get exercise and they will just have to live with the current "breaks" to go get water. Again happy new year to all of you and good luck to the future December bandsters. Hang in there is really does get better.

It does get better. I am one week postop today and I feel not 100% yet but soooooo much better. Mostly my prob now is fatigue. I had a doctor appt yesterday and complained about the fatigue and the NP said "don't I remember you had surgery less than a week ago"? Guess I need to learn patience. I'll be thinking about you.

I have been spending the day just kinda catching up on everyone and where they are at on this thread. I saw your note StephC asking where I was and thought I'd catch everyone up on my "journey". So here is my "mini journal" :eek: I was on all liquied for 2 weeks prior to my surgery. Did okay on that but had to work really hard to get it all in the last couple days...I was really tired of it. I had to drink laxative the afternoon before surgery so most of that night was spent in the bathroom. Surgery was scheduled 8:30AM 12/12 and I had to be at the hospital by 6:00. First nurse did all the paperwork, got me into the "one size fits nobody" gown. Gave me a shot of heparin. My surgeon came in and talked for a minute. They wheeled me to preop area and I said goodbye to my husband. I was nervous and really thought about running for it. It took 5 sticks to finally find an IV so that wasn't fun. The anestheologist talked to me there. Wheeled me into surgery and once again when I was ready to bolt they put the mask on and I floated to never never land. It took a little longer for sugery as I had the "old fashioned" gallbladder surgery several years ago and they had to deal with some adhesions from that. I woke up in the recovery room with pain. My blood pressure was low so they could not give me any pain meds. I did some of my child birth breathing to try and stay in control. They finally got the okay from the anestheologist to give me a small amt of pain meds and later the rest of the dose. I went to my room and they gave me pain meds as I requested them. About 3 hrs after surgery I had to go to xray and do the swallow test. That came back okay and I got some ice chips. About 6:00 that same night I urinated and got rid of the oxygen and got the okay to go home. I might of stayed overnight and it was totally my choice but my roommate was loud, obnoxious, and complaining so I went home. If I had to do it over again I would of stayed overnight. This is day 4 and I am feeling much better. I was lucky and never had gas, atleast none I couldn't get rid of. no nausea but alot of chest pains, sore throat, and coughing about sent me through the ceiling. I am on mushies and had alot of trouble getting anything the first few days but now I am getting what I need for the most part. I have been laying pretty low and taking it easy as my mom has been keeping a close eye on me. :kiss2: I wouldn't enjoy going through those first few days again but I am focused on keeping my eyes on the future and what I am moving toward for my health and happiness. I am so glad to see all of you are standing together as a team and support system for one another. Please know that I will be more than glad to help the future lapbandsters I know that you are all there for me and that is a great source of encouragment.

I am 4 days out from surgery. Honestly they were tough days, but it is better today. I was lucky and never got the nausea and the gas was pretty easily dealt with. I was surprised by the chest discomfort but I kept taking the medication the first few days and ice helped. I found it hard to differentiate between hunger pain and post surgery discomfort. I am really understanding what everyone means when they talk about learning how to be at one with your new stomach. I am having trouble getting my protein and liquids like I should....but it is better everyday. As long as I can say that I am going in the right direction. My clinic goes with pureed mushies and accompaning protein powder right after surgery so that is where I am at for 3 weeks. I don't go back to work for a couple weeks and I am glad as I really need to put some things in place to make it work in the busy enviornment of my work place. I get so much reassurance from the posts of others who have made it through this portion of "the journey" and are doing well in lap band world. I wish all the December Lapbandsters luck and I'll be with you all the way.

Had to be in Meriter at 6:00 AM for 8:30 surgery. Found our way and after the registration grinches everyone else was very nice. Kathey was our beginning nurse. She explained the procedures, got me in my gown, signed papers, gave me a shot of heparin. Dr. Garren came in and went over a few things, nothing really new. They wheeled me to pre op surgery area. I had to say good bye to Jim here and that was very very hard. The nurse, Bonnie was nice but unorganized and talked to herself. Did not instill confidence. The anesthesiologist came in and she was nice. Offered to put the IV in as Bonnie was struggling. The anesthesiologist tried 3 times on my left hand and finally got it on my right upper arm. Hurt like hell. I really thought about bailing out. It made me feel like when you are having a baby and you want to call it off in the middle of the process but know that you cannot. Went into the operating room and everyone was busy. Dr. Garren helped get me on the table. I was just about to get panicy and she put the mask over my face and told me to breathe. That was it. I woke up in the recovery room and hurt. The nurse told me she was sorry but she could not give me pain meds as my bp was low. She rotated the table to try and help and paged the anesthiologist. I really hurt and finally she got the okay to give me some pain meds. My bp stayed okay and she could give me more. Then I went to my room on floor 9. I was with another cantankerous lady for my roommate. She gave everyone probs that came in to help her. I went down to xray for a swallow test and even stood up. After that was okay I was given water. Before I could leave I had to get off the oxygen and pee. I did both and we headed home around 6:00. Had to go to Walgreens for the liquid pain meds so that wasn't planned but worked okay. Did not sleep worth a hoot and hurt but made it through the night. Nothing sounds or looks good but I am trying. The protein powder makes my stomach turn so I ordered some protein powder that is suppose to be less thick and more fruit flavored instead of vanilla or chocolate. I got to take a shower on thursday AM. that felt good and I got some of the goo off my stomach. I went for awhile with only tylenol for pain but took some of the rx later in the afternoon. I have been blue and feeling discouraged about eating but I am sure I am just being inpatient. The cold pack on my belly and the heating pad on my back is helpful. I am going to walk tomorrow for sure. If nothing else I need to get out and get the stink blown off. I am very surprised about how depressed and bad I feel but I also know that it will be better in a couple of days.

Hi all, Just wanted to let you know that my CT Scan came out fine. It was an "overshadow caused by a vascular bundle" so my surgery is go on 12/12. I am anxious, and scared and very tired of 10 days of only liquids with 4 to go but I MADE IT 100% SO FAR and I am proud of myself. The nutritionist actually told me this is the hardest part. We are going on a trip this weekend so probably won't see ya'al until after my surgery. Good luck to all my fellow Dec bandsters. I will be thinking of you!!!!!!! Kari

KariWI After 6 months of preop meeting and instruction and waiting on insurance I finally have a surgery date 12/12/06!!!! I have been quietly watching everyones posts and copying stickys and still trying to get the hang of actually posting here. But...now I hope to be able to actively give/receive support and information. I'll be here for awhile as I have 130 lbs to goal sooo hi friends and thanks in advance.

Sweethot143 I haven't been able to be online for several days and just read about your postponed surgery. I am sorry. I know you must be disappointed. Hang in there. I had to have a chest xray prior to my surgery and I got a call that they found something "suspecious" on my lung so I have to have a chest CT Scan on 12/6/06. If its nothing I can still go ahead with my surgery on the 12th. This has certainly not be an easy process for me but hopefully all with go well and I can get the lapband as planned. I am also on the all liquid diet for 2 weeks pre op and I'm on day 5. It is very hard but so far I am hanging in there. Good luck to all who are having surgery this coming week. I will be thinking of you.

12/1/06 I got a call from Peggy, Dr. Miller's nurse. She said Gretchen had called her and told her about the xray. she asked me if she had said anything to me about why they wanted an old xray. I told her no. She said they had found a cystic area on the lung and since there was no old xray. Dr Garren would not do surgery unless I had a chest CT. Peggy set it up for 12/6/06. So I got the creat done and I have a CT Scan on Wed. The radiologist at BDCH wanted to see the xray they took in Madison to compare. I have been on the liquid diet 5 days. I do okay with it I guess but will be glad when it is over. I want to chew.

12/1/06 I got a call from Peggy, Dr. Miller's nurse. She said Gretchen had called her and told her about the xray. she asked me if she had said anything to me about why they wanted an old xray. I told her no. She said they had found a cystic area on the lung and since there was no old xray. Dr Garren would not do surgery unless I had a chest CT. Peggy set it up for 12/6/06. So I got the creat done and I have a CT Scan on Wed. The radiologist at BDCH wanted to see the xray they took in Madison to compare. I have been on the liquid diet 5 days. I do okay with it I guess but will be glad when it is over. I want to chew.

11/27/06 I went to Madison and finished my Christmas shopping. Then went to UW to the Learning Center first. They just confimred my insurance information and then I talked to an RN C.J. about getting ready for surgery and what I needed to do. I bought the prep before surgery and she gave me two packets of antibacterial wash to use the night before surgery and the morning of surgery. Everyone was nice. Then went to 3rd floor and Susan RN took my bp and wght 267.6. I then met Gretchen Beverstein NP. she was very nice and I asked her my questions I had written down. Dr. Garren came in next and asked me why I wanted to have the surgery and talked to me about what to expect. I asked him about a couple questions that he said those were "game day" decisions such as how long I wiill stay in the hospital and what size band. I aksed him about celebrex and he wasn't thrilled with that but said if I must take it then I can with prilosec. Both were nice. Then I had to go get a chest x-ray. Gretchen called Tues am wanting to know if I had a current chest xray for comparison. I told her I didn't remember my last chest xray but if I did it would be at Skiff in Newton.

11/27/06 I went to Madison and finished my Christmas shopping. Then went to UW to the Learning Center first. They just confimred my insurance information and then I talked to an RN C.J. about getting ready for surgery and what I needed to do. I bought the prep before surgery and she gave me two packets of antibacterial wash to use the night before surgery and the morning of surgery. Everyone was nice. Then went to 3rd floor and Susan RN took my bp and wght 267.6. I then met Gretchen Beverstein NP. she was very nice and I asked her my questions I had written down. Dr. Garren came in next and asked me why I wanted to have the surgery and talked to me about what to expect. I asked him about a couple questions that he said those were "game day" decisions such as how long I wiill stay in the hospital and what size band. I aksed him about celebrex and he wasn't thrilled with that but said if I must take it then I can with prilosec. Both were nice. Then I had to go get a chest x-ray. Gretchen called Tues am wanting to know if I had a current chest xray for comparison. I told her I didn't remember my last chest xray but if I did it would be at Skiff in Newton.

It is amazing how as I read this thread all of you are putting my thoughts into words. The worry, excitment, and questions. I go to see my surgeon tomorrow. I spend the first 1/2 hour in a learning center, I suppose to get info and answer question. Then an hour scheduled with the Nurse practitioner and the last half hour with the surgeon. I have been writing questions as I read the post and literature online. Then the following day 11/28 I start the liquid diet for 2 weeks. A specific amount of liquid protein, SF jello, broth, and SF popsicles as wanted. And of course the water. When I get done with that it will be surgery day...12/12. I did fine with Thanksgiving. Ate sensibly and trying to integrate "mindful eating" into every meal and my attitude. Thanks for all the wonderful words of wisdom, hope and encouragement.

Good Luck Taymac I will be thinking of you!!!!!!

My surgery is Dec 12th and two weeks before that I go on only protein drinks, SF jello, SF popsicles and broth. I know I can do this as I know how important it is for the liver to be small for surgery as it lays right over the lapband after they remove the retractor. I'm nervous about being shakey and not able to concentrate during this phase as I have to function at work. Oh well, one day at a time. Happy Thanksgiving.

Had the stress test 11/20/06. It seemed to me to be more involved than others that I talked to about a stress test. I was in the office a little over 2 hrs. First I got an IV, after 2 tries and they put in some kind of nuclear medicine into my blood stream. I had a camera take pics of me ( somewhat like an MRI) for 16 minutes of holding still. Then went into another room and did the stress test on the treadmill. It was hard but not terrible. People were very nice. Then the last 1 minute of the treadmill they put more radioactive fluid in my IV. I rested for 10 min and more camera. Got dressed and left. I was nerved up about it but glad it was done and they said from what they could see my EKG was good. Said if there were probs they will call me and if not I will get a letter. Jim was a sweetie and drove me even after I told him several times it wasn't necessary. I think he wants to feel like part of the process. I got a pm from a person who is having surgery the same day as I am and that was fun.

Had the stress test 11/20/06. It seemed to me to be more involved than others that I talked to about a stress test. I was in the office a little over 2 hrs. First I got an IV, after 2 tries and they put in some kind of nuclear medicine into my blood stream. I had a camera take pics of me ( somewhat like an MRI) for 16 minutes of holding still. Then went into another room and did the stress test on the treadmill. It was hard but not terrible. People were very nice. Then the last 1 minute of the treadmill they put more radioactive fluid in my IV. I rested for 10 min and more camera. Got dressed and left. I was nerved up about it but glad it was done and they said from what they could see my EKG was good. Said if there were probs they will call me and if not I will get a letter. Jim was a sweetie and drove me even after I told him several times it wasn't necessary. I think he wants to feel like part of the process. I got a pm from a person who is having surgery the same day as I am and that was fun.

I went to see the nutritionist Diane today. Basically she went over the things to do postop and preop and what to eat. Gave me a pep talk on the fact that I may no feel restriction for 3 to 4 months and therefore may not loose during that time...NOT. She then told me that I'd need to have lab work done. I assume they don't tell us ahead of time so we can't "hide" any results. They drew 8 vials of blood. Next step is Stress test 11/20/06.

I went to see the nutritionist Diane today. Basically she went over the things to do postop and preop and what to eat. Gave me a pep talk on the fact that I may no feel restriction for 3 to 4 months and therefore may not loose during that time...NOT. She then told me that I'd need to have lab work done. I assume they don't tell us ahead of time so we can't "hide" any results. They drew 8 vials of blood. Next step is Stress test 11/20/06.

StephC It just seemed to end up taking that long to get everything done. They wanted 3 weeks between some of the mtgs with psychologist and nutritionist and then having to work it in with my work schedule. Ended up taking 75 days for insurance to get all their questions answered and say it was okay. Now things seem to be going along pretty quickly. I have appts of one kinds or another almost every week until surgery. I think with the hubbub of the holidays the time will go quickly. December 12th, here I come.

Theresa D. Your surgery is one day before mine!!! I am getting excited...and nervous. I met with the nutritionist yesterday and got a notebook full of dos and don'ts. She gave me some samples of protein powder so I want to try that and see what I like so I can get what I want ahead of time. They had done alot of the work for me with charts showing amt of protein in different brands, what people like most, and cost. I go for the stress test next week:faint:

Congrats to all of you getting your date for surgery. Mine is December 12th. I am excited and nervous and very lucky to have family support. I know they worry but want me to be healthy. I go today for my last meeting with the nutritionist to tell me what to eat prior to surgery and postoperatively. I have a stress test on the 20th and meet with the Nurse Practitioner and then Surgeon on 11/27. Lets keep this thread going and help each other along the road to health and success.

I went to a Meeting June 06 to see what was involved with getting a lapband at UW Bariatric Center. I got information and immediately made an appt with Dr. Miller for an letter of referral. I went to the next support group and gave Deanne my insurance info and the letter. She contacted me and told me a possibility my insurance would need verification of a medical supervised diet so I started WW. Went in July to see the psychologit associated with the clinic. A 3 hour appt with a never ending multiple choice questionaire and talked to Gretchen for about an hour. August went to see Diane the nutritionist. I really didn't learn much I didn't know about nutrition (just wasn't practicing it). I did learn about intuitive eating. She did pick up on alot of old "Dieting" mentality of good and bad behaviors. Went to see Gretchen (psychologist) again. She gave me the okay to pursue the insurance aspect of the process. First preauth information sent to Lumenos July 26th. I waited until end of August to contact them as they had said 30 days. They claimed they had never rec'd anything. I called DeAnne (administration asst) at Bariatric Center. She said it had been sent. I got a fax # for her and she sent it out end of September. I called a couple days later to insurance to confirm they had rec'd it. They told me another 30 days. So I waited. I received a letter from them end of October asking for verification and dates of what I had attempted in the last 2 years to lose weight on my own. Luckily I had the WW book to send and a letter from Dr. Miller that I had lost weight during the 3 months interim that he saw me. This was sent to Lumenos. On November 6th I received varification from insurance that they would cover the insurance. I was so excited I called DeAnne right away and she hadn't gotten the Letter yet so couldn't schedule my surgery. I ran to a place that had a fax and called her right back. We schedule my surgery for 12/12/06. I see the nutritionist 11/14 for a group meeting of what I can and cannot eat and what I need to buy to be ready for surgery. I then have stress test done November 20th and one week later I meet with the Nurse Practitioner and then the surgeon. I am excited and scared. I got a living will all done just incase. My knees hurt so very much that it is almost impossible for me to walk. I do whatever I can to not have to walk with one of my co-workers as they leave me in their dust or else slow down to a crawl to stay with me. My husband never leaves me behind and I love him for that. I want so much to be a fun healthy wife, mom, and grandma. I want to wear stylish clothes. I know that at 52 I am never going to look fantastic and I am to old and not financially able to have plastic surgery but I want to be healthy. I want to get off my meds. I have also always had poor posture to try and hide my big boobs, so I want to work on those muscles to stand up straight.

I went to a Meeting June 06 to see what was involved with getting a lapband at UW Bariatric Center. I got information and immediately made an appt with Dr. Miller for an letter of referral. I went to the next support group and gave Deanne my insurance info and the letter. She contacted me and told me a possibility my insurance would need verification of a medical supervised diet so I started WW. Went in July to see the psychologit associated with the clinic. A 3 hour appt with a never ending multiple choice questionaire and talked to Gretchen for about an hour. August went to see Diane the nutritionist. I really didn't learn much I didn't know about nutrition (just wasn't practicing it). I did learn about intuitive eating. She did pick up on alot of old "Dieting" mentality of good and bad behaviors. Went to see Gretchen (psychologist) again. She gave me the okay to pursue the insurance aspect of the process. First preauth information sent to Lumenos July 26th. I waited until end of August to contact them as they had said 30 days. They claimed they had never rec'd anything. I called DeAnne (administration asst) at Bariatric Center. She said it had been sent. I got a fax # for her and she sent it out end of September. I called a couple days later to insurance to confirm they had rec'd it. They told me another 30 days. So I waited. I received a letter from them end of October asking for verification and dates of what I had attempted in the last 2 years to lose weight on my own. Luckily I had the WW book to send and a letter from Dr. Miller that I had lost weight during the 3 months interim that he saw me. This was sent to Lumenos. On November 6th I received varification from insurance that they would cover the insurance. I was so excited I called DeAnne right away and she hadn't gotten the Letter yet so couldn't schedule my surgery. I ran to a place that had a fax and called her right back. We schedule my surgery for 12/12/06. I see the nutritionist 11/14 for a group meeting of what I can and cannot eat and what I need to buy to be ready for surgery. I then have stress test done November 20th and one week later I meet with the Nurse Practitioner and then the surgeon. I am excited and scared. I got a living will all done just incase. My knees hurt so very much that it is almost impossible for me to walk. I do whatever I can to not have to walk with one of my co-workers as they leave me in their dust or else slow down to a crawl to stay with me. My husband never leaves me behind and I love him for that. I want so much to be a fun healthy wife, mom, and grandma. I want to wear stylish clothes. I know that at 52 I am never going to look fantastic and I am to old and not financially able to have plastic surgery but I want to be healthy. I want to get off my meds. I have also always had poor posture to try and hide my big boobs, so I want to work on those muscles to stand up straight.

laurigee, Wow you have done really well. I hope to be as successful. I'm going to a support mtg tomorrow night and then I'll have the next one the evening before my surgery. I enjoy meeting the people and getting their perspectives. Lapbanders are definitely in the minority of this group as most are gastric bypass participants but still learn alot from each other.