Jen's_Journey

Ok guys got one for ya! I had my surgery 11/19/09, and couldn't get my first fill over the holidays thanks to scheduling and insurance issues, so I waited until 1/5. So... after sticking me with the needle about 20 times, my doctor determined that my port has healed UPSIDE DOWN/BACKWARDS... Arggg - she could not do the fill, and now I have to have the port repositioned (read - another small surgery...) and she will fill me at the same time. So, I'm still not restricted. I was really hoping to get my first fill so that I would be full on less food. I feel like my portion size is creeping up. I'm wondering if anyone else had issues with their port? I feel like a very odd duck...

Happy New Year to all my fellow Nov 09 bandsters! I hope to get my first fill soon - it has been cancelled twice due to insurance authorization not happening on time. I was banded 11/19 and have lost 16 pounds post surgery. My portions are about 1/2 what they used to be, but I'd like them to be a bit smaller (the fill should do this!). Best of luck to all of you out there, and happy 2010!

marquint - I totally feel you on the hunger vs stomach pain if you have too much liquid. I have tried straining cream soups (made with skim milk) and those are better - the sweetness from the shakes is killing me. Sometimes I feel like my entire stomach is bulging out of my skin because it is full of liquid. I saw the doctor today and she said I'm doing great though - down 7 pounds since surgery. I find the hunger pains worse at night - like after 8 pm - and it is hard to fall asleep with a rumbling belly... I do feel my jeans loosening, so it will be WORTH it.

Hi Rozi - I'm a bit older than you (41) but I started at 267 on 11/19 (surgery date). So far I'm down to 261.5 after 5 days, but boy am I hungry! Let's keep in touch!

Ok. I need some support. It is five days after surgery, and I am STARVING. I was ok until now, but I swear as I've moved around more today, my body is screaming for food, and not at all happy with soup and shakes. I really hope I can make it until mushies on Dec 3rd...

Where did you have your surgery? I had mine in Pleasanton, CA with Dr. Estakhri. She is awesome!

Mark - it really wasn't bad at all. My family can't believe how easy it has been for me, and I hate pain! Today's gas pain was killer, but like someone else said it is just hard to get it to get out of you (gross I know). The incisions itch a bit, but hardly, and the headaches I think are from eating less calories (not the surgery). Overall, it is way easier than I thought, and if you take it slow, do your 'sipping' and rest, you will do great! Best of luck to you!

I had my surgery on the 19th, and stayed overnight at the hospital. The first night was hard, it was hard to move around, and I had a hard time with dry mouth and throat. Getting up to walk around was good, but hard at first. By the time I got home on the 20th I was feeling better, but still sore. The only real pain I've had is headache - the incisions are ok. I hate smelling food around me, and watching tv commercials/shows about thanksgiving. It makes me realize how much food is a huge part of my life. I've tried walking outside, and had my daughter drive me to Target today to walk a little bit, which was good. The protein shakes are giving me gas, which is not FUN. I'm living off of protein shakes, tomato soup, grape juice and jello. Can't wait for the mushies to start already! Hope all you other Nov banders are doing great!!

I've been eating pretty healthy, and have given up soda for months now... My preop appt is Nov 9, so I can't go completely nuts on the 7th, but I will have a few last bites of pie! I'm super excited for the 19th, and it is so nice to know there are a bunch of you out there getting ready with me!:thumbup:

We are having a 'last supper' / early thanksgiving on Nov 7 since my surgery is on Nov 19 and I will miss the real turkey day...

I can't believe the surgery is coming up in November. I am super excited to start this journey to a new me. I am a bit worried about the first month of liquid/mushies, but I know that I will get through it. My surgeon is Mary Estakhri, MD in Pleasanton, CA.