KarynA

I appreciate everyone who took the time to reply... your answers are invaluable. Thank you so much. I also found it interesting how many people mentioned 'support' of one kind or another.

The last time I got a fill, I asked my doctor if there was any way I could accidentally hurt my port (by getting laundry out of the washer, etc.). He said, "no, the only way you can hurt your port is by putting an unsterile needle in it". It was the first time I had heard of anything like that. I said, "people do that?".... he said, "you'd be surprised how many people have absolutely no common sense". So no, my answer is no way - never.

I agree with everyone who posted before me. Go back to liquids for awhile, then to mushies and slowly (really small bites) move to solids. You are too tight when you can't keep liquids down (which doesn't sound like the case). Good luck!

I paid $14,000, which covered everything pre and post (i.e., fills), but I just sent an appeal to my insurance company, so hopefully I'll get some of that back. FIngers crossed.

I was banded on 12/4 and have lost 26 pounds so far. Clothes are loose and my body seems to be rearrangi9ng itself. I've only had one fill (3 ccs) and am looking forward to my next one, since I only feel restriction with certain foods (i.e., tuna and chicken). On Tuesday, I had an umbilical hernia repaired, which is really hurting now, worse than the lap-band surgery did. I need to wait til I'm healed from that before I get another fill.

I know, right?! I'm pretty sure it's because he was concerned about me being 'too tight'. He told me as much. He also told me to come back that day if I had any problems at all getting liquids down. I didn't think I was too tight, but then what did/do I know (it was my very first fill). My husband, who loves to cook, made a wonderful french onion soup (omg, so good) I even put croutons in it and let them get soggy in the soup. AND I'm still having my glass of wine. SO I'm alright - not at all suffering. And the weight loss has started-up again.... for now, anyway. I'll be thinking about you Thursday.

Hi Ocra, He numbed the port area first, so it was the standard needle stick and then a small sting from the medication (quick wince, but no real pain). Then he applied a tiny external port type thing. He pushed it on/in. That felt like a little bit of pressure (but no pain). Then he inserted the needle (didn't feel anything - the area was numb) and filled the band with saline completely - to the point of occlusion. He had me drink water 'until my tank was filled up', the area above the band. Because the band was full, it didn't allow the water to pass through. I stopped drinking when I could feel the water in my throat. Then he slowly pulled saline back into the syringe and I told him when I could feel the water going down (like through a funnel). He had me drink water several times after that to make sure that it would go down and that I wasn't 'too tight'. And that was it. I got a bandaage and was on my way! I'm on liquids (and soup) for two weeks. It seems like a long time compared to everyone else, but I don't even care. I'm just happy to FINALLY have restriction! I hope your fill is equally as painless. :w00t:

I got my! I got my fill!...I'm so excited! I feel remotivated. This is going to work! I have 3cc's.

Hello everyone! Just peeking-in to see how everyone is doing. I'm doing fine - haven't lost a pound in a week, and it's discouraging...but *sigh* expected. It's hard to believe that we are nearly through this month and that MOST of us are banded. Congrats to all the December Delights.

Good luck, Mel! Don't worry about a thing and post whenever you're up to it. We'll be thinking about you...

Sending positive thoughts out to of cin_a_mon, illuminationlady and Doer who are being banded today! Congrats to everyone on the December list! Week 1 Monday, November 30: Electrawoman Tuesday, December 1: RandaPanda, TheCutestFatty, terriamn, diana1, great expectations (tbd) Wednesday, December 2: garden-nut, yosemite, Su59, Bobbie0918, austrolatrishy, take charge time, michelleisaac, nurseb24, lcdragna, BeeSwank, iamdabozz205, AJrbilly Thursday, December 3: tbird1211, dmdsanchez, suzycooke, mommymya, sxygma130, Claudean, lapfish, homewith2, ganda, adevong, RAinNH, iza0403, oceancity4me, braydens_mommy, SharShar, diamndgrl408, newgumpee, tmaiello Friday, December 4: kslessar, KarynA, cent, juke, syly14, NurseRachel, MyOldSelfBack, 1skinnychick, Razorgirl, roroNewme, Marcol08, sariel, amber06, marcol08 Week 2 Monday, December 7: lackey4, RadioGirl311, HappyMe2009, lpglarry, realtruelady, Yolly, kimr55760, Maureen62, gkc1300, thinkoflaura Tuesday, December 8: Zanath, Veronda, this.is.4.me, pinklily27, cheley31, ccornett, thebigshow88, Bella_in_n_out, ellaal01, motomom87, Laluxe Wednesday, December 9: michelleintheoc, Irishbookworm, nursejojo, Pam92, tdtucker, SwanGal, ladons, DeeZee1, terrimj, Mz_LB09_Ann Thursday, December 10: msjoachin1, kellu25, karin joseph, AnastasiaBeaverhausen, harleyhottie0612, benhlhs, milescollins, Theresa’sMom415 Friday, December 11: Ernieschick, mmh, LindaO, sarahnoh, Kathryn2003, LindaO, Poppyred, texasnewf, soontobe, bounser, texasnewf, Kygirl32, mandyz Week 3 Monday, December 14: j-mae, Drasan (tbd), hhcurious, seraiah3, lisadoll, kacykwinn, LALALUDE, wandacee, stl Tuesday, December 15: voodoo, BigMomma, slmsister, TinaM, GoneFishin, sluggo, lizyjo09, laney75, sluggo, leftover_eidoes Wednesday, December 16: cin_a_mon, illuminationlady, Doer Thursday, December 17: librarychick, adagray, TracyW2, Melinco, drumr2112, ChaosIsOrder, ididit35, terrimj, kim60, JohnDRobinson Friday, December 18: bren5500, policy34, blondie219, kimmi0919, ymjackson1, Ice Prince, tallnthyckldy77, cawells, ssweettoya (and twin , Sticks, Saturday, December 19: Doddle69 (and Doodle’s Wife), ceecee3272 Week 4 Monday, December 21: hunybear53, abbylamb, great expectations, ymjackson1, MS DIVA, AE09, GAnurse76, rbailey60, ForMyFourBoys Tuesday, December 22: kimwash71112, NolaLola, 65DeuceCoupe, liz.rochelle, mandze90, charole', MissLadii757, Sweet Pete, nebraskahickchi Wednesday, December 23: danielle.hurstcrose, NancyNC, mkmelissag, hanna979 Thursday, December 24: teenbndster12, HiMow Friday, December 25 Week 5 Monday, December 28: alicia3138, tracyv12, Bamablondie1, XxMariposaxX, mommaqueen, ugaband, MissyMS, bellyfatgone Tuesday, December 29:jrene17, Kaitoujeff, alilash, Barb119 Wednesday, December 30: TN_girl21, HapiCat, stampstalker, smitten kitten, ocracoke, brownjl04, building_a_new_temple Thursday, December 31

Last minute advice is... don't sweat the surgery. It's an easy one and it happens quick. A couple of people here had some complications, but they came out of it just fine. Also, you're not gonna feel great for a day or two after surgery (at least), so expect that and give yourself a break - walk some, for sure, but rest too. You'll be up and running (and eating less - you won't be hungry) in no time! The last thing, put (flavored) chapstick in your bag. You won't be able to drink anything for the twelve hours before surgery and it will help to at least have your lips moist. I'm just happy for all of you (including myself)! The first day of the rest of our lives starts now... in December of 2009! I know, I need to update the list - I'll do that soon. Lots of new names! :thumbup:

Well folks, here it is - the latest and greatist! . I am AMAZED at how much this list has grown! Please don't hesitate to let me know if I need to make any modifications. Our thoughts and best wishes are with all of the December 11th bandsters, as well as the December bandsters in recovery. Hang in there, it gets better. Week 1 Monday, November 30: Electrawoman Tuesday, December 1: RandaPanda, TheCutestFatty, terriamn, diana1, great expectations (tbd), oceancity4me (tbd) Wednesday, December 2: garden-nut, yosemite, Su59, Bobbie0918, austrolatrishy, take charge time, michelleisaac, nurseb24, lcdragna, BeeSwank, iamdabozz205, AJrbilly Thursday, December 3: tbird1211, dmdsanchez, suzycooke, mommymya, sxygma130, Claudean, lapfish, homewith2, ganda, adevong, RAinNH, iza0403, oceancity4me, braydens_mommy, SharShar, diamndgrl408 Friday, December 4: kslessar, KarynA, cent, juke, syly14, NurseRachel, MyOldSelfBack, 1skinnychick, Razorgirl, mkmelissag, roroNewme, Marcol08, sariel Week 2 Monday, December 7: lackey4, RadioGirl311, HappyMe2009, lpglarry, realtruelady, Yolly, kimr55760, Maureen62, gkc1300, thinkoflaura Tuesday, December 8: Zanath, Veronda, this.is.4.me, pinklily27, cheley31, ccornett, thebigshow88, Bella_in_n_out, ellaal01, motomom87 Wednesday, December 9: michelleintheoc, Irishbookworm, nursejojo, Pam92, tdtucker, SwanGal, ladons, DeeZee1, terrimj, Mz_LB09_Ann Thursday, December 10: msjoachin1, kellu25, karin joseph, AnastasiaBeaverhausen, harleyhottie0612, benhlhs Friday, December 11: Ernieschick, mmh, LindaO, sarahnoh, Kathryn2003, LindaO, Poppyred, texasnewf, soontobe, bounser, texasnewf, Kygirl32 Week 3 Monday, December 14: j-mae, Drasan (tbd), hhcurious, seraiah3, lisadoll, kacykwinn, LALALUDE, wandacee Tuesday, December 15: voodoo, BigMomma, slmsister, TinaM, GoneFishin, sluggo, lizyjo09, laney75, sluggo Wednesday, December 16: cin_a_mon, illuminationlady Thursday, December 17: librarychick, adagray, TracyW2, Melinco, drumr2112, ChaosIsOrder, ididit35, terrimj, kim60 Friday, December 18: bren5500, policy34, blondie219, kimmi0919, ymjackson1, Ice Prince, tallnthyckldy77, cawells, ssweettoya (and twin :rolleyes2:, Sticks Week 4 Monday, December 21: hunybear53, abbylamb, great expectations, ymjackson1, MS DIVA Tuesday, December 22: kimwash71112, NolaLola, Bamablondie1, 65DeuceCoupe, liz.rochelle, mandze90, charole', MissLadii757, Sweet Pete Wednesday, December 23: danielle.hurstcrose, NancyNC Thursday, December 24: teenbndster12, HiMow Friday, December 25 Week 5 Monday, December 28: alicia3138, tracyv12, Bamablondie1, XxMariposaxX, mommaqueen Tuesday, December 29:jrene17, Kaitoujeff, alilash Wednesday, December 30: TN_girl21, HapiCat, stampstalker, smitten kitten, ocracoke Thursday, December 31 *ceecee3272 (tbd)*

In this, as in everything else, I imagine you're glad you have each other to lean on through this experience. How exciting for both of you!

You guys are SO funny (omg)!

One more thing... BEST OF LUCK TO THE DECEMBER 9th bandsters! Everything will be just fine. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

I'm getting ready to go to work today. Wish me luck!

As was mentioned, the no soda/no beer requirement is pretty standard. It's the carbonation that's the problem because it expands the pouch. After my surgery last week, my doctor (who himself has a band) stressed the importance of not having these things. "Protect your band" is what he kept saying. I'm not that big on soda anyway, so it's not a huge loss for me. HOWEVER, my favorite cocktail of choice is (was) Captain Morgan's (rum) and diet coke, so I was more than a little bummed about not being able to have that anymore. I did not pig-out or anything before my pre-op, but I did have a drink or two of rum and diet coke, while toasting to a better, healthier, longer, thinner life. It's well worth the exchange. I like your ticker, btw. Good job and good choice!

IMO, Chest pains = call your doctor... pretty much always. It could be nothing, but it could be something and if it's your chest, then there's a chance it's your heart, so it's worth the call. *As a reference (and if it helps), I stll feel a little bit of pressure when I breathe in. And it's only been over the past couple of days that I've been able to breathe-in deeply. I have yet to hiccup, but sometimes I feel like I have heartburn after I drink something too fast. Best of luck to you...

Thank you. I was slacking on my obligations there for awhile! But I'm feeling really good now. And no problem - you've been moved. Congrats on the 8 lbs! Keep up the good work! fyi - I'm on clear liquids right now and am totally fine with it - not at all hungry or missing food. This is very rare for me... but it's something you can look forward to. :sneaky:

I moved your name, so it isn't next to a date, but I didn't remove it completely. That way, when December's over, we'll still think of you and send positive thoughts your way for a successful banding...whenever that turns out to be.

Oh no! That's rough! I hope you stayed strong and thought about your pre-op appointment... and your band. All the holiday parties are going to be a difficult temptation. Tis the season for desserts (my personal weakness). But you're not going to care about Brownies and toffee AT ALL pretty soon here (okay, maybe small bites :thumbup:) and you're wcertainly not alone. So hang in there!

So glad to remove your "tbd" and unitalicize you! :thumbup: I work from home on Fridays myself, and am not supposed to be working today but have my work laptop open "in the event that"...something comes up. I feel fine - better than fine. I actually feel really good today. And I'm excited about the next day and the next day and the next... But, fyi, I did feel lousy and sick and sleepy from Friday evening to Sunday evening. I guess it's a necessary evil, and relatively short-lived all things considered. No regrets. Best of luck to you!

This update is WAY overdue - my apologies. Week #2 is a busy week and our thoughts are with all of you! Week 1 Monday, November 30: Electrawoman Tuesday, December 1: RandaPanda, TheCutestFatty, terriamn, diana1, great expectations (tbd), oceancity4me (tbd) Wednesday, December 2: garden-nut, yosemite, Su59, Bobbie0918, austrolatrishy, take charge time, michelleisaac, nurseb24, lcdragna, BeeSwank, iamdabozz205 Thursday, December 3: tbird1211, dmdsanchez, suzycooke, mommymya, sxygma130, Claudean, lapfish, homewith2, ganda, adevong, RAinNH, iza0403 Friday, December 4: kslessar, KarynA, cent, juke, syly14, NurseRachel, MyOldSelfBack, 1skinnychick, Razorgirl, mkmelissag, roroNewme Week 2 Monday, December 7: lackey4, RadioGirl311, HappyMe2009, lpglarry, realtruelady, Yolly, kimr55760, Maureen62, gkc1300 Tuesday, December 8: Zanath, Veronda, this.is.4.me, pinklily27, cheley31, ccornett, thebigshow88, Bella_in_n_out Wednesday, December 9: michelleintheoc, Irishbookworm, nursejojo, Pam92, tdtucker, SwanGal, ladons, DeeZee1 Thursday, December 10: msjoachin1, kellu25, karin joseph, AnastasiaBeaverhausen, harleyhottie0612, benhlhs Friday, December 11: Ernieschick, mmh, LindaO, sarahnoh, Kathryn2003, LindaO, Poppyred, texasnewf, soontobe, bounser, texasnewf Week 3 Monday, December 14: j-mae, Drasan (tbd), hhcurious, seraiah3, lisadoll, kacykwinn, LALALUDE Tuesday, December 15: voodoo, BigMomma, slmsister, TinaM, GoneFishin, sluggo, lizyjo09, laney75 Wednesday, December 16: cin_a_mon, illuminationlady Thursday, December 17: librarychick, adagray, TracyW2, Melinco, drumr2112, ChaosIsOrder, ididit35 Friday, December 18: bren5500, policy34, blondie219, kimmi0919, ymjackson1, Ice Prince, tallnthyckldy77 Week 4 Monday, December 21: hunybear53, abbylamb, great expectations, ymjackson1 Tuesday, December 22: kimwash71112, NolaLola, Bamablondie1, 65DeuceCoupe, liz.rochelle, mandze90, charole', MissLadii757 Wednesday, December 23: danielle.hurstcrose, NancyNC Thursday, December 24: teenbndster12 Friday, December 25 Week 5 Monday, December 28: alicia3138, tracyv12, Bamablondie1, XxMariposaxX, mommaqueen Tuesday, December 29:jrene17, Kaitoujeff, alilash Wednesday, December 30: TN_girl21, HapiCat, stampstalker, smitten kitten, ocracoke Thursday, December 31 *ceecee3272 (tbd)*

THANK YOU. I read your post at just the right time... when I was feeling really bad (sick) and seriously questioning my decision. Now I am well, looking forward to the future... motivated and inspired. Thanks again for brightening my day.