Sandman

Had my LAP-BAND®®®®®® installed on Feb 19th, 2010. Today is July 30th, 2010. I've only had 2 fills but am going for another fill on Monday. I'm off my diabetes meds, cholesterol meds, have more energy and life is good. First Dr appt I was 341 lbs, but I got up to 350 at one point. Just weighed myself and I'm 265! I wanted to lose 100 lbs in 1 year, looks like I'm on my way! One of the best decisions I ever made in my life! Just posted this picture in the pictures section. It's a before and after collage. Pics really don't tell the whole story though. On the after side I'm wearing a 2004 Boston Red Sox World Champions shirt that had never fit me before! It's so cool to be able to go into the back of my closet and put these clothes on that I haven't wore in years along with some stuff that still has tags on it! The surgery wasn't bad. I was knocked out and was sore for a week. I had 2 paid weeks off from work but really could have gone back sooner but took it easy. The thing I regretted the most was the liquid diet before and after. It was tough but I got through it. I'm still learning what I can eat and what I can't. Before the surgery I said to myself no matter what I'm not giving up toast with peanut butter for breakfast. It's weird but I don't have a craving for that anymore! I don't like bread anymore. I haven't had a steak since surgery, think that would be tough getting down. I have food that gets stuck every once in a while. I'm still taking too big of bites or not chewing my food enough but it's a learning process. The food either comes back up or it passes by me taking a little walk or raising my arms up in the air. Either way it's a small price to pay for the benefits!

My sexual appetite has weaned over the last couple of years. Wondering if my size might have something to do with it. Being freshly banded I am wondering if this may be another plus to shedding lbs. I do know I'll be more confident, be able to get into some different positions and possibly gain a little size, which would be awesome! Any other comments or thoughts? :wink:

Hi, banded on Feb 19th, just started full liquids. I'm having creamy soups, runny oatmeal, runny mashed potatoes. I was a little naughty tonight and had a Steak and Shake shake. Could barely finish it and felt proud because in the past I would have eaten a giant burger, chili, fries and the shake! Wondering if anyone has any more ideas for full liquids?:smile2:

Thank you, these are all great ideas! Should I be adding protein to my soups?

Has anyone tried Bio-Oil for scars and stretch marks? I've heard good things about it. Was banded on the 19th, had gall bladder out 2 years ago and stretch marks from getting fat over the years. My gut looks like a battlefield and I want to make it look better.

Me too! Banded on the 19th. Doing the Gas X strips and walking helps but not totally.

I was just banded on Friday and am on clear liquids for 2 weeks. I'm having my broth, popsicles, jello, apple juice and gatorade. I'm looking for any other ideas and also ideas on full liquids and mushy foods. Thanks in advance!

#1. Surgery date? 02-19-10 #2. State you live in? Florida #3. Doctor/Surgery Center? Dr Rehnke #4. Insurance or self pay? Insurance #5. Age and height 42 6'0 #6. Current weight and goal weight? 316 220 #7. What was your deciding factor for having this surgery? Diabetes, high chlesterol, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, low energy and want to shop in regular stores! #7. Do you have the support of family and friends? Yes everyone has been very supportive #8. Concerns and questions? Just excited to get on with my new life!

:thumbup:I was banded yesterday 2/19. Got to the hospital at 8am and went in at 1030. Came out and was given 3 shots of morphine, When I got back to my room they hooked me up with Demerol. I was in and out of consciousness all night and into the morning. My wife stayed with me all night. She had the surgery almost 3 years ago and is down 110lbs. I was still pretty sore this morning so they gave me liquid vicodin which is very nice, I have 2 weeks off to recover and am looking forward to healing up and losing the weight which had me up to 345, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

I'm on my liquid diet and I have this pain when I swallow. Even taking a very small sip of water I feel like 2 secs later at the bottom of my stomach. Does this sound normal?

:smile:I was banded yesterday 2/19. Got to the hospital at 8am and went in at 1030. Came out and was given 3 shots of morphine, When I got back to my room they hooked me up with Demerol. I was in and out of consciousness all night and into the morning. My wife stayed with me all night. She had the surgery almost 3 years ago and is down 110lbs. I was still pretty sore this morning so they gave me liquid vicodin which is very nice, I have 2 weeks off to recover and am looking forward to healing up and losing the weight which had me up to 345, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

I've been approved by BCBS to have surgery on Friday. While looking through some insurance paperwork I noticed they want you to be smoke free for surgery. I am not. I'm afraid they will say after surgery they won't pay because I wasn't smoke free and I'll be on the hook for the entire bill! Does anyone have any experience with a situation like this! Thanks

After fighting with the insurance company for a year and a half I finally have been approved for lap band surgery on Feb 19th! Dr Rehnke will be performing it a week after my 42nd birthday. After being diagnosed with sleep apnea then diabetes and cholesterol problems not to mention the lack of energy and all the other issues that come with being morbidly obese I knew it was time to make a change. My wife had the surgery 2 1/2 yrs ago and is down 110 lbs so I'm familiar with the process and it's good to have an in house band buddy! Today was my 1st day of 2 weeks on Optifast. I felt hungry and tired and am praying it gets easier. Didn't do a whole lot today and plan on lying low tomorrow too. Then back to work on Monday, hoping I can get through my work days with no food! Just wanted to share!

#1. Surgery date? Feb 19 #2. State you live in? Fla #3. Doctor/Surgery Center? Rehnke #4. Insurance or self pay? Ins #5. Age and height 41 6 feet #6. Current weight and goal weight? 331 220 #7. What was your deciding factor for having this surgery? health reasons, diabetes, sleep apnea, no energy, want to buy regular clothes! #7. Do you have the support of family and friends? All my family supports me and mt wife had the surgery 2 yrs ago and is down 110lbs! #8. Concerns and questions? Just how well I'll perform at work while I'm drinking optifast and being on liquids.

Thanks everyone! Day 2 was a little easier.

I've had it for about 5 yrs. I was never really upset about it though. My Dr said I'd sleep better and have more energy. I was always taking naps and always felt tired. My wife couldnt sleep in the same room because my snoring was so bad. It was hard getting used to the mask but I cant sleep without it now. I tried about 3 different masks and then found the breeze mask. Its less restrictive.

I just got approved for my lapband and Dr told me I'd be on Optifast shakes for 2 weeks prior to the surgery. My concern is when I go a few hours without eating my blood sugar drops and I feel crappy! Is this going to be an issue? I'm type 2 and taking oral meds which I'm hoping to be able to stop in the future. Anybody go through this already? Thanks!