Scarred4Life

Hey, Brenda.. I am not 100% certain which one of these lovely puncture wounds is my port - but one out of 5 gives me the most pain.. like where I can feel the stitches pulling. I was closed with dissolving sutures and then super glue on top. The spot that hurts the most is the only one that looks "pink" but it doesnt seem warm to the touch, nor is it sticky..So I dont think its infected, but I have an appointment post-op on Tuesday, and I am sure he will take a peek. So, on the one to ten scale, the one hole is about a 7, all other incisions MAYBE a 2?

Kay Eww... sounds like Monday is going to be a bear for you. Hopefully, all runs smoothly. I took your advise, in stead of broth, I went for a protein shake... Took a while to drink it.. but I could certainly say I felt full. ..and as far as the TV?!? You are SO RIGHT!! Never would have given it two thoughts before hand, but a liquid diet makes you sit up and pay attention to everything, and man, it all looked good! We will definitely keep in touch!

mom05 I am glad to see that you posted to let us know you made it through okay... Terribly sorry to hear that your feeling nauseous. Boo!! Here's wishing you a quick release from the hospital and an even faster recovery!:biggrin:

Sounds like you and I are in the same boat! I was also banded yesterday (9/22) I however did get the liquid lortab... it tastes like butt, so believe me when I say you arent missing anything. It does seem to take the edge off, but no miracle cure. I have 5 incisions.. well, 4 holes and one rather large gash.. I wasnt expecting that, but whatever it takes, right?? I also have a dry scratchy throat from the breathing tube and the scope that went down inside my stomach. I am having some gas pains too.. tight in the chest, and it radiates into the upper left shoulder. Its not unbearable - just aggravating. I have been up and down from the recliner, trying to walk around. The hubs and baby had to go to the store, and I deftly volunteered to go too... I just took my time, and walked a few aisle pushing the cart, while the hubs got the few items we came for - I may have over done it...:mad: So I am taking it easy now. I feel the gas gurgling in my stomach which is a little uncomfortable.. I cant tell if I am just hungry, or if gas pockets are just shifting. Maybe I will whip up some broth for lunch. I am also returning to work on Monday... and a little nervous, since I have already been told they need me to do my job and fill in for someone who put in her 2 weeks in a different department - I am not looking forward to that.

Alright, Ladies!! Back home and banded!! Whoo-hoo!! I spend a little longer at the hospital that I wanted to.. I was suppose to be there at 11 for surgery at 1. They told me the surgery had been pushed back to 2 and I was still waiting at 3p... But I must say they nursing staff made it worth the wait. As fas as pain goes - when I first woke up I felt a sharp tight pain in my chest... quick shot of morphine cleared that up... I finally was allowed to leave at 8pm. No regrets!! Just tired... think I am going to call it a night.. goodbye bed, hello recliner. :smile2: As promised, I thought of each and one of you guys...

Being a mom of a premiee, the fact that she is a fighter is a good sign!! My son was born 2 months early weighing just over 2 lbs. and my friend who was carrying twins had to deliever 5 days after me- and they were 3 months early, one weighing just over 2lbs, and the other not quite a pound and a half. Of course they had to be covered in plastic to keep their body heat, and for a while on a ventalator, but then they moved to a CPAP, then nasal canula. But if they have the fight, and they are destine to be here.. They will make it!! You should see our kids now.. True they may be a little behind the developemental curve.. But knowing what a miracle the birth of a child can be, the fight that one tiny infant can put up, can be a big inspiration to an entire ward of adults. Of course the other outcome is a possibility, and one that we all would like to dismiss - but, as I am sure you know... the NICU is a roller-coaster. Ups and Downs.. I surely hope that lil baby sees alot more "ups"! I will be thinking of that little girl and her parents, and wishing her the best. Lord knows they can use it. Its nice to know that the nurses care, and I would like to think they all have a heart as big as yours!!:thumbdown: It takes a special person to work in the medical field, because there are joys and tragedy. How lucky for us to know that you are there to offer a caring hand. Dont be discouraged, or hard on yourself.. I think you're WONDERFUL!! ~As for me... I am off to the hospital. Let's do this :thumbup:thing!!:rolleyes2:

ebonykisses, kittykat56, papoose, mom05, teach830, highlojack,Tsaleen, girlbanded I will be right there with you guys tomorrow, thinking of each and every one of you. mom05 We are all in it together - No one is alone, but still sorry to hear your hubs couldnt make it. Hope everyone has a safe and happy surgery!

I am SO glad to hear that! I broke down last night and went to the store - it was either a sugar-free fudgecicle, or a raspberry-filled chocolate candy.. Yay, Fudgecicle!! I even split it with my son. That was exactly what I needed to take the edge off, and the kid enjoyed it too! :thumbup:

No cold feet here!! :w00t: I have jumped through so many hoops and have been looking for some kind of help to get me where I need to be for so long.. As long as I can get past the IV - :thumbup: I'll be damned if I am turning back now! :thumbup: We CAN do this... I will be right there with you and Mom05 on Wednesday, a long with several other ladies. I chose the screenname "scarred for life" because I am willing to have a few scars, in order to be able to live. I have a son who was born 2 months early, and weighed just over 2 pounds... he fought for his life, and he has only enriched mine. Now its my turn to fight for MY life. He is my biggest motivator, even if he can only cheer me on by saying.. muma muma! :tt1:

Alright, guys... I am on the last few days of my pre-op diet, and I am really, rEaLLy craving some chocolate... Anyone know if sugar-free fudgecicles would be the same as the sugar-free popcicles?

The big day is getting closer and closer - 5 more to go! Surgery is Wednesday the 22nd, and I am scheduled to return to work on Monday the 27th. I was told today that one of the "ladies" that works in a different department was leaving on Friday (sorry to say - NO LOVE LOSS THERE) so, in addition to doing my job and the other little one they have laid on me, they now tell me they need me to do hers too, until they can hire someone of course. But no rush. So I am hoping I will feel up to taking on all this crap 5-days post-op...just has me stressing already. Maybe I should suggest, since I am taking on the responsibility of 2 1/2 employees, I would like to receive 2 1/2 times pay.. HA! Just a vent here... I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist on the job, and I dont have the training to do hers well... Just not interested in putting my job nor my health in danger. Boo!

Hey, mom05! If it makes you feel any better - I will be in the hospital with you, going through the same thing on the 22nd. We may live in different states... But before they put me out, I will think of you and hope that we both wake up feeling a little skinnier already!

Just out of curiosity.. for those of us married couples or those in a relationship.. any advise on how to get the hubs NOT to question everything I put in my mouth? He is really trying to be supportive, but when I was using a salt substitute - he asked, can you have that on your diet? Sipping on a Crystal Light - Are you allowed to be drinking that? Admittedly, its more aggravating if he catches me doing something I am NOT suppose to be doing.. like dipping a carrot in some ranch dressing... I am on Day 5 of my pre-op diet, and there is only so much chicken, tuna and broccoli a girl can eat. I am running out of ideas. and I still have 10 days to go. I will say, regardless of the ranch dressing incident, I have been really proud of the food choices I have been making. I know that I have certainly been conscious of what I have been eating - and its certainly better that what I would have been eating. I am hoping that the pre-op tesing in the morning will be a breeze - and I would like for the next 10 days not result in divorce or squeezing the hubs so hard, his head pops off! :thumbup: Y'know... I am feeling better already! Thanks, guys!

Sounds great, highlojack! Let's Do This!!!

Hey Danielle! My appointment yesterday was to set my surgery date (Sept.22nd - whoot! whoot!) I certainly hope everything went well for you yesterday! I understand your rant about self-doubting because of the cash... but no amount of money is worth more than the self assurance we are going to gain with looking and feeling better! :blushing: The way I see it, I always seem to put everyone else first in life - this time?? I am doing something for ME! and lets face it - everyone who matters will benefit from it too. Money is money - we cant take it with us when we go - so lets live it up while we are still alive! :smile2: ~Tiffany

Yay! Shelly!! I quit May 11th - that was my first non-smoking day... Look at us go! We SO rock! Great Job - WE CAN DO THIS!! :blushing:

I've got my date!! You can add me to September 22nd! Yay!!

I smoked for 17 years and quit in May. The choice was simple for me. I am having the lapband placed to prolong my life and to enjoy life more. I know that smoking would just contradict the reasons for me to undergo the proceedure. So, for me, the choice was easy.. its the actual quitting that takes self control! I quit cold turkey. I set a date, and when that date came - I was done. Not to say that at 11:55pm the day before I wasnt outside hot-boxing a cigarette right up to the filter. You can do it! You may crave a cigarette here and again, but just think of the benifits you will reap!

Thought I was going to be banded in July, but looks like I am going to get to celebrate with this crew!! Just got the call that my insurance has been approved! I go in for a pre-op appointment with the surgeon 9/7, and then we will set a date! FANTASTIC!

Hi Anja! I will be crossing my fingers for you to get get approval and a date soon. I would imagine anything you can do prior to surgery would be helpful. I am slowly saying goodbye to caffine and have started not to use a straw when I drink - trying to toughen up that upper lip, so its use to hypothermia. I think it will make the transition to post banding easier..so its not too much to change all at once. Wishing you the best... Keep us posted!

Hi, Veleda! Congratulations! How very exciting for you! I cant wait to get my date set. You and I are the same age - we should switch off and share stories. :biggrin:

I am getting towards the end of my 6 month waiting period required by my insurance. I have had my initial consultation with the surgeon (1/21), my psych eval (5/5) and nutritionist consult (5/28).. so now one more follow-up visit with my pcp - and then everything will then be up to the insurance... if everything goes without a hitch - I should get a July date. :wink2: I am very excited for each of you that have been given a date and look forward to sharing our successes, and struggles with each other! :biggrin:

Hi! My name is Tiffany. I am 31 years old, and live in Jacksonville, Florida. I went in for my inital eval on 1/21, and coming close to the end of my 6 month waiting period. I am really looking forward to joining the group, and getting to talk with those that have been there, will be there or those in the same "holding pattern" as I am in right now! Can't wait to start my life over again! :cursing: