sunnsuds

Hi!! After I read the above, it was like I could have written that!! I too, have experienced (and unfortunately am experiencing this week--I go to the doc this afternoon) the same symptoms you have off and on since I have had my band placed last April. When this happens, I really feel horrible--not to mention the pressure in the chest/upper abdomen from vomiting as well as the acid (esp. at night). It's a killer!!!! I think I am one of those people who cannot tolerate a lot of fluid in my band as well. I can totally relate and sympathize with you completely. I hope you continue to feel well...please keep me updated! Margaret PS ( you are SO right; people think the band IS the easy way out; they are SO wrong)!!!!!!

Oops! I meant July 15th!!!

Hi Mark! Sounds like you have been so successful since Thanksgiving! That's an awesome weight loss! I live in the New Tampa area and was banded by Dr Dietrick on 4/21/10. I have lost 35 lbs since then but it is slowing done a little now which kind of freaks me out. Dr. Dietrick has a support group (anyone can come) the third Thursday of every month (next one is 6/17) at 6:00 PM at the LifeHope Medical Offices, 3000 Medical Park Drive. Call 813-615-7077 with any questions/directions. I haven't been to one yet but hope to make it Thursday. Keep in touch! Margaret

Hi Nancy, I really did not "decide" to have the Realize band over any other band. I did research different bands and I found out they all pretty much work in the same fashion. My doctor just happens to be a fan on the Realize band so that is what I got! Not too scientific, I know! Regarding the pre-surgery diet: after the first week, it did become difficult for me. I was definitely hungry but stuck to it. Luckily, I only had to follow it for 3 weeks (a lot shorter than what other people have posted). My insurance plan is Cigna--they actually approved my surgery within 5 weeks after submitting all of the necessary paperwork. I went to my first seminar the end of January and could have had my surgery at the end of March but I opted for April 21st as I had a trip already planned to go to Charleston SC to see my daughter. Are you now awaiting approval? Being a nurse, I know how Medicare works in regards to approval for tests, etc. but I have no experience on how long it takes for lapband approval. And, by the way, you are not asking stupid questions!!! This lap band adventure is a whole new thing for all of us! It is not easy trying to figure it all out (at least it is not for me)! Take care, Margaret

Hi! Are you scheduled yet to get your band? I had mine done at University Community Hospital in Tampa with Dr. Dietrick. I went through surgery without any problems, thank goodness. I have a Realize band (standard size) and have had one "fill" so far. Where are you in relationship to the program? Glad that you wrote--keep in touch!

Hi Cathy, So glad your surgery went well! How are you feeling now? I found the first few weeks were mentally hard for me; my mind wanted certain foods (like when I saw an ad on TV for Taco Bell) but my stomach was telling me something different. For me, that was difficult but now, I am handling a lot better. Are you having any problems like that are am I just crazy? Take care!

Hi Katie, Glad your clothes are feeling loose!! It's a great feeling, isn't it? I got my fill 3 days ago;it didn't hurt at all and I was in and out of there in 10 minutes. I definitely feel a difference as I am not as hungry between meals. And, unfortunately, last night I ate my first few bites of fool too quickly and up it came . Boy, did that hurt! That will teach me not too eat too quickly! I am actually able to eat all foods without difficulty. How about you? Are you to solids yet? When is your first fill? My Doctor said the "fills" are guesswork--everybody is different; they start out with a small amount (mine was 1.2 cc) and can always put in more. Hope you are doing well---keep up the great work!!

Hi Cathy! Just checking in to see how you are doing! I hope your surgery went well--I meant to wish you well on "the big day" but I missed it by 2 days--sorry about that! Anyway, I am thinking about you--please let me know how you are doing when you are up to it!!!!:smile2:

hey Katie! I am so glad everything went well for you! I am a little apprehensive as well re: the fill. My first fill is scheduled May 18th--I am feeling a little more hungrier than usual the last few days so hopefully it will help me. I am scared b/c I have read "horror" stories about other people's bands being too tight. Sometimes I think we read too much info!! That being said, everything else is going well. I feel a lot better, and my clothes are definitely looser which makes me happy! What does your diet consist of these days? Is food going down okay for you? You have a quite a challenge having to travel to Vancouver!! How far is that for you? Just out of curiousity, did you get a "package deal" with your sugery to include your airflights or do you pay out of pocket every time? As I am sure you are aware, our health care is completely different than yours so I find it interesting learning about other situations. I still get tired at the end of the day--although working full time as a nurse and being 48 years old is tiring in itself! Write when you can! Again, glad everything went well for you! :smile2:

Thank you so much! You are getting close to your big day! I'll be thinking of you!

Hi Katie2010!! Thinking of the "new YOU" today!! Many congratuations to you. Hope all goes well--let me know how you are doing!! :thumbup:

Hi Cathyburt! I saw that you are from Ohio--I grew up in Columbus and go back every year to see my mom and brother--where do you live? Congrats on your upcoming banding!

Hi girls! Sorry I haven't written lately--I started back to work last Wednesday. I am tired but doing okay. Since I have been banded 4/21, I have lost 19 lbs. which I am really proud of! I started on soft foods Tuesday--1 cup each meal plus 1 snack if I would like. It has been a challenge to me to get in 64 oz. of liquid in between meals as I am not supposed to drink during or 30 minutes after meals. Overall, I am getting at least 60 gms of Protein in a day. It really takes a lot of planning, to say the least--hopefully it will get easier as time goes on! My big challenge last night was that I went out to dinner last night --I really was "craving" a burger of some sort and of course, if you are familiar with "Fridays" you may know they have delicious burgers. I ended up eating most of a child's cheeseburger and steamed broccoli (okay, I snuck 1 french fry)! I felt a little uncomfortable so maybe I ate too much?? Anyway, I hope it wasn't too bad of a choice. I am sure you both are SO excited to get banded---I am here rooting for you! :thumbup::thumbup:

Hi Carol, I am on my postop day #5. I still have intermittent left shoulder/side pain but all and all, I feel pretty good. I am to start on soft foods tomorrow so I am anxious for this! I am not feeling any restrictions whatsoever from liquds, soups, etc. Maybe after the first fill?? Glad you are doing well-hang in there!

Hi--I was just banded on April 21st--still in recovery stage. The pain hasn't been too bad--my doctor keeps me on a clear liquid diet (with the exception of at least 3 Protein shakes a day) for a week.....this Tuesday I get to eat soft foods--can't wait for a scrambled egg! :eek: All in all, everything went really well. My main discomfort now is left shoulder pain (which is normal from the surgery)--Gas-X has helped somewhat. I am 48 years old and live in FL--would love to keep in touch with anyone being banded around the same time. I think we can all help each other through this!! Good luck!!