bama_belle

When did you have surgery? --- May 29, 2008 Where did you have surgery? --- Cahaba Valley Medical Center, Alabaster Who performed your surgery? --- Dr. Richard Stahl When is your first fill? --- not scheduled yet. My two-week post-op visit is the 17th.

You know, it's not the skin color that bothers me, any more than the sex of the person running. But the Muslim thing... that bothers me. Sorry.

I didn't vote because I had my gall bladde removed about 10 yrs ago, so I don't have it anymore.

Anyone in the Bessemer or McCalla area that would like to create a "mentor" or "buddy" group, post here. I'm from that area and all I see is information for Birmingham, and I'm hoping there is more than just me from that area that have been banded. I don't know about you, but I could really use the support from those going through it, too.

I used to have the one that sat above my mouth, and I was given the full mouth/nose one to try and I loveloveLOVE it. DH calls my hose my trunk, which I think is funny. Somehow I wound up with an extra long piece that goes from mask to machine, so I never have any problems with reach, or whatever.

Anyone from the Bessemer/McCalla/Tuscaloosa area that would like to have a local meet & greet, I'm game. We could meet at Tannehill and take a stroll along some of the trails there, or whatever. Anyone interested, let me know and I'll start a new thread for a local meet & greet. Same goes for traveling to Oak Mountain when we finally get a date set. I'm up for carpooling if we need to.

I love my CPAP. I feel so horrible without it that I can't imagine doing without it. I was never able to use the nose pillows, but I sleep with the mask that covers mouth and nose, I have super long hair, and I sleep on my side. I guess it's what you get used to. I pull my hair up in a ponytail on the top of my head at night, then just slip the pony through the top opening when I put it own, and slide right into it. It did take me a bit to figure out how to sleep on my side with it, but I figured out that if I sleep with two pillows and angle one slightly, so that my head is actually cradled by both of them, the tube goes up and over the pillows and I'm happy as a clam. I'm sorry you have such a hard time with yours.

I was banded May 29. On Saturday (2nd day) I felt awful. Like the truck mowed me down and then backed up, but I figured out most of what I was feeling was from the gas they put in you for the surgery. I have been using the Gas-X strips for the bloating and "food" gas, and it seems to be helping me. I was given liquid loritab for the pain and I used it. I didn't skimp on the dosage the first three days, either. By Monday I was still pretty sore around my middle (the incisions) but I did go to work - I haven't driven yet - my daughter is playing chauffer, thankfully. I have found that broth makes me queasy ever since the surgery, but thankfully I haven't vomited. However, since day 5, I've been able to drink down strained hot & sour Soup broth, and it has been soothing. The first 4 days or so, I stuck with Water, Ocean Spray cranberrry drinks (10 cals, 12 oz), skim milk, Carnation Instant Breakfasts (the sugar free kind), sugar free Jello, and sugar free ice pops. Today is day 7 and I could eat a cow. Really. Just knock the horns off, skin it and give me a fork. :confused: I'd give my dr. a call about the vomiting. I was told if I vomited just ONCE I was to call immediately. It does get better, I promise.

I have 5, including port.

I was banded May 29th. One week today, and I swear I don't feel like I've lost anything. I still feel bloated. I don't know what the deal is. I know I haven't walked as much as I should, but that's partly because I went back to work on Monday after surgery on Thursday (didn't really have a choice), so.... I've done well with sticking to the liquids, so hopefully, it will all catch up with me in a day or two. Congrats on your loss.:confused:

One good thing I have done this past week is that I've started writing down everything in one note book. I am not keeping a separate blood sugar log, etc., etc..... I'll quit before I get started good. One day - one page so far. Everything that goes in my mouth - food, liquid, medicines, everything, gets written down. Right now, BMs are even being written down. This WILL be a good thing, though I hate doing stuff like this. Just have to remember to keep doing it every day. :thumbup:

One good thing I have done this past week is that I've started writing down everything in one note book. I am not keeping a separate blood sugar log, etc., etc..... I'll quit before I get started good. One day - one page so far. Everything that goes in my mouth - food, liquid, medicines, everything, gets written down. Right now, BMs are even being written down. This WILL be a good thing, though I hate doing stuff like this. Just have to remember to keep doing it every day. :crying:

Today marks week 1 Banded. This time last week I was going down for the count, so to speak, and being wheeled in for the surgery. I would like to say it's been a great week and I've not had any problems, but since I was back to work on MONDAY that would be a lie. I've been worn out, no energy by the time I get home and sleep through most of the evening, so walking has been at a minimum other than around my office and house, BUT I think the not walking was more because of all of the soreness, which I had in abundance - there was a good bit of scar tissue to go through from some previous surgeries, so.... Anyway, no more whining. The bloating is finally starting to dissipate - the gas is finally going away. YAY! I have managed to have only one "cheat" through this whole week. Well, sort of. I was craving something meaty to chew. It was driving me crazy. So (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, KIDS) I chopped up a Slim Jim and chewed each piece just enough to get the flavor out of it, then discarded it instead of swallowing. IT WAS AWESOME. OK. I know that was bad, but it made the craving go away, and I was much better after. Here are some things I learned this week. I absolutely hate watermelon jello. But I like strawberry. I'll be glad when jello is not the big item on my food list. Canned chicken broth makes me queasy. Bouillon cubes are ok but not much better. Wonton soup broth tastes like I think dirty dishwater would taste. A bowl of strained hot & sour soup is the most awesome thing on the planet right now. I have always said that hot & sour soup was the nectar of the gods - the cureall for what ails you. It even cured my craving for chewing beef, strangely enough. I think it was the salt. Who knows. The BIG NEGATIVE I learned about myself. I am a Nibbler. Not like, at my desk, 24/7 sort of thing. Even worse. I'm a Cooking Nibbler. I haven't been in the kitchen much this week, but I did cook one evening, and made cornbread. Once it was out of the oven and had cooled enough to handle, I sliced it and buttered every slice, as I always do, so the butter melts instead of just sitting there. So... the next thing I know my brain is on high alert. I hear Nuclear Meltdown sirens blaring in my head. My brain and my body are having a conversation something like this: Brain: Was that cornbread? Mouth: Yep, and it was goooooooooood. Brain: No. Bad. Very bad. Sips not chewing! What did she just do to us!? Mouth: Shut up. It was good. And Teeth chewed it really, really small. Really. Brain: You imbecile. Stomach is in recovery! She can't handle cornbread! We're doomed! What if she sends it back? Mouth: I'm not taking it back. She'd better hold on to it. Brain: Stomach! Stomach! Red alert. Cornbread coming your way! Stomach: MMMMMmmm CORNBREAD. Brain: I am surrounded by morons. Anyway, I didn't even realize I had put the small crumb into my mouth, until I actually swallowed it, and then I was in panic mode. I have managed not to throw up, or anything, and I really didn't want to start now. Soo... now I'm putting together a jar of "goods" to keep on the counter while I'm cooking that I can stick in my mouth that will deter me from "tasting" and "nibbling". I realize that later, it won't be such a bad thing about swallowing the cornbread... but just imagine how many calories I've ingested unwittingly, sabotaging myself, all for a nibble.

Today marks week 1 Banded. This time last week I was going down for the count, so to speak, and being wheeled in for the surgery. I would like to say it's been a great week and I've not had any problems, but since I was back to work on MONDAY that would be a lie. I've been worn out, no energy by the time I get home and sleep through most of the evening, so walking has been at a minimum other than around my office and house, BUT I think the not walking was more because of all of the soreness, which I had in abundance - there was a good bit of scar tissue to go through from some previous surgeries, so.... Anyway, no more whining. The bloating is finally starting to dissipate - the gas is finally going away. YAY! I have managed to have only one "cheat" through this whole week. Well, sort of. I was craving something meaty to chew. It was driving me crazy. So (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, KIDS) I chopped up a Slim Jim and chewed each piece just enough to get the flavor out of it, then discarded it instead of swallowing. IT WAS AWESOME. OK. I know that was bad, but it made the craving go away, and I was much better after. Here are some things I learned this week. I absolutely hate watermelon jello. But I like strawberry. I'll be glad when jello is not the big item on my food list. Canned chicken broth makes me queasy. Bouillon cubes are ok but not much better. Wonton soup broth tastes like I think dirty dishwater would taste. A bowl of strained hot & sour soup is the most awesome thing on the planet right now. I have always said that hot & sour soup was the nectar of the gods - the cureall for what ails you. It even cured my craving for chewing beef, strangely enough. I think it was the salt. Who knows. The BIG NEGATIVE I learned about myself. I am a Nibbler. Not like, at my desk, 24/7 sort of thing. Even worse. I'm a Cooking Nibbler. I haven't been in the kitchen much this week, but I did cook one evening, and made cornbread. Once it was out of the oven and had cooled enough to handle, I sliced it and buttered every slice, as I always do, so the butter melts instead of just sitting there. So... the next thing I know my brain is on high alert. I hear Nuclear Meltdown sirens blaring in my head. My brain and my body are having a conversation something like this: Brain: Was that cornbread? Mouth: Yep, and it was goooooooooood. Brain: No. Bad. Very bad. Sips not chewing! What did she just do to us!? Mouth: Shut up. It was good. And Teeth chewed it really, really small. Really. Brain: You imbecile. Stomach is in recovery! She can't handle cornbread! We're doomed! What if she sends it back? Mouth: I'm not taking it back. She'd better hold on to it. Brain: Stomach! Stomach! Red alert. Cornbread coming your way! Stomach: MMMMMmmm CORNBREAD. Brain: I am surrounded by morons. Anyway, I didn't even realize I had put the small crumb into my mouth, until I actually swallowed it, and then I was in panic mode. I have managed not to throw up, or anything, and I really didn't want to start now. Soo... now I'm putting together a jar of "goods" to keep on the counter while I'm cooking that I can stick in my mouth that will deter me from "tasting" and "nibbling". I realize that later, it won't be such a bad thing about swallowing the cornbread... but just imagine how many calories I've ingested unwittingly, sabotaging myself, all for a nibble.

I was told Clear liquids, but I did clarifiy with the doctor's office, that thin liquids are OK. Specifically, they told me skim milk would be great. DH bought some sugar-free carnation instant breakfasts, and I mixed one cup of milk with one pack of the mix in a large cup with a lid. Since I'm only able to have about 2 ounces at a time, I use one of the disposable bathroom cups (which hold 3 ounces) and fill it 2/3 full, then sip from that cup. It's perfect. And the sugar-free Carnation instant breakfasts have 5 grams of Protein per pack, 4 grams of Fiber and only 12 grams of carbs. So, one pack gives me four servings. That's a little over 1 gram of proten, 1 gram of fiber and 3 grams of carbs per serving, which is not too bad for a start. I'm having an awful time with broths, though. I tried some chicken broth yesterday and it made me queasy, so I haven't attempted that again.

I'm glad to hear yours went so well. I was banded on 5/29 and mine was a breeze!

I was banded on 5/29 as well, and yesterday I was absolutely miserable from the gas. I made a point that every time I felt gas pressure I would get up and walk laps around the interior of my house until it went away. It was way embarrassing last night when I finally cut loose and passed gas. My husband and daughter were in the living room, I'm in the bathroom, and apparently they both heard me because they were giggling like crazy. I told my husband he was just jealous. The best advice I can give is bear with it and walk it off. It will take several days for the gas they gave you for the surgery to pass. As far as gas from your diet, Gas-X strips are what my surgeon suggested. So far, I haven't had to use them. I feel great today. I did have a little gas this morning when I got up, but I'm much better now. I even cooked Breakfast for my family this morning!

I have been so very fortunate in that my entire family has supported me since I first announced my decision to go through with this. DH was totally against gastric bypass and I honored his decision not to have it, but when I presented him with (literally) a year's worth of research about the band, he was OK with it right from the beginning. He has been wonderful. I have had no second thoughts at all. None. I am diabetic, have sleep apnea, bursitis in my back and shoulders, aching knees and ankles, and quite frankly, have been so miserable for so long that the thought that I would have a chance at some relief far outweighed my addiction to diet sodas. When they told me I was approved, I stopped drinking sodas almost immediately. It was hard at first, but I started drinking Lipton diet green tea, Ocean Spray diet cranberry juice, Crystal Light peach tea, and Water, and never looked back. I'm three days post-op and I don't even miss the sodas. The decision to do this wasn't because I didn't want to be fat. It wasn't because I wanted to fit into a bikini or for vanity. My husband LOVES me exactly the way I am. My decision to do this was so that I could be around for many, many more years to be loved by him. The only advice I can give you is to take a pad and pen and write down all of the pros on one side of the paper and all of the cons on the other side, then decide, looking at that list, what's more important to you. For me, living to be a ripe old age and watching my future grandchildren grow up was far more important than soft drinks, alcohol, food, or what anyone else thought of my decision to do this. I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

I'm just three days post-op and was told not to take in more than 2 ounces of anything at one time. A great trick my husband figured out for me is the little bathroom cups - they're only 3 ounces - so if I use them, I stay in perfect portion.

I guess I was very lucky in that my endocrinologist recommended me for the surgery, and I had two different physicians do referrals. They recommended my physician, and I didn't have many of the problems a lot of you have had. I hate that you're going through all of this, but I do highly recommend that you do a little more shopping around. I know you're frustrated and I understand your reasoning behind trying to get it done now. Don't give up. Don't let them discourage you.

It's done! I'm banded. I'd do a happy dance, but it hurts to much! I'm still having some pain, but I know what I'm feeling is more from the gas still inside me than anything. I always have trouble with the gas they put in you with laporascopic surgeries. Ick. I have done well with taking in plenty of fluids, and I feel good otherwise. 267.2 was my pre-op weight. My first mini goal is 250. I tried drinking some chicken broth, but it made me a little queasy, so I think for now I'm going to opt out of the broth. What are the rest of you drinking? So far I've had Water, Crystal Light peach tea, some Ocean Spray diet Cranberry (my favorite), and I had half a fudgesicle earlier today. I was told I could have skim milk, but I haven't tried that yet. I was told Clear liquids for the first two weeks, but I'm wondering how I'm going to get Protein in with just clear liquids. I guess I shall call the Dr. on Monday and see what else is allowed. The biggest thing I'm worried about is hair loss and not getting enough protein, so any of you past that first week who have advice it would be much appreciated. All I can say is I FEEL AWESOME. Well, except for the gas. :thumbup:

It's finally done. As of 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2008, I joined the many who have been banded. They woke me at around 3:00 p.m. when they took me to a room. I was made to stay overnight since I have sleep apnea, but I had my CPAP with me at the hospital and all went well. I was up and going to the bathroom by about 4:00, and by 10:00 on Friday I was on my way home. I'm sore today, but I think it's more from the gas from the surgery than anything, and if I could finally get rid of all of that I'd be great. I've been up and down all day, and every time I go to the bathroom I make myself take a lap all the way around the interior of the house before I sit down again. I'm on liquid Loritab for the pain, but I'm only taking it about every 6 hours, and at the lowest possible dose. I hate taking anything that knocks me out, and this stuff definitely does the trick. I've taken in plenty of liquids, mostly cold stuff, and some jell-o. I also had a sugar free fudgesicle this afternoon. That's not exactly on my list, but my throat was super sore and that's the only thing that even sounded good. I ate about half of it, so as not to push things, and didn't have any problems, so that's a good thing. I tried drinking a little chicken broth, but that seemed to upset my tummy a bit, so I don't think I'm going to try that again just yet. I'm not doing anything that's going to make me throw up. Heck, burping hurts bad enough. I can't even imagine vomiting! I'm so relieved this is finally over. I'm on my way. Pre-op weight was 267.2. My first mini goal - 250. I'm going to stick with mini goals. The big picture will come along soon enough.

It's finally done. As of 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2008, I joined the many who have been banded. They woke me at around 3:00 p.m. when they took me to a room. I was made to stay overnight since I have sleep apnea, but I had my CPAP with me at the hospital and all went well. I was up and going to the bathroom by about 4:00, and by 10:00 on Friday I was on my way home. I'm sore today, but I think it's more from the gas from the surgery than anything, and if I could finally get rid of all of that I'd be great. I've been up and down all day, and every time I go to the bathroom I make myself take a lap all the way around the interior of the house before I sit down again. I'm on liquid Loritab for the pain, but I'm only taking it about every 6 hours, and at the lowest possible dose. I hate taking anything that knocks me out, and this stuff definitely does the trick. I've taken in plenty of liquids, mostly cold stuff, and some jell-o. I also had a sugar free fudgesicle this afternoon. That's not exactly on my list, but my throat was super sore and that's the only thing that even sounded good. I ate about half of it, so as not to push things, and didn't have any problems, so that's a good thing. I tried drinking a little chicken broth, but that seemed to upset my tummy a bit, so I don't think I'm going to try that again just yet. I'm not doing anything that's going to make me throw up. Heck, burping hurts bad enough. I can't even imagine vomiting! I'm so relieved this is finally over. I'm on my way. Pre-op weight was 267.2. My first mini goal - 250. I'm going to stick with mini goals. The big picture will come along soon enough.

I have sleep apnea also - was diagnosed several years ago. I could never use the nose pillows, and the first mask I had only covered my nose and I hated it. I slept with it every night, but didn't like it. My new mask covers my nose and mouth and I love it. I feel less claustrophobic with both covered, strangely, but that's because I don't feel as if I just have to keep my mouth closed all the time. Talk to you doctor about a different mask. Once you get used to sleeping with it, trust me you'll feel so much better after a really good night's sleep. Good luck!

For those of you going tomorrow - GOOD luck! Mine is for Thursday and I'll probably implode by then, just waiting. I can't wait. I will be so glad to have this over!