OfferRocker

Hi CareBear, I love this forum too. It's much better than the support group I go to monthly. Most of the people in my support group have had gastric bypass and there are only a few lap band people. Anway---it gets a little frustrating because their issues can be so much different than ours. I do find it helpful to see people in their various stages whether or not it's lap band or bypass. Anyway---good luck with your journey.

Hey Kirsten, How do you know what size your band is? I didn't realize there were different sizes. I'm assuming mine is large since I am a large woman. I haven't had my first fill yet. It's three weeks today since being banded and I'm finding myself getting hungry between meals. I think I'll be able to go to solids after I see my doctor on Wednesday. Stacy, Kay's right, it gets better once you get into the mushie stage. I started feeling human again once I got there. Hang in there! Kay, About the wheat thins, my doctor's diet suggestions allow us to have a few baked, whole wheat crackers with a little Peanut Butter even. That's in the mushie stage of course. So, I wouldn't be so worried about it. Before the band, I would have eaten the whole box of wheat thins!!! Best of luck. Donna

I did---I was banded on December 11th. It finally quit about day 6. I considered myself lucky since some have experienced constipation. Best of luck!

Natalie---I've been thinking about you. Hope all went well with your surgery.

Hey Beversman----didn't go to the emergency room. I'm fine!! I hope whoever it was is okay.

Nat---best of luck with your surgery., You're gonna do fine. I wouldn't worry about my hair, they just stick it in a cap anyway. Transformer--your day will be here before you know. I'll be thinking of you guys!

Hey Paula---I had surgery the same day. I agree, gas is a problem. I think it contributes to the soreness. I've been eating jello, popsicles and water all day. I'm not hungry either---but I'm ready for this gas to go away. Ouch!

Thanks girlin, I appreciate your giving me the link to snopes. Every day I seem to be feeling better. The gas is the worst part I think. I'm not taking as much pain medication either. I'm not hungry but a little sick of broth. I haven't taken any of my diabetes meds and blood sugar has been "normal". OMG! Huray! Off to bed---take care everyone.

Hey December bandsters--it's done. I'm officially banded. I'm doing pretty well so far. I haven't had the gas paid into my shoulder--yet---maybe I won't. Well, I'm a little groggy this morning so I'll be back on later. Just wanted to let you know everything went fine. Take care.

Hey everyone! It's done! I'm not doing too bad----my stomach is sore and I have EXTREME gas, but other than that, I'm doing fine. On my week follow-up, I think I'll give my surgeon a copy of the poem. I'm glad you liked it. Good luck to everyone!!! P.s. I'm a little groggy too!:notagree

Thank you everyone for your best wishes. I can't believe this day is here. I don't think I could have mustered the courage to do this without becoming involved with this site. It is fantastic to know that there are so many wonderful, caring people out there.

I'm on my last day of liquids, my surgery is tomorrow. This is what I did today to keep me pre-occupied. Donna Twas the night before surgery, when all through the house, My tummy was rumbling----it woke up my spouse! My sweat pants were hung by my closet with care, In hopes that some day size 10 I would wear. My family was nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar free Jello danced in my head. My spouse in his PJ’s and I in my gown, Had just gotten all of my Metamucil down. When all of a sudden the phone started to ring, So I sprang from my bed to answer the thing. My kids were at home, so who could it be? Of course---the anesthesiologist was checking on me. Drink plenty of liquids, get plenty of rest, Tomorrow your surgeon would be doing his best. He’ll make you feel better, your health will improve. Remember to exercise! Your body should move! The next day I rose, with my new life in mind. Through the surgery doors--who knew what I’d find. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a surgeon in scrubs with two nurses near. He was dressed all in blue, from his head to his toes. His hands were all scrubbed—--a mask covered his nose. A bundle of tools he had set out on a tray I couldn’t stop staring—I could not look away. His eyes--how they twinkled! His laughter how merry! From that moment on, I was no longer wary. He smiled as our eyes met and gave me a wink. Oh my, that’s my surgeon, Dr. Snyder, I think. He was fit as a fiddle, a right handsome young fellow, So calm and collected, I said my hello. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work. Finished in no time and turned with a jerk, “There’s more work to be done” he said to his team. They nodded politely and he started to beam. He took off his mask, to his team gave a shout, And away they all ran to help more people out. But I heard him exclaim, as he ran out of sight, At the end of this tunnel, now there is light. WHEW!!!! Happy Holidays everyone!

Hey Natalie, Don't be so hard on yourself. Remember how much courage it has taken to get to this point. It takes a lot of courage to go through what we are going to go through. After all, we're trying to re-adjust to a new lifestyle, and that's not an easy task. My doctor only requires two days of a liquid diet however I have been on a low-carb diet for two months now. So I'm on my second day of liquids with surgery tomorrow. I can't wait to not be hungry. Carol--- I'm so glad to hear that you're glad to have been banded. It only re-enforces that I've made the right choice. Patty---I'm so happy to hear that you're doing well. I can't imagine not remembering to eat. Lately, I've had to remember not to eat and only drink my liquids. Bandiva----hang in there. I know how you're feeling. Good luck with your surgery. Soon we'll be exchanging smoothie and mushie recipes! Take care of yourself.

Congratulations Mystique! I understand the not sleeping thing. I'm sure it''s little of both. Best of luck with your surgery. Mine is on the 11th---one more day of liquids and I'm there. Take care! Donna

Hey Steph, You're probably getting just as excited as I am with our approaching surgery. Good luck!!! I'm cleaning house and getting bills paid---trying to keep my mind occupied. Let me know how you do. Donna

Carol, I just wanted to say hi and tell you that I hope you'll be feeling better soon. It's great that you're family is there making you laugh. My surgery is on the 11th of this month and taking medication is what worries me. It's great that you're not having to take pain medication! Take care.

Hi December Bandsters. My surgery is on the 11th of December. I wasn't sure I would having the surgery this year, but it all worked out. I'm so excited and nervous, but not scared. It's going to be my first step towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Best of luck to you all.

Good luck everyone with your upcoming surgeries. My surgery is on Monday, December 11th and I'm so excited! See you on the other side!

I haven't smoked since January of this year. Every spare minute or half hour that I would have would be spent outside in the rain, cold, heat, wind puffing on a cigarette. I started counting up the time I spent smoking and realized I was wasting a lot of my time. There was so much more I could be doing that was positive. My house is a lot cleaner now. Laundry isn't piled up so high. Doesn't mean I don't miss it, but it's gets better as the months go by. And now that I have quit, I have to tell myself daily that I can never put one of those things to my lips again--not even one single puff---or I'll be at the store buying a pack. Best of luck to those who are trying to quit.

Hi, I'm still waiting to get approval from insurance company. I'm hoping to be banded in December. I've done all the prep appointments so I just need the date. Good luck to all of you!

Congratulations! I'm still waiting to hear from my doctor/insurance company about a surgury date. I'm looking forward to posting that same annoucement---size 14 jeans! That's fantastic!

Bounce Fabric Softener rubbed on your skin is supposed to work well.

Hi Douglas, Congratulations on making the decision. I think that is the hardest part. Are you scheduled for surgery yet? I'm still waiting to hear if my insurance carrier is going to approve it. Best of luck with your journey.

Hey Piper, I know exactly how you are feeling. I'm waiting for my surgery date and have had several months to think about all this. The closer I get to my surgery, the more sure I am of my decision. What helped me through the feelings I was having about my failure at dieting and coming to terms with my "obesity" is I'm thinking of this procedure as a tool not a punishment for being obese. When I explained this procedure to some of my friends, you could tell their first thought was "she is so out of control she has to have surgery to lose weight." But I explained that their way of keeping their weight under control does not work for me; therefore, I need another "tool" to help me. And thank God for this wonderful "tool' we are going to have in our possession. Good luck with your journey. I'm sure we'll have a full range of emotions as go through all this. And how courageous we are to be taking control of our lives and doing everything we can to get healthy. Take care! Donna

Thank you Betty. I am so inspired by your success. Thanks for welcoming me to the "club".