Shesha

Hi All! Thanks for all the well wishes! I guess I should clarify... I am here in Wisconsin where it is currently -15 degrees F. Walking outside is not an option (at least in my book) until, say.. .March. I am just headed to the gym to do some time on the treadmill and maybe a few on the eliptical. Nothing strenuous at this point! I work near the mall in town, so I have been able to do a bit of walking during the day. I just want to get back to the gym so I can get back in the habit of going, and maybe breaking a sweat!

Well, now that I have taken off my bandages, I finally feel normal and ready to start exercising. (I told myself I'd give myself a full week after surgery to just heal up, get used to the post-op diet, and just do the suggested walking.) Now that the week is over I am ready to get this thing started! * Monday I hit the gym! I will be back to let you all know how it went! * I bought the South Beach Diet book - the most recent one that just breaks down the food. Doesn't include all that theory fluff... * I also created my account on FitDay.com. WOW! I can't believe how few calories I am eating these days. I know that will change when I get to solids, but still, 600 calories a day??? Yikes! I also need to get WAY more protein in. * I put a bunch of protein drinks in the fridge. EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control seems to be a good one. Only 110 Calories, 3 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber and 17 g of protein in a 11 oz serving. Plus it's only $4.97 for 4 at Wal-Mart. So, let me get through the Super Bowl tomorrow (Go Bears!!) and Monday I start!

I had a few.. "oh my goodness what I am doing?" moments. Even in the holding area waiting for surgery! I just kept thinking of all the positive things this band can help me with and it kept me going. So far, I am very happy to have it. I am 32 and have only told my husband, sister and two best friends. (Work people found out only 'cause they overheard a few of my phone calls, so I came clean - no biggie though. I just started the job and hardly know any of them.) My family has always put such an emphasis on my weight, that I decided not to tell them until I was ready. I wanted to make sure this was a decision I made on my own. That and it's nice not to have to answer the "how much have you lost so far" and "can you eat that" questions.... Good Luck!

I'm glad you came clean! I talked with him the other day. I was concerned my burping was affecting my band. He said as long as I am following the diet, (which I was) I'll be fine. I think he thinks I'm nuts!

We went to church tonight and it was -9 when we got out! When we left the restaurant from dinner, it was already -11!! I guess we haven't had it this cold in quite a long time, so I won't complain, but yes it is freakin' cold!!! Gotta go, my dog has to go out. He's been wearing his sweater since last night. I've never seen him 'do his business' so fast before!

Thanks for letting us know that everything turned out for the better. Yes, I love raw veggies too. It's good to know that you can still eat 'em as long as you are careful.

Mark! Take care of that band, kiddo! You went through a lot to get that bad boy. That, and I wouldn't want the wrath of Dr. K upon me... tee hee Glad to hear you turned over a new leaf! Keep up the great work!

Someone asked about it at a RNY/lapband seminar I was at. The Dr.'s there had a very good medical reason (I can't remember what it was though) as to why it's a bad idea. I know this doesn't help much, but I do remember thinking, "wow, don't get that done" after hearing what their issue was with it.

What's the word on the cabbage??

Does general burping do damage to your band?? I am recently banded and have had to burp a few times a day. I do, but try to gently. I am just so scared that I am going to do something to my band! What about hiccups?? are they damaging at all?

I did my consult over the phone, since my surgeon was in a different state. It lasted about an hour. He asked a bunch of questions... weight, height, bmi, current medical conditions, family histories, current meds etc. Then, he went through the procedure, very detailed and thorough, but not over my head. He talked in general about pre-op, post-op and mature band diet (Explained that nutritionist will go into more detail) I asked a bunch of questions and he answered them fully. Very conversational. He made sure I had a good understanding of what I was getting myself into. I already had a date set, so basically it was "see ya the day before, and call me if you have ANY questions" I felt very good about everything.

Everybody's different but... I had surgery on Thursday 1/25, in Denver, and was back to work on Monday 1/29, at a desk job, in Wisconsin. Here's a play by play to give you an idea.... Day of surgery - woke up in recovery room around 4:30. I was back to the hotel around 5:30 -6:00 and "slept" (aka- out cold, dead to the world- 3 phone calls and a screaming 14 month old who bumped her head - and heard nothing, out) until 4:30 am, went potty and slept until about 8:00 am. Day after surgery - in and out of bed all day. Sore tummy (just when I tried to sit up/roll over- like having done a bunch of sit ups) and dry mouth. I did shower, visit the Dr. and go out to dinner (mmmm...soup) that night, all without much trouble. (I even remarked to my husband that if I HAD to go to work today, I'd be tired but I could do it...) Day two - woke up early and flew home - two shuttle buses, one connection with a delay at O'hare. 14 month old and a diaper bag in tow. No issues. Wasn't even tired (except for the normal wear and tear of travel). Day three - Pretty much back to normal. Went to Target, watched TV, etc.. Day 4 - back to work 7:00 am. I'd have to say the only restrictions I had were due to movement, since you are aware of your incisions. I walked slow, 'cause if I walked too fast, my belly would jiggle a bit and kind of make my incisions uncomfortable.(nice, huh?) I couldn't pick up my daughter (didn't want to blow a stitch) Couldn't really play with her on the floor comfortably or change a diaper. I also had a cold and coughing really sucked. I held a pillow to my tummy for pressure and was able to cough productively. I am still a little careful getting in and out of the car. Bending over to tie your shoes or shave your legs - wouldn't recommend it for a couple of days post op.

I am 7 days post op and haven't 'done it' yet... back in a few and I'll let you know.. tee hee... "oh honey... I need to check something.."

Two separate Dr.'s told me that that band itself is a $3000.00 piece of equiptment. WHERE is the other $20,000.00 going??? That is a CRAZY bill. Are you sure you just had lapband surgery?? If I had a bill like that, I'd want to wake up with the tummy tuck and new set of perky D cups to boot! Dr. Kirshenbaum - $9950.00 and it was awesome!

Hi all!! Just checking in. I took my bandages off today. My incisions have healed up nicely so far. Some more time and a little Mederma, and I shouldn't have much scaring at all. I started mushies on day 6. I am having a bit of trouble though. The nutritionist said that full liquids/mushies are the consistency of something that can fit though a straw (but don't use a straw) She offered examples of tomato soup, pudding, fish, peas and stew meat. The one piece of information that I don't have is HOW much?? Is it also ok at this point to sip water while you eat? This is what I ate today...(not counting protein drinks/water) breakfast - about 1/8 of a cup of soupy oatmeal lunch - not even 1/4 cup of refried beans dinner - a tiny piece of cod about the size of my thumb and about the same amont of mashed potatoes Each meal took me at least 30 to 45 minutes and I chewed it until it was pulverized. I also took sips of water or milk during the meal. I have not had any problems with the food. I eat until I feel comfortable. Am I eating too much?? I've been such a good little student and want to do this right. Please help me oh wise bandsters!

Hey ZuZu. I was banded by Dr. K on 1/25! How cool!

Thank you all for your responses! I was very surprised when my surgeon told me that he went with the 9.75 cm band. It's good to hear that you are all doing well and don't seem to have problems with pb'ing or anything. I'll keep you posted on my progress! Again, thank you very much. Now I don't feel so alone!

Well, we did not make it to Casa Bonita. Just didn't have enough time. We do plan on heading there on our next trip though. Thanks for all the information!

Your day will come soon enough. =o) Today was the first day I was really hungry. I am getting sick of Soup. Can't wait until Wednesday when I can start full liquids/mushies.

I feel like I am the only one that got the smaller band. Please let me know that there are others out there and that you are doing well. Sheila

I don't know what kind of rep they have, and I havne't heard from anyone on the board that has used them. I plan on calling them this week to set up an appointment. Maybe I can get more info then? I'll let you know what I find out.

Hi all! I have my band! Everything went really well. I did "crash" after surgery and slept from 5:00 pm until 4:30 am when I had to get up to go potty. So far so good. I have 5 incisions on my belly and they seem to be healing well. Just a little itchy. My tummy feels better today too. At first, it felt like you did a ton of crunches. But today, just a little tenderness on the stomach side.

Hi Audree! I'll be joining you on the South Beach diet when I can eat solids in a few weeks. BTW, there is a Low Carb Friends board out there somewhere on the net where you can tips on low carb eating. Some of the people there have the band too.

Hi everyone! I am 3 days post op and feeling really good. I really haven't felt bad at all except for the few hours right after surgery. (I always get icky after anethesia) I go back to work tomorrow and I do not anticipate any issues. I may ask to work just a 1/2 day though. I don't want to over do it.

I agree. It was literally under an hour from the time I got out of the shower to the time Dr. K dried, disinfected and rebandaged the port incision. It's sealed now and I don't see any sign of infection. It is such a bummer though, since everything else went so well. I hope nothing happens, to such an important incision, due to a loose bandage. :scared: