DebWS

Here you go: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/119003-november-2010-bandsters-post-op/ Join us! Deb WS

I will say, as a nine days post op patient, that the best pointers for those looking ahead to the surgery are: - don't read post-op horror stories. Yes, there are a few, but they are FEW. Believe that you will do well, and it will help. - Definitely be regular in taking pain medication. You do not get extra nobility points for toughing it out, and it allows the pain to gain on you. Managed pain allows your body to rest and heal. - Try to provide enough variety in your liquid diet to keep going on it. Look for flavors of protein shakes that might be of interest; remember that beef/mushroom/barley soup, strained, has lots of flavor that plain beef broth doesn't have (and ditto for chicken noodle soup, strained), and so on. - rely on a supportive community - this one. Remember that we have a November bandsters 2010-post op thread going in the post-op section of the forums...post there for post-op support and shared experience. Best wishes to all, Deb WS Banded Nov. 3, 2010 Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston Dr. Malcolm Robinson, surgeon

Kimoki and others, we have a November Bandsters 2010 - post op thread going where there is discussion among folks who have been on this group about their post-op experiences. See http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f178/november-2010-bandsters-post-op-124006/#post1549876 and you might want to bookmark the link, and hang out with folks who have already had surgery! Best, Deb WS 8 days post-op and feeling quite well!

LaShonda and others who are having the procedure today: I am thinking of you. All will be well. Remember to post on the November bandsters post-op forum after you are done! Deb WS

Susan: Best wishes to you. The advantage of an early morning surgery is that they are likely to stay on time (mine was delayed by nearly three hours because of backups with earlier procedures). We will await further word and wish you nothing but the best! Deb WS

Sophie and others - I am moving fairly well...but today I went to a music rehearsal and then a meeting (in a restaurant, where I had a bowl of turkey broth and decaf tea), and I took liquid Tylenol because I didn't want to drug myself. By the time I got home, at 3 PM, I was hurting and had to take the Roxicet (the serious drug). It helped with the pain, but also knocked me out...nonetheless, I think managing pain is important. I am taking less pain medication each day, and that is progress. I bet by Tuesday or Wednesday, you'll be just fine! Deb WS

I keep reading this section of the bulletin board AND the post-op section, since that is now where I am. I was banded on 11/3. My doctor has me on broth, sugar-free caffeine-free liquid, SF jello and popsicles, and protein shakes for 2 weeks, and then a change to pureed and very soft foods - so quite different from what a number of you are suggesting. Also, no Advil or Aleve (ibuprofen or naproxen sodium) for 2 weeks, since I was given Heparin (blood thinner) shots in the hospital to guard against blood clots (also had those compression boots on for the same reason). I have been taking Roxicet for pain, which is a form of oxycodone. It works well but definitely makes me loopy - so I'm hoping to be able to get off of it very shortly and move to liquid Tylenol. I have five incision spots and my gut is swollen and bruised - looks like I was in a bad fight. I have gas as well -- Gas X seems to help -- and NO regrets at all about the surgery. Deb WS (also posting on the post-op November 2010 bandsters BB)

Ellenmarie and all...I, too, am now banded. I have posted more comments in the post-op site...new thread for November 2010 bandsters. Best, Deb WS

John: GREAT to hear from you - just what I was hoping for! I go in to the hospital tomorrow at 11:20; surgery at 1:20. I hope for the same experience as you. Remember (you and all): I've started a "November Bandsters" post-op thread for us to follow our progress on! Best, Deb WS

I have opened a new page in the post-op section of this forum: November 2010 Bandsters - post op. Deb WS

My date is November 3rd, so I am in the 36 hours or so state. I took my first shower with Hibiclens, an antiseptic which Brigham and Womens Hospital requires all pre-op patients to shower with for three days up to going in-patient. Executing a health care proxy tomorrow, cooked enough for my family to nosh off of while I am out of commission. I am excited but not very nervous...don't know if this will change. I do yoga 3xweek, and am hoping that I go into the hospital late enough on Weds. to get my yoga class in first, which I think will help my state of mind. And my yoga/massage friend is doing a Reiki session on me tomorrow, which I think will also be a great thing. Would it be best to post messages here - for this community -- or to move to the post-op site? Deb WS

John, You're one of the first ones to go in in our group. So yes, we'll be awaiting your posts, for sure! (I go Wednesday). Our thoughts go with you. Deb WS

I think this is true. I packed my dinner (the one 'real' meal the diet allows) to eat before a performances I was in, and was famished when I came home. I had some grilled vegetable casserole AND yes, some potato chips. I should soooo not have done it, and let me tell you, I feel it this morning. I am back to my protein drink, and glad for it. So I feel like the new regime is about embracing the new regime and knowing that if you back-slide into old habits, you may not feel well. Deb WS, who hopes to not fall off the wagon again.

I think that how much you tell people - and when - is a big question (at least it has been for me). I would suggest a white lie...telling them that you are having some GI procedures/tests done and that, for now, you're on liquids...feelings just fine, thank you! Hopefully that will be enough to shut off anyone who is inquiring. I have told a few people, mostly relatives, and the reaction is mixed. A couple of friends are over-the-moon thrilled and supportive, a cousin is downright negative (jealousy, I think), and mostly, others don't know what to say. I think sharing info can breed speculation and comments, so probably best to not say much if you can manage and if, of course, it works for you! Best to all of us, and particularly, to those who go in on Monday! Deb WS