MelissaAZ

I am now about 3 months out and have had 2 fills so far and am down a total of almost 30lbs. Currently, I have very little, if any, restriction. I have felt "stuck" twice, but just letting time pass the food went through. The first time I was eating a sandwich with doughy bread, which I rarely do, when it happened. I think I was eating too fast and/or took too big of a bite. The other time I was eating shredded potatoes with egg. I have not lost any weight for the past 6 weeks. I have pretty much maintained. But I don’t complain or get mad though, because I know why I haven't lost weight. I can eat whatever I want, and I will be honest, sometimes I still do. Although, I do take smaller bites and chew very very thoroughly. It will be GREAT to have restriction. Looking forward to that day. During my visit for my second fill last Thursday, the doctor couldn't get into my port very easily so he rescheduled for the fill to be done under flouro a few days later. Turns out my port is a bit tilted upward, though not flipped, and is still usable. It was pretty cool to see my port on the x-ray machine. So, as of my 2nd fill I am at 4cc's. He said that now that he knows the positioning, he can probably do future fills w/o the flouro. The first few fills he didn't give me lidocaine and the fill needle didn't bother me much. This last time under flouro he did give me a shot of lidocaine first before the fill needle, and that actually burned and felt worse than the fills needle alone. Next time, I'm going to tell him not to bother with local anesthesia. LOL.

Seems we are pretty close w/ surgery dates (mine was 8/6). I see you are having your 1st fill on Sept 1st! I am having mine Sept 2nd. Let me know how it goes! Take care, Melissa

I know it's been a few weeks since I posted. I have just recently moved AND had an out of town visitor for a week so little to no time to come online. I am going to be 3 weeks out tomorrow. I saw my doc 1 week post op and he gave me the go ahead for mushies. About a week after that I moved myself to soft regular foods (chewing thourghly) and now am on to regular food. I haven't had any problems. The "suggested" diet was just way too slow for me. I kind of feel guilty about moving forward to quickly, but I chew my food very well, and use my teeth as a blender so everything is "pureed" before going down (gross, sorry). I have not had any problems, everything goes down really smoothly. I have been working out for an hour about 4 times a week(treadmill and elliptical) and feel fabulous. I am really happy with my weight loss, about 20 lbs so far and my clothes are feeling looser. Waiting to get my 1st fill next week though, and boy do I need it! I feel that if I let myself go, I would be able to eat just like I used to at this point. I have zero restriction, which I know won't come until the first fill. I am in a weird point right now. I am on to regular foods, with no restriction. What does that mean? Yeah...weight gain. At one point I gained about 3 pounds. That really freaked me out. But I was able to curb my eating and get it back off. But it was a reality check. I need a fill. That is what this whole LAP-BAND® thing is all about right? Being able to limit what we can consume.

I am 4 days out and started back at work today. (Banded Friday, back to work Tuesday). I felt good going into work in the morning, but was really tired (and grumpy) by the end of the day. I didn't take any painkillers all day. My abdomen hurt more and more as the day went on from sitting so much, and it got harder to get up each time. I didn't have the luxury of laying down whenever I wanted like I do at home! My job is mainly a desk job with some travelling, but I can take it easy at work when I need to, and do everything on my own schedule. I told everyone I had hiatal hernia surgery (which is 1/2 true) so everyone understood when I moved slower and had lower energy today. I think for people trying to keep everything a "secret" you may need longer to recover, cuz I definately wasn't 100% at work today and everyone noticed.

Welcome! Have you started your pre-op diet yet? How is that going? I was just banded on August 6th and have been pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it went. Good luck to you!!

I think the chest pain thing is very common, I am 3 days out of surgery and I have it still too. I had a hiatal hernia repaired at the same and I have a hard time taking a really deep breath. I had bad shoulder, chest and neck pain too from the gas the first few days that seemed to move all over my upper body. I think that is finally gone, but it really hurt, and the pain meds didn't do much for it. Hang in there everyone!

Officially Banded! I am home from the hospital tonight and was offically banded yesterday! It was a lot smoother than I expected. I prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best and it really turned out to be no big deal. It really wasn't bad at all. I woke up from the anesthia really easily, I was up and walking around 2 hours after recovery, in fact a few of the nurses couldn't believe it and said they were amazed that I was already walking. I have 5 inscions, and 4 are pretty tiny. The doctored covered them with a clear glue like substance, no stiches or steri strips. I was able to take a shower 24 hours afterwards. But was told not to scrub the area. Not like I would have wanted to anyway!! I had a lot of gas in my chest and shoulder areas, and it killed but I had read countless posts that its best to walk walk walk after surgery and that is SOO true, every time I would finish walking around the ward, I would let out a burp and started to gradually felt better each time. I had originally thought that it was going to be an outpatient procedure, in fact when the hospital called to confirm it a few days earlier they said it was outpatient as well. Well when I got there yesterday morning at 7:30am to register the nurse told me the doc wanted me to stay inpatient for insurance purposes (I guess he gets reimbursed for more of the procedure that way.) I was pissed at first, since I didn't plan or pack for an overnight stay. I had absolutely nothing with me but my ID and insurance card and chapstick. But I agreed, knowing that I have lots of expereince in hospitals, it does give a feeling of comfort knowing that with the push of a button a nurse will come and bring me some gooooood drugs. :party: I didn't have tons of pain but kept getting the pain killers, and I would highly reccommend that. I had some of the best sleep I've ever had last night. Like floating on a cloud :smile2: The pain wasn't bad, I just more so just felt uncomfortable and "tight". But nothing I couldn't bare, mosting gettnig up and laying down is the toughest. But it's been less than 48 hours since surgery and I feel fine. I've been up and down a few sets of stairs, and probably circled the ward about 15 times no problem. So, now I'm home. I'm not hungry really. But my stomach is gurgling. It's an odd sensation....I thought I was going to be on an all liquid diet this week, but they gave me pudding and yogurt and milk which is great. (Better than broth!). So, I think I will do ok. I have all day tomoorrow to rest as well (Sunday) and then I plan to go back to work Monday instead of Tuesday. I don't think I'll have a problem. Oh but does anyone else have to give themselves self injections daily post-op for 10 days of a blood thinner?? I found out I had to do this and it freaked me out!! My first one is tomorrow.

Hi Amanda, How was your surgery? Hope it went smoothly! I can't beleive I have a band inside me now can you? I can't feel it and I can eat and drink just fine. On to the next part of our journey!! Best wishes, Melissa

Officially Banded! I am home from the hospital and offically banded! It was a lot smoother than I expected. I prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best and it really turned out to be no big deal. It really wasn't bad at all. I woke up from the anesthia really easily, I was up and walking around 2 hours after recovery, in fact a few of the nurses couldn't believe it and said they were amazed that I was already walking. I have 5 inscions, and 4 are pretty tiny. The doctored covered them with a clear glue like substance, no stiches or steri strips. I was able to take a shower 24 hours afterwards. But was told not to scrub the area. Not like I would have wanted to anyway!! I had a lot of gas in my chest and shoulder areas, and it killed but I had read countless posts that its best to walk walk walk after surgery and that is SOO true, every time I would finish walking around the ward, I would let out a burp and started to gradually felt better each time. I had originally thought that it was going to be an outpatient procedure, in fact when the hospital called to confirm it a few days earlier they said it was outpatient as well. Well when I got there yesterday morning at 7:30am to register the nurse told me the doc wanted me to stay inpatient for insurance purposes (I guess he gets reimbursed for more of the procedure that way.) I was pissed at first, since I didn't plan or pack for an overnight stay. I had absolutely nothing with me but my ID and insurance card and chapstick. But I agreed, knowing that I have lots of expereince in hospitals, it does give a feeling of comfort knowing that with the push of a button a nurse will come and bring me some gooooood drugs. :party: I didn't have tons of pain but kept getting the pain killers, and I would highly reccommend that. I had some of the best sleep I've ever had last night. Like floating on a cloud :smile2: The pain wasn't bad, I just more so just felt uncomfortable and "tight". But nothing I couldn't bare, mosting gettnig up and laying down is the toughest. But it's been less than 48 hours since surgery and I feel fine. I've been up and down a few sets of stairs, and probably circled the ward about 15 times no problem. So, now I'm home. I'm not hungry really. But my stomach is gurgling. It's an odd sensation....I thought I was going to be on an all liquid diet this week, but they gave me pudding and yogurt and milk which is great. (Better than broth!). So, I think I will do ok. I have all day tomoorrow to rest as well (Sunday) and then I plan to go back to work Monday instead of Tuesday. I don't think I'll have a problem. Oh but does anyone else have to give themselves self injections daily post-op for 10 days of a blood thinner?? I found out I had to do this and it freaked me out!! My first one is tomorrow.

I am home from the hospital and offically banded! It was a lot smoother than I expected. I prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best and it really turned out to be no big deal. It really wasn't bad at all. I woke up from the anesthia really easily, I was up and walking around 2 hours after recovery, in fact a few of the nurses couldn't believe it and said they were amazed that I was already walking. I have 5 inscions, and 4 are pretty tiny. The doctored covered them with a clear glue like substance, no stiches or steri strips. I was able to take a shower 24 hours afterwards. But was told not to scrub the area. Not like I would have wanted to anyway!! I had a lot of gas in my chest and shoulder areas, and it killed but I had read countless posts that its best to walk walk walk after surgery and that is SOO true, every time I would finish walking around the ward, I would let out a burp and started to gradually felt better each time. I had originally thought that it was going to be an outpatient procedure, in fact when the hospital called to confirm it a few days earlier they said it was outpatient as well. Well when I got there yesterday morning at 7:30am to register the nurse told me the doc wanted me to stay inpatient for insurance purposes (I guess he gets reimbursed for more of the procedure that way.) I was pissed at first, since I didn't plan or pack for an overnight stay. I had absolutely nothing with me but my ID and insurance card and chapstick. But I agreed, knowing that I have lots of expereince in hospitals, it does give a feeling of comfort knowing that with the push of a button a nurse will come and bring me some gooooood drugs. :thumbup: I didn't have tons of pain but kept getting the pain killers, and I would highly reccommend that. I had some of the best sleep I've ever had last night. Like floating on a cloud The pain wasn't bad, I just more so just felt uncomfortable and "tight". But nothing I couldn't bare, mosting gettnig up and laying down is the toughest. But it's been less than 48 hours since surgery and I feel fine. I've been up and down a few sets of stairs, and probably circled the ward about 15 times no problem. So, now I'm home. I'm not hungry really. But my stomach is gurgling. It's an odd sensation....I thought I was going to be on an all liquid diet this week, but they gave me pudding and yogurt and milk which is great. (Better than broth!). So, I think I will do ok. I have all day tomoorrow to rest as well (Sunday) and then I plan to go back to work Monday instead of Tuesday. I don't think I'll have a problem. Oh but does anyone else have to give themselves self injections daily post-op for 10 days of a blood thinner?? I found out I had to do this and it freaked me out!! My first one is tomorrow.

Same here, my surgery is tomorrow morning. I have to be there in about 8 hours. I should go to bed, I just stayed up late cleaning and doing laundry since I dont' know how I'm gonna feel the next several days and I hate being in a messy place when I don't feel good. Amanda - is your surgery outpatient or overnight?

Good luck on your surgery! Mine is TOMORROW THE 6TH! I was on a hi-protein diet and could eat regular foods, but no grains, fruits or vegetables. On my pre-op diet i drank lots of EAS Advantage lo-carb chocolate fudge shakes, ate cottage cheese, fat free greek yogurt, lo-fat refried beans w/ cheese (very satsifying), turkey sausages, broiled chicken and lots of water. Not the funnest diet, but I honestly wasn't hungry the whole time. The high amounts of protien really kept me full. Good luck!!

My surgery is tomorrow too (8/6/10!!) and my doctor had me on clear liquid diet all day today. Broth, jello, juice...ugh. I've gotten soooo hungry. I can deal with it though, mind over matter. So....I wonder how we'll feel on the way to the hospital tomorrow morning? I can't say that I'm nervous right now, but probably will be once I get there. I've been so busy with work this week that I'm kind of on auto-pilot when it comes to the surgery. Here is the funny thing, my sister Stephanie is driving me to the hospital tomorrow and she has no idea I am getting the lapband! Haha. She's so easy to trick. She is dropping me off and my other sister is picking me up. She is cluless cuz I've been in and out of the hospital for various tests and treatments and what nots over the past few years (I used to have leukemia) so she doesnt' think twice about driving me there, it's like my second home. Anyway, GOOD LUCK ALL AUGUST 6th BAND-DAYERs! And everyone else as well. It's great to feel that I'm not doing this alone. I've never personally met anyone with the LapBand, so it's great having you guys to talk to.

Question for all of you recently banded.... In the first couple days after your surgery, what did you find you liked best to drink (or eat if you're allowed)?? I need to go to the grocery store and stock up! My surgery is in 2 days.....

Congrats to all who were banded today! Best wishes for a fabulous journey. I am getting banded 3 days after I turn 29 (8/6/10). At my birthday party tomorrow night I'm going to take lots of pics of myself with fam & friends and keep them to compare next year when I turn the big 3-0!! I'm hoping to be a completely different person one year from now, at least on the outside. I'll always be me on the inside and I'm happy with that. I hope everyone else here is as well. It's so important to love ourselves no matter what we look like!! :thumbup:

A 'medical procedure' sounds like a good way to describe it! I'm glad he gave you the time off no problem. I'm so bad...my surgery is in only 6 days and I haven't asked for the time off yet! But I'm not worried, I can come up with something. I will also be having a hernia repaired and my gallbladder removed at the same time, so I don't mind sharing that part of my surgery with my boss, which means though that my whole department will know (6 people) since everyone is "friends" and knows everyone else's business. Kind of annoying, but it is what it is! I do have a desk job, which is pretty low key and I can take breaks if needed. I think I will be fine w/ Friday & Monday off.

Wow...it really amazes me the vast differences in types of pre-op and post-op diets that different doctors perscribe to their patients. Some of us are on liquid diets for 2 weeks prior (so tough to do!) where others of us can eat a normal hi-Protein lo carb diet, and others are not on any pre-op diet at all (lucky!). Just makes me wonder how valid each approach is...I mean, I bet we are ALL going to be successful, no matter what pre-op our doctors tell us to follow. I will just follow and do what my doctor tells me, that is the best each of us can do... Stay strong everyone!!

I have only told my boyfriend and my close sister about getting the procedure. When I first first decided to do it awhile back, I decided to keep it secret. But as time went on, with all the appointments, tests, and lifestyle changes (at least w/ the Pre-Op diet anyway so far), it's becoming a harder and harder secret to keep!! I think after I have it done, I will at least tell my parents and other siblings. Especially if they notice at family functions that I only eat about half of what I used to. Once the surgery is done, it's done and no one can talk me out of it at that point. Though I'm the type that isn't usually persuaded once I've made up my mind. Good luck everyone! I find myself coming to this thread daily to see how everyone is doing.

Hi Fellow August Banders, Just curious...how many days does everyone plan to take off of work for the surgery? Also...for those of you who are keeping this top secret, what have you told your employer when requesting the time off? My surgery is on a Friday and I'm thinking of taking off Monday as well and going back Tuesday...hope this is enough time....I am a little nervous.....

My surgery is August 6th too! Same as Sockmonkey, Kellyodoran and Spoiltmom it appears. Sooo, we are all suffering through the 2 week pre-op diet together it sounds like. Am I right in coming to the conclusion that many other docs require all-liquid for these 2 weeks? I guess I got fortunate that mine only requires hi-Protein w/ no grains, fruits or vegetables. So..I've been eating a lot of chicken, eggs and tuna, fat free yogurt and cottage cheese and drinking EAS Advantage chocolate Fudge Protein pre-made shakes. They actually aren't too bad...if you don't mind chocolate Water. LOL. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

That is great to hear! Like most people (I think) I'm still a bit nervous about my decision, I'm glad you are happy with the band.

August 6th here! The countdown is on....

I am 28 years old and having the LAP-BAND® Surgery 8/6/10. I started the journey on 5/20/10 by going to a consultation and meeting the surgeon. I was simply curious about the procedure, but sooo nervous too. I was scared to call my insurance company to see if they covered it, so I let the Dr. Office do it. Boy was I shocked when I got approved! I did all my preop testing and appointments. I was fortunate my INS didn't require a 6 month pre-op diet or even a diet history. My doctor is Dr. David C. Johson from Arizona Weight Loss Solutions in Phoenix, AZ. I am currently on my hi-protien preop diet in preperation for the surgery. It hasn't been too bad, I like protein and haven't seemed to miss the carbs (too much anyway). The reason I decided to do this surgery is that when I was 27, I was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia which is cancer of the blood. I went through 10 intense months of chemo treatments, lost all my hair, was incredibly sick, had a few complications, but made it through and am alive and healthy as a horse today! My oncologist has given the OK for me to undergo this procedure. So, with a new outlook on life I want to be as healthy as possible and live a long life (not to mention wear cuter clothes too!). So...the countdown is on to 8/6/10...