JMAW

Hello, I may as well say I am new here. Did not visit or participate much when I had the lap-band on 06/28/11. Have had a hard time with the lap-band. Did loose 40 lb's, even though I never got above a 5ml fill. Had a lot of problems with GERD and had to stay below 5ml's. Now I have damage to my esophagus and the insurance approved a revision, so here I go. The RNY has always scared me, and that is why I did not have it done the first time. But, here I go, having it done now. I am looking for advise on how to handle all the changes that are heading my way, and how to get my husband and sons to understand what it will be like. After all this time, my husband still can't remember why I can't drink with my meal. So, I look forward to this new journey.

OK. I'm back and I still have not had my surgery. My endocrinologist did not clear me for surgery. He is concerned that my glucose readings are WAY to high for a safe procedure/anesthesia. Frustrating, yes, but I don't want to not make it out of surgery. So I am trying to eat better and avoid carbs in a attempt to lower my readings. I am on an insulin pump, so getting "shots" is a lot easier than before. But, at this time I am having to test every 2 hours in an attempt to keep my readings lower. It still does not always work. But, I will not give up. I hope that all that had surgery scheduled went without a hitch and that you are on your journey. I will be there with you soon.

I'm sure I will encounter many challenges along the way. Today I got a call from the surgeons office today. My surgery day has been moved up to June 23. It's just a week, but I got the "shock" of reality sensation when I heard that. Oh, well. What kind of pre-surgical prep did you have to go through? I keep hearing different information. I know I will find out on June 17Th when I go for my pre-op, just curious.

Green*eyed*girl. Don't be jealous!! All journeys are different, regardless of what it is an individual undertakes. You are doing very well also. I am ready for this new challenge.

Hi Ladykatie, Looks like you are just getting started on your journey, and doing great!! Thank you for writing. My surgery is scheduled for June 30. I go for all my pre-op (dietician, surgeon visit, hospital) on 6/17. I don't think I'm scared of the surgery. I have seen really good results with this procedure and some really BAD ones. That is why I did not have it done 3 years ago and opted for the lap-band. But, life has a way of changing our minds and our journeys. I love drinking Water all the time, so I know that will be different since the rate of consumption is so much slower. I hope it will all work out for the best.

I had surgery 7/23, and since the next morning I have been drinking my regular coffee. That has made my life so good. I also put instant coffee into the protein shake when I feel like having "the taste". Yesterday was my first strained food day. I am having a hard time getting all the protein grams in when you only eat 4 oz. of food, and the dietitian says "3 meals a day, NO SNACKING!" :rolleyes2: Will be intouch with her tomorrow. But, I do have an infection in one of the incision. Had to see the surgeon last week because of it. Now it has opened up. No bleeding. I will be going to the emergency room today.

Had my band done 7/23. I am doing great. Pain is not bad. Have taken pain medication twice. I've been up & about pretty much since I got home. The protein drinks are fine, but it just does not take me very long to drink them. I keep trying, but they go down FAST.

You are just days away!! I do not get on the scales at home. I go by the Dr. office weight. I can tell I have lost a little, just by the fit on my pants around the waist. It's such a long journey, and I don't want to focus on the pounds, but, what else is there? We are going on vacation 7/14 - 7/18. Road trips are the worst when it comes to snacking, and restaurant food can be a killer. Taking all the "old food" out of the kitchen sounds like a really good idea. I have 2 boys and some of the junk food will always be around. Good luck. I'll be thinking of you on your big day and after! Josie

OK. This is my first attempt at posting here. I started the process 2 years before I even went to see a surgeon. Had my consultation 12/23/09. My surgery is scheduled for 7/23/10. Lot's of crazy stuff happened between 12/09 and my approval in late June. Echocardiogram, stress test, heart catheterization, syncope with a fun ambulance ride and an overnight hospital stay. I started the pre-op diet on 7/1. It is a low fat, low carb (of course, low calorie) diet. Just regular healty food. I go back 7/21 for a pre-op that will include: dietitian, M.D. and then the hospital. I am nervous. I am nervous. Did I say, I am nervous? The "surgery" part does not worry me, but life after is what I expect to be SO very different. :thumbup:

Your primary care may be able to give you prescription strength medication. Do not ignore it. It can cause further problems.