wanna.b.healthy

LisaA -- That was some of the MOST helpful information ever. THANKS for taking the time to type it all out. I really, really appreciate it. And, I didn't have any of that info. I've spent a little more time tonight looking through my paperwork and did find a small blurb about "if there is a potential for a fill, don't eat solid foods for 4 hours before your appointment time." It was not elaborated on and easy to miss. Thanks again! I'm sure I will refer back to your post often! Blessings for being so helpful!

Hey Everyone. I've been gone a while -- sick with a nasty cold and feeling a little down. It's taken so much longer to bounce back than I planned. (I was banded 9-29). Have a quick question. Tomorrow is my first fill. Can't wait as my evenings have been a HUGE battle (often lost) not to eat as I'm hungry starting about 3 until bedtime. But, I'm wondering, do I need to be fasting or any special diet before I go. I can't remember them telling me anything about a special diet BEFORE adjustments, but did I just forget? I'm not seeing it in any of the literature, either. I just wanted to double check because if there is and I didn't know it and they can't do the fill, I'd be sooo sad. Thanks!

cicigirl & LisaA - Thanks for taking the time to reply -- I really appreciate it! I may have to try that popsicle thing and it would be great if the pills didn't get stuck. I guess I'll just continue experimenting to see what ends up working best. All the more motivation to get more lbs. off and maybe get off some of these meds. Thanks again! Debbie

Hi - I started this thread when I found out what my BMI was back in Aug. (I think) and knew I was going to have to lose some weight before my surgeon would even do the surgery. (How ironic -- the insurance co said they would qualify me if I was over BMI of 50 and the surgeon wouldn't do it until I got it under 50, they said. Catch 22!) Well, to make a long story short, I got down enough for the surgeon to place my band -- barely; my final weigh-in was 2 days before and I was just under the line. My band was placed last Wed. 9-29 and so it's a done deal. Let me just encourage you to keep at it. One thing they told me and I found to be true was that the liquid diet before surgery started to take my focus off food. Every morning when I woke up I knew there would be no "delicious" options, but there would be options that would keep me healthy and strong. So, since the options were only what flavor of Protein shake I would have, I didn't spend my day manipulating my time so I would be able to find opportunities for eating out, dessert, Cookies, etc. That has been a helpful thought process and one I need to continue to train for the rest of my life. I am not hungry with my band (no fill yet; still some surgical swelling and pain) but that doesn't mean I don't want to eat. Every time I see a commercial or hubby's food, I want it, but knowing it would probably get stuck keeps me on the right track. I start mushies in a few days and have decided I will need to make a food journal or I'm sure I'll want a mushie dish every hr. (Although, they're small -- about 1/2 c in a serving seems to be what I can handle.) So, hope that give you a little encouragement to make it through till your surgery date. Besides losing weight, you're learning to rethink eating and if we could do that, we'd be in much better shape and get better use of our band, wouldn't we? Best wishes -- I'd be happy to answer any questions you have if I can? (I'm posting my questions on another thread, so I sure don't know everything -- even much!) Debbie

Hi Everyone, It's nice to read so many comments by people in approx the same place in this. I am 1 week post op and still VERY sore at the port site. I'm wondering if I have Fluid around it, like I read in another post. I don't think there is anything wrong -- just feels sore and slow to heal and I couldn't possibly lay on my stomach or side yet. I don't see the surgeon until the 12th. Question -- does anyone else take a lot of pills? I have a blood pressure (capsule full of BITTER powder), a cholesterol med, restless legs, and a couple of others. I can't bear the taste of them mixed with pudding; actually causes me to gag it's so bitter so last night a cut them into small pieces -- each pill cut into between 4-6 pieces and I took them with sips of Water every 3 - 5 minutes. Well, I had to stay up an extra hr to get the meds down (I'll start earlier tonight). Are there alternatives? My doc said the pills I take are not available in liquid form but he may have to change me to some that are, because this is ridiculous! I hope to come off some of these meds as I continue to lose weight but for now...any ideas? Just finihed some cottage cheese mixed with applesauce and put through the blender -- not quite liquid, but almost! YUMMM. Just a couple more days and I can start the full mushies. Thanks - Looking forward to any help you have to offer.

Hi Kat - Glad to hear from you! I'm the same way - MUST HAVE that nap in the afternoon. My surgery was 9-29 so I'm 6 days out and feeling a little better after a bumpy weekend, but I feel so sorry for the people who have to go back to work this early. It's still kind of an effort just getting showered, dressed, and up and down out of chairs. Today I felt good this morning and worked in my home office thinking I was going to go gung-ho all day and then hit a brick wall at about 2:00 and slept till just now -- 2 hrs later. I guess when the body says rest, we MUST rest. Take it easy and recover! And be sure to take the fluids in because you will be weak until you're properly hydrated!

Thanks sourmissg - that helps to have a concrete number of sips to shoot for. I'm thinking it should start getting easier in the next day or two -- this is day 4 post op. Still early!

Hi Brian - Will do some of the Powerade ZERO as suggested. Thanks for that! I'm def enjoying the fruit juice (nas) popsicles that you mentioned. I got a few more fluids down tonight but sometimes after I've taken in around 1/2 c or so (not fast), I get this feeling that is a little painful and like it's starting to come up (not vomit; just rolling up). If I straighten up, it sort of resolves. Does that sound familiar? Does it mean that I've filled the pouch and it doesn't have anywhere to go? This is so hard to figure out! I have so many questions. But, I just need to be patient -- it's only been three days. Did anyone else have to have an upper GI after the surgery. I have one scheduled for Monday to check band placement. I'm worried about drinking the barium stuff. Is it much? Thanks so much for your help and encouragement. I find this forum so helpful! Best of luck to everyone else! Debbie

Thanks OCBUTTERFLY! It makes me feel better to know that this is something others have experienced as well. I'm working on 4 oz of Protein Shake now and if I can get that down in an hr., I'll try again in a couple hours for another 4 oz. I sure appreciate your input and since I'm 2 days behind you, I'll be watching for how things go for you. Keep us posted, please!

Hey Brian and other Sept. 2010 bandsters -- how exiting that we are actually into the post-op stage. Mine was last Wed., 9-29 so just starting my 3rd day post-op, but I have a question. I am barely getting anything down -- an 8 oz glass of water takes all day, a bit of applesauce with my crushed meds, a few sips of tomato soup. I'm okay with it -- not feeling hungry at all -- but I wonder how little is too little. I'm scared to end up in ER with dehydration. Is it okay these first few days; if so, I don't mind. But, if it's not normal to be taking in so little, I need to call the surgeon's office before it gets away from me. What do you think, anyone? Thanks, Brian for starting this thread. Wish we could all sit down in person and chat -- all us banded people. John from UK -- WOW! what an encouragement and it's so great to hear of people that had a lot to lose and did. So many docs tell their patients the band is only for people who want to lose around 75 lb. or so. That's not enough for me, so another 100+ lbs success story is just what I'm looking for. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on my very minimal intake this early in the stage. Need to set my mind at ease. Thanks! Debbie

Hi Everyone -- Surgery was Wed. so I'm 2 days post op and just trying to figure things out. The pain is manageable and the gas is starting to dissipate. My biggest problem is I'm not getting near the 64 oz of liquid down not to mention other protein. I have an 8 oz bottle of water that I've worked on all day, but I have gotten some tomato soup down (and it tasted like heaven!). So, how little is too little? Will it pick up enough in the next few days that I won't dehydrate? Does anyone have a hint for tolerating the crushed medications? They're so bitter that it turns my stomach (my pouch!) for several hours afterward. Thanks for your help! Debbie

mrs bure & qtney1 -- Best wishes and prayers for tomorrow! I am writing from my hospital room complete with ice bag on my belly and glass of ice chips. IT'S DONE!!! I can't believe it really happened. Since I am only a few hrs post-band I don't have much advice except this: make sure you advocate for yourself and that your family knows some of the lapband rules. Befoe I was truly awake from anethesia, they brought me Water with a straw and some apple juice -- neither of which I should have. Then, a bit ago they brought be a tylenol for my headache -- a HUGE capsule. I had it half way to my mouth before I realized that would never make it through the bandl They gave me a funny look when I said I couldn't have it like that! It's a great hospital, I just don't think the staff is very well educated in land band patients I will definitely be talking to the surgeon about it as they need to ensure their patients are well careful for. After all, this is unfamiliar to us, too; we're sleepy, medicated, in pain, and brand-new banders -- we can't be expected to know/remember/be alert to everything. And, if you at least tell your family the "rules", they can help you remember (which I didn't think to do.) Now what you REALLY want to know: -- the incision pain is minimal -- the gas pain is pretty uncomfortable -- haven't experienced any hunger yet but it's only been 8 hrs or so. Again, Best of luck. Debbie

Hi Brian -- My last post as unbanded girl is to YOU!!! I'm leaving now for the hospital. My tummy has butterflies but in a few hours, there won't be room! LOL Yep, I took your advice and got everything you mentioned so thanks for that. It's all ready and waiting for me here. I'll be back to let you all know how it went. Thanks for your support! Debbie

8 HRS LEFT UNTIL I HAVE TO BE AT THE HOSPITAL FOR MY BAND! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S FINALLY HERE! It's been a blast being part of this Sept banders forum but kinda felt like I was never ever going to get to where the rest of you were. Now, I'm going to be there, too. It's the funniest feeling between nervous and excited! I am sooo not nervous about the surgery -- just nervous about if I'll actually be successful. When NOTHING has ever worked before, I've been trained to think nothing will. But, man - so many of you are making it work and I'm determined to, as well. I need to -- for all those who love me and that includes ME! I'll be back -- maybe tomorrow or Thurs. to fill you in! Anything I need to know for these last minutes? Debbie

WOW -- How exciting -- just a few hours left!! Best of luck to you. Just think, you may have already done the hardest part -- all those months since they first found the cyst. I had a scare this week that my surgery might be cancelled or postponed due to an abnormal EKG and I about freaked and quit trying, so I admire you for making it through and getting to this point. I hope you're ready to go to bed and get a few hours of sleep in before your big day. I'm 1 day and 5 hrs from my surgery -- so right behind you. I'll look forward to hearing from you when you feel well enough to post again to see how you're doing! Best of luck and prayers! Debbie

Thanks, PitPat -- I am so grateful for this forum and how everyone is so helpful and encouraging. I can't wait to be one of the banded!

POST OP GROCERY SHOPPING -- ANY HINTS? I'm going to do my post-op grocery shopping tomorrow since my surgery is Wed.. What do I need to get? Was there anything that was particularly helpful going down. I'll be on liquids for 7-10 days, then mushies. Is the liquid just protein shakes and clear soups, jello, etc. or has anyone found anything better? What sits best? I am starting to get nervous. Even all day today people kept asking me if I was nervous about it and I said that I wasn't, but now that it's after midnight Monday night and technically "tomorrow" (Wed) is my surgery, I'm praying I've made the right choice. I have still struggled (and lost way too many times) with the desire to eat and am just scared that I'll be one of the ones who flop. I want to do it so badly and if I start to see some weight come off, I'm praying that will be the motivation I need to eat right after the surgery and for the rest of my life. Well, any help you can give me for the grocery list will be appreciated. Thanks! Good luck and prayers for the Tues. banders -- my fellow Wed. banders -- and those finishing up the last few days of the month. We may be last, but we just get to benefit from all the experience that goes before us! Debbie

Thanks, Brian and everyone - think i'll go tomorrow and find a pair of sweat pants that are way big for that first day. I am soooo excited -- tomorrow I can start saying "MY SURGERY IS TOMORROW!" (did that make sense?) I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. Even when I read how some aren't feeling well and about the discomfort and concern, I still can't wait to go there. Even if it's a rough start, I'm looking forward to the journey! I'll be back tomorrow and then as soon after the surgery as I can. Prayers and Blessings to you all!

Thanks for your input on what to wear. I am kind of surprised to hear the incisions are higher than the waistband but several of you have said that, so I guess I had the wrong idea. Oh, boy -- me without a bra in the hallway -- i guess i'll take a jacket, as well. And, yay for crocs -- I'll take them for sure! Okay, if anyone else has other ideas, I'm glad to hear them. I am SOO excited! (and thinking about my good friend food that I'm breaking up with on Wed. :-)

QUESTION ABOUT WHAT TO WEAR AFTER SURGERY. PLEASE MAKE SUGGESTIONS! We're winding down to the last of the month and those of us that are just barely September banders are days away. I had a bump in the road when my PCP didn't clear me for surgery due to an abnormal EKG, but after seeing the cardiologist last week, they've cleared me after all. YAY!!! ONE QUESTION: What do I take to the hospital to wear? Like a lot of others, I'm sure, I'm too big to be covered by the hospital gowns so I need to take something from home. Will pj pants with a waist band be uncomfortable or irritating to any of the incision spots? Should I wear a sundress or something that would just hang but then anytime anyone wants to look at incisions they'll have to go up from below? Anything else specific I need to take with me to the hospital (I'll have an overnight stay) that isn't the obvious? Thanks for your help! I'll be joining you banded folks on the other side in just a few days! Can't wait! Debbie

Hi - Just wanted to let you know that I got my pre-op clearance on Friday so it's a GO. Now I'm down to my last two full days -- Monday and Tuesday -- surgery is Wednesday. Thanks for sharing your story. It was an encouragement! Can't wait to be on your side of the surgery in less than 72 hrs. My word...........

Thanks -- Wow! You really went through a lot to make it to your surgery. I really appreciate you sharing. I am still hoping to go next Wed and if I can't, I'm hoping to be strong enough like you were that I can continue to lose weight until they give me clearance. I know I can't do this complete liquid diet too much longer -- I'm starting to gag at the thought of another shake. Thanks again for your story. Debbie

I'm getting close -- have jumped through all kinds of hoops to make this surgery happen and have even done the liquid diet for about 6 weeks. (Some weeks more strictly adhering to it than other weeks.) And now I'm down to a week! (Sept. 29) Thought it would never get here! But, last week when I went for my pre-op clearance with the PCP, I received word that my EKG was abnormal and so this morning I went to see a cardiologist. He's fairly certain the ssurgery won't have to be postponed but I am freaking out. Had a bawling fit right in the middle of his hallway this morning. He did the resting phase of a chemical stress test this morning and will do the exercise phase of it on Friday. (Couldn't do it today because I had one of the Protein shakes on the way to his office and the chocolate flavor had caffeinne which can mes up the test - wish someone had told me that!) Has anyone else had trouble with their pre-op clearance? Did you get to have your surgery on the scheduled date? Did anyone have to have their surgery completely cancelled? I have been in such a funk this past week bc of all this I haven't even been on the forum and am really struggling again. Give me a good word, someone, please! Thank you!

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention in that post below about YOU CAN DO IT. Just because I don't feel hungry, doesn't mean I don't want to eat. I am learning how much of my eating is a head thing. For instance, I'm sitting here now without one hunger pang at all -- but I'm really struggling not to go out and get a piece of pizza that family left after dinner. The only thing that's stopping me is I just keep typing and typing and typing so my hands are busy and I can't get up. So, here's my life story: It all started on a warm...... JK! :blushing:

That is funny, MadSkinneyTracy (I think you need to change your user name!) and slightly better than my grandson who is only 3. He keeps wanting me to take bites of his food and since I'm on the liquid diet, I can't. So, I finally explained that the doctor says right now I can't have real food because my tummy is too big. He said he knew it was and then asked, "did he tell you about your face, too, Grammy?" I didn't have the courage to ask what he thinks the doc needs to tell me about my face. Is it too fat? Too ugly? what....don't think I really want to know! Two positive things to that little comment: #1 - He isn't a 10th grader #2 - He also tells me every time he sees me, "Grammy, you're the BEST!" So, I can overlook whatever he thinks is wrong with my face!