Rachael

.I was banded on 3/18/11. I am a 33 year old woman. I am married with two kids--boys ages 2 and 6. I am a social worker. I live in Pennsylvania. I have lost 20lbs to date. I want to lost 70 to 80lbs more. I am a born again Christian. Thanks so much!! Rachael

I have had no complications. I was banded on 3/18/11. Just sip the Water and walk (as much as you are able) afterward. I had pain. don't be afraid to take the pain med prescribed. Stay on top of that. The first three days I walked around but was very tired. After that, I began feeling better and better. Some of the folks on here have an easier time than I did. I didn't have bad gas pain...I have pain at my port site. It is still sore but I am sure it will pass. Good Luck! These feelings you are having are all normal!! *HUGS* Rachael

My mother in law is getting the lap band next week. She didn't have a bmi of 35 (she had a 34) either but tons of co-morbidities. She carried a weight on her to make the weight for her first appointment. I know this is dishonest but if it gives you an opportunity for a better healthier life, it may be something to consider. She has diabetes, heart disease, reflux, etc.I thought it was horrible when she did it, but I kind of understand how desperate she was. She has lost and gain several times. Or (another not so great suggestion) wear very heavy clothes, eat a heavy meal, and drink lots of Water before you weigh in with them. Wear jewelry (anything with weight), etc. I did this a few times---my first weight in with my PCP and weight watchers (when I would start and re-start). I hope this helps. Consider the last suggestion...it may push you up the 7lbs needed without you gaining anymore weight. Good Luck!! *HUGS* Rachael

I would be careful about losing all the weight. I would say go for 25-35 lbs lost. That way, you would (hopefully) be approved for surgery. I did the same thing with losing and gaining. I was careful on my pre-op diet not to lose too much. I know that sounds awful but I knew I needed help to maintain the lost. Good luck!! I hope it works out for you!! Rachael

Probably a bad idea. My mother in law suggested it to me before my banding....LOL. I would stay away from alcohol. Gatorade makes a Protein Drink...it is called repair. It is clear. Not too bad and it got me through before surgery...the bummer is that it is too sweet for me now, even watered down. Good Luck!! Rachael

You are a strong man. Pizza Hut pizza may have broke me. My husband brought him happy meals for the kids on Friday night. I licked one fry and throw it away. I then went into hiding until they were done eating. Saturday night my in-laws and a good friend from the state of Cal (we live in PA) came over. They went to Sheetz (local gas station/food place) for chilli dogs and fries. Also brought home my favorite--deep fried cheese sticks and nachos. I had a V8 splash blended with ice and sat at the table with them. I asked them to eat the cheese sticks and nachos so I wouldn't be tempted at midnight. I have renewed strength. It is hard but we can do it. And once in a while (granted great while) we can have a little "bad" food. Just not like I would have ate it before. We will make it through and feel and be healthier for it. Rachael

How long did you have pain around the port site? I am 9 days out and still have pain. I think I over did it today. I had a little of my pain meds left so that helps some. Thanks! Rachael

This is what the surgeon's recommendation and the nutritionists told me to do. it is one week, clear liquids, one week, full liquids, etc. It is very strict from what I have read and I cheated today. I have been on clear liquids for 10 days (2 days pre-op) and a week now. I was told not to proceed with my diet until I meet with the surgeon on Monday. It is impossible...I ate the sugar free pudding and a Protein shake and feel so much better. They are a center for excellence but this is a crazy diet. I even had a cup of decaf coffee with a splash of cream tonight. She told me not to drink decaf coffee or decaf tea. I am fine and I'm not gonna worry about it. Those clear protein shooters from walmart suck. Hopefully, GNC have some better ones.

Thanks so much! I am back on it now. I am not sure why she is so strict with her step either. Even in the book, it was one week clear liquids, one week full liquids, etc. She even said no to decaf tea. Obviously I am not a doctor, but I am not going to be so hard on myself. I may try a Protein shake tonight. Really is one day (tomorrow) gonna make a difference from Monday. Thanks for your response. I needed to hear some positive words...my husband is not being that supportive.

I was so hungry this morning that I ate a sugar free pudding. I feel like such a failure. I couldn't hold out two more days on clear liquids. I was banded on 3/18/11. Any advice would be appreciated. Right now, I want to get this band removed. Is it really worth it to be this miserable? I am not sure I can do it. Rachael

I had some depression after surgery. I had my surgery about a week ago. I have been taking celexa for about 10 years. It is not too bad. The worse was the first and second day after surgery. I just kept in mind that my body was getting rid of the anesthesia and it would past. I am hungry right now...but I won't starve too death. Keep taking your medications and talk to the other bandsters on here. I am lucky, I have two good friends who have been gotten and been successful with the band and a supportive husband and family. I can't tell you how many times I have said to my husband, "this will be worth it....right?" It is. You will feel much better taking the weight off. It is not an easy road but we can "rock it out"...as my best band friend says. Good Luck!!! Rachael

Thanks guys! I have been so hungry. I am about one week post op and am on clear liquids. Milk, cream soups, yogurt and sugar free pudding sound so good to me right now. I know I can get through this. It's not forever. I have a friend who is my biggest supports. She got the band last year and has lost 85lbs. At least I am losing. 10lbs since surgery. Not too bad. I swear I love this site, whatever I am thinking/feeling there is always someone on here having similar issues. Thanks, Rachael

Very hungry and tired of clear liquids. Can't wait to start on full liquids. The band is a great motivator. Don't want to mess it up by eating something I'm not suppose to. Tomorrow marks a week since surgery and I started to feel hungry on Wednesday. I can't start on full liquids until Monday after I see the surgeon's nurse. I am going to have some jello and a Popsicle. I keep telling myself that it will get easier when I get something more substantial in my guts. Rachael

I was banded on 3/18/11 at Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. My husband and I drove down the night before and stayed in a hotel across the street from the hospital, since I had to be at the hospital at 5:30am. I was nervous, since this was my first surgery ever. We arrived at the hospital at 5:25am and signed in. We were taken back to a second waiting room where they had a computer set up with internet access, tvs and magazines. My surgery was scheduled for 7:30am. We were taken back and put in the pre-op room about 6am. I had to get undressed, give an urine sample, and get the heparin shot. They then put the massaging things around my legs and tried to start the IV. The aid couldn't get it, so the anesthesiologist put the IV in. He said I had tiny veins and was very nice. My surgeon and her resident came in to see me next and before I knew it, I was given something to relax in the IV. I gave my husband a kiss and told him to take care of my babies. I got to the operating room and a bunch of people moved me to the table. I was told to breath into a mast and that was all I remember until 10:15am waking up in the recovery room. I asked the nurse for another blanket and she got me a couple of warms ones and put them right next to me. She told me that the surgery went perfectly and I would be going to a room soon. I remember going to a holding room where I got to see my husband and my sister in law. I was still drifting in and out until I got into a regular room. I stayed over night. Everyone at Magee took really good care of me. I got nauseated from pain medicine they were giving me and itchy. They gave me medicine for that. I had an upper GI before I left and a straight cath...not a pleasant experience but not terrible. Almost had to stay over another night because I couldn't pee. I wish I could say that I didn't have pain but I do and am still taking the medicine. Have been walking and still on the clear diet. Not too bad for my first surgery. Dr. Hamad is a wonderful surgeon and I would recommend her to anyone who lives in the area!

I was banded on 3/18/11 at Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. My husband and I drove down the night before and stayed in a hotel across the street from the hospital, since I had to be at the hospital at 5:30am. I was nervous, since this was my first surgery ever. We arrived at the hospital at 5:25am and signed in. We were taken back to a second waiting room where they had a computer set up with internet access, tvs and magazines. My surgery was scheduled for 7:30am. We were taken back and put in the pre-op room about 6am. I had to get undressed, give an urine sample, and get the heparin shot. They then put the massaging things around my legs and tried to start the IV. The aid couldn't get it, so the anesthesiologist put the IV in. He said I had tiny veins and was very nice. My surgeon and her resident came in to see me next and before I knew it, I was given something to relax in the IV. I gave my husband a kiss and told him to take care of my babies. I got to the operating room and a bunch of people moved me to the table. I was told to breath into a mast and that was all I remember until 10:15am waking up in the recovery room. I asked the nurse for another blanket and she got me a couple of warms ones and put them right next to me. She told me that the surgery went perfectly and I would be going to a room soon. I remember going to a holding room where I got to see my husband and my sister in law. I was still drifting in and out until I got into a regular room. I stayed over night. Everyone at Magee took really good care of me. I got nauseated from pain medicine they were giving me and itchy. They gave me medicine for that. I had an upper GI before I left and a straight cath...not a pleasant experience but not terrible. Almost had to stay over another night because I couldn't pee. I wish I could say that I didn't have pain but I do and am still taking the medicine. Have been walking and still on the clear diet. Not too bad for my first surgery. Dr. Hamad is a wonderful surgeon and I would recommend her to anyone who lives in the area!

I just friend requested everyone...LOL. I am so glad to have found this site. Whenever I feel alone and depressed, I can always find someone in the same boat to give encouragement. Thanks, Rachael

Hi, we are the same age and I also have two kids--boys! I was banded on 3/18/11. I would be happy to be your friend. I am also looking for friends especially right now....feeling a little bummed and useless. How old are you kids? Mine are 2 and 6.

She was amazing. So very nice and took her time with me. I was banded on 3/18/11. I went through an eight month process with her. I have already lost 8 pounds...not hungry, just sore and tired right now. I have been on Clear liquids. Magee Hospital is a wonderful place, I am so glad that I went through the process there.

Love my friends on here. Again, I feel the same way! We are surgery day buddies....I got my band 3/18. So glad I am not alone in having these feelings. I felt like a terrible mother/wife today. It will get better.

So glad you posted this. I got banded on the 18th and have had similar thoughts. I said the same thing to my nurse the day after surgery but we are going to be fine. I have a close friend who lost 85 lbs with the band. She got it a year ago. She is my main support. We can do this and we will be able to eat in moderation again. I have terrible gas pain right now but keep thinking positive. We are strong and will get through this with God's help! I don't want to offend you, but without God, I would be a constant mess. So glad you posted this and remember you are not alone in this feeling!!

I got my band on 3/18 too. I am having lots of pressure from the gas and some port pain. Still taking pain medicine. not as easy as I thought it would be but every day keeps getting better. Good luck and can't wait to see your success story!!

I am feeling nervous but mostly hungry. I have been on clear liquids since yesterday. It is hard but the time has flown by fast. Please say a prayer for me tomorrow. Thanks, Rachael

Mine is 5 days of liquids. i get to use protein shakes for the first three days and I have to ask about the last two days. I start the diet on Sunday.

I start my liquid diet on Sunday. I thought it was supposed to start one and a half weeks ago (2 shakes and lean protein for dinner) but ended up getting a sinus infection and talking to my surgeon's office. Mine is 5 days of liquids. I am dreading it but will do it to the best of my ability. I wish I could help you with more advice. The one thing I did was stock up on herbal teas. I am going to be drinking those with spenda for most of the days so I don't feel as hungry. We will get through this part.

Thanks everyone! I was looking at my two small boys (2 and 6 years) and realized why I started this whole process. I am tired of being heavy. I can't play with them without getting tired and out of breath. I hate that my back hurts and people look right pass me like I am stupid (I have a master's degree). I am ready. I think I just got a case of cold feet. I have realized something on my "last meal" Quest....nothing taste that good. I mean for a second it tastes good then, I get disgusted with myself. I can't wait to be able to wear shorts this summer without being embarassed. I can't wait to not be the fat mom in every group. I will be able to get through 5 days of the liquid diet and the surgery....I can do this. NO EXCUSES!! God will help me!