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Hey there... Lisa's back and ready to chat, chat, chat.. Where O where do I begin ?? My "last meal". I felt like Jesus at his last supper. The Friday before my surgery after eating very good for two months I had the wonderful " I will never eat like this again meal". I went with my daughter to Hurricane Grill and had 3 Conch fritters, 1/2 chicken wrap, few chips, 1/2 chicken fajita and OH YES a Sangria... TOTALLY off my diet but I was going to go out with a bang if I wasn't going to eat for the next two days. Saturday was an OK day. I got to have a "no chew" diet of Yogurt ( with no fruit in it), Protein shakes and sugar free pudding. Sunday was a little harder as it was a "clear liquid" diet of Chicken broth, Water, sugar-free Jello and Vitamin waters. I ate my last bite of jello at 12:02 and then that was it until after the surgery. I didn't have to wash with any special soap or use listerine to cleanse my mouth. I showered, shaved and went to bed. OH on the bag note.. YOU will pretty much need NOTHING in the hospital. What did come in handy was pull-up toilet wipes ( for personal hygeine), Lip Balm b/c you can't eat anything at all for two days, No slip shoes b/c you will be walking and about 20.00 for the phone/tv hook up. Other than that you are provided with a gown, socks, tooth brush, tooth paste, lotion for your legs and arms, any "food" your allowed to eat. You sleep 75% of the day and the rest of the time you are being poked, prodded and bugged by nurses. Woke up early on Monday morning, dropped my daughter off at cheer camp and had my husband drop me off at the entrance to the hospita at 9AM. Some people invite people to sit with them.. I just wanted to have peace and quiet. He was a nervous wreck. Advice... if your spouse/parent/sibling is more nervous than you don't have them with you unless necessary. I walked over to admitting and got my paperwork put throu, went to the admittance area and had my urine tested for a pregnancy test ( NOT ). Ended up waiting for 4.5 hours in the waiting area. About 8 other people were taken for various surgeries before mine. UGH what a LONG wait. Finally was called at 1:20. Was given a great comfy cozy blue gown with these terrific interesting slits in them ( for surgery ??) and some fuzzy "no slip" socks. My stuff was put in a bag and labled with my name. I went to sit in the nurses office where I was poked and prodded trying to find my vein. And this was the "good nurse". Finally the officer came to take my things, I was given a blanket and reclined back to take a nap until my name was called to go back to the Operating Room (OR). Apparently my name was called but they couldn't find a stretcher for me b/c the next thing I knew the OR nurse came to the front nurses station asking how long I was going to take. UH.. I had been ready since 2:10 and it was now almost 3PM. My Doctor and Anestesiologist came to the nurses station to ask if I was ok. Doc made me sign my last consent form to do the surgery and the anestesiologist asked if I had any concerns. I said " Uh yeah. When are we going to get this show on the road?? Can't I just walk to the OR ".. He laughed and said in his Russian accent " I like this one. You want to walk... well lets go". What a nice little parade it was me being led by the Doctor, Anastesiologist, Head OR nurse and an assistant. It all seems like a dream but I walked right into the OR, smiled at the attending nurse as she said " SHE WALKED ??!! Never in 10 years have i seen a patient WALK into the Operating Room" LOL. I hopped up onto the table and said " Now what??" They told me to lie down with my feet against the foot pads, I put my arm out onto the extendable arm rest and the anestesiolagist said " We're going to give you a cocktail mairtini now" I said "Sir... If its a chocolate martini give me a double".... AND THAT WAS THE END OF MY PRE SURGERY LIFE... According to the calls to my hubby from my doctor I went into surgery at 3:20 and was out by 5:10. Apparently I got the 2 for 1 special... I had a hernia in my abdomonial wall and my intestines were poking out... in addition to the gastric sleeve. Come three hours later I wake up super groggy like "Holy Cow it was over !!" I looked at the clock and it was about 8PM. I was not feeling any pain at all just super groggy from the anestesia. I woke up about an hour later with a clearer head and just remember asking for my cell phone. I planned to call my hubby to let him know I was OK and tell my daughter goodnight. By 10:30 the phone still hadn't come so I asked the nurse to wheel me to the nearest phone and let me call my daughter. LOL Persistant little bugger I was. She got me a phone and I spoke to the hubby. Daughter and mom were sleeping. I have NO IDEA what my conversation was about I was still out of it. My throat was a bit sore from the breathing tube they put down my throat but not worst than a dry throat. Next thing I know I was being wheeled into my room and my roomy ( who was one of my nurses at the baratic center who also had her's done the same day) was calling my name. I said " Hey Stacy.. welcome to the other side" and passed out again. The nurses do not leave you alone for the entire first night. They check your blood pressure and temperature every two hours. They poke you will small needles every six hours to give you medicine to thin your blood ( choice arm / belly ) and you are not allowed to eat anything. UGH. Thank goodness my "swallow test" was the next day. I was given 3 cotton swabs flavored with Lemon that tasted delicious ( but later when I tried them taste HORRIBLE ). I slept on and off that night and the next morning. Funny thing was.. there was no pain. I read this on another persons report but really aside from the "fear" your going to rip something you don't feel any pain. it is mostly just an ache. Mainly in one area where they remove the remaining stomach from. Mine is still tender three days later. You do get a little button to push to get meds when you need them but for the most part the only real uncomfortable feeling is the gas left in your bloated stomach. Oh the other gross thing was the catheter. I mean it didn't really hurt persay but its not comfortable. When they wake you up in the morning the nurses made me sit up in a chair to get my blood circulating and that damn thing hurt when I sat down with it. In the morning the doctors came in and looked at my gross belly then it was time for my test. Woo Hoo. The swallow doctors took a general xray of my belly area. They then handed me a cup, laid me on a tilted table and told me not to drink it until they said. They left the room and I swallowed it. The doctor could see the gross tasting 1oz of liquid run down my esophogus and into my stomach. She repeated the test and then it was over. I was cleared to eat. NO leaks. YAY !! Good news one.. good news two I got to get the damn catheter out. OK so we don't feel it going in ( for ladies) b/c we are sleeping but when they deflate it and pull it out feels like a burning UTI. So not comfortable but it's only for a second and then its gone. Only sucky thing is its replaced with peeing on a "hat" thing that fits into the toilet so they can measure how much you are peeing and how much fluids you are intaking. Back up to my room. More blood pressure and more temperature taking then it was lunch time. Ohhhh what's for lunch... Oh joy... a 3 oz cup of yellow jello, a 3 oz cup of chicken broth and 3 oz of crystal lite lemonade. Ohhhh before you get so excited you can only have 3 oz TOTAL of these three. So the first meal was 1 1/2 oz of chicken broth and 1 1/2 oz of jello. I was also allowed to drink water non stop as much as possible. That night I was able to sleep a little better and was only bothered twice in the night by the nurse. The day passed pretty uneventful with another visit from the doctor and not too much sleep. The next morning my doctor cleared me to go home so after another Breakfast and lunch of broth/jello I got to go home. WOO HOO !!! And so begins my new life after Vertical Sleeve surgery... Short recap of since I've been home... Got out of the hospital and told my hubby to go to McDonalds... ( GASP.. Not for me silly people for him... LOL). He ordered a Big Mac meal with a soda and large fries. I sat there with my bottle of water and watched him eat. What I used to love now became disgusting. I have been eating just my Protein Shakes for the past two days and haven't been hungry at all. It's all been fine and you will be fine too. Still a little sore on my biggest scar but it will pass in time. Hope you all enjoyed my story. Take care and Good Luck to all.. OH BTW... I've lost 8 pounds since Monday. WOO HOO !! I'm on my way !! Oh kind of what to expect after surgery. The two incisions on my left ( close to each other ) are where they took the rest of the stomach out and are the ones that bother the most. The other 4 I don't even know are there. I was closed up with surgical glue so it will fall off over the next two weeks. No scars except 1/2 " to 3/4" lines. YAY !!!

I agree with other posters that you should quit smoking immediately. Not only is smoking going to increase your risk of having the complications mentioned, but it is going to hinder your body's ability to heal quickly and correctly. I would also start walking at least 30 minutes per day now, and drinking tons of water. You want to build up lung capacity, and start getting into shape. I was already working out 6-8X per week before surgery, and everything was super easy for me. I could have returned to work after 2 days. I smoked for 10 years, and I understand how stress makes you grab for that cigarette. Don't do it though. You are doing this for your health, so why not make a complete change starting tomorrow? You can do this, and will be better off for it. Good luck to you.

Today was a great day! My "case worker" has all my stuff finally...My insurance does not include banding until 3/01/08. We were going to submit on 3/3 (Monday). Anyway, the director of my benefit department e-mailed me (she said with the new language she didn't want my file to accidentally get denied) so she gave me the info for the contact person for my insurance and then she e-mailed me too. My case worker then sent on my file today!!!Yea! I hope it all goes smooth and I get approved so I can get the date!! How much school will you miss..if any???

Alisa, I completey understand what ur going through... I had my consult today and have a tentative surgery date for 10/30. I was surprised that I didn't have to do the supervised diet due to attempts in the past year to lose weight. All I have to do is get my psychological evaluation, nutritional evaluation, medical necessity letter written by my PCP & my labwork. I work at a high school as a social worker in the school based program. So, I am a little on edge about being out of work so early in the year but was told I should be able to return in about two weeks so that was comforting to know. Plus, I've only been in my position at this site for about 5 months as of this month. I was so excited about my consult I didn't ask the surgeon any questions but I've been researching the lapband procedure since it first came out. I know it's scary and exciting at the same time. So happy I decided to take this step in my life. Keep me posted on your progress.

Just got cleared for mushies 10 days out. Down 20lbs. Yay!! Good luck, I had salmon tonight

I just was sleeved in Nov 12th... My advice... I was having trouble getting my Water in... not because I can't tolerate it but because its such a chore... sip sip... every ten mins. What helps me.... Ice chips :-) I love the hospital pellet like ice... I remembered that a local fast food place "Sonic" serves that ice so I bought a 10 BAG FOR ABOUT $2.50 Ice to me is not such a chore ???? Lol... In fact it keeps my month entertained and not dry... That's my advice to you... WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE??? RE: Anything... Thanks

I'm a bit slower than you lot, sounds like, but I'm still on the right path downward, and comfortable with it all. I'm in (loose) 16 and large sweaters now, soon to drop to 14 in pants. I've lost 70 lbs since the beginning of July, and I still want to lose about 45 more. I suspect I'll reach goal right around 10 months out, maybe as much as a year. Hang in there, everyone!

I have surgery next Tuesday, the 17th. I started my chewable bariatric Vitamins 10 days ago, in hopes that I would avoid the fatigue and hair loss. I guess we will see!!! What kinds of vitamins is everyone taking?

I started at 410. I was sleeved Sept 27, 2013. I'm down 96 pounds. I feel great. I love my sleeve. Hard to believe 19 weeks out and 96 pounds. Any questions let me know. Thanks

I have been a nurse for over 10 years. I don't work in med surg, but in a clinic doing patient ed and teaching on diabetes, weight loss, etc. At least my patients have not ever looked at me like it was crazy I was talking to them about these things, but I felt it. I too have been asked when my baby is due and I tell them 4 years ago (when my last daughter was born!). Congrats to you on your degree and on making the decision!

HELLO MY NAME IS LINDA PIERRE I AM 29 YEARS OLD. I HAVE TWO BEAUTIFUL KIDS KAYCE 10 AND GRANT 7. I AM MARRIED TO MY TRUE LOVE GERALD. I AM GETTING MY LAP BAND IN TWO DAYS. I AM SOOO TERRIBLY NERVOUS !!!!!! I AM SURE EVERYONE HAS THOSE PRE NERVE JITTERS!!!DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY GOOD ADVICE ??? I HAVE BEEN ON MY LIGUID DIET SINCE MARCH 31. I AM SO SICK OF CHICKEN BROTH LOL. WELL EVERYONE PLEASE WISH ME LUCK !! I WILL MESSAGE BACK WHEN I GET OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ON FRIDAY APRIL 10.:thumbdown:

I had similar pain for about 10 days after surgery. It felt like trapped indigestion that I just couldn't burp up. If you are able to keep liquids down, hopefully you will be ok.

Yep, my insurance required it too, plus we're supposed to lose 10 percent of our excess weight. Initially I felt the same way you did, but I came through it just fine. The time absolutely passed by a lot faster than I could ever imagine and I did lose the required weight. It's been a month since then, and I've been approved for surgery! Only to find out that there are worse things than the six month mandate. And that's waiting for an actual surgery date. Could be July. Could be August or September. I don't know. But I've come to an understanding that I have no control over the "process" and no two "processes" are alike. So I rejoice in simply having made it this far, and in the sure knowledge that my day is coming. One thing is for sure though, my resolve that this is the right choice for me has never once wavered. So I spend as much time as I can imagining my great future, and as little time as possible wallowing in the wait. In the meantime I congratulate those who get there before me, and encourage those who will get there after me. Your time too will come! I promise! Just hang in there and learn as much as you can!

Juat a quick post to ask when does this horrible gas pain go, i am 10 days post of and am still suffering with the neck/shoulder pain and its gettin the better of me, starting to get pissed off with it now, i feel like i cant get on with my life! do you just wake up one morning and its gone??? or can it take weeks?

Dang that's a long time on liquids -- I thought 10 on clear, 10 on fulls was bad enough -- 10 on mushies wasn't bad, except that I was actually on them a lot longer than that -- I am just now venturing into real "solid" food and I do it very cautiously. Hang in there, you'll make it through it and watching the scale move down is always a GREAT incentive!

Dr. Kuri patient here, surgery 01/07/05 lost for far 80 pounds but I also have a band baby born last year 04/06. Great doctor nice choice.

I was banded on March 18, 2013 - over a year ago. I remember when I was thinking about having the surgery, I was obsessed with the speed... I had upcoming events (weddings, vacations, etc.) and I continued imagining what I would look like in 3 months, 6 months, etc. I was so frustrated and disappointed as I read on this site about everyone just dropping weight left and right. I lost about 20 pounds pre op (and so my real starting weight was about 240) and then another 10 or so in the first 6 months. I had fill after fill after fill... I took small bites and ate high Protein, but I was still pretty hungry and could eat 1.5 cup portions without a problem. So, I read - these pages and posts and guess what? My story was a dime a dozen, so I just didn't post or complain, because what everyone says - and what I needed to hear, was that THIS IS MY JOURNEY. It might not be the same as everyone else's. Not everyone starts losing immediately... I needed 7 fills before I reached the green zone and I really didn't start losing until 8 months after my surgery. BUT, I learned a ton about patience and I believe I needed those months to adjust to my lifestyle and to learn to love myself a little more. So, today I'm just under 180 and I feel great. My goal is to be 150 - 160, but I'm happy at the pace I'm losing (about a pound a week). Slow losers, don't get discouraged. Stay in contact with your doctor and just keep going For those of you that do post often, thank you - although I wasn't posting, I was certainly reading and feeling supported. Peace, Rina

Is it normal that my incision is raised? Like is it gonna turn into a scar and just be raised forever? Surgery was just Monday 9/19 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What is anaphylaxis? My sister had gastric bypass 10 years ago and became a raging alcoholic and chain smoker. I don't even know how she's still alive, she doesn't eat she just eats gummy bears and drinks and smokes. I've put her in rehab 5 times but she always fails and she hardly drank before surgery.

Hasn't everyone had a day like yours? Most of us have had a melt-down or gotten angry when it made us look less than ideal - right! I am self pay so I don't know if that affects the psych eval or not, but the guy asked maybe 3 or 4 questions for a total of less than 10 minutes. I think for him was a rubberstamp deal. Just my opinion. There seems to be no standard in this part of the process; it varies with each office. Glad I wasn't tested on memory! If you get a denial because of this, then I would have a discussion with the surgeon's personnel. It sounds like you had a normal reaction to your morning.

Great to hear-my RNY is scheduled w Dr. White for Mon 10/9!

Well I have joing the club of the loosers yeaaaa , I had my band on 9/30/05 by Dr Sanchez and had a wonderful experience anyone wanting to know about a good Md in monterrey email me with any questions I am 19 days post op and lost 10 pounds not sure if this is good or not IO was hoping for a bit more loss but I'll take this Ramona

I have found that my sleeve will NOT tolerate anything sweet. I made stir fry last night and had it over spaghetti squash. It promptly made a reappearance approx 10 min after I ate it. Tried dipping my pork chop in ketchup tonight just to give it a little extra moisture and it made my stomach hurt. The only vegetable I've been able to eat is english peas, but I tolerate most meats just fine as long as they are plain. I'm never hungry so if I'm going to eat I prefer Protein over anything else. I feel like I need to be adding more veggies and fruit but I just don't want it. Anyone else feeling this way?

I didnt have ivf or multiples but my pregnancy did cause my band to feel tight and I got half my Fluid taken out for the rest of my pregnancy (I was only 10 weeks when I got my unfill). I didn't have any issues with vomiting, dehydration, etc. Congrats and good luck!

Hi I have BCBSIL. I've met the surgeon 12/10, psych eval 12/10, meet the psych again 12/21 and meeting both surg and psych tomorrow 1/14. I have a BMI of 35 and osteoarthritis - but has never visit the doctor for that with this insurance. I don't want to be rude, but I was just wondering what your BMI was before surgery and if you had co-morbilities. I called and my plan covers the surgery so I'm happy about that but I am extremely nervous about being approved.