Hi, everyone. I look forward to contributing to this community.

I was just recently banded on May 10, 2010 by Dr. Thomas Bass in South Florida. I've lost a total of 27 pounds since May 3rd when I started the pre-op process which is kind of crazy, but very exciting.

I'm looking forward to losing weight, exercising, toning, all that jazz. Hopefully, we can all support each other through this journey. I look forward to learning much from everyone!

-KidLaw

Congratulations Kidlaw! I look forward to seeing your progress. I am getting banded next week so I am a little anxious. It is so great to be able to connect with others who are going through the same things so that we can be an inspiration to one another. Good luck!!

Congratulations Kidlaw! I look forward to seeing your progress. I am getting banded next week so I am a little anxious. It is so great to be able to connect with others who are going through the same things so that we can be an inspiration to one another. Good luck!!

Thanks Broolin1! Good luck to you too.

Don't be nervous about the surgery. It's not bad at all. Some suggestions from my experience:

- Invest in Maalox. I didn't use it until my third day post-surgery, but it was so helpful in getting rid of the gas that sits in your body because of the air that got blown into it during surgery. Walking can help getting rid of gas and kissing your knees (bend at the lower back, if you can; it sometimes moves the gas up out of your chest and out through your mouth via burping). But, nothing worked as well for me as Maalox.

- Ask your doctor about Milk of Magnesium to reboot your digestive system if you don't have a "movement" within three days of surgery. This was what my doctor had me do. But, ask your doctor first.

- Don't Cheat! I've seen so many messages from people cheating within the first week of surgery. Don't do it. You spent all this time, money, and pain for this lapband. Don't sabotage yourself eating KFC mash potatos and milkshakes. Don't do it!! We're re-learning how to eat and do it healthy. It's a new journey. We should all start it off on the right foot. :laugh:

Thanks for the info that is very very helpful!! Are you on a pre-op diet? My doctor didn't suggest one.

Thanks for the info that is very very helpful!! Are you on a pre-op diet? My doctor didn't suggest one.

Every doctor is different. I did have to do a pre-op diet a week prior to surgery. It was full liquids (greek yogurt, Protein shakes, fat free pudding, sugar free Jello, broth) for six days prior to surgery. The day before surgery it was Clear Liquids which was unflavored Protein Shakes, broth, and sugar free jello (but nothing red). I did lose about 13-14 pounds doing this which was great; however, according to my doc, the purpose was really to get my liver as small as possible before the surgery.

Ask your doc if it's a good idea for you if you're really interested. A friend of mine had gastric and her doc allowed her to eat regularly all the way up to midnight before the surgery. So, it really depends on the doctor, I think.