I know there's a special section for this, but it doesn't seem to be too popular so I'll give it a whirl here..

Anyone here to be banded in February besides me?

My surgery date is February 15th.

Feel free to add me on Facebook for support, etc. =]

http://www.facebook.com/DakotaRaeBanded2012

Hey guys:)

I was banded today around noon and home by 4:30! It was different than I expected immediately after surgery. I felt the gas like-whoa...I expected uncomfortable but not electric pains. The staff could not have been more awesome and I really recommend If you need anything don't be shy-speak up for yourself and what you need. You can still be funny (right before I went under I was talking about dirty martinis and dreaming about olives). I have been walking around a lot which I still can't believe but it actually feels awesome. I feel better and better every hour. GasX and popcicles are rocking my world right now. Big hugs to this group-I as reading even in the post-op room If you have any questions I will totally answer- I know my surgery will be different than others but I'm here if you need me!

Xoxo

Rebecca

...just reading your experience Rebecca... thats great. its very encouraging to say the least. im not scheduled for surgery yet, i see my specialist on 7th march.Imn hoping to get in as soon as possible though. i live in australia and i want to be well on the mend and into my new eating plan before winter starts.

ive been doing some reading online which is great. i just love this forum though. as much as you can share will be really great with me. im not sure of the lead up at all. i did read about a high Protein diet?? also, that gas is a real problem after surgery?? you did so well leaving the hospital so soon after having the procedure done.. way to go. im wondering how long i will be in for. im going on 66 now. judych

okay so the final hours pre-surgery are here... i feel strangely calm... only feel a bit worried over the fact that i did not prepare myself with as much post-op items as others here have, lol...

I check in at the surgery center at 6am tomorrow morning... they said surgery (if Dr. shows up on time) will be at 7:30am... and I should be out of the center and at home by 10:30ish...

Thank you February Bandsters who post and respond, you've maked life and this new beginning a lot easier to bear, you've helped answer many of my questions (even the ones i never thought of asking), and you've shown a great support for one another and i am blessed to have had you guys in my life these weeks pre-op. I am more then excited to fill you in on my progress post-op, and though this section is for pre-op i hope that we all continue to stay connected....

To all 'losers' thanks for checking in on us newbies and giving us your support and knowledge, i will see you on the otherside soon

god luck with it all. Look forward to reading your posts. judych

I'm back... LOL... Surgery was on Feb 16th so I am 5 days post op. Wow what a journey this has been. I had to stay in the hospital overnight due to insurance requirements. Glad I did because I had a reaction to the anesthesia (first time ever) & pain meds and got very sick. Gas pain in the lower back was terrible. I also developed a cough after surgery and coughing just hurt really bad. Once I got home things started coming into play a lot of better. Everyday since surgery has been a better day for me. I would do this over again and again. I feel great today except a little pain in the port area but that will go away with time. I am following doctors orders strictly and see nothing but great success a head of me.

Good luck to all the other Feb bandsters coming up. I hope your journey is a great experience!!!

Well. I haven't posted in a few days. I had my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz last friday. So I am 4 days post-op now. The surgery went great. The only immediate pain that I had was the gas bubble under my left breast bone (a big one). It is almost gone now. My incisions are almost all the way healed already, so that is good. The day after surgery I traveled for 15 hours, a border crossing, 3 airports, and 3-5 miles of walking. I was beat by the end of the day. I am sure I over did it, but I didn't have a choice. Yesterday sucked I just wanted to eat something, and was kind of bitter that I could'nt. Woke up today with a much better attitude. I do get to have a smoothie today. Yae! I wish you all luck! I can't wait to be in Onederland!

I'm back... LOL... Surgery was on Feb 16th so I am 5 days post op. Wow what a journey this has been. I had to stay in the hospital overnight due to insurance requirements. Glad I did because I had a reaction to the anesthesia (first time ever) & pain meds and got very sick. Gas pain in the lower back was terrible. I also developed a cough after surgery and coughing just hurt really bad. Once I got home things started coming into play a lot of better. Everyday since surgery has been a better day for me. I would do this over again and again. I feel great today except a little pain in the port area but that will go away with time. I am following doctors orders strictly and see nothing but great success a head of me.

Good luck to all the other Feb bandsters coming up. I hope your journey is a great experience!!!

So glad to know that you are doing so well now and the negatives are behind you. I too would do this again if I would need to but with luck and conscientious effort I won't have to! Take care!

hello everyone....im waiting for the hospital to call me to let me know what time to arrive tomorrow ....gosh I cant believe its my time to shine finally.....i have wanted this for soooo long....but as I sit here I find myself bursting into tears one min and happy the next....thank you all for your support...God Bless

Tee and XTA - sp glad to hear from you both that all went well. Good luck on your recoveries! Keep us posted.

February 29th is my scheduled surgery date. Going thru the pre-op diet now and its not easy. The shakes get repetitive. I'm only supposed to do the protien shakes with skim plus milk and I can have one protien bar through out he day in place of a shake. I guess I can make it through 8 more days. Lol. Does anyone know if its ok to have a meal here and there... Like a boneless, skinless chicken breast cooked with Pam or tuna. I am reading some doctors do not even require a pre-op diet. Any advice, tips or input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Well it's confirmed surgery on the 28th has been cancelled. I have a terrible case of Bronchitis. Rescheduled for March 12th Very Disappointed

I was the same way...very emotional! You will do great....best of luck!

Well it's confirmed surgery on the 28th has been cancelled. I have a terrible case of Bronchitis. Rescheduled for March 12th Very Disappointed

I know you are disappointed hon, but it is for the best. Hang in there!! ((((hugs))))

I just went for my first follow-up appointment (1 week post op). I am down 15 lbs and incisions are healing well. I'm now on full liquids and so far no issues. I still have some soreness around the larger incision and pain in my left shoulder, hoping that stops soon. Other than that, I'm just pretty excited about starting this new journey! Reading all your posts and updates is so encouraging and informative.

Well it's confirmed surgery on the 28th has been cancelled. I have a terrible case of Bronchitis. Rescheduled for March 12th Very Disappointed

im so sorry thats happened to you. i have a good idea just how the pressure has been mounting leading up to the surgery, and to have it cancelled like that would be a real blow. i hope that your infection clears up real soon, you want to be in good physical condition to have your surgery. The day will be here before you can turn around. best wishes to you. judych

Well. I haven't posted in a few days. I had my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Ortiz last friday. So I am 4 days post-op now. The surgery went great. The only immediate pain that I had was the gas bubble under my left breast bone (a big one). It is almost gone now. My incisions are almost all the way healed already, so that is good. The day after surgery I traveled for 15 hours, a border crossing, 3 airports, and 3-5 miles of walking. I was beat by the end of the day. I am sure I over did it, but I didn't have a choice. Yesterday sucked I just wanted to eat something, and was kind of bitter that I could'nt. Woke up today with a much better attitude. I do get to have a smoothie today. Yae! I wish you all luck! I can't wait to be in Onederland!

...**

im so glad that its all over and went well. you did have a mammoth task to travel that far. Actually, at one point i was thinking of travelling all the way there as well if i couldnt get a referral here. im in southern australia. i think the main issue with me was the long distance that i would have had to travel both there and home again. mind you, i dont see my specialist until the 7th, but im positive that he will operate. anyway, i was thinking of you last night our time. its great to hear that you got through it o.k. How did your hubbie go with his broken ankle and crutches?? did you cope o.k. with your luggage?? judych

Tomorrow's the big day! I can't wait, by this time tomorrow it'll be all over! I've spent the last few days completely fine with my decision, no nerves or anything. Then boom I walked out of my office, got in the elevator and had a meltdown:( now I'm wondering around my apartment trying to find something to occupy myself; I just want to go to sleep so I can wake up already!! I love reading everyone's experiences, it's been a huge help!! xx