Hello Everyone,

I'm really excited that I found this website. As mentioned in the subject line, I just had my surgery last Thursday, May 10th and I would love to talk to others about their experiences with the lap band and also just to make some new friends I can relate to and vise versa. I'm 23 years old and I've struggled with my weight for my entire life. I've done the yoyo dieting and tried just about every single diet under the sun. There were some small successes but I could never keep it off. I want to be healthy and feel healthy! Please feel free to say hello or message me at any time and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Also, I'm technologically challenged so if anyone knows of any really great forums or tools on the site, please let me know! Can't wait to talk to some of you!

R

Congrats!!

So how did u feel the same day? How do you feel now?

Anything i should expect? I get banded on the 18th.

Thank you! Congrats to you too! It's so soon, feels kinda surreal, right?

The day of surgery I actually felt pretty good afterwards, but thats because I was still super loopy and doped up from the anesthesia. Make sure you don't overdo it and just constantly keep hydrated. Definitely buy some sugar free popsicles - so yummy. Walk a lot, even if it's just up and down the halls in your house while the tv is on. Make sure you're sleeping enough and don't bend down or stretch too far (ask for help, i'm a stubborn ass and pushed it a little too far a couple times). Definitely use your ice pack. Ummm...I'l let you know if I think of more. And don't worry, you can message me as soon as your surgery is done if that!

How is your preop diet going?

Congrats!!

So how did u feel the same day? How do you feel now?

Anything i should expect? I get banded on the 18th.

I had my surgery on May 11th. The first day was good just really think about drinking your fluids. My favorite fluids were sugar free popsicles and chicken or beef broth. The broth even has some protein in it. My second day seemed to be the worst if you could call it that. My biggest pain is where my port is but even that isnt that bad. My throat hurt because he fixed a hiatal hernia and the tube I guess. I think that's why the popsicles and broth felt so good. Plus I think for each popsicle has 1 oz of fluid. Anyways this is day 4 post op and feeling so much better!! I've increased my shake from 4 oz to 6 oz not because I feel hungry but I need to get my protein in. I have never felt hungry either which I find amazing!!! My husband has been fixing dinner for him and our son and it hasnt even bothered me. I have the mind set to do this and not fail!!!! Plus most of all I have God's grace to help me. He is such a merciful God and will always be right by our side.

If you have any questions just ask would love to help!!!

Tammy

Hi everyone. I am pretty new to this as well and am getting banded tomorrow morning. I am super excited and nervous lol.

Tammy - It is so good to hear that you're doing so well! I'm struggling with getting my Protein in too. I have little to no appetite the past couple days, so this morning I put a scoop of chocolate bariatric protein formula in some malto-meal. Not too bad. I know that you said the worst day was your second day regarding pain. My port and two of my incisions are still pretty sore and i have to be really careful moving in order to avoid sharp stabbing pain. Any tips?

TX mom 27 - Good luck tomorrow! Let me know if you need to talk or chat or anything afterwards. You're going to do great. I was also super scared/nervous and excited at the same time. I have faith in you, just take care of yourself and really pay attention to drinking your fluids!

So fantastic to hear! Ny surgery is scheduled for June 5th, I'll very starting my pre-op diet next week... should be a challenge but I'm ready!

So exciting! I was really worried about the pre-op diet but it was way easier than I expected and it went by faster than I thought it would. I think it's easier knowing that you HAVE to stick to the pre-op diet, otherwise they might decide not to do it if your liver hasn't shrunk enough. The fear from that alone definitely kept me on track. haha. What does your pre-op diet entail? I've heard different things.

500-600 calories. Mostly liquids and Protein Shakes. I can have lean cuts of meat if I begin to feel dizzy

I would have to agree, the fear alone is enough for me!

That doesn't sound too bad. You'll do great. I had to be on 2 protein shakes a day, 1 serving of soup, and one snack (either a 10 calorie jello, low fat sugar free pudding, or a greek yogurt). You seem like you have a little more leeway so you'll do great!

Congrats to all the newbies, I too have a tentative date of June 13th. I have been going through the process since Nov 24th, 2011. Long haul but I am sure it will be all worth the wait to finally start leading a healthy lifestyle.

Thanks for the tip on bending and lifting. I have 2 cats so I will be making sure my hubby does the cat litter box daily. got my daughter to come over and help me as well. I just wish I knew how long will I be able to resume back to my daily chores?

Keep in touch everyone!

-Patty

Ahh yes, that doesn't sound too bad.

Although, I do need to figure out what I'm going to have during that time. I'd assume that planning it out helps

Patty - we're on our way!

For sure. I made a master grocery list before those two weeks. haha. and of course you can run to the store to get stuff but i really had to focus to stay away from yummy looking things. haha Oh, if you get the chocolate Protein, it tastes really good with skim milk and 1 tablespoon of Peanut Butter. For sure my fave shake recipe, just fyi and i'm a major fan of progresso Soups. One can is two servings, pretty much a cup each exactly and they're pretty yummy.

That does sound yummy. I'll have to try that next, I just bought some strawberry flavored... fingers crossed it isn't disgusting

ooo Peanut Butter mixed with the shakes I have to try, it sounds delish! I have been doing the soups with a scoop of Protein powder now as a Meal Replacement,its not so bad. I but the low sodium and no sodium and just mix them together, or I just add extra Water to the low sodium because honestly even at 480 mg of sodium (x) how many cups we have to drink that really does add up. I have controlled high blood pressure and don't want all that salt triggring a spike, and I really don't want to retain water (even though I do take a water pill).

This weekend I am making my own protein sugar free jell-o and eager to see how they come out and taste. I will let everyone know once I done this, LOL. I have so many ideas of how I am going to pull this getting protien in since I hear so many have this major complaint about getting the recommended protien they need to intake daily. That will be the challenge!

That is great I am going in on the 23rd and im am so nevous.. I did really well after I had my gallbladder out 3yrs ago, I am hoping to feel the same way, Im just really scared and excited, I have been on my pre op diet for a week no and its been good any advice for after surgery.