Hello, I am new to the site! My big day is on Thursday. Today was the day of my consult with the doctor. I am getting pretty scared now. For the past 3 months. I was like "I'm Ready" and now I am ready to say nevermind.

My questions...

I got the list of items that I could have after the surgery. What items has anyone found that were excellent? Protein shake too.

Did anyone else feel the butterflys 2-3 days prior to there surgery?

I don't do well with pain. Is there alot of pain involved in this?

My doctor told me that 50% lose 50% of there excessive body weight and less than 20% lose 70% of there excessive weight. Has anyone experienced 70% or greater loss of there excessive weight?

I will stop with the question. Can anyone ease my mind?

Jackie

Dallas, TX

331.5/mini goal 10%/175

Banding date: 4/22/04

Hi Jackie,

Welcome to the site! I'm not banded yet but I would think that all of the questions and feeling you are having are perfectly normal. My Bariatric team said I could expect to lose approximately 60% of my weight and of course that depends on how much I work with the tool that is being given to me. The one thing I have noticed here is that whatever amount a person loses... they seem to keep it off which sounds like a delightful change to me! If I lost even 50% of my weight and kept if off... I'd be tickled pink.:eek: It looks to me that if a person really works with the lapband they can accomplish whatever percentage of weight-loss they are hoping for.

I asked the same question about Protein powder... the one that was recommended to me most was "Unjury" http://www.unjury.com/ I did buy a can of Advantage while I was grocery shopping yesterday but haven't tried it yet... thought it would be good have one that is pre-mixed for road trips and such.

Good luck with your surgery... I'd love to be in your shoes but imagine I will be nervous when my time comes too! Everyone is VERY friendly and helpful here!

Darcy

Hi Jackie,

I was banded on 4-2-04 and I must admit I had reservations,

tripidations and misgivings along with elation, excitment on and off until a week after I got back. I think that roller coaster of emotions is somehting the majority of people will feel. I saw a book at the book store called "Feel the Fear, Do It Anyway" and that was like a mantra I use for myself. I am so happy I did go through with it and am on the other side! I am feeling better everyday and looking forward to learning more about myself and my band and a whole new life really.

Try to enjoy the excitment and picture yourself home getting well afterwards and getting thin. You will see it all will be worth it.

Carolyn

Hi Jackie,

I was banded on 3/24 and the surgery itself is a piece of cake. I had never had surgery before so I was very nervous about the postop pain. My surgeon uses a local anesthetic that lasts about 10-12 hours afterward(you could ask your surgeon if he does this also) so I had no pain at all until the middle of the night when I got up to go to the bathroom. The pain was a little sharp only where the port was placed. The first day after surgery I was uncomfortable but not unbearably so and I slept most of it anyway. The second day it was almost as if I hadn't had anything done. The port site hurts for a couple of weeks when you use your abdominal muscles but tylenol or ibuprofen took care of any discomfort. Don't be surprised if you have gas pains that go up into your shoulders, these are from the gas they use to insufflate your abdomen. I had a little bit of that but walking help significantly. Do a lot of walking afterwards. I started out walking for about 20 minutes a day. I found I wasn't that hungry for the first couple of weeks afterward. For the first time in my life I had to remind myself to eat.

I just copied and pasted what I had told someone previously down below. I hope it helps.

Congratulations on your decision to get banded and change your life forever!!!!! :banana :banana :banana :banana :banana

Some things that have helped me through the first three and a half weeks:

1. Stock up on plenty of non-carbonated liquids. Bottles of Water help keep count of water intake. I am not a great water drinker so I usually add sugar-free Kool-aid or Crystal Light. Also it would have been nice to have more options available, I soon learned. Once you get to full liquids it gets easier, you can choose from things like V8 juice, Yogurt smoothies, Instant Breakfast (sugar-free of course), etc. I have just gotten into the habit of looking on the shelves for different options. When you find something that works don’t forget to let us know!!!

2. I also bought all the different kinds of mashed potatoes in a cup but found that instant potatoes tasted better – it’s all a matter of preference, yogurts, sugar-free puddings, tomato soup(one of my faves), actually any Soup works, I have found that blending them in the blender makes just about any of them go down well. Malt-O-Meal and Cream of wheat are also tasty warm meals.

3. Protein shakes were my salvation (and still are) when I just don’t get enough in. The Atkins and Slim fast ones have 20grams of protein, which help with getting the 60grams of protein in daily. I either drink these over ice or I mix them with ice in a blender to make a smoothy (almost like a milk shake)

4. There are also plenty of choices in the sugar free Popsicle aisle. There are fudgesicles, cremesicles, and just about any flavor Popsicle. These are great because you can actually chew them.

5. Don’t forget your chewable Vitamins, antacids (chewable or liquid), advil or tylenol (chewable or liquid – like Jennye said, try to get the adult strength or you end up drinking half the bottle), and something for gas (although I haven’t needed that yet).

6. Don’t be surprised at how much you can eat at different times of the day. I have yet to figure it out. Sometimes I feel like I can eat anything and others I can’t eat hardly anything without getting that “it’s all going to come back up” feeing.

Take Care and Good Luck and let us know how it goes!!!

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and help information. I am still a little nervous, but talking with others has helped alot. I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have to take this journey one day at a time. I will need everyone, I'm sure of it. Thanks!

I can't tell you much but i know i sailed through the surgery all the nures said they were amazed at how quick i had recovered. I felt discomfort in my left side where the port was and counldn't lay on left side for 2 weeks that is now better. I do remember about an hour after the op i asked my mum if they had put the band in as i felt slightly hungry and not much pain i was expecting to be very sore and sorry for myself, i was ready to leave hospital the day after surgery but had to wait for the dr's ok.

Goodluck for your big day and i wait to hear how you went

It's a life changing event for the best

Jackie

Good luck tomorrow with your surgery.I will be thinking of you.I will be going in nexts Wed.I just got off the phone and confirmed it with my Doctor.So I will be right behind you.Be sure and let me know how you are feeling and how it went.

thanking of you

Joyce

jjfredericks4@aol.com:mad:

Good Luck tomorrow Jackie! I hope I'll be in your shoes before long and will be wishing you a speedy and uncomplicated recovery. Be sure to come and update us when you are feeling up to it!

Darcy

Sorry I'm coming to this late, but GOOD LUCK TOMORROW, JACKIE!!

Please don't forget to come back and let us know how things went. You're on your way!! :mad: :banana