I am new to the boards and just got my date today - August 17! I am so excited! My surgeon is Dr. Allan Geiss in Syosset, NY. Looking forward to talking to everyone.

I'm nervious, excited, and having just the slightest bit of concern about feeling the port. But overall I can't wait to get healthy!!

If your surgery is in August too, come on in!

:clap2::sun::Banane56::wave:

Broth for me too! Day 6 and I only have one more day of it before surgery Friday am. I can't believe it is so close. Prayers go up for all august bandsters and especially those on aug 4. We are all one special group!!!

Quick question...how do u change the weights on your tickers? Do you have to create a new ticker?

Just got my pre-op testing scheduled for Friday. Upper GI, EKG, blood work, and meet with the anesthesiologist. Busy morning! She said the doc wants a lipid level done as part of the blood work. What the heck is that and what info does it give the doctor?

Lipid panels are your cholesterol levels...

Quick question...how do u change the weights on your tickers? Do you have to create a new ticker?

No! You don't have to. I thought you had to also when I first started.

Go back to the ticker website (from the same computer you set it up on), click weight loss and then either 1) continue to hit next until you get to the "numbers" page or 2) the "numbers" page might automatically pop up once you enter the weight loss section.

I'm not at my home computer so I can't visually see the page so I am doing this from memory.

If this doesn't work let me know and I will get back with you later this evening.

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz on July 10th. So far so good! I was originally scheduled with Dr. Lopez, but after reading the posts on this site--I changed. The experience was fantastic. I enjoyed it so much that I have my cousin going down and will be banded August 25th also! Her name is Liz you should be able tell from her Philadelphia accent.

I am going to see if I can get a fill on the 25th also--so I can be with her. Maybe we will run into you at the clinic or hotel!

No! You don't have to. I thought you had to also when I first started.

Go back to the ticker website (from the same computer you set it up on), click weight loss and then either 1) continue to hit next until you get to the "numbers" page or 2) the "numbers" page might automatically pop up once you enter the weight loss section.

I'm not at my home computer so I can't visually see the page so I am doing this from memory.

If this doesn't work let me know and I will get back with you later this evening.

Thanks, I will try it now!

Greetings Fellow August Bandsters: I was just wondering if I may be the first of the August bandsters. Recieved a medium size, band at 7:00am on August 1, by Dr. Montgomery in Everett Washington. What a great company. As a self-pay patients, I had done alot of research before chosing NW Weight Loss Surgery. NWWLS has there own surgery center, they can keep there costs down. They were very friendly and very experienced.

They decided to use the Medium size band. This has resulted in some restriction, together will some small pain about 5 seconds after swallowing. It's not that bad, and I think the Medium size may have some long term advantages. I am hoping that I can go right into weight loss and not need a fill for some time.

Also, some normal swelling at the port site. However, with the pain meds, ice and some warming pads, I am doing well.

I am drinking gatorade and Atkins pre-made shakes. They are going down, but not without some pain when it hits the band site, about 4-5 seconds after sallow. That lasts for about 2 seconds then goes away. So, I have been able to drink over 36 oz of Fluid per day. Keeps getting better by the hour. Just have to learn to drink in small sips.

No desire for anything more solid at this time. There is some hunger, but I think it is all Mind-Hunger.

I will keep you posted. Let me know if you have any specific questions. (Not that I would have any great knowledge, but can tell you what is happening to me.)

Good luck to all. Drifter

Drifter - I sure hope I am doing as well as you are a day after my surgery!!! Keep us posted on your progress. You will be an inspiration for many of us August Bansters.

Today was my band-day! I was banded by Dr. Spivak in Houston this morning. I was there from 8-1, though my surgery was at around 10 or so. I'm not big on general anesthesia, and shaking that off was really the worst part for me. I was also having some gas pains and some pain around the port area. I took some pain medication later this afternoon and had a nap and woke up feeling much better. I still have a bit of discomfort from the gas and a bit of pain around the port area, but I feel better than I thought I would tonight.

I've been having liquids - Water, broth, Jello, Slimfast shake (small amount). Dr. Spivak is very liberal on what you can have post-op, but I'm probably going to stick to liquids for 48 hours.

I'm very excited and relieved and wanted to let y'all know about my experience asap.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jessica

Congratulations to both of you!!!!!

Drifter you have me worried though-I thought I read everything but I don't recall having read about getting pain about 5 seconds after you drink when you are first banded. Have you heard of this before? Have you called your doc about it?

TRIZZY**** I''ve just sat back and read messages, collecting information (this group is great!) untill I found all of you! my new found August banding friends! and this goes out especialy to "TRIZZY" because Im getting banded with Dr.Ortiz on August 24th-the day before you! I will probably see you there.Just like everyone waiting painfully patiently for thier turn to come-Im SOO EXCITED!! Good luck to all, now I know I don't have to just read the meeages.....chrissie

I sit here with a sore tummy, but over the worst part of banding. The procedure was very quick - I felt hung over by the anesthesia - everyone seemed wide awake afterwords and I kept falling asleep in the chair. The gas pains really bothered me but disappaited on the way home in the care. I took Gas X (cinammon flavored) and drank lots of warm broth and the pressure ended completely about an hour after we got home. Procedure was at 9:00 and I was at home by 12:30.

Thank goodness for this forum as I had the pleasure of meeting Jessica who was banded right after me. She looked great afterwards!

First day of the rest of my life started today. Onward and Downward the scales from here!:clap2:

Congrats to everyone that has been banded so far this month. You all sound like you are doing great! My anxiety is decreasing everytime I read one of your posts. Good luck and quick healing.

well the surgery is over .i hope i will not be hungery the first 5 days. i had it done on 8/2 please let me no what you cat have to drink for the first 5 days.