Let's get to know each other before our surgery...I'll go first.

My name is Amy (37 years old). I live in central FL with my husband and two kids, 3 yo DS and 4.5 yo DD. I work in IT doing technical writing and operational readiness. I love photography and have a small side business, and when I'm thinner, I really enjoy running and spinning.

I was banded in Nov 2009 at 374 lbs. From my banding until Dec 2011 (2 years), I lost 198 lbs. I was thrilled! Despite the occasional vomit and inability to eat certain foods, I was still 99.9% happy with my band. Right after Christmas this year, however, I got a terrible upper respiratory infection. I coughed and coughed and coughed. I coughed until I puked, which caused a slip.

I got a complete unfill in early January. Once the slip was fixed, I started getting fills. But then my band developed a leak and slipped once again. Since the surgeon I was seeing was less than helpful, I found a new surgeon, Dr. Domkowski, who finally treated me without acting like I was crazy, as my last surgeon did. Based on his recommendations and test results, we decided to do the removal and sleeve in two separate surgeries.

Dr. D removed my band on August 3, 2012. Because of the extent of damage done by the band, including scarring and pulling the fundus through the diaphragm, I am waiting around four months to be sleeved. I'd love to be banded on November 25, which would have been the three year anniversary of my band.

I've gained about 70 lbs since December. Sigh. The good news is my surgeon is not at all concerned about my weight gain. He is 100% convinced that I'll lose it all once I'm sleeved, since I was so successful with the band. I'm a bit of a goody two-shoes, and I followed the rules to a "T", and I intend to do the same with the sleeve.

I hope the next four months fly by!

Yes. I'm wondering how that will work.

The diets are pretty hard, I have found many posts in the preop diet section on tips and things that others have used! Hopefully you can find something there that can help! I've also found that sugar free gum has helped me with head hunger and the desire to chew!

My surgery is Nov 15th!!!!! Yaaay me Middle TN

My approval came today! I'm waiting to get my final directions from my doctor. Mixed feelings and I don't know why.

My approval came today! I'm waiting to get my final directions from my doctor. Mixed feelings and I don't know why.

I had the same mixed feelings issues until today, my pre-op day. Good luck and I am so happy for you. Congrats.

Hi everyone!!! My surgery was today at noon..... And so far it's been fine! I'll post more tomorrow.... But looking back I realize I didn't need to worry- I hope that helps some of you whose surgeries are coming up to relax a bit. Also.... Please feel free to ask me any questions that are making you worry and I'll tell you whatever I can about my experience!!!

Hi everyone!!! My surgery was today at noon..... And so far it's been fine! I'll post more tomorrow.... But looking back I realize I didn't need to worry- I hope that helps some of you whose surgeries are coming up to relax a bit. Also.... Please feel free to ask me any questions that are making you worry and I'll tell you whatever I can about my experience!!!

I'm glad you are doing well!!! Thank you so much for your post, my surgery is in the morning! I'll be praying for your speedy recovery!!!! I'm a Lil nervous, but I know I'll be fine!

My surgery is Nov 15th!!!!! Yaaay me Middle TN

My surgery is November 21! And I am excited!!!

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Hi everyone!!! My surgery was today at noon..... And so far it's been fine! I'll post more tomorrow.... But looking back I realize I didn't need to worry- I hope that helps some of you whose surgeries are coming up to relax a bit. Also.... Please feel free to ask me any questions that are making you worry and I'll tell you whatever I can about my experience!!!

Thanks for posting. I'm starting to freak out a little bit. Surgery is Wednesday. How has your pain been? Any nausea?

I'm glad you are doing well!!! Thank you so much for your post' date=' my surgery is in the morning! I'll be praying for your speedy recovery!!!! I'm a Lil nervous, but I know I'll be fine![/quote']

You will do great!!! Use the pain med pump as much as you need in the beginning.... It's therefor you to be comfortable.!!!!!! And def wall when you can. Take it slow and easy but it WILL help you feel better faster! Well it did for me. Def bring chap stick slippers and a robe. You will do great and ill be thinking of you!!!

Thanks for posting. I'm starting to freak out a little bit. Surgery is Wednesday. How has your pain been? Any nausea?

You'll do great on Wednesday!! I had some pain when I woke up but it was like period cramps... Just in the wrong place and they took care of it like immediately. At he same time I felt a bit nauseous but that went away RIGHT away. I definitely went very light with the liquid diet yesterday.... Just 24 oz protein shake from 7a to 6p and did water in between. I didn't plan that I was just too nervous to put anything in my mouth! Maybe that helped?

You will do so great! Just do a lot of smiling and try to laugh while you are waiting for surgery! I was so nervous I cried on and off all day yesterday. If I knew how I'd be feeling today I def wouldn't have. I know everyone's experiences are different and I'm grateful for mine. Please keep us posted how you are and def ask me whatever you want!!

Thanks so much!! I feel a bit more at ease. Still trying to stay calm. I'm afraid of the pain, but hearing it isn't that bad is really a relief. I've had surgery before (knee surgery 10 years ago) and I just remember being really nauseous after, so I'm praying its not too bad this time. Thanks so much for this! I will keep everyone updated. And good luck to everyone else going this week! Thinking of all my sleeve sisters and brothers!

Walk walk walk early..I did and day two I was feeling good..u got it girl!

I go in for surgery in 3 hours. Excited and nervous, have a great day everyone.

Someone told me once ..the worst part was the waiting..and they were right...all the waiting..you will do fine..there disbanded prayer thread on here that calmed ne right before I went in..good luck..

God bless

Hello everyone ..my name is Fay... New and not so new here... Been following the forum for two weeks now and figures I should introduce my self... I started d program in may and am scheduled for this Friday the 16th ... Am getting nervous by the minute...there is no liquid pre op diet for my program although am going to put my self on one ..am so ready to welcome a new me and am glad this group exists cos you guys have all answered my questions in one way or another... Congrats Boston George am glad ur doing fine .

Hello!

Thank you for your kind words :-) You are going to do fine. I had my surgery last Monday and I'm down almost 19 lbs! It's crazy how little up you can eat. You are going to do great. Good luck on your journey!