I wanted to start a thread for those of us who are waiting "with bated breath" for our surgeries in March.

I am supposed to start Optifast on February 26th. I am currently waiting for the shipment, including my surgical package to be delivered. Once I get my package I am supposed to call the clinic.

Ever since committing to this surgery (which I am paying for myself via a personal loan) I have been obsessed with reading everything I can about it and about people who have had it. I am still kind of hoping for some kind of "divine word" about whether or not it is the right thing for me to do.

I am "only" 75 lbs over my ideal weight but am type II diabetic. I am trying to figure out if my reason for doing this is my health or my vanity or a combination of both. The diabetes needs to be gone (when I am 20 lbs lighter it is gone) but I am sure looking forward to losing the weight and actually keeping it off for more than 20 minutes...

I was banded on 3-15-07. Its been hard!!! I have been very sick. Today is the best I have felt. My stomach can't handly pain meds. and the gas oh the need to burp a can't. I'm hoping this is the hardest and things will only get better from here.

I was banded on 3-15-07. Its been hard!!! I have been very sick. Today is the best I have felt. My stomach can't handly pain meds. and the gas oh the need to burp a can't. I'm hoping this is the hardest and things will only get better from here.

I am sorry to hear that Cindy! I was banded on the 15th as well. Walking really helps get rid of the gas. I just walk around my bedroom or livingroom for about 10 minutes 2-3 times a day and it has really helped. Keep moving and you will feel alot better!

I'm here and reading everyone's experience - taking it all in!

Just 3 more days for me :clap2:

Thanks Tammy!!! I'm super excited, but like all of us surely were before sugery, a bit nervous. There's so much to do beforehand, so that's keeping me busy, not to mention that I'm so knee deep in my pre-medicine courses that I can barely breathe as it is. So, at least I have something to occupy my time. hahaha. How are you feeling? How is everything going??? :-)

Thanks Tammy!!! I'm super excited, but like all of us surely were before sugery, a bit nervous. There's so much to do beforehand, so that's keeping me busy, not to mention that I'm so knee deep in my pre-medicine courses that I can barely breathe as it is. So, at least I have something to occupy my time. hahaha. How are you feeling? How is everything going??? :-)

I am feeling really good!!! I was very nervous myself, but I am so glad I did this! Don't worry...You are going to do GREAT! It also makes me feel good that people like you in the healthcare field are having this procedure done as well. We all have made a great decision in being banded!!! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

I'll give you an idea of what MOST of the healthcare field thinks. My dad is a doctor, mom is a head nurse here in town. EVERY SINGLE doctor and nurse I talk to says that it is a remarkable breakthrough and they would recommend it to just about anyone with 50+lbs to lose.

Obviously, I can't speak for everyone, but the trend is exciting. I can't wait to see where this progresses in the future. :welldoneclap:

I'll give you an idea of what MOST of the healthcare field thinks. My dad is a doctor, mom is a head nurse here in town. EVERY SINGLE doctor and nurse I talk to says that it is a remarkable breakthrough and they would recommend it to just about anyone with 50+lbs to lose.

Obviously, I can't speak for everyone, but the trend is exciting. I can't wait to see where this progresses in the future. :welldoneclap:

That's great to hear. I was banded on the 5th of March and have not been happier. I know you will be too. It is weird to finalll eat like a normal person. I eat very slowly and can't finish my meal. My friends are blown away.

I'll give you an idea of what MOST of the healthcare field thinks. My dad is a doctor, mom is a head nurse here in town. EVERY SINGLE doctor and nurse I talk to says that it is a remarkable breakthrough and they would recommend it to just about anyone with 50+lbs to lose.

Obviously, I can't speak for everyone, but the trend is exciting. I can't wait to see where this progresses in the future. :welldoneclap:

Thanks for that great info--i'm being banded tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. and I'm getting really nervous and wondering if I am doing the right thing. Your post really helps with these last-minute jitters.

My biggest concern is complications during or after surgery because we are self-pay. The additional cost of problems would be very difficult for us so I think that is my biggest concern right now. I've done enough research to feel fairly confident about the lapband itself but the complications are a big risk financially. That's what I'm the most concerned about. I'll be glad when I wake up and can get in the car and go home on schedule. I'm determined to do everything I can to prevent complications after that! But, of course, it is a risk. Just thinking with my fingers (again). Thanks for listening. Karen

I'll give you an idea of what MOST of the healthcare field thinks. My dad is a doctor, mom is a head nurse here in town. EVERY SINGLE doctor and nurse I talk to says that it is a remarkable breakthrough and they would recommend it to just about anyone with 50+lbs to lose.

Obviously, I can't speak for everyone, but the trend is exciting. I can't wait to see where this progresses in the future. :welldoneclap:

I agree, that is so good to hear! My surgeons head nurse was banded in April 06 and has lost 100lbs already. She was with me the whole time on the day of my surgery and really put my mind at ease. She was also banded by the surgeon she works for.

Scarlett;

The runs is normal after any surgery. I have read many many posts and this surgery is not exception.

Then a few days after that clears up, you will get stopped up. I think the pain meds is what stopped me up, then one day I finally "went" and lost 4# in 24 hours. It has been "somewhat" normal since then.

Pam..

Thanks for the reply. Glad it is normal!! This is day 5 of just liquids. My stomach is making some horrible noises...I think it is crying what the heck happened to the food. :welldoneclap: Still feel a little punky but can feel every day is getting a little better. Wish I could stay off the scale!!:clap2:

Pam..

Thanks for the reply. Glad it is normal!! This is day 5 of just liquids. My stomach is making some horrible noises...I think it is crying what the heck happened to the food. :welldoneclap: Still feel a little punky but can feel every day is getting a little better. Wish I could stay off the scale!!:clap2:

How are you doing Scarlett??? I know we were both banded on the same day. I haven't weighed myself since surgery. I have to go to group support meetings ever Tuesday so I am going to wait until then. I am so afraid the scale will dissapoint me. That has always been my downfall when dieting.

Dear Mommy 202,

When you say you are bulemic, what do you mean. Do you occasionaly stick your finger down your throat to purge after a heavy meal OR are you COMPELLED to do it every time. I tried that in an effort to control my weight as it spiralled out of control. When my husband found out about it he made me promise to STOP & I never did it again. My problem was more with consumption than anything else.

I was banded on the 12th. I am 50 pounds to goal. I was 188 prior to my preop diet. I am now 170, at 7 days post op. I wouldn't want to vomit on a bet. Someone that had surgery the same time I did had a hernia that was repaired. The swelling obstructed the band and nothing could get down. She had a second surgery to repair the tear and broken stitches from VOMITING. Very scarey. You dont want the band to slip, or erode your stomach.

They just want you to be OKAY! I hope everything goes well with you. I know how frustrating this is. GOOD LUCK!

:high5: Here I sit, afternoon before my surgery, planning my 'last super'. WAY more excited than nervous!! All prayers are appreciated. Any and all post-op tips or information also greatly appreciated. I've waited soooo long ~ BRING IT ! !

God Bless,

Theresa Ann

Pam Banded: 'Just wanted to share an experience....'

WOW a 100lbs since November eh? Blimey Pam, was she coping with it all ok?

Is it 10lbs a month thats an expected weight loss after having the band, my Dr never said, he just said 40% loss with a band 60-70% loss with gastric surgery.

Yes she said she lost 100 pounds with gastric bypass since Nov. 2006.

The expected weight loss I have heard is 2 pounds a week.

Good Morning Everyone!!!

Well, today is 3 days post-op and nothing new to report. I'm still feeling pretty good. No hunger, no swelling, no pains! I haven't had much of an appetite so I am still doing clear liquids by choice. I will probably move on to full liquids tomorrow. I really don't have a story to tell!

It is so interesting to read about everyone else's experiences. I guess everyone is different and will experience different things. I keep waiting for the gas pains, but haven't had any. I don't have the runs...I'm all stopped up wishing I could move my bowels. I can swallow my pain pills whole while others are crushing them. I don't have any swelling in my abdomen while others do.

Pam, I am with you! I don't feel the restriction that others are talking about. Maybe I will feel it when I move on to full liquids or mushies or solids?!?! Maybe I won't feel it at all until after my first fill. I do have the larger VG band that holds 10cc so maybe that's why. There are so many new things that I will have to learn about my body and my band. This is a whole new world....WOW!!!!

Tammy

God Bless YOU!!! Finally somebody who I think is "normal" I am getting pretty upset about not having restriction and no pain and thinking I just might be the small percentage of people that this does not work for.

The only thing I will not do is "fried chicken" or fried General chicken. Probably never eat that again in my life.... Anything I have ever tried since is "normal". But like you I have the "10" band. So maybe we will get restriction upon fills. Goodness I hope so! Thanks for sharing because I was starting (seriously) to wonder about me and maybe my pain tolerance was so high that I was experiencing pain and did not know it.