Hey all.

So there's a bunch of us in this group, all split up into our different banding days. I was thinking that it might be a good idea to have one master thread as we move through the month, in which all of us could post as we go, from the pioneers going on March 1st to the finalists on March 31st.

I'd love to talk about our anticipation and any worries as we approach our banding date, for people to talk about exactly what happened from the moment they walked into the hospital door until the second they walked out, about how recovery is going, about weight loss and plateaus, about non-scale victories and challenges.

I was thinking that if we all contribute to one thread, it'll form a more substantial channel for information and support. At the moment, I was thinking that we might be too spread out into individual date, and that a central thread would be a really good backbone for the group, in addition to the date-specific threads.

What do you think?

Fenton

YIPPIE i think my shoulder pain is finally gone! Around 2 30 today i noticed i felt pretty good and it might have come and gone a few times but wasnt that bad.

Fenton maybe we need to warn you when we start talking about our undergarments dont want you to blush.

Christine - glad your back and sorry your nurse/room mate were so horrible. People sometimes forget how to be respectful, seems like they both found you!

Harley - Sorry your day was so crappy! I go back tomorrow and thank the Lord, I am in the office tomorrow and not traveling.

Fenton - 38 lbs is awsome! I know you want more and when I get there I will too.

Texas - glad your feeling bettr today and Rhonda, I am like you, thank God the shoulder pain is gone!!

Harley! I'm so sorry to hear about your Less Than Fun day!

I think there's a point in the recovery process where you kind of Turn a Corner, and suddenly you feel a lot better. The worst of the swelling has eased, the fluids are going down easier, you're walking, the gas pain has let up, and you accept that, yes, indeed, the sun will come out tomorrow...

Sounds to me as if you're just about to hit that point.

I'm not sure that I follow you with the hiatal hernia repair. My understanding is that it's just a couple of extra stitches to tighten up the area where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. Most people with a weight problem have some degree of reflux, and this will sort that out. And many people with bands have some degree of slippage, the risk for which is definitely lowered by those extra stitches - apparently, as you lose weight, you end up with more room around your esophagus and a greater chance of developing a hiatal herna.

I knew it was a possibility before I went in, and asked the surgeon to take care of it if I had one, and was happy that he did.

Do you have to cough up more dough for it?

Speaking of warnings, I think at the very least there should be alerts that read, like, FENTON, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT BRAS NOW. It's only decent, fer cryin' out loud!

And busy and Rhonda, glad to hear that the shoulder pain has gone - I'd say you guys are turning the corner I mentioned above.

Harley! I'm so sorry to hear about your Less Than Fun day!

I think there's a point in the recovery process where you kind of Turn a Corner, and suddenly you feel a lot better. The worst of the swelling has eased, the fluids are going down easier, you're walking, the gas pain has let up, and you accept that, yes, indeed, the sun will come out tomorrow...

Sounds to me as if you're just about to hit that point.

I'm not sure that I follow you with the hiatal hernia repair. My understanding is that it's just a couple of extra stitches to tighten up the area where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. Most people with a weight problem have some degree of reflux, and this will sort that out. And many people with bands have some degree of slippage, the risk for which is definitely lowered by those extra stitches - apparently, as you lose weight, you end up with more room around your esophagus and a greater chance of developing a hiatal herna.

I knew it was a possibility before I went in, and asked the surgeon to take care of it if I had one, and was happy that he did.

Do you have to cough up more dough for it?

I'm thrilled that it's taken care of......that's for sure! I would hate to have to re-visit it later....I just wish someone would have told me they did it!!

I knew it was a possibility and not uncommon....I'm just a little irked that it wasn't mentioned to me or my family before I got a billing call.

As for more dough, that's what it sounds like. The billing lady was *fairly confident* that the insurance would cover that part.....esp since they're getting off pretty cheap with me paying for the bulk of it. IF the insurance won't cover it......not sure...time will tell. Hell, I'll go to my grave in debt, so what's one more?

I knew all about my hernia repair before surgery day. I actually found out when I had my chest x-ray done for pulmonology. The actual hernia was worse than they thought, but repair was done.

As far as my insurance, I know all procedures are coverd, just not sure if there is any co-insurance due, being early in the year I may not have hit that first $1000. guess i wait to see what bills arrive...

Glad to see everyone that has recently been banded are doing well and getting back into the swing.

As for more dough, that's what it sounds like. The billing lady was *fairly confident* that the insurance would cover that part.....esp since they're getting off pretty cheap with me paying for the bulk of it. IF the insurance won't cover it......not sure...time will tell. Hell, I'll go to my grave in debt, so what's one more?

I wonder if insurance could be billed for the surgery coded as hernia repair. Then you pay what the band would cost. I know when I started this procedure there was a post on the boards saying if there was a gallbladder issue the surgeon could justify the surgery due to the gallbadder.....then add the lap band. Just a thought.

Hey everyone!!!!

Well i am having a hard few days.....i think i have entered bandster hell....my apitite is back...i am on soft foods so anything i can cut with a fork....and i am eating like 6-7 oz of food i am going nuts....today i think i ate a little too much because i have felt sick all day sorta nauses but other than that i am ok.....just having a hard time just like you Fenton.... I am eating too many calories i think espically the last few days....and i am not seeing any movement in the scale....

I am going to go hide the scale LOL and i am going to go pull my hair out...i am seriously going nuts....i dont get my first fill for another 2 weeks.... HELP what do i do....

I'm having a hard time too. Not so much with the eating, etc. I just don't feel good yet. 1 week after surgery I got a sinus infection and 2 weeks after I got this awful stomach bug. I've still got remnants of both and I just feel like I've been sick forever. I know I'll get past it, it's just getting there that's the problem.

Ay yi yi! There is Much Discontent in the House of the Shrinking Shamrocks!!!

I hope everyone's issues resolve quickly!

I'm pretty sure they will...

Edited March 26, 200818 yr by Fenton

Sending serious good thoughts to the struggling shamrocks!

Texgirl, you poor little peanut.....two of the most miserable ailments right on top of surgery.....hoping you're feeling better SOON!

It is 5 a.m. and we are about ready to head out for our two hour journey to the hospital. Surgery is at 9:00 so please think good thoughts. It sure doesn't take long to get ready without makeup, jewelry, breakfast, drinks, etc. I woke up at 11:50 last night and got up to say a final farewell to Diet Pepsi. I could sure use a drink of anything about now. I'll let you know how the day goes!

Well I started mushies today . I had an egg and some baby carrots . My dietician said no Soup , cream of wheat , oatmeal , potatoes or salad for the next two weeks . I know every Dr. is different but my seems to be really strick.

If you think your doctor is strict. I have a "bad" list that includes carrots, cream of wheat, and oatmeal (unless it is the low cal healthy alternative). I don't know how long I am suppose to stay away from those foods but the doc said that they will stunt weight loss.

I am banded!! Banded on 3-24-08 - spent the night at the hospital and came home yesterday around 1:00 p.m.

I am sore, tired, and dealing with gas issues - but will get them worked out today.

Hope everyone that was banded on March 24th / March 25th is doing good!!