Okay, it's tuesday night and you are having surgery tomorrow 3/23 with Dr Ponce...Eliza's getting her ba-and, Elizas' getting her ba-and (song stolen from vinesqueen, thanks, it's cute)

Post as soon as you can and let us know how you are feeling!

Happy Banding!!!

Hi Eliza... welcome to bandland! WOOOHOO!!!

Congratulations! Please post and let us know how you're doing when you feel like it.

Congrats!!!! I hope you are feeling well:)

Okay, I guess you are making me wait until Friday...welcome home! welcome to bandland! all the scoop please...how are you feeling? have you lost any weight yet? (just kidding) how was recovery in Dalton, did your kids miss you, and did your mom have fun playing nurse?

When you are up to it...sign on soon!!

Welcome to bandland!

Elizas' getting her ba-and! Yay!

hope your procedure and recovery go as great as mine did!

Okay, she's back! Bumping here so she'll post all the scoop soon!

Thank you everyone for the support. I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Jaime Ponce and his staff. They have been professional and compassionate through this whole process. Their outpatient facility in Dalton, GA is truely state of the art- just like their brochure says. My mother went with me...she has been in medical management for over 25 years and was totally impressed by the staff and facility. I would go back there in a heart beat! So would she.

As for my experience, it has been better than expected. Instead of going to the hotel after surg. I ended up spending the night...my cardiologist in SC wanted me to be monitored for 24c hours. (I have cardiomyopathy). The best news was that it did not cost extra to spend the night. If I had been at a "hospital" it probably would have been $2,000+ more! I was the only one there with two nurses. I had great room service.

They kept me on pain meds for the first day then after that I choose not to take any more. The pain is not severe, I am really just sore. The hard part has been my lack of energy and being hungry. Dr. Ponce's dietary (very basic) guidelines are: 1st week clear liquids;2nd-3rd week thicker liquids Protein shakes,etc..4th week mushy foods. The Clear Liquids are not "cutting" it..I am still hungry. I am drinking fluids and eating popsicles. This helps. I know this is one the hardest times for

bandsters and I am being strong. This will pass and on Wednesday I will have a Protein shake for breakfast! and in six weeks will get myfirst fill!

As for weight loss..I have no idea and am not planning on getting on a scale for at least a week. I don't really see a point of weighing right now, especailly with the swelling. I can tell you that I "feel" thinner and healthier by being on the liquid diet. The slate is being washed clean so that I can start over ...eating well and healthy. Good luck to everyone else out there ands thanks again for the support. I will keep you posted.

Woo-Hoo Eliza! I'm so glad that things turned out so well for you. Good Luck with the healing process!

Hope

Eliza---Sounds like you are off to a tremendous start!! Good for you - And your so right this part of your journey will be the toughest. Just think when you finally get on that scale I bet you'll have tears of joy running down your checks when you see how much you've lost. Keep us posted & CongratS!!!