Any advice??? tips??? I am so nervous but so ready!

Congrats on getting a date!

My advice is to expect to freak out at least once between now and then.

Hey MacMadame -

I have an October 17th B-Day (band day) as well :biggrin:!!! Excited, nervous, anxious, biting my nails :cool2: - yeah, all of the above. Running to the store tomorrow for some last minute things for my recovery (ie, gas-x strips, liquid advil, broth, yogurt, popsicles, etc)

Guess I'm just trying to keep busy to keep my mind off things. Hope the next few days go quickly for both of us and then bam, we'll be banded!!! Keep in touch and let me know how you're doing. I'll pray for you and vice versa, ok??

Hugs,

OOOOOPS - the person with the Oct 17th surgery date is HersheyMalone - sooorrrrryyyyyy!!!!!!

Hi just got approved today and my surgery is Oct. 17th also, wishing you both the best of luck!!! Nervous and excitied as well

The interesting thing (I'm about 2 weeks into being banded-10/1 for me) is that while every experience is personal, there are a few things that EVERYONE seems to experience.

Gas...this hurts like a mother...the gasx strips are a little helpful but I only found relief from a heating pad and lying down/sitting up. There were times I went to lie down and (sorry if I'm being gross) but I'd pause halfway because I would have this wonderful, never ending burp that would just roll out. May sound gross but after dealing with those gas pains, you'll have a new appreciation for belching :biggrin:

Hunger...I've been hungry ever since being banded. The hunger is the lower part of the stomach...you'll be full 'up top' but starving underneath. I suggest meditating because I almost made a huge mistake by eating when I didn't need to (I did it once...big mistake).

Port Pain...Ouch. 2 weeks out and it's still sore. Nothing to be done for the most part.

the 'Blues'...I've had periods of regret...usually when I'm hungry and someone is eating a Whopper or fries in my vicinity. For the most part, however, I'm happy I did it. Blues are normal..you can get lots of help and support here.

Eating...Personally, I have no restriction and can eat whatever now. Some people get sick, some throw up, etc. The one thing we all agree on is following your liquid diet the first week, then mushies. Some doctors tell you liquid for 2 weeks and while you should follow their instructions, most people follow the liquid to mushies over a period of 2 weeks and seem to do okay with it.

Please understand, I'm not generalizing. I'm just taking what I've read and tried to pick out the things that MOST have experienced. You may have more of less or a different experience but these 4 things are what most of us seem to have in common. Hopefully, other people will add to these general things. Good luck to you and while I'm finding it is NOT easy, it's worth it.

thanks for the tips/advice... The gas is a little scary.... With surgery being on Thursday, I am going to try and go back to work on Tuesday and work half days from home.... I'm ready to get the ball rolling....

I am also having my surgery on the 17th! I will be flying out tomorrow morning (having it done in Mexico at OCC) I am also very excited and also very nervous at the same time.

Had surgery yesterday and was back home last night.. The only issues I have now are..

Back is killing me. Could it be gas.

Where the port is, I am very tender and feel like gas is there... It's very painful and hurts like a son of gun!

Any suggestions?