I'm baaaaack!!

knitchique · October 8, 2003

Greetings from Bandlandia!

Well, I went in for surgery yesterday at 10:00am, and I came home today at 12:00noon!!

I guess my surgery was a textbook perfect case...or so said my surgeon:) I ended up with five incisions instead of six. It is something new they are trying. The only negative here is that the line of incisions are across my waistline. I am very short-waisted and there wasn't anywhere else to go with them:( I have to be very careful with my pants and stuff like that. It will also be a challenge when I go back to work, as the tables I use all day are right at that height.

I am pretty sure I have no restriction at all, my stomache is growling quite a bit. But I'm not sure if I feel hungry, I do feel kind-of bloated. Maybe that is still the gas lingering?? I had a bowl of chicken broth (home-made..yum) and I felt like after thanksgiving dinner, so hopefully that is a good sign. It will really be a challenge getting to recognize when I am full, truly full.

All in all, I am so happy I had this done, I am now in that waiting for my first fill stage, and I think it will seem like a very long time.

Yippee...I'm banded!!

Sheryl

MeganA · October 8, 2003

Congratulations! Thanks for the update! I hope you are feeling better every day.

I'm so excited for you, and glad that everything has been great so far.

Btw how did you make the broth? I've been thinking I should get some of it read but need some help.

Megan

knitchique · October 8, 2003

Thanks, I am feeling better each day, but some of my insicions are bleeding again...guess I'll call the nurse and see whats up.

As for the chicken broth...I roasted two chickens fo supper last week. I season with Kosher salt and cracked pepper and garlic, and stuff herbs and half an onion inside each chicken. Roast uncovered at 400 degrees til internal temp is 165 degrees. Then we enjoyed the chicken...

Then in a large Soup pot, put the carcasses in and all stuff still stuck to them, cover with cold Water. Add an onion, celery carrots black peppercorns (like 20) garlic, salt etc... anything else vegie-wise that you have on hand, and bring to a boil, and then let simmer for 2-3 or more hours. Strain, and VOILA, broth!

Say, when are you having surgery?? Or did you on the 6th, too?? You had mentioned that you might have it then...

Keep in touch!

Sheryl

gabby · October 8, 2003

congrats on your surgery.........wow already at the computer.... I really am looking forward to this........by the way I'm Gabby........lived in MN for 41/2 years..........will be banded by the vascular surgeons in Feb..........keep us posted and get well soon;)

knitchique · October 10, 2003

Thanks Gabby, and welcome!

Where are the Vascular Surgeons? Which Hospital? And, just curious, why not til Feb?

I was just so excited to be banded that I did everything I could to speed the process along, even though they told me it would take 6 to 8 monthes, it took less than two!!

I'm sure every hospital has different procedures and different waiting periods. I wish you luck on you "Band journey", I'm very happy that I have been banded!!

Sheryl

soon2bskinny · October 10, 2003

Congratulations on your surgery! Sounds like you are doing great. While you may feel like you are waiting for a fill already I believe once you get to eat solids then you won't feel the same way. The liquid/mush stage does'nt do justice to the bands use. You will see......in the meantime concentrate on healing.

Best of wishes!

gabby · October 10, 2003

I can't believe you got yours done that quickly. I started my journey several years ago....... I was going for the by-pass, then, I came across a website and was mortified. Just last year I found out about the lapband and went to the next informational meeting. The meeting was put on by the vascular surgeons out of Abbott-Northwestern. They told us there that it would take 8-10 month wait. It will have been 14 mos for me. I truly didn't realize there were others doing the surgery. I also had to change jobs so I could get the right insurance coverage. Did you have yours done by U of M team? How's everything going for you? How long have you been out of work?........Sure is nice to have a "neighbor" going through this. Regards Gabby

knitchique · October 10, 2003

I had my surgery through the doctors at Park Nicollet in St. Louis Park, and had the actual surgery done at Methodist Hospital. I too didn't think anyone around here did the lapband, and I was referred to the Abbott Dr.'s for by-pass, and after the research, was scared...came across this lapband thing and then found out my best friend works at that office!! the rest is history.

Sheryl

knitchique · October 10, 2003

Oh, and I took a week off from work, I have to go back on Monday:(

I am feeling well, though, aside from being hungry.....

Sheryl

gabby · October 10, 2003

Sheryl, Wow had I known I too would be banded by now. Can I ask if insurance gave you any hassels? Hubby has Aetna and we knew they would give us grief, the billing folks us kinda guided us with that. Just wish this was around 20 years ago. hmmmm better late than never.................Gabby

knitchique · October 10, 2003

I had absolutely no trouble with the insurance co...Medica Choice. i feel a little bad posting that, cuz so many on these boards do have trouble, over and over again. I called Medica and asked if they cover weight loss surgery, especially the Adjustable gastric banding, and that was it.

Sheryl

gabby · October 11, 2003

I had Blue Cross and hubby has Aetna.....finding out that these would cause hassels with lapband sugery......I quit my job and found one that has Medica.....so were ready there.......thanks so much....gabby