This may be too soon or maybe already started but I got my date for December 2nd and thought us December Bandsters should start to follow each other. Any takers? How's the preop appointments going? the preop diet? Any news is good news! (except for the fact that I have to quit smoking!!!!) :blushing:

So glad to hear about everyone who is doing so well post-op! Good luck to those of us who are still yet to go in.

As far as the shakes go, not counting the two weeks of Optifast Hell I've been enduring, I've been using Bariatric Advantage Chocolate Meal Replacement shakes. They aren't bad. They're a little thick for me, so I like to let them sit in the fridge for a couple hours to de-foam, but they are drinkable. And with 27 grams of protein, it's great for a non-frequent meat eater like myself. Plus, if you add the sugar-free coffee flavoring syrups, they are downright good. :thumbup:

what up!

getting surgery on thurs, dec 17th. extremely nervous but excited!!!

Me too! There's quite a few of us going under the knife on Thursday. Is your surgery outpatient or will you be staying the night in the hospital? Mine is O/P.

Good luck and welcome to December Delights!

Congrats to all peeps that have been banded as of today. Good Luck to all the peeps getting banded. I am on day 5 post-op I still have pain in the belly button area. Each day gets better. Take Care Everyone!:thumbup:

Last minute advice is... don't sweat the surgery. It's an easy one and it happens quick. A couple of people here had some complications, but they came out of it just fine.

Also, you're not gonna feel great for a day or two after surgery (at least), so expect that and give yourself a break - walk some, for sure, but rest too. You'll be up and running (and eating less - you won't be hungry) in no time!

The last thing, put (flavored) chapstick in your bag. You won't be able to drink anything for the twelve hours before surgery and it will help to at least have your lips moist.

I'm just happy for all of you (including myself)! The first day of the rest of our lives starts now... in December of 2009!

I know, I need to update the list - I'll do that soon. Lots of new names! :thumbup:

Well I did it. I just got banded about 4 hours ago. I won't bore you with the details but the docs and nurses did help me get over the terror of surgery. Little girl screaming was not necessary. The only surprise was a hiatal hernia needing repair. I am recovering in my hotel room then its a 5 hour drive home tomorrow. I should be hungry because I've been NPO since about 8:00 p.m. yesterday but the tought of drinking anything is not appealing now. Sips of water helps and the liquid pain med, Hydrocodone I think, tastes absolutley horrible. I've taking 3 short yet quasi brisk walks, one on every hour since I left the hospital. I tolerate it well but the gosh darn cold outside is making it tough. Pain in one shoulder from the gas is, well, its a pain. Hang in there all, keep in touch, and Merry Christmas.

Good for you! Hang in there! Let us know how you dealt with the 5 hour ride home, as I will have a 4 hour ride home the day after surgery. My doc told me to stop every hour and get out of the car and walk, but we'll be between Chicago and Indiana and it's friggin cold! LOL!

Only a couple more days for me. I'm getting so excited. Mine is O/P and I have a 4 hour ride home too.

My sad news is that I am now getting my wisdom teeth taken out on the 30th. I will be put under for that as well. I have had it cleared with both drs to have both surgeries 2 weeks apart. But I would much rather be doing the lap band surgery that is for sure!!

What kind of band is everyone getting? Mine is the Realize.

Edited December 16, 200916 yr by TracyW2

Good for you! Hang in there! Let us know how you dealt with the 5 hour ride home, as I will have a 4 hour ride home the day after surgery. My doc told me to stop every hour and get out of the car and walk, but we'll be between Chicago and Indiana and it's friggin cold! LOL!

I'm glad I stayed an extra night because I don't think I could make that long drive the same day as surgery. My doctor advances his patients to soft food quickly. First 2 days post op is clear liquids but I don't think I could handle anything right now and certainly not another broth drink. I got the same advice for the drive. Get out and walk every hour. I have been walking a lot this day also and it works. At least I walked when it was warm. It's freezing now and that doesn't help so I am strolling the hallways for the hotel. Finally at 8 p.m. I had a small sugar free cup of jello and handled it well. A previous poster said not to sweat surgery and I completely agree now. I'm glad I don't go back to work for 3 weeks just the same.

Hi everyone,

After a long process with the insurance, I just got my approval today. My surgery is now scheduled for Dec. 28th. I'm a little nervous as I'm sure everyone is with everything happening so quickly now. How are all you recent banders doing so far? Anything I should know?

Hi everyone,

After a long process with the insurance, I just got my approval today. My surgery is now scheduled for Dec. 28th. I'm a little nervous as I'm sure everyone is with everything happening so quickly now. How are all you recent banders doing so far? Anything I should know?

I am doing pretty well. I know I have earlier posts of pain and yes I was in pain. However, each person tolerates pain differently. I had never had any surgery before so my threshold for pain is VERY LOW. But with this entire experience, I would do this all over again.

On your day of surgery, be relaxed. You go in and then you are out. All I remember is the OR table and waking up in recovery. WALK WALK WALK as soon as you are able. It really helps with the gas pains. And if you are in pain, take the meds. No one will think of you as a wuss.

Good luck dear. Not feeling hungry all the time is the best feeling ever.

Greetings all.

My surgery is scheduled for December 21st and boy am I nervous! My pre-op is tomorrow, December 16th.

My doctor hasn't put me on any special before diets like everyone else is doing. I'll find out more tomorrow on what I am to be eating before surgery because it seems the booklet the doc gave me is geared towards a non-lapband surgery.

Anyways, I'll post on here tomorrow on the outcome of my pre-op.

HAve already had the chest xray, EKG, 8 viles of blood taken out of me so dont know what the pre-op involves.

Rebecca

This is my 3rd day on my pre-op diet and I have a huge headache. I had my last Coke on Friday. Could this be withdrawal? It really sucks.

Hi CeeCee,

I was a diet pepsi addict, I started drinking ice tea instead....and that keeps the headaches away. You might try it and see...

POPPYRED

Thanks realtruelady,

I have had 2 c-secs and back surgery, but I'm a little more nervous about this one. Maybe it's because the other surgeries weren't really a choice like this one is.

I had my pre-op today and the good news is that even though I haven't lost the full 15 pounds (15% of my body weight) that I was told to lose I am still a go for surgery on Friday Dec. 18. I lost 10 pounds and the bariatric nurse told me that as long as I lost 2/3 of the weight recommended that I was ok. Have to stay low carb with no cheating to make sure that my liver doesn't re-enlarge before Friday.

Yippee!!! Good luck to everyone this week, can't wait until Friday!

Last minute advice is... don't sweat the surgery. It's an easy one and it happens quick. A couple of people here had some complications, but they came out of it just fine.

Also, you're not gonna feel great for a day or two after surgery (at least), so expect that and give yourself a break - walk some, for sure, but rest too. You'll be up and running (and eating less - you won't be hungry) in no time!

The last thing, put (flavored) chapstick in your bag. You won't be able to drink anything for the twelve hours before surgery and it will help to at least have your lips moist.

I'm just happy for all of you (including myself)! The first day of the rest of our lives starts now... in December of 2009!

I know, I need to update the list - I'll do that soon. Lots of new names!

Excellent advice Karyn:thumbup:

Well, I'm off to the hospital! Boy, am I thirsty and my surgery isn't until 12 noon. But they will start the IV at around 10:30. I'm starting to get a headache. But I'm keeping my trusty chapstick with me at all times...lol. Wish me luck and I'll post as soon as I can!!!