Hello All, I just discovered your forum this morning and am very excited to find you. I have been researching and learning about the LapBand for some time now. My surgery is scheduled for this coming Thursday, 10/20 at 9:30am. My surgeon is Dr. Randal Baker from MMPC in Grand Rapids Michigan.

My PCP first suggested that I look into this surgery last May. I attended my orientation session at MMPC in July and have been stepping through the process every since.

I am 49 years old, married, have 3 children--ages 13, 15 and 17. I work full time in an administrative position. My health has been my last priority for quite a few years now. I am struggling with high blood pressure (on medication for that) and have osteoarthritis in my knees. I had surgery on my left knee back in August and still am recovering. My weight has peaked at 232 lbs. I am 5'5" tall. I have finally decided that I must do something to lose significant weight and regain my health.

I am very anxious and excited to begin this adventure. Any suggestions or advice as I prepare for Thursday is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Suzanne K

Hi and welcome to LBT. Your surgery date is the same as mine ... cool

Good luck with your surgery, Keep us all here posted on how you are doing.

--Jolynn

Welcome! I have no band, yet... so my only suggestion is to go to each forum and start reading... There is so much information here from folks who have been through it all - and the people are helpful and great!

:]

Hi Serenity: Glad to hear from you! I am 50-so close to you in age and just had the surgery last Tuesday in Morris MN. I was to be there by 9am, went through the usual pre surgery stuff like getting the gown and socks on, meeting with all of the medical professionals involved, getting the IV hooked up and etc. The surgery was at around 11:15. I went to sleep and woke up about 1:00 very thirsty but in no pain, got some ice chips to suck on from the nurse, laid around until about 3:00, sat on the edge of the bed for 10-15 minutes, started getting dressed and left the hospital for home around 3:30!! My surgeon had put Novacain in the incision areas so I didn't really feel much until 5-6pm, but never did take any of the oral pain meds they gave me, just didn't need them. I did take some liquid Tylenol a couple of times. The next couple of days I was pretty slow moving and getting up and down was a bit uncomfortable, but really not bad. Went back to work on Friday. I feel "stuffed" most of the time and eating isn't really all that interesting yet--I am assuming that's from the internal swelling from the surgery. Now today, 5 days later, I am moving around well, drinking lots of fluids comfortably, feeling less stuffed. Am trying to be a model patient and follow the directions correctly to avoid problems and it seems to be working. Praise the Lord!!! This was a real big deal to me since I had never had any surgery in my life before and I was scared!! I pray your experience is just as great as mine has been so far!! Happy sipping!! Nancy

Hi, my name is Kim, & I was banded on Friday morning. My experience has not been to bad either. The on problems I have really had have been with the pain meds. I am allergic to all the liquid ones & the childrens Tylenol does not seem to last long. Also the blotting, gas & diarreha Iam having a hard time getting relief from. I would love any advise.

Serenity .... welcome. I have only found the web a bit ago and am not banded yet. However, I too am from Grand Rapids and had my orientation this past Monday. I've been going to MMPC since June 2004 on their weight management program. They are a wonderful place. Good luck.

Kimbo- I am curious--did you have to go on a pre surgery liquid diet? I did for 10 days and I haven't had any problems with diarrhea or gas after the surgery. I wonder if that helped? Everyone reacts differently I guess!

Jolynn,

Wow, that is great you are also having surgery this Thursday. Are doing anythiing special as a pre-op diet? My surgeon has me on a low calorie (700-800), high Protein (75gms+) diet for two weeks prior to surgery. It has been going pretty well for me. They provide the products we can eat, mostly liquids, a few others like oatmeal and soy nuts. I have lost 8 lbs so far on the pre-op. I am feeling pretty pleased with that. I have been cleaning my house like mad this weekend, trying to get everything ready. I plan to take it easy next weekend and will try to return to work on Monday. How about you?

Endee, I hope my surgery is as smooth and easy as yours. It sounds like you are doing great. I am also planning to be a model patient and follow all the rules. It doesn't sound like you have had any problems with gas or shoulder pain as some others have. Your experience is very reassuring for me. Thanks.

Welcome Serenity - glad you found this site, it's so informative and very helpful. I was banded on 9/30 and feeling great. Wish you well and a speedy recovery. Take Care

Hi Serenity,

I am going to have the surgery tomorrow-Oct 19th. I definitely know how you feel about being nervous. I am very nervous!!!!! I hope all goes well for all of us! Any help on how to overcome the nervouseness would be greatly appreciated.

By the way:

My Dr is Dr. Spivak in Houston, Tx Has anyone been banded or going to be banded my him?

Hi Flowerpower,

I hope you get to read this before your surgery tomorrow. I will be thinking of you. You are very brave. I think it is a courageous step to take. I try to focus on the fact that I am doing something that is going to make me a much healthier person--one without so much excess weight--and the surgery is really a gift, a blessing, that I am thankful for the opportunity to have. It is going to give me the tool that I can use to take some control over my weight, my eating. This is not an easy thing to do but then, Are things that are truly worthwhile ever easy? I believe that I will be a better person for having made the choice, the decision to do this. It is much more difficult to take an active measure to improve rather than do nothing. Be proud of yourself.

Hey flowerpower...

I am glad to see someone mention Dr. Spivak's name. I am going through the paperwork right now to hopefully be banded before the end of the year.

I have great insurance so I am not expecting a delay.

I have only met the Dr. once and he seems to be a great Dr. At the seminar he wasn't pushing anything, just informing us.

Welcome to LBT! Good luck with your surgery! Please let us know how you are doing when you feel up to it!