Gastric/lap-band support's topics - tribe.net

Hi All from a newbie

pixie — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:12:13 GMT

Hi folks,

I just wanted to introduce myself. I am a 37 year old single mom who just got banded yesterday. Whoo hoo. I am feeling pretty good except for not being able to sleep for more than a few hours at a time. The rest of the time I am just up for not really on the ball if you know what I mean.

I started the formal process in Sept. though I researched and contemplated it for about a year first. I am 5' 1.5" tall and stared out at 271. I was 246 when I was weighed in yesterday but a lot of that was the circus tent of gown they gave me to wear.

I am vastly lucky in that my insurance never balked and the co-pay was only 10%. Bene's like that are the main reason why I work for a big boring conservative corp. After this experience I think that is is safe to say I won't be job hunting for at least another year.

I do have a bit of home work though. They want me to write a list of 100 things that I can't do now that I could do if I wasn't 111 lbs overweight. I started to but then fully banked out.

I am doing this through the Kaiser Richmond Bariatric program. I am currently on clear liquids (go popcicles) and have a phone appt. the day after tomorrow to move me to the next stage of liquids for a few weeks... basically the soup stage.

Right now the only drag physically is the pain meds make me nautious but with out them I am achy enough not to be able to sleep at all. Emotionally I am on a bit of a roller coaster. I go back and forth from being really lonely (and therefore sorry for myself - lame I know) to being really happy and proud of the accomplishment so far. Pretty much the same way I sometimes feel when I have a really bad cold or flu. So I am doing all I can to try to combat that feeling... sad people don't heal as fast and it is no fun.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 1 reply

Yoohoo... Anybody home?

padme — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 08:52:07 GMT

Hi all,

My name is Stephanie and I'll be getting banded next Thursday. I'm 27 years old, 5'9" and about 280lbs. I'm hoping to eventually get down to below 170 if things go well for me.

I'd love to share experiences with other bandsters here on tribe, but this list looks like it's pretty much gone dormant. Is anybody still reading here and interested in chatting? If so, please reply back, and we'll see what we can get going around here.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 2 replies

I've noticed Tribe being down a lot lately...

spank-me-plz — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:52:44 GMT

If you're interested in another place that's like this one, but is still being developed/run, please send me a PM. I would hate to lose the discussion I've had here.

There is a group over there to discuss weight loss surgery, and the trials and tribulations, elations, etc... that go along with it.

I won't say anything too much in a post, because I don't want to sound spammy! Ick!

Oh, as of today? I've lost 86 lbs! 113 more to go! WOOHOO!

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 2 replies

Accountability Parter

Kamaria — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 22:03:45 GMT

I'm looking for someone else who is trying to get into a routine for exercising. I was doing pretty good up until I went on vacation in August. Now it's pretty much just dance classes that get me moving.

I don't want to use one of my friends, cuz they'll just let me BS my way out of why I skived off a day or two.

My idea is to do this over email or set up a private journal type thing where we can trade notes and whatnot. Share some good ideas on music or activities. Randomly send little bits of encouragement.

Let me know if there is anyone interested, who like me needs an accountability partner who is NOT a good friend.

~Jessi

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 2 replies

I did it!!I did it!!I did it!!I did it!!I did it!!I did it!!

Nahid — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:39:53 GMT

I weighed in this morning and sailed right past my birthday goal with a week to spare. This is fun! I'm now officially under 250 lbs for the first time in several years, 37 lbs lighter and 2 sizes smaller!

Now, if I could just convince my brain that I'm doing well and stop waiting for the other shoe to drop ... it's got to soak in eventually, right?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 7 replies

What are you looking forward to gaining or giving up?

Nahid — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:59:15 GMT

I've been pondering this for awhile, and I know people do this all the time, but it's a great motivator. I always enjoy hearing the things you're ready to be done with, or things you can't wait to have back in your life, so let's hear it!

Here's a starter of things on my list:
- no more chafing (thighs, arms, whatever)
- the first shopping trip when I can fit clothes at Limited/Express (I don't think I have since college!)
- cancelling my catalog subscription to Lane Bryant, Roamans and all the other "woman-sized" stores
- not having the seatbelt buckle jab into my hip (already better - yay!)
- no more heartburn (that stopped as soon as I started my preop fast)
- crossing my legs
- being able to kneel without the fat behind my legs getting in the way
- being able to see my dance moves better (it's all hiding under my jiggly fat)
- not having chair arms dig into my hips, or worrying if a chair is sturdy enough
- navigating bathroom stalls more easily
- no more apnea!
- improving or getting rid of my fasciitis
- improving back pain
- being able to do stairs, or whatever without getting winded or cramped up
- being able to see my lower parts without a mirror (HA!)
- having a libido again
- feeling confident enough to start dating again
- not dreading seeing myself on a dance video or in the mirror in rehearsal
- having people check me out because i look good instead of looking big
- not feeling like I have to move over to get past people in the hall
- navigating narrow shop aisles etc
- fitting comfortably in an airplane or theater seat without worrying about "flowing" into the neighbor's space
- wearing sleeveless or revealing clothes confidently
- being comfortable naked (even if I'm baggy, I'll be littler!)
- celebrating the milestones along the way!
- having people notice that I've lost who don't know I had surgery (that happened for the first time today!)
- buying a new wardrobe!
- seeing how my "big" pants look on me when I get to my goal.
- keeping up with others when walking, dancing, etc.
- not having my shorts creep up between the legs and get all bunchy
- not worrying about rolls showing through clothing
- feeling like my outsides (physical appearance) match my insides (the way I've always seen myself)
- riding a bike
- solo paddling my canoe without the front end sticking up out of the water
- being able to swim underwater without popping back up!

I'm sure there's a lot more that will come to me, but I'm done for now.

Who's next? Which ones have you all met already?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 4 replies

30 lbs gone forever!

Nahid — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:44:28 GMT

Well, I've been teetering within a half lb for a few days, but I'm calling it today - I'm down 30 lbs from my pre-fast weight! That means my BMI has gone down from 45.5 to 40.7! My next mini-goal is to get under 250 by my birthday October 21st, which would be 7 lbs in a little less than a month. If I stay on track, no problem! Hopefully I'll shoot right past it. It will be the first time in at least 5 years since I've been under 250.

How's everyone else doing?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 2 replies

Frustrated

Kamaria — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 03:07:22 GMT

I had my lapband done on May 21st. Between then and mid-July I lost about 50 pounds. I feel great and I've already seen health benefits, but I'm not loosing any weight. My clothes are fitting differently, but I haven't lost any weight since mid-July.

Has any one else hit this kind of brick wall? What did you do about it?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 1 reply

I'm back

Nahid — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:39:47 GMT

Okay, I just realized I haven't posted in weeks - shame on me! I'm doing great, other than a nasty cold last week, but the surgery healing is done, I'm on solid food (nummy!) and resumed my life.

This morning I weighed in and realized i'm down 28 lbs since the start of my pre-op fast, and only 8 lbs away from the next goal I set (I want to hit 250 by my birthday Oct. 21st). What's cool is that I don't feel like I'm really trying and it's happening, slow and sure. Yay!!

So far, no pain, no vomiting or PB's, no food sensitivities at all, and I'm satisfied with a cup or less of food. This is too cool for words!

How's everyone else doing here?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 7 replies

My surgery... I know it's late.

spank-me-plz — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 21:01:41 GMT

I got all my preop appointments taken care of without a hitch, and even preadmitted into the hospital. That was much less I had to worry with while there.

I got there at 5 am for a 7 am surgery. Since they hadn't done a pregnancy test, they had me pee in a cup (not terribly easy, after the bowel prep and nothing since 8 pm the night before, but we do what we can). They took me to my room, and had me change into a gown. I had about half an hour to stew and try not to get too scared. After that, the fun began. They took vital signs, had me sign yet another release saying that I knew there was a risk of death with the surgery, all that relaxing stuff...

About an hour or more before my surgery, they wheeled me down to the OR. I was remarkably calm at this time, knowing that I'd made a conscious choice to have this surgery. I did have a difficult moment when my hubby had to stop, and he couldn't go any further with me. At that point, I was MUCH more worried about him than me. I trusted in the skill and track record of my surgeon. I also knew how I'd feel if it were him undergoing surgery.

I arrived in a holding area, which had a nice sky painted on the ceiling. It had some puffy clouds. I thought that was a nice touch.

Since I was the first surgery of the day, I watched as people arrived for work. They came by the first time in street clothes, and then in a moment or two in full surgical attire.

I was kept warm the whole time by warm blankets, and the staff was warm and attentive, too. They were very comforting, for the most part.

When the nurse attempted to start my IV, she gave me a little shot of local anesthetic. It was Lidocaine. The spot hurt more and more, and when she tried to put in the IV, I moved and yelled out. We decided that I must be allergic to the Lidocaine. The anesthesiologist came in and very quickly stuck the IV needle in another area, without local. It hurt much less, actually, than the first (now a huge lump) area had.

They started the IV dripping with saline and precautionary antibiotics. After what seemed like a long time, but was probably only a few minutes, I was wheeled into the operating theatre. I was wheeled next to the operating table, and told to move myself over. I did, and I noted that the thing seemed DAMN small for someone of my size. They had me center myself as well as I could, and then they strapped me on. This was actually kind of comforting, as I didn't want to fall off.

So here I lay, with my arms out to the sides, my gown off on top but laying over me, lots of warm blankets (operating rooms are so freaking COLD), watching them set up the instruments. I got to see them set up for laparoscopy, and just in case, for open surgery. I was astounded at the size and length of some of the instruments. I decided fairly quickly that I really didn't want to look at them too long, or begin to think about their use.

At about one mintue past my surgery time, my surgeon came in with a cup of coffee in his hand, looking bright and cheerful. He asked if I was ready, and I said, "Yes, I'm ready." He smiled at me, said he'd get scrubbed up and be back in a few minutes.

The anesthesiologist started me on oxygen through a mask. I started feeling kind of scared when he put it tightly over my nose and mouth. He explained that it would start to smell funny, then I'd go to sleep.

I'd been fine up to this point. I was terrified the minute the oxygen started smelling funny. I tried not to breathe it much, even. I really began to feel panic, but before I could really think much about it, I was totally out.

The next thing I remember is being woken up in the post op area, being told I was fine, and that it was time to wake up. It was odd, I was finishing my panicked breath, it seemed.

I drifted back off to sleep, and the next thing I knew, my surgeon and his bariatric coordinator were standing over me, beaming, telling me how well I did (I didn't do well, HE did well, hello!). I smiled and think I said Thank You. I know I tried, and I meant to say it. He said that the surgery took around three hours. I went to sleep again, and I think I woke up next in my room, with a nice morphine drip added to my IV cocktail.

I drifted in and out of sleep, partly hearing conversations between my husband, a friend, and the nurse. Everyone sounded calm and OK, so I felt fine to sleep.

I was told I had to sit up that night. I was happy to try, and found that it wasn't as hard as I'd feared. I actually got up and walked that night. It hurt, but also felt good to walk. It seemed to help the pain, and I did get to push my morphine button every 10 minutes or so.

All in all, it went well. My only complaints were the drain (my doctor had assured me he didn't use them, but had put one in me because he thought the fluid needed to be drained... eww) and the fact that I had to stay an extra night because he was called out of town due to a family emergency.

I also didn't like the blood thinner shots in my abdomen. They didn't hurt, but I didn't like it. I got some interesting bruises from those shots, and from the surgery itself, however. Some of the worst ones took almost a month to completely fade! :-P

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 3 replies

mmMmMmm... pureed fooooood....

Nahid — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:24:06 GMT

Well kids, I'm 2 weeks post-op now and feeling pretty good. Getting full liquids last week really helped my energy levels (although I still poop out sooner than I expect). I'm officially down 20 lbs right now and seem to be holding steady this week. I did go up to about 1/2 cup portion already, so I'm wondering if that might be why (even though I'm still only taking in about 500 calories or so.

I'm enjoying my first pureed meal right now. I needed some spice, so last night I pureed some chicken breast, and then divided it for 2 different seasonings. Half was done with green enchilada sauce and lowfat sour cream, and the other half is done with nonfat yogurt and curry powder. Tasty!

I also pureed some jalepeno-lime black beans and am enjoying them with the chili chicken. MmMm!

So far, I haven't had any trouble with food (other than really hating jello now, but that might be from eating it for a week while on clear liquids).

I did some creative shopping for this phase too, and will do a little exploring to see what works (I don't want to get bored since it's a 2 week phase).
- hummus mix (mellower taste and easier on the tummy than the stuff in the deli case)
- salmon filet (should be nice poached and pureed with dill and yogurt, like a mousse.
- soft tofu
- applesauce
- lean ground pork (not technically on the list, but I want to try it out and see how it goes).

My head is definitely still fighting with the portion sizes (always wants more, even when I'm satisfied), but I'm really not tempted to cheat on "illegal" stuff - I even survived a day at the state fair! I will say that was a tiring day, and pretty much nothing available to eat but milk, but I wasn't tempted to taste any of the fair food, which is a huge deal for me. The only tough time was when we bought pizza for the nieces and nephews last week. The aroma just about did me in! I hear pizza sauce on lowfat ricotta can totally fix that though.

Anyway, how's everyone else doing out here?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

Surgery is done and I'm home recovering

Nahid — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:27:03 GMT

I'm not feeling terribly witty right now but I thought I'd post and let you konw I'm home and feeling great other than being a little sore in the tummy. It wall went a lot easier than expected, and I'm now officially on my way! Down 12 lbs as of surgery day (in 10 days). I'll be curious to see what my 1 week checkup will bring, after a full week of juice, jello and broth.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 3 replies

2 days left before surgery - last day of slimfast - clear liquids tomorrow!

Nahid — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:58:46 GMT

Well, I'm down 7 lbs since I started the liquid diet, and only today and tomorrow left on the fast before surgery Weds. I've been a tad light-headed and definitely get cranky if i wait too long for a shake, so I hope the juice and broth keeps me working tomorrow. I wouldn't want to snark at coworkers.

Almost there!

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 2 replies

Surgery is 12 days away!!!

Nahid — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:08:44 GMT

Hey all! I finally met my surgeon and scheduled my banding for August 22nd - can you believe it? I'm done being freaked out now and I'm busy getting my life in order. My liquid diet starts Sunday!

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 5 replies

waiting, waiting waiting....

Nahid — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:00:25 GMT

Well, all the paperwork is done and was submitted to my insurance this morning. I talked to someone in the department and they said they have up to 14 days to approve/deny, including weekends, but that there's a chance I may hear back by the end of the week. Then, FINALLY, I'll get to schedule surgery.

Waiting sucks...

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

Book Review: Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You

Nahid — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:40:54 GMT

I read over the book "Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You" this weekend, and to be honest, I wasn't impressed. Although it did contain her personal experience and a lot of info, it also was somewhat outdated info (2001, with 2 revision dates), and it had a LOT of opinion included. It definitely pushed RNY surgery over all other approaches and was way behind on the data and information about Gastric Banding. I also felt that the information in the book is readily available just about anywhere and doesn't take a lot of research to find.

So, I guess if someone is just getting started, doesn't go online at all, and is pursuing RNY, it might be a good start, but it's not the "ultimate handbook" Amazon.com sells it as.

Has anyone else read this book or have another to suggest?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

My surgeon went and changed the rules mid game.

spank-me-plz — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:22:20 GMT

Dangit!

Apparently, my surgeon has gone from a three day liquid fast to 10! 10 days! I start my protein shakes next Tuesday.

Something about shrinking the liver.

He wants me to use Optifast HP, but it won't get here in time. I'm off to the vitamin Shoppe to see what they have that would compare.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 13 replies

&^#(&@%^)@&%^) Insurance company

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:00:49 GMT

Blargh. I have been working at this for nearly two years now, plus researched the band for a decade before even starting the process. The surgeon is ready to go, I'm more than ready to go, and the holdup is the damned insurance company. MVP denied my pre-approval because they feel gastric bypass is more effective and there are no contra-indications to that procedure medically. Dudes...why the hell would I want to vastly more invasive procedure that sets me up for a lifetime of malnutrition and possible complications when I can have a minimally invasive procedure than can be customized to my body's needs and doesn't cause permanent changes to my GI tract? Faster recovery, fewer complications in the long and short term, plus I consider the slower rate of loss an assest as it allows the body to adjust better. At the two year mark losses tend to be comparable to those of bypass patients anyhow. Meanwhile, I have to lean on the appeals people at the surgeon's office since they've already frittered away threemonths of the six month appeal widow and have done absolutely nothing.

If I can get a co-signer, I'm borrowing ten grand and taking my ass to Mexico for banding. It pisses me off though because I pay up the wazoo for medical insurance and they don't want to let me use it. My aim at all this is long term health and PREVENTION of obesity related disease anyhow, so it'll save them oodles of money in the long run.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 5 replies

Long - My story - a year and a half banded

ysabeau — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:14:57 GMT

I spent two years fighting with the insurance company. I won't give you the gory details but I ended up just giving up and going self-pay. I am lucky because my sister paid for it ($15k) because she won the lottery. I spent those two years researching the hell out of the band. I was on all the lists I could find so I think I was very well prepared going into it. I had no complications and came out like a trooper. For the first 10 months, I was losing 2-3lbs a week without even trying.

I got a gym membership and personal trainer as soon as my surgeon gave me the OK. I highly recommend that! It is expensive and if you have to get a loan, get another $4k or so to pay for a trainer and gym membership for a year. It will make all the difference. I used to hate working out, but then I became a gym rat.

I've lost over 100lbs from my highest weight (approx. 320lbs). I'm down to 215 now. I got down as low as 208 at one point, then I became "cookie mom" for my daughter's girl scout troop and slipped on the ice and injured my knee so I couldn't work out. I'm in rehab now...both for my knee and my band. I'm working on getting back on the band-wagon, so to speak : ). I know what I need to do, I just need to do it.

I have had hardly any complications. I have had my share of spitting up food and getting stuck...but not as bad as some people. I tend to learn from my mistakes. I know I need a fill right now, but I've been taking so much time off work for rehab on my knee that I hate to take another afternoon off to go get a fill. I need to bite the bullet and do it here soon.

Advice:
Don't wait - Don't wait for the band to start making changes in your life. You can start doing things now that will make it easier later. Start eating off of small plates instead of big ones. You will be surprised what a difference it makes. Put your big plates away.

Water - water is your friend. Stop drinking the sodas and juices now. Get used to it. Visualize the water flushing the fat from your body. Start carrying a case of water of in the back seat of your car.

Move: Even if it is just walking around the block, get moving. Don't wait. The better shape you are in, the easier it will be to come back after surgery.

Get your head straight - You need to be comfortable with who you are. Losing weight won't change who you are. It ~will~ change the way people look at you and how they treat you. People will ~see~ you now and you need to be presentable or they will be turned off by attitude just as easily as looks. Where people used to avoid looking at you or talking to you, they will now engage you in polite conversation. Be prepared for that...it can be disconcerting the first time you realize the guy at Starbucks is flirting with you. This is the hardest thing to explain and I could write a book about it.

Lifestyle change - Don't obsess about the numbers on the scale or what you can/can't eat. This is a lifestyle change. You can't go through the rest of your life obsessing. Integrate everything into your routine so it becomes second nature. It isn't a conscious decision to eat off the small plate, it is just habit...doesn't everyone do it? Oh, and your friends, especially the thinner ones, will suddenly start to compete with you on eating less. It won't be conscious, but you'll notice it.

Okay, enough rambling for today. If you have any questions, just ask. I'm not an expert but I can tell you my experience.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 7 replies

I am soooo hungry!

Andi — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:43:46 GMT

I made it past the pre op diet with a breeze....sort of. but now, I am a week and a half into my post op diet and the liquids are not doing it for me any more. I start mushy foods in 5 days. The liquids were keeping me full, but now it seems like they are going straight through me. I drink my meal and not even an hour later my stomach is growling. I don't know what to do....other than just tough it out. Has anyone else had this problem?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 1 reply

psych appointment day

Nahid — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 19:46:00 GMT

Well, I had my psych appointment today and it wasn't the most enjoyable thing I've ever been through. I think she was annoyed that I was late (I called ahead but was 20 minutes late). In any case, it was not fun going over my whole mental health history and eating habits in an hour. I don't think she had any major concerns, but what a yucky experience! The good news is that I don't need to work with her on an ongoing basis, as far as I know. I guess it proves that it's a pain finding a therapist you really like. It's a chemistry thing, don't you think?

What were your experiences going through this?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 3 replies

It's JUNE!

spank-me-plz — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:53:28 GMT

I'm having my Lap RNY gastric bypass June 22. That's less than three weeks away! I'm nervous, and very excited all at the same time.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 5 replies

Funny story

Nahid — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:29:44 GMT

Okay, so I was in to take my psych test last week, and the receptionist was getting me situated in the computer room. She mentioned that the bathroom was down the hall and "oh, we got a new toilet" (said with a silly smirk). I thought, what's the big deal getting a new toilet? Had they had problems with the old one? So, I thought, okay, I'll go check it out...

It was the biggest potty I'd EVER seen! Easily 4 ft across the seat!!! The hole was normal size so I didn't need to worry about falling through (brings back scary memories of childhood, but that's another story). I swear, my fanny hadn't seemed that teeny since I was about 3!!

Anyone else ever seen these monster-potties? I'll try and get a picture next time I visit.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

Update on approval process - 2 more steps down!

Nahid — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 20:55:25 GMT

Hi All! This morning I did my nurse appointment and computerized psych exam (the MMPI). I also got referred for a sleep study (scheduled for the 15th), and will review the psych exam with the clinic therapist next Friday. I was told I can schedule surgery after the psych appt, so I'm pretty well on my way!

By the way, that MMPI is a hoot! Although I didn't really get into answering over 500 questions, at least they were really interesting.

I also found out my health insurance is requiring a series of phone counseling sessions before approval (5 15 minute sessions using special materials). No big deal at all, and it actually makes me feel like I'm doing something to get things done, which is nice. I start the phone sessions 2 weeks from today. I figure this is a big change so all the help I can get is appreciated! Since I work for hte company, I might see if I can call in a favor and get my approval through faster. At least my insurance doesn't make people wait 3 months before approving. I'm antsy to get started!!

Patience is a virtue....

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 2 replies

Big Medicine premiere

Nahid — Tue, 29 May 2007 18:17:12 GMT

Did anyone else catch the first episode of Big Medicine last night on TLC? They seem to be handling the topic well and it's really interesting seeing the surgery and the behind the scenes discussion when they chat over approving people for surgery. It will be interesting to see how Allen does with his journey. What an ordeal just getting from his home to the hospital! I want to lovingly throttle his mom though.

http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/big-medicine/big-medicine.html

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

paperwork filed! Now I wait...

Nahid — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:50:03 GMT

Well, I mailed in the packet to the hospital and the next step is my 1/1 with a nurse. I guess now I wait!

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 10 replies

Home Again - 4 days post op....

Lorelei — Tue, 15 May 2007 12:20:06 GMT

Remembering I had the Roue En Y procedure : )

Liquids aren't bad really . Protein enriched jello is not the new picnic wave of the summer, but it's not bad. I have had several... OMG WTF did I do!? Moments , but as the only thing that still feels "bad" is my drain insertion site. Everything else, piece of cake.

I opened a box of Life Cereals New Chocoalte Oatmeal Crunch for my daughter , and the smell of chocoalte made me want to cry.... raspberry jello, and decaff green tea with raspberry later.... (crystal light, beleive it or not) felt a little better.

Have to watch my water intake though. Its easy to forget.

Don't give up , at 54 % bmi, I wasn't in the place a lot of you are.

Qamar.... don't let THEM WIN!!!!! You deserve you band, you've worked hard to prove it. I'lll be sending love and energy your way, and hopefully you'll be doing your first "post op" post soon too.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

pre-op mind games

Nahid — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:51:56 GMT

So, now that I've committed myself to going through with surgery, I'm noticing some really lame mind-games I've been playing with myself. I go out to eat and think "gosh, I won't be eating here again" or "gosh, I can't load up like this after surgery" and I overload or make terrible food choices. It's kinda like an extended out of control "last supper" behavior (pigging out the night before starting a new diet).

Has anyone else gone through this?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 7 replies

one step down, a bunch to go...

Nahid — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:24:46 GMT

Well, i finally got to the informational meeting last night and started the paperwork today, so I'm officially in the process! I didn't really hear anything new, but it was good to hear about the hospital and program i'll be working with. I like that they have their own wing and that four of the five nurses are bariatric patients themselves, so they can relate!

What I really liked hearing was that the average wait time to surgery (getting through all the approvals) is 120 days and not a year or more. Hoo-ray!

I did confirm that I really don't want a bypass, and that the lap-band is the right way for me. I don't like the whole concept of redirecting my pipes - the restriction is far less freaky to me! Onward and upward (in life, not the scale) :-)

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 3 replies

Welcome! Lets introduce ourselves

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 05:09:32 GMT

While there are a lot of groups here on tribe.net, I have not found any tailored to those of us on the lap-band journey. Fellow Bandsters, lets unite and form a tribe dedicated to the process of reclaiming our bodies and improving our health and quality of life. Please take a moment to introduce yourselves and then we can support each other through the process.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 11 replies

Is this tribe just for banding support?

spank-me-plz — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:13:18 GMT

I wanted to get the band, but it looks like I'm getting the bypass instead. I'm looking for online folks to talk with about general things, but I'll understand totally if you want to keep it banding specific!

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 9 replies

Where are you in the process?

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:52:20 GMT

Gathering information? Working through pre-op testing and weight loss? Post banding? I would love to hear where we are in the banding process.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 1 reply

I made my appointment.

Lorelei — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:25:30 GMT

Next wednesday. Nervous and excited all at once. The physician is the type where we will be having a discussion first. He wants to know my goals, my history my challenges. I like that.

I am going to have someone take pictures the week before.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 1 reply

Before, during and after photos

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:29:50 GMT

If anyone else feels like it, before and after photos are really inspiring, especially for pre-band folk. I posted some before photos and will post more as I eventually get banded and start reshaping.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

Pre and post-op diet

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 07:01:00 GMT

Hey, how are you all doing with the pre-op and post op liquid diet? They have me doing a three day liquid trial to see how I'll do on the month long liquid phase of this process. My surgeon has you do 10 days of liquids pre-op to shrink the liver, and then two weeks of liquids post op before moving on to purees.

Are you still on liquids Nanette?

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

Psych eval

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 01:32:24 GMT

How was yours?

I just had the first of the three my provider does. It was mostly background history and a little bit of discussion on why I want the band. The next one will be coping mechanisms, support, and how I might deal with the emotional issues that are bound to come up post-op.
I'm not sure about the content of the third one.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 2 replies

Hey Nanette!

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:52:08 GMT

How are you doing now that you've crossed over to the other (banded) side?

You must be relieved to finally have surgery done with.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

10 months out

ysabeau — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 01:37:06 GMT

Hi,
I'm Ysabeau and I've been banded for 10 months. I just hit the century mark and have fifty more pounds to go for goal. My journey has been an incredibly easy one (knock on wood). I have had restriction from the day I was banded. I have had three fills and I'm currently in a really good spot. I've had a few stalls, but as the saying goes...it works when I work it.

The most amazing thing to me is that I now eat like a normal person. I eat like a thin person and it isn't a sacrifice. I can eat anything I want to eat, I just make good choices. When I give in to that craving for a cheeseburger, I go to the place in town that has the best hamburger and order a Kobe beef burger. I am full after eating half. It is fine...I look at it now knowing I would have eaten the whole thing plus fries plus a salad...and I'm really surprised that I really don't miss it.

I love my band!
Ysabeau

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 6 replies

Pre-op weight loss--how are you doing?

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 05:43:12 GMT

For those of us who are pre-banding, what sort of pre-op loss do you have to accomplish? Post your progress here and if you need suport or have handy tips, this be the place...

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 4 replies

Lookinf for support group for lap band

Nanette — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 00:31:16 GMT

Hi,
I came across this web site while looking for a support group for lap band. My name is Nanette, and I have just completed all my tests and psyc. eval. for surgery. I have a surgery date of 10-26, and I am getting nervous which is normal. I live in New Mexico, but I have to travel to Dallas., Texas for the surgery. I am paying out of pocket for this, so I really hope I am doing the right thing. Well, this is where I am in this journey. I would love to hear from anyone who is in the same "boat" as me.
Nanette

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 1 reply

Woohoo...progress at last

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 07:48:25 GMT

The bad news is that I completed all the requirements at Dartmouth and they said that not only do they not have a band surgeon, but they may not ever have one, and haven't even listed the position. The big push was for gastric bypass. Its a fine procedure, but simply not the right one for me, and I'm now on the back burner there.

The good news is that I finally heard from the new surgeon in Burlington, and the've reviewed my documentation thus far and have scheduled me for an intial appointment with the surgeon, nurse practitioner and dietician. I'm jumping the gun by taking in food and exercise logs. They said that since I've done much of the requirements for the DHMC program they think they might be able to fast-track me. Yippeee...music to mine ears. They may or may not make me take a psych eval AGAIN--I hope not because its a pain, but if they want it, I'll do it. Hell, I'll tap dance nekkid on city hall steps if they want me to--I just want my band!

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

Bumps in the road

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 21:22:33 GMT

Everyone on the road to banding has their own private emotional rollercoaster of ups and downs. Insurance issues, lab results requiring additional testing and such...

Well, I just got a doozy of a speedbump! After investing months of testing and preparation and finally reaching the next stage of the process just prior to actually getting a surgical date, it seems the only surgeon in my program who performs gastric banding has up and quit. No notice, and no hint of anything like this coming down the pike. So, sorry, but we'll happily do a RNY bypass on you. Sorry folks, but I neither want nor neeed the RNY--I'm not comfortable with the idea of rerouting my plumbing to such a degree. I like the cusomizability of the gastric band. The remaining surgeons only do the bypass and have a negative view of the band as "fussy" because of the fills it requires. All along its felt like the band folks were treated like orphaned stepchildren and the push was for the RNY.

I emailed the program inquiring about a possible time frame for a replacement band surgeon and was told that they had no idea when, or if ever the banding portion of the bariatric program would resume. They did offer to return my information (no biggie as I have my own copies of everything), and refund the $250 registration fee I paid them. THAT I will insist upon since they have done nothing for me except set up the hoops I've been jumping through, and its pointless if I won't be having surgery there.

I found another surgeon slightly closer to home (and I think still in-network), and have started the referral process for her--the bad news is I have to start from the beginning again, but since my intial packet is complete, thats more than hal;f the battle. I now eagerly await their list of hoops so I can see what more I have to do. On the plus side, the scale showed a three pound drop today so I ran up to the doc's and got it officially documented. Only 8 more pounds to lose, at least unless the new program requires a larger initial loss. I'm really hoping I can still have surgery in November because I'm more than ready for this to happen.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

Post-banding weight loss

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 05:44:41 GMT

So, how are you doing? Enquiring minds want to know!

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

One more hoop down

Qamar_al-Shefaa — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 22:21:28 GMT

I now have almost all of the myriad tasks on the initial packet completed and am scheduled for my first psych eval tomorrow.

I'm down 6 pounds of my required 15 thanks to LOTS of bellydancing. Hopefully next month I can start on the required seminars for the programme and be making a dent in that.

posted in Gastric/lap-band support - 0 replies

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Welcome! Lets introduce ourselves

Is this tribe just for banding support?

Where are you in the process?

I made my appointment.

Before, during and after photos

Pre and post-op diet

Psych eval

Hey Nanette!

10 months out

Pre-op weight loss--how are you doing?

Lookinf for support group for lap band

Woohoo...progress at last

Bumps in the road

Post-banding weight loss

One more hoop down

&^#(&@%^)@&%^) Insurance company