julieburns

Not to burst your bubble but technically speaking (from a nurse who knows) surgery day is day 0 and then the next day is officially post-op day number 1. ( This is how it's counted in the hospitals I've worked at and currently do. You can be exact if you wish and use your actual end time of surgery for the time to change your days. So, if you had surgery at 11:00 then approx. 11:45 (Dr. Hottie O. is so quick) you can have your full liquids. Sorry for the downer (

Yeah for you Paula =D> ...you go girl!!!! As another person who suffers from fibromyalgia I want to warn you to be VERY careful not to overdo it. I think water is the best choice for people like us but also be sooo careful. Start out with at your own pace and just do your own thing, I don't recommend any classes unless they are for (and please don't be offended but I would have to do the same) senior citizens. The regular classes might just push you a little too hard. Maybe not the instructor per say but just wanting to keep up for our own self esteem you may push yourself to hard. Just do like 10 minutes to start or whatever small increment you want to do but go SLOW. I used to have a pool and I love the water and had many little things I would do in the pool on my own that were great exercise for me. PM me if you want some tips on what you can do on your own. So pretty Paula take it easy but I am so glad you are going. Just suit up and show up and from there you're already half way done. Put your best smile on and say hello to other folks and soon you'll have some new acquaintences so you'll feel more at ease. The more you go the better you'll feel

Yeah Cathy!!! I am just about at the same place you are except Dr. O let's us eat any foods at 3 weeks. Yesterday night was my first day home to actually cook something. I prepared the beautiful salmon recipe momonamission posted, broccoli and green salad. The salad was caling to me before the salmon was done so I took 2-3 bites. I am not kidding you I could eat 1-2 bites of salmon and was definately full, really shouldn't have had the bites of salmon because I sort of got an uncomfortable full feeling. I learned to eat my protein first like they suggest and then veggies etc. I just felt so free to actually eat some salad that I couldn't resist. I stayed full well into the night from just this. I actually ope this restriction of sorts last as long as it can but it sounds like it does go away before first fill time. I went really easy today so as not to puch it. Did you ever think you'd be thrilled to eat some cottage cheese (or whatever mushy thing that no one else would really be too thrilled to eat?

Welcome Lees. Congratulations on finding this forum and deciding to be banded at the OCC. I'll have to check out these shakes even though I am past that stage. You'll find almost everything you need to know befoe your surgery right here on the forum. If you don't find it just ask and someone will answer. Nice to meet you!!

Lisa: The shoulder pain is from gas but also it's something called referred pain. The body does this weird thing due to all the nerve endings and where they connect and it just so happens you get shoulder pain sometimes from an abdominal surgery. I had it too and nothing really helped it but time.

As I've read many posts it seems we have one thing in common.....there isn't a huge amount of predictability in your "sweet spot" for anyone and it's vastly different for many of us on how much we lose and when. Follow all the guidlines from the OCC and you will lose weight...it has to happen sooner or later. Look at all the tips to help "tweak"the weight loss if it's going slow. That might be a new topic idea also.

Who is this???... it's not Mamamichelle......???? I had the same thought :-?

Just get your courage up and talk to dad. You may find it helpful to have this website available for him to look at too. I hope your mom is not just putting you off by saying ask your dad. If she truly is supportive of you she will speak up to him especially if she said yes to you already but your dad had to agree to. You can have the surgery after your class in July if you choose to go to TJ, that's only weeks away. You have to lose 5% of your body weight before surgery so this would give you a great amount of time to lose your weight also. Be persistent honey. I'll say it again if it's truly meant to be for you you have to believe it will happen, ask for it (in prayer perhaps if you believe in God) and then just keep on believing. It will come to you but you may need to be a little patient.

All three of you are BEAUTIFUL!!!

Hey KboneSRU: 3 meals of slimfast???? Is that special to you because I think you can have 1 lean cuisine type dinner if you want. I don't want to recommend anything though that wasn't what Dr. Miranda told you. Just a thought.

I just started a new thread of what to take/suggestions for pre-bandsters. Check it out and add to it if you can or just glean from it if you can't

Yes you can fit the 4 days in a backpack, I did and I ALWAYS overpack. My backpack was so stuffed and I could have taken out a few more things. Hope your backpack is rolling though you may not want to be carring it as an actual backpack. If that's the case be sure not to make it too heavy for after surgery if you have to carry it. I'm excited for you. Try and relax and glad you're not so shy anymore shy!!

I made a post today of things to take/know before surgery. It got posted in the Questions section which wan't where I thought it should go, I don't know if people will look there for suggestions from us already banded people. Does anyone know how to get it into this discussion forum and not the Dr's question area? If that's not possible anyone who is interested in knowing what to take or some suggestions before surgery look in the Questions forum and it should be there. Good Luck

I thought it would be nice to start a new thread for soon to be bandsters. In the short time I've been her I see alot of posts asking what to take, is Mexico safe, how about traveling alone etc. There may already be a list like this but to have just one place to look would be nice. So hope on board here fellow bandsters and let's come up with an all inclusive list of what people want to know before surgery. Remember these should just be non-medical type info just the practical stuff. So here goes 1. Take 1 or 2 types of gas relief OTC meds because you can't get them in TJ. Suggestions include gas-x strips, phazyme, beano- and/or tums. I think the 1st 2 are the best. 2. Take bouillon cubes, powder for convenience and to save a few bucks if you care about this. Also take the protein water packets. Having them for the trip home is nice because you can't get them on any plane I've flown on. 3. Pack LIGHTLY!!! Yes I am screaming this but I too was guilty of overpacking. I only took a rolling backpack but it was so stuffed I though the zipper would break any minute. Take half of what fits in a backpack and you'll be happy. Also leave room for any little shopping finds you just have to have. 4. Have any liquids in 3 oz. or smaller containers and in a 1 quart ziplock bag if you are not checking your luggage, you should not need to check luggage as you should not take so much stuff. I suppose though if you are extending the days of stay for a mini vacation then it's ok to check or if you just find it easier. Have this bag easy to take out to go through security. Also wear slip off shoes for the security check if you can. 5. I traveled alone and had no problems or any sort of scary times. You will meet other people as soon as at the airport that are also getting banded or having a fill and you'll have an instant group of people to hang with. Just don't go out at night alone, be in before dark if you do. 6. Sports bras are much nicer to the freshly banded body. 1 tiny incision sometimes is close to your bra line and it can be irritating. Take/wear loose comfortable clothing. I saw alot of people in mumu type dresses for comfort. Loose sweat type pants or shorts and a Tshirt works too. 7. You'll do lots of walking both at the clinic after surgery and outside. Bring/wear comfortable shoes. You really don't need slippers at the clinic but something you can just slip on and don't have to bend over to tie and untie. They have you cover your shoes with little blue booties to keep the area clean. 8. They have a great cable TV with lots of channels and nice music in your room at the clinic. The hotel Lucerna's channels are more limited. Bring a small book or crosswords puzzles or whatever helps you pass time easily if you need it. I found the time to go by quickly and only watched TV so don't waste the space in your suitcase if you really don't need to. Also at the OCC they have a computer for patients to use, just ask. At the Hotel Lucerna they have several computers with internet in the lobby also to use if you want to keep in touch that way. Check on your cell phone plan to see if you have international call capability. Some do, some don't but if you need to use your cell phone for kids or family most plans will add an international plan and you can cancel it later if you choose. 9. If you can alll avoid it do not go out and have a huge, spicy meal the night before. Eating light the day before surgery helps there be less in your stomach and intestines thus causing fewer complications. I know people who've had a last meal if you will and done just fine but if you can, stay strong and go lightly with the food the day before. 10. No nail polish the day of surgery. Toe polish is fine. The same goes for a ton of makeup. The say actually NO makeup. So use your best judgement. 11. Pre-stock your fridge at home with some of the following: clear juices you like...apple cranberry, grape. You'll drink alot of this so get enough. Some people mix half water and half juice to cut the sugar calories or for those diabetics. Popsicles, jello, (can/should be sugar free), broths of all type, Special K protein H2O, drinkable yogurt for day 4-7. For weeks 2 and 3 you can have creamy soups. I'd suggest splurging and try some fresh made ones the stores have these days. Otherwise Campbells soup on hand has great cream of chicken, tomato. Cup of soup is also very quick and easy for those who have lunches or dinners away from home. All you need is hot water. Skinny cow fudgesicles are great for chocolate lovers. I also loved the Haagen Daz raspberry vanilla sorbet frozen bars for 100 calories. Recently there has been some controversy if jello is ok. Some people have no problems with it and others don't tolerate it. Use your best judgement as it is technically a clear liquid and gives you something to sort of "chew". 12. This is more for after you get home but buy some BENEFIBER. It dissolves completely in practically anything liquid as well as foods. It will really help you get in your fiber during liquids phase which is essential for so many reasons we all know. DO THIS!! Yes there are other types of fiber available some in tablet form you can chew up but I like this one the best. 13. Something I have found recently that I wished I would have had for the liquid phase (first 7 days also)) are what are called "Protein bullets". There are numerous websites that sell them. Also GNC stores or website I think has them. Google liquid protein or the ones I like the best are on bariatriceating.com. I got some others called "Profect" I think and they were basically the same thing. They are a 3.1 oz premixed liquid drink in a tube like container that has 42 grams of protein in the 3.1 oz. These ones are called New-Whey liquid protein. No sugar or fat. I have tried all flavors and like the fruit punch the best. Now it is sort of a thick almost like gelatin before it get's really thick and does have sort of a weird taste. I put it on ice or make sure it is ice cold. It's such a little amount I drink 1/2 of it at a time for 21 grams of protein. It's like 2 meals worth and gives you the protein you so desperatly need in that first 3 weeks so that you don't lose muscle instead of fat. they are about $$30.00 for 12 plus shipping. Again not the greatest to drink but tolerable especially for the health benefits they give you with the whey protein. Check them out.

I took my non-crushable pills the day of and after surgery with no probs. Just go slow and take only 1 at a time with time in between if you have more. There isn't an option with some medication so we must take them how they come, unless they can be stopped shortly but also some meds just can't be stopped for our own health and safety. Ask your Dr. though as I am only and RN and don't pretend to play Dr. (well maybe sometimes!!)

How excited are you Lisa? I know I was so happy as the days counted down. Thesuse gave a great list . I'll add my standard advice to her list. 1. Take bouillon cubes for convenience. The stuff at the hotel is $6 approx. 2. Have all your liquids in small 3 oz. or less containers and put them in 1 quart size ziplock bag. Have them easy to pull out of your bag if you are not checking luggage. Really no need to check luggage anyway as you should only take a very small amount of stuff you'll need for overnite. I used a wheeling backpack and it was overfilled. Could have taken less stuff. 3. Have birth certificate or passport easily accessible for the return trip across the border. Anyone want to add to this list please do. You'll be in great hands so just relax and enjoy. A relaxed patient is much easier to deal with than anxious ones. Also your body works better without extra adrenaline and stress hormones floating around the day of surgery. Keep us posted and anymore questions just ask.

Where do you find the pre-op diet?? They should tell you about it when you book. It also should come in your paperwork. If not give them a call and they'll inform you. Depending on how much you have to lose (5% of your current body weight) they may recommend something especially for you but most commonly people do what I did. Just to give you sort of an idea though the easiest one which I followed was this: Breakfast and lunch: Some sort of Slmfast type weight loss shake. My favorites are Slimfast (they recommend the optima but I also used the low carb higher protein one) Since I am diabetic I use Glucerna also. Dinner: Lean cuisine type low cal frozen dinner Snacks: ministrone soup if needed, and I can't remember what else was recommended but not much. Hope this helps you get started. You've kind of done what I did. I had lost about 35 pounds last summer and then gained and lost the same weight for 6 months. Keep us posted Sylvia.

Jim: I am tongue-tied for once. I think once again Will said it the best. Thanks for sharing this horrible pain with us. God is your strength and refuge....take refuge. Sincerely Julie Burns

It may be worth your while to check out Dr. Ortiz. Even just 1 phone call will help you understand things better about lapband. Make the call....you won't regret it. I didn't!!

I'm sure your counting the days, even hours to bandland. my tips: 1. Pack light, like very light. I only took a rolling backpack and it was way too stuffed. 2. For the airport security have only 3 oz liquids and all liquids must fit in 1 quart size ziplock bag. Have it easy to get out place in the bin they want it in going through the x-ray. Also wear shoes you can just slip off without untying. 3. Take your own bouillon cubes, powder if you don' want to have to pay $6 in the restaurant for a bowl. It's also just very handy. You can have them on the plane trip home too. 4. Buy some special K protein water powder packets to add into your water while their. 5gms of protein and 5gms fiber. 5. Gas-X strips, phazyme are the most recommended anti-gas OTC meds. I took beano and tums and they worked well. 6. Stock up on these items at home before you go so you don't have to go to the store too soon after you get home chicken/beef/vegetable broth, apple juice, popsicles (preferrably sugarfree), jell0 (same sugar free if you can tolerate) cranberry juice, grape juice, any other "CLEAR" juice you may enjoy, special K protein water, crystal light. Maybe other will add to this list for you as it is nowhere complete but it's a start for you. Also check out recent posts by c1bandedbabe because she asked for a list of what to bring and other advice. She got great tips. I'm excited for you. Keep posting and you'll be ay ease when you go.

Pregnancy just after the band may be a wonderful suprise to be pregnant but sure changes your direction quickly. Hope she's able to stay healthy and then just get on the "Band" wagon after delivery.

Welcome 2muchame. I understand being computer handicapped but I've learned alot on this forum about the band and computers. Mamamichelle posts alot of helpful tips so look for those to helo you out. Ther is also a technical section you can go to that has good info. For me I just got my 1 picture posted with the help of my husband. I want to try and post some pics though in my gallery I just havn't tried it yet. Are you looking to goint to Dr. Ortiz for your band? Have you got any questions? Where are you in your weight loss journey? Anything you want to know just ask and someone will answer, perhaps many with alot of great stuff. Again welcome and hope to see you here more. The more you're here the more you'll learn and feel more comfortable with the computer stuff.

You said it dita. the staying up thing after my husband thin was terrible for me to. I know for myself it took me a long time to get rid of alot of bad/abusive habits like smoking, overdrinking, drugs of various nature, bulimia, fast men, fast cars and fast men in fast cars!! It's a pattern of self destruction that is hard to break. Praise the Lord I am on the right track finally.....food is my worst issue now and I'm attacking it.

I'm curious what youpaid if you don't mind. I am going on 7/17 and using the package to stay overnite also. I am flying with delta and paid $259, stopping once in Salt Lake City. Only about an hour layover to change planes though so I hope don't have to sprint. At least I am more able to though if needed!!

It's great to see your pics. I agree with the comment that all the girls just had to take a peek at Will. Love the baby on the beach photo!!