RevyD

I emailed Dr Miranda to ask her . I will let you know what she says Debbie

So you seasoned bandsters. What is the magic number for protein that we should eat a day. I thought I was 50 grams. The range others have heard seems to be 30-60 grams. Whats the scoop?

Ha ha. Those latin men are pretty impressive. Just something about them makes you want to smile and your body heat goes up one notch Debbie

I have heard that most people will not notice that you have lost any weight until you lose 10% of your body weight. That is when they will start to notice. But then you have to realize there are those people who would not notice if you shaved your head and grew a moustache. You know and that is what is really important. enjoy and celebrate every pound you lose because you are one step closer to your goal and a new healthy you We are all doing an amazing job because we decided that we would take our lifes into our own hands and change our destinies. We all rock and all should be commended whether it is 5 pounds or 205 pounds lost. We are doing something about our lifes to make them better. Can I hear and Amen sistas! Debbie

Hi Shelby. I sent the pictures and heard back from Dr Ortiz and Dr. Martinez today. Dr Martinez said that they have to make a little groove for the port to sit in and sometimes it bleeds a bit and then the blood is absorbed by the surrounding skin. He asked me if it was soft or I could feel anything hard. I told him it was soft and that the bruising was actually changing to yellow and green today. He thinks it is going to be fine. Dr Ortiz says that if it keeps on increasing and gets hard I need to go to my GP and get some antibiotics. He also said to use a heating pad for 15 minutes every 4 hours to help the blood absorb. Other than the brusing I feel great. Have been walking and tolerating fluids with no problems. I am glad to hear that you had bruising as well it makes me not feel like it is so strange. Dr. Martinez gave me his cell phone and told me to call with any concerns. You sure don't get this kind of service in Canada. Anyways thanks again for telling me about your bruising as it gave me some peace and helped me not to worry so much. Debbie

Hi. I just talked to Dr Martinez and he said that I can have a bath as soon as the glue comes of the sites which is usually 10 days. Can walk now but gymn at 3 weeks. Debbie

So glad you got home safe and are enjoying your family. It was wonderful getting to know you and having someone to talk to and go to dinner with. Keep me posted of your progress. Are you still feeling hungry today or has it settled down? My bruising has really increased and is freaking me out a bit. I took pictures and sent it to Dr Ortiz but so far have not heard anything back. Did anyone else have terrible bruising post op. I literally look like someone kicked me hard right where the port is. I am black , blue and purple Debbie

Can you tell me how long I have to wait to have a bath. I forgot. Also how long before I can do full exercises again Thanks Debbie

Well goodmorning everyone. I was banded Tuesday and am heading home today., The day started out interesting. I awoke to the sound of water in the bathroom. Jumped out of bed at 0600 to find water pouring through the heat lamp . Phoned maintenance who came up right away. Of course I had to change rooms because I could not use the shower. Here I am walking around the hotel in my nightgown with one of the cutest guys I have ever seen. Not one of my better moments LOL Finally settled into my new room but then could not go back to sleep. Thought I would make some coffee only find out that the coffee machine did not work. Not a good way to start the day for me. Phoned maintenance again and here comes cuty pie and I still have hair going in 5 different directions and my night gown on. He smiles and fixes the coffee machine. Excellent now I have java to wake me up. Lap band wise doing great today. No gas pains. I do have alot of brusing around the port area but it is not sore just looks gross. I get the shuttle to the airport with Disaster Walking at 0830. It was nice knowing someone from the forum before I left . We had each other to talk to and ask questions of once we got here and met so it was not really like being alone. I am looking forward to getting home to my own bed tonight. My flight is 1155 and I should be at my home by 9 p.m. I am sure after all the travelling I might be a bit sore. Anyways just wanted to give you all an update. Will keep you posted of my progress Debbie

Thanks everyone. Feels great to have it all over and done with. Now my new life begins. Debbie

Hi Bams. Which one were you this morning. I met all the people that came in and chatted with you as I was just leaving after having my band.

I just came down by myself from Canada to be banded. It has not been a problem at all. Met people at the hotel who were being banded also and made friends quick.

Things went great. Feeling good. Occasional gas pain but other than that everything is wonderful. Looking forward to going home tomorrow Debbie

Hi Canadian Bandster. It was nice meeting you in person on Monday. How are you feeling and did you have fun with your friend?

Hi Canadian Bandster. It was nice meeting you in person on Monday. How are you feeling and did you have fun with your friend?

Thanks Charelle. I just got up and re read my posting. Still must have had alot of drugs in my system by the look of my writing (hahah) Things are going well. Slept pretty good for a hospital bed. No pain this morning . Looking forward to going back to my Hotel this morning Debbie

I flew done to Sandiego yesterday . My arrival was a good expierence and so was the border crossing. I went to the OCC for my blood work but that was they good yesterday. CAme back to the Marriott which was very nice comfortable.Beds were great. The next morning the shuttle took 4 of us to he OCC who were having Lap bands done. When we got there I met with dietician who gave me my diet instructions post op . Took my weight , heighet etc and set my goal weight at 175. She said i could go lower if I wanted to but she said 175 was probably the best to maintain becuase obese for over 3 decades. We will reevlauate that goal when i get there. I then met the cardilogist who did and EKG and respiratory function tests. Everything was a go. They took me to my room.Started my IV and took me to the OR I think about 1. Everyone was fantastic , Very knowledgable and professional with greats senses of humor. When I woke up I was back in my room and it was 1:30. The surgery took minutes to do. The nurse got me up walking right away and their was water and juice at my bedside. We were told to walk every half over then rest. And to use the breathing apparatus ( Inspirometer) 10 times an hour. I have not had to take any pain medication although she is giving us all so mething when we go to bed. I Only feel a slight burning at the port and mild discomfort.p I have met several wonderful ladies here and one from the Forom " Disaster walking" So all of you who are waiting to come and get yours done. Do not worry about it all. I am a registered nurse and I found the facilities here top of the are. Im heading to bed now so I will sign off. Oh I think the scale here weighs quite a bit less. My scale at home I was 269 Yesterday. This morning on Dr Miranda's scale i weighed 262. I don't think I lost 7 pounds in 2 days but who knows. I see what my scale says when I get home Debbie

I know that it is not good to eat with meals and should you wait until 1 hour before drinking. Can you drink right up until you start to eat Debbie

Sorry to hear about the devastation . I will be praying for your family Debbie

Well tomorrow is the big day. I left Victoria this morning at 3:30 a.m and arrived in San Diego at 1130. Rode in the van with Canadian Bandster from Alberta which was cool and another gal coming for her first fill. I went to the OCC and had my blood work done and that was it for today. I get picked up at 0700 tomorrow to do the rest of my tests and meet with Dr Miranda and Ortiz. Do not know what time surgery is yet. The OCC was very clean actually cleaner than any American or Canadian hospital I have seen. I am an RN. I love how they make you put booties over your shoes when you enter the clinical area. Very good idea. I am not resting at the hotel catching up on emails. Deena I know you are arriving today. If you read this forum this afternoon I am in room 509. Maybe we can have dinner together I will write tomorrow and let you know how the day goes. Debbie

Well it has finally arrived. I leave tomorrow morning at 3:30 to fly down to the OCC. My surgical Date is Tuesday Sept 29th. Deena I know that you are you having surgery the same date. Anyone else going to be down there having surgery on the 29th? I will be staying at the Marriott. I am nervous but excited at the same time. The only thing I am not looking forward to is getting up so early tomorrow and flying down to Sandiego . It will be a long day. So let me here from you if you are having surgery on the 29th and how you are doing. Also any last words of wisdom or advice from anyone in Bandland Debbie

Maybe the pouch temporarily stretches putting pressure on the port and diaghram. That pressure then causes referred pain to the shoulder

Thanks for talking to me about being stuck. I feel better after what you said. Debbie

Oh my gosh after reading this experience I am afraid to death of getting stuck. I normally eat so fast and have all my life that it is really going to take alot of training to slow down and chew more. The thought of getting stuck just freaks me out. Actually so does the sliming I have read about and burping up food. How do you guys deal with this. I am getting banded Tuesday and am nervous about the above. Debbie

Way to go Sabrina. Keep up the good work