First Time Poster......Surgery 07/28

I am a little indifferent about what is about to take place. I am not sure what to expect (before, during and after) the BIG DAY!!! I am a mother of 4 (15, 10, 2 and 1). I have a support system in my mother. I am currently separated from my husband, reasons unknown. However, I decided that 2005 would be my year. I have purchased my first home, I am signed up for school to complete my degree and I have decided that I wanted to do something for ME. So here I am. I am tired of being the poor soul that everyone pities. I will no longer put myself on the back burner for the sake of being accepted by others. IT IS TIME FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!

Good for You!! Thoughts and prayer for you and your surgeon. (sp) Donna

Hi Tandra- It sounds like you're having a year full of change!!Although changes, good and bad, can be stressful. As far as your surgery is concerned, my best advice to you is to lose the indifference and start gathering as much information as you can about this very major change about to occur in your life. You need to be prepared for what is required of you before and after surgery(which your doctor can tell you). Being a new post-op I can tell you it takes some time to figure out how you're getting all the protein and fluids you have to get in, to heal and remain well hydrated. This web site is a great source of support and information, but your doctor should be your primary source, as every doctor requires different diets pre and post-op. Congratulations on getting your date, and with every step of your new goals. We'll be here for you along the way to help if we can! Welcome to the July Board!! Pam F.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery. Mine is the same day. It sounds as if you are going through some big changes in your life. This surgery will open a whole new world for you. I wish you the best!!! Shellie

I posted this today because I just had surgery I hope it helps alittle, I did the lap band e-mail me if I can help! 7-19-05 Tuesday I'M A LOSER!!!!! Hello everyone, thanks for your prayers and thoughts: I had my surgery Thursday and today (Tuesday), I almost feel normal. I have lost 17 lbs so far (193) and 1 size down, I am so excited and am sticking to my program and following the directions to a T. I figured the Doc has done enough of these to know what he is talking about. So many people I talk too don't follow the directions but for me it's about losing weight so if staying on liquids will help me lose weight and not upset my stomach then that is what I want, I encourage everyone to remember why we are doing this and not to cheat, keep focused on the future and not the food. It is like an out of body experience for me- you know what happened (surgery) but you just can't believe you went through with it. BUT I DID ! I often wonder if I am getting enough nourishment, my eye sight is bad but they said it would be, do to the patch for nausea. I haven't vomited and I walked around the block tonight(loosened up the gas). I went to the Olive Garden for Lunch and ordered a bowl of soup drained/sifted so I got only broth and it was good. Today I have energy and am doing much more around the house. NO MEDICATION TODAY!! Very little pain. QUESTION: upper middle of my chest hurts off and on, like something is sliding up and down in there, like I want to belch but can't any thoughts as to what this is? (It doesn't feel like reflux, no burning) Also I had something happen that scared me, I thought my lung collapsed because there was a great pain when I tried to breath, it only lasted 30 seconds but it happened 2x and I thought I was about to die! It hasn't happened today. I see the Doc Aug 8th and will update then. REMEMBER FOCUS ON THE FUTURE NOT FOOD! FYI: United Healthcare, hospital copay=$200+$1000(toward my cap for the year) They wanted payment on the spot/ College Station. Also ask the nurses what they are giving you and how often you are suppose to get it, 1 nurse gave me a shot 6 hrs to soon(blood thinner), the next nurse was going to give it to me again at the right time which would mean I would have had 3 shots in 12 hours, glad I caught it.

Congrats on the big day! My big day is the same as yours! I too am experiencing many life changes this year and feel like it is going to be my best year ever! I hope yours is that way too!! Celebrate you!!! Stacey