Kristi Ann

oh, ok. sorry, didn't know. thanks!

i wanted to post this because i wasn't sure what to expect about what my abdomen would like like after surgery. i hope this never-meant-to-be-posted picture helps any soon-to-be bansters who wonder what they'll look like afterward. it's not a close up of the incisions, but you get the idea. i was banded on november 14th. this picture was caught by my cousin as i looked at my incisions in the mirror the next day. i look pregnant (haha); my abdomen was distended because i was blessed with a belly full of gas, which is very normal after this type of surgery. also, couldn't hold my belly in at all because i was really sore at the time. the soreness lasted about a week for me, but i hear time and time again that some have no pain. i have one 1" incision and four 1/4" incisions. and i should say, it has been 16 days... as a registered nurse, i am very impressed at how well everything is healing! absolutely no sign of infection or any other complication. i've lost 13 pounds and feel absolutely wonderful! good luck to you all! http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b264/maz...Untitled-18.jpg

oh, i can relate! #-o try sugar-free jello topped with fat-free whipped topping. adds "bulk" in your mouth so you can escape from the liquids for a minute, but melts and goes down just the same.

congrats! i was banded on the 14th and am still on liquids. i'm drinking campbells soups (the drinkable ones in the red and white microwavable containers), drinkable fat-free yogurt, slim-fast, gatorade, lots of water, and that is mostly it. i'm doubling up on my vitamins and about to start protein drinks. i woke up this weekend with my belly growling for the first time since before surgery and i tried to cheat with scrambled eggs... had 4 (extremely chewed well) bites and was completely full. it really weirded me out. but empowering and wonderful nonetheless. i felt guilty and decided to wait 21 days like i'm supposed to. blah! good luck to you and everyone else newly banded! p.s. was craving sweets really badly and bought sugar-free jello and fat-free whipped topping. served the purpose! i thought it was the best desert i'd ever had at the time! haha

The purpose of this liquid diet is to decrease the size of your liver, which in turn will make the placement of your lap band safer. my co-worker said she gained 20 pounds before surgery for the sole purpose of having her insurance cover it. she was then placed on a pre-surgery diet and lost 12 pounds before surgery. so, yes, most likely you will be on a diet before surgery. good luck!

teri~ i am on liquids (was just banded 8 days ago) and, like you, i feel like i am eating (drinking) so darn much! today i had a slim fast, drinkable yogurt, tomato soup, juices, coffee, lots of water... i am sipping all day and maybe that is why it feels like so much. the most amazing part is that i am getting FULL for the first time in my life! i drink 3/4 of my campbells soup and then have that "stuffed" feeling that i used to get from 2 trips to the buffet! haha it's awesome. going into this i was scared and thought that my mental hunger would cause me to override the full feeling the band is supposed to provide. it works like a charm! i am crossing my fingers that things continue to go well once i start solids. good luck to everyone!

congrats, kevin! i't's inspirational reading 'good news' posts.

i would start with talking to dr. miranda. i had only lost 4 pounds before my surgery. not sure how much you were expected to lose, but i am pretty sure it will be fine. afterall, you have lost some. keep us updated.

liz... greg & i were a bit concerned when we didn't see you back at the hotel. hope all is well with you, hun. give us an update when you can!

greg, was good to see you in TJ... i hope things are going well for you. read else where you were having some leg cramps, hope that gets resolved soon. things are ok with me. being mommy and going back to work this week causes me to be absolutely exhausted by 6pm. we're only 1 week post op... to be expected! good news is that i am not sore like i was-- unlike mr. lucky pants who was practically dancing through the streets just after surgery! haha which reminds me, thanks for going to shop (again) with us! you should post a poncho pic! keep in touch.

i'm glad to see other people going to be there on the same day. i'll be in san diego just before 10am. i'm getting soooooooooo nervous! Greg & Liz... See you there! I'm flying from Dallas. I'll be in San Diego just before 10am on Monday.

I read something on here that I think I will use when explaining my weight loss... Someone on here said that when people (co-workers, for example) ask her about her weight loss she replies, "I'm eating much smaller portions and exercising"-- which is not at all a lie. I've decided to do this-- and not to tell co-workers, and even some friends, because I don't want the pressure, especially if I lose slowly (which is fairly common for lower end BMI patients, from what I have read). I have co-workers that have had bariatric procedures and, unfortunately, I have witnessed the "chatters", people talking about it behind their backs. Not sure why there is all the negativity because I see this as a positive thing! (Maybe they are just jealous? ) Of course it is nice to have some close friends/family know all your business, because we ALL need some support... As far as telling everyone, I'm keeping my surgery business mostly to myself. My surgery date, I mean "vacation" (haha), is scheduled for one month from today!

this reminds me... the pain meds they give you to take for the first few days after surgery, are these actual pills? i thought i was only allowed liquids post surgery. is that a stupid question? i feel silly with so many petty questions!

Hi there! I'll be at the TJ hotel on the 13th for a NOVEMBER 14th surgery. If anyone else is going to be there at this time, I'd love to hear from you!