Hi!
I've been lurking for a little while, and I enjoy and learn alot from you all! I was banded on Friday, March 16, 2007, so today is my 4th post-op day.
I have struggled with my weight my whole life (I'm 47 years old). Lots of yo-yoing. I finally decided that looking better would be a nice "fringe benefit", but my true goal is to be healthy so I can enjoy the rest of my life doing the things that I love. I have been very fortunate to not have a lot of co-morbidities. My biggest complaints are arthritic knees (I literally can hear them when I go down stairs in the morning), hip joints and low back aches, and some mild reflux. All of these should improve dramatically as I drop the pounds. I am incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive husband and 16-year-old son here at home. I opted to tell only a very few people about my banding, at this point. I just didn't want to feel the added pressure. I will likely be more open a bit further down the road as my band and I become more comfortable with one another.
Today is the first day that I feel pretty darned good. The second night was the worst.....lots of "gas pain" from the CO2 (which, I must say, is really the only significant pain that I've had). The incisions have been of only minimal discomfort. I've noticed that it seems that most of you had your banding done in Mexico. I did not (so I sure hope that's not a pre-requisite to joining the group!). Mine was done in Kansas. I do have a "Center of Excellence" physician, and I think he's pretty great. I did quite a bit of research before deciding to do the LabBand, and, as I said earlier, being able to lurk and learn here has been most beneficial.
I have noticed that your liquid diet phase is quite a bit different than mine. I did 2 days of clear liquids pre-op. My first 3 post-op days have also been clear liquids. Today, however, I was instructed to begin full liquids......gently.......in addition to the clear. And, this coming weekend, I can begin soft solids, as tolerated (cottage cheese, string cheese, refried beans, etc.). Thus far, I really haven't been able to do more than 2-3 oz. of anything in one sitting. And, honestly, I haven't really wanted any more than that.
Anyway, I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to have my band in, and I'm raring to go. Thanks again for all the info, and thanks in advance, for your support!
Kelly
Highest weight: 275 lbs.
Weight 2 weeks prior to surgery: 261 lbs.
Weight day of surgery: 255 lbs.
Weight today (3/20): 246.5 lbs.