Re: 8/11/05 Banding

August 14, 2005

Hi Jody,

We live In the San Francisco bay area so we opted to drive down.

We also had to drop our 6 year old son at his grandparents in Long

Beach, CA on the way. We spent the night at my mother-in-law's house

in Oceanside, Ca and she drove us to the San Diego airport to meet up

with Ernesto on Thursday morning.

One recommendation I totally agree with is take a couple of bottles

of ISOPURE with you for the trip home. I was able to drink (and keep

it down) approx. 2.5 hrs. after surgery. My throat was sooooo dry!

It was difficult (impossible) to get soup on the ride home because we

left LA early to avoid the heat & traffic. I had a small jar of low

sodium chicken bolluion and just got a cup of hot water at Denny's

while my guys ate. That worked out fine.

You'll do super and everyone associated (or related) to Dr. Aceves

will treat you with nothing but respect and kindness. They are also

just as attentive and kind to your traveling companion. Yolanda

(Nina' Mom & Dr. A's sister-in-law) took Dan & Noreen shopping on

Friday afternoon! I believe there is nothing any one of them won't

do for their patients and their families.

Liz

>

August 14, 2005

Thanks for the great, detailed letter! My surgery is this Wed. and that is just the inspiration I needed. I can't wait until it's over now.

Debby

August 14, 2005

Welcome back Liz!! Sounds like you had a great experience!! That is so neat

that you didn't need pain meds. I am a big wuss compared to you! You go

girl!

In Texas

3/1/05

280/207.5/160

http://www.tracyslapband.com

Re: 8/11/05 Banding

Hi Jody,

We live In the San Francisco bay area so we opted to drive down.

We also had to drop our 6 year old son at his grandparents in Long

Beach, CA on the way. We spent the night at my mother-in-law's house

in Oceanside, Ca and she drove us to the San Diego airport to meet up

with Ernesto on Thursday morning.

One recommendation I totally agree with is take a couple of bottles

of ISOPURE with you for the trip home. I was able to drink (and keep

it down) approx. 2.5 hrs. after surgery. My throat was sooooo dry!

It was difficult (impossible) to get soup on the ride home because we

left LA early to avoid the heat & traffic. I had a small jar of low

sodium chicken bolluion and just got a cup of hot water at Denny's

while my guys ate. That worked out fine.

You'll do super and everyone associated (or related) to Dr. Aceves

will treat you with nothing but respect and kindness. They are also

just as attentive and kind to your traveling companion. Yolanda

(Nina' Mom & Dr. A's sister-in-law) took Dan & Noreen shopping on

Friday afternoon! I believe there is nothing any one of them won't

do for their patients and their families.

Liz

>

August 14, 2005

Congratulations Liz! Sounds like we had the same experience. I was even in room #23 :0) I am so glad everything went well for you. It was so energizing to hear your story. It was like reliving it all over again. It is so nice to know that EVERYONE is treated just all well as I was. I was banded almost 4 weeks ago and feel great.

I wish you all the best!

8/11/05 Banding

Hi All,Well I'm back home from Mexico and I'm an official looser (aka: Bandette)! What an incredible experience it was! From our pick-up at the San Diego Airport by Ernesto (what a great guy) and the comfy van ride to Mexicali, to the time he dropped us off, it was a breeze. The biggest shock was STEPPING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONED VAN INTO THE 108 DEGREE HEAT IN MEXICALI. Yeow! We (my husband & I) walked in to the lobby of the hospital and were greeted by Dr. Aceves and his lovely wife . We were introduced to my nurse, and I was whisked onto the scale. This is done right in the lobby of the hospital (in a corner) but honestly, you don't care a fig who knows how much you weigh at that point because you KNOW you'll never weigh that much again if you "work the band". We we're shown to our room (#23) and I changed into the largest hospital gown I have ever seen! Honestly, my hubby Dan, (who is quite fit) the doctor and his wife could have fit in the gown with me and I'm no lightweight. I had to take care not to walk down the halls flashing people thru the arm holes!(lol) and gave me an EKG right in my room and then escorted down the hall for my chest x-ray. Another nurse came and took some blood and then we waited for the results. Meanwhile, we had a visit from Noreen the wife of Bruce (room #22). Bruce was scheduled for surgery before me but we had a chance to chat before he went in. I must say, it was nice having someone else there to compare things with step by step, after the surgery. He went at 1pm and I went at 3 pm. Approx. 45 min's in surgery, 2 hrs. in recovery and I was back in my room. No fear, No pain, NO problems! Just a bit groggy from the anesthesia but just as promised, no nausea or headache at all. Within an hour of being back in my room, Bruce strolled in for a visit! 20 minutes after he left, my hubby escorted me next door to visit him and Noreen. I stood there and chatted for 15 minutes then took a walk to the lobby and back with Dan. I was fine. We watched a DVD and then visited with Bruce and Noreen again. This time we all took a couple of laps then stood in the hall chattering and laughing. Nina told us they were going to kick us out if we didn't quiet down! We slipped back into our rooms and I went to sleep with out taking any sleeping pills and slept thru the night. Friday morning Dan & I showered together so he could help scrub my hair. The IV was still attached and it was awkward to move around with...Saturday was kind of slow. There was an emergency tying up x-ray so we had to wait to do "the swallow". Dan was hungry and was directed to "The Trains" for some carne asada (grilled, marinated beef) Of course, as soon as he left x-ray was free, so Yolanda escorted me there and it was time to down the barium. Yum (NOT). Dr. A was so nice. He offered to wait for Dan to return but I didn't want to hold him up (or the food I knew I'd be getting as soon as I did the swallow). He took alot of pictures so I could show Dan later. Everything went just fine. You take a swallow and watch it on the screen as it goes down your throat into the pouch (stoma) and then empties into the lower stomach. It appeared not to take very long but Dr. Aceves said it was fine. I went back to my room and 5 minutes later the best chicken broth I have ever tasted arrived along with Lime Jell-O squares, a glass of apple juice and my husband. I drank all the Soup and ate most of the Jell-O and I was full. I had also been sipping water since I got back in my room after surgery. Dinner was the same chicken broth with Lemon Jell-O. I didn't finish either. In fact, Dan took the Jell-O to Bruce!FYI - Dan went to the Italian resturant called Mandolin for dinner and said it was great. If you look out the window at the end of the hall right outside room #23 you'll see it. Just in case someone else has a spouse/companion who wants to eat out. He also tried the Flautas (soft rolled tacos) in the cafeteria and said they were great.Anyway, Bruce and I tried to stage a hospital break on Friday afternoon but to no avail. We did manage to leave an hour early (7 am) on Saturday though. We spent Friday night yapping in the hall with a lady named Alma who was there with a friend who'd just had a tummy tuck after losing alot of weight with the lapband.! She will be our inspiration.For those of you having doubts about this surgery - don't. I know everyone is different and I would say I have a fairly high tolerance level for pain but I have NOT felt anything I would describe as pain. I have not even opened the bottle of Tylenol. One word of warning - watch out for the after surgery oral antibiotic. The good news is, it's only twice a day and ONLY for 5 days!To sum it up - this was a fabulous experience and like many others, I wish I'd done it years ago.LizDOB: 8/11/05275/262/135

August 15, 2005

Hi Liz,

I was wondering how you are doing. I got to go home the same day as you. Dr. A walked in my room at 2 o'clock and said I was doing so well that I could go home. Poor Ernesto had to drive me to San Diego that evening after he had already taken you. He stopped and got a red bull(pure caffeine) so he could stay awake. I have not opened my Tylenol either and I shouldn't have been worried because I am taking care of my kids just fine. I feel great just one problem. I am starving!!! I was fine on Saturday but yesterday just 2 days after surgery My stomach was growling like crazy and I was hungry. I have read posts about people who could barely drink anything after surgery and couldn't get down jello but that has not been a problem for me. I can down a glass of juice or water in no time. It does not hurt. I know I have a band but it is just going down too easy. My band must be one of the loose ones. Anyway I am trying really hard to stay on the liquids but I just never expected to be so hungry especially this early. I'm glad to hear that you are doing well. Write me back to let me know if you are having the same thing or if I'm just some freak.(lol) Anyone else reading can write me too I'm curious to know if anyone else was hungry so soon and could drink so easily. Can't wait for that first fill!!

Talk to you soon, Sheri

-------------- Original message -------------- Hi All,Well I'm back home from Mexico and I'm an official looser (aka: Bandette)! What an incredible experience it was! From our pick-up at the San Diego Airport by Ernesto (what a great guy) and the comfy van ride to Mexicali, to the time he dropped us off, it was a breeze. The biggest shock was STEPPING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONED VAN INTO THE 108 DEGREE HEAT IN MEXICALI. Yeow! We (my husband & I) walked in to the lobby of the hospital and were greeted by Dr. Aceves and his lovely wife . We were introduced to my nurse, and I was whisked onto the scale. This is done right in the lobby of the hospital (in a corner) but honestly, you don't care a fig who knows how much you weigh at that point because you KNOW you'll never weigh that much again if you "work the band". We we're shown to our room (#23) and I changed into the largest hospital gown I have ever seen! Honestly, my hubby Dan, (who is quite fit) the doctor and his wife could have fit in the gown with me and I'm no lightweight. I had to take care not to walk down the halls flashing people thru the arm holes!(lol) and gave me an EKG right in my room and then escorted down the hall for my chest x-ray. Another nurse came and took some blood and then we waited for the results. Meanwhile, we had a visit from Noreen the wife of Bruce (room #22). Bruce was scheduled for surgery before me but we had a chance to chat before he went in. I must say, it was nice having someone else there to compare things with step by step, after the surgery. He went at 1pm and I went at 3 pm. Approx. 45 min's in surgery, 2 hrs. in recovery and I was back in my room. No fear, No pain, NO problems! Just a bit groggy from the anesthesia but just as promised, no nausea or headache at all. Within an hour of being back in my room, Bruce strolled in for a visit! 20 minutes after he left, my hubby escorted me next door to visit him and Noreen. I stood there and chatted for 15 minutes then took a walk to the lobby and back with Dan. I was fine. We watched a DVD and then visited with Bruce and Noreen again. This time we all took a couple of laps then stood in the hall chattering and laughing. Nina told us they were going to kick us out if we didn't quiet down! We slipped back into our rooms and I went to sleep with out taking any sleeping pills and slept thru the night. Friday morning Dan & I showered together so he could help scrub my hair. The IV was still attached and it was awkward to move around with...Saturday was kind of slow. There was an emergency tying up x-ray so we had to wait to do "the swallow". Dan was hungry and was directed to "The Trains" for some carne asada (grilled, marinated beef) Of course, as soon as he left x-ray was free, so Yolanda escorted me there and it was time to down the barium. Yum (NOT). Dr. A was so nice. He offered to wait for Dan to return but I didn't want to hold him up (or the food I knew I'd be getting as soon as I did the swallow). He took alot of pictures so I could show Dan later. Everything went just fine. You take a swallow and watch it on the screen as it goes down your throat into the pouch (stoma) and then empties into the lower stomach. It appeared not to take very long but Dr. Aceves said it was fine. I went back to my room and 5 minutes later the best chicken broth I have ever tasted arrived along with Lime Jell-O squares, a glass of apple juice and my husband. I drank all the Soup and ate most of the Jell-O and I was full. I had also been sipping water since I got back in my room after surgery. Dinner was the same chicken broth with Lemon Jell-O. I didn't finish either. In fact, Dan took the Jell-O to Bruce!FYI - Dan went to the Italian resturant called Mandolin for dinner and said it was great. If you look out the window at the end of the hall right outside room #23 you'll see it. Just in case someone else has a spouse/companion who wants to eat out. He also tried the Flautas (soft rolled tacos) in the cafeteria and said they were great.Anyway, Bruce and I tried to stage a hospital break on Friday afternoon but to no avail. We did manage to leave an hour early (7 am) on Saturday though. We spent Friday night yapping in the hall with a lady named Alma who was there with a friend who'd just had a tummy tuck after losing alot of weight with the lapband.! She will be our inspiration.For those of you having doubts about this surgery - don't. I know everyone is different and I would say I have a fairly high tolerance level for pain but I have NOT felt anything I would describe as pain. I have not even opened the bottle of Tylenol. One word of warning - watch out for the after surgery oral antibiotic. The good news is, it's only twice a day and ONLY for 5 days!To sum it up - this was a fabulous experience and like many others, I wish I'd done it years ago.LizDOB: 8/11/05275/262/135

August 15, 2005

Hi Sheri,

I'm sorry we didn't stop in to say good-bye, but your room was still

dark and we didn't want to wake you up from your rest. I'm glad to

hear you are doing well. YES! my stomach is making ALOT of noise

but I really don't " feel " that hungry and, I for one will not break

the $8,200 dollar rules.

I've been drinking with no problems what so ever. Broth, watered

down juice & my ISOPURE. I had a Blue Raspberry yesterday and it was

so good.

LOL! You can down a ton of liquid twice a day you know - right after

your morning and evening dose of antibiotic!!! It takes almost 30

minutes to get the taste out of your mouth...

Noreen, Bruce, Dan & I were worried we'd scared you to death when we

all barged into your room on Friday! We must have been a bit loopy

still from the drugs! We were hanging out in the hall making enough

noise to bother everyone but you didn't come out of your room that

evening. Did you hear us trying to convince Dr. Aceves to let us

leave Friday afternoon? We couldn't swing it but you did! Guess we

were the WEST COAST WONDERS group this weekend?

I hope things get better for you in the hungries department. I'm

going to make up some Jell-O today. We all know how filling that is

(LOL)!

Take care & well talk soon.

Liz

> Hi Liz,

> I was wondering how you are doing. I got to go home the same day

as you. Dr. A walked in my room at 2 o'clock and said I was doing

so well that I could go home. Poor Ernesto had to drive me to San

Diego that evening after he had already taken you. He stopped and

got a red bull(pure caffeine) so he could stay awake.

August 15, 2005

Liz, same as , it seems that Nina, Dr. A, Yolanda, , Ernesto, and all the staff have this procedure down pat, they sure know how to treat us, and it is so awesome, I love reading everyone's stories because it makes me relive my great expereince, all over again. Glad to have you on the loosing side, Liz.

Tracie B. in Texas

248/225

DOB 6/24/05 Re: 8/11/05 Banding

Congratulations Liz! Sounds like we had the same experience. I was even in room #23 :0) I am so glad everything went well for you. It was so energizing to hear your story. It was like reliving it all over again. It is so nice to know that EVERYONE is treated just all well as I was. I was banded almost 4 weeks ago and feel great.

I wish you all the best!

8/11/05 Banding

Hi All,Well I'm back home from Mexico and I'm an official looser (aka: Bandette)! What an incredible experience it was! From our pick-up at the San Diego Airport by Ernesto (what a great guy) and the comfy van ride to Mexicali, to the time he dropped us off, it was a breeze. The biggest shock was STEPPING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONED VAN INTO THE 108 DEGREE HEAT IN MEXICALI. Yeow! We (my husband & I) walked in to the lobby of the hospital and were greeted by Dr. Aceves and his lovely wife . We were introduced to my nurse, and I was whisked onto the scale. This is done right in the lobby of the hospital (in a corner) but honestly, you don't care a fig who knows how much you weigh at that point because you KNOW you'll never weigh that much again if you "work the band". We we're shown to our room (#23) and I changed into the largest hospital gown I have ever seen! Honestly, my hubby Dan, (who is quite fit) the doctor and his wife could have fit in the gown with me and I'm no lightweight. I had to take care not to walk down the halls flashing people thru the arm holes!(lol) and gave me an EKG right in my room and then escorted down the hall for my chest x-ray. Another nurse came and took some blood and then we waited for the results. Meanwhile, we had a visit from Noreen the wife of Bruce (room #22). Bruce was scheduled for surgery before me but we had a chance to chat before he went in. I must say, it was nice having someone else there to compare things with step by step, after the surgery. He went at 1pm and I went at 3 pm. Approx. 45 min's in surgery, 2 hrs. in recovery and I was back in my room. No fear, No pain, NO problems! Just a bit groggy from the anesthesia but just as promised, no nausea or headache at all. Within an hour of being back in my room, Bruce strolled in for a visit! 20 minutes after he left, my hubby escorted me next door to visit him and Noreen. I stood there and chatted for 15 minutes then took a walk to the lobby and back with Dan. I was fine. We watched a DVD and then visited with Bruce and Noreen again. This time we all took a couple of laps then stood in the hall chattering and laughing. Nina told us they were going to kick us out if we didn't quiet down! We slipped back into our rooms and I went to sleep with out taking any sleeping pills and slept thru the night. Friday morning Dan & I showered together so he could help scrub my hair. The IV was still attached and it was awkward to move around with...Saturday was kind of slow. There was an emergency tying up x-ray so we had to wait to do "the swallow". Dan was hungry and was directed to "The Trains" for some carne asada (grilled, marinated beef) Of course, as soon as he left x-ray was free, so Yolanda escorted me there and it was time to down the barium. Yum (NOT). Dr. A was so nice. He offered to wait for Dan to return but I didn't want to hold him up (or the food I knew I'd be getting as soon as I did the swallow). He took alot of pictures so I could show Dan later. Everything went just fine. You take a swallow and watch it on the screen as it goes down your throat into the pouch (stoma) and then empties into the lower stomach. It appeared not to take very long but Dr. Aceves said it was fine. I went back to my room and 5 minutes later the best chicken broth I have ever tasted arrived along with Lime Jell-O squares, a glass of apple juice and my husband. I drank all the Soup and ate most of the Jell-O and I was full. I had also been sipping water since I got back in my room after surgery. Dinner was the same chicken broth with Lemon Jell-O. I didn't finish either. In fact, Dan took the Jell-O to Bruce!FYI - Dan went to the Italian resturant called Mandolin for dinner and said it was great. If you look out the window at the end of the hall right outside room #23 you'll see it. Just in case someone else has a spouse/companion who wants to eat out. He also tried the Flautas (soft rolled tacos) in the cafeteria and said they were great.Anyway, Bruce and I tried to stage a hospital break on Friday afternoon but to no avail. We did manage to leave an hour early (7 am) on Saturday though. We spent Friday night yapping in the hall with a lady named Alma who was there with a friend who'd just had a tummy tuck after losing alot of weight with the lapband.! She will be our inspiration.For those of you having doubts about this surgery - don't. I know everyone is different and I would say I have a fairly high tolerance level for pain but I have NOT felt anything I would describe as pain. I have not even opened the bottle of Tylenol. One word of warning - watch out for the after surgery oral antibiotic. The good news is, it's only twice a day and ONLY for 5 days!To sum it up - this was a fabulous experience and like many others, I wish I'd done it years ago.LizDOB: 8/11/05275/262/135

August 15, 2005

Sheri, (YOU AREN"T a FREAK) lol

Even though I didn't start getting hungry until about 5 to 6 days after surgery, it does happen, if you remember correctly when You did your barium swallow, the barium probably went straight through well that is what the liquids are doing, and I know it is hard I am one that started on full liquids a week early but stayed on them for longer, so I'm not sure if I can give you any great advice for the starving syndrome, just hang in there, we have all been were you are at, I myself just got my first fill, and had a harder time this first week after my fill then I ever did after surgery.

Take care

Tracie B. in Texas

248/225

DOB 6/24/05 Re: 8/11/05 Banding

Hi Liz,

I was wondering how you are doing. I got to go home the same day as you. Dr. A walked in my room at 2 o'clock and said I was doing so well that I could go home. Poor Ernesto had to drive me to San Diego that evening after he had already taken you. He stopped and got a red bull(pure caffeine) so he could stay awake. I have not opened my Tylenol either and I shouldn't have been worried because I am taking care of my kids just fine. I feel great just one problem. I am starving!!! I was fine on Saturday but yesterday just 2 days after surgery My stomach was growling like crazy and I was hungry. I have read posts about people who could barely drink anything after surgery and couldn't get down jello but that has not been a problem for me. I can down a glass of juice or water in no time. It does not hurt. I know I have a band but it is just going down too easy. My band must be one of the loose ones. Anyway I am

August 15, 2005

Liz,

You all did not scare me. It sounded like you all were having alot of fun. Dr. A talked about your "party" every time I saw him. Anyway I did not come out because I had them give me a sleeping pill that zonked me out good. I can see why people get hooked on those things. That was a first for me,I don't take em cause I don't want to miss hearing my kids if they get up or are crying in the night. I'm not gonna break the rules either it is just a little harder than I expected. Every time I see a food commercial it makes it worse so I finally turned off the tv.I have been having the orange Isopure but I didn't like it much until I mixed it with orange crystal light now it tastes ok. Talk to you soon, Sheri

-------------- Original message -------------- Hi Sheri,I'm sorry we didn't stop in to say good-bye, but your room was still dark and we didn't want to wake you up from your rest. I'm glad to hear you are doing well. YES! my stomach is making ALOT of noise but I really don't "feel" that hungry and, I for one will not break the $8,200 dollar rules. I've been drinking with no problems what so ever. Broth, watered down juice & my ISOPURE. I had a Blue Raspberry yesterday and it was so good.LOL! You can down a ton of liquid twice a day you know - right after your morning and evening dose of antibiotic!!! It takes almost 30 minutes to get the taste out of your mouth...Noreen, Bruce, Dan & I were worried we'd scared you to death when we all barged into your room on Friday! We must have been a bit loopy still from the drugs! We were hanging out in the hall making enough noise to bother everyone but you didn't come out of your room that evening. Did you hear us trying to convince Dr. Aceves to let us leave Friday afternoon? We couldn't swing it but you did! Guess we were the WEST COAST WONDERS group this weekend?I hope things get better for you in the hungries department. I'm going to make up some Jell-O today. We all know how filling that is (LOL)!Take care & well talk soon.Liz> Hi Liz, > I was wondering how you are doing. I got to go home the same day as you. Dr. A walked in my room at 2 o'clock and said I was doing so well that I could go home. Poor Ernesto had to drive me to San Diego that evening after he had already taken you. He stopped and got a red bull(pure caffeine) so he could stay awake.

August 15, 2005

,

Thanks I'm trying to hang in there. I just don't have much willpower (that's what got me here in the first place). Anyway I am determined to make this work and to not harm my band so I will tough it out. I wonder if you can just have a saltine cracker or something really disolveable like that to help? Talk to you soon, Sheri

--------- Re: 8/11/05 Banding

Hi Liz,

I was wondering how you are doing. I got to go home the same day as you. Dr. A walked in my room at 2 o'clock and said I was doing so well that I could go home. Poor Ernesto had to drive me to San Diego that evening after he had already taken you. He stopped and got a red bull(pure caffeine) so he could stay awake. I have not opened my Tylenol either and I shouldn't have been worried because I am taking care of my kids just fine. I feel great just one problem. I am starving!!! I was fine on Saturday but yesterday just 2 days after surgery My stomach was growling like crazy and I was hungry. I have read posts about people who could barely drink anything after surgery and couldn't get down jello but that has not been a problem for me. I can down a glass of juice or water in no time. It does not hurt. I know I have a band but it is just going down too easy. My band must be one of the loose ones. Anyway I am

August 15, 2005

Hey Tracie, I'm sticking my head out for a few minutes here...studying like crazy for finals tomorrow...blah. Just wanted to say that I hope to have good restriction on my 1st fill like you did. I'm so freaking frustrated with feeling hungry. I'm on full liquids now, but have caught myself cheating and am really struggling so I'm putting it out there...NO MORE NOT THINKING WHAT I PUT IN MY MOUTH!!! So, I'm drinking and drinking...man, do I want to chew again. I'm trying to get out of the thinking pattern that is is NOT going to work for me. I'm trying to remember that you had a hard time, too until you got filled.

It's just that I have all these weird thoughts going on...what if it's slipped, what if I won't get ANY restrictions because the band is defective, has a leak...on and on and on and on. Sigh.I'm trying to stay encouraged.

Pifferrer>From: tkbartek@...>Reply- > >Subject: Re: 8/11/05 Banding>Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2005 13:50:22 -0400>>Sheri, (YOU AREN"T a FREAK) lol>>Even though I didn't start getting hungry until about 5 to 6 days after surgery, it does happen, if you remember correctly when You did your barium swallow, the barium probably went straight through well that is what the liquids are doing, and I know it is hard I am one that started on full liquids a week early but stayed on them for longer, so I'm not sure if I can give you any great advice for the starving syndrome, just hang in there, we have all been were you are at, I myself just got my first fill, and had a harder time this first week after my fill then I ever did after surgery.>>Take care>>>Tracie B. in Texas>248/225>DOB 6/24/05>> Re: 8/11/05 Banding>>>Hi Liz,>I was wondering how you are doing. I got to go home the same day as you. Dr. A walked in my room at 2 o'clock and said I was doing so well that I could go home. Poor Ernesto had to drive me to San Diego that evening after he had already taken you. He stopped and got a red bull(pure caffeine) so he could stay awake. I have not opened my Tylenol either and I shouldn't have been worried because I am taking care of my kids just fine. I feel great just one problem. I am starving!!! I was fine on Saturday but yesterday just 2 days after surgery My stomach was growling like crazy and I was hungry. I have read posts about people who could barely drink anything after surgery and couldn't get down jello but that has not been a problem for me. I can down a glass of juice or water in no time. It does not hurt. I know I have a band but it is just going down too easy. My band must be one of the loose ones. Anyway I am

August 15, 2005

Sherri,

We shall be freaks together I say!!!

LOL!! Sherri, I was starving on day 3. This was the day Curtis and I drove back

from Mexico all the way to central texas. I had a thermos full of chicken broth

and I had to drink about a ½ cup every 2 hours because I was physically so

hungry. I say do what you need to do, even if it means downing chicken broth

every 2-3 hrs so you are not hungry. I guarantee what will happen after a few

days is you will adjust and you can wean yourself down some like I did. What I

ended up doing was drinking my broth, then 2 hrs later, have some Jello, then

sip on my protein drink or Gatorade, water. I think if you balance it like

that, it is better. But remember, the head hunger will still be there, especially

when watching others eat. Hang in there, it will get better as your stomach

adjusts. Just keep saying “I know I can, I know I can, I know I can!!”.

3/1/05

280/207.5/160

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of wilkinsjl@...

Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005

11:07 AM

Subject: Re:

8/11/05 Banding

Hi Liz,

I was wondering how you are doing. I got to go home the same day as

you. Dr. A walked in my room at 2 o'clock and said I was doing so well

that I could go home. Poor Ernesto had to drive me to San Diego that

evening after he had already taken you. He stopped and got a red

bull(pure caffeine) so he could stay awake. I have not opened my Tylenol

either and I shouldn't have been worried because I am taking care of my kids

just fine. I feel great just one problem. I am starving!!! I was

fine on Saturday but yesterday just 2 days after surgery My stomach was

growling like crazy and I was hungry. I have read posts about people who

could barely drink anything after surgery and couldn't get down jello but that

has not been a problem for me. I can down a glass of juice or water in no

time. It does not hurt. I know I have a band but it is just going down

too easy. My band must be one of the loose ones. Anyway I am trying

really hard to stay on the liquids but I just never expected to be so hungry

especially this early. I'm glad to hear that you are doing well.

Write me back to let me know if you are having the same thing or if I'm just

some freak.(lol) Anyone else reading can write me too I'm curious to know

if anyone else was hungry so soon and could drink so easily. Can't wait

for that first fill!!

Talk to you soon, Sheri

-------------- Original

message --------------

Hi

All,

Well I'm back home from Mexico and I'm an official

looser (aka:

Bandette)! What an incredible experience it

was! From our pick-up

at the San Diego Airport by Ernesto (what a great

guy) and the comfy

van ride to Mexicali, to the time he dropped us

off, it was a

breeze. The biggest shock was STEPPING OUT

OF THE AIR CONDITIONED

VAN INTO THE 108 DEGREE HEAT IN MEXICALI.

Yeow! We (my husband & I)

walked in to the lobby of the hospital and were

greeted by Dr. Aceves

and his lovely wife . We were

introduced to my nurse,

and I was whisked onto the scale. This is

done right in the lobby of

the hospital (in a corner) but honestly, you don't

care a fig who

knows how much you weigh at that point because you

KNOW you'll never

weigh that much again if you " work the

band " . We we're shown to our

room (#23) and I changed into the largest hospital

gown I have ever

seen! Honestly, my hubby Dan, (who is quite

fit) the doctor and his

wife could have fit in the gown with me and I'm no

lightweight. I

had to take care not to walk down the halls

flashing people thru the

arm holes!(lol)

and gave me an EKG right in my room

and then

escorted down the hall for my chest x-ray.

Another nurse came and

took some blood and then we waited for the

results. Meanwhile, we

had a visit from Noreen the wife of Bruce (room

#22). Bruce was

scheduled for surgery before me but we had a

chance to chat before he

went in. I must say, it was nice having someone

else there to compare

things with step by step, after the surgery.

He went at 1pm and I

went at 3 pm. Approx. 45 min's in surgery, 2

hrs. in recovery and I

was back in my room. No fear, No pain, NO

problems! Just a bit!

gro ggy from the anesthesia but just as

promised, no nausea or

headache at all. Within an hour of being

back in my room, Bruce

strolled in for a visit! 20 minutes after he

left, my hubby escorted

me next door to visit him and Noreen. I

stood there and chatted for

15 minutes then took a walk to the lobby and back

with Dan. I was

fine. We watched a DVD and then visited with

Bruce and Noreen

again. This time we all took a couple of

laps then stood in the hall

chattering and laughing. Nina told us they

were going to kick us out

if we didn't quiet down! We slipped back

into our rooms and I went

to sleep with out taking any sleeping pills and

slept thru the

night. Friday morning Dan & I showered

together so he could help

scrub my hair. The IV was still attached and

it was awkward to move

around with...

Saturday was kind of slow. There was an

emergency tying up x-ray so

we had to wait to do " the

swallow " . Dan was hungry and was directed

to " The Trains " for some carne asada

(grilled, marinated beef) Of

course, as soon as he left x-ray was free, so

Yolanda escorted me

there and it was time to down the barium.

Yum (NOT). Dr. A was so

nice. He offered to wait for Dan to return

but I didn't want to hold

him up (or the food I knew I'd be getting as soon

as I did the

swallow). He took alot of pictures so I

could show Dan later.

Everything went just fine. You take a

swallow and watch it on the

screen as it goes down your throat into the pouch

(stoma) and then

empties into the lower stomach. It appeared

not to take very long

but Dr. Aceves said it was fine. I went back

to my room and 5

minutes later the best chicken broth I have ever

tasted arrived along

with Lime Jell-O squares, a glass of apple juice

and my husband. I

drank all the Soup and ate most of the Jell-O and

I was ful! l. I had

also been sipping water since I got back in my

room after surgery.

Dinner was the same chicken broth with Lemon

Jell-O. I didn't finish

either. In fact, Dan took the Jell-O to

Bruce!

FYI - Dan went to the Italian resturant called Mandolin

for dinner

and said it was great. If you look out the

window at the end of the

hall right outside room #23 you'll see it.

Just in case someone else

has a spouse/companion who wants to eat out. He

also tried the

Flautas (soft rolled tacos) in the cafeteria and

said they were great.

Anyway, Bruce and I tried to stage a hospital

break on Friday

afternoon but to no avail. We did manage to

leave an hour early (7

am) on Saturday though. We spent Friday

night yapping in the hall

with a lady named Alma who was there with a friend

who'd just had a

tummy tuck after losing alot of weight with the

lapband.! She will

be our inspiration.

For those of you having doubts about this surgery

- don't. I know

everyone is different and I would say I have a

fairly high tolerance

level for pain but I have NOT felt anything I

would describe as

pain. I have not even opened the bottle of

Tylenol. One word of

warning - watch out for the after surgery oral

antibiotic. The good

news is, it's only twice a day and ONLY for 5

days!

To sum it up - this was a fabulous experience and

like many others, I

wish I'd done it years ago.

Liz

DOB: 8/11/05

275/262/135

August 15, 2005

Hi , the other here. J I just

posted to Sherri about the hunger. Don’t worry, it is perfectly normal to

feel hungry. And you sound just like me as far as the worrying….just ask

Nina. I drove her and the Dr. Nuts worrying about slips and erosion and leaks

right after surgery because I was reading so much on the boards and on email

lists. You know what they told me? STOP READING!! Of course I couldn’t

because I was still a sponge, but I did calm down the longer I was post op and

had no problems. Some nights it kept me awake just thinking about the

possibilities. I guess we are worry warts huh?

I know it doesn’t help to say this,

but DON’T WORRY. You are fine, and all those problems occur very rarely. (believe

it or not!) If all else fails, do what I did and chat with the Dr. on his chat

night. He made me feel so much at ease. J

M.

3/1/05

280/207.5/160

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of D. Pifferrer

Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 3:54

PM

Subject: Re:

8/11/05 Banding

Hey

Tracie, I'm sticking my head out for a few minutes here...studying like crazy

for finals tomorrow...blah. Just wanted to say that I hope to have good

restriction on my 1st fill like you did. I'm so freaking frustrated with

feeling hungry. I'm on full liquids now, but have caught myself cheating

and am really struggling so I'm putting it out there...NO MORE NOT THINKING

WHAT I PUT IN MY MOUTH!!! So, I'm drinking and drinking...man, do I want

to chew again. I'm trying to get out of the thinking pattern that is is

NOT going to work for me. I'm trying to remember that you had a hard

time, too until you got filled.

It's just

that I have all these weird thoughts going on...what if it's slipped, what if I

won't get ANY restrictions because the band is defective, has a leak...on and

on and on and on. Sigh.

I'm trying to stay encouraged.

Pifferrer

>From: tkbartek@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: 8/11/05 Banding

>Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2005 13:50:22 -0400

>

>Sheri, (YOU AREN " T a FREAK) lol

>

>Even though I didn't start getting hungry until about 5 to 6 days after

surgery, it does happen, if you remember correctly when You did your barium

swallow, the barium probably went straight through well that is what the

liquids are doing, and I know it is hard I am one that started on full liquids

a week early but stayed on them for longer, so I'm not sure if I can give you

any great advice for the starving syndrome, just hang in there, we have all

been were you are at, I myself just got my first fill, and had a harder time

this first week after my fill then I ever did after surgery.

>

>Take care

>

>Tracie B. in Texas

>248/225

>DOB 6/24/05

>

> Re: 8/11/05 Banding

>

>Hi Liz,

>I was wondering how you are doing. I got to go home the same day as

you. Dr. A walked in my room at 2 o'clock and said I was doing so

well that I could go home. Poor Ernesto had to drive me to San Diego that evening after he had already taken you. He stopped and got a red

bull(pure caffeine) so he could stay awake. I have not opened my Tylenol either

and I shouldn't have been worried because I am taking care of my kids just

fine. I feel great just one problem. I am starving!!! I

was fine on Saturday but yesterday just 2 days after surgery My stomach was

growling like crazy and I was hungry. I have read posts about people

who could barely drink anything after surgery and couldn't get down jello but

that has not been a problem for me. I can down a glass of juice or

water in no time. It does not hurt. I know I have a band but it is

just going down too easy. My band must be one of the loose

ones. Anyway I am

August 15, 2005

I give you permission to lick the cracker…but

no eating LOL!! Really, the problem with doing that is that you will want more

and more and can’t stop at just one. Hang in there Sheri, things will get

better. Read my other post to you about suggestions with your eating pattern

and let me know how it goes!

M.

3/1/05

280/207.5/160

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of wilkinsjl@...

Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 3:45

PM

Subject: Re:

8/11/05 Banding

,

Thanks I'm trying to hang in there. I just don't have much

willpower (that's what got me here in the first place). Anyway I am

determined to make this work and to not harm my band so I will tough it

out. I wonder if you can just have a saltine cracker or something really

disolveable like that to help? Talk to you soon, Sheri

August 16, 2005

Hi ,

Sorry to hear you are having a hard time, I thought I was the only one who ever had a hard time getting through the first six weeks, but take it from me YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE A FILL like mine, I asked for medium restriction, and I got it, a week and a day out and I still can't eat solid food, or maybe I just don't know how much I can eat yet, because four or five small bites, and I start having that heartburn sensation and I end up PBing the food up, or at least that is what happened last night. So anyways, Keep up the good work, before you know it, it will be time for your first fill. YOU CAN DO IT> One good thing about this fill, is I have lost 8 lbs in one week.. YEa ME

Tracie B.

248/225

DOB 6/24/05 Re: 8/11/05 Banding>>>Hi Liz,>I was wondering how you are doing. I got to go home the same day as you. Dr. A walked in my room at 2 o'clock and said I was doing so well that I could go home. Poor Ernesto had to drive me to San Diego that evening after he had already taken you. He stopped and got a red bull(pure caffeine) so he could stay awake. I have not opened my Tylenol either and I shouldn't have been worried because I am taking care of my kids just fine. I feel great just one problem. I am starving!!! I was fine on Saturday but yesterday just 2 days after surgery My stomach was growling like crazy and I was hungry. I have read posts about people who could barely drink anything after surgery and couldn't get down jello but that has not been a problem for me. I can down a glass of juice or water in no time. It does not hurt. I know I have a band but it is just going down too easy. My band must be one of the loose ones. Anyway I am

August 16, 2005

, you are so funny and you sound so

much like me! I can’t remember what it was that I put in my mouth when I

was about the same days post op as you…..maybe Nina can remember…I

was cooking dinner for the family……and it was like my hand had a

mind of it’s own and I grabbed the food, stuck it in my mouth and

swallowed I DON’T THINK I EVEN CHEWED…OMG I hurried up and drank

some water and waited for the worst to happen. Luckily it didn’t but from

then on I didn’t cook dinner without a chaperone LOL. OH and I would

write in to the list about how Curtis was eating Dairy Queen in front of me and

how I wanted to kill him….still do sometimes…. J

M.

3/1/05

280/207.5/160

http://www.tracyslapband.com

From:

[mailto: ] On

Behalf Of D. Pifferrer

Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005

10:46 PM

To:

Subject: RE:

8/11/05 Banding

My , my inspirations...sigh. Thank you. I needed that. Sigh. I

am the worst worry wort, and a starving one at that!!! When does Dr.

Aceve chat? I would love to chat with him because it would so make me

feel better. I wish I could get a fill today to get over this

hunger. I've never been good at putting off hunger for long, that's what

got me in trouble in the first place. I'm so freaking compulsive that it

scares me. I know the band is there and OK because when I didn't think

and ate a cracker the other day, that band said, whoa momma, I'm not

ready. Hurt like hell. I really didn't think about it, my hand just

had a mind of its own. I didn't puke, but I drank water real quick to

flush it out of my pouch. Scared the dickens out of me. I'm about

to put blinders on because everywhere I turn someone is eating...wonder if Dr.

A can but a band on my brain??? I've about had it with people eating

around me...I don't want to be near my son or my boyfriend or anyone, they are

eating all the time and I am suffering. I know it's not their fault, but

geez, I'M STARVING!!! Can't freaking wait for mushies! LOL.

It's better now with full liquids, but just barely, I have NO restrictions at

all and feel just as hungry if not more than pre-op.

Anyway,

I'm done venting. I've finished studying for my finals tomorrow and now

will have a bit more time to be posting more. Sigh...so, back to my

question...when does the doctor chat online so I can make sure to be on?

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO MY VENTING!!! You are a doll.

From: " Mills " <techgurl88@...>

Reply-

< >

Subject: RE: 8/11/05

Banding

Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2005 22:26:16 -0500

Hi , the other here. J I just

posted to Sherri about the hunger. Don’t worry, it is perfectly normal to

feel hungry. And you sound just like me as far as the worrying….just ask

Nina. I drove her and the Dr. Nuts worrying about slips and erosion and leaks

right after surgery because I was reading so much on the boards and on email

lists. You know what they told me? STOP READING!! Of course I couldn’t

because I was still a sponge, but I did calm down the longer I was post op and

had no problems. Some nights it kept me awake just thinking about the

possibilities. I guess we are worry warts huh?

I know it doesn’t help to say this,

but DON’T WORRY. You are fine, and all those problems occur very rarely.

(believe it or not!) If all else fails, do what I did and chat with the Dr. on

his chat night. He made me feel so much at ease. J