I'm on facebook as leendadll (if you can't find me that way, check my email: [email protected]) send a msg so I know that it's you. I get a lot of random friend requests which I reject.

I've heard a lot of people say that the first 2-3 weeks are pretty hard but that things get much easier after that.

Are you having much pain, beyond the barfing? Did you have your gallbladder removed (i heard that makes recovery longer)? How long are you planning to stay off work (if you work)?

I think I got a 2nd surgery confirmation today (frankly, going 24 hours without a cancellation is new record!). I was told they'd call me back with additional info but, naturally, I got an email instead - just an attachment with no explanations. It containted a note that "Michelle will be your coordinator and will contact you 3-5 weeks before surgery." Well, guess what... it's 3 to 5 weeks before surgery! Gawd, this process makes me insane!

When do you transition to soft foods? Are you finding some water to be easier to tolerate than others? We heard a lot of stories of people finding they had to switch brands after surgery - or that adding some flavoring suddenly made them stop barfing water. Totally bizarre!

Hi Jana, Yes, the band was removed and I had the gastric sleeve performed. There was a lot of scar tissue from the band combined with the hiatal hernia, so it was a big job for the doctor. Sorry I wasn't clear in my earlier note.  Good luck.

What great news!!

The insurance coordinator kept cancelling my surgery when insurance tried to confirm with her, which had me in livid fits, but now it looks like I have a tentative date of Oct 18. They're supposed to be looking into what else they need (shouldn't be anything) and I think they said something about a payment too. I don't know. I was so happy it was back ON, when I was sure all hope was lost, that I kinda tuned out.

And, double-bonus, the timing will totally screw over work, which has been screwing me over for the last nine months - so I'm actually happy to hand some of that back to them.

12 pounds already... WOW!
Did your food cravings go away, or is it too soon to tell, or... other?

Get lots of R&R. I wanted to send balloons or somethign but I realized I never asked about your hospital or address. I sent them in spirit!!

VERY VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!!

Hi, I am not David....but I had a band from 2008, which was removed a few days ago. I also had a hiatal hernia which needed to be repaired and it was, laparascopically. Hope that helps. Sincerely, Kellogal

Hi Laura, I'm back! Am on the other side now! Just got home today from the hospital.  Surgery was 3-1/2 hours. The doc said it was more tricky because of the scar tissue with the band. He said it was major surgery. My stomach area feels good. My only pain is a headache that I can't get rid of.  I also vomited bile for a day or two because I was drinking too fast. Learned my lesson there! Ugh.

I've lost 12 pounds since I started trying to lose and from my hospital stay, so that's a positive.

Will write more later. Gotta go take a nap now. Hope all is well for you and your surgery will be soon!

Take care.