POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Yoga anyone ? I went tonight and I am a little soar in my arms but feeling pretty good. I had tried yoga several times in the past but didn’t stick with it. After a mis-weighing incident I decided to give it another shot. I know I need to work hard and do my part too. What happened was; I had a little set back… I was accidentally weighing myself ten lbs lighter. I feel like a bone head I thought I had lost thirty, turns out to be twenty. Still ok, so I decided to up the ante on exercise. I have been swimming twice a week for two weeks, I am thinking I should add yoga one or two times a week. The teacher tonight was really cool. There was even one other lady a l…

I feel like I've failed. Have just done AWFUL! And am so bummed out and upset with myself, I'm having a hard time turning it around.... Had surgery on 9-4-09, just had second fill on Monday. (6ccs total in a 10cc band). Today, I started the day out going to McDonald's for an ice tea, and ordered biscuts and gravy. (Felt bad about this choice, but then got over it and re-committed to making better choices for the rest of the day). Then, the ladies at work kept hounding me to eat a piece of pizza with them for lunch and I failed and gave in....I ate a huge piece of pepperoni, greasy pizza. Then, I felt like such a failure for not sticking to my plan, I stopped at M…

Hey everyone! I was banded yesterday,and all things considered, am doing pretty well! My question is this: I've had a few bouts of diarrhea today, which I found odd (really thought I'd have the opposite problem with all the anesthesia & narcotics from yesterday!) I know the first few days we are really careful about avoiding dehydration, so I'm a bit concerned. I have put a call into my doc, but wanted to see if anyone else had experienced this! Thanks so much, and I'm looking forward to becoming a member of this community!

I am getting my first fill at 3:30 today. My stomach has been feeling a little 'tender', like after you have a stomach bug. It almost seems sore to the touch from the inside, if that makes any sense.LOL Forgive my bluntness, but I have been have in hard time pooping. Not constipated, but very hard to go. I am taking stool softeners and after I go everything inside seems sore. Nervous about what happens during and after fill. Anyone else with a sore tummy?

Alright so two weeks ago I had my fill and I am up to 5ccs in a 10cc band. It has been a rough two weeks and I have been PBing on everything soft. Pureed chickpeas, soups, broth, protein shakes. However I have been able to keep down crunchy items and water. Has anyone else had this?

Does anyone sneeze when you eat too much or eat too fast? Its my new & somewhat embarrassing signal. lol. What happens to yall??

Hello, i had my surgery on Nov. 3rd and im on a clear liquid diet until my first post op visit on the 16th. Im concerned about not getting enough nutrients and protein so Im pretty much sticking to broth, popsicles, low calorie gatorade and sf jello. Any other ideas for clear liquid diet? I wont be starting full liquids till the 16th i assume.. Thanks for any ideas.... :thumbup:

45 min ago I got a piece of burrito stuck. I threw it up and now I keep dry heaving and spitting up saliva. When will it stop. It hurts

Hi All! I am currently on Mushies and I recently got on the scale (silly me) and notice I gained 2 pounds! Is there a certain amount of calories I should be eating on this phase! I am surely missing the days (2 weeks ago) when I was stuffed on chicken broth and couldnt finish the whole bowl! I am starting to become a lot more hungry to the point when I wonder if my band is correct (silly I know) Im so worried I am eating too much! Should I be staying under a certain amount of calories??? I cannot gain anymore weight! Please Help!:thumbup:

Little confused when I saw my doctor on Tuesday I told him that I might have messed up still drinking my 60 grams of Protein drinks and eating 2 meals a day because hardly any weight loss. He said that was okay just to make it with Water instead of fat free milk. When I posted before about not loosing much weight, I got responses that people were not still drinking that much protein after going on solid foods. That is was too much liquid Protein. This is a good point I would like some feedback from people who have been banded for some time. Also, drinking it with water taste horrible any suggestions on how to doctor it up?

Hello October Bandsters - My doc put my port on my right side (he re-used my gallbladder scar to minimize the number of scars on my belly). When I was discharged they gave me a medical alert card indicating that I have been banded and suggested I carry it with me. I decided to write on the card that my port was on the right side (seems that info wasn't on the card; but don't know if it is critical). So which side is your port on Right or Left..

How do I know what side my port is on? I was banded yesterday, and was WAY groggy coming out of anesthesia. I have one tiny scare on my upper stomach, and 2 bigger scars on both sides of my belly button. people have been saying it is most sore at their port area. I am sore in my stomach as well as belly button area. Just curious!

I had my first fill yesterday, and I was very nervous not knowing what to expect. Doctor had trouble hitting center even though he was looking at ex ray and that made me even more nervous. This was very uncomfortable and when he final got it and I now have 5 1/2 cc. When I left hospital I felt very queezy and I don't know if it was the stuff I had to drink 3 times while he made the adjustment. This morning my stomach was very messed up. Has anybody else experienced this after fills or did I make myself sick from nerves?

I have been banded since sept 21 2009. My doctor said I sould be eating more chopped food than I am. I am sticking to eggs and soups because other foods are just so hard to get down. When I do eat soilds it feels as if its stuck. I have lost 50 pounds so far and didnt even get a fill yet. What should I be eating, does anyone else have a problem getting the food down.

2 change ur look???????? i find myself wanting to cut my hair....change the color....next week i'm getting eye glasses...my appreance has changed a lot due to my weight loss....but now i have an itch for a complete make-over...is anyone else going through this???? i don't know how to say this in a non-offensive way....but here it goes....i want to get rid of my entire "fat look".

I know I'm just a 'band baby' LOL, but would love to know what a fill feels like (even though I'm not due to have one until the middle of December). I do know my doc does it under fluoroscopy at the hospital so he can see what he's doing (which is comforting), but I'm not sure what to expect. What's weird now is I can feel my port now from the outside if I touch my belly. VERY odd at first, but I guess I'll get used to it.

Hi all. I am having a gynecological biopsy done on Friday and my gyn suggested using Motrin beforehand to help ease the pain. I know we aren't "allowed" these types of drugs, but has anyone used them while banded? I only plan on using it the one time before the biopsy. Just wanted to hear thoughts.

I was banded on 10/30 right not I am on full liquids..but I am becoming very bored eating the same thing over and over..I mostly consume, a slim fast, chicken broth or really thinned out cream of chicken Soup,. Does anyone have any other suggestions of what may be allowed in the full liquid stage? Thanks

I had surgery 6 months ago. I was addicted to diet soda. Did not drink any, but have just this week started drinking it again. Has not caused me any problems..........is there problems connected with it and what are they? Thanks

I am in the mushie stage of the post op diet. Last night I was eating refried beans and had a couple of bites too many. OMG my stomach talked to me! There was this really loud growl --lol--unlike anything I had ever heard before!!! I interpreted it as my stomach saying .... Put that darn fork DOWN!!...lol. I think I am going to have to name my new friend.... any ideas?

I found a good website to track food and nutrition called sparkpeople.com and best thing is I can download it on my iphone that way information is updated at both the places. It tells you how many calories to eat, how much to exercise and sample menus plus lot.

So here is my question for you "at goal" bandsters: I don't know the technical name for it, but you all know that flap of fat that hangs below your belly button, and usually is the hardest to loose. Here is my question: Has anyone had the skin snap back into shape after reaching goal OR Is the only answer a tummy tucK?

When does bandster hell start? I think I may be in it at times, but not sure.... :thumbup: I'm almost 2 weeks post op, so I'm sure it's rearing its ugly head and I don't have my next appt with the surgeon until 12/4 when I'll be able to tell him whether or not I'm satisfied on solids and if not, then he'll schedule a fill. I know I've stopped losing weight due to my body being in starvation mode, so I am impatient that I will have to wait longer to lose more! Starting to get nervous if this will work or not. :thumbup: Thanks for any insight into this.

This past week wasn't so good for me. I cheated a little here and there and found myself eating more than I should be. Sooooooo I am taking control early- I got the calorie king book and I am writing everything that goes in my mouth down! I will conquere this weight battle!

Hi I was wondering what suggestions does everyone have for being 4 weeks out now? What exactly is a soft diet? Also has anyone attempted to take a sip of soda(sprite) I am so craving the carbonation I know it is bad for me but all I want is a sip.... any opinions and suggestions would be greatly appreciated :crying:

I was banded last monday 10/26 and was crushing my vitamins and taking them, but was terribly disgusted by the taste of them. It felt almost like I was swallowing acid. So this morning I cut them up and took them, but I am getting the same feeling. I don't know if this is something normal with the band, because I am still getting used to it or what. I take a multi-vitamin, Vitamin D, and Calcium Citrate. Does anyone have the same problem?

Any of you guys ever cheat a little during your first two weeks of post-op? Come'on, I know someone's done it lol

Hi-- I have just started researching the lapband. I have my inital consult next week with my surgeon but I have a question about life after banding: I see 3 meals --no snacking---at least 64 oz of liquids. I see a lot of talk about shakes. Are the shakes considered the MEALS or are the shakes a supplemental protein?? Can someone who is banded post a general daily meal plan?? Thanks so much ---hope to be joining you soon!

5 months and barely any restriction!!!!! I'm so frusterated! I thought I would be down 40 pounds by now. Sweet spot....where are you?

Hey I am along way from having real food as I was just banded last week but I love Subway and it has always been a healthier alternative to fast food. I am curious to those with the band have you been able to tolerate it at all? Any special tricks you do when ordering? I know there is a good chance I cant eat bread so what about the wraps they have? Thanks any help is much appreciated!!

Hey yall. I was finally banded October 8th (last Thursday) by Dr. Choi @ Strax rejuvenation in South Florida! Today is my first day of really getting out and about since then (I'm on campus to use the internet) and not taking the Percocet. I'm noticing the discomfort in my incisions for the first time today. Ohh man I had no idea what people meant when they said "gas pain"... I thought it was going to be like the feeling you get when you try to hold in a fart.... but man oh man I never imagined I'd have gas up in my SHOULDERS and back. ugh. I slept the first two nights sitting up in a recliner. That was the worst. Thank goodness for Gas-X and walking around. Oh a…

Im hungry my stomachs grumbling..I feel like crying I just want some solid food.. I know this is what I signed up for but I didnt know it would be this hard!! I am starting to think I made a huge mistake!!:drool:

I went to the doctors to day and they weighed me ..... woooohoooo I lost 7 lbs. I have ben drinking two shakes and chicken or fish at night w/green veggies. It's not to bad I never thought I would ever be able to do this but I guess I showed myself....lol Well good luckk to everyone!!!!!!!!

hey guys, i was banded 2 weeks ago and lost 5kg in the first week and 7kg in the pre op diet - since the start of the second week i have not lost any (well gained and lost about 300grams) has this happend to anyone else? i am starting to get a little depressed with myself because im trying so hard and yet again like all the other diets it hasn't worked. hope you can send me some advice? cheers Megsy

I see a lot of complaints about the shakes being yucky. I did not like the vanilla and chocolate shakes either. I started putting my vanilla packet in my de caff tea. I use it like coffee mate. It is good. I also bought, at my surgeons, the protein mixes that are berry, orange and lemon flavored. The berry is the best and what I do is throw them in my 20oz drink shaker thing with crystal lite. I guess a shake is thicker and may add to satisfaction, but if you can't stand it.....Hope this Helps.

Friday nite we went out to eat Chinese, I did very well. But, in the middle of the night the left over chow mein was calling my name. Boy, did that screw me over..I ate too much, too fast and it came back up in about 20 minutes. It's nothing like reg barfing, your stomach doesn't contract uncontrollably and push it back up like reg barfing...it comes up slowly through your esophagus and then you puke. It's so messed up...cause now I feel like being a bulimic would be so easy...it's so easy to bring it back up, after indulging.

Hi everyone, I am curious if and when pain subsided at the incision sites... I have 5 total, the 3 small ones and the two to the left of the abdoment (large incision site and the drain site) --- the large incision site is very painful... there does not appear to be any exterior infection, no redness, smell or leakage. If this is normal 1 wk out do you know when this pain might subside? Any help would be great. Thank you, Jennifer

I was banded the end of june and had a port revision in Sept.I have had 3&1/2 fills and only lost 22 pounds I upped my protein and need to start excersising.how much protein and activity do you get in a day.I am an active person at work and at home I think I'm loosing inches but I want to see weightloss.Please let me know your tricks!

I was banded on 10/28/09. I have had several previous surgeries and have come through them with no problems. So... I knew something was not right when the days following my surgety my DH was literally lowering and lifting me in/out of bed in order to go to the bathroom. At the most, I was getting down 2 Protein shakes a day and 1/2 bottle of Water. I was in extreme pain and felt like I had a lot of gas trapped under my left rib cage. Saturday night I call the on-call nurse and she advised me to go to the emergency room. There they gave me Fluid for dehydration, stong pain meds, and a CT scan. The scan was normal so after getting hydrated, was sent home. Miserab…

ok went for my first fill/ first appt today since surg. on 6/30/09. I have no idea how much he put in because he says he does not tell his pt. that info. Which ticked me off big time. My body My right to know. Also he told me I must be doing something wrong because I have not lost as much weight as he wanted since surg. We talked about water and the fact that I thought I was not getting in my 64 oz of water a day and he said over weight people have this "idea" that we have to have this much water or food. He said if I didn't want to eat breakfast then I didn't have to. He said if I didn't want to drink that much water then I didn't have to. I have been in the medical fie…

I am starting the stage 2 diet today (mushy). I wanted to know what types of fish that I am allowed to eat? Is Salmon one of them? Also can someone give me an idea of the types of things to put on my shopping list for stage 2. I do have my list from the doctor but it's not really specific on the types of things that you can eat and it has only a few examples of menus. Thanks for your advice.

Hi there, Quick question for the post-oppers on pureed foods: how long between "meals" are you going? I don't know if there is an ideal time or not, but I am finding I'm not staying full too long....

The Doc took me off half of my dose of blood pressure/water pill meds. While thats great ive gained a couple lbs due to water weight. My ankles are swelling slightly. Will this go away as my body gets used to the lack of water pill or does it mean I still need to take the whole dose?

Hello, I am planning on being very selective with who I share my surgery secret with! so, that being said, is there any good white lie that I could use in the event that someone sees the scars on my stomach ? for instance, I travel out of town for work approx 3 times a year and often have to share a room with a coworker or what if someone sees me changeing at the gym and asks about the scar. does anyone have any good explanation for the scar? appendix removal? im also interested in seeing what the scars look like from a distance several months after the procedure. i have seen the threads where people shared their scars but alot of them are pictures that are so close …

Do they mean the red, orange purple kind or can it be any? LIke I notices some sugar free fudgsicles..(I am on full liquid phase)

Hi Guys I am very very frustrated and I want to cry. I had my surgery on April 17 and I have only lost 30lbs since then. I have lost a total of 45lbs since pre surgery but I am sososososo frustrated. I have not lost a poun din two months and it seems everytime I am on this site everyone is losing crazy amounts except me. I even took up taek won do a month ago and have been going 3-4 times a week for an hour. I paid $16,000 only to fail again. I miss real food I feel like I have not had a good meal in months. I have 7 CC in a 10CC band and I am not sure how much more I need. Can someone help? Feeling like a failure right about now. Thanks for listening.

I was banded yesterday. I am very sore - especially where the port was placed. Pain meds do not take away all of the pain. I am supposed to drink 5 Protein shakes today - can't imagine how I am going to get all of this down. Would love to hear form others about how sore they were and how long it lasted. Thanks

Its Halloween and I have a big bucket of candy sitting by the front door. It has some of my favorite treats, Jolly Ranchers, Kitkats, Reese Cups, Mike & Ikes to name a few. I am sitting here drinking my Water minding my own business and that darn candy keeps calling to me. "Come eat us, Come eat us":scared2: Its a halloween horror story.:Yawn: Its raining outside and no one has come to get this candy. I will be strong, I will resist, I will force feed the left over candy to everyone in my household if its not gone by tonight!!:laugh: What are you going to do?

Im not getting my daily Protein. Can anyone help me with a Protein Drink that tastes good. I had bought a protein drink and end up wasting my money. I paid $40 for it and it tastes horrible. I hate the after taste and taste that it left in my mouth. Can anyone please tell me some Protein drinks that provides the amount of protein but also DOES NOT have a bad taste. I have heard that some protein drinks tastes like a yoohoo. Please provide me with some that tastes like a yoohoo or something that does not taste bad!!!! I was thinking about trying the Isopure. Have anyone tried the chocolate isopure. I heard that was good.

I have STRUGGLED to get enough Fluid in my band. After getting sick the weekend after surgery, they removed all of the fluid in the band, and it has been a S L O W process to get any restriction after that. As of last Thursday, I now have 5 cc's of fluid in a 10 cc band. This is the first time I have ever sensed any type of restriction....or is it restriction???? Whenever I eat, the first 3-4 bites give me a problem. They seem to land hard in my stomach. I don't know how else to describe it! It is like the food is trying to get down, but it feels kind of stuck. :thumbup: If I give it a few minutes, the feeling generally goes away. After the hard start, things t…