POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hello, everyone, I am 3 weeks post-op and feel very weak through out the day, I am eating what I was told to eat and drink plenty of fluids, but I seem to get worn out really fast. Any ideas?

I came home today the 4th. I'm very weak and sore. My throat is extreamly sore and dry omg it sucks. It's really hard for me to walk and stand up straight feels like I'm pulling something. Gotta a lot of gas pains sometimes. Just comes up in my throat and that hurts a little. Im not eating much Im afraid to eat I dont wanna hurt myself. But I ate some cream of chicken soup 2 teaspoons and some water. Everything went down fine. My I can't tell if im full or not so I just stop anyways. Anyone else having these kind of problems. Tomorrow Hopefully I wont be this sore. Also around my incision by my belly button is a little red And they told me to watch my temp if it got above…

I had my second fiil on February 26. Felt restricted right away. NOW....I am feeling much more restricted. I am able to eat solid food (if chewed to mush). However, I can feel the restriction when I drink liquids. Sometimes it feels like even water gets stuck!!! This happens mostly in the morning. Afternoon and evenings are better. Any suggestions or anyone else have this happen? I just had about 1 cup of cottage cheese and was able to eat it fine, but definitely feel the restriction.

Can someone please tell me why it is bad to have anything with caffeine or anything that is carbonated? I went to starbucks and dranks a Vivianno Protein drink and added espresso to it. I feel guilty about adding the caffeine but it went down without any problems. I don't drink soda or coffee, but I would like to know why it is bad for the band. Thanks Erica

Another question for the experts! As my swelling goes down, what I thought was the site for my port seems to be moving. There's something directly under the incision (maybe that's just the wound itself?) and about 3/4 of an inch to the right is the port. I could have sworn it was directly under the incision. :thumbup: So is it possible the port has moved and should I be concerned? Thanks for you help!

Surgery was March 5. All ok until March 9 (Day 5 after surgery). Sharp pains, like knife stabs left chest above larger incision. After 2 days of increasing pain, I experimented today. If I don't drink anything at all, I'm fine. Moments after taking first sips, the pain starts and only the narcotics take the edge off the pain. Is anyone else experiencing this? I have an appt. with my surgeon, but would like to have any feedback from any of you-especially if you had feedback from your surgeon on this issue-before I see him. Otherwise I have been fine: up walking up a storm the day after surgery...no vomiting... no nausea. Everything was fine (except the usual incis…

Hi Everyone I was banded july 28, 2008. I have done quite well losing almost 60 pounds. However, in early Feb., 2009, I felt no restriction; it was as if my band had deflated. Come to find out, my band is leaking. On March 9th, I had a fill of 8 CCs; 2 hours later, there was 1 CC in the band. I am very depressed at the thought of having to replace my band via another surgery. Have any of you experienced this? Help! Tad Meyer

For those of you that have not had a fill yet, but are past the liquids and mushies, what are you eating? I notice I have little restirction, but that I need to ensure that I chew well. While I am eating way, way less than I did before the surgery, the scale is not moving. I am just wondering what everyone in this stage is eating, and whether you continue to lose weight?

I am being banded on March 23 and just started my pre-op diet. I was weighed at the nutritionist on Monday and will be weighed again on my surgery date, and then 10 days post-op at my first appointment. I don't have a scale! I feel like I will make myself a nervous wreck if I have a scale in the house, and I will probably weigh myself every day and panic if it goes back and forth. Does anyone JUST check their weight at the doctor's office? Just curious. Perhaps in a few months I might buy a scale but I don't think it's a good idea for now. Perhaps that's just me though? Feedback is appreciated! I'm just wondering how everyone else does things.

:confused:My Throat and stomach are always making stange noises. It is always embarrassing. I feel I can only eat in a load restaurant where nobody will notice the sound. I'm so stressed when I go to see a play or at something else where it's quiet. I always have to remember not to eat a thing. It's just not worth the embarrassment to me. People will look over at me to see where the stange noise is coming from. Is this an issue for others? Does anyone know what is wrong with me?

I had the lap band surgery 2/9/09 1 week after surgery I can eat as normal as before. is this normal before you have your 1st adjustment. I'm finding it real hard and only maintaining my weight, because I'm always feeling hungry. My motivation seems to be going down & feeling like I feeling like i failed once again.

Has anyone had the flu sincce being banded? Husband tried to vomit and couldn't. Anyone else had this experience?

I had my surgery in May 2008, I started at 216 pounds and now weigh 135. I've gone from a size 20 down to a 5/6. My problem is that I can't eat more than a few tablespoons of food at a time. I don't have a problem drinking and have lately not been eating very much, just drinking Boost. There are some days that one Boost is all that I can keep down. I don't feel bad at all. I had some blood work done at a health fair at my work, my triglycerides and cholesterol levels were all high. My blood sugar was fine. I'm confused by high levels and am wondering if I'm setting up myself for future problems. My mom has heart problems, kidney failure, and diabetes, so I'm gett…

I need some help understanding terms. What does PB mean? I'm pretty sure I know what "sliming" means...as I think I've been doing that frequently lately. I'm not sure if I need to be concerned that I'm actually throwing up though. I had my first fill 10 days ago and it seems that the tightness just increased again. I tried to eat some grits today and I couldn't stop from gagging it back up. My saliva glands go crazy and bits of the grits came up with lots of slime. Is this technically throwing up? How worrisome is this? I ask because I didn't have any restriction until my first fill and I'm trying to give myself time to adjust. I'm not in danger of dehydrating, so I…

Hi, I was banded on 3/5 and have been on a full liquid diet since Sunday. I am supposed to drink 4 Meal Replacement shakes a day plus 2 other liquid meals. The problem is I have been drinking carnation instant bf made with 1% milk and must be somewhat lactose intolerant, since I am having terrible intestinal symptoms (gas) and bloating. Does anyone have any sugggestions for alternatives that won't cause those side effects? I do have whey Protein that I could add to stuff if that will work. I really have been good at sticking to the program and have 8 more days of full fluids, but I cannot stand the side effects. Thanks, Mary

:Dancing_wub:Hi guys, Well I thought I'd come and share my exciting news and get some other ideas for more full liquid stuff. Like I mentioned I am a week out from surgery today and down 12lbs. (209 lbs) and feeling pretty good. Only complaint I have is the soreness I feel on my left side, I guess where my port is. The other exciting news is after 3 yrs of using medicine to get a period it has returned on it's own without meds. Very encouraging considering I'd like to try for another baby in a yr or two~:laugh: Today is my first day of full liquids, a total of 3wks of liquids in total! I was on 9 days of clears and I am so ready for a change. My full liquids list…

Yesterday was two weeks since my surgery. I have no restriction at all? Is this normal? I am eating pureed food and also just chewing until I can't chew anymore with any food not pureed (which to me is almost the same). I don't like not having any restriction at all? Is this normal? because I am driving myself nuts telling myself the band slipped.. even bread goes down no problem? Should I be worried?

I got my band on November 14 and I have gained 12 pounds. I followed the rules for a long time, but now am eating the same as before with the exception of drinking with meals. I have never felt any kind of restriction. I am wondering if this has happened to anyone else, I'm so afraid that I have made my pouch huge or something. I have 10 ccs in my 15 cc band? Any advice? Thanks, Nichole

I am a huge gum chewer. Is it true no gum post-op?

Hello all, I just had to share my excitement!! After listening to my doctor tell me the first 6 weeks post-op are not for losing, possibly gaining, and reading all the posts (including my own) on how it is frustrating and confusing how you don't lose weight post-op, I've DONE it!! I've turned the page and it feels awesome! I've been doing everything I'm suppose to do; exercising, eating my full amount of Protein everyday, watching what I eat (few exceptions) and the weight would just NOT come off. I kept telling myself what I knew was true, but I tried SO hard to move that scale everyday and it wouldn't budge! Well Friday I found my favorite pair of capri jeans (bou…

Good morning, afternoon, or evening! I had my first fill yesterday and I am on mushies today. I had a small Wendy's chili for lunch. I was possessed, and at it in about 5 minutes:scared2: I didnt have any problem with it at all. I have 4ccs in a 10ish cc band. I was just wondering...bc I know quite a few people eat this Chili...with proper restriction would you have a problem eating it that fast? Or because its soft...it would give you weird feeling? Thanks in advance!

I had my 2nd fill and was pretty tight...I was getting stuck pretty often at certain times of the day, especially in the mornings. My good eating time was in mid-late afternoon. I was having to eat mostly foods that had liquid with them or use dips to help with the sticking...My second fill was in mid December...Do the bands loosen up after a while? I'm not getting stuck as often now and I was wondering how it would be able to loosen up? Can the fluid leak out or the band kind of stretch with the passing of food thru it? Maybe I've stretched my small stomach above the band....hhmm I'm not hurting... I have unfortunately thrown up a few times since December because of foo…

Wondering how much time people took off before returning to work. I have a primarily desk job so the only issue would be my body adjusting. My surgery is on a Wednesday. Could I return on Monday? I've heard some return after a few days, two weeks. What have people actually done? Thanks!!

I am just curious, does anyone have a list of foods they try to avoid after the band (to avoid discomfort)? let me know thanks =]

When I went for my post-op on Thursday, the NP told me I could begin mushies on Tuesday, which would be 10 days from my surgery date. He said to do 10 days of mushies and then to start regular foods... Is this standard? For some reason I remember doing 14/14 and reading the board it seems like that's the norm. Has anyone else done 10 and 10? Thank you!

Hello all, I am about 2 and a half weeks post-op and I am getting very confused as I read some of these posts. I am officially on Mushies! And have maybe lost 1 pound since the surgery. I have been following the post op religiously! Why have some people lost up to 12-15 pounds before their first fill? I am not scheduled to get a fill until mid- april. can anyone help me?

Hi, I'm new to the forum and am a little desperate. If anyone can help I would appreciate it so much. I had my surgery last July. It's been almost 8 months and I've only lost 45 lbs. I haven't lost hardly anything in about three months. Even with increased Protein. I was told that I would probably only lose weight for 1 year...that means I only have have about 4 months to lose A LOT more. YIKES!!!!! I've had five fills. The last one was a month ago and I've been a little miserable since. I think it may be a little too full. I've been hoping that it would loosen up some by itself because I'm self pay and it will cost me 150.00 to have some taken out. I can …

Hi everyone. Hope all are well today. I was wondering how long after the initial surgery until I get my first fill? I was banded on 2/23 - I have a follow up this Friday and was wondering if they will fill me at that time or if I still need more time to adjust to the band? Thanks Jackie

Hi Everyone, I am about to transition to purees tomorrow but am worried about the next three weeks of eating until I get my first fill. Since the band hasn't been tightened, is it easy to overeat? Does it matter what I eat as long as it has a pureed texture? Can I expect to loose weight before the first fill? I lost 18 on my pre-op diet, but have only lost one additional pound since my 2/24 surgery. Any advice on how to get through the next few weeks would be great!! Thank you!

Ok, just kidding, I've spent months thinking about the title I would put on today's message when it finally came. Do any of you have a Nintendo WII and the WII fit? Its pretty interesting and a lot of fun. It seems like a very accurate scale and has some neat features. Every day, it weighs you and calculates your BMI and tracks your progress over months. While its measuring it has a little avatar that represents you. As soon as it calculates your data, the character balloons up and a tiny computer voice says, "Thats obese!" At least that is what it said until today. I got up and weighed myself and today is the day I've been waiting almost 3 months for. I'm no l…

Hello: I was banded on Feb. 19 and am struggling. The pain was more than I anticipated; complicated by pulling an internal stitch. When will the pain from the muscle incision go away? Also, it has been almost 2 weeks and I have not lost a single pound on 600 calories or less a day? Need some encouragement.

i am 16 years old and i am most likely going to get the surgery. i am just scared about the surgery and healing. but i am also scared about after. so i want to ask the people who have had the band for 2 year or more, how much weight have you lost? did you reach any plateaus? if so how long? and just more along those lines.

I had my second fill yesterday and my Dr. advised me of a new procedure. No lidacane- that was no biggie, just a little pinch. The biggie is after they drain all of the fulid out, discard it, then refill it with fresh Fluid, this is what happens. You sit up, the Dr. has you drink Water while he fills your band until the water no longer goes down. then he starts to remove it until you can swallow again. I got less fluid in now that when I went in. I had 3.5cc and I only wanted .5cc. I do pretty well. 1st fill after surgery was 10/17/08. Surgery date was 6/18/08. As of today I can barely drink a slimfast shake. I have to take small sips and it is hard to get water down.…

Hello All, My name is Stephanie I am 23 with a BMI of 49. I am looking into the band again. One day before my pre-op appointment in December I found out I was pregnant so I put the LB process on hold, I lost the baby on New Years Day and have tried losing on my own again. When origionally inquiring about the band in July of '08 I was 283, Jan I was 307 and today 3.11 I am 295. That gain is no suprise to me and am trying to finally nip it in the butt once and for all!! I have some questions if you guys don't mind taking the time to answer them. I've got about 160+ to lose to make it to my goal weight, has anyone lost this amount or close to it and have had problems wit…

Hi, I am just 2 days out from being banded. I had clear liquids one day and the 2nd day I am having full liquids. I found cream of chicken and mushroom. It is so yummy. Of course anything would taste good after being on the pre-op diet I had. I seem to be able to take larger drinks of water than some people are posting. I called in and the nurse said that is good. I am not sure what that means, is it good that I can take larger drinks? Anyway, I am measuring out 1/2 cup and using a baby spoon and fill full with this amount. Since I am still on liquids, I am feeling hungry about 2 hours later. I see the doctor March 13th and hope to get on mushies then. …

Alcohol. When are we able to drink again...obviously I am not talking about getting drunk, but what about a casual drink? I was banded a week ago and I know this is way too soon, but I am a single gal who likes to go out (which probably got me here in the first place, bars and greasy bar food!) and I was curious to find out how long people waited to try a drink again. Melanie

HI, I was just banded on Thursday, and now having full fluids. I feel like I am starving..... to the point where I am having pain in my back. Is this usual? Is the band not working on me? I have been sticking to the Fluid diet, and admitted not drinking all the Water I should, is that the problem? Any help or advice would be appreciated. I am starting to panic!! Mary

Hi, can someone give me some feedback? I had my lap band surgery 8 days ago now and I am wondering if the pain I am feeling is normal or not. The pain is where the port site is. I'm extremely bloated there. It hurts nearly all the time, even when I'm laying down flat. When I bend over (like to sit down, pick something up, etc.) it hurts like a mo-fo. Is this common after 8 days? I'm almost wondering if the port has flipped or something?? I'm not sure because I don't know what it's supposed to feel like normally! (All my stitches are healing well. They don't hurt almost at all. I don't see any signs of infection at all....knock on wood. It's just an internal p…

I don't feel very good...I have an extreme headache...I am sore all over and all I want to do is sleep. I don't take the liquid lortab very often...it tastes terrible. When will this get better...doc wants me to drink 2 shakes a day and clear liquids, like chicken broth...I am so afraid of puking that I don't drink very much and I think I am dehydrated. suggestions anyone.

If we are not allowed to do this please let me know.. I have Chike and Nector ( large bottles ) that I need to sell. I bought several and tried these 4 and dint like the taste so now I had these large jugs just sitting on my table. I would like to sell them and so I can buy another flavor. I also have a few boxes of meals for right after the surgery that I didnt use. Anyone need some??

This is my second time around (revision surgery)...and I still can't help being paranoid! I've had 2 esophograms since surgery (one day after - standard, and one a week after, also standard for revision surgery), and both were perfect. Yet I drink and I think that it's not going down the way it should. I know it has to be all in my head but I am just so nervous! How could anything have gone wrong? I'm 8 days out and have had only water, broth, and thinned out carnation instant breakfast...

I am sorry to post this, I know it is not a pleasant topic. Ever since I took the Magnesium citrate the day before surgery. All of my movements have been thin like Water. I realize I've been on a liquid diet and for the first couple of days figured it's because of that but have been a bit worried as it continues. Is this normal after surgery and being on liquids?

I will be getting banded at a surgery center on the 13th of March (woot). :thumbup:Where were you banded? What are the differences? Pro's & Con's any insight you would have would be helpful. I have had surgeries in the past but always at a hospital. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) are also known as outpatient surgery centers or same day surgery centers verses a traditional Inpatient Hospital where you may need to stay over night.

Hey guys, finally got banded yesterday. God it was an experience. Is it normal for you to feel sore all over once you get home, I take it the drugs finally lost their whim in my system. How long were you guys sore for? I hate feeling incapacitated and really hard to move from sofa to bed and vice versa. Do you guys have any tip/tricks? Also I've been drinking water and broth and I feel like theres a finger down my throat when I breath in, any idea how i could get rid of this feeling?

*I know this question is a little gross and personal but I would really appreciate your honesty. I am 4 days post-op and have not had a BM yet. I knew it would take a while after surgery b/c of the anistesha and everything...and us not eating very much. I am taking my stool softeners just waiting around for it to happen!!! So how long after your surgery did it take you??? *Also I'm eating more then I thought I would be able to. I can eat a bout a 1/2 a cup maybe a cup at one time. Is this normal?? My surgeon just put a little saline in my band not a lot. So I don't have much restriction. How much can you eat at one time? *Any good Soup Ideas??? So far I'm eating Crea…

What do you order from restaurants when you are on mushies?

I'm wondering if anyone is blogging about your lap-band experience(s)? I've started one as a way to fill in my family on what's happening without having to answer the same question 18 times... it is http://losingweightgainingtons.blogspot.com. If you have one and are willing to share it, I'd love to take a look! I've found that these personal stories are so helpful as I'm going down this path... I was banded on the 20th, and thank god for a few other blogs answering a bunch of questions beforehand! Thanks,

I had my LB surgery on the 4th of March (Wed.) and I am having a really tough time adjusting to this. My family is giving me allot of encouragement and they keep marveling at how "good and well" I'm doing but this really seems to be pushing me closer to the edge than I care to be. Anything from the incessant pain on the left upper side of my chest everytime I take a deep breath to seeing food commercials is making me want to burst into tears. I can't seem to find any kind of "face to face" support meetings in my area (except for the one that meets once a month) done by the surgeons office and that one is held toward the end of every month. As for the sipping of water and …

I am in the middle of the first illness I have had since surgery. I'm battling a sinus infection, ear infection, strep and on top of it, I have a stomach virus that resulted in vomiting and dry heaves. I went to my regular doctor and he promptly gave me a script for phenergan to make me stop vomiting because of the band (it's working so far!!) and some antibiotics for the infections. Here's my question...I am finding that I have to eat regularly (a small something every 2 hours or so) or my stomach will start rumbling and painfully telling me that it is hungry. It also gives me burning heartburn pains when it is empty. Any one else experience this with an illness?…

I went to the vitamin store in bought the liquid vitamin called (ALIVE) yuck i gaged it smells awfull in taste awful, soes anyone have any problems getting iron pills or vitamin c pills down? because maybe I will be better off taking all pills separetely.