POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hello i just have a question about drinking alcohol after surgery? I dont drink beer so carbonation is not the problem just wondering about mied drinks and wine coolers? How long should i wait? I was banded June 12th.

Hi I had my surgery done 6/18 and i have not slept since. the most i have been able to sleep is about 2 hours a night. I find it extremely hard to get comfortable. Not sure what to do but i am becoming miserable. If anyone is experiencing the same problem, or can help me please respond to this. I am truly sleepless in NJ

Hi I'm at 3 days in after my surgery and have not had a bowel movement since the day before I went in to he hospital . I'm guessing it 's because of all the liquids is this normal? how long does it go on for? thanx so much

I am not banded yet--hoping for August 08. I was on a business trip last week (with a large group of people) that required a LOT of walking. By the time we got to a place to eat dinner I was very dehydrated (I sweat profusely if the temp is over about 60 F even if I'm standing still--that day it was in the 80's and very humid.) I needed several glasses of water to cool down and stop the headache & light headed feeling. I drank water all day but still needed some when we were seated. It accured to me that is going to happen again after surgery and I need to figure out now how to handle it. I have to do these trips several times a year. Any suggestions on how to handle …

Good morning :rolleyes2: I was officially banded this past Monday and I am doing pretty good so far. Have followed my Clear liquids religiously and I am looking forward to full liquids this Saturday. I do have a silly question but I can't help but ask - did you experience a slight weight gain after the sugery? I went in as 204, was 206.5 yesterday and today now 204.5- Oh and I am not being anal retentive about weighing myself I was just curious to see what happens after and how quickly. I know that your body fluids fluctuate greatly and I want anyone who reads this to know I do not weigh myself normally more than once a week :thumbup: My urine is clearish and I a…

Ok, my first week was hard, painful and itchy but I made it through. I have lost about 13 pounds already to date. I am not sure what to do now though, my plan book says that I should be on full liquid for one week, puree for 1 week and should be starting soft foods this week but most of the web-sites I have been to say either soft on week 4 or 5? Am I ahead of myself? I had some tofu about 4oz tonight and feel fine. Nothing stuck and I am not nauseous. What are some suggestions? Should I still stay on puree or is it ok to switch to soft? I am also getting the munchies since it is that time of the month. Driving me nuts. Been really good but any suggestions.

I did it!!! I finally broke the 200 mark this morning! I can't believe it. My body has been fighting moving down on the scales for two weeks. It is like it knows I want to weigh under 200 so bad so it is going to make me really work for it. There is just something about not weighing over 200 that is such a wonderful feeling and I know all of you understand what I am talking about. Even though it is only 1 1/2 pounds below 200 I am so excited. I have no one to celebrate with but all of you. I don't tell anyone my weight. What a great day!!

i am struggling a little, i am trying to keep my calorie intake no more than 1500 calories per my nutritionist but sometimes i find that my protein intake is lower than its supposed to be. somedays when i eat more protein my calories are higher. if i go back to the basics and eat more chicken, eggs, tuna, etc maybe this will keep my calories down. i go in to the surgeon on tues and havent lost any weight now for 4 months. the last time i went in she seemed very disappointed in me. i would get another fill but she said i was tight last time only at 1.5cc in a 4cc band. i have to say that in the past week ive been getting full quicker and not thinking about food as much. i …

Ugh ~ I'm 12 days post op and the gas (not from below) but in my shoulder and back are making me boderline suicidal (well not suicidal), but for the love of god! The pain is so bad and nothing seems to be working. I've tried everything from peppermint tea, gax-x strips to a massage - nothing is passing and and I am having great difficulty burping even when I try on purpose. Any other suggestions to help this? Other than that - I feel great - a little port pain but that's about it and I'm 12 lbs down from the day of surgery. :thumbup:

Hi All -- I was banded on Friday 6/13 and overall have been doing really well. No problems with incisions other than the usual soreness post-op. The gas pain is mostly managed by walking it off. Shoulder pain from gas flares up once in awhile and I haven't really figured that out yet. I returned to work on Wed 6/18 (yesterday) to my sedentary job. When I woke up yesterday morning and again today, I felt really weak, dizzy, maybe hungry (?). Had Protein shake for bfast with milk. By the time I got to work (45 minutes away) I didn't feel "with it". Just really disoriented. Coworked commented I looked pale. I have had trouble both days with focus and concentration. While …

hi is there any one else out there thats had there port re-sited my got twisted and since they sorted it and gave me a proper fill ive lost 7lbs in a week i had my band fitted 2yrs ago and this is the first time ive felt that its working plz if theres any one whos had a simlar experiance pls let me no wend x

I went to a party last night. some people I have not seen in 6 months. I felt great. My good friend has a new harley, and last time I saw him, we wanted to go for a ride. we both were over the weight limit. he has lost 65 pounds and I'm around 55 pounds. we are going riding next week. it was great to be able to fit in a size 16 again. good luck :grouphug:

Okay, I am now going on my 4th day of a new "bander". I am doing the liquid diet, but I am still hungry all the time. How important is it really, to stick to the "liquid" diet. Has anyone moved on to soft foods early? :confused2:

I am 11 days post op and get to eat mushies in 3 days. I have never been so excited in my life!! But, i do got kinof a problem....How do you tell if one of your insicions are infected?? My port insicion is realy really red around it and it hurts soooo bad! Anyone had this happen to them??

I am 4 days post op and finding baby food really does suck. I'm doing okay with the cream Soups and apple sauce but when I go to eat my veggies and other fruits I have been turning to Gerber. I think I'll break down and use the food processor to make my own. I'm experiencing that restrictive feeling I keep reading about from so many of you in here. It makes me want to go take an antacid but I know that will not really help. When does the pain in my shoulder go away? It's killing me. Down 8 pounds since the surgery this morning -- so it's ALL worth it. :ohmy:

I am on day 9 of my 14 day pre-op diet and had fully intended to have quit smoking by now, but have only be able to slow down to 4 or 5. I know this is horrible, and I'm scared it might affect my surgery, or they will cancel it, and as I'm going to be in Mexico, that would really suck! I would like to hear surgery stories about people who still smoked during surgery(and have hopefully now quit this horrible addiction). Did it make surgery harder? I now it defianately affects the healing process. Feeling very scared right now. Wendy

Hi all. I am 5 weeks post op, and have done pretty well up to now..... I am scheduled for my first fill on 6/30 ...... any ways I have noticed that I am getting hungry faster (real hunger.... not head hunger), and and needing more to fill me up over the last few days (I am back on solids) .... is this normal?:ohmy:

Everytime I lie down, it burns. Almost every night I wake and throw up. I don't want to go to the doctor and him tell me that I have to have the band out or something. What could be causing this. I've never had reflux or even gas pains so I don't know how to describe this sensation. I'm worried that I'm eating up my insides but I cannot regain the weight I've lost and I know I will if I don't have the band.:confused2:

I am ten days out and on liquids. I finally couldn't take shakes anymore and i had 2 oz of refried beans and then couple hours later some tuna. I just was starving and so weak and energyless and needed some protien besides shakes! I just want to cry I feel like I am a loser and even surgery can't keep me from eating! Please tell me someone has done this and how did you stop once you started? And some ideas on protein shakes I am so burnt out on vanilla with crystal light! Thanks

Hi, I was banded 05-14. I was about 255 originally.. 246 the day before surgery(tuesday). When I got home (saturday 05-17) i was 241. Now, a week later I am still 241. Ive been drinking 1 protein shake every day (approx 280 calories) a very small bowl of a jello, and a 1-2 oz piece of cheese or a spoon of peanut butter to not go insane. Ive been trying to drink at least 50-64 oz of water a day. I dont understand why im not losing weight im eating way way less than i did before. I'm sure im getting less than or about 800 calories a day. So far as clothes fitting... they still fit the same. Im not sure if they should or if my stomach is just swollen.. Im getting scared th…

Looking for some guidance -- I'm scheduled for surgery July 1st. I just found out that I have to travel for business on July 14th. Just wondering if anyone else had to travel that soon after surgery. I will certainly ask my surgeon to make sure it is okay, but I spoke to a member of the office staff and she seemed to think it would fine as long as I don't lift heavy bags, etc. Any thoughts?

Did you taste buds change after being banded? I'm just wondering I will still have a taste for my favorite meals.

Has anybody else had a problem with constipation? I've barely gone once since surgery and now that I'm mostly eating foods with some density I don't think that's healthy at all. I'm not uncomfortable or anything, but I'm starting to get worried. Should take a ex-lax? I bought some colace should I take that instead? Or should I just wait it out?

I have been scouring the internet for liquid Protein drinks like Isopure.. I was quoted 245 Euros for some nasty Prosure milky vanilla drinks.. (18 servings)... and thought "THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING ELSE!!!"... So here it is.. Have NO idea what it tastes like. but need it, so have ordered it.. it is from Health Muscle & Fitness - Heroes Muscle I have found 'Reflex whey Refresh".. it comes in three flavours.. Rhubarb, Fruit Punch and Orange... 500ml gives 40g of protein!..It comes in sports bottles. 39.85 (GBP) for 20 bottles. so that will give me almost 3 weeks of protein... before I hit the Protein shakes stage have just ordered a case... they DO delive…

Hi everyone. I am pre-op, waiting for a date. I am researching as much as I can and as I am sitting here I am sipping a cup of and not really thinking too much about how fast I am gulping it down. These questions have been going through my mind for the last few days. What did you find the most difficult to come to terms with after your surgery?. Which habits did you find hardest to break? If you feel really thirsty can you 'gulp' drinks? or is that where sipping every 15 minutes comes in??.. Thanks..

:scared2:I must confess I have cheated on my post op diet I was banded on June 11th did good up until Friday June 20 and I had cream of wheat for breakfast real soupy and then blended stuffing and chicken to a mushie state Saturday about 2x and this morning. I have read alot of postopt cheater threads but now I am scared I have streched or damage my band or caused a slippage. I fill real full now and I am real scared for myself I just had to let my feelings out or guilt will eat me alive does anybody know what my punishment will be? I promise to get back on my preopt diet ASAP and stay on it. Thank you all for reading my confession.

Like most, the few days to a week after my surgery on 4/9/08 I could only drink half of a slim fast shake, now my stomach limit feels limitless- Im still drinking slim fasts and imprivising and mixing yogurt in, and eating some mashed potatoes every once in a while but still hungry- my fill isnt until May 20th and Im not sure what to do- and the thought of mushy overcooked vegetables and blended meats gives me dry heaves. Ugh. I have lost 26 pounds and am continuing to lose and REALLY do ont want to gain yet still have almost 4 weeks until my fist fill and freaking. Any tips?? T:eek:hx!

Ok, Ive started to eat, I was banded 2 weeks ago. When I eat its small amounts, I get full a lot faster than I did before. But, Its not long after that Im hungry again. Ugggh. I also feel bloated, and that I have gained weight. this morning I weighed at 311 and now I weighed again it said 315!!! HOW!!!! Water? Im exercising, walking everyday. OK, so last night, I had chinese food. It was chicken, and I chewed and chewed, I eat 1 meal a day, and its a very small meal. Other than that, Im drinking my protein drinks. And water. Anyway, I dont know whats going on, sometimes, I feel like my band isnt there, I feel the port. I can feel that through my skin. But, I feel sometime…

is this gas pain? I feel like my entire body got hit by a truck. I woke up with it so what else could it be. Suggestions, comments - ways to help. Please.

I am almost 6 days post op and im still having HORRIBLE gas pains. Especially in the mornings, under my ribs is so bad! Gas-x, walking, drinking water, eating (drinking) slow,...ive done all of that. If anyone has any other suggestions please help me. This is such a horrible feeling....

I am healing up nicely from my 6/5 banding but now the healing is soooooo ITCHY! Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas on how I can make it better? It is driving me nuts!:redface:

Im in to about 1 week with real food and i have been trying to stick to 4oz of fish or meat for my meals, just the meat. If im thinking right 4oz is 1/2 a cup. ** note :At this time i do not have a fill. ** For a bit 1/2 a cup of real food was working... feeling full. until about last night. I have been having on going issues with late night since i stay up until 5am est and wanting to eat more then 3 times a day. So i TRY to eat no more then 1/2 a cup then also. But now .... it takes more for me to be full durning the day also. Like today i ate 3 smallish meatballs for lunch and wanted more. so i split some fish with a friend, and after i ate that i knew i ate t…

I have read a few post of people using the magic bullet. I as replaceing all applicances do to a recent move and would like to know which would be better to get. I have my consult with the surgeon on the 23rd and fom what I've been told my insurance works quickly with the banding. What is the main things you use these for and how much do you use them? Any replies will help me with my shopping. Thanks, Sherry

:crazy:I have been taking "Zumba" classes for the last 3 months, and love it. It's a pretty intense workout. I never leave class dry. My question is, how long after surgery will I have to wait before I can get back into it? (tentative date 9/3/08. Still waiting insurance approval.) <a href="Weight Loss - Diet Ticker"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/whS9Vvm/weight.png"></a>

Well as some of you may remember, I am the freak show who's band came un-snapped!!! I had the repair 6/12/08--so which is my actual banding date--the first November 15,2007 or 6/12/08? (HMMMM??!):confused_smile: Anyway just thought I'd tell you that the second time is MUCH MUCH MUCH easier than the first. I am still on liquids til July 7, but felt badly that day and no more. I did not have to pay for the surgery--Allergan paid--and came to watch. My friend was told everything checked out and they were confident it won't happen again. (Okay-they were confident it wouldn't ever happen before). Just call me the amazing Queen Jane----:crying:

I finally got my surgery date for july 3rd, my independance day !! my dr has his patients give themselves shots of lovenox to prevent blood clots for 10 days post surgery. My insurance doesnt cover them and it will be about 240.00 for the 10 shots. he then told me if i cant afford them to not worry about getting them! has anyone else had to do the lovenox shots? what did your dr. tell you about them?

Is my port right under the big insicion? Because my insicion is hurting really bad and im kinda scared that they have to go through the insicion to get to the port.

I was banded on June 6th, so it's been about a week and a 1/2. I feel like I'm always hungry. Am I not suppose to feel full quicker and for longer since my stomach pouch is so small? I feel like I could eat a normal size meal if I wanted. And I'm hungry about an hour after I eat. Is this normal? Someone said that they heard the doctors don't fill the band during surgery. Does the band have anything in it or do they wait for a while before filling it?? I wish I didn't feel so hungry all the time!!! :confused2:

Ok, not feeling so hot today. When does the pain go away and when are you able to keep liquids down. I did fine yesterday with the berium but can't even keep my liquid meds down today?

I take an extended relese medication. Will I be able to continue it in the capsule form post op? TIA

Is it possible for something to get stuck in the stoma and still actually be able to eat other foods? I ate a bagel the other day and haven't felt right since. Coincidence? I don't have any sliming or anything like that. Curious! Thanks for any help.:confused2:

I went in today 5/28/08 for my first fill and when they put it under the xray machine to find the port, well they found it alright, UPSIDE DOWN!!! So now tomorrow 5-29, I have to go in for an out patient surgery and recut me open to fix the problem. Then my Dr will fill it at the same time. So I just hope that it don't happen again and that he sews is tighter and better then the first time. Have this happen to anyone when you went for your fill??? I hope everyone has a great day!!! Kristy

How do you handle emotional eating after you are banded?

Okay- This is not something thatI really like to talk about, but I feel like someone else may be having this problem. Everytime I eat, I have to go to the bathroon- no waiting, GOT TO GO!!! :cursing:Then I have diahrea, and I almost can't go eat with clients because this gets so bad. Once I had to pull over and run into the gas station. This is really embarassing, and I hope that I can figure it out. I am meeting with my doctor on Friday, but thought that I would ask and see if anyone else has this. Thanks

I have had my band for about 4 weeks, and I have had no problems. The first 3 weeks I only drank water and gatorade, but now that I am eating real food I am craving diet sodas. I have been drinking one or two diet sodas a day for the past week or so and I have had no probs with gas or anything. I was just wondering if diet drinks are okay. Can they in anyway harm the band? Do you drink diet soda post- lap band?

I had surgery on 6/12 so today is 4 days post op. I feel like I have no energy and am dizzy and light headed. I have drank a protein shake and a cup of green tea this morning. Is this normal? What is zapping all of my energy and making me dizzy?

Hi Everyone, I finally had my surgery on June 16th, and what an experience it was!! I had several procedures done at once, which included a DNC & ablation on my uterus, pelvic exploratory to look at my reproductive stuff and an unexpected hiatal hernia repair(so they could properly place the band). Well, the hernia repair, come to find out, is VERY painful to recover from(apparently the damn night nurse was oblivious to this) so the first 16 hours post op my pain was at at 10 PLUS due to this nurse who refused to give me morphine(so that I would not be sleepy and get up and walk, etc)!!! When the morning nurse came in, I was crying and in out of control pain and it …

First let me say thank you to everyone, this site has been wonderful!!! I was banded 10 days ago staples out and most of the gas is gone but I am still a little sore and alot swollen on my left side were my port is (although I can't feel it, my surgeon told me it would be on my left side) How long does the swelling, slight brusing and soreness lasts. It is not as bad as being on full liquids though LOL Thanks again!

I was reading a thread about a woman that was deciding between the lap band and the gastric bypass and I just can't get over the fact that people would actually want to choose the gastric bypass. Yes you loose the weight quicker but seeing all the complications and long term affects afterwards certainly out weight the pros. Has anyone ever been told by a friend/family member/whoever that they were going to have the gastric bypass and have you ever tried to persuade them/change there mind into maybe considering the band? I was told in October last year that I should consider the band - I have never even contemplated gb and don't think I ever would, they go on about stati…

Im 1 week post-op....my family had taco bell for dinner, so i thought "hmm, maybe i could have some pintos and cheese from taco bell cuz maybe its a little soupy..." so once i get there i get the pintos and cheese and then (its a taco bell/kfc) i saw the mac & cheese...my favorite...so i got some. I came home thinking with my belly and not with my mind and ate both the pintos and cheese and the mac n cheese. So, now ive got these extremely hurting stomach and junk coming up into my throat and my chest hurts.... so, now i need adivce; should i make myself get sick?;what will it do to my band?.....I know i should have followed my docs instructions, so i dont need anyone…