POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I was banded on 6/4 and have a sore "knot" under the large incision. I am thinking that it may be where there are internal stitches. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

Hi everyone, I'm looking for feedback on fills. I realize that we are all very different but I am curious to know how much of a fill your doc is giving you. I go to my doc monthly and I receive 1/2 cc each time. I'm finally at 3cc and am 7 months out. I need more but the doc is not willing to budge. Thanks!:frown:

I was banded on January 24th and have had one fill 1cc in my 4cc band in March. On Monday, June 16th I am going for my second fil which I am hoping to only go to 2cc's. I am flying to Las Vegas on July 3rd and returning on July 7th for my Birthday which is the 8th. I heard that when you fly your band gets tighter and can stay that way for a few days? Is this true? Hope I can get a answer soon because if thats the case I will put off my fill until I get back. Thanks for your help! June 2007 316lbs. before Kaiser classes Jan. 2008 292lbs. before surgery and after completion of classes June 2008 251.5lbs. as of June 12th

4 days post-op and my stomach is growling....can i eat anything like jell-o? something with any kind of substance? what would happen if i ate something?

I have noticed since having the band I don't pee as much. Since 7 this morning, I've had about 74 ounces of water. It is now 6:06 pm and I still dont have to pee! Should I be concerned? Thinking of calling my doc...

I scheduled Lap band June 2, 2008 with Dr. Ortiz and need a fill doctor here in the Houston area, any help or information would be great!

Today was the first day I actually got to chew on something. I went to the Vietnamese restaurant and ordered Pho soup, which is a rice noodle soup, I asked them to give me little soup, and more broth, which in the soup there were tiny onions, which I chewed on and chewed on, I had some of the noodles, I chewed until liquid, and believe it or not, it gave me the energy I needed, and I felt good. I didnt hurt nor did I over do it. Then, I went to Panera bread, they sell whole grain dry breads, which on my diet I can have dry breads, I waned to eat a few bites of it, and so I did. But I chewed and chewed, I think that my stomach may not be ready for the bread, and although I…

Hey everyone- I'm 5 days post op, and I have a question about on of my sites. I have 1 long suture coming out of my skin outside of either side of the insicion for The port site, which was glued and steri-stripped, not stitched. There is about 1.5 inches of suture material coming out of my skin, not the insicion, on each side of the insicion, and each end is taped into the 2 top steri strips, which are now coming off! The stitch going inside of me is attatched to only the top steri strip. It is made of a different material than the sutured sites, so I am assuming these are absorbable stitches, but they are still hanging out of me, unknotted. WHat should I do so they …

If anyone has tried them, please let me know how they are because i am considering buying some. Which flavor is the best?

Hello there! I was just banded June 12th (4 days ago) and since then I have this terrible headache that will not go away. I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience. I figured with all the painkillers I've been taking the headache should be gone, but it's not. Could it be from when they filled my stomach up with air? Or am I possibly dehydrated? Is this something I should call my doctor about? Any advice would be much appreciated. -Bella

:lol:I got it and the Barix clinic staff was wonderful in Columbus OH I feel ok, Just a lot of gas right now and very sore trying to sip sip sip if any comments or suggestions please let me know?

hello, i was banded thursday, june 12th. Everything is going good, i have just noticed that every now and then i get this really sharp pain in my chest and upper back>? Is this normal? It is exspecially bad when i just wake up. What could it be? Im following my liquid diet and gettin plenty of fluids, sipping slowly of course. but usually the pain is when im not drinking or anything. Any advice? Thanks Elizabeth!

Dear All, Well I finally took the plunge after fighting to keep my weight under control with diet and exercise for over 20 years. I am a low BMI bander (36 at banding) but I chose to use this tool after years of failure and in anticipation of deteriorating health and more weight gain as I aged. I am one week in and very excited about the future, while at the same time very apprehensive. I chose to use the band to assist me primarily with portion control. I have decided after many years of assessment that I love exercising and I love my unhealthy foods and that my main issue was lack of portion control with bad foods (i.e. eating the whole pizza instead of just one sli…

I was banded on June 10th and have been doing pretty good. No gas pain --thank goodness, although I definatly have a lot of gas:blink:!! My incisions are doing well and the swelling seems to have gone down a little. However, I can't seem to get more than 600 or 700 calories in. I wasn't too worried about it until today when I walked in my house I got really light headed. Pretty close to passing out. I am drinking high protien shakes (26 grams per 8 oz) and going for the higher protien soups. I just can't eat hardly anything without my stomach feeling really tight and uncomfortable and there are only so many hours in the day! Any suggestions for high cal, high prot…

Hi everyone, Well..today is day two of being post op and I'm still in a lot of pain. I was just wondering if this was normal? I know it's not the gas because I've been very good about getting up and walking around and there doesn't seem to be any pain traveling. It's more like my actual stomach is irritated, I can't drink anything cold or it hurts like heck, in fact anything other that room temperature Water is a killer. So the doctors nurse called and said to drink slower and make sure everything is room temp. Has anyone else experienced this? Or am I just a slow healer? :smile:

Hi Everyone, I need some more help. I'm just at 2 weeks after surgery and I can't stop eating. I started on soft foods and it just spiraled out of control. I just had a bowl of popcorn an hour ago. I know I'm not supposed to eat but I'm hungry and I have no problem with eating and digesting. The nurse told me to just wait until I got my first fill but I don't have willpower. That's why I got this surgery! I know I won't be able to eat after my fill but until then I can't seem to stop. I'm dreaming of food. And worse yet I put 10 lbs back on just this weekend! Help!!!!

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I was banded on June 10th and look about 6 months pregnant, I cannot seem to pass the gas!!!! I have the shoulder and neck pain, I haven't used any pain medication because I get real nauseous and the pain has been tolorable but the gas is unbearable. I have always had problems passing gas...... Thanks for all your support!!!!

This is probably so old hat to those of you that have lost so much . . . but I'm EXCITED today. I am 11 days post-op and between the pre-approval diet, the pre-op diet, and now the post-op diet, I am down 30 pounds today. No, it hasn't been easy. At times, it hasn't even been pretty. Even now, my boobs have taken on a saggy new dimension all their own and I still have a LONGGGGGGGGG way to go . . . . But I'm still excited about -30 pounds!!!!!!! LOL! I am trying to find some NSVs, but right now, they just aren't really there. I'm barely down a size in clothes -- I could go down, but I'm still getting by. My body is a weird shape because of the swollen belly a…

My first fill date is June 23rd - about 5 weeks post op. I don't think I am going to be ready. I still have to eat quite carefully. I also don't think I am getting enough calories in yet, as I am still a little weak. I am thinking of pushing my appointment back 2 more weeks. Has anyone else had to do this?

Hello, im officially a Bandster!! So exciting!! now just ready for evrything to get back to normal, well my new normal that is. I was lucky, everything went great, it was a breeze!! Great nurses!! All my nurses had had WLS before so they made me feel very comfortable!! Well im ready to do this, im ready to get back to the gym, and start to see the numbers fall on the scale!!! Thanks to everyone for all the words of encouragement, im sure ill need yall now more than every!! Thanks and God Bless!!

okay so i went for a fill last week, and doc says i am at 4ccs in my 4cc band. well since this fill i have been able to eat everything including bread, chicken, hamburgers, and everything else. all of the things i couldn't eat before, i am now able to eat and in large quantities. i also get hungry right away after having a meal. what could have happened. i am terrified, and have already gained about 3 lbs. i will call doc on monday, but if anyone can tell me something helpful, i would appreciate it.

When day did you start driving after surgery? I asked this question because my mom will be staying with me for a week of the surgery and I will have to taker her to the airport 5 days after my surgery. Is day 4 too early to get behind the wheel?

I am 4 days post op and have never been so fatigued in my life. I'm getting close to my protein goal for the most part, but can't seem to shake being so weak. My left arm seems to just drag, and have no stregnth. Not like a stroke or anything, I can use it, it just seem to feel so heavy and limp. I was hoping someone could give me some insight as to what I can do to remedy the way I feel. Is it a lack of sugar?? Thanks in advance. I love this forum!

I am hurting so bad above my biggest insision on my right side. It feels like a huge cramp (like wen you run and get one of those cramps) and i cant breathe. There is also something hard there....could anyone tell me what in the heck this pain is??

Can you please provide details on how you drink Water? ( hehe - that sounds like a silly question) ie how often? how much? when do you drink it? I'm asking because I have read that water will wash the food past the band, so what is the general recommendation? do I drink lots of water 20 minutes befor eating, then avoid it during my meal, and avoid it until 30 minutes before the next meal?

Hi All. I was banded in March of 2007. Doing just OK. Was wondering if anyone has had this problem. After my banding last year, I developed what the Dr. said was a hematoma. A huge bulge on my left side under my rib cage. Didn't really bother me, and did go down after quite a while. Last week, a bulge appeared again, same spot, but now with lots of pain. Cannot do my every day activities without having to sit because of pain. Had a ct scan, nothing showed. Not even the hematoma that I was told it was in the beginning. Had anyone every experienced pain and a huge bulge? Do you think the band might have slipped or maybe erosion is happening? My Dr. swears that there is noth…

Hi all, i was banded yesterday...im not in as much pain as i thought i would be in. A few qustions: 1. Im feeling kinda of good, and i imagine in a few days i will be feeling tons better, does this mean i can lift my 25 lb. son? 2. I have not set a goal weight/BMI how do i determine this? 3. how long does it take for this annohying shoulder/gas feeling in my body? 4. Im SOO THIRSTY! But im afraid to drink Water quickly, will it make me sick if i do? Thanks all, thats it for now, im sure more questioins will come up later.... Crystal

Is my stomach small now even without a fill? I read something in my post-op packet from my doctor that my stomach is the size of a tablespoon but it dosnt say if it before or after the fill. I know if i drink something too fast i feel super sick to my stomach. I hate this feeling...i cant wait til two weeks from now when i feel slightly better.

is this Protein deficiency? i find it almost to get the recommended amount of protein in. i almost get none. i have yet to find a Protein Drink i like. even if i did, i can not drink enough to get the recommended amount of protein. i am full all day and barely drink anything

How long did you wait post op, to go in the pool and cool off? Not planning on swimming laps... just want to enjoy it with the kids.

I had my third fill yesterday. I could swallow liquids ok after the fill. Within 2-3 hours, I began having severe heartburn with reflux coming up into my throat. By nighttime, I was vomiting what I guess is stomach bile. Not to sound gross but it looks just like hot Mountain Dew. This has went on all night and day, every few hours. I normally take Nexium anyway and I have added acid reducers today also. I called my Dr. and he was puzzled. I can swallow fine, I just can't keep it down due to all the acid and vomiting it back up. Has this ever happened to any of you??

I was just banded on the 6th of June and know my doctor is stating that all of my pills taken before hand must be crushed. Well I am on birth contol pills for period assistance. Does anyone know the effect of crushing birth control pills??? Do they remain effective?? The reason why I am asking is 2 fold - 1) Since my surgery, I have begin spotting very light, but am not scheduled to begin my period for a few weeks. Does that have to do with the crushing or just because of the surgery??? and 2) I went throught ferility issues and was told I had policystic ovaries - I know with the drastic weight loss, there is a possibility that I could get pregant!! I would love …

2 days post-op. My stomach has this weird feeling, it feels kinda like gas, but maybe fullness, or hunger. This is more confusing than i thought it would be. i cant tell when im hungry because my stomach dosnt really growl. If i coiuld, i probably wouldnt eat anything at all because i dont feel like eating. im so confused.:smile:

My wife was banded on Monday, they also took out her gallbladder. She came home late Tuesday. She is weak, can not seem to keep much down. She has been drinking Water, a little broth and a little Jello. She is very emotional and that is not like her. She says she feels like you do when you have a bad case of the flu, weak, tired etc. any suggestions on what I can do to help? This is the 4th day post op, when will she feel better?

Does anyone know if 1 week post-op it's OK to have a small iced decaf coffee? I swear I'll put skim milk in it! I don't miss the caffeine as much as the taste. I'm doing so well on my liquid diet, but I'm SO SICK of artificial sweetener taste in my mouth. My diet guidelines just say clear liquids and protein shakes with milk or soy milk-what do you think?:confused2:

I'm going to the movies with some friends tonight (first real outing since surgery) and it got me thinking about movie popcorn and other snacks. I usually don't buy snacks at the movies because they too expensive, so I usually go without, but if I wanted to bring my own snack what could I bring? Or is it best to just go without? Advice for all stages would be appreciated.

WELL I WENT TO SOUTH COAST MEDICAL CENTER IN LAGUNA BEACH,CA.... THEY WERE SOOOO WONDERFUL MADE SURE I WAS ALRIGHT ALL THE TIME, DIDNT MAKE ME RUSH ANYTHING LET ME DO EVERYTHING WHEN I WAS READY, EXPLAINED EACH STEP TO ME AND MY HUSBAND..I WAS THERE FROM 7:30 AM-2:00PM...I WAS REAL SORE YESTERDAY BUT TODAY JUST WAKING UP IM OKAY I AM WALKING A LIL FASTER..LOL BUT JUST WANTED TO SHARE HOW IT WENT. JUST PRAYING I DONT GET TOO MUCH GAS:scared2:

I was banded two days ago and i still feel like crap but i expected that. I have had a huge headache and have been in the worst neckpain ever.-if anyone knows what the neckpain comes from please let me know-- I have had this flem stuck in my throat, is that normal? I feel like all im doing is drinking water and protein shakes and its making me not wanna consume anything at all....i just want to eat food. Will i ever be able to eat normally again? (i know i cant have sugar and carbs, but i feel so out of place from my family) i just want food....this is kinda depressing...

:crying:HELP!! not loosing weight at all !!am still stuck there!! lost so far 7 lb ONLY!!!! is the band not suitable for me ???

So, I thought I had this all straight but after an hour of reading threads on the food/nutrition/recipe boards, I am confused. Are the pureed stage and mushie stage they same thing? And what is the difference between pureed, mushie and soft? Please advise. TIA! Banded June 5th!

I just had my first fill ab out 3 hours ago. I am on liquids only and so far have just had some Crystal Light. The problem is that I feel like I could eat everything in sight. I am starving. I am going to stick with the liquids but I'm just wondering if anyone else feels really hungry after a fill.

One week and two days out from surgery feeling great but not real physically different (if you know what I mean), standing next to my closet I remembered that a LONG TIME AGO (I guess hoping someday the weight would magically disappear) I bought a couple shirts that I really liked but did not fit into at all, not even close. So I thought what the heck lets see how close I am to getting in them (totally thinking not gonna happen). Well guess what!!!! THEY FIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about opening up a whole new world in the clothing line! You know....... that one size that you always look at because the tops are cute but they never have that top in your size. I can’t …

Are soy Protein shakes an option for post-op diets? I haven't found one mention of soy in any of the threads, so I'm wondering it is too difficult to digest after surgery. :confused_smile: Even if taken with "Beano" or a similar digestive enzyme? Has anyone been warned by their dietician or doctor against Protein powder mixes that contain soy protein? If so, why? If not, have you tried them? Got any brand reviews?

Hey guys just wondering if anyone has had any issues with their internal stitches like the port's and maybe your stomach's holding the band in place here's the best description I can come up with right now: popped (to the ER or DR):biggrin: or pulled or stretched (pitiful yelping pain noise here but after a few minutes it's ok (it may say Hi every now and then)..:frown: I am active not by choice on somethings...IE: stairs of our split level which I have learned to walk down sideways because engaging my abs in anyway is like stabbing a semi hot butter knife into my port side..((OMG port side..left side on me..sailors retort?)) But…

Good morning all, I had my surgery on 5/22/08 and did the whole liquid diet till day 7 and then am now on the "mushies" stage till day 30. I have found (in my sick head maybe) that there are actually alot of food that can "become" mushy (that should be a whole other thread :thumbup:). The first couple of days eating mushies I found that I was getting VERY full VERY quickly. Like after about 8-10 bites or less. NOW.........it seems as though I never even had the Lapband??? What the heck is going on here? I know that once the swelling goes down that you start to feel hungry again and nothing really tends to get stuck, but I really didn’t expect it to be this …

I was banded March 24th. At first when I had gas (read as the "poots") I thought it was my body adjusting to my new diet. Well I'm 2.5 months out & I'm STILL am farting up a storm! Is this normal? Am I going to live with this the rest of my life?:biggrin:

Hi, I had my surgery yesterday, im holding up pretty well all in all... Did anyone ever experience bruising around their incisions, One of mine is starting to form a big purple bruise around this.. IM kinda worrried and my next dr appointment isnt for another 2 weeks... Any helps appreciated

Hey all, After posting my "Words of wisdom" thread a couple of months ago, I just wanted to update everyone, I was banded on Monday the 9th and things are going well so far (lost 11 lbs during the post op diet). Able to stick to my liquid with no problems. I am down to taking my pain medicine once a day before I go to bed. I can move around, and go up and down the stairs; have been able to do since the day after surgery. My main concern is that I am going on a cruise the first week in July, which is my 3rd week post op. I will be on the pureed phase of the diet. Should I bring a magic bullet and puree healthy things i might come across on the cruise? I plan on bringi…

i am about to start on my mushy foods for 2 weeks. My dr did give me a small list of good foods to eat during this stage, but i know there HAS to be more out there besides these few basics we all know about!! Can u all share ideas with me?? Maybe something i havent thought about?? Im up for any suggestions! Also, if anyone knows of a website, or a book that makes these lists PLEASE let me know! THanks so much!! Best of luck to you all!! Im 10 days out and have lost 17 pounds! YAY!:biggrin:

I just accidentally posted in the pre-op section - oops! Tomorrow the great mushie diet begins!! Although I will confess I tried some tuna salad today and it went just fine - never has bland tuna tasted so good. I have a concern as I take this next step.... it seems I am getting my pre-op hunger back. I've lost 10lbs since being banded and I am terrified I'm going to gain it back. I hear that once you start eating normal foods again that's when you gain back but I don't wanna!!! (do I sound like a two year old yet? ) This has been at the forefront of my brain the past few days and has me very concerned. I've also discovered that I'm allergic to something. I'm not…