POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi all. I am two weeks post-op. I feel great in the morning - no problems whatsoever - can barely tell I've had surgery. Incisions look good. Around 2 or 3 pm every afternoon I start to get pain in the rib area on both sides. Almost feels like sore muscles rather than tummy pain. If I take pain meds, it goes away. It happens like clockwork every afternoon. Mild but annoying! Anybody else have this? Thanks.

How can you possibly take 30 min to eat a 4oz- 6oz meal???? Or a protein shake. I'm getting my 1st fill on Thursday,and i'm kinda nervous!!! In the last 4 weeks, I've never had a tiny meal that last me 30 min. Even if I chop it up,use a small spoon.... and chewing it into mush.... It doesnt take me 30 min... more like 5min if that! How many of you actually take 30 min to eat your meal?

I am almost 2 weeks out and so sick of shakes. I get to start mushies this weekend. Does anyone know if hummus is a good choice in the mushie phase?

Hi , this is my first posting in this great forum. Please,I need u r opinion concening one thing! i was banded on the 10th of April,2008.Everything was going fine till 2 days back when I started to have this gastric pain , in my upper part of my stomach! any body has suffered from such thing .it is like an intermittent stabbing pain . PS:when i called my Dr.he told me this is from the band! So what do u think:confused2: Lost :20.5 Lb since the op. Thanks in advance ,Royalbee

I've been doing a little protein shakes and sipping on water. I do 6 oz of protein shake and feel pretty full. I'm afraid to drink to much water because I feel full. Is this just because everything is so swollen? Will this go away so I can do more fluids?

And I feel great! My stomach is still obviously sore, but the rest of me is doing just fine. I still have a bit of residual shoulder pain, but that is dissipating the more I move around. I am even braving a cup of coffee, I am not expecting to finish the whole thing, I just want to shake this caffeine headache I have had since Tuesday. I have been drinking my Soups, and Water. Broths are still hit and miss with me, I just can’t stomach it. WAY to salty for me, makes me feel sick to my new and improved stomach. And that is even the “salt free” variety. I still kind of belch a bit, but I was told that is to be expected the first few days. I braved driving my kid…

Okay, I go for my second fill tomorrow. I want him to really fill me up. If I tell him I feel like I've had no restriction, will he do that or do they always do a little at a time??? I want to lose faster!!!

how would i know if something was wrong? dr did say that three weeks from surgery is the danger time for slippage. how would i know if the band had slipped? or can anything else go wrong? i dont have scales at home but dont feel like i have lost anyting since the surgery?

Was looking at my incisions today and noticed one was a bit puffy and off colored. I would call today but well its sunday, you know those docs and weekends, they gotta play golf sometime :Banane53:. So a full pic of my incisions and a enlarged one of #5 which is the one that made my eyes bug out today. Good thing my doc is a hottie, gives me something to look forward too when I call him tomorrow. :welldoneclap::thumbup:

Been having great lap band experience and weight loss of about 3 lbs a week thus far. Two weeks ago, got 2nd fill. My doc has issues locating my port, usually digs around with a needle for about 35 minutes, lots of poking and such, making fills a pain and an annoyance. The issue is that since 2nd fill, i've been having the worst of both worlds. Weight loss has stopped. I can still eat just as much as before this fill, I still get hungry. Basically, the only thing this fill has done to assist me is keep me full longer. The downsides are: constant pain swallowing and when I wait too long to eat. My chest/center of back between shoulder blades are always sore when I swallo…

Hi Ya'll, I have a quick question...Can we take Liq Motrin? I know we can do liq tylenol but, the Motrin I wasn't sure about. I have come down with a sore throat/infection and the Motrin is the only thing that will take the pain away.....??? Thanks! :thumbup:

4 days post opp. My incision points are itchy. mainly the port incision. is that normal? when does the tape fall off? when is too soon to pull them off? i get hiccups every now and then - about once every hour or two. is that bad for my pouch? doctor ok'd me to eat cottage cheese today (4 days sooner than he orig said) - would egg whites be ok to eat too?

I was banded 4/15. Most of my 230 lbs sits in the upperhalf of my body. I realized this after my first day back at work when all the pressure of my body felt like it was pushing on my port. Jeans are out of the question. I can hardly walk after I sit in jeans. Still starving, havent lost in over a week. No restricition. not worried though as my dr. assured me after my fill this will all be over. I want to start exercising. But I still cant bend over w/o pushing in on my port site. When did you become completely pain free in your port area? Also what is the time line between your 1 and 2nd fills? I just feel aggravated thats others feel up to exercise when I …

Does anyone know if you can ride the rides at parks like six flags and stuff? I am very excited about this. Last time I went to Carowinds with my kids I got emberrassed by some kid trying to stuff me in the seat of a roller coaster. I am really looking forward to being able to ride these rides with my kids in the future when I loose enough weight.

I am 17 days post-op and have begun walking, but would actually like to start jogging/running again. Anybody out there jogging or running? And if so, how soon after did you start up? Thanks

Hi to all you fellow banders out there. All I can say is "Thank goodness for this website"!! I am 10 days post-band & for the last 5 days I have suffered from a reallly bad tummy upset. I'd not read anything on this subject anywhere else until I found this forum & was really starting to panic. I'm still on liquids (mainly s/f squashes/cordials, jelly & smooth yogurt/fromage frais, with the occasional icecream!) for two weeks (on instructions of my surgeon) then I can start on the mushy stage! Roll on Wednesday!! I've been lucky so far, no pain since day 3, no meds, no gas pain, no port pain, but my major concern was with the band slipping! The hospital…

Hi, I was banded on the Wednesday the 7th. I have been feeling dizzy or lightheaded the last two days. Has that happened to anyone else? I plan on calling the drs. office tomorrow.

I am 3.5 weeks post op. I am being very careful with what I eat and have not had any desire to cheat at all. I am exercising about 3-4 times a week too. BUT, I find that I have a difficult time eating with my family. I tend to chew too quickly with them and I have a hard time just looking at the food they are eating. Im doing great with weight loss. Ive lost 30 pounds already. Have 100 to go. I get my first fill on May 23. But, I am having the worst problem feeling down about eating so differently and feeling so limited with the food that I am eating. Anyone else feel this way? :welldoneclap:

Hi Everyone, OK here is the situation, I was banded 4 1/2 weeks ago beginning of April. Everything seems to be going ok, but lately I have been having an aching pain in my lower ride side. (across from where my hip is) I don't think it is my appendix (because I can eat and I am not throwing up) I will call the doctor this week but I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this pain. could it be gas? It hurts when I walk, and feels much better when I sit down. The pain comes and goes. I have moved to solid food this week so could that be it? Thanks so much!!:tt1:

Well guys since I am posting on the post op forum I will keep this mostly to my 5 day post op experience (since this is definitely the toughest period). Day 1: Went in on May 7th for surgery, no pre-op diet, went in an 9 was in post op at 10. I could not swallow because of the tube during surgery so they gave me ice chips. Had trouble breathing because of the mask, the kind nurse took it off. Got up at around 10:15 to sit in the recliner chairs they have and while sitting down passed gas. Was discharged by 10:40 and literally spent more time at the pharmacy than in the or! Finally got home at around 1 with tons of gas and tenderness from the incisions. The gas pains f…

Well the surgery went quick according to the doctor. I stayed the night at the hospital because I knew I'd have complications with the anesthesia which of course I did. My blood pressure went extremely low and the nurses were worried about me and yelling at me to wake up because I wasnt able to wake up on my own. The nurses on the floor I was on like me becuz I kept wanting to walk around trying to get the gas out and didnt complain that I had to walk...which of course didnt work. I was so miserable when I got home, that I was crying so hard in pain. Thank god and goddess for this chat room, chloemom suggested a heating pad. Well I put the heating pad on while still cry…

I am having this pain right where my stomach is. When I feel like I am about to burp, the air almost comes up then gets stuck about half way up. Has anyone else taken the Viactive chewables?? They are like a tootsie roll!! I think that may be some of my problem with pain, but in my book it says that I can have it!!

I am a "reborn" bandster, because I just had my port adjustment surgery this Monday. My doctor moved my port from my abdominal wall to the upper stomach area. I was originally banded back in February of this year, but my doctor could not access my port in order to give me a fill, even under fluoroscopy, so a port revision surgery became necessary. Thankfully, I was good and followed the band rules, despite not having any restriction all this time. My doctor told me to hang in there until I have the port adjustment, and as a result, I lost more weight. I am home recovering for a week, and so far so good. I do have some abdominal tenderness, but no gas. My doct…

Hi Everyone, OK here is the situation, I was banded 4 1/2 weeks ago beginning of April. Everything seems to be going ok, but lately I have been having an aching pain in my lower ride side. (across from where my hip is) I don't think it is my appendix (because I can eat and I am not throwing up) I will call the doctor this week but I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this pain. could it be gas? It hurts when I walk, and feels much better when I sit down. The pain comes and goes. I have moved to solid food this week so could that be it? Thanks so much!!:tt1:

I'm trying to help a couple of friends locate a bariatric surgeon who accepts Medicare insurance.........how do we find one? We've called and looked at a number of surgeon websites in the Dallas area and haven't found a one yet who will take it, altho I've seen many people on boards mention that Medicare paid for their surgery. Can you call Medicare and ask them? How do they know where to call? Any guidance will be appreciated.

I was banded on 4/24 and I've lost 21 lbs. and have been feeling great! Some shoulder pain still...but much better than it was. The last few days I've felt hungry for the first time and it is hard. Obviously I have had problems with food in the past and that nagging desire to indulge is hard to resist. Here's my question...I get my first fill on 5/28 and I am wondering how different I will feel after it regarding the hunger. I'm not feeling full right now after eating and I'm looking for some insight as to how I'll feel after the fill. Thanks so much! :smile:

The doctor I work for wanted me to ask this question on here. Has anyone tried eating swedish fish??..u know the gummy red fish candy. It is fat free and sometimes I get this craving for something sweet and I wanted one and she said I couldn't have one. Was wondering if anyone has tried one and if they think it would possibly get stuck and cause u to have to have a EGD done to remove it.... Input would be appreciated.

In about 5 weeks, I will be going on a cruise. i will be 7 weeks out from my surgery by then. I've decided to wait to have my first fill after the cruise. Do you think I will be able to eat a piece of lobster or even half a piece on the cruise and maybe put a little butter on it? I think I'm craving food right now because I'm still in the liquid stage.

I had my surgery yesterday!! I am super excited that the pain is minimal, but the gas pain is horrible!! If I didnt know better I would think I was having a heart attack!! I know walking helps, any other suggestions?? Also, did you wash your stomach the next day, and if so, what with? Thanks in advance for your answers!!

Does any of the gas-x meds work for the horrible post op gas?? Someone please answer, because Im going to send my husband to get some for me if it does. This stuff is horrible!!:smile:

:thumbup:I was banded on May 6, 2008, and I started on split pea soup for my mushies. I read the nutrition information and it is high in carbs. It went down pretty well and it was filling. I also had some low-fat cottage cheese and it went down pretty well, too.

I had my lapband surgery on 02/22. Had my first fill (3cc) one month later. Never really felt any restriction unless I ate fast. Yesterday was my second month visit and he put in 1.5 more ccs. About an hour later I ate some creamed potatoes and drank tea with no problem. Then...I woke up this morning, took a sip of milk and it STUCK in my chest. All day I have sipped on liquids, they go down but it takes forever and for the longest I have a knot in my stomach that feels like a fist. Is this normal?? Anyone have this happen?? Help!!

I was wondering whether anyone has stretched out their pouch from too much eating. Lately, I have little restriction and everything and a lot of everything seems to be going down. I am due for a fill tomorrow but am concerned that I have stretched my pouch. If I stretched my pouch would I feel it? Would it hurt? How long of overeating will do it? Is there any way to unstretch it? I am concerned that I went through the entire surgery and have now screwed things up. Help!!!:tt1:

Hi All - I had my surgery 11 days ago. In the beginning I was surprised by the pain and it was hard to get in all 64 ounces of the luiquids. I was doing all right and on day 5 I came down with a fever. It turns out I had a serious case of strep throat which was most unpleasant. It was really rough b/c I didn't feel great from the surgery and having that on top of it made me misearable. Now that, that is under control I am doing much better. I think the swelling must have gone down in my stomach because I now feel hungry. I see the doctor on Tuesday and I will move to the mushy stage, but today I did a bad thing and I couldn't help it. I took a bite of my son's g…

I'm confused by what I am feeling. I was banded on May 2, spent the night at the hospital and came home Saturday. I did Clear liquids for a few days and now, full liquids. But I seem to be drinking ALOT!!! I do a cup of de-caf coffee for Breakfast, 4 oz of yogurt, another coffee and Water. This is about 6:30. Around 9 I feel hungry so I grab a cup of broth or Soup. Still with the water. I munch on suger-free popcicles or fudgecycles, throughout the day. Yesterday, I tried a 2oz jar of baby food and had no problems. for lunch. Around 3, I was hungry again and grabbed a can of cream of soup, condensed it down with water and blended it up. Supper I had a Carnatio…

Since the pre op diet i lost 26 pounds on the scale but i do not fel it in my clothes? My waist feels as big as ever? In the past when i would lose 10 pounds my clothes felt bigger? Anyone know what the deal is? 26 pounds should put me down 2 waist sizes in the past, but my clothes feel as tight as ever? Thanks your support has been awesome!! Is it bloating from the surgery?

I was just wondering how long you waited after being banded until you ate out? What did you have?? I am really getting sick of soft foods and just want something different and my hubby mention maybe going out for supper this weekend and getting a small meal. :thumbup:

I am hoping to have my band done mid July. I am still in the process of going to all of my doctor appointments and having all of my tests. I was wondering after meeting with the nutritionist last week, she let me know that i will need to be on a liquid diet the week prior to surgery and for about 2 weeks after followed by mushies for another 2 weeks. Then puree for 2 more weeks. This really scares me. How hard is it to do this. After all I need to get this band because i can't seem to control my eating to begin with. Please someome let me know how hard this is so i can prepare myself. Higest weight 233 current weight 227 Oh what i really want to be is 130

So everything is looking good he said, started me on mushie food, basically anything I can puree in my mouth is OK, Just nothing raw yet. Here's some things he said that I'm confused about, I also had my 10mo. old with me, so I felt preoccupied.... 1. He said he wanted me to wean out the Protein drink the next couple of weeks???? Is it b/c extra calories? With a cup of milk, it's only 200cal. OR I know the band isn't designed to constantly have liquids, and he wants me to start getting my protein from solid food? 2. I told him that i get pretty full fast, about 3/4c. But I get hungry after about 2-3hrs. He said i need to eat more protein in my meals. So I asked him…

Does anyone know how soon after surgery you can donate blood? I had surgery in February and now I need to donate blood for one of my friends. I am sure they can tell me at the blood center, but I do not want to waste my time and go (the closest one is an hour away) if I will just be turned away. Any thoughs would be helpful.

... before your first fill? My doctor told me wednesday that I could start eating solid food. So I attempted to eat a 'normal' lunch from the cafeteria today. I stuck to a mushy side, but green Beans and a soft meatloaf was normal. I ate slowly and chewed thoroughly. I didn't have a problem eating it which is great. However, although I was only able to eat about 1/2 what I would normally, I was still able to eat more than I thought I would. I realize I don't have any real restriction right now. I was just curious how much people could eat before their first fill and if you gained any weight back. I am down a bit and don't want to gain it back so I was just curio…

I feel like I am out of breath and my heart pounds harder. Does anyone else experience this? Prior to surgery I was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and that it was a bit on the weak side. Cardiologist said the enlargement was probably due to being over weight and that this weightloss should help it, and that the weakness was probably because I have been immobile since I fractured my ankle in November and had ankle surgery in Feb which made it impossible to walk for many many weeks and I am still recovering from it. So being out of shape didn't help. Prior to the fracture I never had problems. So hopefully the cardiologist is right. Anyway, it seems worse now that…

I have only been able to get in about 20 grams of protein in the last 2 1/2 days. I cannot drink one more protein shake. What can I do on my liquid diet to get my required amount of protein. This liquid diet is driving me crazy.

48 hrs post op can someone tell me when the pain and the gas goes away? Thanks so much.

I'm looking into lap band surgery but I only have a BMI of 38. Insurance will only cover if I have BMI of 40, hence a difference of 10 pounds. I'm on my 6 month insurance recommended diet. My Dr says I'm crazy to gain weight just for the surgery.... but I really want it. What do you all think?

Is burping bad for the band? I don't mean pb's, just a plain old belch. I am 6 days post-op, and still a little gassy. I have burped a lot over the last week, and I was wondering if this moves or irritates anything?? Lovely :biggrin:

what a difference a day makes. what a difference gasx strips make. (thanks bandiva) Yesterday was incredibly pain full with my gas pains. i've read and read about people experiencing these pains. it never hit home until I felt them. i felt like i had been kicked in the chest by Anderson Silva (must be a MMA fan to get the reference). if you don't know who Anderson is, think Bruce Lee. I had a good buddy of mine swing by RiteAid and grab some Milk Of Mag and some GasX strips. i used 3 strips within 45 mins. and the gas started to leave my body - :biggrin:. and the relief came shortly thereafter. i've used my pain meds about half of the time. and this morni…

I was banded on April 28th. I went for my post op on Tuesday and the PA told me I was ready to ease in mushies. Yeah. I have only really added tuna with lite mayo so it wouldn't be too dry to get down. Only two tbsp and I am stuffed. To change it up a bit I found these Bumble Bee Easy Peel Sensations. I just had the Sundried tomato and basil flavor. Very good. I tried to eyeball the two tbsp but I think I went a little over because I feel stuffed right now. Have any of your doctors told you to keep your food to two tbsp?

Hello everyone! I am so nervous. I finally had my "TOM" stop by today and I feel yucky. For a week now I have been eating a lot. I really feel like a pig. Even though I know that this is a tough time, I really need some encouragement to get me through until I get my first fill. I WANT THAT RESTRICTION BACK! Please anyone that can give me some words of advice I would really appreciate it! Thank you! Heidi

Has anyone else had a problem with a rash around the stomach area from the binder? It's really red and itching terribly. I'm trying Cortizone-10 Plus but it doesn't seem to be helping. It covers from one side around to the other.