POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

:confused:My surgery is on Feb 14, 2008 (yes!!!!) but I don't know how long I'll have to take off. It is on a Wed. Trying to determine how much time I'll need to take off. It will be inpatient as I have BCBS of AZ and apparently that's they're policy. Can I have input from those of you who have already had it? Thanks much!

So I've gotten the dreaded diarrhea. I'm not sure why it's starting now (liquid in-liquid out), when I was on a liquid diet 10 days pre-op and have been on a liquid diet post-op for 7 days now (17 days total). Does anyone know if we can take anything for it, like Immodium? K banded - 12.11.07 pounds lost - 19.5

HI Everyone, I was banded 12/13/07 and was wondering how many days before the gas stops? I find it strange that I have not expelled all of the surgery air by now. Is the post op liquid shakes causing this condition now?? Can all of you who have gone through this reply & let me know how long did it take before you stopped getting shoulder pain & passing gas after surgery? Thanks in advance!

I started full liquids today and my stomach feels like it is going to explode. When I take a deep breath it feels like I am going to pop inside. I ate creamed soup and felt a burning sensation in my upper stomach area off and on for about an hour. Is that normal? Also, how much volume should I be eating at a time on full liquids? For example, 1/2 cup, 1 cup, etc.

For those who are interested in the experience of one recently banded, I got banded on Tuesday, Dec. 4th. That day I felt pressure, really no pain, just very woozy and light headed. I tolerated watered-down protein shake and water...even a little V-8. I HATE tomato juice, but it tasted so good!!! I took my liquid Vicodin on the 6-hour schedule. Sleeping on my side was impossible. On day 2, I wondered what I had done to myself. It hurt pretty badly, especially the port site. Right when I stood up, the pain was awful, then leveled out. (Pass the Vicodin:rolleyes) I had lots of gas bubbles, took crushed Beano before drinking, and Gas-X several times. It was a roug…

I am so stupid - I didn't think about what I was eating and ate some cold pasta with chicken. Some how it was o.k. due to the chicken. It all came back up about 10 minutes ago. My doc had said it was o.k. to start trying 'real" food. I was told to make pasta one of the last foods to try since most banded people can not tolerant it. AARRGHH!!! I didn't think - I feel do dumb. Have you guys had this happen? Now I am worried about how this will affect my band!!!! Comments and experiences welcomed!

Hi everyone...banded on 11/19, at Temple Hosp., Phila...doing well so far...really want to sleep on my side or tummy...still uncomfortable at port site...how long till most people can get back to normal sleep positions with comfort? I really appreciate all replies...this website has been very helpful...:girl_hug:

When will this constant time in the bathroom stop not knowing whether you have gas or something else.

I had LapBand surgery Wednesday 11/28/07 in the morning. It's been 4 days and I have not had a bowl movement. Is this normal? My prescribed diet was clear liquids the first 24 hours post surgery, then 3 protein shakes a day and one alternate (1/2 cup cottage cheese, sugar free pudding, etc.). I make my shakes with fat free milk, protein powder, a few ice cubes and a 1/2 - cup of frozen fruit (1/2 banana, strawberries, or blueberries, etc.). I've had no problem getting the 3 protein shakes down and a couple of sugar free popsicles. I just sip everything slowly and make it last 30 - 45 minutes. However, I'm concerned that I've not had a bowl movement in 4 days, is the norma…

I will be having my surgery in January. I am curious as to how soon after surgery your doctor recommended/released you to return to work. As part of the initial seminar, they say you can have your surgery, go home the same day (if all is well), and return to work the very next day. How realistic is this? thanks.:ranger:

I had my surgery Nov 1st, and for the last week have been having dizziness. It's almost always after I stand up from a seated position, and happens at least 6 times a day. I told my surgeons nurse about it and she said to take in more protein, and to make sure I get in 64oz of water. I've done that for the last 2 days, and am still just as dizzy. It's not just a little light-headedness....it's been stop in my tracks and grab the nearest object because I feel like I'm going to fall down kind of thing. :faint: I am on 2 blood pressure meds, and my BP has been normal every time it has been taken. But I was wondering if it could still be low blood pressure - and it …

Hi all, my wife had a lap band surgery on Tuesday 27th. She is STILL in the hospital and is currently nothing by mouth because she feels sick all the time. She is at Beth Isreal Deaconess in Boston, MA. The dr this morning told her that it may be because the band is too tight and they have to wait for the swelling to go down. Anyone knows whats really going on? :help:

I had my surgery on Wednesday morning around 10 and had to drink some kind of solution in front of an x-ray machine to make sure everything was working properly before they let me go home. I'm home now and I'm on a clear liquid diet for the next week, followed by a normal liquid diet for the next 3 weeks. I'm having problems swallowing very tiny sips of water and I'm supposed to get down 32oz. today. Every time I swallow I can feel the liquid go down and then a small burp and I'll feel a little better, and it's a little dis-comfortable while the liquid is going down. I'm hoping that this is completely normal because of the swelling in the stomach and that it's going t…

Hey everyone! I had surgery on 11/6/07 and had my post-op appt today (delay due to Thanksgiving). My Doc was very pleased with my progress thus far. We even double took with the amount of weight that I lost. I weighed 358 on 8/23/07 (consult appt) and 346 on 10/26/07 (pre-op appt) and 317 11/29/07 (post-op appt). Which means I lost about 30lbs since 10/25/07. He asked how I was doing with hunger and I said that I am satisfied when I eat that I have not had much hunger and only when I have not eaten in a long time and that when I do I eat I am fine. I asked about the shoulder pain. He indicated that it was common because the band may be sitting on a nerve that c…

Hi, I was just banded on June 13th. I was okayed to start on soft foods at my post op appointment after losing 15 lbs in 10 days. But I attempted a scrambled egg, I think it was too dry, or I forgot to chew really well? But the minute I swallowed I felt the pain in my sternum and it seemed that the piece was stuck? I ate a few more bites chewing well, and tried a small amount of Water. But the water was just coming back up. It hurt pretty bad. I felt nauseated and after spending 10 days trying not to vomit had to. After a few times the egg felt like it free. But later that night I tried to eat again, and seemed to be able to eat about 1 1/2 cups of smoshed potatoes. Co…

Ok, I must confess.... I had surgery on 11/12 and have been following my doctors orders pretty well (until now). My post op diet was supposed to be clear liquids the day of surgery, then the next day move straight to full liquids and pureed foods--for THREE weeks! Well, I have been doing that (mostly) but for the past couple of days was really tired of all the soupy stuff so I guess I've sort of moved on to the more mushy stage (I even ate an entire lemon earlier today). I know my doctor would not agree to this and I'm not sure if it would be for a fear of slippage or healing or what. I guess I need to hear from you experienced folks, do you think I've messed anything up?…

Ok - banded a week ago today. I feel great, back at work after 4 days. I am on mushies (they had me on them before I left the hospital). I want to be gentle on the band, so I am trying to stick with more liquids than mushies thus I have a liquid Protein shake for Breakfast and lunch -- then pureed Soup or mashed potatoes for dinner. I am getting 60+ grams of protein each day. I am off pain meds and just taking liquid tylenol. Anyway, I am going on a cruise for Thanksgiving week, leaving on this Sunday! I need as much advice as I can get on how to recover well while in this situation!!! How can I best remain on mushies and liquids? I am going to bring Protein…

Hi everyone i haven't been on this site for a while, because i feel disheartened. I am glad for all you guys out there who have found success with your band.. but i have not. and i search for any threads similiar to mine, and i just end up feeling a total failure.. and then i feel very sad. its 7 months post op.. and its not going well. no restriction post op.. and after 10 days on liquid i managed an egg sandwich very easily. 1st band fill. no restriction 2nd band fill. some restriction but this subsided after 2 weeks. 3 rd band fill.. well i was delighted it seemed to work. restriction and feeling of being full i have never pb'd and after the 3rd fill if i ate…

How long after surgery did you FEEL completely healed on the inside? I was banded Nov 2 and I get weird feelings and twinges and then I go to the complications board and think everything there has got to be happening to me. Then I phone the doc's nurse and she says stop reading those posts! :biggrin1: I can't help it. I'm drawn there like a moth to the flame.

Hi-- I'm 4 wks post band and still having some pain on Lt side from my port site down to pelvic area. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or if I've pulled something. Otherwise things are going good!

I'm considering getting banded, but I have a concern. My dad has had colon cancer and I have been told that I need to have a colonoscopy every 5 years. I'm wondering if anyone has had a colonoscopy post banding and what kind of preparation were you able to do with the band in place? Will the preparation be a problem with the ban? I know that getting rid of my extra weight would help me be healthier, but I also know that colon cancer is genetic and I have to have regular colonoscopies. Thanks. Beth

I was banded 7 weeks ago, and never really had any pain to complain about until I had my first fill about two weeks ago. The pain I am getting is in my diaphram - right at the base of my breast bone. I get it sometimes during the day when I am hungry, BUT it is the pain that is waking me in the middle of night that is excruciating, I feel like I am having a heart attack. It generally keeps me awake for about 2 hours in the middle of the night, and it becomes bearable when I am sitting up. My portion sizes are small, so I know it is not from overeating, and it is definately not reflux/heartburn - it's a completely different feeling - like I am having a heart attack. H…

If you are pre-banding and have a history of post-op nausea and vomiting, ask you doctor about a medication called EMEND. It is a prescription capsule that you take 1 to 3 hours prior to surgery with a small sip of water. I have had breakthrough nausea and vomiting on all of my previous surgeries on 4 or 5 different anti-nausea medications at a time and when I was banded on the 15th of November I took the Emend and one other medication for stomach acid and I did not have any nausea at all. It was such a relief after months of worry. Beware that it may not be covered by insurance and it is about $50 for one capsule, but I consider it money well spent. You just need the one…

My doctor insists on liquids for 3 weeks. Why do some doctors allow more to eat after 1 week than others? My surgery was 11/1 and I'm starving! Is it OK to have some soup broth and really soft foods? My doctor is very strict.

How important is the liquid diet for the 2-3 weeks after surgery? I just had my surgery Wed. November 7th and I hardly eat anything and am trying hard to stay on the liquid diet. But I moved on to stage 2. It is more fillng to eat baby food or oatmill and full faster than the liquid. But I was wondering if I should just stick to the stage one for the 2-3 weeks?

I'm 3 weeks and 1 day post op. I have had this happen before, but it is really bad now. My tongue is swollen and i have rub spots on the sides of my tongue (they aren't sores, they just hurt). my dh says it is because when you are thirsty, you suck on your tongue. ok, that could be it. since surgery, my mouth is so dry. it kills me when i'm working out, because there is just NO saliva in my mouth. (i take cymbalta also, that doesn't help) so my question is, is this a Vitamin deficiency or is this from being dehydrated, or what?

Hi folks, I'm prepping for banding on 11/20/07. I've printed out the list of "to-do's" and items to have on hand before surgery. Thanks for everyone's input so far. My question has to do with meds after surgery: Doc says no more motin. OK. I'll take the Tylenol - but I don't know if I should take the Children's liquid, Chewable, or the adult Fast Dissolves. Should I take the liquid/chewable while I'm on the liquid diet 2 weeks post op and then progress to the solid adult tabs? What about my Prozac (it's capsules) should I mix it in applesauce, or can I swallow whole? What about my Lipitor (it's a tablet). Can I take it whole? Should I crush it? I've purchased…

I have this pain on my left side that started yesterday. it is at the lower part of my rib cage. there is an incision where the pain is, but the pain does not have to do with the incision and feels much deeper. it is becoming progressively worse, and i am going to call my doctor. has anyone experienced this before? it feels like something is stuck to my rib cage underneath my ribs.

Heat or cold? Thanks!

Hello! I am having my lapband on November 26, 2007 and I sure need help in preparing for post op. Can you all help me with a "laundry list" of things that I should have on hand? I am 59 years old and my surgeon is Dr. Vierra in Monterey California. I am very confident that he will perform this well, but I just want to know, in addition to what he tells me, if there are things that I should know from those of you who have actually experienced this surgery. All comments are very welcome!:help:quinsanacafe@aol.com

I go for my one week post op appt tomorrow.....I have removed the big band aids that covered my steri strips (they are still in place) and told that those would come off tomorrow but what else can I expect at my checkup tomorrow....

My dietician/doctor want me getting 1200 calories/60 grams of protein per day w/this liquid post op diet!! I can't get enough! I'm at 400-600 but that seems to be as much as I can tolerate. Everything I eat is supposed to be sugar free, so I cannot get enough. The strained cream soups don't help enough either, and I can't make myself eat those EVERY meal. I've tried shakes, pudding, soup, ect. Any suggestions guys? :faint:

i can't believe it. i called my doctor's office about a pain on my left side that i am having. while i have the lady on the phone i mention to her that i am really hungry and i am having trouble with my calories due to the fact that i am not staying full. she said....wait for it....go ahead and move into the mushy stage.:faint: i was like "really":whoo:. so, i'm cleared to begin eating mush foods today. she said it is unusual for someone to have their appetite back this early, but it is not unheard of. she said that most people don't get hungry until 4-6 weeks. WHAT..I WISH THAT WAS ME!!! i'm having hunger pains that are driving me crazy. yogurt & v…

I was banded on 10/08 and I am feeling great (already exercising 30min a day) travelling alot for business across the country and feeling quite hungry. Due to my travel situation my post op appt is not until 10/30 with a first fill on 11/19. I really feel great and was wondering if it is even worth my breat to try and talk the dr into a fill. The main reason he is waiting until 11/19 is because I am travelling on business to Asia and India on Nov 10. What do you think?

Hello, I'm 5 days post op and my stomach is starting to really want more than clear fluids..... any suggestions you veterans?

since day 2 post op I have had explosive bms, almost dirrahea, ewll it is with major force..anyone else??

I'm 2 days out. I'm sipping Water and Protein shakes. I just had a few spoonfuls of chicken broth. I'm still tired, and feeling a little weak.. but overall i'm doing ok. My question is: Has anyone else had a rash, almost like a faint sunburn? My temp seems to be right around 99.. Is this normal? Or should I be concerned about the rash.. I've had it since I came home 2 days ago. Thanks! Lori:confused:

Hi everyone, I'm 13 days post-op of being banded and today I stated feeling some pain in my port area that I never experienced before, it sort of feels like a tugging, pulling sharp pain that last about 1 minute or so. At first I thought it might be gas but I don't think it would be coming from the port area? Maybe the muscle in that are is spassing? also I NOTICED WHEN i'm driving and using my left hand/arm to make a turn whew does it hurt like crazy! I hope this is somewhat normal cause so far everything has been going really good .:phanvanany advice would be helpful. Thanks Kelli

Just had my pre-op appt y'all, and after spending a decent amount of time reading all the wonderful info on this board, I'm feeling concerned/confused. I'm being banded next Thursday at Northwest Weight Loss Surgery in Everett, WA and we reviewed the post-op diet. I want to be succesful. I will follow what they tell me to do. BUT... ...they have recently revised their post-op to be: 1 week full liquids (which includes applesauce, yogurt, pudding), followed by 1 week of mushies (soft fish, scrambled eggs), then on to more solid foods. First fill at 4 weeks. I fully understand the need to have the band heal and settle in place. I'm seriously thinking of extending my …

1. How soon did you start taking the chewable Vitamins? I'm one week out, do you think it's ok to start? My instruction sheet says to take them but does not say if I can start right away. 2. How long did it take your large incision to scab over or close up? How were you told to care for your incision? 3. How soon did you get to start mushies?

I read somewhere (not from my dr) that the portion sizes of 4-6 oz given for the post op diet are to help create the pouch. Is this true? If I am still on full liquids, do I need to just have the 4-6 ounces and then not have anything else except maybe Water for a few hours? The reason I ask is that the 4-6 ounces does not fill me up. So, like would it be okay to have some broth and then if I'm still hungry have a Protein shake or baby food fruit (I'm allowed this on full liquids) or do I need to wait a few hours in between? Is this what they are referring to when they say bandster hell?

I posted this in the Canada forums but thought I would put it here too in case there is anyone that might have information that doesn't browse the Canada forums. So last night I was explaining the surgery, etc to my mom and she had a couple of pretty legitimate questions which I was hoping perhaps someone here could help out with. 1) If I get my surgery done out of Province/Country - currently looking into going to Dr.Kirshenbaum in Colorado - and self paying as BC Med does not cover it - nor does my extended medical through work . . what happens if something goes wrong during the surgery such as lets say for example: a heart attack (for lack of something better, unli…

Had my procedure on Friday 9/21/07 and feeling quite well. The only thing I notice is that when I go to "sip" liquids, I feel a pressure going down and it takes me quite awhile to get the required 3-4 ozs down. Is this normal.:car:...I didn't expect that type of pressure. Thanks for any info out there ! SuzyGayle Date of Prodedure: Friday 9/21/07 Place of Procedure: GBMC, Greater Baltimore Medical Center Doctor: Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki

hi folks i am several days post op and have been feeling constant burning pain at the site of the port and associated with much swelling there. unless i ice it, i am in constant pain. anyone else with this issue? anyagirl:help:

Hi all, I am pre-op still working on requirments before a surgery date can be set. My question is, barring any complications, how long post-op before you can do something like visit an amusement park (no wild rides)? Hubby wants to plan a Disneyland trip, so we'll do Space Mountain and Matterhorn, but that is about as wild as it gets. Is 6 or 8 weeks enough? Thanks Everyone! Denise

I was banded on Monday the 17th. Today is day 4 and I am so uncomfortable. I feel like I have this huge burp in my chest that wont come up no matter how hard I try. Its very painful. Tried the gas x and walked all day today and its not helping. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

I hope this is nothing but its going to bug me until I ask this! Im 6 days out and Ive been doing pretty good so far. This evening my port area is really sore and when I was pushing on it to feel if there was swelling or anything, I feel a lump directly under my port incision. My incision looks good, no redness or drainage so Im hoping its scar tissue. I did have a more "strenuous" day today. I went to see Good Luck Chuck where I tried not to laugh because it hurt and then I went grocery shopping. My follow up appt is Tuesday. Do you think I should be concerned that I am hurting more today than I was the last couple days or do you think its normal?:help:

Just wanted to drop in and say that I been doing pretty well since my surgery on 9/20. The first and second days were a little rough, but not like I expected--the pain was manageable. Today I feel pretty good, and I'm sticking to my liquids (Water, Protein drinks, Jello, and broth). I've not felt hungry at all (even with all of the food commercials). I don't know how to describe it except food just doesn't seem to be that appealing to me right now. I hope that lasts!! Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know that I made it and it's going well. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! PS: I did have a slight panic attack on the day after surgery--I remember…

:)Hi all...I have a question regarding Protein drinks. My surgery is on 9/13 - less than a week! I am very excited and nervous at the same time. I have been reading that just about everyone uses some time of Protein Drink. I know I will be full liquids for a while but even after I am on a regular diet, I am thinking I will still need the protein drink. I would like some suggestions on what brand Protein shake to get..... I am not sure I ever bought one of those in my life so I need some advice! Also, after surgery are tic tacs, mints, etc. okay? In the past I always have one of those nearby to help with not eating. I would appreciate any advice! Thanks!

I was more than a little surprised when my surgeon gave me a prescription for Vicodin pills to take for pain when I got home. I was expecting a liquid pain medication. The first day, I crushed them up and mixed them with cranapple juice (YUCK!) which almost made me throw up. The rest of the time, I have been breaking them in half and taking each half with a 30 minute time interval in between. He also has be taking an over the counter Prilosec pill, which is small and less difficult. Has anyone else been given pills for pain medicine, or is it just me?