POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I was coming out of the anestesia in post-op and started gagging on the tube in my throat. It felt like I was choking and not breathing at all and I could not move my body b/c of all the drugs. I remember hearing the nurse saying to someone that I was gagging, then someone else came over and I heard them tell me to breathe thru the tube as I went back under. When I woke back up the tube was out- thank goodness. Perhaps I did not read enough posts pre-op but I was not expecting to wake up with a tube down my throat- I could have told them ahead of time that I have a very sensitive gag reflex (can't even hold a hangar in my teeth while hanging up a shirt without gagging). …

Hey Banders- I remember seeing this check-list a few months ago and I didn't print it out, does anyone have that great list for items to have on hand to help you recovery more comfortable? Thanks in advance, Daye. BMI 40/232 Band Date 5/1/2007:clap2: Potomac Hospital, VA Dr. Halmi

Okay so I have been reading all of the threads and i'm so happy to see that being hungry is normal. I was banded on April 11th. Everything went great but today has been a hungry day. I'm still just "eating" my liquids. But it is getting hard. I keep drinking and drinking to help me feel full. I don't even want anthing bad but while i'm eating my bowl of broth I dream that there is carrots in it! funny! Not anything but carrots! I guess I just really want to chew something. I did not know that I would be hungary untill my fills start that helps me feel better. I think that I can get my first fill at 4 weeks. I go on Thursday for my post-op appointment with my Dr. so he w…

All, I had my surgery on Tuesday (everything went very well, btw)-- but I've had a migraine since last night. I usually take Imitrex for my migraines, but I've been told not to take anything larger than a baby aspirin (imitrex pills are not big, but are bigger than a baby aspirin). Everything I can find on them says not to cut or crush. I've got a call into my doctor about another pill, but I'm in pain now! :-) Any suggestions?

i am 2 weeks post op and i dont know if the swelling has just went down in my stomach or if my band fell off but i dont feel any restriction is this normal? seems like i can eat more will this change after my first fill? i dont know what to expect after the swelling is gone

I'm now 5 days post-op, and off the demerol. But since Sunday (I was banded on Thursday), I've had a pretty sharp pain in my stomach almost everytime I swallow saliva or any liquid (I'm on a liquid diet now). Is this normal? I know that everyone heals differently but should I be concerned? I put a call into my clinic, but I'm hoping to get some reassurance here faster because I'm really worried. And oddly this pain, which I'm almost sure is cause by the fluids passing through the band (maybe I'm just really swollen?), it will go away mid-pain if i inhale strongly enough...which is also sort of painful because my chest is still pretty tight. Any thoughts?

Hi, Has anyone tried the Gas-X liquid gels (puncture them and put the contents in something and drink it) or the strips that you put on your tongue and they dissolve? On one of the lists for stuff to get for after your surgery, it said liquid Gas-X. I haven't been able to find it so I asked the pharmacist and the above is what she suggested? Just wondered if that worked or not. Thanks, Jackie

How do you get rid of the gas? I don't really have in my shoulder but under my left rib. My stomach area is bloated. What can I do?

I'm still so glad I had this done. The pain has been manageable. Had I not found this site and did my homework I would have been much worse off. Thankfully, the teacher in my spent hours reading up on everyone and followed alot of your advice, and I'm in day two now and to be honest doing great!. The key is the walking and moving.. it really is.. Here is how I went about my last 24 hours 5am Arrived at hospital 7 am prepped for surg. IV and a nasuea pill, and leg compression wraps. LAst minute weight of 268 8:30 am.. Surgery Don't remember a thing, aside from flirting with the doctors who wheeled me in. 9:30 Waking up in recovery.. Throat hurt like hell, h…

Hey all So, I've had a couple bouts of nausea since getting out of the hospital on Monday. Tuesday nite, I was woken from sleep because I needed to throw up...but there was nothing to throw up. Very painful. Right now, I'm feeling similarly, but not at the throwing-up stage.. yet. Just... really nauseous and tired. Afraid to drink or do anything... don't want to activate it. Can't tell if I'm drinking too many liquids or maybe it's the vicodin? Sigh.

I feel totally ridiculous asking this, but I can't find the answer anywhere in my post-op diet instructions. I know the first few weeks post-op are all about healing and not dieting. But I can't figure out how often to "eat". Heh. My instructions are to consume Clear liquids for the first week, limiting my drinks to no more than 1/2 cup each time. Thereafter I can add thickier liquids until approx week four when I get real food! YAY!! Anyways, I digress... back to the liquids. Am I supposed to follow the 3 meals a day thing with the liquids? Or is this only for the solid food portion of my diet. Those of you on your post liquid diet, how often do you "eat"? :h…

I am in the beginning stages of researching the procedure. I will be attending a doctor led seminar soon. I currently have no impulse control when it comes to food. I eat what I crave, and when I eat, I eat past feeling full. :hungry: I worry that this will continue after I have the surgery. Did anyone else struggle with these same things prior to surgery? Have you been successful after?:clap2: Also, What do you wish you would have known or done prior to surgery? Thanks, Alysa

I'm day 4 post-op. Starting last night I feel like I have a little heartburn or something. I thought maybe it was all the meds/vitamins/milk of magn I've been taking on an empty stomach that may be giving me the trouble. Any suggestions out there? Also, woke up this morning with a new tightness in my chest...high like in the breastbone area, almost like there is something stuck in my esophagus. I'm sipping on some warm coffee now but it's not getting better yet. Can someone tell me what that is? Thanks you guys. I know you've answered these same ol' questions a million times. I appreciate your time and patience.

So Dr. Spivak's office gave me a pre and post op instruction list to help me make my decision to band or not to. They said my type of UHC typically takes 30-45 days to approve so I should be able (crossing fingers) to make my target date of June 15thish or so. One concern I have is I notice there is no carb beverages. NO MORE LIME DIET COKE??!?!??! Oh my. I have struggled with drinking 10-12 of those a day for years now. I haven't been able to give up the taste or the caffeine and literally crave them. What is so special about the banding that gives people the will power that they didn't normally have before? I mean, how can I give something up that I haven't been ab…

I had surgery on Thursday and today I feel like I am starving to death. I am so hungry. I have had applesauce for breakfast, water, tea and beef broth for lunch. Is this all in my head or are these sounds from my stomach and hunger pains for real? :hungry:

Hi! I am pre-op and wondered if anyone would like to share any post-op complications they might have experienced. I am trying to learn as much as I can about lap banding. Have a great day today - the sun is finally shining in Erie PA.:clap2: :biggrin1:

Hi all, Ok so I'm 4 days Post-Op. I am almost 100% healed up, I mean the scabs over the incisions are already falling off. I have absolutely no appetite at all I mean "Zero" I don't even think I coming near 200 Calories a day, if that. I don't feel weak, I feel normal as always. I still can't seem to keep much liquid's down, nothing painful, but I Burp and up it comes. I was told I was breathing in to much Air, so I've been very careful with that, makes no difference, it still comes up. I can go more than 2 hours without any sort of liquid and start developing the "Foamies" as I guess there called? The weight seems to be Melting off, as far as the scale keeps tel…

I was wondering how long most of you waited until you did weight training and/or ab excersizes, my doc said wait 3 months, I'm at 2 now, running helps, but I really want to hit the gym hard and coax the weight off faster...would I just be prematuraly eja...I mean exersizing, or should I wait because the Dr told me so?

I was banded March 15th....best decision I ever made. I'm in my final week of liquids. It really hasn't been that bad. I blend all my soups (cream of chicken, clam chowder, lentil) and make them runny. My question is what is a good food to start on with the mushies? I plan on eating s/f jello.....I though mashed potatoes would be good.....well cooked veggies. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I don't plan on blending up meat....just doesn't sound very good. I'll wait until I can chew chew chew on that one. :confused:

There is no tactful way to say this - so here goes... during my 2 weeks pre-op fluids (protein shakes, etc.) I had diarrea. Now I am on day 3 post op Clear liquids (watered down Protein shakes, etc.) and have not yet "gone to the bathroom." Is this typical? It seems like most people have diarrea during post op fluids? Thanks.

Hi. I was banded Monday and came home four hours later. I've had mild gas pains, but that's it. This morning I woke up with a bruise the size of Texas (okay, really the size of a small tea saucer) around my port site. I called the doctor's office and they said don't worry unless I run a fever. Did ya'll bruise?

Couple Q's I need answers to? 1) Has anyone suffered from a Plugged up Ear after Surgery? I had Surgery on Tuesday, came home yesterday and on the way home my Left Ear Plugged up. I've tried almost everything to Un-plug it. Sudafed, Ear Wax Cleaner, Popping my jaw, holding my nose and blowing, but it won't un-plug, starting to go {{{crazy}}}!!! 2) I was told I'm suppose to consume a Gallon of Water a day! How is this even near possible? I'm having a hard time downing two 20oz bottles, and half of that comes back up when I Burp, is this normal? Thanks For Your :help: Rocko~~

I can't believe how good. I feel. I have almost no gas pain and almost no incision pain. It's incredicle. Is this the eye of the storm and will the pain hit later or am I just one lucky guy? hahahaha. :clap2:

Hi: :help: If we are sticking to clear fluids - broths, etc. where does our Protein come from for the first 2 weeks after surgery? Thanks for all the tremendous help and inspiration. My surgery is this coming Monday :clap2: - just trying to get the house stocked with things I can have! Benbax

Hey everyone I was wondering how did your weights fluctuate after being on liquids to softs...I know some weight gain is expected. And when did you start to loose again. I have been on soft proteins for 3 days now... so nice to eat again, but I have put on 3 pounds. Today is first day I have felt full but was able to eat 1 cup of refried beans and 3oz of salmon for supper. My total intake today 900 calories, 31g of fat, 45g of carbs, and 83g of protein....I know counting all this and not even 2 weeks post op...I just really want to do good and be successful at this. Also I'm a big water drinker always have been and today I was able to take about 3 swallows of water at …

Well, i'm probably not to first to say i've had a problem with dieting. Doctors always tell me . "you'll lose weight if you eat six small meals a day." Hrms six small meals eh? I can barely find time for one a day . I'm a single mother of 2 and i work alot. When i fix the kids food i make a plate for myself but by the time i get them fed and try to sit down and eat they are trying to either A. Eat my dinner or B. Trying to get up from the table so i just put my plate on the counter and dont even bother with it til they are in bed. Ever since high school some how i've programed myself to eat just once a day. I'm wondering how this is going to effect me after the surgery wi…

My name is Lisa and I am new to this site but I am 4 months post op. I has my LapBand surgery on June 13, 2006. I have since lost 50 pounds. I would like to share my story so far. I feel I could help out others and maybe even get some help on this site for others who are further in their journey than Iam. To all who are getting ready to begin your journey, I give you all my prayers and best wishes. Love and friendship, Lisa P.S. I hope that someone finds useful information in my post. Here is my story so far: JUNE 1 2006:RECIEVED MY APPROVAL FOR SURGERY TODAY. I WAS GIVEN JUNE 13,2006 AS MY SURGERY DATE. MY SURGERY WILL BE DONE AT NOON BY DR. DANIEL DAVIS AT lLA…

I'm struggling a little - ok a lot. I could use some advice. How did you transition from before surgery to the post surgery diet? Did your hunger just go away with surgery? If not, how did you convince yourself to work through it? :help:

Hello every one, i have never posted on this site before, so i greet you and congratulate all of those who have made a fantastic lifestyle change. I was banded on the 7th of Feb 2006 i weighed 103KG im 5 weeks post op and still have not been tightend. to date i have lost 7kgs, however im starting to fill very hungry and can keep down any type of foods. Is this normal? I am due for my first tightening in one week. would love to hear from anyone that is in the same situation as me or has experienced the same situation. I am very scared that this operation will not work on me. Would love to hear your experiences and views. Going_down

Painful but great journey so far. I have been back to work for two days, and its been hell but its nice to be out of the house. On the good side of things, I weighed in this morning and show a 21 lb. loss. Real deal. However the pain is still prevelant, but what can one expect, its only been five days and I work long shifts. I don't really battle hunger, I think for the most part I miss food, but now I am becoming addicted to losing. I wish I had taken time to recover from work, but I recently got a big promotion to sales manager at a large dealership, and don't want to dissapoint. Its ok, but how long till the major pain is gone?

So I was handling my pain pretty well the first week. I took my Dilaudid pills a good amount each day, 2 pills per dose (4mg total) about 2-3 times a day. I started weaning off and using Tylenol which worked for days 7-8. But when I took off my steri-strips, the next two days (today is that second day) I've been suffering with a lot of port pain. I would rate it as a 6 right now. I still have some Dilaudid and took 3 (I developed a tolerance) and I am still suffering from it. It's VERY uncomfortable and the port site is the ONLY place I'm really suffering. I only have like 8 pills left out of my original 30... ugh. What do you guys do for your pain?? -Jason

So I was handling my pain pretty well the first week. I took my Dilaudid pills a good amount each day, 2 pills per dose (4mg total) about 2-3 times a day. I started weaning off and using Tylenol which worked for days 7-8. But when I took off my steri-strips, the next two days (today is that second day) I've been suffering with a lot of port pain. I would rate it as a 6 right now. I still have some Dilaudid and took 3 (I developed a tolerance) and I am still suffering from it. It's VERY uncomfortable and the port site is the ONLY place I'm really suffering. I only have like 8 pills left out of my original 30... ugh. What do you guys do for your pain?? -Jason

Today is my 6th day post op and I'm getting worried that I'm pretty hungry. I did 2 weeks liquid prior to surgery and now I'm almost a week post surgery with liquids... Anybody with advice on how to avoid falling off the wagon? I had some saltines with my Soup... and some mashed potatoes. I was lucky in that nothing bad happened but I'm scared that it might happen again. I had eaten so few calories in the prior several days that my hunger really got the better of me. Any advice or ideas to help would be greatly appreciated.:help:

I would like to hear from any banded patients about their experiences with the introduction of solid foods back into your diet. Size of portions and size of pieces of food. How long does the "full" feeling last between meals? Can you eat salads, brocolli, and other greens if they are cut into tiny pieces? Can you drink meal replacement shakes that are made from milk? Thanks

:help: I am 5 days post op and have been having explosive diarrhea since day 2. I have been following the clear liquid diet as instructed. Is this common and will it stop once i get to creamy liquids in week 2?

Hi. I don't have my banding date set yet, most likely mid-April. I've seen many people on here who fly 6 hours the day after surgery, but I'm wondering about a 9-hour drive the day after surgery. I'm thinking about going to visit my brother during the time that I'm off work, since I won't get any more sick time or vacation time for a while. I know I can recuperate while I'm there, it's just that I'll be that far from home (and my surgeon). Anyone else out there that has recuperated somewhere other than home? Thanks.

I am having surgery in April & I have a 1 year old. Did anyone have issues lifting or caring for their babies after surgey? How long was it before you could be supermom again?

I am a few days post op and have been doing my clear liquid diet. I re-read my discharge diet instructions from my doc and saw that they recommend only drinking 1/2 a cup at a time. Now I am worried that I may have already stretched my pouch because I know I have been drinking more than that. I kept the goal of 64oz. of liquid in mind and didn't even recall the note of taking in 1/2 a cup at a time. When I re-read the paperwork and measured out what I should be drinking I became pretty upset. Could I have really stretched my pouch out by drinking too much? :think

I'm post op day 4 and for the last few days i'm having alot of pain in the left side of my back. Is this normal?

:help: I am post op day 5 and I have been preparing meals for my kids and wanting to eat everything I make. I am so scared because I have been taking just a pinch of this and an edge of of that all day. I had a tiny piece of chicken, very thin quarter sized and chewed it to liquid mush, I ate a green bean and I chewed a piece of popcorn and took it out! What is wrong with me? This is ridicuous! What will I be eating by day 10! I am so scared that I am going to fail at this. I am reading all these posts explaining that they cant get a few ounces down. I can get it down and have been trying to make it last a half hour to an hour. I can assure you that I could down a full C…

Hello everyone, I'm so glad I found this support site! I was banded on 2/15 and was wondering if anyone had problems during the liquid diet stage with diarrhea (sp?) Kind of a personal thing I know but I'm starting to get a little worried. I go back to work tomorrow and I'm thinking - hhhmmm....this is gonna be fun! Anyway - any advice is appreciated. :help: Other than that post-op is going well. Does anyone have any yummy ideas for liquids other than Protein shakes and sf popsicles? Thanks - Kim

I have been reading some posts, and have a few questions that I have not seen any answers to. 1. Clear liquids for four days, then full liquids. Why clears for four days, then full? I can understand a day or two of clears, but what really is the difference as far as healing time? 2. I read that not following the diet can cause band slippage, and erosion. How? I can see that a full diet may cause slippage, but how can full liquids do that? And erosion? How could that occur? The food is not hitting the band itself, so how could it erode? 3. Why also does it take so long to to advance to the modified diet that you will be on for life? It seems that as a "foodaho…

Hey everybody... Today, was my third day banded..I have good. Trying to get used to the discomfort of getting in and out of bed or cars. Yesterday was horrible. I was agitated, and cranky from lack of sleep, but I'm thankful that that's over. Does anyone have any idea, when getting out of the bed feels normal?

Hey everybody - My first post. I must say lurking around this forum and hearing the success stories and positive attitudes gave me the extra push I needed to get banded. I fell a lot better today than earlier in the week and actually went back to work 3 days post-op (i have a desk job). My incisions seem to be healing fine but I do have one concern - Looking down at my incisions from my perspective , the third incision from the left is sore and lumpy between incision 3 and 4. Can anyone explain why? I dont want to call the doctor just yet. Thank you very much.

I went for my 1 week doctors visit today...I'm down 23 pounds:clap2: But the best part is I get off those clear liquids!!!! Just had a yogurt and it was like the best thing I ever tasted!!!! Here's my question....I haven't had PB at all ...do I have to worry about it now that I'm on stuff thats a little thicker???? Puking is like my greatest fear. Thanx!!

Well, here I am at two weeks out. Feels good to be done with the gas. I said earlier that I'm glad I had to deal with intense gas for 11 days, than have port pain that so many of you have. So tonight was my first meal of 'mushies'. I had 3/4 of a Gortons Grilled fish fillet, and about 1/4 cup of creamed spinach. FULL, fabulous, fantastic. Took about 20 minutes, as I was pacing myself. I would LOVE to have this restriction last, but thats doubtful. Also cooked up a pot of chicken thighs, bought some shaved deli meats, more fish; and I'm off and running. Wow, hopefully the worst is over. Oh yea, and I'm down 16 pounds, and my BMI has dropped!!:clap2:

Hello, I am five days post op and I have this headache that I can't get rid of from surgery. Also, I have this stuck in my esophagus feeling whenever I drink something. It's painfull and it radiates to my back and chest. Should I be concerned? I've only been taking advil to help alleviate my headaches for pain meds. Could the advil pills be causing this?

So, what was it? And would you do it again? (pre-op & post-op) :help: We pre-oppers are looking forward to the stories we can get our eyes on. Lets see what kind of stories we will end up with... Give us your stories... :clap2: TIA,

Hello !! I have a question that my wife would like some input on. What type of post op care did you need from your family support person and how long did you need their help? Also is their any thing special you can think of to take to hospital or have at home for when you came home? Thanks in advance Terry

Hi All, I am about 2 weeks Post Op and eating as normal, but some of the weight that I lost preop and immediately post op has started to come back slightly (not much 1 lb or 2). Since I have not had my first fill which is scheduled in another 2 weeks, is it normal to be worried about seeing no progress just yet? I am wondering, was this worth it, I don't see any weight loss yet. Will the true weight loss begin after I get my first fill? HELP! :omg: