melzie_99

Unfortunately, that sounds accurate, but it's only temporary. You're going to need a lot of protein the first few weeks after surgery to help you heal. 3 shakes a day sounds about right, or at least that was part of my post op diet as well. You're not going to be getting much nutritionally in the beginning so getting in those shakes is really important. Are you going to be using unjury? If so, that only adds up to 24oz of Fluid from your shakes and I think they want you to be shooting for 64. If you're anything like me, even in getting in those little bit of shakes is going to be a challenge the first week or so. If you're prone to kidney stone then they'll probably strongly encourage you keep up with your fluids but constipation from the protein and/or loose stools from all the liquids are the biggest complaints I hear. Remember to feel free to ask your doc and let them know your concerns.

The mental feelings are perfectly normal; I thought I had made a horrible mistake as well and was feeling quite bummed the first few days. It's not an easy decision to make, so we ought to applaud ourselves for having the courage to take that step and DO something instead of making another pointless resolution. I wasn't able to burp for about 2 weeks, and it was hell (sorry). I know that feeling you're talking about; it was like having a bubble in your chest that was stuck under the band or something. The first time one finally came out...I was so happy and proud LOL! Don't be ashamed to um, let your gas out the 'other end'; it'll help with a LOT of that gas pressure. While some of your pain is normal, you might want to check in with your doc if you're having an allergic reaction to your steri strips; last thing you want is one of your incisions to reopen or to suffer needlessly!

Was told not to take anything larger than a dime and that everything I took needed to be crushed (if allowable) or cut in half for at least the 1st 10 days. I did end up having to have one of my prescriptions adjusted initially because it was a large extended release pill that couldn't be cut; started taking it whole a few days ago and have been fine. However, I did take a Tylenol tablet the other day that may have been a little too big and totally felt it going down; make sure you drink enough! Start small and see what if anything can be switched to liquids in the beginning to give you time to heal, but cutting/crushing definately helps.

I had this issue as well my first week of surgery; I only had 2 BM's and both were loose. The nausea comes and goes; I find I feel more nauseous when I don't eat frequently enough. (I had surgery the 10th). I'm still a bit sensitive to smells as well, so eating has not been the most pleasent experience as of yet. Thank goodness I have had no vomitting (have gagged while brushing my teeth though, and it HURTS), sliming, or PB'ing and hoping to keep it that way. I haven't used my anti-nausea meds as of yet but might break down and try some if it keeps up. I agree with the others; if you're really concerned called the doc to make sure it's nothing more serious. Keep up with the fluids to make sure you're not dehydrated; that might be exacerbating your symptoms as well.

Um, finally "broke the fast" if you will (lol) today so 10 days...used lots of pillows for support. But if you're hurting it's not worth it; he'll be ok.

First of all, I just want to thank you for your post; your positive attitude just brought me out of my funk. I wish I had just HALF of your enthusiasm lol! Anyhoo, so happy you could join us and congrats on your current and I know continued success. Please keep posting; we all need some sunshine on this board every now and then.

I don't think it would treat bulimia; it would actually probably make it even more dangerous because now you could damage your stomach from the band. It's not solving the base problem which is the binging; you'd just be throwing up sooner from less food. There's actually a member on this site who was on the E! show about people with eating disorders who would eat until she made herself sick. Can't remember her name offhand (I'm sure someone else here does) but she might be a good person to speak to.

I'm glad yours "saw the light"; I think it's going to take mine a little longer. We actually got into an argument about it tonight. In another post I mentioned how he brought home some pastries that I literally have cover to avoid the temptation and how he refuses to take them out of the house. I was dealing with it, but tonight he pushed it further: he asked me to cut him a piece of one of the loaves and I told him no. He got upset and said that he was doing me a favor (I asked him to take the recycling bin to the curb because the container is HEAVY) that I should do him one. He went and got it himself, but when I tried to talk to him about why I said no he got angry and threw his food away, telling me I should "know better" than to eat something that would "hurt me" He doesn't seem to get no, it's not going to HURT me, but it's WAY too soon for me to be eating anything like that and I don't want the temptation. If I could say no that easily to bad stuff, I wouldn't have gotten the surgery. I likened it to asking an alcoholic to go buy you beer when they're trying to quit. Yes, we should be able to say no, but why would you even challenge them like that? *sigh* You're probably right that he thinks he's helping but I've been through this before with him and I'm tired of it. He thinks saying "should you be eating that?" is helpful...I'm just so frustrated right now.

I'm already beginning to see there's going to be some head butting when it comes to the food. I talked to him about it and he said he would take it to work but he doesn't feel like eating it there. *sigh* I can get over it. However, tonight when he tried to cop an attitude with me about eating some sugar free Jello w/ fat free whipped topping (1/2c serving of jello and I'm short on my calories) like they aren't on my list of approved foods...really had to bite my tongue. I'll be darned if I'll have him watching me like a hawk like I'm some child. I'm preparing myself to have a talk with him see we can nip this problem NOW.

Thank you for posting that; I was getting flashbacks about that other post as well...NOT something to take lightly!

Food policing is starting already...*sigh* I'm WAY under my calories for the day (maybe had 500-600) and decided to have about 1/2c sugar free jello with some fat free whipped topping, both of which are on my list of approved foods for this stage. My husband asked me "what's in the cup"; when I told him he just stood there frowning at me with his hands on his hips like I'm cheating or something. I haven't even been banded for 2 weeks yet! We're going to be fighting if this is the way it's gonna be...

I had a kinda NSV a few minutes ago: I was in the kitchen cooking when my husband came behind me, stood back for a few seconds and said "You're totally slimming down". Considering I'm only down about 20lbs and he sees me everyday it was nice to have someone notice! Can't wait to keep seeing those numbers go down, and congrats to everyone on their NSV's!

Ok, moment has passed; after drinking some tea, I'm feeling full enough that the thought of food makes me want to gag. Still need to figure out some good coping skills, however...

Not sure about the bubbles but I would think you'd get a lot of gas from having to suck it through a straw...

I was banded the 10th and have the same issue. 90% of my pain has been gas associated; heating pads work WONDERS. I know a lot of people seem to bounce back quickly from the surgery, but as long as you're not having any symptoms your dr told you to look out for then don't worry too much and let your body heal at its own pace. You DID have surgery just a week ago! Now my biggest issue seems like I feel my stomach drop everytime I stand up and it pulls the muscle my port is attached to.

I stayed overnight and the only thing I actually felt UP to using (that were allowed) were my cell phone (to surf the web), a change of clothes, my CPAP, and a pillow for the ride home. I stayed in hospital issued clothes (gown, robe, and booties) the whole time and was not allowed to use any meds brought from home, including my prescriptions and Gas-X. Too tired to read; you might want a wash cloth to freshen up (I certainly wanted to) but was in too much pain to bend over and brush my teeth (but bring a toothbrush just in case!) Wouldn't bring any food or drinks; they moniter that pretty closely and there's really no need.

No worries; at least you stopped! I had a few slip ups on the pre surgery diet. I would, however, recommend trying to be good at least the day before. My dr's office was more concerned about that as all liquids will decrease your risk of nausea after surgery. I also think it helped mentally prepare me (somewhat) for life with the band. I was kinda depressed the first few days that food had become totally unappealing but then thought to myself "it's no worse than the last 2 weeks, lol" and was able to get over it. Do the best you can, and remember WHY you're doing this and you'll be fine!

Upon further reading, I found something that says you have to be a member of My Lap Band Journey to qualify; here's the info I found: http://www.lapsf.com/blog/?p=64

As soon as I clicked on your post I got an ad for them; lol. Here's a link to the page that popped up when I clicked on it. Hope this helps... http://www.curvesinformation.com/?campaign=ZUMA&Referrer=GCD&Subreferrer=ZUMA

I'm a bit curious to see about this myself as well. I lost 10lbs on the presurgery diet and have lost another 8 since surgery (8 days ago) which of course I'm HAPPY about, but also leery. I'm having a very hard time making myself eat because I'm not hungry and a lot of smells are making me queasy. I'm trying to compensate by adding extra protein to my drinks because I know I'm not getting in enough calories at this point. Not sure if this is normal or not. My rational mind is telling me 8lbs in 8 days is WAY too much, but is it normal with the band? Am I doing myself harm at this point by losing weight this quickly?

I had surgery the 10th and doc said it was fine to shower (no soaking in tubs or pools) after the 1st 24 hours. I also have Dermabond on my incisions. Took a long (20+ min) hot shower on Thurs with no probs; just didn't scrub the incisions and didn't let the water on the spots directly (the hot water was a bit uncomfortable with direct contact with the incisions).

I had 4 incisions including where the port was placed; closed with Dermabond. They're all an inch or less in length, and since I have no intention of running around in anything belly baring I'm ok if I get a bit of scarring. I feel SO much better today; the gas is almost all gone! I'm still having trouble getting in all my food and fluids but am doing better (and I'm not having the terrible "rumble" followed by the swift 'evacuation'). Down 5 more pounds since surgery which is crazy to me, but also worrisome since I don't think I've had 1000 calories total since surgery. Any old heads out there have some advice I'd be more than happy to hear it, and good luck to those just starting out!

Yes, the gas is evil! My incisions are fine but that gas...OUCH! And to make matters worse, I can't even belch; it's like I feel a bubble stuck under my band and it hurts like hell trying to push it up. Gas-X helps a lot but unfortunately the pain seems to be lingering (I had surgery Monday 1/10). Heating pad helps a lot for the shoulder pain, and if you're comfortable sleeping on your non port side that seems to help me push out some of the gas as well. Think I will try walking on a treadmill for a bit; WAY too cold and icy outside to be running around out there. Hey, is anyone else having trouble getting in their food and fluids? I REALLY don't want to end back in the hospital from dehydration, but have no desire to eat and was told not to drink more that a medicine cup's worth every 10 minutes which takes FOREVER. Any help would be appreciated!

I had my surgery Monday as well and gas is my biggest issue, too! I'd be fine if it'd go away; haven't even taken any pain meds today. Gas x has helped me when lying down but whenever I stand up or my stomach gets jostled it starts all over again. Wish I had a deflate button on my side; that would be heaven lol.

Back from the hospital, and word to the wise: hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE the day before surgery! Took 4 tries and a mini panic attack on my part (I hate needles) to get the IV started because I was so dehydrated and have small veins to boot. Very glad they had me spend the night in the hospital; the staff was wonderful and with my husband having to work a night shift I got everything I needed and more. Relatively sore and tired today; the gas pain is horrid. Hurts worse than the incisions. Never wanted flatulence so badly before in my life lol. I haven't been hungry and drinking is a slow process. Definately walk if you can as it helps a lot. Good luck to everyone!