BrenM

Something else too... you start to realize how much your life has revolved around meals, food, etc. and how much of it is head hunger and what isn't. It's an interesting time to go through, so experience it the best you can. It's all part of the journey, and finding new things to do. I still look forward to planning my families meals, and mine every day, but I also notice how many times in a day I would have turned to the kitchen and no longer do. We're cutting that umbilicus kitcheness. Hehehehe!!

Hang on there man!!!

Bren

Well.... my doctor didn't talk about the diets too much. I know, I don't think he's the best one around for this type of thing, but for a surgeon I'd trust no other. So at about the 2nd week post op I'm ready to kill people. Obviously my stomach swelling is gone, I'm friggin starving, and I don't need MOOSHIES. So I'm kind of on my own diet plan so to speak. Mostly fluids, some Protein shake for lunch or even Breakfast, my Vitamins, and a reasonable meal consisting of mostly Protein chewed to death for dinner.

I tried eating veggies the other day and suffered for hours, so it's not all good. I can't say you should or shouldn't do something, but if you're on the edge of having a complete melt down, adjust things for yourself a bit. I know when I was completely on Water during the last week of my pre-op diet, because I couldn't stand the dairy products and shakes any longer, I was the most apt to crack and snarff something down as fast as possible. I did it 3 times and felt VERY ill from overeating, AND totally guilty like a failure.

You've just got to be honest and reasonable with yourself. I cook for my family, I sit with them at restaurants. To do that with a glass of Water SUCKS. WHAT can I have 3 weeks out that isn't going to hurt me, the band, or my weight loss. That is the question... and I'm doing pretty good so far. A whole lot less pissed off and not bawling all the time.

Read my blog on chew bags... IT DOES WORK!!!

Bren

I am having this EXACT same problem since the moment I woke from surgery. I have had little to no pain elsewhere. I am 2 weeks out from surgery and it is a TERRIBLE problem. It stops when I am in an upright position, but since the surgery, after only a few minutes of laying down I am in agony. This horrible stabbing pain under my left ribcage as if I've run a marathon that radiates around to my back and burns like hell. I've tried every possible position to make it stop. Not working. The hotpad worked the first week, but now it's not doing anything. I still have pain meds and they do nothing at all for it. I mentioned it to my doctor on my 10 day checkup and he passed it off and told me to use a hotpad. Of course he passed off the horrible pop I had at the port site as well, and the hernia I believe I have. But also my port site is a huge lump as big as a goose egg, he said was some Water pocket. I told him the hernia was next to it and he dismissed me.

Anyway, I am absolutely miserable and can't sleep and scared shitless. What the hell is going on???? Anyone know what is causing this?

Bren

I am new to this site. Trying to find some place to turn to get some help. I was banded on 04/10/09. For the last 4 months, I have had severe pain in my left side under my ribcage that radiates around to my left mid back. Has anyone had anything similar to this? Any information would be most appreciated.

Then that makes MUCH more sense. But possibly the following replies infiltrated some context that should not have been implied. I retract my irritation.

And I say... just let them ask.... and then... be sharp, be tactful, and educate them if you must.

It's sort of like the mountain of women who have comlpetely crossed the line about how my husband looks. I'm uncertain how I'm even suppose to respond to these women, let alone how appropriate or inappropriate it is for them to be vocally slobbering over him. And we had to think... what do you say, how do you give these people an eduation with your reply or lack thereof? I always say it's better to keep your head held high, but you can also quite effectively give people a spanking for the inappropriate rudeness. I mean, I'm not asking women... So how's that boob job working out for ya? What doctor did you go to??? Did you have a face lift??? You look SOOO MUCH YOUNGER!! Oh MY GOD BILL, Did you quit drinking, you've lost your beer belly. June says that enzyte is really helping your errectile dysfunction.

If you've come up with some smooth ways to deal with the near strangers who rudely ask questions... let us all know.

Thanks, Rainydayz. I was confused by the post, also.

Bren, yes, I am referring to other people in my life.

Agreed, in real life it can be uncomfortable. On here... it makes sense.

I don't understand what you're saying irritates you. If you thought the OP was talking about people here on the board maybe I understand your post. But I believe she was talking about people in real life. To me it's tantamount to asking how much you weight when someone in person asks how much you've lost. On here, yes, I expect people to ask and talk about how much we've lost. We wouldn't be here otherwise. But in real life, it can be kind of rude if you ask me.

Your post kind of irritates me and possibly we are here for different reasons. I believe in joining this community we come together as a group of people who have undergone the necessary hardships to reach a goal. WEIGHT LOSS! We've had surgery to make that possible. We have a group of people who may understand all or some of the challenges we have had and do face in reaching this endevor. It all boils down to that very question... how much weight HAVE you lost. Why or why not? Let's figure it out. We have a wonderful group of people who we can discuss our issues with, and who support one another with every aspect of acheiving that. My Facebook friends... they know about my life. My Lap Band friends... they are the one's, maybe the only one's I am honestly making an accounting to about MY WEIGHT!

If you're stalled, talk about it, the reasons why. That's what we're all here for, to help one another be successful LOSING WEIGHT!!!

Good Luck!

Bren

Right now my port is about the size of an egg about 3 inches above my belly button. I can feel it, I can see it, and it sort of creeps me out. Doc said that the lump will go away some. Hrrrrmmm... I guess I didn't read enough to understand how this works. There aren't any parts sticking out of me. Hahaha! I think it's something I'll get used to, though the hernia is right to the left of it, so I have to be careful.

No worries man, it's all part of the deal.

Bren

Yay!! Congratulations!!! Recoginzing you have an addiction to food isn't like recognizing you're an alcoholic. You don't get to quit eating forever. What I am doing to manage this is 1st, setting out menu's. I've never been a menu person in my life. But recognizing that if it's planned it's less likely to temp you is important.

I wrote a blog about 'chew bags'. I dunno, maybe that might be a suggestion to try as well.

I'm having trouble with the full liquid diet. Everything seems to get stuck. Yogurt, Soup, anything with consistency beyond Water. It can be frustrating and painful. So my plan is to literally go for 1 bite at a time. They say make your meals last 1/2 hour. How would you make 1/4 cup of Soup last 1/2 hour? I guess if I take a bite and wait 10 minutes that would work. After being stuck I don't tend to WANT anything anyway. It's a whole new ballgame and one we don't want to screw up.

Keep working on it!!

Bren

Yay Terry!!!! I'm so excited for you. I can't believe you're already eating, that's GREAT!!! I'm still having a tough time with it, and got a hernia when I coughed. Another bandster said her doc told her to lean against the back of the sofa to keep pressure on her belly when she coughs. So, just thought I'd pass on the word of wisdom, because no one mentioned it to me. I'm gonna be fine though, just another surgery some time in the future.

Take it easy, rest rest rest and we look forward to seeing you!!!

Bren

I've been reading this and I'm not the type to think I have everything, but for the past 5 years I've been suffering terribly from headaches, some lasting months at a time that no medicine seems to help, My ears feel clogged all the time, my hearing varies and I can hear my ears contracting from noise, I've had two sinus surgeries and been treated for sinus infections so many times with NO success, I've got floaters in my right eye. My optometrist couldn't find anything. How do you get this checked out. I swear sometimes my head feels OVER FULL of Fluid. It makes me neck hurt at times. Just wondering...

Bren

I'm sorry you are having such a rough time. My surgery was the 10th and I'm not up for much yet either. I am exhausted, can't consume anything but Clear liquids yet. I tried, but it didn't work. My tummy is swollen and when I cough I have to hold myself or I feel a pop and a tingling. It's scarey.

When it comes to your kids.... You have my support. My children are older now, but 5 years ago I fell and broke my leg at work. For 3 days I laid in bed and my 7 year old had to help me move. I had no support system what so ever. Over the next 2 years I had 5 surgeries. I lost a lot of precious time with my kids, a lot of mothering I didn't get to do. Everything around us deteriorated, and I went through some very depressed times. In pain and incapable.

What you can know for certain is this... what you and I are going through is much more temporary than say, a broken leg. It IS good for children to have some self reliance and independence from us. Sometimes it takes a tough time to make that possible. They won't be irreparably harmed from it, because as you succeed in your weight loss goals you will become an even more active mother.

Don't weight yourself down with guilt, just focus on the task at hand. There are so many people here you can talk to about how you're feeling. They know, and they can tell you, there is an end. Just try to heal, and be patient. Patience is the hardest part.

God Grand me the Serenity to Accept the things I cannot change

Courage to change the things I can

And the wisdom to know the difference.

You are doing all of that.

Bren

My surgery date was March 10th. I am 3 days out and struggling a bit. But glad to be with a group of people taking the leap as I have done. This group has really been valuable to me!!

Go get em March people!!!!

Bren

I don't know anyone locally who has the band, so it's nice to have you all out there with comments on how this can be a success.

How are you feeling? What things have you been doing? I'd really like to join this little March surgery cluster/group. It'll be fun to see where we all end up, and to have encouragement throughout the journey.

Bren

Thats great news! It'll be here before you know it. My boss had the band put in on 7/7/2010, today he told me that it's the best thing that has ever happened to him. Great to hear 5 days before mine goes in!!

Hey Parker, how are you feeling? Seems we all picked a great week to get on the 'band'-wagon. I understand your not telling anyone. Eveyone knows I've had surgery, just very few have the info on what or why. I didn't find this website until the night after surgery when I was totally freaking out. I'm glad we aren't alone. I got support right away that night, and I come back here very often throughout the day just so I don't feel so alone. Reading the reminders, walk, sip, take it easy no one is exactly the same helps. Ive only had Clear liquids since the surgery, but may try a Protein shake today to regain some energy. What are you doing????

Bren

I am right there with you all. I will be banded on March 8th. I am pretty calm, have not told anyone, this forum is my support and i love it. Best wishes to everyone and i will post right from my notebook soon as i wake up.

Sarabi, how are you doing/feeling? My surgery was on the 10th, I'm still pretty exhausted and sore, head hungry but doing fine with it. I know we can do this thing girl!!! Let's stick together, Bren

I've had surgery numerous times on numerous parts of my body. The stinging and pain is normal.

What you can do about it is learn to use different muscles. After knee surgery I had to learn to use my hip.... You will be sore from it, but you'll be finding new muscles you never knew you had. I had surgery 2 days ago and am pretty sore right now, but when I get up or down I am no longer having the stinging because I've learned to use muscles that weren't operated on.

It also helps to pre-plan your movements. I know to target and tighten certain stomach muscles before moving, which holds the sore and operated on one's firmly so there is no straining or pulling.

I've been using the Luci Le Beau Super Dieter's Tea. You can pick it up at Wal Mart by the Vitamins, or Smith's. I've found it in most stores. I'm not big into spending money on "diet" products. But I find this tea helps me be regular. If not due to the Senna, just due to adequate Fluid intake... which is the most important issue. It's also not harsh on the stomach like medications. A nice cup in the evening and one in the morning and all's well down there. I like it better than fiber supplements, because if you don't drink enough Water with fiber supplements you can get pretty plugged up.

Thank you all for the support. More than anything I think I needed that these last 2 days. This morning was still tough, up most of the night, but my husband went and bought me some Gas X when the stores opened. BIG HELP!!! I already feel so much better. I'm gonna mention that to the Doctor next time I see him. He might wanna put that on the 'buy before surgery paper'.

I'm getting ready to go for a walk, and am learning to SIP. I've always been a chugger. No more of that. The heating pad has really helped and laying down this morning got the gas out of my diaphram.I FARTED!!! YAY!!! I hadn't laid down much since the surgery, just walked the halls in the hospital all night long and sat for 3 hours in the car upright, then up all day at home.

Today is a new day, and I've recognized my psychological hunger for what it is, as I'm not feeling the least bit physically hungry. I went through some of that while on the liquid diet as well. I am excited about this and though maybe not completely prepared for it's difficulties, have waited 6 years to get to this point. It's the beginning of a VERY BIG set of goals.

In the first two weeks on the liquid diet I had already dropped all the insulin and 7 diabetes pills. So I know I am committed, as the lap band didn't do that for me, I did.

I'm glad there is a place I can come to talk to people about this. Although my family is supportive, they can't possibly be understanding much, and I am a fairly private person, bordering on shame regarding my weight and health, so I don't discuss it with friends or people I know. Here is a place I don't have to feel ashamed.

Again, Thank you!! I know... it works if you work it!!!

Bren

I was banded yesterday, and am having THE WORST time. The doctor said my liver was enormous, which I'm guessing means he had to beat the hell out of me during the operation. I'm in so much pain, my entire diaphram hurts so bad I am struggling to breathe. I did the liquid diet for 3 weeks, lost over 20 pounds... why then was my liver 'large'? He told me in such a disappointed and somewhat disgusted fashion.

I'm sitting here tonight after the worst night of my life last night in the hospital with no sleep, in agony, wondering if this is all normal. I'm having trouble peeing, and I have 5 holes in my stomach, a bruise the size of an orange above my belly button, and I swear I can feel the band under the swollen lump above the giant bruise. I cough and it hurts like no other. I've had several surgeries in life, but this... has to be the worst. I feel so full of air that I might pop, it hurts so bad even into my back that I can't get comfortable.

The nurses were superb at being bitches to me, and I got in trouble for being thirsty, and 'drinking to much'. HUH???? What the f*cking HELL!!!! She said I could displace the band if I drank too much. Are you kidding me? I've been sipping all day but feel so full that it's hard to do even that. I'm down right thirsty. I have no nausea though.. Thank God for small miracles. Is any of this normal? I'm in absolute AGONY....

Do people really go get this done and pop out like some track star on steroids??? Cuz I feel like the shit on a shoe and am scared to death, not to mention exhausted from just breathing.

Hi Berenice... I was banded yesterday also, and am having THE WORST time. The doctor said my liver was enormous, which I'm guessing means he had to beat the hell out of me during the operation. I'm in so much pain, my entire diaphram hurts so bad I am struggling to breathe. I did the liquid diet for 3 weeks, lost over 20 pounds... why then was my liver 'large'? He told me in such a disappointed and somewhat disgusted fashion.

I'm sitting here tonight after the worst night of my life last night in the hospital with no sleep, in agony, wondering if this is all normal. I'm having trouble peeing, and I have 5 holes in my stomach, a bruise the size of an orange above my belly button, and I swear I can feel the band under the swollen lump above the giant bruise. I cough and it hurts like no other. I've had several surgeries in life, but this... has to be the worst. I feel so full of air that I might pop, it hurts so bad even into my back that I can't get comfortable.

The nurses were superb at being bitches to me, and I got in trouble for being thirsty, and 'drinking to much'. HUH???? What the f*cking HELL!!!! She said I could displace the band if I drank too much. Are you kidding me? I've been sipping all day but feel so full that it's hard to do even that. I'm down right thirsty. I have no nausea though.. Thank God for small miracles. Is any of this normal? I'm in absolute AGONY....

Do people really go get this done and pop out like some track star on steroids??? Cuz I feel like the shit on a shoe and am scared to death, not to mention exhausted from just breathing.