ukgrad89

Hey everyone. I am newly banded. I was banded on august 12th. The first few days were fine except for a gas bubble that floats around my ribs and chest however, today is a different story. First thing this morning when I woke up, I felt as if I were going to vomit. I dry heaved a few times and then felt better. I had some Breakfast and about 2 hours later dry heaved again. then again and again. 4 times. it seems to come after the gas bubble floats way up in my chest. I dont actually vomit anything up, just white foamy looking stuff and just a small amount and then i heave and heave. Anyone experience this?

Did you have a hiatal hyernia? That can make you extra sensitive. Are you taking anything for nausea? Sounds gross, but my doc gave me a suppository for nausea, and it really worked well, I stopped feeling nausea around day 5 or 6 post op, so yours may stop soon. As others suggest, you may want to call the doc to be on the safe side. Best wishes

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. I decided to try unjury and see how I like it. My other question is am I suppose to stop drinking Protein shakes after I am allowed solid foods or can I continue them if I find one I really like? The reason I'm asking is because I know how much Protein fills you up, so can I continue to drink them before my meal or is it not suggested?? Thank you all for your comments you have all been so helpfull.

I still use Protein drinks, it helps to make sure you get all the protein you need, and it helps with the weight loss too

GasX and movement were the key for me. I see that you are using the treadmill, but that might not take care of it. What I did was make sure that I got up and walked through the house at least every 30min. This is different than 20 min on the tread as you are not giving the gas a chance to build up over a period of time. My first couple of nights home the gas woke me up. I would get out of bed and walk for about 5 or 10 mins to calm it down,. During the day I did my thing and was OK, so I think movement frequently reallly helped. Good luck

Lots of good advice on here, and I'll ditto it, you need to walk. Walk outside, whenever you can. Its the best way to get rid of the gas. I had some pretty serious nausea for a few days after surgery, doc said that's normal, and I think you said you had a hiatal hyernia too, like me, and you'll be more sensitive because of that. Gas-X is good, I got the kind you stick on your tongue and it dissolves. Keep on the liquid diet until your doc says its okay to progress. One thing that kind of helped me was I strained hot and sour Soup from a Chinese restaurant, just ate/drank the broth, and it was great. Don't forget to drink your Protein drinks, that'll help also, if the doc says they're okay. Your body needs Protein to heal after the surgery. Best wishes

My Dr. runs a Center of Excellence and 6 weeks post op of clears is not the plan that he follows and he is EXTREMELY conservative. In fact... I have never heard of any Dr. doing 6 weeks of clears post op. That is excessive IMO. My Surgeon puts us on 2 weeks of liquids pre-op then 2 weeks of clears post op. Followed by 2 weeks of puree'd foods (what I'm on) then 2 weeks of soft foods. I am finding all Drs are different... but 6 weeks of clears post op is setting up his patients to cheat if you ask me.

Ditto this. I think it really is a very personal issue, how soon you can progress with your post-op diet. I was banded on 7/28, and I find my body does a VERY good job of letting me know what works, and what doesn't. I was on liquids for one week, moved to mushies the next week, and I've been eating solids this week, no problems. But I'm also being very careful, chewing thoroughly, using a baby spoon, and paying attention to when I feel full and stopping. So far, so good. Best wishes

I was able to work at home (flexiplace), so I didn't go back to work for a week. I was banded back on 7/28, and I do think the easier you are on yourself that first week, the happier you'll be later. Keep in mind, this first month is really all about healing. Be good to yourself, don't lift anything heavy, plan on doing a fair amount of walking (helps with gas issues). Best wishes

Muscle Milk Light is okay, but there aren't many flavors, I could only find the chocolate. I mainly drink Atkins, it has more variety, and to me it just tastes better. Best wishes

I have a desk job, and make sure to always have Water and an empty cup handy to throw up into if I can't make it to the bathroom in time. It's only happened a couple of times, but I'm fairly certain I can be quiet enough that no one around me is aware of what's happening. In any case, I eat REALLY slowly and stop as soon as I'm full, and that makes a huge difference.

When I was pregnant, I practically lived in the bathroom. When I announced my pregnancy at three months, our receptionist (who sat next to the bathrooms) said, "I wondered what was going on . . ."

I hate to sound like the newbie I am I just got banded on 7/28, but, I thought it was a big no-no to vomit if you're banded. Is it that common that you feel a need to vomit? I don't mean to imply you or anyone is doing anything wrong, I'm wondering how careful I need to be myself in the future with avoiding vomiting. I work in an office, and I wouldn't want to get stuck and need to vomit at work, but, is it that common that you feel a need to vomit after you've been banded for awhile? Any advice greatly appreciated, and thank you all for sharing your stories, they really do help someone like me

That is truly inspirational news, congratulations!

I've been making beer since 1985. Probably 400 5gal batches. Since making this Lapband decision, DW has been eyeing my brewery for a sewing room. I guess thats the way it goes.

SWMBO and I spent 10 years in Europe and learned to love European bread. Plain German Sourdough rye is beyond me. I've tried with commercial and homemade starter, but It's never

quite right.I even bought german rye flour, but no luck.

There are a lot of things that are going to have to change in the next few months and I guess I'll just have to get used to it because if I'm going through all this crap, there's just no way

in hell I'm going to fail

To all you beer making guys, I was wondering, what do you think of the idea of somehow making beer that doesn't have carbonation. Is it even possible? Maybe a dumb question, I know nothing about beer making. I was never a big beer drinker myself, but, on occasion, I'd have one. I've seen some suggest using salt, never tried that before, not sure how it would work. Would using a fruit help? Like orange or lime? Or I guess there's the option of leaving it sit out, but is that realistic? Anyhow, since I seen some of you mention you made beer, thought I'd ask. Thanks in advance Alan

I wish I could hiccup or burp! At times I feel like I really need to but nothing comes up! I am only 4 days out- Banded on July 29, mayb that has something to do with it. I have no clue!

As usual, I'm no doctor, but, I can tell you from my experience, I had hiccups really bad up until yesterday, 8/1. Not anymore though, and I think alot of it has to do with doing the walking. Make sure you do that so you can get the gas out from the surgery. I think once you get that surgery gas out, you won't hiccup as much, or you may lose that feeling of needing to. Anyhow, continued best wishes Alan

I was banded on 7/28/11. My surgery was around noon. I left hospital by around 7:30pm. I had a hiatal hyernia taken care of. I think I'll be on sick leave for 1 week (I took sick leave day before surgery, so from 7/27 to 8/3). However, I can do some work at home, so that helps even things out, just have to remind myself not to pick up any heavy casefiles.

Ok so I am now 6 days post op and first day back at work. I had really hoped I would feel better than I do right now. I feel over all Lethargic and sore. I have a tinge of nausea constantly. I have no real appetite and have to force myself to drink the Protein shakes. I am supposed to start incorperating mushies into my diet tonight or tomorrow. On a bright side I am down 26 lbs since I started my pre surgery diet. Another issue I do have is Diahrreah! I guess it is liquid in liquid out but it is getting old! Are the feelings I am having normal?

I'm on day 5 myself, and "d" has been the way of life for me since I started pre-diet. I can't wait until I can have a semi-regular meal of grits or oatmeal. I'm still sore and taking painkillers, but it seems better each day. I haven't lost the weight you have, congrats on that

Starting to feel a lot better today. I was even able to get up and take a shower. The gas pains are worst in the morning, probably from laying down all night and then the shoulder pain hurts in the evening. My appetite is better today and so far I have only taken liquid tylenol for the pain. I have found that walking helps but it also wears me out. Still having a problem with the Protein shakes. They are tasting so sweet to me that I can't stand them. I haven't had any problem with swallowing and keeping fluids down as long as I take small sips. I am so dreading having a bowel movement too, LOL. I know that's going to be rough, LOL. How are the other Day 4 Post-Ops doing? Would love to hear from you:)

I had my surgery on 7/28. I've been having some bad nausea this morning, just a real acidic feeling down there, like something wanting to come up, but I know I need to resist that. Okay, that's perhaps too much information I feel more sensitivity from the incisions, I'm still taking the painkiller the doc prescribed for me, I had a hiatal hyernia taken care of at the same time. I have not had the pain in the shoulders that others describe, but I've had a bloated gas feeling. I've been walking alot though. I have no problems drinking Muscle Milk light, Jello, broth, and Propel. I'm a little reluctant to take a shower and remove the bandages, but I think today I better, starting to feel funky, and I guess they've had time to heal.

Best wishes to all

I've never been much of a beer drinker. I'm actually slightly allergic to hops, so I couldn't drink much anyhow. Losing beer wasn't a big deal. But, my staple was bourbon and coke. Now, no more coke. So, guess I'll be sipping bourbon slowly, maybe with Water. I think vodka and cranberry is possible, though I'm afraid that might be a little girly. Bloody mary's also are on option, low calorie, never really drank those much, guess I will try once I get okay after surgery. I also like gin and tonics, that may be an option. But I will definitely miss my margaritas, hurricanes, daquiris, etc. But, no pain no gain, right?

^^^^ are we at Starbucks , I get muscle milk from costco , 35 bucks for 6 lbs , I have been using it for the past 6 months , I tried some other ones but I keep coming back , it taste like chocolate milk to me , and it's smooth

Ditto this, I love the Muscle Milk Light, taste pretty darn good to me. I tried the powders, they just smelled bad and had a chemical aftertaste like crap.

This whole lose 30 pounds gain an inch of thing is pretty spot on for me......I mean nothing like gainning a little extra......

Just felt like telling someone.....lol....

Damn, that's a new one, didn't know of that benefit, its like the ultimate Christmas present, it just keeps getting better and better!

I am very happy to report that during my appt. with my primary MD on Wednesday, my blood pressure was 104/45. That is definitely low for me as I usually run 130/80 even on 4 different blood pressure meds. I had been experiencing some light headedness (new word) every time I stand up. My doctor concluded that with my weight loss and healthier lifestyle that we could drop one of my meds. I am very excited.

It is certainly nice to see the benefits of my surgery and all the hard work I am doing.

Doing a happy dance! :Banane02::Banane05::Banane04:

That is AWESOME! I so hope that I can drop my meds. I currently take stuff for HBP and cholesterol and use a CPAP. I could care less about my appearance, that isn't why I got banded on 7/28. My health is my concern, and I want to get off the meds and the CPAP. Your achievement makes this feel all the more worthwhile. Thanks for sharing this, and continued good wishes

Awesome things went great!! I am right behind you on the 12th!!! sounds like when i was pregnant....WALK WALK WALK and it's easier....! looking forward to reading your blog!

I'll tell you what, I hate hospitals generally. If I had a suggestion for someone getting ready for surgery, try to get up and walking whenever you think you can do it. My goal was not to spend the night, and I have sleep apnea and had a hiatal hernia taken care of, still was able to leave about 8pm, surgery was around noon. Working on your deep breathing, start sucking those ice chips so you can urinate, get up and walk around, and you'll be ready to go home. The pain is manageable.

Best of luck, and if I can be of any help with questions, let me know

Glad to hear your surgery went well. I will be banded in 6 days, August 4th.

Best of luck on the surgery. I am done some blogs on here about my experiences. Feel free to ask me anything if I can be of help, I'm a total believer in the lap-band, and I haven't even had it for 24 hours LOL! Have faith, pray for God's strength, you will do fine.

I'm glad everything went as planned

Thanks for the well wishes You are right, I see alot of whining on here. Look, I'll complain about the catheter and all that, but you know what? The actual surgery was not that bad, and I had a hiatal hernia taken care of as well. I'm already on record as saying, I would definitely to it again if I had to. Pain is something you deal with, no pain, no gain. Unusual pain, you should get checked, but life is a pain at times too, and being overweight has been a huge pain. I almost feel cleansed, baptized, ready for a new life. I'm not foolish enough to think there won't be challenges, and at times disappointment. But, overall, the benefits of this I'm quite confident will way exceed any costs, even the $4,000 out of pocket after insurance I had to pay. That's a drop in the bucket from avoiding diabetes and other nasty conditions I'd be staring at in the future. So, a little pain? Bring it on, and I'll wear my incision scars with pride once I lose the tire around the middle.

So glad everything went well.

Wow, I wonder why they put in a catheter? That definitely sucks! And a suppository for nausea? Sounds like they were trying to torture you a little.

I truly hope the healing process goes smoothly!

I know, I was surprised when they told me that they were putting in a catheter in pre-op. I guess it was to dehydrate me thoroughly for the surgery. I hadn't had a catheter before, and hope a long time goes by before I have another. I thought a colonscopy was bad, but heck, that was a picnic compared to the catheter.

With the suppository, it isn't fun, but I'll admit, it works fast. I called the doc's office today just to be sure there wasn't an alternative, and they said no. I'm thinking at some point I'll get Pepcid chewables or just crush something and add to Water.

Thanks for the well wishes!

I can only echo some of the other comments. One thing I would add is to find a Protein drink you like, because you will be drinking it often. I had to experiment. I like Muscle Milk light myself, but I don't want to sound like a paid spokesman. It works for me, you have to find what works for you. As was said, you should get off the carbs in advance. You want to help your surgeon, right? Shrink your liver by reducing/eliminating carbs before surgery. As they say, no soda/beer. I do like to drink on occasion, and I've already decided that once the dust settles after surgery, I'm drinking cranberry and vodka and bloody mary's, and maybe a bourbon and Water. But realize, these are not going to help you lose any weight.

Best of luck to you, I had my surgery yesterday (7/28), you will do great! See my blog for my recollections about my surgery, and feel free to ask me anything

Rather than write a book here, I wrote a blog about my recollections from yesterday AGB surgery. Bottom line, it went off without a hitch. Worst complaint I have is the damn catheter. It hurt like hell whenever I finally urinated. It still does today, but its a much easier to deal with now. I was as thirsty as the desert when I got back to my room, sucked on ice chips and sipped some Water, that mucho helped. And walk guys, walk, walk, walk....and walk. I think this is the key to not having gas issues, the more you walk, the better your respiration, the better your gas. I'm an open book, if I can help anyone, just ask!

Ooops, I also want to give a shout-out to Dr. Minkin, he ROCKS! If you are in the St Louis, MO area, he is the man with the plan for lap-band. And Des Peres Hospital is pretty darn good too. Thanks guys!

Rather than write a book here, I wrote a blog about my recollections from yesterday AGB surgery. Bottom line, it went off without a hitch. Worst complaint I have is the damn catheter. It hurt like hell whenever I finally urinated. It still does today, but its a much easier to deal with now. I was as thirsty as the desert when I got back to my room, sucked on ice chips and sipped some Water, that mucho helped. And walk guys, walk, walk, walk....and walk. I think this is the key to not having gas issues, the more you walk, the better your respiration, the better your gas. I'm an open book, if I can help anyone, just ask!