genesishanna

Thanks Alicia, I felt the same way. It would have saved me some worry. I had no idea what was going on and it was stressing me the hell out! In a way it was a blessing because at least it was something that could be relieved, at least a little. In addition, I now know that I do not want that great big fill because it is not worth it to me at this point. I am sure when the swelling goes down I will have room for a little more, but in its own time.

<br><br>Thank you Tracie. Good luck to you as well and keep in touch <img class="bbc_emoticon" alt="" src="http://cdn.lapbandtalk.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif"><br><br><br><br>

So, my day 5 ended in the Emergency Room. Every day I have been in these forums trying to get answers on how to relieve gas, and all things related to the land band. Well I am thankful for the many replies I've received from my fellow-banders based on their experience, but not everything is for everyone. I got up yesterday and said that I would go outside to the stripmall and do some much needed walking, since that was clearly the cure-all for the gas pain I was experiencing. However, when I came home my gas was not relieved at all, actually I came home and threw-up because I was so damn nauseous from all the gas. Regardless, of how much I hear of others complaining of the gas, I knew that there was something not normal about this, especially since the night before I woke up at 2 a.m. to bow-down before my porcelain thrown. In all my years of being a big-girl, I knew that being bulimic wasn't the way to shed the pounds, so the idea of getting to this point in life, doing a six month supervised weight-loss program, and undergoing surgery was not going to results in me all of a sudden losing weight by throwing up all my foods (or liquids) in this case. This is not the way. I have managed to lose 9 pounds in 5 days and under different circumstances that would be cause to celebrate, but this was not the way. So about 4pm I called my Doctors office and they told me to come in and I did. He asked no real questions, he just had his needle ready to remove the fluid from my band. Remove the fluid from my band, WTF?! Okay, so when did he plan on telling me that I had fluid in my band? We talked about this before surgery and I knew that my first fill wasn't until 9/14/11.It may not seem to be that bad for some, but for me, I felt a bit violated. I am not that hard up for weight loss that you can just do anything with me without telling me, especially something that would make me sick. I knew something was wrong because I had no appetite at all, and drinking water made me full and nauseous. I mean don't get me wrong, I don't want to be able to go back to eating sandwiches and burgers, but if you tell me to drink 64 oz. of fluids, I want to be able to do it painlessly. So after he removed all the fluid, he said that I should feel immediate relief, but I didn't. He advised me to go to the ER to make sure I am not having a HEART ATTACK! You know how they say that when your facing death your whole life flashes right before your eyes? Well in this case, my how big-girl existence and reasons for choosing this surgery flashed before me. I began to question whether all of this was worth it. I mean, okay... I've been a big girl all my life... yeah it has limited the places where I can shop, but overall I was not unhappy with myself. Honestly, I had no co-morbidity ( nor have I ever heard of it) until I started this program and that was obstructed sleep apnea. Which I am starting to believe every person at least 20 lbs overweight has it. I mean honestly- was it really worth it; a heart attack? I immediately went to the emergency room. I was seem immediately and the did the whole million-dollar work-up on me; EKG, bloodwork, X-rays etc... they gave me a different kind of medicine for my nausea, and and IV. But guess what? They had nothing for the gas! I never had any regrets prior to this. I contemplated this surgery for 3 years before I committed to it, so in my opinion that was well thought out, unlike other things I jumped into without thinking about. I can't say that I have regrets now, because I don't; however, I can say that while I sat on the hospital bed for about 10 hours, only 10 slimmer than when I started this journey, I began to rethink things. I am okay. I like myself. I love myself actually and there is nothing that has changed about me on the inside. Whenever I make any decision on my life, I have to remember that, because honestly, all the reasons for me doing this surgery were non-existent for those 10 hours. I am not saying that I made a mistake, I am not saying that I wouldn't do it again. I am just saying that I would re-evaluate my reasons and learn to be content where I am, because there is a high cost for the price of beauty..... In conclusion, since the fluid is gone and the band is more loose, I am able to pass the horrid gas easier (Thank You Jesus)! I also learned that I do not want super restriction on my band because I do not want to be sick. I can deal with a slower weight-loss, its not worth my heath. I also learned that my body is my forum. It will tell me when something is not right, and that is who I should be listening to instead of these LBT forums. I am thankful this morning for the experience. I am especially thankful that since I had that IV last night I am well-hydrated . I am going to complete this journey, one step at a time.

Is there anything that can be done about it?

Thanks last we will pray each other through it.

I want to start with the positive - the weight is coming off pound by pound. That is my primary objective; therefore, all else should be well, right? Wrong! This gas is no joke. The end of day three, which was when I was allowed to progress to full liquids, I wound up throwing up, which I hate to do. The positive thing is that gas came up with it, that sounded like something out of a horror film. Have you ever thought about the way gas sounds? Its abnormal! Anything that exist inside of you and sounds like a monster just can't be right. Okay, I'm rambling. So anyway, I went to sleep and woke up on day 4 which was okay except for...of course, that damn gas! I wish I had something spectacular to share, but I honestly don't. The pain had me in bed the majority of the day. I tried to walk around the house, but I was unsuccessful because my house is not that big and going around in circles would have made me depressed. I would have went outside, but unfortunately we were under the threat of rain so I did not want to chance it. Something great did happen, I made some very thin cream of wheat with 1% milk and 2 packets of splenda. Honestly, I thought it would be nasty because usually I use sweet condensed mik, whole milk, and a lot of sugar for my cream of wheat to make a fatty, tasty, creamy, lumpy treat. Having to modify it to fit my new way of life was a scary thought; however, after tasting it, I enjoyed it just the same. It tasted so good that I thought I would eat/sip too much of it, but I didn't. So I must say that I learned a small lesson here. We can enjoy the same things in life post-op as we did pre-op, just with a little modification. We conditioned ourselves to enjoy in fatty sweet treats, or platefuls of food for satisfaction. The funny thing is that we can condition ourselves to enjoy healthier, smaller portions, and receive satisfaction just the same. I am thankful for the small things now. Its amazing how a few spoonfuls of cream of wheat can do that to someone. I know there will be more to come, just taking it one step at a time.

A big bag of chips wouldn't be whining that would be falling off the wagon. Thankfully I don't have the desire for foods and the drinking don't bother me even though I feel full. I have to laugh at myself because this is what I wanted. I wanted to get to the point of not being able to eat and eventually losing the weight, but I don't think I really though about what that meant. So really even though I am not feeling the best in the world right now, I need to be thankful because it is all part of my journey. Thanks for the encouragement!

Thanks Scott, the did prescribe something for the nausea, I had no choice but to take them last night. I have been trying to walk on the treadmill because it has been pouring outside since my surgery. However, I will walk more so that can relieve the pain. Thanks for the advice and I will keep sipping!

Ive been on the treadmill on Day 2 and Day 3 with no problem. I would say just do something light and watch how your body feels after. Did your doctor say anything about exercising? Mine encouraged walking for the gas so I figured the treadmill at a low speed wouldn't be a problem. So far so good!

The last thing I want to do is seem like I am a whiner, but I do have some legitimate concerns. Please someone tell me when does the gas pains end? Last night was so painful that I had to take the pain meds to sleep. Is there anything to move it? Also, when I had some liquified soup, I threw everything up. It made me wonder if what I am taking in, which is mainly liquids is being digested? I am not sure what full feels like, I just know that I am not hungry so I try not to push it. Yesterday was my day for full liquids (Day 3 after surgery), so I put some creamy soup in the blender to liquify it and was only able to take 3 spoonfuls. I was okay for about 1 hour before everything came up. The only good thing about it was that some gas moved up with it as well. The last thing is the itching around my incisions. That is one thing I haven't heard anyone mention yet, is there anything to do to relieve it? I know everyone's experience is different, I am just looking for some answers. I was so concerned about starting my weight loss journey that I overlooked the fact that this is surgery and recovery is never easy.

Hi Alicia, I honestly thought I was alone with this one...it was a sad and lonely thought. Unfortunately, we have to treat this journey like any addiction and the first thing we have to do is admit that there is a problem. I have a problem, I could not do it alone, but I know the band is not going to do with for me, we have to work together. So please Alica, do not pacify me... if you see me posting about eating what you and I know we should not be eating, please call me out on it. I will appreciate it in the long run!

I am so happy for you, I know that was a great feeling!

I am happy you did post this. I am curious to know what that full feeling is like.

I went to the bathroom twice in a weird way. I was more excited about the gas moving more than anything. How's your appetite; what have you been eating?

This is my third day after surgery. The gas is still an issue, but I have faced much worse in life so I am trying not to complain. I had my first protein shake this morning, I slipped slowly and it went down easy. I am thankful. At this point, I can not tell whether the feelings I have are me feeling full, but I know I am not hungry so I wont eat. According to the personalized plan I received from my Doctor's office, I am able to have strained cream soups and watered down cream of wheat or oatmeal. I love cream of wheat and oatmeal and just because I can have a watered down version of it, does not mean that I am going to take it in. So let me get down to the nitty gritty. If there is ever a time where I decide to go back to my old eating habits, please DON'T PACIFY ME. I have a weight problem because I like to eat. I love eating what I want and if it were not for the fact that I dont like being overweight, limited to shopping at big girl stores, or suffering from health issues because of it, then I would still eat all that I want. I couldn't do this by myself because I made poor choices in food. Taste and instant gratification outweighed everything. So in saying all of that, if I start to deviate from the plan my doctor has for me, please don't pacify me. It just means that I am doing what I want to do. No excuses and I will suffer for it later! I tried to put on kid gloves when it comes to this site, but it doesnt matter because if you are not pacifying someone or stroking their ego, then you are doing something wrong. So instead of me creating enemies on here, I will just express myself on my personal blog. We all have a weight problem and our journey is personal; however, I feel that we can support one another, but who is really in the position to give advice? We are all trying to find our way, some sooner than others, but this is like any addiction and have to be dealt with day by day, choice by choice for a lifetime. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If I decide to eat the way I did pre-op, I cant expect different results post-op, its just not going to happen. If I have to question if its wrong, its wrong and please don't be afraid to tell me that its wrong. If I start eating sandwiches and hamburgers within a few weeks. Dont be afraid to call me out on it, because I already know that those are not the right choices to loss the weight. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know that I have to take this thing one step at a time.

I apologize if I came off wrong. I am new to this and cant give any advice. I guess I was responding out of my own fears of returning to old habits. I honestly wish the best for you and us all because this is not an easy journey.

Hello, I currently living in Maryland. Just got banded on August 12th, I pray you find what you are looking for.

These are the types of post that scare me. I will have to leave it to the veterans to tell you things based on experience, since I have only been banded for 3 days. However, I will say that I cant even imagine eating a subway sandwich or hamburger at this point for many different reasons. I can honestly say that I don't know whether I am full or not, but i do know that i am not hungry, so I don't eat. My Doctor's office also provided me with a calender of what I should be eating week to week, so I will follow that. For example, the first 3 days was clear liquids. Starting today I can move to full liquids for the next week, so I started with a protein shake. I know I can have healthy choice soups or cream of wheat (which I love) but I'm not hungry, so if I were to eat it, it would only be because I could or because its there. Those are the same behaviors I had which lead me to my weight issues in the first place, so I have to be mindful of that. According to my calender, at 2 1/2 weeks post-op I should be somewhere between puree foods and soft foods. I cant imagine it now, but I's sure I will be thankful for it later. I don't see how sandwiches and hamburgers fit that criteria, especially when we are supposed to stay away from raw vegtables and salads for 6 weeks and carbs for 6 months. I hope you don't think I am beating you up, but we have to make smart choices in our journey. Regardless of what the doctor or anyone else says we cant do the same things we did before and expect different results. Its never to late to start fresh. I pray the best for you on this journey. Be Blessed- Nicole!

I did Atkins pre op and did okay with my weight loss. I plan on sticking to thelow carbs post op, but not as restrictive as Atkins and there is a reason for that. When I was pre-op, just like the other times I have tried Atkins and have done well; however, after some time I would deviate with something small like nuts or sushi every now and again. Immediately it would knock me off my weight loss track and I would get discouraged. I do not want that to happen to me now. The last thing i want to do is make the same mistakes on lapband that I did in the past. While, a low carb intake is do-able on lap band, I think it should be just that- a low carb intake. Fad diets didnt work before the surgery and I dont expect them to work after. Everyone's journey is different, so what works for one may not work for the other. I try to remember that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again, but expect different results. Atkins will produce the weight loss in the beginning, but what happens when you eat a spoonful of rice one day and that halt's your weigh-loss? Are you going to be strong enough to deal with the possibility of slowly gaining weight or not losing if you start to incorporate other items into your diet? I'm just asking because these are the questions I needed to ask myself. I choose lap band because I needed a tool that would help me for the rest of my life. I am only three days post surgery so I cant say what works or don't work, but I just want to stay clear of the mistakes I have made in the past.

I decided to tell only a few individuals about my decision to have the lap band surgery. I am very happy that I did because it limited the negative feedback that I would receive from others. Weight loss is a personal journey, and regardless of the road you choose to take with it, you will find yourself alone. You have to make the choices that are best for you and be secure in it. My GYN was the the first to suggest the surgery for me, because she felt that my weight was causing health issues, that would eventually require a hysterectomy. I went to a doctor she referred me to an I felt uncomfortable there. They told me all that I needed to do and they will do the surgery in September (when the six months my insurance company required would be over). The visit was impersonal, and they never followed up with me once. They called me in September to see if I did anything and that was it. One of my girlfriends, who didnt have a weight problem, but wanted to lose weight fast kept trying to convince me to do the surgery, but i was turned off by the amount of weight that she lost. The point that I am trying to make is that everyone have their own reasons why the want you to do the surgery, or why they wouldn't. One day, I received a newsletter from the hospital where I gave birth to my baby. They had an article about their "Comprehensive Obesity Management Program" and it immediately peaked my interest. I just knew in my heart that it was for me. I went into one of there seminars, made my first appointment, and kept up with the program. Today I am 3 days post-op and am thankful. Towards my surgery date I have had people tell me that I should try this or that instead of surgery. There comments would go in one ear and right out the other because I was certain about what I needed to do for my personal weight loss journey. My aunt's comment was the most interesting when she told me that she lost 35 pounds on some type of pills. The crazy thing is that the pills were for back pains and not weight loss. Then she said that she would give me the number for the doctor and all I have to do is say that I have chronic back pains and get my own prescription. It was at that point that I realized that my aunt really had a personal problem that she was trying to project onto me. I told her that I was getting the surgery and she told me that she never told anybody before, but she had the lap band surgery and she had not loss weight. I guess this was her last attempt at convincing me not to get it done. I decided not to discuss this with her any further. I concluded that either she is lying, or she did the procedure as a quick easy way to loss the weight and saw that it would not work without any work or effort on her part. Either way, this was my choice, my decision, and I am thankful for it. It has to work, so I am going to do all that I can and make sure of that. My advice to you is to find your purpose, get motivated, and stay focused- that way no one can take you off your journey. Be Blessed - Nicole

All I can say is that the response has been overwhelming. I am thankful for all the positive responses I have received. Although I have not responded to each one individually, I have read each and everyone of them. I know this is a long journey, and it won't be easy, but I am up for the challenge. I look forward to reading your blogs, I will be adding most of you as friends on here, and I wont hesitate to send you a message if I need some personal encouragement. I pray that you all achieve the results you desire to a more productive life, both inside and out. Be blessed - Nicole

Yesterday I did so well. minus the gas, I was a on a great road to recovery with very minimal pain. I decided to go for a walk around the corner ( which is something that I never do) and felt so good that I walked all the way to "Subway" with my husband while he got something to eat. I was not enticed by the environment or the smell. I had a small cup of water just because I am so supposed to be sipping something at all times. Last night the gas pains were a bit much, so I took the pain meds so that i can go to sleep in comfort. I slept well. This morning I woke up and finally the gas started moving from the rear. I felt like I made progress. I had to be graphic, but I even made a small loose BM that was pushed out by the gas. I am not giving you TMI, but this is something I was concerned about. The gas however, is still resting in my chest area and its uncomfortable. I know this will pass by in time so I don't allow that to consume me. So I have not eaten anything since last Wednesday and I am okay with that. I cant not say whether I am hungry or full at this point. I am just okay and have no desire to eat, if that makes sense to anyone. I had a cup of hot tea with some splenda to try to move this gas, but it didn't work. Aside from that I am slowly sipping on some water. I may try some Jello tonight, but at this point I honestly don't have the desire for food and I don't want to eat just because the food is there. My next step is the treadmill. It is raining outside so I cant go out there for a walk. I have to keep focus on this journey and take it one step at a time. There is no turning back now.

Thanks for the support. I will keep writing if you keep reading, and I promise to keep reading if you keep writing.

Is it just me, or are most of these post discouraging? I know that this is a place to vent the good, the bad, and the ugly, but I must admit alot of these post are negative. I know the results will be different for everyone. I cant say how this will work for me yet since It has only been 2 days, but the more I read the less I have to look forward to. I am thankful this site exist, but I am starting to think that coming on here everyday is just as bad a constantly watching the scale. I wish it wasn't like that. Why cant we have a place of encouragement and support; Good testimony and advice? Maybe I am just looking under the wrong topics. Please someone lead me in the right direction- I want this experience to be as great as possible, even if the weight doesn't miraculously disappear.