DawnMavity

I also travel frequently for work and am in a hotel now. I was banded 3 weeks ago.

I have had no issues, but I have had the bell boys move all of my luggage, as my doctor told me no lifting in excess of 10 pounds for 4 weeks post-op. I also am still on liquids and have had a great experience at the restaurants when asking for chicken broth (I am still restricted to Protein drinks, chicken broth, and herbal tea). Other than that I just brought my Protein Drinks with me.

If you do travel, be sure to get up and move around every hour or so to help keep the blood moving.

I'm also on day 6. I was on clear liquids day before 2 days after and now just carnation instant breakfast 4 oz 8x a day. Besides being completely bored I feel like I'm not feeling well bc I'm only getting what? 600 cals a day? Anyone else feel this way?

I'm a rule follower so I won't cheat too afraid anyway to damage my band but I did have to just move a container of really good looking humus to the back of the fridge

Protein is most def a huge help in keeping you feeling less hungry. Protein first is my doctors motto.

I am 15 days post op and am still only allowed Protein Shots, broth, and sugar-free Popsicles and Jello. My doctor says nothing more for 2 more weeks, and like you I am a rule follower. I am struggling with lack of energy and I get sick to my stomach if I do more than 10 or 15 minutes of activity.

I have talked to my surgeon, who is amazing, but she says I have to tough it out to protect the stomach and band from damage. I have to go out of town this week for work where I will be at a conference with a lot of people and food and I hope I am strong enough to stay the course.

I can't wait for my next appointment on 10/12 in the hopes of progressing to Soups or mushy foods.

Banded on 13th, I was only able to do shallow breathing because deeper breathing HURT SO BAD. Because of the anethesia and my history of asthma, the mucous junk settled in my chest. Just the last few days it has started to loosen and I'm coughing so much and it HURTS my stomach. I am now taking my inhaler every 4 hours and bought some Mucinex - I cannot afford to get sick with this junk in my lungs!

My doctor has me on 2 weeks of Protein Shakes only 60-80 grams per day - Then 2 weeks of pureed with Protein shakes still. Then 2 weeks of soft very mashed foods. I am so glad with this plan because I am dropping weight with it and I don't want to missed this great window of opportunity to lose it right off the bat.

Hi Marebeth,

I also have asthma and had some issues right after surgery (mine was on 9/16). When you cough, hold a pillow against your stomach to support you surgical areas, it really helped me. Try to take belly breaths as often as possible because it will help keep you from getting pneumonia.

I am also on liquids, but my surgeon requires it 4 weeks after surgery before introducing mushy foods.

Good luck with everything!

Dawn

My tummy is numb in the middle above my belly button. My left side hurts if I turn too fast. If I lift something too heavy I get a sharp pain.

Other than that I'm fine. Yes we do need a newbie support group cause in my thread it took an act of god and pain killers to stop me from cussing someone out on here. In my real life I don't have patience for people and I lack tact. Temper temper...

Hi Texas,

Sorry for your frustration. I was wondering if you are on any lift restrictions. My surgeon has put me on a restriction of 10 pounds for the first four weeks after surgery, and no driving for two weeks. I had surgery on Friday and was able to stop pain medsvafter Saturday, but I am using a heating pad a few times each day to help with muscle soreness. Good luck with continued improvements!

I am also up for the support group.

Well I am getting banded tomorrow and I am so very nervous. My anxiety is through the roof and I don't know how I'll get over this part. I have been wanting this for so long and now that the time is here, I am terrified. I'm sure things will only be worse tomorrow. I'm trying to look on the bright side but all I think about is being put under anesthesia and how much that freaks me out. Aside from that, I am starting to get things ready. Anybody have any suggestions as to what I should take with me when I check in tomorrow morning. I'm so nervous I'm not even thinking straight. Any feedback would help. Thanks.

Kiki, everything will go great. I just thought of it as getting a good nap while my family sat in the waiting room wishing they could take a nap too.

My surgery was outpatient an I wore really comfy clothes and slip on sandals. The only thing I took with me was my asthma inhalers, which I used just before going to the OR. They provided everything else I needed until I went home that afternoon.

Good luck!

don't fret! you can do it! I'm on my way now. The doctor is running ahead of schedule so I'm now at 12:15.

We'll get thru this together!

Good luck!

I am feeling better! The burning is still there but a lot better. I did call the dr and they said that can be normal and it is most likely the connective tissue healing. I have still taken the pain medicine today but only half of the dose today. How are you feeling?

I am still sore and struggling a bit to get in all my fluids, but no pain meds since last night. I walked around the block once today and up and down the street avfew times.

My doctor requires a liquid diet for 4weeks after surgery, and right now I an good with that. I still have some gloating from the gas, but it is not painful, just looks funny.

Yay, awesome! Glad to hear it went well! It took me a little while before I could take a deep breath, it was just weird. Take care and get some rest!

How are you feeling? Has the burning sensation gotten better?

I am so happy to officially be a bandster. My surgery was this morning and everything went great. I have walked up the block twice this evening and feel good. The only issue I am having is a bit of asthma, but after a breathing treatment it is better.

It is great to hear how good everyone is doing after surgery. I am set for this Friday, 5:00 am check in. I am so ready to be where you guys are; the other side of surgery.

I had pre-op testing today and I am set for Friday at 5:00am. I do have to go back Wednesday to redo my CBC test because of a slight irregularity today, but I am optimistic that it will be fine and I will get the ok.

I am getting nervous and excited and will be extremely disappointed if I have to wait longer.

Thanks! Cool, you are in SD too! I am having mine at the Naval Medical Center. Where are you having yours?

I am having mine at Alvarado Hospital. My pre-op is tomorrow, so I will keep you in my thoughts. Let us know how you are doing. Also, if you are not aware, Alvarado has a support group one Wednesday night per month and it is open to all band patients. If you want specifics, let me know.

Good luck!

Hi all, I am getting banded on Monday and was so excited till today when I had to start the clear liquid diet. Now I am so nervous if I can do this! Just getting nervous...... Those who have been banded already please tell me I will survive the first week, lol. I am not even nervous about the surgery part of it just the recovery eating part. Just doing the liquid diet so far today I feel like I am starving myself

You can do it. I am in San Diego as well and my day is this Friday. I have been on liquids for 1 week already and although it is tough sometimes, just keep your goal in mind and you will succeed. Let us know how you are doing until and after the surgery.

Where are you having you surgery?

Hi I survived work and it was better than expected!! I had 3 or 4 gas pains but they were brief. I feel better, still not hungry. Just thirsty!!

Good to hear work went good. Have you found anything that you can do to relieve the pain when it comes? Is it more apt to happen while sitting, standing, or it doesn't matter? I have my surgery next Friday and took the following week off, so I have lots of extra time to recover, but I go on a business trip a week later.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your experiences with us. It really is helping me through this liquid pre-op diet as well as preparing for the surgery and what to expect.

I'm so happy to say I got banded today! I'm not feeling too much pain. Just a little discomfort. Everything went great but I wish I could have something more substantial than clear liquids. Hopefully it's not just the pain meds and I will continue to feel ok. Hahaha, how ironic I'm wanting a Protein shake to help with the hunger when just yesterday I was hating them!

Congrats! It is great to hear you are doing well. Enjoy your Protein and keep us posted on your progress.

I can't believe that I did not get on here sooner!! This is great stuff!

I am being banded on September 15! I go tomorrow for all of my pre-op junk. This is my 3rd day on the sugar free, clear liquid diet. WOW is all I have to say . . . this is soooo hard! I can have 3 proten shakes a day but everything else has to be a clear liquid. Has anyone else had to do all clear liquids except for the Protein Shakes?

I keep thinking positive things trying to keep my mind off of my growly stomach! I am determined to never have to shop at Lane Giant again!!

My surgery is the 16th and my pre-op diet, which I started 9/2, is Protein Drinks with less than 4g of carbs and broth. This is a lot harder than when I did opti-fast for 9 months with no food!

It is great to hear how well you are doing. Congratulations on the first two steps! Keep us updated.

I start my pre-op diet tomorrow and my surgery is 2 weeks away.

Hi all! My surgery was this morning, and it went so great! Mom and I were discharged from the hospital around 5pm (surgery was at 10:30a --> was pushed back from 8:30a). I was walking around and around the nurses' station, and I am not kidding, it made me feel SO much better. Get up and out of bed as soon as the nurse lets you, because it helps with the gas pain more than you will believe.

I honestly have nothing bad to say about my day. The nursing staff at Providence St. Joseph's were incredibly helpful, friendly and supportive. I was a little nauseous in the recovery room, and they gave me something as soon as I mentioned it... and I haven't had even a hint of nausea since I started sipping Water and walking. I hope you all have such great experiences!

Good luck everyone, and let us know how it goes!!

I am also gettting banded tomorrow. I have to be at the hospital at 6:45am. good luck to you.

Good luck! Let us know how you are doing.

I get banded Sept. 16th and am very excited. I look forward to sharing the experience with others going through the same thing.

Hi. This is my first post, although I joined a couple weeks ago. I am scheduled for banding September 16th and am excited and nervous. I am looking forward to the friendships with others going through this life changing process.