DebHart71

Keep up the good work! I know it is hard but it will be so worth it. I lost 11 pounds on the pre-op diet I was on. I had my surgery on October 19th and doing well. I do not own a scale and I am not worrying about weight loss right now. I am only concerning myself with healing and training myself on my new eating habits. I have my first fill on November 30th and I am looking forward to it. Although I am not looking forward to the modified diet again. Good luck to you!

My stomach would growl after I had my surgery. At that time, I had no interest in eating whatsoever. Now it growls when I am hungry but I try to keep small portions of things on hand so if my stomach does growl I can appease it until my next meal. I also get burps and hiccups that can be mildly uncomfortable to downright painful. I go in for my first fill on November 30th and while I am looking forward to it, I am not looking forward to the actual needle. I am also not looking forward to the modified diet again.

No, thank God! This is one of my biggest fears because when you vomit the stomach contracts and the band could slip. I currently have a cold but I am thinking about asking my doctor to give me a prescription for an anti-viral. I am allergic to eggs and cannot have the Flu shot so an anti-viral is the best I can do. You might want to up your Vitamin D for the duration of flu season. I get a 5000 IU gel cap from Puritan's Pride website. Good luck to you.

Every doctor is different in their post-op diets. I was on clear liquids for 7 days and when I went to my surgeon's office for my post-op visit the nurse cleared me for full liquids plus some mushies. I have a co-worker who was cleared for full liquids after a 2 days of clear liquids. If I want to eat meat and veggies I cook them in the crockpot so they are so soft they are easy to chew up into mush. I wish everyone the best of luck no matter what stage you are in. This is a difficult journey and I need all the help and support I can get. Note: we need to try not to attack each other; we are all here for support. Please, I am pleading with everyone to be kind to each other; you never know who is going to read your post and what state of mind they are in at the time they read it.

I must be an exception. I didn't have the gas pains only pressure. I found that even though I brought a nightgown I stayed in the hospital gown the whole time. They allowed me ice chips from the moment I was awake enough to ask for them. I didn't need the lip balm that I brought or the mouth spray that someone suggested I get. I took books with me but I would never have been able to read them. I found that a rolled up towel with tape around it was much better for coughing after surgery. The pillow was just too soft and didn't give me enough pressure to stabilize my stomach while coughing. I can guarantee you that you will feel the urge to cough and you will need to do it. Ask one of the nurses to roll up a towel real tight and tape it for you and keep it in the bed with you. Get up and walk around but be careful; I only walked around my room because I came close to fainting a few times. If I get overheated I tend to either throw up or pass out and found that walking in my room where I was close to something to sit down on was way more practical for me than walking the halls. I was not told I could ask to have the leg things removed to get up and walk, but I was also on my period (yuck!) and had to wear those horrible disposable underwear and a pad, which I hate! I really didn't need the pillow for the ride home but I guess everyone is different and better safe than sorry. Good luck to you!

Good question. I was banded October 19th and I am not due to have my first fill until November 30th; however, I am wondering how much it hurts. I have a larger incision there and not sure how much pain to expect to have an injection at that incision site.

Protein and veggies in the crockpot!! I tell you that this combination will fill you up (I eat more than what I thought I would be able to.) if you eat good things that will keep you full for longer periods of time you will do better. salad does not stay with you very long and you will be hungry again soon after. Try adding protein to your salad and see how much that helps. Tuna, chicken, or any other type of protein you prefer would do so much for your hunger. I was banded on October 19th and find I cannot eat as much as I used to. My problem is learning to slow down. I tend to still eat fast and then feel so tight all I want to do is lay down and groan. I am learning each day how to work with my band. I do not get my first fill until November 30th and while I am looking forward to the first fill, I need to really use this time to learn how to eat slower and get into the habit of taking my time and chewing more. Good luck to you!

One of the worst things you can do is berate yourself for a slip; this just beats you down and makes you feel worse. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again. We are human and we make mistakes. Make a conscience decision every morning that you are worth more than the food. You are in control not the food. Every time you get a craving for something bad, get some water and drink it. Good luck to you.

Did your surgeon clear you for "working out hard?" This time post-op is for healing and not worrying about losing weight. You need lots of rest and Protein for your body to heal. If you are wearing yourself out your body cannot heal as quickly. The only time I weigh in is when I go to the doctor; I don't even own a scale. If you are really worried, you should talk to your surgeon. I was told that only walking should be done for several weeks after surgery. My surgeon will let me know when I can get more intense. I was banded on October 19th and I am still taking it easy; I walk more and more every day but that is it. Good Luck to you.

I am not hiding it and talk to anyone who wants to talk about it. When I put my posts on FB I tell people that if they do not have anything positive to share do not comment on my posts. At one time I had someone attack me (about a different subject) and I told everyone that if they didn't like what I post to skip over it and do not comment on it. If they really don't like what I post they can leave the party. That person left lickety split and I haven't had anymore problems. You have to let your FB friends and family know that you only want encouragement and nothing negative. You have the right to unfriend anyone who has a negative attitude toward you or your choices. Good Luck!

I had my band put in on October 19th and I do get hungry but not like I did before. I have to tell you that the crockpot is my friend! I put just about any kind of meat in there with vegetables and broth and let it cook and I can eat meat (protein) and feel full longer. I can say that I have more trouble getting my fluids in than feeling hungry. A side benefit of the crockpot is my daughter is trying new things; I do not want her growing up with the same problems I did. It is really funny that she calls every type of meat Chicken. LOL!!

My mom had gastric bypass in 2001. She was supposed to be in the hospital for a week and things went wrong. She spent four months in the hospital and almost died. She had high blood pressure and other problems before and has wonderful health insurance. The problems she had before, during, or after were never an issue.

The banana is a great idea; I am definitely going to use this one!

Lots of veggies and Protein is how I plan to combat Bandster Hell. I also plan to walk a lot when I get the munchies. I am told that physical activity can help stave off the hunger. I plan to try everything I can not to gain weight. I have lost 55 pounds since I started my Quest for the band and I'll be darned if I gain any of it back. I plan to have a Thanksgiving meal at work on the 22nd and then with my family but I plan to eat small portions and take a long walk after each meal. Good luck to everyone going through Bandster Hell over the holidays!!

A cough should not cause your band to slip; I believe that a cough comes from the lungs and not the stomach. However, if you are worried give your doctor a call and see what he/she says. He/she might even call something in for you especially if you still have the sinus infection. Good luck! Debora

I was banded October 19th and thought the time would never come to be able to have anything other than Clear liquids. I went for my follow-up visit today and the nurse said I could have mashed potatoes as well as the full liquids!! Woohoo! You know I ran right over to Publix and bought some! I have never been so excited about mashed potatoes! I also got some creamy Soups and some cottage cheese. I need to go get some Protein shakes (not liking the taste of the powder mixed with either Water or milk). I will be making a trip to the store this weekend. I have not really had any problems with gas pain; however, because I had an umbilical hernia repair, I have had more pain in that area. I went back to work yesterday and I can say that by the time I come home I am exhausted and my tummy is sore. I dropped the class I was taking since I cannot seem to concentrate to get the work done. I start over with the class on November 15th; I am looking forward to the next two weeks of not having to study, research, and write papers. I hope everyone here heals quickly and beautifully and wish everyone the best. Debora

I was banded on 10/19 and still on Clear liquids. I go to my surgeon's office tomorrow for my follow-up visit; I am hoping they put me on full liquids! I am so sick of broth and popsicles! I don't own a scale so I will see what my weight is tomorrow. I started my band journey in July 2010 weighing 300 lbs. When they put my paperwork in to my insurance company I was at 262. My weigh in before my surgery was 251 and I weigh in tomorrow to see what I have lost since then. I didn't really have any gas pain just pressure. Most of my pain has come from my belly and the incisions pulling when I get up and sit down and adjusting myself. Also, I went back to work today so I sat in a work chair instead of my recliner so my belly is a little more sore than it has been. I have lost a pant size and a few shirt sizes as well and am so happy! I have some of my favorite jeans just waiting in my closet for me to get into! Debora

Make sure when you make your food that it is moist enough to swallow without using anything to drink. If it is too dry try adding some broth. You also want to make sure that you do not throw up. If you add too much at once to the pouch you may throw up and it is possible for the band to slip. I hate throwing up and will go to almost any length not to do it so you know I am going to follow this rule. Debora

I am now banded!! I was scheduled for October 17th but the surgeon was way behind and had to reschedule for October 19th. The most problems I have had is getting the liquids I need to stay hydrated. Also I don't think I am getting enough calories since I have been light headed a few times and had to lie down to avoid fainting. I am also tired a lot; I know that some of that is healing from surgery but I am not getting much done with my class (I am working on my Master's Degree online). I will be glad when November 7 gets here; this is the last day of this class and I am taking a three-week leave of absence from school. I really need a break because I am getting burned out. Debora

When I sit in the living room I keep a pillow over my stomach as a precaution. I have fallen asleep many times in my rocker/recliner and need to make sure that if the kitten does jump on me I have a little bit of protection. He is a very loving cat and cannot figure out why I won't hold and cuddle him right now. Neither of my cats are allowed in my room at night while I sleep so I get very restful sleep. Debora

Makes complete and total sense to me; I have already been through the pre-op diet. However, there seems to be one drawback. I don't think I am getting enough calories. I am experiencing the lightheadedness and being tired a lot. I know I am not getting enough fluids but I hope I can get better at it each day. Debora

I have had many people mention all the functions that are centered around food and how I will be sitting there while everyone else has a big meal. I have to tell them that I am tired of my life revolving around food. I think I am interesting enough to have a conversation at dinner that the amount of food I have should not make a difference to anyone. If it makes a difference we don't have to eat together. I love my life and my daughter more than I love food and this is why I am doing this. Give them some time and they will eventually come around. Ask them if this difference of opinion is really worth the rift in your relationship? Tell them you are going to have this done and you are going to succeed whether or not you have their support but it would be easier with it. I hope things work out for you and your family. Debora

I was originally supposed to be banded on Monday, October 17th but there were circumstances that kept the doctor running late and had to postpone my surgery until Wednesday, October 19th. I had to be at the hospital at the un-Godly hour of 5:15 a.m. I had the band surgery and an umbilical hernia repair done within two hours. The doctor kept me overnight (not restful at all) and was not released until about 5:00 pm Thursday. I sleep so good at home! I have had some gas pressure, not really pain. I have more pain from the umbilical hernia sight than any of the others. I have had the healing itch all over my stomach though and it drives me batty. I am finding it hard to get all of my fluids in since I always feel full. I started this journey in July 2010 when I first mentioned that I wanted this procedure to my doctor. My insurance requires one year of work: lose 10% of my weight, psychological counseling, and weight management class. I started out at 300 and got down to 262 when we turned in my paperwork to my insurance company. They took about a week and a half to approve me for the procedure. I was scheduled for October 17th so I started my pre-op diet on October 3. I lost 11 more pounds on the pre-op diet so I went in to the surgery at 251. My first visit to my surgeon's office is scheduled for this coming Thursday and I am looking forward to being advanced to full liquids so I can have creamy soups. It feels really weird not to actually "eat" anything. I don't own a scale so I will not weigh in until I go for my doctor visit on Thursday. Debora

Please call your surgeon's office as soon as possible. The nurse told me that pain in the calves is a sign of blood clots; call your surgeon's office or the ER and tell them the situation and get their advice. Better safe than sorry!! Debora

Hello Ladies, I was banded on Wednesday, October 19th and I can tell you ladies that it is not as difficult as you think it is. You will see that it will go like clockwork. My surgery took almost two hours only because I had an umbilical hernia repair as well. The extra little bit of pain I have had is also from the hernia repair. I think that if I had not had the hernia repair I would be so much further in my recovery from the band surgery. I am really not hungry - even when my stomach growls. When I drink too fast I get a tightness in my chest area and know to stop. I can't wait until they advance me to full liquids so I can have milk products and creamy soups!! Not looking forward to the mushies but I am going to be buying baby food instead of blending my food. Good luck to all of you!! Debora