PaBirdie

I had a .2 fill about 6 weeks ago. A couple of weeks went by before I started having problems. Ive been struggling with eating anything solid for weeks and throwing up to relieve the pain has become a normal part of my day. I thought I could work through it but it hasnt gotten any better. I almost called the doc last week and decided to give it more time. After reading this, I realize how important it is to get in there and probably have an unfill for a while. I have read that we can swell up during our period or other outside influences. I was banded nov 2011 and have been frustrated with other health issues, so my weight isnt changing much do to my lack of exercise. Im grateful NOT to be gaining, but I did this to help me lose, so I figured my lack of eating wasnt going to hurt me much. Looks like Im just kiddng myself. Im calling my doc in the morning. Thanks for giving me the kick I needed.

Although I dont watch when I get a fill, by listening to my doc talking, it appears he draws it all into the syringe and then puts it all back plus what he is adding. Maybe it is so he can make sure none has leaked out?

I got my band on Nov 14. I was able to spend the night in the hospital and I think it helped a lot. I dont think anybody should be sent home unprepared. The first 2 nights home were the worst. The chest and shoulder pain were annoying and definately uncomfortable. The gas is finally starting to move and pass. I did use the gas X but i cant say with any certainty how much is helped. The nausea hasnt been too bad but occasionally i get a queasy feeling. Doc made sure I had liquid pain meds as well as liquid anti nausea medicine. Its sad that all doctors dont take good care of their patients post op. Getting in the liquids and Protein has been a challenge. That "full" feeling from the swelling is a deterrent to putting anything in my mouth. I know that staying hydrated is the most important right now so I put unflavored Protein powder in my crystal light. I have no desire for food but have made an effort to put unflavored protein powder in some sugar free pudding and today I plan to put it in yogurt. I have been sipping home made chicken broth as well. I guess if we just use the term, slow and steady, we will gain confidence in our ability to do what we need to. I managed to get in one, 8 oz shake yesterday and plan to try to get at least 2 in today. Dont get discouraged, as we heal, im sure it will become easier.

I am having my band surgery tomorrow and It is obvious that there is a lot of misinformation about the band. No matter what surgery you choose, there are possible complications. As one person said, if I have a problem, its because of something I did. Often times, with the bypass for instance, it is nothing you did, its just a complication, ie: a stricture. I chose the band because I do not want issues with malabsorbtion. I have a family history of cancers and heart disease and decided that if I should get sick later in life (I am 47) , I want to be able to absorb nutrition and fight! I also like the idea that it is reversible should something go worng. I know that with a band, I have to depend on me and my own dedication to make my tool work for me. I think since many people know the weight loss with a bypass or VSG is quicker, it is automatic that you will lose weight and you rely on that. When you get a band, you go in knowing that it is only a tool to aid you in your weight loss journey and if you dont work, it wont work. I think in some ways it is a natural process that keeps us honest with ourselves. Of course those are just my opinions, I belong to an online support group on a site called Daily Strength. The group is called Gastric Bypass surgery, but all the bariatric surgeries are represented there. I can tell you that I have seen person after person post about serious side effects they endure from the gastric bypass and it just reinforces my decision to go with the band. I also know people in real life who have had it and the complications are real. So far, the people I know with the band have enjoyed success with no complications thus far. Ultimately, you need to chose the surgery that you think best fits you and the one who can live with the rest of your life. Dont think about how quickly you will lose, think about how healthy you will be later...

My surgery is tomorrow and it has been about a 7 month process. It isnt as easy as requesting the surgery and then getting it. This is indeed a life long commitment and if you arent emotionally prepared for it, you arent going to be successful . This is why most insurances require a dedicated period of dieting, a behavioral exam and nutrition classes. I felt I was prepared to have my surgery the day I decided to go for it, but I will tell you that this educational process has been more preparation than I realized! I feel stong and determined to be successful because I have a new relationship with food that doesnt leave me feeling deprived. Embrace the process for what it is and dont see it as a torture device designed by your insurance company. Learn from it and go into your surgery with a kick ass attitude to WIN!

If you have been following the plan and continue the plan, that cheat isnt going to destoy all the hard work you have put into it so far. Take a deep breath and get back on the wagon.

My surgery is tomorrow and I can tell you that I still get woozy feeling. The headaches only lasted the first few days and I never did throw up, although I did feel queasy a lot. I was allowed fruits and veggies with my shakes, so that helped A LOT! Avoiding foods with fat, sugar, carbs and calories is essential to shrink the liver. The idea is to force the liver to burn the stored fat that is holding and therefor shrink. All the pre op diets are different and some are pretty extreme. If you can avoid adding fat and extra calories, plus avoid the carbs, you should be able to add some essential nutrition to your pre op diet so you can function bettre and still shrink your liver. Research liquid pre op diets on the net and check out how much they vary. In the end, they still accomplish the same thing.

I asked my coordinator how the liquid diet shrinks the liver. She said that the liver stores fat and when we dont take in any, we force the body to use our stored fat. Of course as it gets used up, the liver shrinks. I am 5 days from surgery and was required to use protein shakes and all the fruits and veggies i want.

I am getting banded Nov 14th as well!