daisychains7

The first 3 days are the worst but it gets A LOT better after that. At 9 days post op, i feel pretty low energy still, but I only have pain first thing in the morning and if I move my abs. It is only localized at the largest incision/port site. Like you, I noticed my pain level shot up once I got home from the hospital. Even with the pain medication, getting in bed felt like I was being stabbed in my chest. Make sure you are taking medication on schedule, or even 15-30 minutes early because that's how long it takes to kick in! My pain med was in liquid form and my anti nausea pill dissolved in the mouth. I was walking laps around my house or a block outside. I think 5 minutes of walking 5 times a day is fine.

It sucks how they make people jump through hoops for approval. The insurance co is banking on you giving up if they make it difficult. Do not give up!

That's awesome! Congrats.

Keep taking the stool softeners daily, because it takes 12-72 hours to work. I had to take them every day for probably 3 days til i could have a BM. Also warm liquids may help. I know it's frustrating!

Welcome jannaboo

I am day 9 post op. slept on my side and woke up in so much pain at my port site, it hurt to even prop myself up and get out of bed. Feels a little better when i sit up. Id had barely any pain the past few days and I wonder if I just overdid it yesterday? I really hope I didn't damage anything.

How do the mushies taste? Im really not good with things of a chunky or creamy consistency and am worried that it will taste bad. I start my mushies today (only have to be on it for 3 days), and I bought apple sauce, refried beans, and ground chicken (I figure the chicken will blend ok in my Magic Bullet).

I actually had the opposite problem. On the pre-op diet, I had very painful constipation, to the point where it was painful to sit down because of the pressure, and when I strained there was blood. I am really scared off the protein shakes after that experience. I know it's gross.. LOL. Post-op, everything has been looser, thank goodness. Are you able to take stool softener and up your water intake? That helped me after a few days when I had that issue

Me too. I can't wait for shopping to be fun, instead of torture!

I have surgical glue, so no bandages. Do you have steri strips? I think you leave those on until they're fall off on their own. I still haven't had a full on shower (gross I know), just sponge bathing, but I think it's about time. lol

YAY! Congrats!

Congrats on taking this life changing step! i am a new bandster - banded 8 days ago. I find the people who say it is the "easy way out" don't know enough about the band. We will always have to watch our portions, food choices, and be physically active. Welcome... and you will find lots of supportive people here!

Sounds like you're doing great! Cheating isn't worth it and could put you in danger for the surgery. I am pretty anxious to progress to solid foods after 20 days straight of liquids, but theres no way am I gonna screw this up by trying to progress too soon.

Thank you so much all of you. This has really given me some perspective. It helps to hear from those who have gone through it and changed their relationship w/ food for the better. I know my social life will not stop just because I have the band, and I don't want it to. I am wondering if it's wise for me to test out shrimp and veggies at home before trying it at the restaurant. Just to be safe.

I know that social eating and going to restaurants are going to be my biggest hurdle now that I'm banded. Before my band I would get take out or go out to eat once a day... Very unhealthy! I'm 8 days post op and have had to turn down a few dinner invites already from friends because I am on puréed food. But I am going to a seafood restaurant with my visiting grandfather in a couple of weeks (I will be on soft foods by then) and am having anxiety over it. Will it always be like this? I was just wondering at what point most of you felt comfortable at a restaurant, and how often do you eat socially with friends now? What do you order? Sorry for so many questions.

Ouch. I think we will all be learning what and how much we can tolerate, through trial and error for a while. I am surprised you could have 2 cups.. I was told I shouldn't go beyond 1 cup in a sitting though I haven't even tried to reach 1 cup yet.

I'm sorry. I had painful bathroom issues during pre op diet so I know how discouraging that is. The lack of solid foods or eating with friends is really getting to me. But yes - everyone says the beginning is the worst part. At least this phase is only temporary and it will get better in a few weeks.

I know what you mean. All the commercials suck. I'm feeling a little down today, like I'll never be able to eat food I love again or have a social life.. Guess I'm just feeling sorry for myself. Hah. Tomorrow I move up to puréed foods.

Me too. I lost 20 lbs on the pre op diet. I am trying to avoid looking at the scale, but as of my one week check up I hadn't lost anything more. Guess I'm not surprised cuz I feel very bloated, and am not able to eat normal or exercise yet. My surgeon said not to try and lose weight the first 6 weeks or beat myself up. That will come!

Congrats Jackie! The first few days are rough but it gets so much better. Hang in there

Congrats on your success! You look amazing!

I'm not allowed to have soft foods until I am 3 weeks out, and no solid food until 4 weeks out. I would be very careful and follow the progression your doctor has given you. You don't want to pay $10,000+ and damage your band within the first couple weeks by eating something before you're ready. A definitely change doctors and nutritionists if that is an option for you. Again, you are paying a lot of money for their services and they have no right to make you feel uncomfortable.

@Mrs.Popeye I'm so glad everything went well. It's amazing how a small kindness, like someone making your heart bandages, can totally lift your spirits. The day of my surgery, I was walking w/ the nurse down the hall and I was in so much pain, so nauseas and just feeling crappy! A young man who had just gotten the sleeve & was recovering walked by me in the hall and said "I wouldn't have believed it yesterday, but it gets so much better. I promise." I will never forget that.

Day 7 post op and feeling good. I am only scared to have too much yogurt and soup. I'm having a hard time telling when I am full or not. Hopped out of bed this morning too quick and thought I had popped a stitch inside. Hurt soo bad for a few minutes. Hope everyone who is getting banded today has a successful surgery! Welcome, Kathy. I don't think you can have it at the full liquid stage, because it has those chunks of broccoli in it.

Ok, weird you say that because the exact same thing happened to me yesterday when I progressed to yogurts and cream soups. I felt a pinch/pull where I think my port is after eating for a while. I'm having a hard time telling when I am full or not. The first few days post op id drink juice or water and my chest would get pressure or id feel stuffed just from a few sips. Now i just get gas and the pinch feeling.