smmiley27

Mine is on the left.

Hi everyone, I would like some opinions on my situation. I had my band inserted on May 21st. I have to have (ambulatory) shoulder surgery in late September. (I can't put it off any longer so please don't suggest I wait another couple of months since that's not an option). I had one fill thus far (on July 12th) and have 3cc's in a 10cc band. Now I know I'd have to wait at least 4-6 weeks to have another fill which would put me towards the end of August. From what I have previously learned and heard, I would need to have the band completely empty for any procedures needed for the rest of my life so the late August fill probably shouldn't happen since they'll just have to take it out a few weeks later, right? But if I only have 3cc's in, would that make a big difference? Does that really need to be emptied? Has anyone else had to have an unrelated to lap band surgery in such a short time since the WLS? (Also folks, please know that OF COURSE I will discuss with my surgeon(s) whether or not the 3cc's need to come out before the urelated surgery occurs. I'm just looking for a little reassurance that a different surgery can be performed so close to the original WLS. And hopefully no related complications occur). Thanks in advance. -P

I had my surgery May 21st. My port site hurt (ridiculously) for at least 4 weeks. My doctor told me it was uncommon and I went through a whole bottle of pain medicine in 5 days (at the doctor's direction). I marvel at the people who are "up and about" one or two days after surgery. I took a week off of work, and when I tried to go back, left work early 3 days because of the pain. I was pretty much out of work for two weeks and unable to do a lot of things until about 4 weeks. Then again, that's just my experience.

Hi all, I just found this thread. It doesn't seem that active but I guess things go in spurts. Anyway, thought I'd log on, say hi and see what this thread was talking about. I'm from NY (Long Island) and would love to find "more people like me" (i.e. banded and gay) in the area!

I got my first fill yesterday. I was also a little nervous but it was quick and not any more painful than when they take blood. Good luck.

Daddyof4, Thanks for your response. Yes, I know the band is actually around the stomach but I didn't think I could accurately explain the question without trying to use a tube and diameter type approach. But anyway, I was also banded on 5/21. I'm not going to get a fill for at least another two weeks. It's a struggle for me too, especially in these early weeks. Good luck to you and hopefully the first fill will help!

Hi group, I was talking to the nutrionist about 3 weeks post op and she mentioned not yet being able to eat fruits aside from pureed and over ripe fruits. But what I really want to know is when did most of you start eating strawberries, kiwi, apples and pears. The nutritionist was opposed to strawberries and kiwi and other fruit with seeds because of the seeds regardless of whether or not I pureed them and threw them in a shake or something. As far as apples and pears, I'm guessing I'm going to have to peel them for the rest of my life? Does anyone eat them with the skins still? And, I also heard that oranges and other membrane fruits are not good...for life. Does that mean that no one on this forum eats these fruits? I guess I really need a "fruit" lesson. I'm going to discuss again with the nutritionist next week and see what may have changed and what I can now eat since it will then be 5 1/2 weeks post op. But I just wanted some feedback from all of you first. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for your feedback. I went to the doctor and he also thought it might be acid reflux. He gave me a Rx but I haven't yet taken it because these symptoms have gone away. What we think may have been happening was that I wasn't eating (drinking) enough and the stomach acids were leaking up out of my stomach at night when I was lying down because there wasn't enough food to soak them up...or something like that. Who knew not eating would have been the cause of that pain. Good news is now I'm getting food in me and the problem is gone. Thanks.

Hi all, My question is really quite simple but no one can seem to answer so I'm turning to all of you. I'm 4 weeeks post op. The question is: Is there any restriction when you don't yet have any fill? Here's my thoughts (and I don't know if it will make sense but I'm going to try and explain): Let's say the esophogus or whatever tube it is that runs down into your stomach is 3 inches in diameter. And then you get banded. At the time of banding, does the band squeeze that tube to 2 1/2 inches or does it remain at 3 inches as it is just sitting around the tube but not yet squeezing? If it is just technically sitting around the tube, you could still eat the same amount, right? But if it's squeezing, I could understand that there'd be some restriction. Granted, my measurements might be off. I have no idea what the diameter of the tube is but I hope you all get what I'm trying to say. At four weeks post op, I am wondering if I really do have restriction or if I have to wait to the first fill. I'm not about to test this theory because I would hate to get sick (and it's not worth it). But I really can't find the answer. Please advise. Thanks to all in advance. -P

Hi all, I'm three weeks post-op today. I had a hiatal hernia repaired during the surgery as well. I noticed that every morning I now wake up feeling as though my throat is dry and on fire. I need extra pillows and can't sleep laying down. When I breathe in not only does it hurt in my throat and chest but I can feel the air move all the way down through my esophagus (or whatever part of the body moves the air through you) and also up through my dry nose. I haven't found anything on line about this being common and am going to talk to my doctor tomorrow. Did anyone else experience this? I don't eat late and I can't imagine that I NOW have acid reflux since it wasn't ever a noticeable issue for me before the surgery despite the Dr repairing a hernia I never had a problem with before. Please weigh in. Thanks.