A New New Dawn

For me, it was sore and most uncomfortable when I slept and when I sat at my desk at work. On occasion I took Aleve if it really bothered me and that helped. I remember putting a low profile pillow under the side of my stomach and slept on my side and that seemed to help too. I wouldn't overexert yourself but moving is good to keep the healing process going. I also had weeks of feeling like the tubing or something was jabbing into my ribs when I sat at my desk and would have to make sure I was sitting up very tall and sometimes held in my side. Thankfully, that passed. I was concerned it wouldn't but it did. Hang in there and don't hesitate to call your dr as they are there to support us through this and even the nurses can assess or assist over the phone too.

best of luck on this time around.. I hope it goes through for you.

It is always great to hear stories from seasoned lap banders. Thanks for inspiring us newer ones! Yay, for the band!! You are a great success story.

You may want to call your doctor and see what they say. The port is the most painful incision since it is the largest and where they are most invasive. My port started bothering me around the same time and the doctor told me it was just the swelling and me still healing. But trust your instincts and call the doctor if you are concerned. Feel better soon.

I have never heard of that approach! I agree with Missy to insist that you don't want it that tight if you cannot swallow your own saliva. That is ridiculous. If you are still this way in the a.m. I would call his office. I hate for you to go to the ER as they often will drain the band completely; however, if you are miserable then please don't wait. I hope this passes quickly. The swelling will subside in a couple days but I you don't need it too tight unnecessarily. Just trust your instincts and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself.

I actually bought some spray hydrocortisone (from Walgreens) and sprayed it on my belly because it itched so much. As long as nothing gross is coming out of it....

I agree with calling your insurance and seeing what their requirements are. Make sure your insurance covers the surgery (some employers opt out of it for cost savings). Also, some will accept you at a lower BMI if you have other comorbities (sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc).

Sounds like you have a great attitude through all of this! I hope this resolves itself soon!! Glad you are still rocking that new tummy and boobs!

Hi there, I am not sure if you tried to include a link but I don't see the recipe if you did.

I found the syrup and diet hot chocolate and made this... it was very yummy!!! I even got fancy and added a squirt of canned whipped cream (only 15 cal for 2 T). It was more for the visual aspect. But I like it just fine w/ out too. I found the syrup at Target.

What kind of medication are you referring to?

I have heard some people have trouble with lettuce but did ok with the shredded lettuce. Maybe you could try a small quantity of that, well chewed and see if it works.

Great news and congrats on your success!!!!!

agree, it's normal....

I agree! I make her ez mac n cheese recipe and my kids love it too w/ broccoli and laughing cow wedges! I make it with multigrain pasta though for the added protein and nutrition...

If you are in pain, I would suggest calling your doctor's office and let them determine if it's anything serious or not. I know many people that get pain if they overeat (including myself) where it's like the nerve in my stoma going straight to my head and gives me a headache. But, I wouldn't want to assume you are having the same thing.

you can order the premier protein on Amazon too but the shipping is a lot. if you have a costco nearby, I am sure they have them in store. http://www.amazon.com/Premier-Protein-High-Shake-Chocolate/dp/B00796NFHS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357784146&sr=8-1&keywords=premier+protein+shake

You know, I had stuck moments early on (even before my first fill) w/ meat that was too dry and it was agonizing and painful and I was literally foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog. However, now after 3 fills and feeling like I am pretty much "in the zone" and have much more restriction, I don't have pain persay. Recently, when food didn't want to go down, it just made me nauseous and the food came back up or I helped it back up as I couldn't take the uncomfortable nausea any longer. I think the nausea and/or vomiting is the result of being "stuck". Granted this doesn't happen often but I just think the "stuck" sensation changed for me after getting fills. Weird and gross but my modesty was lost about 6 months ago when I got banded! Can't say I ever had the projectile issue though.... Still, would talk to your doctor though as this is just my experience and I am certainly not medically qualified.

It really does vary on the insurance you have. Did they tell you they require any preop diet? I have BCBSIL and they did away with that requirement so it went very quickly. I did; however, have to meet w/ the pyschologist, lung dr, my reg. dr., and get some bloodwork done prior to surgery. The longest was trying to get in w/ the pyschologist for me. Some people's insurance requires a 6 month preop diet, etc. so the biggest factor is what your insurance requirements are and also your starting BMI. I was at about 50 w/ 2 comorbidities (sleep apnea, and high blood pressure) so I was approved very easily as well. Once it was submitted to the insurance for approval, within a week I heard back I was approved. Keep in mind, some people do not immediately get approved. Don't lose faith. Many times the insurance just needs something clarified or needs additional documentation. Also, do your homework on the band and write down any questions you may have for your visit to make sure this is for you. Lastly, while this site is a great source of support and a wealth of knowledge of people's experiences, remember to follow YOUR doctor and nutritionist's instructions. One thing you will see here is how our doctors all do things a little differently. Your doctor knows you and your medical history, so follow his/her instructions. Best wishes on your journey.

Very exciting, welcome to "the other side".

I had an issue with my incision a few weeks out. It turned out not to be infected but yet the dissovible stitches didn't fully dissolve. He went in and snipped out what didn't and all was good. It was pretty minor. Hopefully, yours is minor too.

Also, there is "smart pop" popcorn that is already popped that is pretty tasty and low cal (35 cal per cup) that you can buy too.

I have been hoping to see before and after pics as I couldn't fathom how it must feel to be so successful. You look great and have quite a "glow" about you! You have a lot to be proud of. Thank you for sharing!! I started this journey with about 140 lbs to lose and wondered if I could lose that much weight. Good knowing it can be done. By the way, I found the sugar free caramel syrup and made my homemade caramel mocha this a.m. YUM!! Just curious, how does it feel now? Do you feel like you have changed physically and emotionally? Your kids must be so proud of you too!!

You definitely don't want to especially while you are still healing. However, I have more than a few times over the past months and my dr. has not been concerned. I was scared after it happened the first time (happened after getting my first fill). My doctor didn't get worried about it. If you were to get the flu or something though, to where you may be repeatedly I would definitely call your dr. as they can prescribe an anti-nausea medicine. If you are concerned, I would call you doctor's office and maybe talk to the nurse to hear what they say.

Congrats! That is great that you have a good support system too!! Enjoy this journey.