mrsto

Take some Gas-X and walk around. I had very bad shoulder pain for 2-3 weeks post-op, then it stopped. I hear many say that they don't have it, but it kicks in a bit when they eat a little too much. For some, it's their first signal. I had my second fill about 2 weeks ago, and have had left shoulder pain ever since. It doesn't seem to be related to eating, and I'm ready to cut MY arm off, too! The nurse told me to take Gas-X & see what happens. I don't want an un-fill, because my eating has been really good. She didn't seem to think the two were connected, because if I was too tight, I'd be having eating problems. I'll give it another week. WheelCrazy - when I couldn't take the shoulder pain anymore, I took a swig of Lortab. It helped for awhile (until it wore off), but I could only take it when I didn't have to go anywhere.

Same for me... Full liquids included creamy soups; Campbell's cream of potato, mushroom, etc. As long as I strained out the solids. I love Campbell's creamy tomato, but I was told to avoid tomato post-op because of the acid. Greek yogurt wasn't allowed at that point, but frozen yogurt was. I think because the frozen yogurt melts to a watery consistency.

Lab - that is PAINful!

I do this too......make a pot of chili, or gound turkey/beef cooked with refried and black beans. It's great - scoop out a portion, nuke it - good to go :-)

WOW - I'm surprised at the cost of the fills. I guess that's what I have to look forward to, once my flat $1,500 upfront fee runs out. That's what my doctor required, to cover the first year of aftercare.....including fills. Insurance didn't cover any part of that fee, but I pay nothing every time I go for an office visit. If I sat down & worked it out; cost of service less insurance payment, I've probably paid a lot more with the flat fee. But.....there was no way around it.

How soon after? Your profile doesn't have any information about your surgery.

Stephanie - just take small sips & drink slowly right now. I don't believe that liquid can stretch the pouch, but I have to say that I've had the same question running through my head. In the beginning, I was bloated like you, but it's completely gone, and now I can drink almost like before surgery. Just because I can, I wonder if it's okay?? I'll be interested to see the responses by more seasoned veterans

When I had my surgery, I was re-educated that Protein ALWAYS comes first. Then a bit of veggies and complex carb. Dense Proteins are what gives us satiety on smaller portions, and for longer periods. I have found this to be true, and when my ratio of protein to veggies & carbs changes, I'm hungry sooner. Sounds like you need a fill.

I will call my doctor today, just to touch base. I don't believe this is the kind of left arm pain that comes with heart issues. I think it's more of a referred pain; possibly from my diaphragm.....as Stephanie said.

Shelly - it's like you quoted my life story. It was that way for all of my years, up until I lost 90 pounds 14 years ago. After that, I opened up and found my life. I still have a sh-tload of hangups, but my life is good......weight and all. Now, I just need to deal with the demons. At close to 58 years old, I honestly think that most of them are here to stay Thanks for you post - loved it!!

When I had my last fill, my left shoulder and upper arm hurt; just like when I had gas pain after surgery. Now, the shoulder pain is gone, but the left arm pain remains. It's been close to two weeks. Has anyone had this issue? I really don't want to have any fluid removed, because food wise I'm in a good place.

Good for you! I have the SAME exact picture, taken about 13 years ago. I had lost about 75 pounds, and took myself skydiving :-) I also did a tandem jump; loved the free fall, but got motion sickness once the shoot opened. That was the LONGEST 7-8 minutes of my life - LOL!

LOVE it!

Bridgett - I may also take myself in to see the therapist at my doctor's office. I liked her, and she deals specifically with eating/weight issues. I have good days with this, and I have very sloppy days when I eat too much of the wrong thing. And when I do that, I have all the fears of being a failure after going through ALL of this. Unfortunately, the band isn't a cure, and all the work still boils down to us. I'm so sick of dealing with this issue.....I don't EVEN have the words to describe it!! As my cousin says......it's a curse. But I figure, every day that I open my eyes in the morning, is a new day, and a clean start. Today is that day, and I'll keep moving forward. The great news is, that there isn't any deadline with weight loss. It's a continuous work in progress.....band or no band I wish you the best, too

Is there a therapist at your doctor's office? It may help you to talk to someone. It's a lot to deal with, and I feel so bad for you. It's not easy, and not everyone succeeds. However, that doesn't mean that you CAN'T succeed. I honestly think that a therapist that deals with these issues, could help you with (at least) the sense of hopelessness. I sure know that one

Stephanie - congrats! I'm glad to hear that things went well Rest is the best thing right now; that, and walking to help the shoulder pain. Hopefully that won't stay with you for very long. Keep us posted on your progression........welcome to the other side!!!

When did you have your surgery? Recently, there were a couple of other posts with the same issue. One (as I recall) found out that it was the whey Protein in the shakes. She switched to another type of Protein powder, but I don't think (or I didn't see) that she posted the outcome.

I like to make egg salad with low fat mayo. I can make enough for 3-4 days, and it's easy. Also - high Protein, which I think is a better choice over a full-on carb breakfast. String cheese is a good "on the go" food. If I know I'm on the move, I'll take some of the egg salad and make 1/2 sandwich. Then, there is always a ready made Protein shake, but I"m SO sick of shakes, that I only grab that when the thought of food makes me ill.

The pea Protein is pretty good....I used to drink it. There is also egg white Protein Powder, which is also another good alternative. Here is a link to the website, but you can pick it up in most any health food store. vanilla.asp" rel="external nofollow">http://www.jayrobb.com/protein/egg-white-protein-vanilla.asp

I usually ALWAYS need something at night; hungry or not. My doctor discourages it, but it's something I'm not willing to give up. I told him that I'm like a baby who needs a bottle in order to sleep

Thanks for the info......I may give them a try. Stool softeners never did anything for me, so I don't bother with them.

Yep - NO carbonation. Not worth the potential havoc it can wreak with the band.

I've had fat free before, and hate it. It doesn't give the creaminess of the regular or low fat. I ended up throwing it out. BUT, that's not to say that you won't like it. Maybe pick up the smallest jar and see what you think

I use Best Foods (Hellman's) Light Mayo. LOVE it! It's 35 calories per tablespoon, and works great in everything I've used it for. I think the answer to your question is, if you use full fat mayo, just be sure to count the calories. I avoid it now, because I don't get enough bang for my buck (so to speak).

Where do you buy the gummy probiotics?