Joy332

My Meal Timer. Put out by True Results but anyone can get it.

I have had no fills and I have exactly the same reaction to food. My clinic had me do a barium swallow and it showed I had quite a bit of restriction from Fluid put in during surgery but that it was not too much and since I lost more than the weight loss target of 5 lbs, they thought my restriction level was fine. But, I told them I was very uncomfortable every time I ate, feeling like the food was stuck in my esophagus. It was not a bad "stuck" episode with sliming or PB'ing but uncomfortable nonetheless. The nurse said exactly what other responders have said, take tiny bites, chew at least 30 seconds and then wait at least 30 seconds to a minute before taking the next bite. There is an app for smart phones that will help you time your bites. I thought I was eating slowly but I was not...the timer really helps slow you down. Good luck!

I have had no fills and I have exactly the same reaction to food. My clinic had me do a barium swallow and it showed I had quite a bit of restriction from Fluid put in during surgery but that it was not too much and since I lost more than the weight loss target of 5 lbs, they thought my restriction level was fine. But, I told them I was very uncomfortable every time I ate, feeling like the food was stuck in my esophagus. It was not a bad "stuck" episode with sliming or PB'ing but uncomfortable nonetheless. The nurse said exactly what other responders have said, take tiny bites, chew at least 30 seconds and then wait at least 30 seconds to a minute before taking the next bite. There is an app for smart phones that will help you time your bites. I thought I was eating slowly but I was not...the timer really helps slow you down. Good luck!

My Meal Timer. Put out by True Results but anyone can get it.

Ok, so I went and got my second fill of 1 1/2 cc's which puts me at a total of 4 cc's. But im having trouble eating. As I chew and swallow I feel the food stop at the band and it is immediately uncomfortable. After a few seconds i then feel the food pass through the band. This seems to happen with most meals. My Doctor assures me that I am not in the green zone yet because I am only maintaining my weight and not losing any. But what am I suppose to do if this discomfort continues? I do admit to having a lot of trouble taking small bites and chewing everything up good so could that be the problem? I hope so...And just so I can get some perspective can anyone describe their bite sizes when they eat, I think if I could get a better visual of the proper bite size it may help me. Thanks.

When I originally went to my nutritionist, she told me my bites should be no bigger than my fingernail. Yes, that's really small. It took some time to get used to it but now it's second nature. I also put my fork or spoon down between bites so I don't accidentally shovel more in too soon.

One of my best friends had this. She had lots of side effects--high blood pressure, inflammation of eyes, and actually gained weight. She chose to do the radioactive iodine treatment and now takes synthroid. Barbara Bush had graves's too.

Hey rbmk14! Dr. Reilly was my surgeon too. He was fine...very business-like and professional. Staff in the office leave a bit to be desired, but the nurses were very nice and both anesthesiologists were great! Dr. Reilly has lots of experience and I think you will be very happy with him.

Thanks so much for all the kind responses. I am continuing to have this painful fullness, but I have hope now that it will eventually go away!

I had exactly the same pre-op diet and I did not have diarrhea but I did have the headache from hell on days 2-4--take tylenol. This is a tough diet. I would have a shake for Breakfast and lunch, one cup of fruit (an apple for example) mid afternoon, and then the Protein and veggie for dinner. Post-op: get lots of different Clear Liquids as some will make you gag after awhile (get diet juice, Water, broth, and bouillion, SF Jello, and SF popsicles). Also get gas-x, a heating pad, and a small firm pillow to hold against your incisions in the beginning, whenever needed (like coughing or in my case, merely breathing). Make sure your doc gives you pain meds and nausea meds. Good luck! We will be here when you are on the other side so we can help/commiserate with you then! You will do great!

I had exactly the same pre-op diet and I did not have diarrhea but I did have the headache from hell on days 2-4--take tylenol. This is a tough diet. I would have a shake for Breakfast and lunch, one cup of fruit (an apple for example) mid afternoon, and then the Protein and veggie for dinner. Post-op: get lots of different Clear Liquids as some will make you gag after awhile (get diet juice, Water, broth, and bouillion, SF Jello, and SF popsicles). Also get gas-x, a heating pad, and a small firm pillow to hold against your incisions in the beginning, whenever needed (like coughing or in my case, merely breathing). Make sure your doc gives you pain meds and nausea meds. Good luck! We will be here when you are on the other side so we can help/commiserate with you then! You will do great!

Hi Binx,
The Soup is awaiting in Pennsylvania
I can only feel my port, not the band. I hope I will never feel the band, actually.
The big news was yesterday that I was able to roll on my side at night (both directions).

Thanks mrsinto. I appreciate your reply--very helpful. I will try to find some unflavored unsweetened Protein Powder.< /p>

Thanks mrsinto. I appreciate your reply--very helpful. I will try to find some unflavored unsweetened Protein Powder.< /p>

I haven't been banded yet - I am sure many on here will have good advice for you - likely including walking (even slowly) as much as possible and that calling your doc tomorrow is a good idea. I just wanted you to know I saw your message and I have faith it will get better! Hang in there!

I have been in my bed since the day of surgery (last wednesday, June 26th). I felt better laying flat on my back in bed than in a chair/recliner. I got a little step stool and have figured out how to step-up, get on the bed on my knees and kind of fall over with my little pillow over my stomach. Sounds kind of ridiculous writing it, but I was proud when I could get into bed by myself haha. Getting out of bed takes a little longer but includes my little pillow over my stomach, some fancy rolls, and my bedside table. You'll figure it out. I think after the first week you will have learned some tricks that work for you. My sister was with me the day I had surgery, but I've been alone during the day since then. I stopped taking my pain meds last night so I can drive, but I'm not quite up to it. I think a week out you should be ok. good luck!

Everything will be fine! Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way!

I am ony 3 days post-op and I can certainly relate to how you are feeling. I have had some serious pain and definitely questioned why I inflicted this on myself! I have bad shoulder pain, pain near the left rib cage, and big pain, mostly on the left side when I take a deep breath. I had to get my sister to stay with me because I could not get out of bed without someone pulling me out!! Holding a small firm pillow against my incisions seems to help. As the replies above indicate, this will pass and we will soon feel so much better, but in the meantime, we need to take our prescribed pain meds as prescribed (mine is every 4 hours) and that helps some (though not so much with the gas pain). I too am not able to get much down...the sweet juices and Protein Shakes turn my stomach and I am pretty sick of broth. Last night for the first time, I got really nauseated and took the phenergan the doctor prescribed. Despite the pain and nausea, I know that this rough patch will pass and we will soon feel great and lose some major pounds! Keep your chin up, we are all in the same boat and are there to commiserate with you!

Hi All, I am still working (from home). I will take a cab at 1pm to be there at 1.30pm. My "date" in the OR is at 3.30pm. I will be back home tomorrow and I will let you guys know how it went. Right now I have to meet this deadline at work.. Something to keep my mind off of worrying about this decision

Well I am banded. I arrived at 6:00am. We did paperwork and I changed and was on the table for 8:30 and woke up in the recovery at 10:00 and was in my room at 10:30. I feel ok as long as I was laying. Went I got up to walk I was very nausea and would gag. So the nurse gave me nausea medicine. I slept most of the afternoon and was sore when I tried to get out of bed. I stayed at the hospital 1 night my choice so I had good care and had some pain medicine around 7:00. I feel more sore today maybe because of the gas not sure. I am rest in bed and every hour I do my walk around the house. I am taking Tylenol for pain but can still feel it. It is hard to get comfortable on the bed. I am sure it will be better on day 3 and day 4. Good Luck everyone!!

Yep our stories are very similar! Thanks everyone for your comments and encouragement...it is so helpful. I hope we all wake up tomorrow feeling much better!!

Hi JerseyGirl! I am happy to offer support and encouragement. The doctors will know how to handle the blood thinner problem. Also, you will feel hungry on the pre-op diet, but once you are banded, you won't be so hungry at all. I am 2 days out from surgery and I am not hungry. I know hunger will return soon, but I will worry about that when it comes! Try just worrying about today and deal with tomorrow's problems later. The band fills will help you feel satisfied with very small meals, so you will be working closely with your clinic to reach that perfect balance of fill and hunger. Everyone is anxious pre-op, so just know that you are not alone in your fears. This is not an easy journey but the success of many other bandsters is inspiring. We can all be success stories!

Congrats, Joy! Thanks for posting, glad to hear it went well for you. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, hope the gas goes way soon. 48 hrs to go until I am banded- your post gave me lots of encouragement.

Congratulations, Joy332! I am happy to hear that you are doing fine. They say that when you start walking it may go away. Have a quick recovery!!

Wow Joy332!
You will be one of the first in our group. Let us know how you are doing after the surgery.. At least you have less time to worry before