katwrenz

Cindy, my advice to you is walk, walk, walk. I was also banded on Nov 1. I required 2 days of IV's post op, because any sips of liquids would cause spasm. I use CPAP and my Dr. thought perhaps this aggravated the situation by passively forcing air into my esophagus while I slept. After that the gas was trapped and I was quite uncomfortable, walking "encourages" the intestines to get going after anesthesia. Additionally I was given a dose of steroids IV to help decrease swelling in my band area so I could take fluids. Make sure the fluids you are taking in are at least room temp(it's a relative term, my room was about 60 degrees) if the fluids are cold it encourages spasms. Hang in there it will pass. I also questioned why I would do this to myself at one point, I was so frustrated, doing everything I was told and not getting anywhere. 1 week post and I am only down 3lbs but very thankful for that and I feel great. I went home from the hospital 8lbs heavier than on admit, in part to all of the IV's I received. Like I said hang in there, this is just a small portion in you life and like my Mom used to say "this too shall pass". You will look back in a few months and realize it was worth the few days/weeks of discomfort to regain control of your life. Keep walking and I hope that gas bubble takes a road trip south very soon. Kathy Banded Nov 1. Tampa, Fl Dr. Aguilla

Hi, guys, I was also banded on Nov. 1 and I am doing great........hungry but great!. I had a rough couple of days post op. I use CPAP and my surgeon thought this possibly added additional air to my gut........that was trapped, wouldn't go up or down. In addition to the gas pain, I couldn't take fluids without significant spasms. I only managed 3 oz in 12 hours. I required 48 hours of IV fluids, they also gave me a dose of steroids to help reduce the inflammation of the pouch. The morning after the steroids I felt like a new woman and was ready for discharge. today was the first time I have had a spasms since I've been home......it was from Jello and lasted several hours. I am looking forward to full liquids next week. Went for my first post op visit and I was only down 3 lbs, it was disappointing but............when I got home from the hospital I was UP 8 lbs from my pre-op wgt ( from the IVF) and considering I walked the halls incessantly at a brisk pace to help move the gas along (I stopped counting after literally 12 miles) but I am truly THANKFUL that I was able to have it done and was fortunate enough to have insurance cover it. I started with heart disease at 41 and hope to avoid and future problems. I look forward to a longer and healthier life, and wish all of you the best Banded Nov. 1st 2007 14lb wgt loss before surgery and 3 more this week, 70 lbs to go Tampa, Florida Dr. Aguilla