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My surgery was the 30th. I don't mind the liquid multi- I put in in cranberry juice and it's a Fluid. Tastes like a non alcoholic mai tai. But I want to go back to my reflux med protonix. not even a big pill and cutable. I cannot figure out why the surgeon is so against the small pills. How fast did you go back to pills, and how big were they? Thanks-Gwenn

Yes, another question from me. I would like to know if people are allowed to take pills? My surgeon is having me crush everything or take in liquid form. I hate it and am wondering if I'm alone. THanks_Gwenn

I wish I could take more. I'm very lucky to be able to do this (I do keep in touch with the office although I'm really not supposed to do so). I take walks a couple of times a day, and read and rest. I'm going to have to figure out how to get hte walking in once I go back, but I'm determined to do it. I have 3 weeks left and am going to enjoy the chance to take a break. Hope you're doing well. Gwenn

Okay, finally have pain just about gone. Just tenderness in and around port incision. Two weeks on Wednesday. And lost 20 pounds. HOWEVER, my backside is miserable. I'm either having diah. or hard, painful movements, often in the same day. I think I'm going too often. Can't figure it out other than the fact that I used to take Metamusil every day and suddenly, I'm not. Surgeon doesn't really want me to start again if possible, gastroenterologist says fibersource, etc won't do the same. I really feel caught and it's depressing me. I have been taking Probiotics and I'm going to reduce those because maybe I'm overdoing. I didn't realize that taking them I don't need lactaid. Also, they changed me from Protonix to previcid to get the soluables. Another thing with my surgeon. Only crushable pills. Everyone else takes small pills. I need to do something. BUt before I go nuts with changes and start fighting the doctors, did anyone else experience this. Oh, let me add in that my surgeon has everyone on 3 weeks of the liquid diet after surgery. Thanks, Gwenn

Banded April 30th. All else is going well, except my bowels. Anyone else having trouble. I go too much and vary between diar. and hard, painful stools. Even bleeding sometimes. Driving me crazy. Anyone else having this? Let me add that my sur. believes in three weeks liquid after surgery. So I'm hungry also. I feel yucky. Gwenn

I'm booked for June 4th. My surgeon books for 6 weeks following surgery. Hard for me to believe that the the port incision will heal by then, but I'm told it will. I'm two weeks this Wed. Gwenn

Today, I'm having one of "those days" and have a list of complaints, but truth is, and happily, none is major. I have sensitivity in the area around hte port- normal. Gas and diarrahea (sp?)- normal- I'm on liquids for three weeks. Pain in shoulder- no worst issue but it's a little better today. I'm told about two -three weeks for that one and I'm almost at 2. Itchy skin and my little bandaid strips have not come off. Reduced pain pills to 2 a day, cut in half. Hoping it will do it. I know there's a future with food again, but today I'm down. I feel silly being sad, because I have so much to be grateful for, but all these little things get very big sometimes. Anyone else or am I really the only one feeling this? Gwenn

Hi - I'm starting to fall into a routine...what I take when for example. It's great and I have a few weeks of it because I took a month off from work, but I can see that I'll have to build it all over again when I go back. I always get up as late as possible and rush to work. Now, I feel like I should get up earlier, and do things in the morning before going. I'm liking having my morning liquid while reading the paper, then walking, then hitting the computer, etc. I took the time because I feel like it's been 20 years since I've taken time to layback a bit. Now all I need is the lottery, right? Now if the shoulder pain would just stop, I'll be thrilled! And believe it or not, down 18 pounds. Freaky but good. Gwenn

I'm finding the same. I push then fall back. Then, feel better. I think some pushing is good. The body needs to move and go. And for our heads also. But rest is good too. I haven't move this afternoon. I have a couple of friends dropping by after work. My husband went out of town for a day so the company will be nice, but then it will be nice to just climb into bed. I'm hungrier today....but that's normal also. I guess I should stop watching the food network! LOL Gwenn

I've had the same thing. It is gas. Like a stitch in the side. I get it along the left side of the port and up. The surg told me yesterday that it's because of your body getting used to the foreign object in addition to the gas they put in, the swelling and the tunnel they create to hold the tube. He said that it's great how well one can feel, but even though the outside has minor incisions, the inside has had full-on surgery. And he said the incisions are deep. BUt your complaints are mine. I am trying to not be a martyr and skip the pain meds. The difference is huge so I'm going to cut myself a break and take them as directed. I just came back from a nice long walk and even picked up some flowers on the way back. It's cool and cloudy in LA and boy, does work and my desk seem far away today. Feels good. Gwenn

Thanks, Bea. The good news with all the stuff is that it's temporary. I find that walking sets it off (I do it anyway). I keep telling myself that the jiggling is helping it move and eventually move OUT! Other than this, I'm really doing well and even have 17 pounds off since my pre-op to now so the only people I complain to are here, as who else would get it, right? Thanks again and good luck. Gwenn

Thanks for the reply. I've tried heat and I guess I'll do it more. I also went to the chiropractor and he adjusted my neck and shoulder. I did help, so I'm going to go back. He also used the vibrating thingee....that worked also. My husband will love it when I ask him to go to the drugstore and buy me a vibrator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL! The darvocet helps a bit too, and the surgeon okayed more time on the pain pills. Take care. Gwenn

Day 7 for me. Wanted a week ago. Saw the surgeon yesterday. All great. My only and big complaint is the shoulder pain. Not only is there the gas, but it's my bad shoulder. When I breathe deeply, boy does that gas hurt. And hurts more when I walk, although I walk anyway as I was told it helps. Down 17 pounds from the pre-op to post-op. If anyone has heard any "cures" for the gas (shoulder and stomach), please pass them on. The surgeon said it may take another week or so - all I can say is thank goodness for the pain pills. Makes a difference. Have anyone taken gas away chewables or strips? Did it help? Thanks, Gwenn

I'm down 17 since pre-op visit. Went to surg for post-op yesterday. Day 6. Fill appt made for 5 weeks from now. My trouble is my shoulder. Terrible. Walked and still walking constantly but have the pain. That's my bad shoulder also. Anyone find anyting to disipate the gas? My belly is still very gassy as well. Please let me know of anything you've heard of that could help with this. Other htan shoulder pain and gas, I'm really feeling good. Thank goodness for Darvocet! Gwenn

Totally normal and common. The main reason is the gas and Fluid - it refers up to the shoulder. Walking feels awful but it does help a lot in the long run (no pun intended). I have a second theory though. I think that the position we're in on the table leads to pain in the shoulder is you have any joint problems at all. I do - I have a bad shoulder and forgot to say anything. I don't know how much it would have helped, but being strapped down in one position for an hour did me damage and add in the gas pain---wow---I"ve been really hurting. I'm on day 6 after banding and it's calming down, but I know it will be while before it's gone. Good luck. Gwenn

Hi All. I think I overdid it a bit with the intensive walking. I felt lousy this afternoon so I actually stopped and got into bed to watch a movie. Boy, that felt great. When I got up my stomach went crazy but I ended up doing some good in the bathroom (sorry, but it is what it is) and I feel better now! I have two types of discomfort. I'm going to the doc on Tuesday for post-op, but would like to hear if anyone is having what I am at 5 days. I feel some sticking or pulling type sensations under the skin of my abdomen- especially to the left of the port incision. And my skin is a little itchy and tender in the area as well. I'm thinking it's the inside stitching and the incision healing as well as just the swelling etc abating inside, but has anyone else had this? My incisions thank G-d are clean and dry. The second thing that's a little strange is that although my breathing is fine (I can easily pop all three balls up in that thingamigig) I occasionally "double breathe"- you know, that anxiety breath or the way ya breathe after a bad cry. Or I'm sitting and I suddenly take a sharper, deeper breath. Worse after drinking something. My husband thinks it's just that the diaphram and sternum are in the area of the surgery and are probably sore or have swelling up against them. And that's why it happens after eating. My girlfriend thinks it's mild anxiety (interesting). Anyone? Thanks, Gwenn

Los Angeles here! I was banded April 30, but thought I'd have more to talk about with the early May banders as all the April people will have had the banding ahead of me. Surgery was done at Cedars Sinai- Dr. Ted Kahlili Thanks-Gwenn

You all just saved me! I've been having the same trouble. That very very full, pressure feeling. I was nervous about it. Now I feel better reading that it's normal. I had bought one of the 42 grams of Protein "Jello shots"- tastes like warm jello- thingees. Only have to drink 3 1/2 ounces to get all that protein. Taste was not awful, not good but until I can get more of the other drinks in, this will go a long way to reaching my protein goal of 75 grams a day. Banded on April 30 and my biggest issue is feeling all kinds of little aches, spasms, pulls, etc. My husband said to relax, so I'm trying. I go to the doc on next Tuesday, day 6. Thanks -Gwenn

I feel better just reading everyone's posts. I was banded on the 30th, so this is the end of day 4. I never thought to tell my surgeon about the bad rotator cuff in my left shoulder, so much of my pain was after that arm had been held down in one position during surgery. And on top of that......I had the shoulder gas which is finally subsiding. I was good post-op. Read about how much walking helps here on the forum so I walked laps in the hospital every hour of day/night one and day two. Came home Friday and walked several times. Today too. I may be doing too much, but that's what I heard..walk, walk, walk. Most difficult thing for me is to get in or out of bed. OH MY GOODNESS. That hurts. I've been napping in chairs instead of the bed. I'm on Darvocet, and I'm holding at 3 a day right now. Why suffer, right? I'm more uncomfortable than in pain. The surgy strips are starting to stick and pull and I'm hoping my second shower will take some of them off. I am finding it difficult to drink enough. I feel so full - a full pressured feeling. If I drink more than a couple of ounces in an hour, I feel very pressured and full. Not a good full. So I called Friday to tell the nurse that I can't get in enough Protein drink. They said do the best I can. I tried one of the 3 1/2 oz protein "Jello shots"- 42 grams, and it wasn't toooo awful. So I'm getting in some protein. My doc does 3 weeks post op of liquid....yup. I don't mind. I like the choc atkins drinks, but I'm a little weirded out that I can't take much in. Anyone else experiencing this? Gwenn

It is hard to get all the Protein in. The good drinks are not more than 15 grams or so and it's hard to imagine drinking 5 of these a day, but I guess I'll feel more up to it as time goes on. Right now I'm taking half a cup and then adding a scoop of Protein powder to boost it up a bit. I think it will take a few days to reach the 77 grams they want me to have. As long as I keep adding each day I'm sure they'll be okay. No choice really.....can't take in too much yet. Thanks for your good wishes! Your turn soon. Gwenn

Hi Everyone! I'm Just Home Last Night From My Banding. Dr. Khalili And Group Were Great. Nurses Amazing. And May I Add That There's Nothing Like Cedars. Single Rooms, And They're All Recently Redone. It Was Like A Small Hotel Room With A State Of The Art Bed And And Lcd Tv. I Could Have Stayed. believe Everyone Who Says Walk, Walk, Walk. I Walked All The Time. Did Miles In The Hospital. Every Hours I Did 3-4 Times Around The Floor. Made A Huge Difference - My Bowels Came Back Quickly, The Gunk Came Up Easily From The Chest, Etc. Only Problem Was That I Forget That I've Been Doing Nothing Lately So My Calves And Ankles Are Killing Me-lol. Yes, I'm In Pain - The Stomach Muscles- Getting Up And Down Hurts- But It's Like Charley Horse Pain. Like Doing 500 Sit Ups The First Time You Exercise. Completely Normal For What Was Done And This Is Day Three So It Should Start Subsiding. The Worst Is Getting Out Of Bed, So I'm Not Getting Back In. Even In The Hospital I Stayed In The Chair, Not The Bed. My Throat Is Still Smarting From The Tubing, But It's Getting Better As Well. I'm Finding It Tough To Get Down All The Drinking (4-6 Ounces And Hour) Because My Stomach Feels Very Very Full, But That Will Also Pass In A Day Or So. Got To Go As I Must Move Around Some. Just Wanted To Check In, And Tell Everyone That Team Was Great And I'm Doing Well. Gwenn

Thanks so much. Listen, we're the ones who understand each other. We've all been through the same pattern of dieting and years of feeling like we're failing. So when someone comes along that really can make the difference, and one decided to go ahead, of course we want it now. But in the end, for me, I was actually better off waiting. Today I spent an hours in the Vitamin Shoppe, which is similar to GNC. I bought liquid Vitamins and high dose liquid Protein to try (it was gross), and egg white protein samples. In the end, I'll probably stick to Atkins drinks- they're fine. I observe Passover, but Monday I'm stocking up on those organic broths that come in boxes. I feel much more comfortable when I've prepared. The more I have set-up, the less I can trip-up. Thanks again and good luck to both of us. Gwenn

I hate to say this...but you need to reign it in and be patient. I really made myself nuts and in the end I think not being able to have it done within six weeks was a good thing. Instant gratification is something we all share....that's why we can eat all the bread on the table instead of just waiting for the waiter to bring the food, etc etc. Sipping drinks and putting a fork down between bites, and especially chewing small pieces take patience. It took me a while to figure this one out....I had made myself nuts over getting it done. Two weeks or so for the appointments isn't bad at all. In the meantime, you can bug your docs office. AND, very often they can give you the referral authorization number before the paper is mailed to you....that can save you a week or so. I found the tests very easy to schedule at Cedars. The Upper GI and abominal ultrasound are at Mark Taper Imaging and they're great! The echo/stress can take a little longer for an appointment, but get the referral numbers early. If your doctor supports you in this, it all goes easier. The worst wait was the insurance. I'm Blue Shield. It took about 2 and a half weeks to get the final okay. Got to go. I'm banding on Wednesday, and won't have the computer this weekend, but I'll check in on Monday. Good talking with you. Gwenn

Hi Sharon. I'm on the 30th. My doctor doesn't put us on liquid before...but I'm on for 3 weeks after. I tried liquid for a day and had trouble- so I added protein. Just keeping it low key. GOOD LUCK. Gwenn

I'm in Los Angeles. About a mile from Cedars Sinai so in this, I'm lucky. I met with Dr. K on Jan 4th. Only saw him for a couple of minutes as most was info taking, etc. I wanted to do the surgery in late Feb. but the insurance took almost 3 weeks to okay. I had a major event to handle for work in March/April so I had to wait. Suggestion. If you want this to happen quickly, it's up to you to make it happen. Before you leave his office, schedule the appointments you make there- the class, and meetings with nutritionist and social worker. Then get your doctor to work with you on quick referrals for the tests. I was a bit crazy to do it, but I had all in ten days. My office is great about this stuff and I had a time schedule, although it didn't work out. I had my abdominal utrasound, upper GI and stress cardio in a week. Exhausting but it was all behind me quickly. Once all tests are done, and insurance okays, it's less then a month to surgery. Mine took 4 only because I couldn't do it March or most of April. Best of luck-keep in touch. Gwenn