harleymom

I did not get an infection, but I had a SEVERE reaction to the bandages. It was swollen red, and itched like crazy. My dr. had to prescribe me a strong steroid cream to reduce the inflammation, itching, and burning. He said it would also cover the problem in case there was any yeast near the wound ...never heard that before, but I usually have a reaction to bandages but never anything this severe. Also, my hospital gave me special washing soap to rid my body of any "staph" before going in. I had to use it the night before and the morning of...That was a new technique...but also comforting due to our numerous cases around this area...Good luck!!

I am not a stomach sleeper, but I am able to comfortably sleep now on myside. For the first few nights, I could only sleep on my back, (which is not good for someone who has sleep apnea) but I do also think that it helped with the gas because I woke up the second morning and my stomach felt flatter . It took me almost a week before I could sleep comfortably on my side. I had to prop pillow us in front of my stomach..I thought...ugghh! this is horrible, but as with everything else, it will pass. Good luck!

I agree with LiseSeattle...Walk, walk, walk. I did not have severe pain, but I literally started walking the moment I got home. I walked in my house from room to room, then I got out and walked down my driveway (which is short) and then around my yard..Slowly of course because I was sore, but the gas was not a real issue with me. I did not have to take ANY GasX (my nurse told me that it really wouldn't work anyway because it was really for intestinal gas and the gas we experience is outside the organs due to the expanding of our stomachs) Good luck, keep up the faith!!

It is very hard to sit and watch while those around us are eating. I actually cried for several days when my boyfriend ate in front of me. I thought. "can't you see I am eating liquid shakes and you are frying food in front of me, how could you be so inconsiderate?" but then I started telling myself that he wasn't doing it to be mean, it was a decision I had made, and tried to find something else to do while he was eating. He even said, "I don't like eating in front of you, can't you eat some mashed potatoes or something?" He was trying to justify his eating and didn't realize it was just making it hard on me. I think the tears actually drove the point home. They just don't understand. Hang in there, tell him it is very hard on you and surely he will eat where you can't see him. Know that we are there with you (you know the old, been there done that statement)...:smile:

It sounds like you are off to a great start. I have been banded for 10 days now and my suggestion is to walk as much as possible. I walked the day of surgery around my house, yard, etc. It helps SOO much with the gas pains and to be honest, I think that is why I did not experience the pain that some of my friends did. They lay in bed for 2-3 days, but I was walking as soon as possible and as much as my body would let me..(after all, we did just have surgery, so I was not able to get in miles......Good luck and keep up with the positive thinking...

I am also having the insane itching... I used hydrocortisone cream because I actually had a rash and SEVERE red patches where the bandages were. I went to my doctor and he had to prescribe me with an extra cream to "speed up" the reaction. Good luck.. the hydrocortisone cream can be found at any store and also I use a cool wash cloth. It really helps stop the "itchies". You can try Neosporin on the incisions, it will help keep the incision from being so dry...but check with your surgeon first. Good luck!!:thumbup:

I have been using a CPAP for fifteen years now. I learned I had sleep apnea when I had my first child. Yes, they are "different" but boy do they help. My ex used to call me darth vader, but the new machines are quiet and much more comfortable. Glad I kept the machine and said goodbye to him...:lol:Good luck, and yes, it is very important that you use your machine. Sleep apnea is when you quit breathing at night...we had one case in our town where a known police officer died due to sleep apnea..so use the machine! :thumbup: It will help you sleep and make you feel better.

I am so glad I am not the only one with these feelings. I was banded on Good Friday, 3/21, and have asked myself this everyday. I have actually cried everyday...There are SOOO many food commercials, cooking shows, and family eating around me that I sit there and think, will I ever be able to eat that again? Was this worth it? Am I a failure to have to resort to this to lose weight? and the best one, how much will this cost me to "undo" this...I have this "thing" in me and I want it out now! ... and now I guess I just feel stupid for not being able to do this on my own like so many other peopel can. I have actually sat and felt as if this band is the worst idea I have ever had, but after reading some of your posts, maybe this is normal and things will get better...Thanks for all your posts...