vericks

Congratulations on your upcoming band. We wish you the very best. My "runs" came after surgery, but I didn't have any preop diet per say. Keep this thread out there and someone has the answer. Ask your doctor if this is common in the preop diet phase. Get yourself lots of pillows, even a neck pillow was helpful, the kind you put around your neck. Mine even vibrated. Lemonade Gatorade was wonderful (and I am not a Gatorade person). Make sure you order your pain prescription ahead of time. I had a bad reaction to my first pain medication, got it changed and did so much better. Heating pad, a must. Walk, walk, walk, but carefully. And a new life begins! Vickie

Yay for you! I have been banded going on my third week now. This is a sight you want to stay glued to. They can help you through any problem or get you motivated to get to your doctor when you need to. The first week was kind of rough but I had a hernia repair also. If you can get past that things are going great. I am healing and up and about. I have began to tread mill the last couple of days. I will be getting my first fill next week. Lots of mushies, really got hooked on the mashed potatoes this week, but have to watch the amount. I found the creamy tomato soup to be so soothing. You need to get a heating pad and lots of pillows. I got a wedge pillow which helped me stay slanted and comfortable, also a neck pillow came in handy. Make sure you get the protein drinks that say they are low in carbs, Atkins etc. I loved the GatorAid Lemonade (I don't usually like gatoraid) but it seem to settle well and kept my electrolytes up. Something that I wasn't told was about the pain in the shoulder and neck from the gas they use to pump you up for surgery. If this occurs it takes a couple of weeks to ease up. I just used a lot of cold/heat compresses. Watch the pain medication. I was sensitive to the first pain medication, kept getting sick from it. I switched and was so much the better. Like they say its better to get up even if to walk around a few rooms than lay still. The purpose mostly to get your intestinal issues moving as quickly as you can. If you can go to the potty, it's a big deal and seems to ease up the after surgery shutdown (as I like to call it). So if grape juice works for you, drink it. Lastly, when in doubt call the doctor. This site really will help you, keep in touch. All of us are rooting for you! Vickie

Hopefully by now you have this under control. What did your doctor do for you? Are you doing better? Was it due to too much tightness? My thoughts are with you and hope this finds you having a better day. vickie

I have been banded going on my third week and I have the same issues. I haven't had a fill. I keep losing and gaining two pounds. I am trying to cut back on my carb mushies (potatoes, puddings) to see if that makes a change. I get my first fill in another week, perhaps that will bring about a loss of pounds. I lost thirteen pounds initially but nothing except a pound since. Hang in there until your fill. Vickie

Sorry when things like that happen. Why don't people give complete information, it gets so frustrating, but you are going back Thursday and that will be over. Good results, I am getting at a bit of the hungry stage also. I keep filling up with the water and liquids. Helps some. Vickie

I use to live in Houston back in the 1985 for about six years, then in Dallas about 4. Love those Texans, and miss them. I still have a son living in Arlington Texas. We live in North Carolina now, love those North Carolinians also, and are very happy here as well. Sounds like you've done well. I got banded this week and this is my best day yet, looking forward to continual improvement and success. Keep us informed! Vickie

Thanks DVSA Boss Your feedback was soooooo inspirational and promising. I need to remind myself a step at a time. Yay, another over fifty, we are out there! Vickie

Hey Jude, (had to say that line, makes me chuckle) Anyway, It has now been nine days since the operation and today I am feeling quite well thank you. Hurray! So if I can get through this I know you will. I felt the same as you, high blood pressure and diabetes was comin around the mountain. I even went out and about today and enjoyed it immensly. Admittedly the first week had a few ups and downs, but got them in control quickly due to the encouragement of my fellow bandsters. Stick with the Bandster group, they will lead you through, they did for me! Good Luck, let us know how you are doing! Vickie

Hey my boys think Vin Diesel is a real mans man, so I guess if that counts for anything you got there vote!

Okay with some minor setbacks (however major at the time, and dang it, it hurt!) I got banded and hernia repaired on May 9th. Didn't do so bad the first couple of days. Was able to pee which is very necessary to help the hospital staff believe you are back from the living dead. Didn't feel extreme pain. Hospital stay was not most pleasant, too isolate, too old, too behind the times, so I was anxious to get out. Maybe a little too anxious. I left the next day after surgery. Unfortunately, I had some set backs with a reaction to the pain medication (was hurting me more than helping) fixed that and got a new pain medication, also my intestinal works just stopped on me. After a night in the emergency center we got that under control also. I came back home still struggling with pain in the shoulder and neck due to the air pumped in my body during surgery. My doctor says this should subside substantially in about 3 weeks time. I sure hope so. My stiches were never a problem. Minimal pain in the abdomen, had a few issues with sleeping, nausea and couldn't keep anything down for couple of days, day of stomach bloating and shut down of intestinal issues, got it all fixed… now moving around fairly easy and things are appearing to be on the way up. Saw my doctor, lost 13.5 pounds the first week. Today my husband and I went to a movie (May 18) and I even got a small non-fat/non-sugar yummy peach and vanilla yogurt. Life is looking good and I hope I will be looking better with each day. I have hope, something I thought I lost!:clap2: :kiss

Okay with some minor setbacks (however major at the time, and dang it, it hurt!) I got banded and hernia repaired on May 9th. Didn't do so bad the first couple of days. Was able to pee which is very necessary to help the hospital staff believe you are back from the living dead. Didn't feel extreme pain. Hospital stay was not most pleasant, too isolate, too old, too behind the times, so I was anxious to get out. Maybe a little too anxious. I left the next day after surgery. Unfortunately, I had some set backs with a reaction to the pain medication (was hurting me more than helping) fixed that and got a new pain medication, also my intestinal works just stopped on me. After a night in the emergency center we got that under control also. I came back home still struggling with pain in the shoulder and neck due to the air pumped in my body during surgery. My doctor says this should subside substantially in about 3 weeks time. I sure hope so. My stiches were never a problem. Minimal pain in the abdomen, had a few issues with sleeping, nausea and couldn't keep anything down for couple of days, day of stomach bloating and shut down of intestinal issues, got it all fixed… now moving around fairly easy and things are appearing to be on the way up. Saw my doctor, lost 13.5 pounds the first week. Today my husband and I went to a movie (May 18) and I even got a small non-fat/non-sugar yummy peach and vanilla yogurt. Life is looking good and I hope I will be looking better with each day. I have hope, something I thought I lost!:clap2: :kiss

Hello Tonya and welcome! I have just been banded, going on nine days. You can read our NC site as I've told a few of my ups and downs this first week, but I am happy with my decision and feel more encouraged than I have in a long time. I started battling with weight during college years my highest weight has been 280, but I do know there are other bandsters that are in higher ranges. No matter where we fit in the weight category, we all can relate to the struggles that added weight has put upon each of us. This is a great site for encouragement and help. You mentioned about going to another area. My surgeon is Dr. Enoch in Wake Forest/North Raleigh, he has been a great surgeon for me. I do not like the hospital in Louisburg he has to use, but I have been told that he also works out of Greensboro. He is also a certified surgeon when it comes to hernia issues which I found that is the reason some of the bariatric surgeons don't always take people over a certain weight because they don't do the hernia repairs, etc. I originally was at another weight center and they wouldn't approve the band for me because of the hernia issue. I looked elsewhere. That's something you will have to seek more information on, maybe more experience bandsters can tell you if they have heard the same thing. I think everyone would keep telling you to be persistent. For me personally, it took a year to get everything done and approved and to find the right person. There is a wonderful group of women who get together in Charlotte, I hope to meet them one day, maybe they can tell you more. Stay on this site! Ask questions! If you got to lose some before you will be considered a candidate, I think it would be the best fight you could do for yourself. No I didn't say easy! We've all been there. Happy Trails Vickie

This is my first week since surgery and I to am going through this run to the bathroom phase! I am starting on some Carbo conscious protein drink today, very slowly in hopes the diarehha problem starts to let up. I have had some problems keeping the liquids down and constipation the first 4 days, now I am at the phase you are at. I was told it's kind of a cleansing, you bet! I've lost a lot of weight, but I don't want to continue this process. I have gotten some medication for nausea which has helped. Hopefully you are able to keep your electrolites in tact. Call the doctor and ask if this continues on. So sorry, my sympathies are with you. Vickie

A repeat on Happy Birthday even though I am a bit belated. Hope it was a fun one! Vickie

I would have thought the weight loss would relieve some of the disc problem as well. Have you considered some physical water therapy? My dad had a horrible time with herniated discs and even had surgery without a lot of difference like you said, but the water and physical therapy seemed to help some. I am not an expert by far, but just thought I would pass that along. You are a brave individual!

:biggrin1: Want to try and meet you wonderful people, but I am way out in Raleigh. Maybe I can make a special trip in June just to say hi and thanks! I can stay overnight with my son who lives in Highpoint. So keep me in touch for June. Hopefully I will have all this new stuff behind me. Vickie

Oh this is what I need for humor! Bruce Willis was not bad shaved headed guy. Hmmm, can't think of any more at present that hasn't been mentioned. I felt shock when Chris was kicked off also, but we all know that guy is going to go far. I can't understand why he didn't get the votes? My son is quite upset and said he isn't going to watch the rest in protest, but I bet he will be there watching it with us tonight. Why can't America Idol pick the right idol? I mean only one authentic idol has really made it, Kelly. The rest who have made it were not the winners. Who would have thought! I am a watcher and not a voter, so maybe it really does pay to vote.

Hi gordonfamily3 Where is at the store, that you are talking about? Does the store carry special products for WBL's? Vickie

Yay, persistance pays off. I know you must be so excited. Thanks for the encouragement while I am getting through this first week. I have lost about 14 pounds but I am sure some of this had a lot to do with the vomiting issue. Stay in touch with this forum and they will walk you through any problems. Get those one ounce cups they truly keep you in touch with your limits. I thought the sipping cups would do it but it's much more apparent what your intaking by just using those small plastic one oz. cups, easier for you to limit over drinking and watch the every fifteen minutes. I now pour everything into that cup and turn on the fifteen minute timer, has made a world of difference. Got some diarehha issues right now, but working on it! I am happy with my decision even though a couple of setbacks, love the feeling I am getting help with controlling my weight. Vickie

:kiss Thanks PhotoNut You did indeed tell me I'd be okay. That gave me just the feeling I needed for that day, and lots of other support thereafter. I was so grateful you were there immediately, just at the moment I needed some push. Wanted to let you know personally.

After a total night in the emergency, I am home once again and doing much better. I am so glad I took your advice and went into the emergency. It appears that I was having some kind of reaction to the pain medication I was taking, also my intestines and body works were shutting down. They were wonderful at this new hospital and took a lot of time and effort on my behalf. This was Rex hospital in Raleigh. I was very dissapointed in the hospital in Louisburg. Very old, very ill informed. When the emergency doctor tried to get some kind of records on my recent surgery they couldn't find any of my records. So he called the doctor on call and he couldn't give him real specifics because he hadn't performed my surgery. I took all of your suggestions and they all helped me so much. I wouldn't have gone to the hospital if I hadn't got so much support to go. So thank you. It appeared my blood pressure was quite high from what I normally am so it was important I get there. The emergency doctor gave me a new tolerable pain medication and some nausea medication. It has been heaven sent. I am back to keeping a few sips of water and juice down, plus the bloating has let up. It's strange they gave me some flattend coke with the barium I had to swallow. When they first said I would have to drink down 3 glasses of barium I told them there is no way my stomach is going to let me do that. I can't take the IV solutions for Cat Scans etc., I am allergic. But they let me take my time and it actually tasted so good to me that I was enjoying it. Strange things can happen. Anyways, I was able to get the stuff down and the scans showed no infection or inflamation. They said I was just unable to get my intestinal issues working properly. Whatever they gave me did the trick and I am able to keep the plumbing working properly. I actually kept some juice down today, but I have made sure I stick to the one ounce cups and only when I know I can keep it down. Big improvement! I think I was trying to hard to get back to normal and over drank. The nausea was terrible, but I feel so much better now. Still working on the pain in my neck from the anesthesia. I find if I take the medication that relaxes my muscles it makes such a difference. So watch the pain medication they give you. I am actually thinking about creamy foods, which I hadn't any desire to try anything the last couple of days. I have my meeting with the doctor on Wednesday. I was a little disappointed he didn't call me back. I did hear from his nurse today and she apologized they didn't get back to me, but that kind of hurt my feelings after all I went through yesterday. Thank heavens for all of your in put. My husband says sometimes I just get too stubborn and need to admit that I can't always handle some things. Just wanted to let you know I have slept pleasantly today and the vomiting seems to have let up. My family has been wonderful through all of this so cudo's for my husband and sons. Thanks again, Vickie:)

Photo Nut Tell me I will be okay, I'm so miserable. I don't want to get this out to any new bandsters, too scary for them

Thank you I will give him a call right now.

I am so nauseated today, totally miserable. I can't even seem to keep my sips of water down. My pain medication only seems to make things worse, because I am throwing it up as well. Since things are only in liquid form I don't throw up like if I ate regular food, but I feel so sick at my stomach. Now the pain in the shoulder and neck are aleviating and most recent troubles are with the stomach. If I could just throw it all up it clears the stomach but then within a short amount of time I'm back to the bloating and nausea. Gas X isn't working. :think

I am so nauseated today, totally miserable. I can't even seem to keep my sips of water down. My pain medication only seems to make things worse, because I am throwing it up as well. Since things are only in liquid form I don't throw up like if I ate regular food, but I feel so sick at my stomach. Now the pain in the shoulder and neck are aleviating and most recent troubles are with the stomach. If I could just throw it all up it clears the stomach but then within a short amount of time I'm back to the bloating and nausea. Gas X isn't working. :think