adamsmom

Perfectforme, so sorry you're having a rough time. You're right, everyone's different. I forgot to brag earlier: Did I tell you ladies that I also did 10 minutes on the stationary bike this morning? Amymoe--I take BP medicines--2 kinds, plus my post-op antibiotic, which is a honking big capsule. I can swallow those with sips of water just fine. You may want to try taking them without crushing them. Andy--I do not envy you gong back to work tomorrow. Even though I'm feeling pretty good, I still have a lot of gas, and I'm still trying to figure out how to eat, etc. Take care. Take more time off if you can. My plan is to return to work on Wednesday, or I may take more time if I need to. Just had 1/2 cup of split pea soup YUM! Also had the pureed sweet potoatoes by Gerber baby foods. I have cgest pains and have to burp after I eat, even a part of a teaspoon. It's all a new learning curve.

Baylee--I know you'll feel better of you get off the harder pain meds. As for cold fluids only, hmmmm. They gave me hot tea in the recovery room and it was so soothing to me as compared to the ice water, which hurt going down. I still cannot drink anything real cold. When I eat jello, it has to stand on the counter out of the fridge for a good 2 hours before I can touch it. After I mix my shakes in the blender, I pour them in a cup an put them in the microwave for a few seconds. The PA at my doctor's office called me yesterday morning and told me I could have warm broths and teas. I even had a cup of coffee this morning! Such a luxury! I had gone 2 whole days without coffee. I have been out and about. Couldn't stay home and sit any more. I drove to Walmart and got the 1/2 cup and 1-cup Glad and ZipLoc food containers for making my pudding, soup, and jello portions. I bought some Gerber baby food: pureed mangoes, pears, and yams--I'll get to eat those in a day or so. Also got some more Gas-x. It was good to get out of the house. I am in California, where the sun is shining and we have unseasonally warm weather in the 60s. It felt good to be out and feel the sun on my face. Now, I'm exhausted, so it must be nap time

My port is about one inch to the left of my belly button. I think the picture of the band inside of me is fascinating. The port incision is by far the most tender of the five. Whichever one hurts the most is most likely your port.

Balyee, congrats onthe weight loss! I'm quite a ways behind you, but down 10 pounds since a month ago and down 3 pounds since the surgery--now 275 from 286. If you can possibly not take your pain meds, you will have an easier time going potty. the vicodin type meds slow down your bowels, as do the anaesthesia meds. The quicker you can wean yourself off that stuff, the better off you will be in the poop department . Have you tried liquid tylenol?

Hello everyone! I hope you're all healing well. I had terrible gas pain last night-couldn't get comfortable for ANYTHING! I can only sleep sitting up since the surgery, but even leaning back a little against pillows was causing the gas pain to get worse, so I had to put a pillow in front of me and elan forward on it. The pain kept getting worse. At 1:30 am, I started coughing and couldn't stop. I coughed up... (don't read on if you're squeamish)...a hard lump of blood-stained mucus about the consistency of bubble gum and about 1 cm in diameter. From that moment, the pain went away. I have continued to cough mucus today, but I have felt much better. Have any of you experienced this? I think it's residual gunk from the interbation tube that irritated my throat during surgery. The inside of my mouth was grazed as well, so the anaesthesiologist was probably a bit rough. I know I was fighting to breathe and started wrestling to get up as he put me under--who knows? Anyway, today, I have managed 12 ounces off chocolate protein shake, as well as some water, my vitamins, and medications. The hunger pangs are still fierce. I have not taken loratab since the night of the surgery and I have not taken tylenol since last night. I had a nice shower and washed my hair this morning, and I'm dressed in some comfy sweats. Now, I have cabin fever and want to go out.

Hi everyone, the gas is definitely the worst for me! I am taking gas-x--have ben since i got home last night. it helps a little, but not as much as i would like--no shoulder pain, though. I tried some "better than boullion" it tastes great, but after a couple of ounces, I got bad pains again and that was a hot drink. Right now, I'm afraid that I will dehydrate if I cannot drink enough. The PA at my doctor's office called and said I can begin on full liquids tomorrow and if that goes well for 2 days, then pureed foods--anything a baby could eat. I do feel very hungry, but the thought of eating food scares me. I have to keep telling myself that i will feel better each day.

Good morning everyone, I am home and all went well--I was a "perfect text book case". My surgery was scheduled for noon, but the person 3 suregeries ahead of me had an "unexpected find" so that pushed me back to 130. The waiting was the worst because I had to be there at 9:00. The guy ahead of me was very nervous. I met him before at group consults, etc. I pumped him up and tried to make him feel better. John came through well, too, but had a hard time coming out of anaesthesia. I had my surgery after him, and woke up before he did! i WOKE UP IN A LOT OF PAIN, LIKE i'D BEEN KICKED IN THE CHEST BY A HORSE! BUT AFTER 4 SHOTs OF PENTHANOL AND 2 SHOTS OF MORPHINE i WAS A MUCH HAPPIER CAMPER! I was not made to eat or drink before getting pain meds, nor did I have to do a barium swallow. My only requirement was that I could get on top of the pain and pee and show them that I could drink with no problems. I achieved all very easily, and we were able to leave the hospital around 5:45. Tips for those yet to have surgery: Bring a pillow with you from home, so that you can cushion your tummy from the seatbelt on the ride home. I thought of this at the last minute and it made the world of difference. When they offer you something to drink, ask for a hot drink, such as tea, or room temp Water or juice--I found that the ice water and ice cold apple juice hurt me going down, causing spasming. It still does, so I cannot drink anything real cold at the moment--everything is tepid or warm. Walk a lot. The gas pain is worse than the incision pain, but walking frequently really helps me to burp--no southern explosions as of yet! I think everything has shut down in that neighborhood for a while! I am eeling quite well--just feel like I did avbout 800 push ups now. nOW TO TRY SOME ROOM-TEMP Jello I WILL WRITE MORE LATER!

Just checking in one last time before I leave for the hospital in about an hour. I have to be there at 9:00 even though the surgery is at 12:00. Many or most of you will already be done by the time I go in, and I know we will all come through with flying colors. I promise to check in with you supportive ladies as soon as I am up to it. Good Luck! God Bless, and Mazel Tov to us all for the first day in our new lives!:laugh:

So, I am almost there. It's weird to think this time tomorrow, I will have had THEE SURGERY! I met by BF for coffee on Saturday morning and had my bagel--the last one ever perhaps? My son took us out for Chinese food on Friday night. As I sampled the different dishes we ordred I studied the texture of each in my mouth and wondered if I would ever again be able to eat sesame chicken or foil-wrapped chicken. WHat about chow mein or rice? The filet of sole in black bean sauce would seem soft enough. Then I thought it was weird that I had never had to do that before, but would probably be sdoing that a lot in the near future. My DH went grocery shopping. I reminded him not to buy as much of our regular staples because I would not be eating those for a while. He looked surprised--It made me realize that this will be a family event, not just something that's happening to me! When DH cooked chicken for dinner, I reminded him, not to cook for me. I would be having creamy broccoli soup for dinner (blahhhh). The two-day liquid diet has been tough--I feel weak and shaky, but I'm trying not to be a wuss because so many others have to do this for 2 or 3 weeks. I can manage! The broccoli soup was all I could do to gag down. Yesterday and today has been a potporri of creamy soups, shakes, water, jello, and pudding. Something solid would be great. The hunger is painful at times. I know this is a means to an end, but the hunger pangs are tough. I am ready for this change, though, and and proud of the amazing gift I am givingto myself. Don't get me wrong: I know I will have struggles along the way and that I may even have complications, but I know I'm doing the right thing by myself and by my family because they will have a stronger, healthier mom, wife, daughter, friend. If anyone out there reads this entry this evening, or before 12 noon Pacific Standard Time, please send good vibes my way for an uneventful procedure and a speedy recovey. If you read it after, maybe, I'll have added an update. I am proud to moving onto the next exciting phase of my life.

So, I am almost there. It's weird to think this time tomorrow, I will have had THEE SURGERY! I met by BF for coffee on Saturday morning and had my bagel--the last one ever perhaps? My son took us out for Chinese food on Friday night. As I sampled the different dishes we ordred I studied the texture of each in my mouth and wondered if I would ever again be able to eat sesame chicken or foil-wrapped chicken. WHat about chow mein or rice? The filet of sole in black bean sauce would seem soft enough. Then I thought it was weird that I had never had to do that before, but would probably be sdoing that a lot in the near future. My DH went grocery shopping. I reminded him not to buy as much of our regular staples because I would not be eating those for a while. He looked surprised--It made me realize that this will be a family event, not just something that's happening to me! When DH cooked chicken for dinner, I reminded him, not to cook for me. I would be having creamy broccoli soup for dinner (blahhhh). The two-day liquid diet has been tough--I feel weak and shaky, but I'm trying not to be a wuss because so many others have to do this for 2 or 3 weeks. I can manage! The broccoli soup was all I could do to gag down. Yesterday and today has been a potporri of creamy soups, shakes, water, jello, and pudding. Something solid would be great. The hunger is painful at times. I know this is a means to an end, but the hunger pangs are tough. I am ready for this change, though, and and proud of the amazing gift I am givingto myself. Don't get me wrong: I know I will have struggles along the way and that I may even have complications, but I know I'm doing the right thing by myself and by my family because they will have a stronger, healthier mom, wife, daughter, friend. If anyone out there reads this entry this evening, or before 12 noon Pacific Standard Time, please send good vibes my way for an uneventful procedure and a speedy recovey. If you read it after, maybe, I'll have added an update. I am proud to moving onto the next exciting phase of my life.

Workingmom, by the time you read this, I will also have had my surgery and will be recovering--I'm scheduled for Tuesday, the 13th, at 12:00 noon. Good luck! I know you'll be fine. I want to read all about your experience when I mangae to venture back to my computer. :cursing:

Me too, Maybelll--I've not had a good time stomach wise with this pre-op diet. Sounds like you'll be the first of us all to get the surgery. When I go in, yours will be all over and done. Good luck. As for the lady who's mom died afetr stomach stapling--there's a reason why we're getting banded instead of bypassed or stapled: it's 100% safer. You will be fine and I'm so sorry all of your family is not on board. I have only told my mother and my DH in my damily. Everyone else is being told that I'm getting hernia surgery, or they're not being told anything at all. I just didn't want to have to defend a difficult, personal decision with peole who have no idea what it's like to battle obesity for eyars on end. My emotional energy has to go into making this operation work. You will be fine and as a result of this procedure, you will be healthier--Congrats! Remember, we are giving ourselves a wonderful gift! :cursing: Now regarding this pre-op liquid only diet: I am light-headed and dizzy from lack of food! My only concern is my 30 mile drive home from work today feeling like this! Say a little prayer for me:w00t:

congrats, Tweey and DH. Both on the same day? Who's going to take care of you? LOL! I have also managed my liquids only diet today--yes, I feel hungry, but it hasn't been too difficult. I've stayed busy: ironed clothes for me and the kids for the week, done yard work, pruning fruit trees, grape vines, and roses, and pulling weeds. So I got some exercise in too! Without dieting, I have lost 7 pounds since the middle of December. Go figure? If it had been that easy all these years, I wouldn't be 2 days away from getting banded. I found some ggod creamy soups: Wolfgang Puck's creamy butternut squash, a creamy brocolli and a creamy corn. I also went out and got the "Better than Boullion" that I have read others giving good reports about. I got soy milk because all that milk in my shakes was not sitting well with my stomach, even though I bought lactose free. I made up a batch of Jello and pudding and put Protein powder in both--unflavored in the jello and chocolate in the banana pudding. My husband is roasting chicken right now for him and the kids and it smells pretty good. It'll be a while before I can have any of that! Anyway, 2 more days, ladies just 2 more days! :tongue2:

So, I haven't posted in a while, but that doesn't mean life hasn't been hectic. For starters, my almost 14 year old son, who's autistic, has been suffering from depression--all about adjusting to middle school--it has taken its toll on our lives at home. My DH was home on Tuesday with abdominal pain--probably sympathy pain for mine coming up. I had my pre-op and had to tell my boss that I will be out for a while with hernia surgery. A student at my school was killed in a car accident; his dad is in critical condition and the older brother is injured too. He was a sweet child, and just 3 days older than my youngest child. I have cried for this little soul. Met my surgeon at the pre-op. Dr. Waldrep has those bedroom eyes--he's definitely eye candy, that's for sure. But also professional, and as my friend reminded me today--a zero death rate with is patients. That's always a plus!!! He's done loads of WLS and knows his stuff. Has a great sense of humor and treats people like intelligent individuals. I know I'll be in good hands on Tuesday at noon when I go under for the procedure! He will be using the smaller one of the two Lap Bands on me as he thinks it will work better with my body frame. I am not exactly on a pre-op diet, but I have been cutting back and was completely and utterly surprized to discover that I'd lost 4 pounds since my last visit back in December. How the hell that happened is a mystery to me--after all the holiday goodies I consumed! Go figure: I try like hell to lose weight and I can't, I dont try, and it comes off like nothing. I'll never figure that one out. So in preparation for my big day, I have been doing a bit of shopping: gas-x strips, liquid tylenol, creamy soups, jello, and I ordered the Unjury protein powders off the internet. I got one of each flavor: chicken soup, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry sorbet, and unflavored. I tried the strawberry in a glass of water and it was pretty good once I got past the smell--a bit of a yucky smell, but I can handle it OK. My son is taking us out to dinner this evening--my last Chinese meal for a real long time. So, I'm glad the protein shakes taste good because I'll be missing my Chienes food for sure. The shakes are 20 grams of protein each, and can be consumed in all phases of pre and post op diets. Yesterday., Iwent to pharmacy and picked up my post-op medication--a liqud loratab--like vicodin and an antibiotic capsule that looks bigger than what i thought I could take. We'll see. Well that's all for now. Thank God it's Friday!

Hi Baylee, my doctor only requires a 2 day, liquids only diet. This can be any liquids, clear or full. Clear liquids are anything you can see through, but includes Jello as well as broth, etc. Full liquids would be your creamy Soups, milk, shakes, etc. If you're not sure, your best bet is to call your doctor and ask them what you need to do. If your doctor is unavailable because it's a weekend, then take a look at what some other posters on this forum say--good luck :thumbup: As for the question regarding liquid Claritin--it is sold everywhere, but that is an allergy medication. are you sure you don't mean liquid Tylenol? If so, I found it at Longs Drugs--don't know if you have a Longs where you live, but I would imagine it can be found at any drug store. It comes in a bottle that reminds me of Nyquil cold medicine. Regarding the question about Gas-x strips. This is for the post-op gas. The strips melt in your mouth; hence, no pills to chew or swallow. Good luk shopping :thumbup:

mes1012 and Baylee, welcome! Amy--good luck to you, too. We are all going to do just fine! I tried out the chocolate flavor Unjury for my lunch today--very yummy. I blended it with a banana and skim milk. Baylee, it sounds like you're having a rough time on your pre-op diet. Iam sorry, but can't advise as I am not on one. I have to be on flueids beginning tomorrow, but that's all. Hang in thre--only 3 more days!

So, I haven't posted in a while, but that doesn't mean life hasn't been hectic. For starters, my almost 14 year old son, who's autistic, has been suffering from depression--all about adjusting to middle school--it has taken its toll on our lives at home. My DH was home on Tuesday with abdominal pain--probably sympathy pain for mine coming up. I had my pre-op and had to tell my boss that I will be out for a while with hernia surgery. A student at my school was killed in a car accident; his dad is in critical condition and the older brother is injured too. He was a sweet child, and just 3 days older than my youngest child. I have cried for this little soul. Met my surgeon at the pre-op. Dr. Waldrep has those bedroom eyes--he's definitely eye candy, that's for sure. But also professional, and as my friend reminded me today--a zero death rate with is patients. That's always a plus!!! He's done loads of WLS and knows his stuff. Has a great sense of humor and treats people like intelligent individuals. I know I'll be in good hands on Tuesday at noon when I go under for the procedure! He will be using the smaller one of the two Lap Bands on me as he thinks it will work better with my body frame. I am not exactly on a pre-op diet, but I have been cutting back and was completely and utterly surprized to discover that I'd lost 4 pounds since my last visit back in December. How the hell that happened is a mystery to me--after all the holiday goodies I consumed! Go figure: I try like hell to lose weight and I can't, I dont try, and it comes off like nothing. I'll never figure that one out. So in preparation for my big day, I have been doing a bit of shopping: gas-x strips, liquid tylenol, creamy soups, jello, and I ordered the Unjury protein powders off the internet. I got one of each flavor: chicken soup, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry sorbet, and unflavored. I tried the strawberry in a glass of water and it was pretty good once I got past the smell--a bit of a yucky smell, but I can handle it OK. My son is taking us out to dinner this evening--my last Chinese meal for a real long time. So, I'm glad the protein shakes taste good because I'll be missing my Chienes food for sure. The shakes are 20 grams of protein each, and can be consumed in all phases of pre and post op diets. Yesterday., Iwent to pharmacy and picked up my post-op medication--a liqud loratab--like vicodin and an antibiotic capsule that looks bigger than what i thought I could take. We'll see. Well that's all for now. Thank God it's Friday!

four days and counting! Isn't it amazing how people's minds can play tricks on them? I told people at work that I'm having hernia surgery. I have continued to do everything inmy job that I normally do, except lift things--don't want to give myself away. So this morning, I brought in black garbage bag full of gently ued clothes that my children no longer need because we always need clothes for kids at my school. I asked the secretary to help me carry the bag in from the car. Peole keep coming up tome and saying I don't look well--sure hope the surgery makes me feel better. WTF? I look the same as I always did! On another note: I ordered one each of every flavor of the Protein drink "Unjury" per my nutritionist'ds directions. I had the strawberry sorbet one--tastes good, smells a little yucky: great for pre and post op diets--all phases. You can only buy it from the unjury website and mine arrive today.

Good evening, ladies. Thought I'd do a quick post before I get my kids off to bed, etc. I forgot to mention yesterday, my surgery is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on the 13th. I have to be at the hospital at 9:00 a.m. I have not been good on my "cutting back" today. Even though the doc says I'm OK not to diet until Sunday, I feel I'll be better off if I try to be good. At least I passed up all the desserts and my secretary's birthday cake today. I am being terrible with my H2O but that's because it's so cold! I'm am so impressed with those of you who are doing a real pre-op diet and hanging in there with it. We are 5 days away from the beginning of our new lives! How cool is that? It's really helpful having all of you here with exactly the same surgery date. :confused:

Welcome Cherbear--you'll find us a friendly bunch. Amymoe--so sorry you're sick. You must be stressing too much. Make sure you take your vitamins. 6 more days, ladies, 6more days!!!!!:thumbup:

Way to go, Perfectforme! I also have children with special needs and I understand the stress that surrounds being a parent. I left work yesterday to attend an IEP for my 8 year old, ran home, threw dinner together, then took my almost 14 year-old to his therapy appointment. My children are both on on the autistic spectrum and that has definitely been a great source of my stress over the years. Hnag in there! We can ALL do this! I'm so proud of US! :thumbup:

welcome Maybell and Theresa. We are all less than a week away from the beginning of our new lives! I had my on-on-one with my surgoen this morning and everything's a "go". He will use the smaller of the two Lap Bands on me as well as the smaler port because they will be the best fit for my body frame. His nurse gave me a diet--2 freakin small meals a day--nothing more than can fit on a saucer! I'm all WTF??? Doc says I don't really have to stick to it too strictly because I'm not big on the belly fat (Yeah, whatever!) According to every mirror and pair of pants I try to put on, I could be 8 months pregnant! But if the doctor says I can get away with not starving myself for the next week, I'm all for it! However, I will be on all fluids for two days prior to surgery, and that could be a real drag! So, I get back to school (I'm a VP) and tell my boss I have to have hernia surgery. She's handling it pretty well, and it may even work out well for her in an indirect way. Our school district is experiencing serious budget cuts and there was talk that I would be placed at another school a couple days a week, meaning that I would only be at my current school for 3-4 days a week. My boss can now plead her case to her boss saying that since I'm going to be gone for about a week, I can't possibly be placed somewhere else after I get back. Whatever works. I'm getting this surgery and that's the end of it! My surgeon thinks I am an excellent candidate for the procedure and thinks my attitude and general outlook on life will help me to be successful. I sure do hope he's right!

Amymoe, you are very kind. Glad I could help.

You may well be able to swallow pills; however, what if immediately after you get home from the hospital, when you're still on clear fluids, you try a pill and it gets stuck, or you choke it up? I can only imagine that it would be quite painful. I'm guessing that rght after surgery, I want to minimize pain not maximize it. :tongue2: I don't want to take any chances, so I got the liquid type. It was only when I bought it that I discovered that they have a liquid Tylenol for adults--it comes in a bottle that looks like Nyquil.