Elisabethsew

I'm sorry you didn't get the job. It always makes it worse when you KNOW you're the best person for the job and they pay you lip-service before the BUT... speech. You'll find something better. I know that does little to help now so do something special for yourself... maybe a relaxing bath?

There is no way I would want to be the FIRST. Is he/she going to be doing the surgery assisted my someone who knows what they are doing... as in EXPERIENCED in lap banding? I'd want a LOT more info. before I went into surgery with this MD. YIKES!

It sounds like you might want to schedule a second fill.

The medication is LOVINOX (dosage is weight based) and it's a blood thinner that is injected into the belly fat. It's similar to Heparin. Any RN or MD can give it to you. You will also likely get an injection prior to going to the OR and the morning after to prevent leg clots which could cause pulmonary emboli (lung clots). I hope that helps.

I had my first fill on 5/25 (8 weeks after surgery) and it didn't do a thing. I am going back for #2 on Wed (one month after the first). Call and see if you can move your appointment up. A lot of us need 2 or more fills before we experience restriction.

Thank you for posting the article. It's nice to know that as more studies are done we're actually seeing MORE positive outcomes for those who opted for banding.

What you describe seems normal but............ and I can't stress this enough............. SEE YOUR MD FOR ANY ACUTE CHANGES!!! It nevers hurts to be too cautious so have it checked out. What is "normal" for one person could be not at all normal in another.

Welcome. You've made WONDERFUL progress.

Congratulations on a GREAT achievement. Reward yourself with something special.

Welcome to the forum, Dr. C. I'm sure you'll get MANY questions here and it's nice to see you donating your time to help others.

Gastroparesis is more common in diabetics than many people realize and is usually treated with Reglan or antibiotics. GI docs use the antibiotics (like erythromycin) to try to increase the peristalsis and move food along. For anyone who suspects they might have a problem with gastroparesis, you really need to see a GI specialists ASAP. Testing is what will give you answers and an appropriate treatment plan. Waiting is useless.

I got my first fill (1 cc in a 4 cc band) 8 weeks post-op and it did nothing. I am going in on Wed for fill #2 and am hoping this one does the trick.

I am surprised they did not switch to an open surgical approach when they could not place the band. I am also shocked that your CHF was not discovered pre-op. Weren't you required to have an EKG, Echo and stress test? I would definitely see a top-notch cardiologist and get some answers.

Gas pains and anesthesia side-effects can produce the nausea you describe but if it persists for more than another day or two, I would suggest you call your surgeon.

Welcome and congratulations. I'm sure your story will be helpful to those still considering being banded.

I agree with the others, you need to take a step back and stop concentrating so much on the scale. I noticed that you're taking in about 1300 calories a day and also that you said you exercise regularly. If you're burning 500 calories a day doing an exercise routine, your dietician is correct... up the calorie intake. Also, are you staying hydrated before and after the exercise? "Worked" muscles suck up water so you might have actually lost weight when you thought you stayed the same. Weigh once a week and stop making yourself crazy.

I am on Coumadin and take Aleve for severe arthritis. Because it is NOT possible for me to come off these meds without risking my health, I was placed on Nexium. My surgeon has no problem with this and allows his patients to take an occasional NSAID. Bottom line... check with YOUR MD.

Enteric coated medications are dissolved in the small intestine.

Slow down and allow yourself to heal. You just had surgery and, like it or not, it takes 6 weeks to heal. I also had a repair of a hiatal hernia at the time of my banding but had no restrictions on not having cold beverages. Call your MD and ask if you can make modifications to the diet.

Welcome and congratulations on your great progress.

People heal at different rates. I went back to work after 9 days but was still sore and really didn't feel human for a few weeks. Take Tylenol for the pain and keep moving and stay hydrated. You'll feel better soon.

What you're experiencing is quite common. As the swelling subsides, the sutures tighten. Since they are attached to the abdominal wall, it DOES feel like a pulled muscle. Some tylenol should help.

You don't have to worry about stretching the pouch with fluids so stay hydrated and keep the fluids going. As for needing a fill, you first need to advance to solid foods and see how you tolerate them. If you find that you can eat more than 2 cups of food at a sitting and not feel full, it's a signal that it might be time to schedule the first fill. I had my first one at 8 weeks post-op and still feel no restriction so I'm going back for another one in the hopes that I finally will.

I hope you have a safe trip home and a speedy recovery. Congratulations!

Congratulations on your new home. I hope it brings you tons of happiness.