RKidder

My first time with PB - golf size pain in sternum, sliming, can't move it down, won't come up. tried warm tea, not helping. brb vomiting with slime, still painful, omg

In the first 10 days post-op I lost about a pound per day! For the last 3 days, there has been no change ! Arrggh... I walk every day, and yesterday began going back to the gym. My intake has not changed, still taking in mushies and liquids. My fear is that I will remain stuck here for a long time. Anyone experience the same thing? Any advice? Thanks, in advance. Rachel

"HURLCHUPS" Anyone? They're not a hiccup, a belch, or a burp. Kind of a combination of all 3. I am 5 days post-op today and darned if I don't get these on a daily basis. Sometimes uncomfortable, always a nuisance. Can't do anything to stop them, so I may as well give them a name! No regrets on getting lap banded though. A bad day hurlchupping beats a good day gorging. Smile today - someone will wonder what you're up to... Rachel

My first marriage only lasted 9 years - but 7 of them were not happy ones. My son saw my unhappiness, and I after seeking counselling (alone, my husband said I had a problem not him), I decided that yes, life is too short to spend it being miserable. I preferred to be happy alone than miserable married to this man. I did not want my son to see emotional abuse as a way to treat women. I wanted to take him away from that. I have since re-married to a wonderful man who is good to me and my son - and they adore each other. My son can finally see how a happy marriage is supposed to be. For 3 yrs before I left my 1st husband, there was no intimacy - and when I asked him if he still wanted to stay in a sex-less marriage, he responded he did. Not me -- I am fortunate that I have a good job and was able to raise my son alone, and did not need my husband to support me. I was raised a "good Catholic girl" and I never thought I was going to be divorced - I did my best to make a go of my marriage, but it was not to be. I never cheated on my husband. I can honestly say I did my best - but you can't do it alone. It takes two to make a marriage work. Best of luck to you - my prayers are with you, as you work to reach a decision you can live with. Take care, Rachel

She is seeking reaction from you. You can't change her, but you can change how you react to her. Your husband and his brothers need to stop cowtowing to their mom. It's easier for them to just "go along" with her behavior than to set limits. That is their problem. Don't take on her issues - make a nice gesture, if she refuses, go on with your plans. Life is full of choices - she chooses to be miserable. She is depressed. You may want to offer to help her seek counselling for her depression. If she refuses, that is her choice. You are not obligated to sit by and watch, however. Best of luck to you, honey. __________________

I met my husband on the internet on AOL 7yrs ago. I was very up-front with my ad and said that I was "built for comfort, not speed" and that "if you are looking for an anorexic, pass me by." I did not want to waste my time or theirs. My husband loved my candor and sense of humor. We have been together 7 yrs and married 1 1/2 yrs. He is my soul mate! When we talk about why we had not met before now, my reply is always, "We met when we were supposed to meet, God had a plan, and she never makes mistakes! Now kiss me, you fool!" I love him and how he makes me feel when we are together - he brings out the best in me. My son adores him and vice versa - I am truly blessed!

Cindylou. My prayers and good wishes to you hon. I was banded on 5/23, and I too, have lots of abdominal swelling. It gets better every day, but I still can't put on my pants and expect to zip them up -not! I am doing stretch waist pants for a while longer. I am also having trouble getting my liquids in - 48 ounces max, and I used to drink water like a camel. I can only take 2-3 oz of mushies at a time. Warm tea seems to go down easier than cold liquids, Oral meds (diabetic) have to be split and still they don't go down easily. Take care, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Rachel

Congrats to you! It took me a long time to be approved also. But it is all worth it! I was banded 1 week ago today! Best of luck to you. Rachel

Susan, I agree with you. I usually know that when I start feeling that, I better not take another bite. So far, I have not had a PB. I am "fortunate" that it has not gotten to that point. Rachel

I, too, was diagnosed with a small hiatal hernia. My surgeon told me that in many cases, after the lapband is placed, the hiatal hernia is reduced and often no other intervention is needed. She said she would see if there needed to be a small repair during the lap-band procedure; stated she could take care of it at the same time. It turned out that it did not need to be repaired, that it was minor. If you can, please get a second opinion from a surgeon who is comfortable/experienced with lap-band procedures. Best of luck to you.

During my hurlchups I don't bring anything up. It is just a funny feeling that feels like part belch, part burp, part hiccup. No vomiting, though. Knock on wood.

My nutritionist told me that based on my height and pre-op weight, I would need to get 800 calories max per day. That is what I am shooting for. I am only 5 days post-op and just barely getting that amount - I have been using unflavored whey protein powder to jump start the protein intake to between 50 and 60 grams a day. Best of luck to you.

"HURLCHUPS" Anyone? They're not a hiccup, a belch, or a burp. Kind of a combination of all 3. I am 5 days post-op today and darned if I don't get these on a daily basis. Sometimes uncomfortable, always a nuisance. Can't do anything to stop them, so I may as well give them a name! No regrets on getting lap banded though. A bad day hurlchupping beats a good day gorging. Smile today - someone will wonder what you're up to... Rachel

Elizabeth is right. She is seeking reaction from you. You can't change her, but you can change how you react to her. Your husband and his brothers need to stop cowtowing to their mom. It's easier for them to just "go along" with her behavior than to set limits. That is their problem. Don't take on her issues - make a nice gesture, if she refuses, go on with your plans. Life is full of choices - she chooses to be miserable. She is depressed. You may want to offer to help her seek counselling for her depression. If she refuses, that is her choice. You are not obligated to sit by and watch, however. Best of luck to you, honey.

Maude is right - I tend to add liquids (such as a Campbell's Select soup) or a little milk, or bouillon to get the right consistency. I have even added a little watered down unflavored yogurt from time to time - adds a little zip to the meat. Best of luck to you!

Alexandra, My prayers are with you as you wait the awful wait. I am not going to give you any advice. Just know that I am thinking of you.

Yep, 5 days post-op here (May 23rd) and the port site is still sensitive. For the first time since surgery, I was able to briefly sleep on my right side. Getting in and out of bed was the pits! Getting better every day, though. Hang in there!

They're not a hiccup, a belch, or a burp. Kind of a combination of all 3. I am 5 days post-op today and darned if I don't get these on a daily basis. Sometimes uncomfortable, always a nuisance. Can't do anything to stop them, so I may as well give them a name! No regrets on getting lap banded though. A bad day hurlchupping beats a good day gorging. Smile today - someone will wonder what you're up to... Rachel

I was banded last Wednesday (5/23). My voice was a bit hoarse from the intubation during surgery. It is much better today. Gassy - but no BM x 4 days now. Took a laxative pill this evening. The narcotic pain meds (Oxycodone) slows down your gut and tends to constipate. I am avoiding using any Oxycodone unless I absolutely need to.

I was banded last Wednesday (5/23) and today I stepped on the scales and officially hit less than 200! Yah!!!! I am so happy!! Now I only have 65 more pounds to go... Rachel

I was using slim fast low carb and adding a scoop of unflavored whey protein powder and some frozen fruit and a few ice cubes and blended. I had a nice filling smoothie and with the protein you need.

I am a med-surg nurse and understand where you are coming from, however, I know myself all too well. I know that if I had negotiated the pre-op diet, then I would find a way to cheat the band by justifying this short-cut or that short-cut. And for your info, no trocar was introduced into my umbilicus with this surgery. All 5 incisions are above the umbilicus. Think how proud of yourself you'll be for following the program, as it was presented to you. You are so close, why take chances? Good luck on your journey.

All went well! My new favorite drug of choice and best friend is Oxycodone... I am tolerating about 2-3 ounces of pureed food per sitting. Applesauce goes down well. I do, however, feel left-sided back pain when I eat too fast. I found drinking hot tea helps. Best of luck to you, and thanks. I am glad I could make someone laugh - we are, after all, in the same boat, or about to be. Take care, Rachel

Hi All! I was banded 2 days ago - weight 200.5 lbs just before surgery (down from a high of 237). I think with all the IV fluids and edema, I am at 203 right now. As soon as things settle down, I should see Onederland soon. Congrats all, on your efforts! Rachel

I was banded 3 days ago, and I find that while eating, I feel left-sided back discomfort. I was sipping on my 3 ounces of blended butternut squash soup (Campbell's Selects - delicious), and started to have this pain. I stopped, then sipped on warm tea and the pain went away slowly. I suspect I might be a little tight. Just beginning to pass the gas - thank goodness. But nothing else... I find I do better without the narcotics, I am more clear-headed and not in a drug-induced "fog". I find getting in and out of bed so painful, so I have been using a small pillow to "splint" the left side of my abdomen where the port is, and I just take a breath and "bite the bullet" and just get out of bed. Thank goodness, my nurse's training has come in handy - I have been a med-surg nurse for nearly 27 yrs. Now I am on the other side... Having trouble taking in enough water, so I have been sipping on mild herbal tea. Any tips would be appreciated. I am supposed to go back to work next Thursday-now I am not sure if I will be able to -- especially when I do a lot of patient transfers and lifts; my doctor will write me lifting restrictions. I just hope I will have the energy to put in an 8-hour shift. I am walking every day for short walks to get my endurance up. Wish me luck! Rachel