clarityseeker

I had surgery on a Wed. and went back on Monday. It wasn't the most pleasant day, but I made it. I have a desk job, too. I remember Monday and Tuesday being a bit uncomfortable, but I felt much better after that. Having said that, everyone is different and heals differently. I did not feel back to my normal self for about 2 weeks post-op.

Hi, everyone, I am up this morning because I woke up with bad heartburn. I'm still learning to recognize my body's new clues that I am full and I sort of missed it tonight -- plus I ate a small piece of whole grain bread (this is the first time I tried to do this and I won't be doing it again)..Anyway, I woke up with gas and heartburn, so I thought I would catch up with y'all. I, too am at a plateau. I am exactly 1 month post-banding yesteray (the 2nd) and I am gaining and losing a pound or so. I am also feeling full on hunger, just like pre-banding and I've been able to eat anything, though I have not been eating as much as I used to. I am scheduled for my first fill on September 11 (same as you, right, Robin?) and I am looking forward to feeling some restriction because there is none right now. My goal for the month is 10 lbs, though a couple of more would be nice!! I'm pleased with my recovery, and looking forward to my first fill. It's great to have y'all to talk to!! Jessica

Caroline -- thanks for making me feel "normal". I am really trying not to give in to my old habits while I wait for the fill. I am not perfect, but I am doing fairly well. It's okay with me if the weight loss slows or stalls for a few weeks as long as I don't gain! I am going to go ahead and schedule a fill in September. I remind myself to take this one day at a time and that it is a new way of life, not a temporary change in eating habits. Robin -- you continue to amaze me with your great attitude and strength. You are an inspiration to me! Now, if I can get my butt doing some exercise, I would be following your example. My prayers and thoughts to all. Jessica

Josette -- I was 3 weeks out on Wednesday and I am noticing that I am hungrier and that I can definitely eat more than I could in the first couple of weeks. I am not losing quickly now either, so I am going to go ahead and get my fill scheduled for the second week in September. I haven't pushed it on eating too many non-mushy foods, but I have found that foods that are really solids turn mushy with enough chewing. I did have my first and I hope only or one of very few "almost PB" moments the other day when I ate some peanuts to quickly. They seemed to get stuck and for about 3-5 minutes I was in PAIN! I tried sipping water -- didn't help. I just had to wait for it to get through, which it did. I knew that doing something stupid like that was inevitable for me, so I hope I will continue to be more careful. To all the August bandsters, y'all are doing great. I am glad I'm here and look forward to the journey. Jessica

I, like Sweet Caroline, had a bit of meat a couple of days ago (2 weeks post surgery). It was a small amount, very tender brisket and I chewed well. I don't think it caused a problem, but I'm not planning to eat meat or poultry again for the next two weeks. I'm wondering what the reason is -- is it just too hard to digest? What is the risk? Slippage? Also, what is the story on caffeine? I haven't had any carbonated beverages, but I do drink coffee and tea. Is that a problem? The most interesting thing I have experienced so far is that my cravings for sugar are much less than before surgery -- I'm wondering if that is the band or just my brain focusing differently. I'm interested to hear from other sugar/sweet addicts about their experience.

Hi everyone, it sounds like the group is doing well with surgery, recovery, and weight loss -- Wow, Robin, you are really doing fantastic -- exercising already and you've lost a lot of weight! Good for you. I feel like I have literally started a new life. I am thinking differently about food, though I must admit that as I heal and notice that I am not feeling as full as I did when I was swelling more from surgery, I know that the next few weeks before a fill will probably become more challenging. I've managed to stay away from bread and associated foods completely and not missed them at all. I still struggle with my addiction to sugar and probably always will. I am still eating mushy food mostly, but have "tested the waters" a couple of times with a small piece of brisket - very tender and I chewed it well. I know I'm supposed to be staying completely on mushies, but it smelled so good! I tolerated it fine. So, now the hard work begins. But, it is exciting and I have hope. And, in less than 2 weeks, I can pick up my son again! Prayers to everyone with surgery coming up and kudos to those who are doing awesome post-op. Jessica

Spanx are the best. thin and light but with real sucking-in power. Plus they come in all kinds of styles and sizes.

Scribby -- excellent on the no-smoking thing. I'm sending prayers and lots of good vibes your way. That's a lot to take on - I admire you. Robin -- I'm so glad your MRI went well -- I was wondering how you were doing. Like Robin, tomorrow I will be 12 days since being banded. I feel fully healed, but I know that I'm not done on the inside. I've been a little non-compliant and have picked up my son a few times and then yesterday I felt it, so I've re-upped my commitment not to pick him up for 2 more weeks. :cry Otherwise, my eating habits are pretty good. I'm mainly using soft foods, but the peanuts are saving me at work. Today I worked from 8-5:30 without taking a lunch break and it was nice to be able to make it on a couple of ounces of peanuts, and some yogurt. I had an adkins high-protein shake for dinner and didn't feel hungry all day. That's amazing for me. But, the other day, I was able to eat more of an omlet than I thought I should be able to eat. So, it seems like there is a big range in my "fullness". I haven't had anything come back up yet, so I'm just trying to learn my new stomache! Good luck to you mid-August and late August bandsters. It's an adventure. Jessica

My doctor's orders were nothing over 10 lbs for a month. I relate because I have an 18-month-old who is only 20 lbs and it's a problem. I admit that I have picked him up a couple of times, but my other kids fuss at me so I am really, really trying not to do it. He is so used to being picked up and carried (3 much older sisters, mom, and nanny), that he gets mad when someone won't pick him up. So, I am having my nanny and my daughters keep from carrying him around so much so he doesn't think that Mommy doesn't love him because I won't pick him up! I think he is still kind of mad at me! So, I have 3 more weeks and it's going to be hard. But, I definitely don't want to do anything to jeopardize the Band and my health. My son will be fine and I'll have to leave the lifting to other family members.

I am not proud of it, but I didn't even try to do my doctor's pre-op diet, which wasn't even strict (low carb, atkins-type). I did try to eat less during the weeks before surgery, but I went on a cruise the week before my surgery and arrived home on Sunday with surgery scheduled on Wednesday. (I didn't go crazy on the cruise but I certainly ate what I wanted to eat). Tomorrow will be one week since my surgery and I've had what I consider to be a better than average recovery up to this point. I'm still mainly on liquids and plan to ease very gradually into the mushies and eventually into solids over the next 4 weeks or so. I have not been hungry -- that tells me the band is doing its job. I'm doing my part by sticking to the post-op diet and trying to learn how the band is going to help my weight-loss. BTW, I was about 1 lb less on the day of surgery than when I went to the doctor initially.

First and most importantly -- good luck, prayers, and well-wishes to those of you that are having surgery this week!! Tomorrow will be 1 week with my new band -- I have worked all day both yesterday and today. I won't say that I am at 100% -- I am more tired than normal and have some pain at the end of the day, but I'm able to do my job and get around fine. Today I got a little crazy and tried a new food -- peanuts. So far I've really stuck to liquids even though my Dr's diet allows more. I tried the peanuts on a tip from a friend who was banded 6 years ago in Mexico. She told me they were great b/c they have a lot of Protein and they fill the pouch and stay there for a while. She was right. I gingerly ate about 1/2 of a small bag (probably about 1/2 oz) and voila, I was full. It was my first experience of really feeling that way. I ate them at around 4:30 and was fine until almost 9 when I could get home to have another small meal. In some ways I think these early days of being banded are easier because I can do liquids and feel satiated. I know those days are numbered and it will be more difficult when the swelling goes down. I truly feel like I have started a new life -- May we all have a new, healthier banded life!

All I will say about the pain meds is that you gals with the Percoset did something right -- 'cause Loritab liquid is pretty darn lame!

First, to Bandster16, I'm sorry to hear about your complications, but I am glad you stuck with it -- you won't regret it. Josette and all - I, too am back at my office job today. I certainly couldn't run a marathon (or even to the bathroom if needed), but I do feel well enough to sit at my desk. I even went out to "lunch" with some friends that I see only once per year. I had tea while they ate. Today was my first day to have any caffeine since surgery and though I haven't had that much, it sure has helped with the constipation problem I was having (sorry if that's TMI but nothing really phases me after having 4 kids!). Anyway, I'm still confused a bit about whether or not I have any restriction and how much I "should" be eating, but I'm just letting my body tell me. Even though Dr. Spivak's diet allows you to move to mushies within 48 hours, I am sticking to a (mostly) liquid diet for as long as I can. It seems that it would be easier on the digestive system during healing and as long as I'm not hungry, I figure I'll stick with it. I plan to go home a little early today and take it easy tonight, but overall, I'm pleased at my progress and healing so far. I look forward to hearing about more August bandster's experiences and I've also been perusing the July and June threads for info, too. Well, back to work. J-

Bug (Tracey) - I have liquid pain medication -- Loritab. It's hydrocodone and acetemeniphen together. This is Day 4 post-op and I am feeling better and better. I am using less and less pain medication. I have shoulder pain that comes and goes, and the port site is still tender. I think that may take a few more days to resolve. My energy level is increasing as I am focused on eating enough protein. I am still doing mainly liquids, but have had some applesauce and yogurt. Ok, this might be TMI, but I was wondering about others, so I figure others might be wondering, too. I finally had a BM today -- first one since surgery. I needed a little help and used a glycerine suppository. Does anyone know what we are supposed to use for a stool softener. The ones I've used in the past are gel pills. I don't know if/how much weight I've lost, but the shorts I put on today seem a bit looser. I am not expecting a big weight-loss in these first weeks, but a few pounds lost would be great. Tomorrow I go back to work. I'm a bit apprehensive about it, but if I don't make the entire day, so be it. I am ready to get out -- 5 days at home (except for a couple of quick trips to the store) are enough for me. For those of y'all coming up on surgery in the next week or two, let me know if these updates are helpful. If they are, I'll keep doing them every couple of days for a while, and if not, I won't.

Know that you have the support of lots of others here. I was banded on Wed., Aug. 2, so I am in the very early stages of learning how to live my new lifestyle. I am doing well with the healing as far as I can tell. I am so excited about my new life and hope you are excited about yours, too! Good luck and hugs to you.

Koala, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am now on Day 3 post-op and I think I am progressing well. I drove my daughter to skating lessons this morning and then went to a meeting. In all, I was out for about 4.5 hours. I don't want to push it, but OTOH, I am going back to work on Monday, so I am trying to increase my activity level so that I can make it through at least 1/2 day. The only pain I have in at the port site. I am still taking the Loritab sometimes, but only Tylenol if I'm going to be driving. Even though my Dr. allows soft foods after 48 hours, I'm taking it a bit slower. I have eaten a bit of yogurt and applesauce, but otherwise, I've been drinking the Atkins and lo-carb Slimfast and drinking broth with protein powder added. I just don't have a good feel for how much I should be eating right now. Any input? Thanks.

Robin -- thanks for the kind words. It was nice to have a "familiar face" at the surgicenter -- especially because we will continue to provide support as we heal and then really start working with our new bands. My kids asked why I have a photograph of my band and I told them it was going on this year's holiday cards. They were appalled! I love it. Today I notice that I am feeling a bit weaker than I expected. One of my kids had to go to the doctor for a bad eye thing, so I had to take her. By the time we finished 2 hours later, I was wiped out. I ended up sleeping for about 2 1/2 hours this afternoon. I think I am needing more protein, so I now have some protein powder to add to the broth I'm eating. Robin, I'm not having the burping, but it seems like that wouldn't be such a bad thing -- anything to get rid of excess gas is good, I suppose. All in all, I think I am probably where I should be on the 3rd day...doing the spirometer 4x per day and crushing meds are my least favorite activities right now.

I meant to mention to you all that I am typically a very nervous patient, and though I controlled my anxiety better yesterday than I have in the past, my heartrate gave me away -- it was 120 both before and after surgery. My BP was fine, though, so the medical staff was not concerned. I am having some mild-moderate pain around the port site inciscion. I, like RLittman, have 5 incisions -- thought I had four but found another one today when I took my shower -- btw, I feel better after that shower! I have even done some work today -- mostly answering e-mails and making phone calls, but I figure that's pretty good for day 2. I'm told to expect day 3 to be potentially the most painful, but if it doesn't get much worse that this, I'll consider it pretty easy. As for food, I'm mainly drinking water, some crystal lite, a bit of juice, broth, some jello and some low-carb slim fast. I have experienced a bit of hunger, but not too much yet. Boo Boo Kitty -- where are you hurting? Gas, inside, incision site? I'm taking the pain med they gave me along with gas-x and my pain is manageable. I would call the dr. and let him know. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Good luck to all and I'll try to update over the next few days. Maybe I'll even figure out how to get my ticker going! Jessica

Today was my band-day! I was banded by Dr. Spivak in Houston this morning. I was there from 8-1, though my surgery was at around 10 or so. I'm not big on general anesthesia, and shaking that off was really the worst part for me. I was also having some gas pains and some pain around the port area. I took some pain medication later this afternoon and had a nap and woke up feeling much better. I still have a bit of discomfort from the gas and a bit of pain around the port area, but I feel better than I thought I would tonight. I've been having liquids - Water, broth, Jello, Slimfast shake (small amount). Dr. Spivak is very liberal on what you can have post-op, but I'm probably going to stick to liquids for 48 hours. I'm very excited and relieved and wanted to let y'all know about my experience asap. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jessica

I returned from my "last supper" cruise. I was supposed to be doing the high protein, low carb diet per my doctor's orders, but that didn't happen. So, I hope my liver isn't a problem! -- at least I didn't drink much! I am so excited about my surgery on Wednesday, though I know that I will be nervous at some point. I haven't bought anything for post-op -- gotta do that in between work, kids, etc. over the next 2 days. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

I'm leaving on a cruise Sunday and will be back 3 DAYS BEFORE I'm banded. I paid the doctor and the surgicenter, have my ride to the surgery, but haven't had a chance to get my post-op supplies yet. I am so excited about my vacation, but I really think that I'm more excited about getting Banded. I've gained so much from y'all and look forward to hearing about how everyone is doing when I get back. I may even try to do one of those fancy ticker things! Aug 2 - Dr. Spivak, Houston!

I am going to have to self-pay if I am going to have the lap-band surgery. Dr. Spivak's web-site says it is $15K including 1-year of fills. Does anyone know if this includes the hospital charges or anesthesia, etc. If not, what is the "real" out-of-pocket cost? :omg:

RLittman -- I'm having mine done Aug. 2 by Dr. Spivak also. Self-pay at the Surgicenter. I had an upper GI. Do you know if there are any pre-op tests done the day or so before? I must admit I am not being good about the "pre-op" eating plan. Plus, I am returning from a 7-day cruise 3 days before the surgery. I guess I'll try to do just liquids those 3 days. I can't wait. Good luck to all. Now, what am I having for dinner...:hungry:

Reading y'all's posts is very inspirational. For those of us who are just beginning this journey, it's wonderful to hear about your great progress. And, I truly appreciate your honesty about the difficulties, too. As a soon-to-be bandster, congrats to you all and thanks for the motivation! Jessica Dr. Spivak Scheduled 8/2/06

I had the upper GI today -- no big deal. As long as everything looks good, I'm now "officially" scheduled for surgery on August 2nd. I have been waiting 5 years to start this journey and I am really grateful that it has finally begun. And, I'm so thankful to have this community to go to for support, guidance, and friendship. It's hard for those in the "skinny" world to relate to this experience and how big of a deal it is to me. So, I haven't even shared it with anyone except the person who will be taking me to the surgicenter. :clap2: