DianaG

I never was "regular" even before surgery...every 2-3 days was normal for me. After surgery, I have had a problem and sometimes had no BM for 6-7 days. After much trial and (definitly) error, I have hit upon something that helps me. I drink a glass of prune juice every morning, and in the afternoon I eat some Activia yogurt. That in addition to FiberOne cereal for breakfast has definitely helped.

Mine is on the right also.

I tested several months ago and do have sleep apnea. My husband has had it for years. We are both happy that we found out before we went any further without the benefit of our CPAP's (Constant Positive Air Pressure). Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can cause several health problems. I thought I would have a hard time adjusting to the CPAP because I have claustrophobia and can't stand anything over my face!!! I was really happy to find an alternative to the mask. I have nasal pillows instead and the head gear that holds them does not cover my face. I can even keep my glasses on and read myself to sleep!!! In less than 2 weeks I was totally used to being on the CPAP. My sleep doctor says that it is very possible that I can stop using it because of the weight loss. Of course that depends on whether or not I have obstructive sleep apnea, or another type that is neurological. He thinks I have the obstructive type and that gives me a good chance of getting off of it. Having said that, I really won't mind that much if I have to keep using it. So, that was a long message to say "don't worry" too much about it! In fact my having it counted as another co-morbidity and helped me get approval for the insurance to agree to pay for the lap-band. In a strange way, I should be thankful for having sleep apnea!?!?!:biggrin:

I have never been able to burp very well and certainly can't "make" myself do it...I sure wish I could! Since my surgery, nearly 2 months ago, I have wished I had control over burping. Mine sometimes start and then end with just sort of a "jump" of my diaphram...sorta like the "hic" without the "up".....or I will feel a burp coming up my esophagus and it just stops before it comes out!:thumbup: I am really happy when one comes all the way out and I really get some relief! I have found some relief of gas formation by taking Gas-X extra strength liquid gels. Helps with the gas formation in your intestines also!! Good luck!

I know people make decisions based on what is best for them. I had my surgery done by the same surgeon who also removed my gall bladder several years ago. He is an excellent surgeon and all round nice person. In spite of all that, I had a complication that required me to stay 3 nights in the hospital. So I am glad that I stayed in this country and had the surgeon that I had help me through the difficult few days. Having said that, I also have a good friend and neighbor who chose to go to Mexico to have her surgery. Her surgeon was the same one you are going to. She had the surgery over a year ago and has lost over a hundred pounds. She is estatic with the results and is so happy that she went to her surgeon to get it done (and NO, I am not one of those people who are paid to praise one surgeon or another!!) I just know that I am glad that I was able to stay in this country and have the surgeon that I had and she is happy with her decision to go to Mexico and have the surgeon she did. There are always personal reasons for the choices we make.. and hopefully you will be happy with yours just as my friend and I are happy with ours. Good luck to you. Hope you have time while in Mexico, to enjoy some of the sights and sounds of the area....too bad you won't be able to enjoy some of the fabulous food there.... you will have to return later and have a taste or two after the band has settled in to help you resist eating too much!

I am so glad that you are feeling much better today!!!:biggrin:

Good deal Slumber! I am so glad that she called you back and gave you some advise! So good luck with the Gatorade...here's hoping that takes care of things and you can get a good nights rest. Let us know how you feel in the morning. Sweet dreams!:thumbup:

Best thing I have found is Gas-x Ultra Extra Strength liquid gels. You only have to take them 2x a day.

Yeah, Restless, but I am sure that both Slumber (especially Slumber) and I feel better that you weighed in also to back up our instincts!!! I always have a backup plan, it is to call your Dr. and let them figure it out!!! Slumber, I hope you get a call soon..so you can relax and get a good nights sleep.

Slumber, I am so glad that you called your Dr. He will be able to tell you what is happening and reassure you. Please let us know what you find out. :thumbup:

Ah Good! Restless, I sure was hoping you would find this post and answer it!!!! :thumbup:

Just a quick note to share my "gas-ie" situation. I too tried the gas-x strips.....my mouth was so dry that they didn't dissolve on my tongue....just sorta gummed up. Then I tried the chewable cherry ones...tasted great, but didn't have enough of the simenthecone (sp?). Then real help finally arrived....Gas-x liquid gels with a higher amount of the active ingredient...Give them a try!!!

I don't want to be an alarmist either, but since I don't have a clue about what could be causing this, I would suggest that you call your doctor and tell them exactly when it started, how it seems to be spreading, etc. I would call asap. Good luck and let us know what the verdict is!

Wow! You are doing great Phyl. You are going to be able to take a walk in those New Mexico mtns on your way to sunny California!!! Seriously, I am glad you are doing so well and that you will soon be on your way south for the winter. We plan to get to NM in Oct. but will only get to stay a couple of weeks. I have a fill scheduled for when we get back. I will be a couple of weeks late on it. If I get really hungry before the trip, my surgeon said he would put in a small fill before I leave. Will just play it by ear! Keep up the good work with your knee and let us know when you are ready to hit the road!

So_it_goes, I can easily see how you thought your clear liquid diet was to be for 2 weeks. After all, the whole life change thing, plus surgery, etc. result in a lot to remember and think about during a very stressful time!! It can be almost overwelming and emotional. Now you know you are a very strong person! You have a lot of willpower and it will serve you well in the coming months. I am proud of you!! I don't think you will gain the 17 lbs back. There for a while after surgery, I was losing at a rate of a pound a day. I am about a month and a half post-surgery and today I found out that I am 30 pounds down!!!! So I am losing at a more satisfactory rate now, but I didn't gain back what I lost during those early days. So concentrate on the future and not the past and you are going to be so impressed with yourself!!!!! "atta girl"!!!!!!!

Hi So_it_goes, Glad that your appointment went well and that now you can eat something with a bit more substance!!That is great.:thumbup: Isn't it interesting how one hand doesn't know what the other is doing sometimes!:mad2: I just got back from my appointment and the surgeon is happy and so am I. I am down another 3 pounds this week. He wants me to lose 2-3 lbs a week. He said that he wanted to see me in a month, but since I am planning on being gone for 5 weeks, he told me to call when I got back and he would give me my next fill then. He says that usually after a fill, you aren't hungry, but after a couple of weeks, hunger returns and then you get a fill. I have a couple of weeks until I leave, so he said if I was getting really hungry,call him and he would make sure I got a fill before I leave.

I was one of those who had complications. I had spent 3 nights in the hospital and would have been glad if they had kept me for 4!! My DH was wonderful taking care of me!

Hello Diana, Welcome from another Diana!

I had some complications and ended up staying in the hospital 3 nights. I am so glad that I did, because even with my husbands excellent help, we could not have taken care of me at home. I was glad to get home, but would have been glad to stay a 4th night if I could have.

I would love to be able to finish my burps. Rarely can I get one all the way out! It gets part way and then stops!!!! So be thankful you can have a complete one!

prgb, I didn't have anything to eat before the fill, and since he only put in 2cc's(this was my first fill), I was hungry by lunchtime, so I had a protein drink. He told me to stay on fluids (clear and full) for the next 24 hours. I did and have felt fine since.

Hey So_It, I have every confidence that all will be well for both of us on Tuesday!!!!! I knew you could find the strength to tough it out on clear liquids until Tuesday!:tongue2: "Atta Girl"! Let us know how it goes after your check-up!

At this point you may have to psych yourself up and just go day by day and that way you can make it until your appointment:rolleyes2:. It is always good to follow your dr.'s advise, even if it is really hard! If you need some reassurance, you might call your dr. and tell them how you are doing and how hard it is for you right now. Don't know if that would change anything or not. I'll send you a mental "atta girl" every now and then.:wink: Let us know how it goes. I see my surgeon on Tuesday also. He just wants to check up on me because he just put in my first fill of 2cc's on last Tuesday. Hope all is well with both of us!!

If you don't mind me asking, why 14 days of clear liquids post-op? I had 4 days of clear liquids and then 2 weeks of full liquids. Boy, different surgeons have different protocols don't they!!! Hang in there, it does get better!

Yeah I have been there too. Stopped losing about the same time. Had surgery on July 27th and my first fill was Tuesday,Sept 8th. My surgeon is conservative with the amount of saline he puts in each fill, so he told me not to really expect much restriction until the 3rd or 4th fill. That is fine with me. I lost 27 lbs so far, before I entered "bandster hell", but have not gained any!!!!! That in itself is an accomplishment for me!! I feel that the time has been well spent just healing. Good luck to us all!