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I'm 8 days post-op and went back to work today. I worked 9 hours and oh my!! I can FEEL it!! I definitely went back too soon. I hope I didn't cause any damage to the band itself, the port, or any of the incision sites. A lesson learned. I will be taking the next week off. On a brighter note: HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! HAVE A FABULOUS, ROCKIN' 2010!! I am soo excited to be on this journey right now. It feels SO great to be banded!! :biggrin:

No problem hon!! Anytime... that's what friends are for!! You might want to try the strips that melt in your mouth to be on the safe side. But it does work!! I carry some of the gel caps with me at all times. Let me know how you feel tomorrow. Hugs!! Hope you get some rest! Have a great New Year! Amy

Lisa! :biggrin: So, you are 3 days post-op. It is VERY normal to still be experiencing gas. And I do believe that the gas is most likely causing the majority of your pain. I would try Gas-X Strips. Most people on the board here swear by them. I used the Gas-X gel capsules (they are small enough to swallow) and they worked great! My doctor also recommended them to me. I was kinda of having a pity party for myself 3 days post-op too. That was when I was having gas and diarrhea. Once that cleared up, I was feeling much better. I went a couple of days that I was feeling miserable emotionally. I think some people refer to it as Bandster Hell. You might read about it in some of the threads. Anyone out there that can shed some light on this?? Thanks! Take care, Lisa and please vent..... Get some Gas-X and feel better soon!!

Katy, WOW!! 17 lbs!! That's AWESOME!! Way to go!! I'm SO proud of you!! :tongue2: I lost 3 lbs on my pre-op diet, which was high protein/low carb for 1 week and by this morning I had lost 7.2 lbs since Wed. Dec 23rd. So, I have lost a total of 10.2 lbs since Dec 17th and feel great. Can't wait to put on my work clothes and see if I can tell the difference! Yesterday, my watch was sliding down my wrist. Katy, all I want for the New Year is a healthier life!! What a way to start, eh? We are on the right path. You are doing awesome hon!! Keep up the good work!! You are an inspiration to me!! Please keep me posted. Hope you have a great 8th day! Hugs, Amy

You should be banded by now or soon to be! Congrats! Take it easy and relax!!

Hi Lisa!! SO good to hear from you!! :tongue2: Just curious, is this your first surgery or your first abdominal surgery? Unfortunately, it is painful because you really do use those muscles for everything you do (getting in/out of bed, sitting/standing, walking, bending, lifting, etc). However, trust me, the pain will be better by tomorrow and will practically be gone by Friday. Move slowly and when you have a pain spasm take deep breaths. Try lying in bed or sitting in a chair and just deep breath. And take your pain meds every 4 hours or as prescribed by your doctor. If you are still in severe pain tomorrow morning, call him. He may have to call in something different for you. Everyone's system is different and therefore reacts differently to pain meds. You might need something different. In fact, if the pain is intolerable right now, I'd call him and see if there was something else you could take in addition to the pain meds (maybe advil??). Just take it easy and try to use lots of pillows to prop your body into a comfortable position. Breathe, relax, and know that it will get better. Also, some people use heating pads for the pain. I didn't but have heard of it. You might want to try it. Lisa, it WILL get better!! Keep the faith, girl!! Hope this helps!! Amy

Katy, It's been 7 days!! Whoo Hoo!! How are you doing?? I'm doing much, much better. I'm feeling a lot better. Don't know if I'm ready to return to work quite yet, though. But I am suffering from cabin fever! lol Hope you are doing well!

Hi Crista!! Congrats on being a December Bandster!!! It's a great feeling to walk past all those greasy, high fat foods and realize that they are no longer a part of our lives. And to be able to walk AWAY is a fabulous feeling. It can be tough. I am 7 days post-op and pizza has always been my weakness. I've had to walk past it a few times this week and Monday night was a true test of will power. But I did it (I guess being on a liquid diet played a part in! hehe). Glad to hear that you are feeling great. I'm feeling a lot better but am still experiencing pain around the port area and have gas. I am up cleaning today and have to say this is the best I have felt. You sound like you are doing great and will be very successful. Keep up the awesome work and keep us posted on your journey! I'm excited... tomorrow I resume a "normal" diet! Wish me luck! Amy

Well, I'm 6 days post-op!! I'm still tender and sore around the port site and have pain during certain movements but other than that I am doing terrific! I'm still a bit gassy but no more diarrhea. I'm starving and ready to start on my regular diet on Thursday! I weighed in yesterday and I have lost 6.2 lbs since Dec 23rd.

Congrats and Good Luck!! This time tomorrow you will be banded!! YAY!! You must be soo excited and yet nervous, which is totally normal. I'm 6 days post-op and can't believe how fast the time has flown by. Just remember to take it easy and to get lots of rest. Also drink lots of water! You'll do fine!! Keep us updated!!

Hi Carleen!! :laugh: It's so great to hear back from you! WOW!! 7 Days already! Time flies, doesn't it?!! I'm 6 days post-op. I'm POSITIVE that you've lost weight and that it's noticeable. YAY!! I was out and about today and people asked if I had lost weight. My pcp and my nutritionist weighed me yesterday and I had lost 6.2 lbs since Dec 23rd! I can tell the difference in my clothes and in my watch. I put my watch on for the first time since surgery and it just dangled on my wrist. It was an awesome feeling. I agree with you. This forum is great for support. My friends, family, and even some of my doctors did not feel that I should get this surgery. When I was frustrated and depressed, I was able to find comfort and support here. I'm still experiencing some pain around the port site and discomfort when doing certain movements, such as bending to put my shoes on and off. Other than that, I'm doing much better. I'm still experiencing gas on and off but no diarrhea! Have a great night, Carleen and keep us updated on your progress. I start my solid food on Thursday. I can't wait! I'm starving! :w00t: Hugs, Amy

Hope your resting and doing well, Lisa!! :biggrin: Amy

Sue, Thank you soo much for your concern, advice, and support. I'm really relieved that was I was able to see my pcp today and actually have a long discussion with my surgeon (he's out of state). It was also nice to see my program coordinator and the nutritionist today and go over what I should be eating and how much. I did learn that they do make probiotic pearls and I bought some. I'm eating Soup, apple sauce, and fudgecicles. I have not had diarrhea since yesterday. My doctors and my nutritionist stressed that I'd vomit if I overate. It all makes sense, since the band forms a type of funnel. It will overflow at the top, making you vomit before it will overflow at the bottom. This was all explained to me at my education seminar but I had forgotten in my panic. After seeing the diagrams again and having it all explained, it all makes sense to me and I am relieved. And I am feeling SOO much better. Thanks again, Sue!! :biggrin:

I'm feeling much better, thank you!! I stopped my protein shakes yesterday along with yogurt and all milk products. I saw my pcp today, spoke with my surgeon and saw my nutritionist. I am not having dumping syndrome as that only occurs in patients who have had gastric bypass. I did not overeat, b/c I would've have been vomitting. The diarrhea is from the antibiotics administered in the OR along with dairy products I have been ingesting since surgery. According to my doctors and nutritionist, I'm doing well. I just have to cut out all dairy products from my diet and let the antibiotics run their course. I am feeling soo much better today and of course I feel relieved after seeing and speaking to my doctors. Whew! What a relief! Thanks eveyone for your advice, support, and encouragement! I truly appreciate it!! :smile: Can't believe I'm 5 days post-op!!

Hi!! :biggrin: Dumping Syndrome only occurs in those who undergo gastric bypass. It's the body's reaction to an overload of sugar that one ingests. You may want to google it for a better definition. You won't see it around here b/c it does not pertain to us. It only pertains to those who undergo gastric bypass. Also ask your surgeon and/or nutritionist for more information regarding this, since I'm not a doctor! lol Take care and good luck!! Keep us updated!! :smile:

Katy! :biggrin: Unfortunatley, I was misguided by another board member on another thread. I saw my pcp today, spoke with my surgeon, and saw my nutritionist. Dumping Syndrome only occurs in those who undergo gastric bypass. It's the body's reaction to an overload of sugar that one ingests. You may want to google it for a better definition. You won't see it around here b/c it does not pertain to us. It only pertains to those who undergo gastric bypass. BTW~ This is not written to offend anyone or to hurt anyone. This is my experience since Wed, Dec 23rd. A quick re-cap for everyone new to this thread: I had been having diarrhea since Thursday evening, my 1st day post-op. My doctor told me it was most likely due to the antibiotics that they had given to me in the OR. My stomach is very sensitive to antibiotics and milk products. Since the surgery, eating the creamy soups (as prescribed by my surgeon), and drinking my protein shakes, I've been full of gas, crampy, and having bouts of diarrhea. I freaked out on Saturday and came on the msg boards that night afraid that something was wrong. I was misguided into believing that I had been eating too much and was experiencing this dreaded "Dumping Syndrome." Not to hurt anyone's feelings and not to start any debates, I'll just state what my doctors and nutritionist told me today. If I had ate too much, I would have vomitted NOT had diarrhea. People who are banded do not experience "dumping." The diarrhea is from the antibiotics and the milk products in the yogurt and protein shakes and will go away. To stop eating the yogurt and switch to a different protein shake. To stop eating creamy soups and eat a broth. I am NOT a doctor. I'm just relaying information given to me by medical professionals. Katy, I was feeling great today until I ate yogurt and drank a protein shake. Yesterday, I skipped the protein shake and did awesome. Everyone's system is different and I'm just trying to figure out what works for me. Glad you were able to tolerate the oatmeal~ that's AWESOME! I hear you about the Walmart incident. I am bored out of my mind but I am exhausted from my trips to my doctor's offices. I'm supposed to return to work on Thursday but my surgeon wants me to wait another week. I now have to ask for another week off!! YIKES.... this is scary! I must say that I feel SOO much better after being better informed by my doctors this afternoon. I wish everyone luck on the upcoming surgeries!!! :smile:

Nope, definitely no mistake Katchat. I was banded this past Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Thanks! Amy

I was eating nutritiously and working out regularly. It got to the point that I could not reduce my food intake any more without risking malnutrtion. Thank you, it was quite an accomplishment. I worked very hard to do it. Yes, the day of surgery, I weighed 197.2 lbs. Also, I did not have to do a pre-op liquid diet. My doctor had me on a high protein/low carb diet one week prior to surgery. Sorry about the earlier confusion. I thought you were banded last Wed. But it's great that you'll be banded THIS Wed!!! Good Luck!!!! And share your experiences with us!! Amy

Yes, I was 285 lbs in March 2009 and 284 lbs at the time of my initial consult. I lost almost 90 lbs in 6 months. Then I was just able to maintain my weight. I wasn't able to lose anymore. Due to personal reasons I went ahead with the surgery.

Welcome to our little group!! Another Dec 23rd Bandster!! YAY!! :thumbup: Please share any of your experiences too. And ask questions! Good luck!! Keep us updated! Amy

Hi Kathie!! Welcome to LBT! There's a lot of useful information here and you will learn a lot. First of all, Cassie, was banded in 2008 (12/23/2008). So losing 60+ lbs in a year is normal. That's about 2 lbs a month. Kathie, unfortunately, you will not be able to drink coffee after surgery. It contains caffeine that irritates the stomach and causes hunger. Even after you heal, your doctor will most likely not allow you to drink coffee b/c caffeine does cause hunger. Also you are not allowed to drink any caffeinated beverages or sodas right after surgery. Hope that helps. Amy

Hi Katy, I know how you are feeling regarding the liquids. I woke up feeling very hungry today (day 5). I would love to pick up something solid to eat. I keep telling myself that it is only for a few more days and then I can move to a soft diet. We came this far, haven't we? We can do it!! :thumbup: :thumbup: My stomach has settled down A LOT!! First of all, I stopped my Protein shakes yesterday (until I can talk to my doctor today). I also ate only 1/3 of what I have been eating since I have been home. I had 4 oz yogurt, 2 fudgecicles, and 1/2 cup of cream of chicken soup in 18 hours. My doctor and nutritionist were very clear on what I could eat after surgery but they did not specify how much I could eat. So, thanks to a board member for pointing this out to me~ I had "dumping." Dumping occurs when you eat certain things or eat too much and I was definitely eating too much. As soon as I cut back on my eating yesterday, I felt much better. I'll keep you updated on what my doctor says. Thanks for checking in on me!! Take care and will talk later!! Amy

I'm happy to hear that you are doing better!! I still have a little bit of gas and diarrhea but definitely not as bad as it was. I'm back on pain meds but am feeling a bit down. It just seems like my doctor's "liquid" diet was not conventional. I'll be contacting my doctor, the program coordinator, and my nutritionist in the morning. I'm positive that they'll be able to help. Thanks for all the helpful info!! I appreciate it!! :thumbup:

Amy, You must talk to your doctor. He should have given you a list of foods, menus, and consistencies to eat. Do NOT try to eat any solids, even applesauce, at this point. Sometimes yogurt is not allowed immediately after surgery(i had only clear liquids for the 1st 2 days, and wasn't allowed yogurt (no fruit, sugar, or lumps) until day 3, post op). Strained soups, sugar free popsicles and fudgesicles may be tolerable. i could also have thinned cream of wheat, and thinned mashed potatoes ( soupy). If you have any liquid protein drinks, i.e. slimfast high Protein, or EAS, do take those, slowly. My doctor said no more than 1/4 to 1/2 cup for the the meal, 3 meals/day, and something to drink ( about 1 cup) almost every hour in between. The goal I had was for 6-8 cups of fluid (including the 3 c. of protein drink) and 70 grams of protein a day. You have a couple of things going on, any of which can upset your stomach. Your stomach was inflated to help with banding. Your stomach has had a major shock. You may be consuming too much at one time or moving too quickly to more solid food consistencies( you should be at the all liquid, no lumps stage). If your stomach is easily upset, or does not tolerate some foods, this may be part of the problem, too. i would urge you to back off, try clear broth or protein drink, and call your doctor. If you are drinking any coffee or tea, caffeinated or not- stop. I couldn't tolerate cocoa, either, for a while. These can upset your stomach. Hope you get some rest tonite. It will get better. Did the doctor give you any information about post op eating, protein, caffeine? it is a new way of eating and usually nutrition education is a must for candidates. Sue, I'm going to talk to my doctor in the morning. He put me on a liquid diet for 7 days, which ends on Tuesday. After Tuesday, I advance to a regular diet. However, I'm not allowed to drink soda or any carbonated beverages. Also, I'm not allowed to drink anything with caffeinated. His diet guidelines for week 1 are: Protein Shakes Milk and sugar-free yogurt Strained cream soups Sugar-free pudding Sugar-free fudgecicles Sugar-free applesauce Low fat cottage cheese Blended canned or soft fruits and vegetables Cream of wheat/rice or Farina Blended soups and stews Since I am doubtful about a lot of the above, I decided to stick with just the yogurt, fudgecicles, protein shakes, and soups. I did go to educational classes with a nutritionist who went over the above list. She stressed that we were not allowed to have jello or oatmeal. I did ask questions but did not ask HOW much we could eat at one sitting. She gave me a binder filled with information and there is nothing regarding how much should be consumed at each meal. This is my fault. I should have asked more questions. It just didn't occur to me. Tomorrow I will speak to my surgeon and the nutritionist. I'm very sad right now. I hope they can help me. Thank you!

Hi Katy! Hope this finds you well. I can't believe it is already day 4!! Well, where do I begin?? For starters I don't want to scare anyone off. However, I hope I can be informative. I started with gas and diarrhea on Thursday night (1 day post-op). I thought it was a reaction to the antibiotics that they gave me in the OR. It passed during the day on Friday and I was doing well. Other than my bout with the gas and diarrhea on Thursday evening, I was doing quite well. On Friday eveing, the gas and diarrhea returned. Anything I ate or drank came right back out. I was sick off and on all day Saturday and called my surgeon. I was just happy that I was off the pain meds and was able to walk around! My surgeon really thought it was due to the antibiotics given to me in the OR. I do have a very sensitive stomach when it comes to antibiotics. He told me to call him Sunday morning with an update. Well, I was up all night Saturday sick and was at my wits end. My surgeon told me to try to eat Fiber crackers. Anyways, I have cut back on my Water and liquid intake and seem to be doing a lot better. :thumbup: My advice to anyone who is about to be banded is to make sure you eat very small amounts when you return home. I'm hoping that this will not be an ongoing problem. I just wish my program coordinator/surgeon would have been clearer on how much I should have been ingesting once I returned home. Other than that, Katy, I am doing quite well. I have some pain around the incision areas due to being sick but am able to move about and am looking forward to feeling better on Monday! I did have to take some pain meds on Sunday and it looks like I will not be returning to work until next week. But I have faith that everything will work itself out!! :thumbup: How are you??