Floridacocoon

Hi pmommy

I had a hiatal hernia repair at the time of surgery but there were no different or additional instructions about that. It has BLESSEDLY relieved my horrifying heartburn/reflux and I am so grateful for that. Was banded 3/8. I was really thirsty too and I think it was simply from surgery. I think I'm right about this but someone correct me if not: With the cold liquid/warm liquid thing, I think it's just that many people find cold liquids uncomfortable to drink after surgery. I don't think it hurts you to do that. I asked for ice chips in the hospital and got them.

Good luck!

also to pmommy,

re the nausea ... I do not get nauseated from pain meds as a rule, but I know many people do, so I think it IS normal.

Hi everyone! I've reviewed these boards for some time, posted questions and joined this group but haven't yet introduced myself. I live in the LA area and I am officially banded as of this morning. The experience was totally OK. Immediately after waking up I had some pain/discomfort and was really drowsy. The discomfort went away quickly with the pain meds.

The hospital would not give me anything but Water. So when I got home, I was anxious for something to relieve my sore throat and dry mouth, plus take my pain meds. I can't believe the amount of the liquid painkiller I needed to take (15-30ML). Not great tasting either! It actually left me nauseous for a few minutes. Even the Water I sipped in the car ride home made me a little nauseous. IS this normal? When will it go away? Did you take your pain meds on an empty stomach? I haven't eaten all day but now I find myself scared to eat/drink.

Did anyone have a hiatial hernia repair at the time of their surgery? If so, were you given an special dietary guidelines to follow? I didn't see my doc after surgery and we only spoke for a few minutes beforehand. I have no idea if he put in any restriction. I got the standard 2 weeks liquid and 2 weeks mushy instructions and he told my husband avoid cold things...which i have no idea why and my throat is dying for some ice cold water or some frozen yogurt.

I just finally ate and found it's hard to remember to eat slow..I am so used to rushing as I am always the last to sit down and have to tend to the children's plates. It was strained Soup which I found left me thirsty and with some increased pressure right in the middle of my chest. I am hoping this is from the surgery and not a result of eating.

Oh and the shoulder pain seems to be starting in...

Goood luck to everyone.

Hi pmommy

I had a hiatal hernia repair at the time of surgery but there were no different or additional instructions about that. It has BLESSEDLY relieved my horrifying heartburn/reflux and I am so grateful for that. Was banded 3/8. I was really thirsty too and I think it was simply from surgery. I think I'm right about this but someone correct me if not: With the cold liquid/warm liquid thing, I think it's just that many people find cold liquids uncomfortable to drink after surgery. I don't think it hurts you to do that. I asked for ice chips in the hospital and got them.

Good luck!

Awesome Stevie! :wub:

I hope to lose some weight from this pre-op diet. My scale isn't moving very much. I know - don't check it every day but I do because I'm a nosy body. LOL! It's moved maybe a pound. Ugh. I'm on day 5 of my preop. It's getting easier. I no longer want to stab people who are carrying food. Ha ha ha!

Of course, today I had a co-worker shame me for having the surgery. That was fun... NOT. :tongue2: I don't get people sometimes. Oh well...

a little unsolicited advice: be cautious about who you tell for just the reason you said. I think "dieting" and "weight loss" are like parenting, in that everyone has the right idea and best solution and they feel compelled to share it. shame is such a nonproductive thing anyway. so peace and love and good luck to you! I was banded March 8 and am doing very well ...

I have no problem answering :wub: I'll probably start a different thread on it just because I was so shocked and appalled that we were treated that way, specially in a foreign country where we have no clue where we were and knew anyone, nor the language for that matter.

I'll try to make it short and sweet lol. The "hospital" (I say that because it was a clinic in a strip mall, apparently all plastic surgery centers are in strip malls) was great, they were awesome to me and my family. After wards they set you up in what they call a guest house to recover. they told my family that they'd be all taken care of, they'd have Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all made up for them the next morning, and just a lot of promises that they couldn't keep. We got to the guest house, it was FREEZING! they didn't have any heaters, and told us they had some small electrical ones in storage, but we had to find them, and couldn't find any. I had to go to the other house to ask for the breakfast, if I didn't, then my family wouldn't have been able to eat. And when the lady did come over to cook it, she couldn't speak a lick of English, and acted like we were putting her out, so we felt bad cuz we were supposed to have a translator there, but... nope, none in sight. Then they said I was supposed to go to xray at 11am... that came and went, and I called up to the office, and they didn't know what was going on. We wanted to shopping afterwards to some of the little market shops, so we just wanted to get this xray done and over with. We finally found a guy that spoke english, he said he'd look into it.... he didn't.. I called back 2 and a half hours later and then they tell me someone is on their way to take me. Well, my patient coordinator just got there when they loaded me into the van, and they said that me and only me could go, my family would have to stay at the guest house and wait. She asked how my family was doing, i said, do u want to ask me or them cuz i knew i wouldn't be as harsh, well apparently this was her form of me "attacking" her. And i was just explaining why we were upset and couldn't get a hold of any one on anything. So she says she'll go a head and talk to them. Meanwhile, the owner is all up in my face not being very nice to me, and i'm like umm... ok... so i go get my xray, come back. The owner and my patient coordinator take me into a room and start to tell me how rude my family is, and how they couldn't believe my family talked to them the way they did, and how they didn't appreciate anything, and how much complaining they did, and that they just wanted me to hear their side. Also told me that my step dad packed our stuff and said that they were leaving, and the owner and the pc tried to get them to stay. And I thought, okay, my step dad can be like that sometimes, maybe they were, who knows? All i knew is i was feeling like crap. So he said that he put me up in the marriot w 1 guest and the rest of my family would have to find somewhere else to stay. then as I'm walking out he says to me, when you get skinny, your friends and family will want nothing to do with you, so just be prepared, and i'm like UMMM NO. my family and friends love me and support anything I do. So then their driver gets to the hotel, my family booked a room right next to mine, and they told me that they were just sitting in the house when the owner and pc came in with body guards, and started yelling at them, and telling them that they couldn't afford to stay in a 5 star hotel and that they needed to get out of the house right now, and they wouldn't even let my family explain anything. and the owner, a man, told my mom that he's more of a man that she is..... there's more, but i tried to make it short and sweet lol

Wow. That is strange. You all will have a fascinating story to tell some day, when it's not so painful. You probably should bear in mind that I am a journalist when I tell you this, because it's the way I think about experiences, but if I were you I might consider telling my story to a local newspaper reporter if you don't mind the publicity, because health stories are particularly relevant right now in light of health care reform (or non-reform), and it may save other people from having the same experience (as well as strengthening the case for coverage of these procedures in this country). "Medical tourism" is a big story right now as well. You aren't in Florida by any chance, are you?

If you'd rather, respond to dayharp@yahoo.com ...

I've put on a couple pounds. I think it's because I have the excuse of, "I'll never be able to eat that or like that after I get the band, I should do it now!"

Has anyone else gained weight?! YES! I called it my "Farewell to food Tour" (I didn't make that up, I read it somewhere) and I personally think it is quite a natural response to what's coming. I've read some places that some docs get upset if you do that, but mine didn't. In my case, food has been an addiction.

So like a typical addict, when faced with the prospect of "rehab," I embraced my habit because it was about to end. Having had experience with drug and alcohol addicts, I know that they "drink themselves in" to rehab, so it makes perfect sense.

The bottom line is I was banded Mondayl. It's Friday. I stopped being hungry sometime Monday evening and am on my way to a new life. Having the band already seems to be giving me the advantage of not feeling driven by hunger, which gives me the edge I need to conquer emotional eating.

I hope you're not beating yourself up about eating. That was really the point of my answer!

Your question about feeling your port. No, I can't either! Surgery was March 8. Today is the 11th. I'm still puffy I think, from the gas pumped into my abdomen for the operation. My left shoulder still hurts now and then, and I have a lot of gurgling too, but I think I figured out it's when I drink something too fast and it's too cold.

Sandi,

What do you mean they tried to turn your family against you? Of course family support is so important! Don't answer if you don't want to, I'm just curious about that.

Dayna/FLA COCOON

Hang in there, Caldwell. The pre-op diet was challenging for me because I was still hungry! But after a couple of days it really does get easier. And there is an end in sight ... you can do it!

I'll add my two cents! I was banded Monday ... today is Wednesday and I'm doing great! Here are a few details. I am:

THIRSTY: Amazing, I think. After being on a liquid diet for a week before surgery and on clears since surgery, how can I be thirsty? But I am. It was worst the day after surgery.

NOT HUNGRY: Amazing. I'm so glad. It's a blessing. I was actually hungry after surgery, the same day, and through much of the evening, but then it disappeared and hasn't returned.

NOT HURTING TOO MUCH: I have three incisions and one is above my belly button, and that one gets a little sore if a waistband of PJs irritates it, but overall the pain is entirely manageable and I have liquid pain meds anyway.

WEIRDLY HICCUPING: Like one hiccup at a time, and that can be a little uncomfortable in my sternum area, but it's entirely manageable. This only happens once in a while.

12 POUNDS LIGHTER: Yep. After the liquid diet week and now clears. Although I don't know where it came from because I'm not wearing work clothes or anything but loose and comfortable stuff and my stomach is still bloated from the gas they pump in it to do the surgery.

My left shoulder hurts from time to time but it also is entirely manageable.

IT'S ALL GOOD!

Peace and luck to all and hope I helped you know what to expect.

Hi btrieger,

Why skeptical? About what in particular? You've done really well in weight loss already. I hope you're proud ... !

Dayna

Where is the thread, I can't see it ?

I have been given a date of 3/8/10. Going through all my testing now. I hope all goes well.

TO MSDV and SANDI!

My date is March 8 also! I start full liquids tomorrow (the 1st) and am both excited and a little scared. My issues now are

1) everyone in the family wants to be there, and that sounds like a circus to me, not to mention that the hospital is more than 2 hours away.

2) although doc has said I can drink coffee moderately, I'm worried about it.

3) surgery fear, of course.

How are you guys?

Dayna

Hi Lauren

I've been told the reason for the one-week liquid diet is to give my liver time to shrink, which makes the actual surgical procedure easier. As it was explained to me by dr. office, this is standard for them, not because my liver is strange or anything.

So maybe your doctor does the procedure a little differently. Because from what I know of SugarBusters (which was created by three or four New Orleans doctors while I was living there; I'm in Florida now; as a journalist I wrote a little about it then), it's a lot like what I'm supposed to do after surgery when I can tolerate solids again. I'm supposed to eat little to no sugar and start with Protein, which is a lot like SugarBusters (although I don't think SugarBusters is low fat, and I've been told to do low fat). I think you need to do whatever doctor says though!

Dayna

Hi, this is my first post. I am having my band on March 4th.

All very quick - saw the RN on Monday, dietician on Wed, and I saw my surgeon today for the first time. I am in Australia, and the insurance companies don't put us through all the hoops you guys go through. Only thing I have to do is Optifast diet for one week,which I started on Wed after seeing the dietician - just assumed (& hoped) I could get in quickly. Can't wait.

Hello Aussie bandster ... I am a journalist in FL, USA and also getting a band ... I am so curious about other health care systems ... would you mind talking (I won't quote you I just want to know) about this?

So I go today for my Pre-Op and for the last dietician appt. Surgury is 7 days away a little nervous but excited...I noticed that some others had to do a pre-op diet a couple weeks before their surgury...I was just wondering is that a required thing or do just some Dr.'s require it?

Hi, my dr. requires only a one-week full liquids diet, then Clear Liquids day before surgery. I think some insurance co's require a regular diet first too. I have to confess I was more like on a SeeFood diet until a few days ago. But March 8 is approaching so I've started behaving.

Hi Suzy,

Mine is March 8. Woo hoo. I start full liquids the 1st but otherwise living fairly normally at the moment. I'm getting the Allergan band. You?

Good luck!!

Dayna

me too, march 8. are you OK? I start full liquids monday (the 1st) ... kinda worried about that part.

Dayna

Getting mine March 8th!

me too! March 8. Staying one night in hospital. Starting weight 259. Never could say that outloud before.

I'm having lap-band® surgery on 3/22/10. Anyone else getting a band in March? :sad:

Yes! March 8. I'm finishing up what I have come to think of as my Farewell to food Tour, which was not a smart idea but I did it. So Monday I am to begin a better eating and exercise routine. I am nervous but excited about it all. Just got the date yesterday.

Help! I don't know how to start a new thread on this or I would. Can you? I'd love to hear more from people about head vs. body hunger ...

Re the TOOL etc.

I have spent so much time thinking about my problems with EMOTIONAL eating that I nearly have lost sight of the fact that the band is to help with things like real, honest HUNGER. Does it really help in that regard? I can't be ONLY eating for emotional reasons ... ??

I have been having issues with the one friend I did tell. I felt very negative responses to my decision. Last night was the last straw and I sent my frined a looonng email explaining my position, how I was affected by him and how I am doing this for me and me only. I went by his house today to discuss everything and after everything was out on the table we worked through our issues and now we understand each other. Normally i would never have been so confrontational and let it all slide by and bottle up my emotions only to attack the refridgerator later on. As emotional eating is my downfall I am dealing with my emotions instead of eating them. I think we all need to examine this and if we find people that are reacting negative take them head on lay it all out and let the chips fall where they may. The true friends will come around all the rest OH WELL...My health, well being and sense of self are for once the priority.

Wow, you have said a mouthful, pun intended. Regarding being confrontational and not swallowing your feelings: I am struggling to get a handle on this before I get a surgery date. I KNOW I have been eating emotionally and I'm trying to figure out how to change patterns with people, telling them what I need and how our interactions need to change WITHOUT saying or implying "YOU are making me EAT." But the truth is, I do need to change some things about my relationships. I have let my kids be rude to me and swallowed it. I have let my spouse equivalent be inconsiderate and swallowed it. I realize the only thing I can really change is my reaction to these things, but it sure seems like I ought to be able to tell them what I need and how they can help, no? I've always believed that you train people how to treat you, and some retraining is now needed.

Yes I did, Psych and nutrition last week, Heart stress test last Friday. I am all done with pre-op tests and waiting for surgery date. The journey has been stressful, but I have gained so much insight on myself, I am ready to do this.:rolleyes2:

good for you! good luck and if you are so inclined, let me/us know how you are doing.

I guess you're right, Missy. I'm not familiar with a huge failure rate, if I am defining failure the way you are. The doctor I am seeing has only removed two out of 600. But does failure in your eyes mean lack of success with the tool?

Jax - you GO GIRL. My daughter has verbally attacked me about my decision. I will meet with a therapist before, during and after to receive tools in dealing with these issues.

I do NOT intend to share this decision with friends. Felt I should tell family.

Fortunately, my husband is very supportive. This is the tool I feel I need.

Usually, when people react WAY out of proportion to what seems reasonable, I've noticed there is something hitting a nerve with THEM and it's not about YOU.

It's amazing that everyone has to factor THEMSELVES into how they react to what YOU are doing. We are SO not all the same as human beings and it's sad when friends can't be as supportive as you hoped. I bet, though, that someone else will come from the woodwork who does get it and can be a friend through this. I'm sad because my spouse equivalent is so afraid of medical things/surgery that he can't hear much about this without changing the subject. But one of my women friends has been great, and will help me along with my dad. So I'm thinking if I let the RIGHT people in for this, I won't be alone.