DebWS

Christie, My surgeon's instruction is about 8 oz. in an hour. I could probably do more than that, but I don't want to push it. Deb WS

Sophie and others: Yes, you can bookmark this discussion. at the top of the page you should also see a breadcrumb navigation which shows you that this thread is within the post-op surgery questions and answers section, called November 2010 Bandsters - post op. Once you post, you'll also get a notification when there is an update. You do have to click the link to go into the thread, but it's not a bad thing to do. Glad to have you here. Deb WS

LaShonda and others who are having the procedure today: I am thinking of you. All will be well. Remember to post on the November bandsters post-op forum after you are done! Deb WS

I am not sure whether you are asking for help with posting on this bulletin board, or whether you're wishing you were more enthusiastic, as some other are! If it's help with posting, I think you've mastered it - we welcome you! If it's connection and support - I think it is definitely true that everyone has different experiences. I found that Day 4 to Day 5 was a definite difference for me...and one more day may mean that for you, too. I also have learned, first-hand, that taking your pain medication, as opposed to trying to 'tough it out' can help a lot. Be well, and come back and tell us more about how you are doing. Deb WS

This is day 5 post-op for me (banded Nov. 3) and I do feel like I have turned a bit of a corner. I went to a memorial service this morning - sang at it - and took only Tylenol for pain. I don't have the breath control I had before -- need to work to get that back, I think -- and sipped lemonade at the reception following the service. But it was fine. I came home to drink another Protein shake (having had one in the Am) and take more Tylenol, and am about to head out on a couple of errands. I suspect that, after that, I'll need a little rest...but this does feel like things have moved ahead. Last night I really, really wanted something more than Protein shakes or broth...I am just bored with them! I had a teaspoon (maybe even less) of tiny tastes of hummus, and later a tiny slice of brie (less than an ounce) and nibbled carefully, to see how all that would go. You would have thought I was eating a sirloin steak! So tonight might be the night I pick up some chicken-coconut soup without anything in it, or have a little cottage cheese...I just feel like a little bit of something else can't be too damaging if I eat it slowly and carefully. I am glad that all the surgical weight gain also seems to have left...it's about time! Deb WS Banded 11/3/10, Dr. Malcolm Robinson, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA

Susan: Best wishes to you. The advantage of an early morning surgery is that they are likely to stay on time (mine was delayed by nearly three hours because of backups with earlier procedures). We will await further word and wish you nothing but the best! Deb WS

Cangel 76 said: "I found Day 3 was the hardest." I am beginning to think this is exactly where I was. Day 3 wasn't exactly the hardest for me, but today's Day 4, and it is decidedly better. I have not had any pain medicine since 9 AM (it is now 2 PM) and when I had it I took a half-dose. So I am encouraged. I have dutifully stayed with the liquids and I can't say that I'm interested in much else. I like the idea of cheese souffle or an omelet, but when I really think about it - not so much! So I'm sticking with what I have been told to do, one day at a time. I do find that I have to attentive to getting too 'empty' of Protein -- I do feel differently after I've had a shake. I also try and make sure that I don't swig down anything, but rather give it five minutes between sips. That seems to help. I also am seeing some loss of the gas- and hospital IV fluid-related weight gain, which is nice. Hoping others are making similar progress! Deb WS

Sophie and others - I am moving fairly well...but today I went to a music rehearsal and then a meeting (in a restaurant, where I had a bowl of turkey broth and decaf tea), and I took liquid Tylenol because I didn't want to drug myself. By the time I got home, at 3 PM, I was hurting and had to take the Roxicet (the serious drug). It helped with the pain, but also knocked me out...nonetheless, I think managing pain is important. I am taking less pain medication each day, and that is progress. I bet by Tuesday or Wednesday, you'll be just fine! Deb WS

LovetheNewMe and others: It really does help to hear your stories. This is day 3 post-op for me. I am definitely needing to continue Gas X, and I have not been successful, yet, in reaching my Fluid goals: either Protein shakes or other fluids. Yesterday I managed 32 oz. fluids (chicken broth, crystal light, water) and 32 oz (4) protein shakes...just couldn't do more. I did get in 2 Calcium chews, my Flintstones Vitamin, and my two prescription meds. But there is this feeling that I just can't tolerate more - so I'm hoping that, for the moment, it's enough! Others' experience welcome. I also still need the prescription pain medication...wish it were otherwise, but I find that my gut just hurts (can't take a deep breath without it catching, achy, etc.) unless I stay on the pain meds. Nonetheless, I am so, so happy that I made this choice. Deb WS

Firechic: Brigham and Women's Hospital, and my insurance company, required six consecutive months of nutrition classes at the hospital. While I was annoyed that I had to take them, given the nutritionist meetings, psych meetings, and other stuff I had already taken, I found them very helpful. If you pay attention you will learn great stuff about reading labels and making smart choices for food. About anesthesia: try not to worry. Your anesthesiologist will start an IV line in your arm with saline, and when you are brought into the operating room, they will put an oxygen mask on your face, which is just fine. And then they'll give you some medication to make you go to sleep - it's easy and gentle. When you wake up you should be all 'done' and you'll have oxygen on again, and there shouldn't be a tube down your throat at that point - so you won't remember any of that. And remember, they do have good pain management drugs available - and others are right in suggesting that you should use them. Letting the pain get hold of you by 'toughing it out' makes it harder, in the end, to manage the pain. You will be fine, I know. It is a threshold to step over! Best, Deb WS

I keep reading this section of the bulletin board AND the post-op section, since that is now where I am. I was banded on 11/3. My doctor has me on broth, sugar-free caffeine-free liquid, SF jello and popsicles, and protein shakes for 2 weeks, and then a change to pureed and very soft foods - so quite different from what a number of you are suggesting. Also, no Advil or Aleve (ibuprofen or naproxen sodium) for 2 weeks, since I was given Heparin (blood thinner) shots in the hospital to guard against blood clots (also had those compression boots on for the same reason). I have been taking Roxicet for pain, which is a form of oxycodone. It works well but definitely makes me loopy - so I'm hoping to be able to get off of it very shortly and move to liquid Tylenol. I have five incision spots and my gut is swollen and bruised - looks like I was in a bad fight. I have gas as well -- Gas X seems to help -- and NO regrets at all about the surgery. Deb WS (also posting on the post-op November 2010 bandsters BB)

Ellenmarie and all...I, too, am now banded. I have posted more comments in the post-op site...new thread for November 2010 bandsters. Best, Deb WS

Hi, all! Just a short note from me, in the hospital, to say that all went well and I am now banded! It is great to be on the 'other side of this huge milestone. Today I understand I will have an upper GI test and an X-Ray...and I believe that, after that, the plan is to spring me this afternoon. I've had only ice chips so far...but I can't say I'm interested in much more, either! Best to all and gratitude for this community, Deb WS

Thanks to you all! I'm off. Back tomorrow, I trust! Deb WS (being banded in a few hours!!)

Barbara, John, and others who have been through the surgery: good to know about the cramps -- I was not sure, pre-op, if this was a potassium imbalance. Fluid shortage would make sense. Have your doctors got you on a clear liquid and Protein shake regime for 2 weeks, or something else? Just wanting to compare notes, since I think diet prescriptions, pre-op, have varied significantly. I go into the hospital in a few hours...I'm about to take my last pre-op shower! Best, Deb WS Surgeon: Dr. Malcolm Robinson Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, MA

John and Lovethenewme - Thanks for the reports and encouragement. Toenail polish = off. About to do antiseptic scrub #2. Then - to bed early. Tomorrow I'll go to the chiropractor just to get my back in as good a shape as possible...a little more email..and then off to Brigham and Women's I go! I'll bring my iPod Touch with me and hope I'll be able to post from the hospital...if not, I'll do so when I get home!! Blessings for the journey, Deb WS

John: GREAT to hear from you - just what I was hoping for! I go in to the hospital tomorrow at 11:20; surgery at 1:20. I hope for the same experience as you. Remember (you and all): I've started a "November Bandsters" post-op thread for us to follow our progress on! Best, Deb WS

Diane and all - This is just the encouragement I need! Thank you for posting. My surgery is actually tomorrow; I confess that I just (deliberately) slid off my pre-op bandwagon and ate my last McDonald's Quarter-pounder (well, most of it), a few fries, and part of a shake. It was all I could eat - which did not used to be the case -- and I truly believe it will be my last. It was a bit like saying goodbye to a friend who hasn't been so very nice...so tonight, it's shake time again, and then tomorrow, the next part of the journey begins. Best to all, Deb WS (who wishes she was perfect, but knows she isn't)

I have opened a new page in the post-op section of this forum: November 2010 Bandsters - post op. Deb WS

My date is November 3rd, so I am in the 36 hours or so state. I took my first shower with Hibiclens, an antiseptic which Brigham and Womens Hospital requires all pre-op patients to shower with for three days up to going in-patient. Executing a health care proxy tomorrow, cooked enough for my family to nosh off of while I am out of commission. I am excited but not very nervous...don't know if this will change. I do yoga 3xweek, and am hoping that I go into the hospital late enough on Weds. to get my yoga class in first, which I think will help my state of mind. And my yoga/massage friend is doing a Reiki session on me tomorrow, which I think will also be a great thing. Would it be best to post messages here - for this community -- or to move to the post-op site? Deb WS

John, You're one of the first ones to go in in our group. So yes, we'll be awaiting your posts, for sure! (I go Wednesday). Our thoughts go with you. Deb WS

I think this is true. I packed my dinner (the one 'real' meal the diet allows) to eat before a performances I was in, and was famished when I came home. I had some grilled vegetable casserole AND yes, some potato chips. I should soooo not have done it, and let me tell you, I feel it this morning. I am back to my protein drink, and glad for it. So I feel like the new regime is about embracing the new regime and knowing that if you back-slide into old habits, you may not feel well. Deb WS, who hopes to not fall off the wagon again.

I think that how much you tell people - and when - is a big question (at least it has been for me). I would suggest a white lie...telling them that you are having some GI procedures/tests done and that, for now, you're on liquids...feelings just fine, thank you! Hopefully that will be enough to shut off anyone who is inquiring. I have told a few people, mostly relatives, and the reaction is mixed. A couple of friends are over-the-moon thrilled and supportive, a cousin is downright negative (jealousy, I think), and mostly, others don't know what to say. I think sharing info can breed speculation and comments, so probably best to not say much if you can manage and if, of course, it works for you! Best to all of us, and particularly, to those who go in on Monday! Deb WS

Lauren -- much, much luck for Monday. Please make sure you come back to this site and tell us how you are doing -- we want to know and we'll learn together! Best, Deb WS

LaShonda and others: I agree that the pre-op diet is not easy. I have found that part of the key, for me, is *anticipating* hunger. That is, if I wait till I'm actually empty and hungry it is almost too late...I will tend to grab for something just to not feel that way. It's great to know what hunger feels like, because it's a new feeling. But having the next drink ready, or the piece of fruit, does help. A little sliding might not hurt. I decided that I wanted to have a peanut butter cookie that I had baked, to taste it, last night. So I did it. I was aware, I enjoyed it, and now I know what it tastes like, and I don't feel like I need to have another. So I'm back on the track...and the reward for me is to get on the scale and find that it's dropped another couple of pounds. Don't much find liquids interesting, but the scale results are VERY interesting! :thumbup: Best, Deb WS