DebWS

I want to be part of this group and dont know how - I had surgery 11-4 and today (day 4) I am feeling pretty miserable.

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

Thank you all for sharing your experiences both pre op and post op... they have really helped me to prepare for this and after a year of learning and hoop jumping, I am confident I'm ready to do this!

Will post back here and on the POST op Nov thread either tomorrow nite or Tuesday! Continued prayers are with you all also! -- Susan

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

Deb - I was also banded on 11/3. 4 incisions, painful, but not horribly so. Have been taking an RX pain killer, but moving off those onto Tylenol. I am moving around pretty well, are you? I am supposed to head back to work Tuesday or Wednesday, I think I will be OK, but am a little nervous...

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

If it helps my 3rd and 4th day were the worst for gas by day 5 I was able to have liquids and tolerate. I really was not able to do the Protein until day 6 and I am still struggling with getting the amount they want me to have in 24 hours along with meals and Water. I average around 350-500 calories a day and staying pretty tired. I have also found the gas pains come back if I drink to fast.

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

Hi all, wow you all are such an inspiration hearing the stories of your surgeries and thoughts. I am having surgery Nov. 15 and I'm on day 4 of only shakes total 2 weeks of shakes. I have a pre-op class today 4 hours did you all do that as well? I have never been under so I'm scared. Is the pain meds pills or something else, I didn't think we could take pills.< /div>

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

Well I finally got banded yesterday morning. Stayed the night in the hospital and got home this morning.:eek: I feel great! They gave me tons of anti-nausea medicine and it worked great. Today just taking the liquid advil for the gas pains and have plenty of energy. On Clear Liquids till tomorrow then add in some pureed Soups and cream of wheat Cereal. I have no hunger but keep sipping on liquids to keep hydrated. So glad its over.

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!!)

I was also banded on the 1st.. Each day seems to get better.. I am on just liquid Tylenol now for the pain.

I think that I need to work harder to get more fluids in me today.. I am having muscle cramps in my legs.. Anyone else ever experience this?

Today I am hungry.. not nausea.. that is good I think in a way.. more normal.

Keep up the good work guys.. now the hard part is over.. it only gets better from here.!

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

I'm Banded!!!! Had my surgery yesterday morning. Everything went fine. I'm sore and moving slow but nothing unbearable. Guess I got lucky no bad gas pains.... just a little last night after I got moving around some. Came home this morning, the pain meds are good and sugar free Popsicle are great.

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

Deb, Good Luck on the Surgery today. I would love to follow along with you. I was banded October 27. I am feeling great today and very excited to start this journey to a new healthier thinner me.

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

I'm starting this thread on the post-op site, hoping that November 2010 Bandsters will post their responses and comments here.

My procedure is tomorrow, November 3, and I'll try to hang out here. Would welcome company!

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 am beginning to realize this pre-op diet is a fast hard jerk of the reins. I see the slide back to eating again as a relearning period.

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.

Like you, I have concerns about the pre-op diet around coworkers, but planning hard for that and mostly eat on my own, or go out (even if it's to my car). I am subtly cutting back and refusing unhealthy things they offer me - making no big deal about it. Simply saying "no thank you" with a smile is enough explanation needed. My plan has been gradual - folks see me eating healthier, nothing more. Though I get along well with my coworkers, I consider this a private matter and will not tell them. I am purposely not striking up conversations surrounding my eating habits or weight loss. As I go strictly to liquids, it might be a little trickier, but again, they don't need to see me eating, I take my lunch to my cubicle rather than at the lunch table - been doing that for a while, eating while I work (for now).

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

YAY!!! Im scheduled for Monday Nov 1st. I hate this liquid diet, but so far from being on it almost a week I have lost 9 lbs! I cant wait to go in on Monday because Im ready to get banded!!! My nerves are really kicking in and im so ready to get this over!!! WISH ME LUCK!!!!

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

Ok so I am on day five of this liquid diet and I swear i want to shoot myself. I have been hungry or at least wanting and craving for some favor in my mouth. I can not have anything beside the 5 Protein Shakes, up to two cups of raw veggies and 100 calories worth of approved calorie liquids. I have lost 6 lbs already but man this is hard all I want is some damn Soup. lol. Well I sorta cheated on day three and four. I ate a half of pop-tart and a can of low fat cream of mushroom soup and then on day four i ate like five french fries and 1 chicken nugget. I felt so bad afterward but I was craving bad. I think I am however figuring this out, I suck on a lots of Popsicle....and hard mints. Anyone else having issues with their liquid diet.

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

Bella, I actually like Muscle Milk Light. I have heard great things about Unjury, but you have to order that online. I also hear Premier and is good too. But everyonehas a different taste, so you should get out there and try a few on your own.

I have really like the whey powder from Whole Foods. I could not even find the Carnation product recommended by our nutritionist...but the 365 brand at Whole Foods is just fine. I'm also enjoying lots of Crystal Light, just to keep me sloshing-full...

Deb WS

Hello, awhenry.

Start believing in yourself and the power you have to bring change. It is hard for all of us, but I believe that you, and I can do it, one step at a time!

Best,

Deb WS