Sweetbriar

Help! I am 6 months banded and still having left shoulder pain whenever I eat. I asked my surgeon about it and he said I was probably swallowing too much air when I eat. I'm trying to eat slow, small bites and lots of chewing. It is quite frustrating and painful. Has anyone else had this problem and have you found a solution?

Thanks so much for the info about the shakes. These premixed shakes are expensive! I will give these a try. Thanks again!

QuilterLu, You are absolutely right about how different the surgeons are. Glad you like the protein shakes! I'm getting mine in but not enjoying them too much. Don't want to lose any hair so I'll do it no matter what!! Good luck on your journey.

I would be interested in hearing what others post surgery instructions regarding food are. I'm 3 weeks banded and trying to follow my surgeon's instructions about how much food to eat. He said 4 to 6 oz. at each meal. Is it better to aim for weight or volume? At the pre-surgery facility they gave me a 1/2 cup container and said all food had to fit in there but the doc just said 4 to 6 oz. I've been weighing my food instead of putting it in the cup. Does that mean I'm cheating? Also, one paper they gave me says 2 meals a day and another says three! Feeling dazed and confused! I'm worried about stretching my new pouch. Haven't had a fill yet.

Interesting how there are so many variations in instructions! Guess there's never just one right way to do something. Thanks so much for the reply!

Dman, Thanks so much for the info. I haven't talked with the nutrionist yet so I think I'll make an appointment so I'll be sure I'm doing everything correctly. My surgeon also told me to choose a plan to be on for life and recommended three: Weight Watchers, South Beach and Jennie Craig(this one surprised me). I haven't seen anyone else mention this.

Hey everyone. I was banded on July 23. So far I have lost 10 pounds. My doctor prescribed fluids only just for days 2 - 5, mushies, 6 - 10 and solid foods after day 10. Sounds like alot of people are instructed to be on liquids for quite a bit longer. I get my first fill on Sept. 14. I had to give up the protein shake mix I got from the clinic. Just couldn't tolerate it. Too sweet. I've been drinking Myoplex and Atkins nutrition shakes instead. Doc said that was fine as long as I count the calories and get at least 30 grams of protein a day. I too had terrible shoulder pain. It was the worst part of the surgery. Also had itchy incisions and left side pain when breathing deeply. Glad to say that will pass after a time. The best thing so far for me was when he took those nasty bandages off! I had to leave them on for two weeks and couldn't wait to get rid of them. My port incision is not totally healed yet but getting better. So glad to find this forum. Love all the positive support and seeing all the weight lost so far!

RyanZ, I know how you feel! I was scared too. When the anethesiologist came in she asked me if I was nervous. I told her I was and she gave me something to help. If they don't ask you, ask them because it sure helped! One minute they were wheeling me out of my room and seemingly the next I was in recovery. I didn't even stay awake until they got me in the operating room. Just be sure and let them know how you are feeling so they can help you. They were very, very good about that at the hospital where I had my surgery. Good luck!

I'm 3 weeks banded and yes I am burping alot! They are different from regular burps too. I am just saying "excuse me" alot. Hopefully it will get better as our systems get used to everything.:w00t: