kydman

nurse did call back finally. Dr. thinks its a reaction to the betadyne. He is hesitant to phone in a Rx for anything stronger than the OTC Benadryl gel, hydrocortisone, calimine, Benadryl capsules I am currently taking. I see him Friday morning. She said that he was reluctant b/c the next class up of drugs would be steroids (medrol pack) and its too close to surgery to be on that. She said if I just couldn't stand it he would but would rather wait. I told her the reason I called after 5 days of this was b/c I was fairly miserable with not be able to sleep b/c of it, but I don't want to risk an infection from the steroids lowering my immune system (not to mention steroids blow me up) So for now I am going back & forth between the OTC meds and trying not to scratch anxiously waiting for Friday's appointment and dreading it at the same time as its probably my first fill and that makes me nervous b/c without any fluid in the band I have restriction. Someone had suggested seeing my PCP however I know him well enough that he wouldn't RX anything without the surgeons approval & he has already said what he wants to do.

I have seen an old post (couple yrs old) on here about this so asking if any new news. I was banded 9/2/1010. about five or six days after, I developed a rash around the incisions. about two days later this had spread to my entire stomach area. I have tried benadryl capsules, benadryl gel, hydrocortizone cream and calmine gel, I can only get relief for about five minutes then I resemble a dig with fleas sitting and scratching my stomach. I have called my dr and I am "patiently" awaiting a return call. Any one else experience anything like this and what did you find that helped? I have a follow up appointment Friday but wish I could get some relief sooner!

been reading all of your posts-I am 12 days post band and schedule for my first follow up visit this Friday. The dr says maybe get first fill, I am what I would consider fairly tight with no fill, had to have a revision the day of the surgery b/c the initial band placement was too tight with no fluid in it. Even now I can't swallow things such as tuna or chicken salad, mainly soft foods and dr wanted me on solids by now. Why does the dr say liquids 4 hours before and 48 hours after a fill, does a fill cause swelling? I experienced quite a bit of swelling with the surgery.

I may not have much to offer as I am just 4 days post op (banded) but my original paper work states that the first 90 days post op are included (fills) and after that they are $150. My BCBS insurance has approved this at 80/20 & after my $4000 annual OOP 100% so I assume my fill will be either the regular OV co pay of $20 or 20% of the $150 (which I'm sure is contractually adjusted) which would be at most $30.

yeah for your mom, sounds like great support already. My mom was very apprehensive, then (as I have posted) I had to be taken back into surgery about four hours after the initial banding, my mom spazzed out! She is taking it better now, but she sure wouldn't have paid for this!

I am day 4 post op and plan to return Tuesday. I scheduled my surgery the Thursday before Labor day to have the extra day. I am salary so pay not an issue, but I am the only one at the mill (sawmill) that does my job so it will pile up while I am away. I buy logs so that means walking and bending to measure logs but no lifting, occasionally have to step over them though. I also pastor a church, and I took this week off from the pulpit. My surgery had to be done twice Thursday, after the Upper GI swallow test the band was completely closed off, meaning my incisions (4 of the five) had to be reopened and the band removed and replaced, during the second surgery the anesthetists told my wife that all of my o2 sats and vitals "fell out" so I had to stay over night in the hospital. I was to try soft food today, swallowing is painful from the swelling, so we'll have to see what Tuesday brings. My boss has called several times asking if I was going to stick with the Tuesday plan. I told him this morning, being the "dreaded day three" I was looking at coming in for a couple hours, coming home a couple, then going back in a few more. I suppose I was naive about the pain that I am having at the incisions, but also allowing for the fact that everything was done twice.

finally home, been a rough two days. had the band in yesterday at 9ish, went from recovery to have the upperGI and didn't pass, long story and three hours thinking this was it, I was dying, dr came in and took me back in surgery to loosen the band. during this surgery my o2 sats fell out so had other MD anesthetists called in and spent about 4 more hours in recovery and then overnight in the hospital. Dr explained that the incisions would be sorer than most b/c of having to open them twice. BUT I can swallow now. o2 is back and a tummy pillow is my best friend. itll be better in a few days I'm sure. Wanted to update you all

just had my last protein shake pre-op. Tomorrow is clear liquids and then I get my new shrinky dink on Thursday AM. Someone asked me today what my goal was, through all of this it has not really been a number, my answer is, "to get off my meds, & be around for my wife, my two girls, and my grand babies!":thumbup:

Monday down...Tues, Wed, then I travel to Nashville for an overnight visit with friends & family before arriving at the hospital Thursday at 6:30am to get my "shrinky dink". I am naming my band! The diet is not that bad 11 days in, my wife has done this diet with me-what support. This week is all liquids but the weight loss has stalled, oh well, I suppose my liver is done doing what livers do? lol Encouraging to read all of your posts, you ARE helping me...:cursing:

I will have my surgery this Thursday September 2, Dr James McDowell, Baptist Hospital, Nashville, TN Excited and anxious at the same time. on day 10 of 14 of the pre-diet and down 15# I sure hope this is enough to shrink the liver. Dietitian said if liver not shrunk he wouldn't proceed after starting the surgery!:thumbup:

I will have my surgery this Thursday September 2, Dr James McDowell, Baptist Hospital, Nashville, TN Excited and anxious at the same time. on day 10 of 14 of the pre-diet and down 15# I sure hope this is enough to shrink the liver. Dietitian said if liver not shrunk he wouldn't proceed after starting the surgery!:thumbup: