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Hey everyone!! i am almost one month out since surgery. The first couple weeks was great, but now, I am having troubles. I am spitting up what I learned to be “foamies” all day/everyday. It’s hard for me to get anything in because I’m so exhausted and sleep so much. My doctors office suggested I drink pedialyte for hydration but it’s not helping too much.

I know some people get tired of the topic of stalls but this is a support group, right? So here I am obsessing about this second stall I'm in, and people don't give me negative responses because if u do , I will gladly ignore u. So the past two days I've been eating 800 calories and today I'm going to eat less to shock my body, would love any insight on how you changed things up during a stall u had. Thanks to those listening

I've noticed a change as well with allergies etc. I've recently been very tight, but have not had a fill in about 6 weeks. I've very stuffed up which is normal for me off and on. I wake up with sinus headaches almost every day. I couldn't imagine why this would cause the band to tighten, but maybe it does. Humm... Here's a new one...I am a Mom of 3 which has resulted in a family of 15. I have family dinners quite often and had Thanksgiving as usual at my house. I have found that I'm so tight the day before I have people over. Anyone get tighter due to stress, or just being on your feet, cooking etc? I swear that's all that's doing it. Thanksgiving was tough...cooking all that wonderful food and tasting maybe one bite of each dish. Sad, but glad. Had a pity party for a while though.

I just got mine yesterday. Same thing...the week leading up to it was constantly hungry, bloated and feeling crappy. I just drank lemon water between meals to stop the hunger and stuck with it. It's definitely hard because so much is happening in your body. I feel your pain. The joys of being a woman

Hi everyone! I had yet another question for you all! When you cut out sugar and caffeine, for pre-op diet or post-op, did you have any withdrawals? If so, how long did they last? My pre-op diet begins the week before finals and continues through finals. I would really to get rid of sugar and caffeine now so I don't have to deal with any withdrawals during my studying. But if they weren't that bad, they may be manageable. Any info would be great!

I had terrible constipation after being banded, it lasted over a week. I did feel much better when I was able to go. I guess it goes to show that when you are on liquids ther is nothing to come out. I have no trouble with burping, I have had the hiccups lots too. Good luck to you!! Bernadette

I can't remember how long the treatment was right now but it was about 6 weeks. I had my surgery on August 23rd. Don't worry, the meds come in a pack. Keep us updated.

I started my journey in April 2010 with my initial consultation with the surgeon, I had already had my 6 months supervised diet with my family practice doctor. I could have had all of this done LAST year, if I could have made up my mind to quit smoking then. I had a sleep study in December 2010, diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I then quit smoking in March 2011. I then had my psych eval in February 2011, and had to have 6 follow up sessions after that. Those follow up sessions took me into June when I finally got into a therapist! Every time I talked to the surgeon's office, there was something else that they were waiting on it seemed like. I finally got released from the psychologist in July 2011, then it was all sent to the insurance company in August. I got the insurance approval at the end of September. FINALLY!! Then when they asked me when I wanted to do it, I froze up lol!! I had to do all the pre-op labs, EKG, CXR and 2 week pre-op diet also. I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand on September 28, left hand on October 12, and my sleeve done on October 14. 3 surgeries in 2 weeks. But I wanted to get all of it done while I was off of work. I've lost about 27 lbs or so since 2 weeks before my 1st carpal tunnel surgery. I haven't told alot of people what exactly my stomach surgery was for, didn't figure it was anyone's business. I'm loving that I finally did something for me and my husband supports me all the way!! He works with several people who have either had the sleeve, their wives did, or the had the RNY, and he comes home with all sorts of stories for me and tips and stuff-I love it! Good luck with your journey!!

I puked for about three months if I ate too quickly or too much. Slow learner on listening to my new tummy signals of full tummy. Are you puking even with mushies & liquids? If yes, contact your surgeon ASAP. Agree with previous poster, you need to speak to your surgeon and get some follow up. The scarring of the stomach internally may restrict anything other than liquid passing through. Be vigilant not to become dehydrated as this will put you back in the hospital quickly.

Hi all, Had my first fill last week. I have a Realize band and he put 3 cc's in. My doc is pretty conservative and doesn't want to have to put cc's in only to take them out later. He even said, I may not feel a huge amount of restriction so i'll need to make sure to work had at eating right which I'm fine doing. I'm jsut curious as to have other people only had 3 cc's ont he first fill and how much more did their doctor add ont he second fill , whcih mine is anotehr 6 weeks away. Thanks

WOW! what a ride. Much more than I expected. I am home. Trying to find something to drink that A. does not make my ankles swell. B. tastes tolerable.. I am still on the anitbiotics so I wonder if that is what makes every thing taste bad. Except S/F pudding. Sweet things taste OK. I am wanting something hot so I have been drinking herbal teas. Now, does any one have this swelling problem? Even with low sodium soups? Should I just make my own? seems such a waste as I can eat/drink only 1 or 2 oz at a sitting. The Experience was quite different. I really liked the care I recieved. If you choose Dr. Almanza. I would suggest the option of the hotel. I did not care for the recovery house. Here is why. rooms are small/tiny. no air conditioning. barking dogs outside. one shared bathroom upstairs. food is prepared down stairs for all. When you cannot eat that is hard to deal with. My hubby stayed there the two nights I was in the clinic/hospital. When I was to come out, he got us into the Hotel. I was concerned as I would not have a nurse, but, the fine staff brought me my meds and juices and teas and all was perfect. Hubby got American TV (baseball and football) He could go down stairs and get any food and drink he wanted. American newspapers, with sunday funnies. The Hotel provided free popsicles, soups, yogurts for me. Our room had two queen sized beds all soft and comfy. I had a table to sit and drink my meals, LOL. The hallway was safe/great to walk around for exercize. Walked at 12 and 2 AM one time, and, I got up to three times around before I left. The last night there I felt good enough to get dressed and go down for dinner. The Chef made me special soup, chicken broth blended with mashed potatoes. It tasted yummy. I am sure that is where the sodium overload started, but I loved that soup, all 1/4 cup of the huge bowlful they gave me..God I am still food obsessed, LOL I am sure the staff at the house does all this also. The nurse from the Clinic that did my IV came to the hotel and removed my drain tube. He was so good. (thanks again Edgar) I also had Sevier (on staff at house) come and give me a massage. He is excellent. My back was hurting and my right leg was numb from laying on my back for so long, so, he was a pleasant relief. Could not talk Hubby into massage, heehee. Overall my rating for the experience is an 8. (1 to 10) Here are my reasons for 2 points off. I would have liked to see the hand cleaning stations on the wall inside the rooms. I would have liked the appratias used to come in sealed bags that the nurses opened in front of me. I would have liked the nurses to put on gloves and dispose of them in my room. I wish the cleaning crew would come in after each shower and disinfect. I was lucky to be first both days. I hated (one full point off here) the drive clear across T.J to get the Xray Leak test done. yes, I understand the necessity, I still hated that dam trip.There was a parade outside the lab, so surreal. I know some go shopping and do stuff on their 3rd day, just not for me. I was finally ready on the 5th day. Felt good and upbeat. Finally felt good about what I had done. Met a lady that was escorting two friends having sleeves. (Canadian) She was 7 months out and looks soo cute. She is 5'7 and 165ish, So I have revised my goal to that. It has been so long since I was a "normal" weight I did not have a realistic goal in my head. I was 240 at weigh in, but 245 when I left. All the liquid retension I guess. Dr. Almanza got snippy with me under surgery,....I am a Moley person lots of raised moles. He asked my hubby for permission and they removed 4 from my lower mid section. Love that. Extra stiches, but who cares? Thinking of that,,,, did any of you remove your own stiches? Did that go OK? Gotta do that on the 25th or so.:crying: So, that is my experience. Great, positive and LOVED the staff/people I delt with.. My hubby even liked it. He got to talk with several couples and Dr's about this whole deal and got a MUCH better attitude towards my weight. He is much more supportive in a positive way, for that I am truly grateful. If I need any futher surgery, IE: tummy tuck, etc. I would go back there. But, I would drive straight to the Hotel and be picked up from there. Marriot, TJ. Hope that does not turn anyone off to this deal, it is the best. The nurses I had were so darn caring and good at their jobs. Ricardo was my assigned personal support staff. He spoke very good english and tried very hard to accomdate all my wishes. It all went well for me, hope it does for you where ever you choose to go. Just do not be afraid to get-r-done. Onward and Downward---weightwise:thumbdown::001_tongue:

Yay and good luck. I met with my surgeon last week and have started the pre-op stuff. I'm still about 3 months from surgery though.

....and you will find a number of us who were not required to do a pre-op diet. My practice has 4 very busy bariatric surgeons and they DON'T recommend the 2 week high protein diet. As you will find throughout this process, one size does not fit all. I've read about the people with huge livers, too, but like Jacqui said, it's pretty rare. Cindy

I'm just thinking about the swimming thing. I was told 6 - 8 weeks ... unless you're OK with not swimming the ENTIRE time you are in the Caribbean ...

The gas pains do get easier as the first week goes on.

Feeling pretty good today. Pain is gone except at port, was able to lower pain dosage but not cut it out completely. I can say that I woke up this morning STARVING! One week post op apt this afternoon, hoping I get cleared for mushies. Dreaming of stewed chicken, Refried beans, and eggs!

I am also 4 days out and am feeling pretty good! My tummy muscles are sore and a lot of gas pains but feeling pretty good! I was in the hospital from Monday until this morning and I swear that first day/night I thought I might die! Day two was a little better and a little worse too, day three was even better and now day 4 is even better yet! It is true that day by day things will get better! Since being home I have been "craving" (read I believe to be head hunger) some foods I see/smell around the house but I am FULL from the water/juice/popsicle/tea I am drinking and couldn't think of putting anything else in there! I too am way to afraid to even think about anything but exactly what the doc said! I would just give it time and it will get better!!!! As for how much I am drinking I am getting in 60cc an hour! Exercise, walking around my house! LOL

Very normal. Most of us stall at some point within the first 3 months.

I need some help! I'm about 5 weeks post op and about 3 days ago I started feeling pretty yucky. The sight and smell of food really makes me nauseated. I've only been able to take in a few protein shakes, water, and some soup. I was doing really really good up until now. Monday, I started taking birth control pills again at the request of my surgeon. I know my hormones are already out of whack from the weight loss and surgery. When I try to take in something solid, it's hard to get it down, swallow, and keep it down. Has anyone experienced this? Could it be my hormones trying to figure out what the hell is going on? Or something more serious like a stricture or leak? My husband also had the surgery about 11 weeks ago and never experienced this.

First Congrats on your band!! I was banded on the 27th and by day three I finally felt "normal" again! I think you have to keep drinking and it helps! I also agree with eating sf popsicles! They help! I hope you are feeling good today!

Almost certainly just a reaction to all you've been through - particularly if you've had pain. It should improve over the next week.

Just over 5 years for me, other than 2 overfills (recent one was last weekend when i was rushed to hospital for an emergency defill) but no other problems ,,, touch wood ... I spoke to my Doctor last week about slipped or defective bands and if its not causing you any pain you will wait about 8 weeks (if in pain its done straight away) for the old one to be removed and while u are under u are replaced with a new one then and there...i asked because i was also concerned about losing my band for a lengthy period of time ...

Hello and congratulations on joining the band! I only have one thing to say - CALM DOWN! :tongue2: You're going to worry yourself to death, which, by the way, is absolutely normal. You've made a drastic change for your life. The surgery was just the beginning. But remember it didn't change your mindset, it only changed your body internally. The external changes - actions, lost weight - will come as time goes by. I think you might be stuck in the same mentality that many of us are - the DIET MENTALITY. This is not a "diet" but a new way of thinking about eating, food, and self-image. It will take time, Fellow Bandster. I'm about eight weeks out & I'm still fighting to stay off the scale everyday. Instead, I'm making sure I get all my Protein & fluids in. Working on being more active. The rest will happen. So I end with the word of advice I began with - CALM DOWN - you're doing fine. Don't think about what you ate, but WHY you ate. Dealing with those issues are far more demanding than keeping some Pasta out of your mouth. :cursing: Best to You

I had my surgery 6 weeks ago, I have had 1 fill. I've lost 17 lbs so far. I joined the gym and go 5 days a week. I'm glad I have lost weight, but would liked it to be more. But I know we didn't gain it fast so its a slow process and I'm OK with that now. I do have one very confusing question. Since my fill I have noticed more food gets stuck so I believe I am tighter, but I still believe I can eat more then 4 oz of food, I don't know how much more maybe a few times I had 5 or 6 oz but never the meals I would have ever eaten before not even a quarter of what I ate before.I do not have the urge to vomit or feel over stuffed.I am never hungry between meals. So does this mean I need a fill again now because I can fit more in , even though I'm not hungry.OR Am I supposed to have both restriction right at 4 oz of food and not feel hungry between meals?

:faint: I keep being told by the staff at my surgeon's office that they don't have the results for tests I have had done. SO I have had them re-faxed to them TWICE. They still say they don't have them. I finally spoke to someone else today and she says they DO have them. But it seems the surgery coordinator doesn't. (??!!) SO I'm thinking I have it all straitened out and today I get int he mail that the recent blood tests they had me do show I am low in B12. WITH another note saying they have not gotten the test results for this blood work. YEESH! I had that test done 2 weeks ago, and how would they know I was low in B12 if they didn't get those test results? I called and left a message saying just that. All of this is really making me lose confidence in the office staff and am worried about the surgery coodinator having all the facts of why I need this surgery before submitting to insurance.