Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

May 10-14 Banders--How's it going? Share.



Recommended Posts

Thank you about the Vitamin. My Vitamin is making me sooooo sick. My Dr. specifically told me not to take children's Vitamins, but I may follow yours and take 2 of the flinstone completes.

Sydney

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi All - My recovery is definately slower than I expected. I honestly thought I would be back to work today. I feel completely drained when I start moving around. Also, the Dr put my port right above my belly button in the crease of my stomach. He has this clear tape that is about 4x6 inches over the top of gauze that is on top of the port area.That makes the top of my stomach stick up and out. Weird looking. And painful area. :)

Question - I had surgery last Thursday, May 13. Is it too early to go back to work. I have a desk job. :thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi All - My recovery is definately slower than I expected. I honestly thought I would be back to work today. I feel completely drained when I start moving around. Also, the Dr put my port right above my belly button in the crease of my stomach. He has this clear tape that is about 4x6 inches over the top of gauze that is on top of the port area.That makes the top of my stomach stick up and out. Weird looking. And painful area. :)

Question - I had surgery last Thursday, May 13. Is it too early to go back to work. I have a desk job. :thumbup:

I had surgery the same day as you and I'm going back to work tomorrow morning. Apparetly, I was supposed to go back today but didn't realize it...oops. If I had realized it, I would have called out.

My Dr. doesn't want you going back to work until after your post op appt. But I don't have unlimited sick days and as it is I'm using holiday float and vacation days. I also have a desk job.

If you are going back just take it very slow and listen to your body! Do not pick anything up off the floor or lift anything!

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi All - My recovery is definately slower than I expected. I honestly thought I would be back to work today. I feel completely drained when I start moving around. Also, the Dr put my port right above my belly button in the crease of my stomach. He has this clear tape that is about 4x6 inches over the top of gauze that is on top of the port area.That makes the top of my stomach stick up and out. Weird looking. And painful area. :frown:

My surgeon put the port in the same spot and that's the only lingering discomfort from my 5/14 surgery! I still don't know why he'd put it at the one part of your stomach that creases the most! I don't have a bandage but I do have that liquid skin stuff that I can't wait to have off! It's rough and prickly. :w00t:

The upside is that my largest incision is basically just a widening of my belly button, so it's practically invisible. I'll give him points for that Smooth Move. :wink:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was planning on going back today I was banded 5/13th, but when I called to ask the Dr. a question they said not til my post op on Monday. Unfortunately I have some meetings I have to go to Thursday so I'll be heading in then. I have felt fine enough to go in, just don't want to go against the Dr. too much.

Sydney

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am heading back to work tomorrow. I have a desk job too. I went to the store today and overdid it. I was sore where my hernia repair was. I think it was the slight bending and straightening I did getting things from my grocery cart to the conveyor belt. I felt it about an hour later. Just me and the heating pad on the couch right now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello !! I was up to 478 pounds on march 31st . I started on what they called a suger buster diet to help shink your liver .. I was very lucky to be able to start so early on it .. they told me to do it 2 weeks befor my surgery , but i started early .. I was able to lose 41 pounds doing .. and was not real hard on my self , but i cut off 80 0/0 of my suger , and 80 0/0 of my bread .. went in for surgery at 442 pounds ... had my surgery on 5-10-10 this had been a week and 2 days now I have lost a total of 56 pounds .. 15 of that was sence surgery date .. I feel so dang much better .. the LAP-BAND® was a very good choise I made .. no regrates .. my goal one day to see 200 pounds again and level out .. ( God ) bless all bandster's . and good luck with ya'll's .. Tony Burt .... and I was banded by :: Dr. Bagnato .. Albany Ga. ..

progress.gif

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded on the 14th and came back to work today. Doing well. I have a desk job as well. I refuse to lift anything, and the two girls I work closest with know of my surgery, so they don't even ask. :w00t:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded on May 10, 2010. I would categorize my first week as re-booting my digestive system.

I was on a clear liquid diet for the first two days after my surgery. I could barely get in any liquid whether that be Water or Protein shakes then. And, I had no...ummm...movements if you know what I mean. Hehehehe....

On the third day, the PA called me and recommended that I take some Milk of Mag to get things moving again and that basically did the trick. I also took about 4 tablespoons of Maalox to get rid of that awful surgery gas.

I moved to full liquids on the third day, post surgery. I had been doing fine there until yesterday, May 18th, when I first started feeling hungry. I also went to visit my surgeon yesterday and was told that I could move on to mushy foods. This was contrary to the nutritionist recommendation which had me starting mushy foods next week. However, I was told by the PA to start, in very small portions, pureed food if I am experiencing hunger between meals on the full liquid (which I had just started experiencing). So, now I am still on full liquids, but I am also eating some pureed chicken salad (I bought a rotisserie chicken from Publix, fat free mayo, and finely diced an onion; then I put that in the food processor and pulsed it to a paste basically). After being on liquids for almost two weeks (a week pre-op), it was nice to have some meat for a change.

Anyways, so far so good. Noticing more "I think I'm hungry" signals then last week, but that's to be expected with the stomach swelling going down post-surgery.

Oh, wait one more thing. Late into my first week, I did have some mid to lower back pain after eating. My doc said it's likely that I was eating to fast and putting too much food in the pouch out of habit. I had figured that's what I was doing at the time, and noticed that when I slowed down and reversed my eating (meaning, drinking Water first, and then waiting 30 minutes before I ate/drink yogurt, Protein shake, etc.) the back pain went away. Don't know if anyone also experienced that, but thought I would share. :w00t:

Edited by KidLaw

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded on 5/12/10. Started at 260, was 255 by surgery day. Had to spend the evening in the hospital, standard for a sleep apnea patient. So for the first two nights, staying ahead of the pain was simple. Once I got home, the only real problem I had was gas pain, especially under my left rib. That's slowly going away. Clear Liquids yuck.

Towards the end of the week I was so sick of chicken/beef broth that I went to the chinese resturant and got some Wonton broth for a change of flavor. That got me through to fulls which I started today and think I may have gotten caught making out with my sugar free chocolate/banana cream pudding :wink:

Other than that, I've been back at work for three days now and feeling a little stronger each day. I've dropped 17 pounds so far. I know that rapid weight loss won't last forever, so now it's time to get back to the gym. If I hit 180, I'm getting another tattoo, lol. That's my prize.

I think during the first two weeks, my biggest problem has been discerning what is hunger pain and what is simple surgery pain. As the swelling goes down, I'm finding it easier to tell the two apart. I'm very excited for the future.

Anyone stuck in limbo right now, keep your head up. Everyone is different. Do the right thing to your body and it will pay you back! :w00t:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery on May the 10th as well, but my recovery has not been as easy as I thought it would be. I ended up having a hiatal hernia repair (which a lot of you did) and some scar tissue removed. I could NOT drink anything the first 2 days, but slowly I've been able to get through on SF lemonade and broth. I'm now on to the mushie stage, but I am hungryyyyyyyyyy!!!! LOL. I don't go for my follow up, first fill appointment until June 8th.

I am VERY excited though, I get to add fresh fruits tomorrow, which is awesome cause it's my birthday! And then fish this weekend.

I still am having quite a bit of pain around the port site, can not sleep in my bed because it stretches out my abdomen and I can't stand it. So I'm very tired from sleeping in a chair, which is not very restful.

Sounds like everyone's doing alright with all of the new and somewhat difficult changes.

Good luck to everyone!! Let's keep up the good work!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery on May the 10th as well, but my recovery has not been as easy as I thought it would be. I ended up having a hiatal hernia repair (which a lot of you did) and some scar tissue removed. I could NOT drink anything the first 2 days, but slowly I've been able to get through on SF lemonade and broth. I'm now on to the mushie stage, but I am hungryyyyyyyyyy!!!! LOL. I don't go for my follow up, first fill appointment until June 8th.

I am VERY excited though, I get to add fresh fruits tomorrow, which is awesome cause it's my birthday! And then fish this weekend.

I still am having quite a bit of pain around the port site, can not sleep in my bed because it stretches out my abdomen and I can't stand it. So I'm very tired from sleeping in a chair, which is not very restful.

Sounds like everyone's doing alright with all of the new and somewhat difficult changes.

Good luck to everyone!! Let's keep up the good work!

You and I are on the same schedule. Had my surgery on May 10th and my first fill won't be until June 8th. I'm also hungry now that I'm on mushie foods. Trying to take in more Protein from shakes and yogurt instead of just relying on purred chicken salad. I think tonight I'm going to make a lima bean Soup (or 16 bean soup) and try to get more filling with that as well.

Good luck to you! :w00t:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgery was May 11th. I find it strange that it seems many of you already have fills scheduled. I have a post-op appointment on Monday but nothing about a fill was mentioned when I made the appointment.

Not to question any of your progress but shouldn't fills only be done when necessary? I'm pretty sure I am not ready for any fills. I don't get to progress from full liquids until next week. Please reply if your surgeon has some different plan or strategy that mine may not be considering. Seems they are all vastly different in approach. Keep up the good work!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgery was May 11th. I find it strange that it seems many of you already have fills scheduled. I have a post-op appointment on Monday but nothing about a fill was mentioned when I made the appointment.

Not to question any of your progress but shouldn't fills only be done when necessary? I'm pretty sure I am not ready for any fills. I don't get to progress from full liquids until next week. Please reply if your surgeon has some different plan or strategy that mine may not be considering. Seems they are all vastly different in approach. Keep up the good work!

I had my first post-op visit yesterday and was not told about scheduling a fill until I actually showed up to the appointment. So, perhaps your doc will schedule your fill when you show up to your first post-op appointment next week.

I was also scheduled to stay on full liquids until next week (so basically for two weeks). At my post-op appointment I was told to go ahead and introduce mushie foods into my diet as I was *beginning* to get hungry in between meals.

It's true that fills should only be given when necessary. However, it is a fact that in a month's time your stomach is going to be much smaller due to weight loss and/or reduced surgical swelling. Scheduling a fill for three-four weeks from surgery date is standard procedure from what I've seen.

I'm not an expert though, but I believe it's rather common that fills begin at least a month after surgery date. I think you'll get more info on that when you show up to your post-op appointment.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded 5-14-10, and I got to go home that night which was great. Nothing really major at this point, just had horrible muscle aches in my legs and arms. liquid diet seems go be going well, I can't believe it's almost week 2 which I AM SOOO EXCITED about!! Mashed Potatoes here I come! I have been really tired lately though. Anyone else experiencing this? My port incesion is sore too, I think that's normal. I have had some Constipation issues too. I took some stool softner and that seemed to do nothing. Any suggestions on that? Thanks all! I hope everyone is doing well too!!:laugh:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×