Hi everyone. I was banded on Thursday (4 days ago) and I'm feeling great; just some soreness around the port site. I have a few questions.

1) How long did the port site soreness last?

2) How long did your doctor prescribe a full liquid diet? How long for mushies? Did you ever cheat? I would kill at this point for some mashed potatos or creamy Soup. I've been drinking Protein shakes (OK'ed by my doc at this stage for me), broth, and Jello. YUM. NOT! I'm getting tired of it and it's only the 4th day. How did you all get through it without killing someone?

3) I can gulp Water with no problem. I feel no restriction. Shouldn't I feel at least *some* restriction since the band was placed?

no, you shouldn't. It is just there, around your stomach, but it doesn't have any Fluid in it so it is very loose. Some people DO have a bit of restriction, but it is mostly due to swelling right after surgery.

My wife was put on liquids for two weeks after surgery. Mushies for two weeks and then work your way into solids.

Hi, Mcinmd. MyKdsDad is correct. Other than some initial swelling, there is no restriction in your band. You won't have any restriction until you begin getting fills. And even then, it may take 2-3 fills before you start to feel it. Often the first or second fills merely "prime" the band.

Please stick to your doctor's post op diet. I know the temptation is REALLY strong to get something more substantive in your tummy, but your stoma NEEDS this time to heal, and secure it's place attached to the stomach. The fact that you could eat heartier foods right now doesn't mean you should.

If you get desperate enough, call your doctor and see if she/he will release you to the next stage. Also, try to drink rather than gulp your beverages. You could irritate the stoma by stretching it with big gulps.

Hang in there!! This part of the journey will be over before you know it and you'll be on your way to eating satisfying, solid foods.

I am not banded yet, but am a little worried how I'll make it through this phase too. I mean let's face it, I'm a voracious eater or I wouldn't need the band, so how do I do just liquids and deal with that kind of hunger ?

Me, too!

I got in next Monday for surgery on Tuesday, and I"ve been worrying about the liquid stage since I made the decision. I'm sure for the first few days it won't b e a big problem, but after that, I'm really worried!

Emily

Each doctor is different. My doctor had me on clear for 24 hrs then full-then mushies for week, then softs for a week then low fat regular diet. I'm very cautious about what I eat. I stop before I think I'm full. I just make sure to drink a lot of water to keep me from getting full. Cream of chicken soup is great for the liquid stage. Just make it with skim milk. Good luck--as a three week out bander, things are great and I feel WONDERFUL!!!

It's not easy but you'll get through it! Let your tummy heal & follow your docs orders! Just come here & vent! We've all been through it (or a lot of us have). I was sorely tempted to cheat, so I stayed with my Mom! LOL!! She nipped that in the bud quick! Chew some gum, read, get on the net, crochet, just do something to keep your mind occupied & your hands busy!! Good luck!

You'll make it! Just follow your doctors orders, it is very important to let yourself heal properly. Eat popcicles, drink broth, juice, coffee and tea.

I did one week liquids, 2 weeks mushies, slow progression to solids after that. My liquid wasn't so bad b/c I could have blended creamy soups. I would "cheat" by putting a bite of real food in my mouth, chewing it up for the taste, and then spitting it out, not swallowing it. Helped with the cravings when my naturally super skinny hubby was eating pizza and sauasges!!

Thanks everyone for your wonderful supportive replies! This board will help me stick to this liquid phase... wanna hear something I'm not so proud to share? I got so utterly fed up today I went to get a piece of string cheese... I was going to chew the first bite like 50 times before swallowing a piece... well when I unwrapped it, it fell to the ground and picked up all kinds of cat hair and dust...lol... so to me, that was my message to STAY AWAY from solids! I threw it out and stuck to the liquids!

Thanks again for all your support... I hope to be supportive to everyone else on this board as well.

Hugs,

Michele

1. Port site soreness lasts for several weeks or months on average, it is normal.

2. I had liquids for several days and then fuller liquids....ie: pureed Soups, Protein Drinks. I had mushies for a full week and progressed to solids only by 4 weeks.... most doctors fill at 4-6 weeks and you must be back on solids before a fill.

3. I still drink Water with no problems. Water SHOULD flow through, even in bigger sips, with no issues.