I am a week out and struggling. I had a hernia repair in addition to the band done on June 24th. It seems like the constant gas pain has dissipated, but I am continuing to have a stabbing pain on my left side when I inhale. I am getting really tired of this! I try to do my spirometer but it is so painful and I am not reaching the level the dr wanted due to pain! All of my pain is on the left side in fact. No sleeping on the left side, or leaning to the left side while sitting--just too painful. I think I will call the dr tomorrow. Also, I am so weak and shaky from lack of food. I can get down maybe one shake a day, plus water and some tea but my calories per day are so low I am starving and weak. Tomorrow I can begin having one bowl of pureed soup in addition to the shakes. Is anyone else having trouble choking down the shakes? I have been on these shakes for 3 weeks now and they are beginning to turn my stomach. Really struggling. I could really use some advice from the experienced bandsters. Thanks.

I haven't been banded yet - I am sure many on here will have good advice for you - likely including walking (even slowly) as much as possible and that calling your doc tomorrow is a good idea. I just wanted you to know I saw your message and I have faith it will get better! Hang in there!

I had a hernia repair, plus a couple of other things done when banded. I also had the horrible left side pain, and found it difficult to breathe normally for about 2-3 weeks. It will subside, but it takes some time. I know how frustrating it is, and was concerned that it would never go away; but it does.

Regarding your food intake, I would talk with your doctor. One shake a day is hardly enough to maintain your health, and I'm not surprised that you're feeling weak. I also got to the point where the shakes made me gag, so I started putting some unflavored Protein powder in things like V-8 juice. The change from sweet to tart was a huge help.

I think that once you're able to have soup, this will probably change. But I would tell your doctor about the problems you're having, and also ask if you can move to full liquids sooner than later.

I hope you feel better soon!

I am Day 9 now. My pain did not come from a hernia but I understand your frustrations. I had to get my doctor to prescribe me more lortab. You are not alone in your struggles it was a few days of misery and pain before I found a system that kept me from starving. What type of protein are you eating? My body is completely rejecting power protein. Once I switched to isopure protein (clear liquid) my body has gotten so much stronger. What I had to do was buy dixie cups (3oz) and filled up a cup to drink every 30 minutes if I was hungry or not. It allowed by body to take in the protein I need and once the pain from hunger disappeared it never came back. I hope you find relief from your pain I know i regretting my surgery in the beginning and was hoping to be like some people who were "so happy" and trust me it gets better, you'll get closer and closer each day. Well wishes going your way!

Thanks mrsinto. I appreciate your reply--very helpful. I will try to find some unflavored unsweetened protein powder.

Solrac Spree, I have tried the clear isopure protein liquid...it is a no-go for me...I can barely choke down 1 sip of it. Really gross tasting to me. My fridge is full of protein shakes and drinks that I cannot even stand to taste, much less drink. Wish I could do it. Thanks for the response and the good wishes. I do appreciate it!

Thanks mrsinto. I appreciate your reply--very helpful. I will try to find some unflavored unsweetened Protein powder.

nectar makes one, but there are others. I got it at the Vitamin Shoppe.

Solrac Spree, I have tried the clear isopure Protein liquid...it is a no-go for me...I can barely choke down 1 sip of it. Really gross tasting to me. My fridge is full of protein shakes and drinks that I cannot even stand to taste, much less drink. Wish I could do it. Thanks for the response and the good wishes. I do appreciate it!

I still have some of those clear Isopure drinks from surgery. They're a no go for me, even on a GOOD day

I am pre-op but i came across a book on Amazon called "The bariatric foodie guide to perfect protein shakes" by nikki massie..i look forward to trying the sugar free pina colada protein shake!

I am pre-op but i came across a book on Amazon called "The bariatric foodie guide to perfect Protein shakes" by nikki massie..i look forward to trying the sugar free pina colada protein shake!

Oooh - def share your fave recipes!

The pain will go away! I was like you- couldn't get much down in the first few days but I was finally able to drink more and more each day.

I love the chocolate Swiss Total Lean shake from GNC. It's ready to drink! :-)

Keep walking and pour small cups of water/tea/protein drink every 30 mins or so to not get dehydrated even more!

Good luck!

Im doing better after making sure I broke up the shakes in 6 small meals and the broth helped a lot. You need calories my doctor has me eating Minute Maid Juice pops . The 60 calories box . Helps a lot ! Only 2 a day though

Sounds like you need more protein. Are you taking your vitamins? Sounds like you need Isopure clear liquid drinks and check out the New Whey Protein shots 3.8oz and some have up to 42g of Protein.

Thanks everyone! I am doing much better. I still have some pain, but I am feeling better. I also have been able to add thick pureed soups and that has definitely helped!