I am only one week post op. and I am having trouble getting enough Water in for the day. It seems that when I drink water, I get alot of air and end up getting alot of gas. I don't know if I am afraid of drinking of water ( because I will be in pain later)or what the problem is, I am not using a straw, and I am taking small sips. I need help. I am very constipated because I am not getting enough water. I am still on the liquid stage, and I tolerate Soups, shakes fine with very few problems, but it is the water. Any suggestions would be helpful. I have lost 10 lbs so far, but I have been at a standstill for 2 days, because of the lack of water.

Thanks

Kimmiechelle

237/227/155

Dr. Rumbaut

Oct 5th 2006

Hi Kimmiechelle,

Congratulations on getting your lapband! I had trouble with Water the first week or so after being banded. I couldn't seem to get much down at a time and gas always seemed to immediately follow. Be patient-- it goes away. Why not try SF popsicles once in a while, or switch off with warm drinks like hot tea? Have you tried something like Gas-X? I lived on it the first couple of weeks along with my heating pad.

Here's what I figured out about the constipation -- yes, lack of fluids can contribute to constipation as does the pain medication but the real culprit was there was not enough "mass" in the digestive system to move things along until I got onto mushies. No duh! Liquid diets don't leave mass! When I called my doctor's office complaining about the big C, I was told to eat fruit. By then I was on mushies, so I took my fruit and put it into the blender and blended it to death. That and walking, finally moved things along.

Every single one of us is obsessed with seeing how much weight comes off after we get banded. Some people lose a lot and some hardly any. Everything I've read on these boards is to view the first 4-6 weeks as healing time. It's about getting the band seated properly and learning how to manage yourself. Any weight lost is a bonus!! Most folks get on the weight loss bandwagon after the first or second fill.

Be kind to yourself and try not to let your whirling brain make you crazy. This part will quickly pass, but it must be endured.

Check back in and let us know how you are doing.

Jo Ann

Thanks so much for your response. I will say that it is easy to look at other people's weight loss on this board, and say if only I had that amount come off so fast. I know that everyone is different.

It is comforting to know that you had trouble with water. I was feeling like I was the only one. I can get a shake down with very little gas, but the water makes my stomach blow up.

Thanks so much for the encourgement. It is so nice to know that you can have a problem and come to this website and post, and most likely someone else has had the same problems.

Kimmiecheelle,

Sorry your feeling uncomfortable. When did you have your surgery? I had mine on 10/4/06 and I drink Water but not enough and I am also the big C. I did however get my staples out and wow that is a relief. Jules

My stitches will dissolve on their own. I had my surgury on Oct. 5th by Rumbaut. I cannot get enough water down. It seems that everytime I swallow I get air. Where did you have your surgery?

I had my surgery in Loyola by Chicago. Do you have that terrible feeling in your shoulders and neck. They told me they pumped me up with co2 and they cant give me anything for the pain, very uncomfortable. But my Dr did say to try gas X so I plan on doing that. Are you drinking, or using a straw, This sounds silly but I use a shot glass and fill half full. Maybe that may help!

That is a good idea. I am not using a straw, and I am trying to take small sips. The shakes and the soups do not give me as much gas as the water. I am chewing up the gas x like it is candy. It does help some. I am going to try the walking and see if that helps.