:clap2:Well, I'm now a banster. I was banded on Tuesday; 17 Oct 06. Everything went pretty well. My doc indicated that I was "very tight." He used the largest band possible. I really don't know what that means, or if that's good or bad. He said during the first six weeks, this should help me loose weight pretty quickly. Right now, I just want to feel stronger. I seem to be healing really well. I can just about walk normal, but I'm still pretty swollen. The pain wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I only used extra strength tolenol, instead of the vicodin extra strength. I"m not hungry, but I'm so very weak. Since my surgery, I've only been able to eat small amounts of broth, water, and 1 sugar free popcycle. I can't seem to get much down (2 - 3 sips) before feeling full and with a great deal of preasure in my upper abdomin. I don't want to over do it - throw up. It seems to take about 1 1/2 hours to loosen up. Is this normal for liquids? Also this morning, I noticed after taking my medication I had a lump in my throat. Is this what you call tightness, or a sign of being full? When can, or should I try to take in liquid protien? Will that help with my strength? I'm really weak. Thanks!

Darrell...

I do believe you will be weak for sometime, but should start feeling better soon. I did not eat anything at first for about 5 days except clear liquids, as far as strange things going on that will be happening thoughout this journey. I'm sure things will be fine, and I also have what I believe is the largest band which is a 11cc Vanguard band. I am filled now at 6cc and so far have what I think is perfect restriction.

Good Luck and you will get tons of help in this forum, I don't know what I would of done without it.

Thanks Carol,

I know it's only been two days, but how long does the swelling (actual inside stomach) generally last?

It will depend, I am still swollen at times. I was banded on June 7th, 2006. I was led to believe the swelling will be there for along time, sometimes it is worse than others. I know that everything is kinda scarey right now so if you have any doubts as to how your feeling I would call the doc that is what you pay them for. I know anytime I felt weird I called my doctors nurse and everytime I would give symptoms that I thought were definately strange it would make me feel better to find out it was only normal. I wish you luck in your journey of a new life.

Darell,

I am on day 10 and still feel a little weak sometimes, but it is definitely related to my fluid and protein intake level. I wasn't able to tolerate much more than a few oz of clear liquids til about day 4 or so. Try to start with a warm cup of decaf tea or coffee to help relax the stoma. Some people recommend a heating pad on your chest before you try full liquids. Then try to get some high protein liquids. There are so many out there, but I just use slimfast low carb, 20g of protein and they tast good. If you can't tolerate that much at one time, check out the "favorite protein drink" thread (or something like that) I saw one person post that they found a protein supplement that was something like 20g in 3 oz. Worth looking at. Be sure to also sip water constantly to keep your fluids up, try room temperature instead of cold. Hope this helps, and I agree with Carol that you should call your Doc or nurse if you don't see improvement soon. Take care and good luck!

Dessia

Darell, it's most important that you keep hydrated. You really have to keep sipping all day. You will feel week for the first few weeks until you're able to get more than just a sip in every few minutes. Swelling can take some time to go down. I didn't feel like eating or drinking for about a week but, I knew I had to get the fluids in. Each physician/surgeon has rules that they want you to follow. Was one of your requirements to see a nutrionist? They help out alot with what to drink/eat and when. The first 8 weeks are all about healing they told us. We were on clear liquids for 3, then full liquids for 4, then we could go on to more solid food. The reasons behind all the liquids is to help you heal. They don't want your stomach churning too much because part of the surgical technique is to put a flap of the stomach over the band and stitch it down to hold the band in place. Those stitches need to heal. If you're worried you're not getting enough Fluid in....you really should call your doc. It will take time though so sip, sip, sip.

What form of medication did you take? If it's in pill form you need to check with your pharmacist to see if you're able to cut the pill so it's in pieces no bigger than a birth control pill. Thats what I was told. So my blood pressure medicine had to be quartered or crushed before I took it. There are some medications that also come in liquid form which is perfect. Ask your pharmacist to help you with any medications you take.

Congrats on your new band!

Best of luck with your band.

I'm surprised you weren't told to be drinking Protein (as tolerated) at this point. Most doctors have their patients on at least 1 shake a day.

Best of luck with your band.

I'm surprised you weren't told to be drinking Protein (as tolerated) at this point. Most doctors have their patients on at least 1 shake a day.

Not necessarily true. A lot of us were told nothing but clear liquids (broth, Water, gatorade, popsicles) for at least a week before moving on to protien shakes.

Hang in there.....the first week or so is rough, but it gets much better.

:clap2:Well, I'm now a banster. I was banded on Tuesday; 17 Oct 06. Everything went pretty well. My doc indicated that I was "very tight." He used the largest band possible. I really don't know what that means, or if that's good or bad. He said during the first six weeks, this should help me loose weight pretty quickly. Right now, I just want to feel stronger. I seem to be healing really well. I can just about walk normal, but I'm still pretty swollen. The pain wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I only used extra strength tolenol, instead of the vicodin extra strength. I"m not hungry, but I'm so very weak. Since my surgery, I've only been able to eat small amounts of broth, Water, and 1 sugar free popcycle. I can't seem to get much down (2 - 3 sips) before feeling full and with a great deal of preasure in my upper abdomin. I don't want to over do it - throw up. It seems to take about 1 1/2 hours to loosen up. Is this normal for liquids? Also this morning, I noticed after taking my medication I had a lump in my throat. Is this what you call tightness, or a sign of being full? When can, or should I try to take in liquid protien? Will that help with my strength? I'm really weak. Thanks!

Darrell...

The swellng will go down in about 2 weeks. I know I was miserable for a min. After that it felt sooo goodd. Walk as much as you can! Well, welcome again and we are banded 4 life! The weight come off!