Greetings,

First of all - I want to thank all the regulars on here. I've been monitoring this board since I decided to have this done (about 2 months ago) and all of you sharing your experiences has helped me a great deal. I was banded by Dr. Speigel at University General Hospital (that place rocks - the staff is excellent). I'm home now - enjoying a small bowl of broth. I've got a little more pain than I thought I would - mainly in my abdominal muscles - but I've been walking around - taking some GAS-X, and I'm about to load up on the Hydrocodone (really looking forward to that). Anyway - Keep up the good work folks - I truly believe that this is the final answer to my weight loss problems.

Willy, Congrats on your surgery. The pain meds really help for the first couple of days at least. The protein drinks will keep you strong. Regards, Steve

It's great to hear good news about University General and Dr Speigel. Thanks for sharing!

Greetings,

First of all - I want to thank all the regulars on here. I've been monitoring this board since I decided to have this done (about 2 months ago) and all of you sharing your experiences has helped me a great deal. I was banded by Dr. Speigel at University General Hospital (that place rocks - the staff is excellent). I'm home now - enjoying a small bowl of broth. I've got a little more pain than I thought I would - mainly in my abdominal muscles - but I've been walking around - taking some GAS-X, and I'm about to load up on the Hydrocodone (really looking forward to that). Anyway - Keep up the good work folks - I truly believe that this is the final answer to my weight loss problems.

WillyC- Congrats on your surgery! You must be glad that it is behind you. I still have 4 days til my surgery. I am very excited(and nervous too). Best of luck to you-Gigi:)

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Congratulations! I was banded on 1-22-07 I am day 4 post-op. It gets better as each day passes. The best advise someone gave me was to TAKE my pain MEDS! You don't have to be tough, it's a time for healing. Oh, yea, GAS-X and a heating pad are a must for the gas pains. I had one on my belly and my back. Never did get the old dredded shoulder pain.

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Dee

Also just to add on some remedies for the gas relief here are some suggestions:

Remedies

Folk

Betaine hydrochloric acid will help digest excess food that your digestive system can't handle on its own and help relieve gas, bloating, and an upset stomach. Older people especially are low in this very necessary acid. Take 1-2 tablets with any large meal. Pancreatic enzymes will also be helpful.

Carbonated Water It encourages belching to relieve the gas.

Celery seeds Chew (but don't swallow) a teaspoon of seeds. This remedy is supposed to provide quick relief.

Chamomile helps improve digestion and aids in expelling trapped gas in the digestive tract. Make a tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb; cover; steep for fifteen minutes; strain. This remedy is excellent for babies who have colic, too. Give the baby 1/4 cup of tea diluted with an equal amount of water in a bottle before each feeding.

Charcoal, activated Activated charcoal will bind to the gas. Take two tablets before and after meals. Do not take with other medications, supplements, or birth control pills, as it binds to them, too. Do not use on a long term basis, only for temporary relief.

Fennel helps improve digestion and aids in expelling trapped gas in the digestive tract. Make a tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb; cover; steep for fifteen minutes; strain. This remedy is excellent for babies who have colic, too. Give the baby 1/4 cup of tea diluted with an equal amount of water in a bottle before each feeding.

Ginger Mix one teaspoon of fresh grated ginger with one teaspoon of lime juice; take immediately after eating.

Pancreatic enzymes will aid digestion and help relieve gas, bloating, and an upset stomach. Take as directed.

Peppermint The herb peppermint, either in tea form or chewing the leaves, will relax the intestines and make it easier for the gas to escape. Peppermint is a carminative, which is a substance that removes accumulated gas from the stomach and intestines. Make a tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb; cover; steep for fifteen minutes; strain. This remedy is excellent for babies who have colic, too. Give the baby 1/4 cup of tea diluted with an equal amount of water in a bottle before each feeding.

? Peppermint oil improves gas and bloating problems by causing gas trapped in the colon and intestines to be absorbed into the body.

Simethicone Simethicone breaks up the large bubbles of gas.

Lots of luv! Alice

Banded on 12/20/07

Dr. Huacuz, Tijuana MX

Congradulations!! Dr Spiegel banded me 12/11/06. He was great and fast. University General was great and very helpful. The hospital has a really good support group the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Hope to see you there! Good Luck