Hi guys,

I'm feeling a little scared and need someone to talk to me down off the ledge here. I am 5 days post-op and I'm not getting enough down. I am currently getting about 8oz of Water, 6 -8 oz of broth and less than 8 oz of Protein in. My doc said I need a bare MINIMUM of 48 oz of liquid a day. I'm not even close and I have to force the little bit of liquid I'm having. When he placed the band he said it was really loose and that I probably wouldn't have very much restriction (HAH!) but since the surgery I'm having a LOT of addominal swelling and I can't get anything in. My stomach is ENORMOUS. I'm down 20lbs and clothes that I wore before I lost the weight are too tight - that's how swollen I am right now.

Has anyone had this happen? I'm terrified as I'm self pay and I just don't have the money to have a lot of tests or take this out. I had a barium swallow and the barium went down okay - slow but okay. I just can't get things in. What am I going to do?

I'm trying so hard not to cry because I know that will only make it harder to get things in but I'm just frightened and sad.

Oh my gosh, 2 months! You poor thing! I'm so glad you are able to eat solids now!

How did you do it? How did you muster up the strength to try solid food? I'm scared to even go on "creamed" soups! What happened when you tried before, did it get stuck?

I'm honestly glad I posted it too because I really felt I was alone as well. My surgeon told me he had not seen that before which didn't help either. He did say he's heard of it happening but he also never had to do so much cutting to connective tissue to get the band in place either. Unfortunately, (fortunately?) I used to be an athlete and he said I had less belly fat than he anticipated and much more muscle. It's hard to even remember my athlete days but I'm looking forward to being there again!

I got quite a few private messages as well from people who had/are having the same issues. Maybe it's more common than people think.

I'm so glad you are feeling better! Thanks for the reply

And PS, I have to eat standing up too. How weird is that? Guess it just gives it straight shot down, no curves in the road!

Cindylou,

Oh, sweetie! I never saw this thread until just now. What an ordeal!

I trust that things are getting better every day?

And some stupid people call this the easy way out.... WHATEVER!!!

You're in my prayers, girl!

Thanks TravelGirl! While it is definitely better, it is not yet completely opened up. I just got back from a business meeting which was extremely difficult. Every day there was just food everywhere (an example - yesterday for lunch they had Prime Rib, stuffing, green Beans almondine, potatoes and cheesecake. I had soup) and it was definitely challenging. I can get down creamed Soups now, a little at a time. Tried to have some ice cream at the airport yesterday. I had about a half a scoop and felt awful for the rest of the day. Really weird, I don't get it. I can have cream of broccoli soup but no ice cream. Oh well. I have to say the hotel I was staying in (Sheraton University City in Philly) was amazing. They made me 4 different soups to choose from at every single meal and were so accomodating. We went to a restaurant called RAE and it was awful. They knew 2 weeks in advance what my dietary restrictions were and they had nothing for me to eat. The manager felt really badly about it so he said they would try to whip me up something. They came over with a bowl of green liquid. I asked what it was and he told me they put some raw asparagus and "a touch of water" in a blender and VOILA! It was cold and disgusting. I left mid meal while the rest of my group stayed and ate duck, salmon or chicken. Just couldn't take it anymore. Funny thing though? Wasn't really hungry. Went back to my room, had some Water and I was fine. I think I missed the wine more than the food!

Still nervous to try mushies. Now that I'm home I'm going to try some really thin mashed potatoes for dinner tonight. I'm scared!

I think I'd stick with the full liquids for now, it sounds like you might have trouble with even the thin mashed potatoes.... Be careful!