Questions from a newbie...

[peggy1011 0]

Hi Everyone..

I was just banded this past monday, 6/25. I'm trying to get an idea of the initial couple of weeks, what to expect, etc. I seem to be having a hard time of it. I wasnt aware that my port incision would hurt so darn much and limit basic functioning such as getting out of bed. I didnt know I'd obsess over not being able to eat like I am. I'm bloated like a pregnant woman, and frequently feel like i need to burp, without success. And the worst thing is, sometimes I just sit here and cry and wonder what the heck did I do to myself???? I'm scared to death to have a fill because I'm so darn uncomfortable already. Has anyone else had these feelings, especially the emotional ones? Thanks in advance for any advise....

Peggy

[DawnG 0]

I also was banded on 6/25 and yes, I definitely feel bloated and uncomfortable. Most of my worst pain has subsided... except for when I twist or bend. My best friend is a nurse and said alot of what I'm feeling is just the result of surgery, not necessarily the band. She said to give my body a feel weeks to get back to normal from the swelling and effects of anesthesia.

In any case, looks like we're in this together. I'd be happy to be your weight-loss buddy!

[peggy1011 0]

Dawn, thank you for the support. And I'd LOVE for you to be my weight loss buddy!!!

[Colthedoll 0]

I was also banded on 6/25 and most of my pain is gone, just feeling discomfort when I try to get up from sofa/bed. I also cried the day after thinking what did I do to myself. Thought I would be more mobile by now. Didn't have gas in the beginning, but have a gas pocket that won't go away. I am hoping in a few days I will feel alot better.

In another week we'll be fine and have no regrets!

[IneedMajorHelp 1]

give it 2 more weeks - get past the liquid/mushie stage - the soreness goes away - you just wait till the LB's start coming off it's the best feeling, the first mini-goals takes your mind off any discomfort or soreness - that first week is kind of a pain - the all liquid diet (don't care if I ever have Jello again) - congrats and good luck!

[Tyanna 0]

I was banded on 6/21 and i also had those thoughts of what did I do to myself I think that is just a part of it, it seems most everyone has that same thought and that seems to be normal. I went on Vacation 3 days after surgery to relax and that worked but I slept on the couch for 4 days after surgery. I am one week out now and can lay flat on my back or side and strech out without much discomfort at all. My port site is still a little tender but not bad at all. I haven't had to have any pain meds since day 5 after surgery . it does get better just hang in there.

[JosieK 120]

hi peggy,

my first 3 days were tough. espceially the first one. i had a bad reaction to the pain meds.

the key to releasing gas is to walk, walk, walk.

also drink alot of Water.

i didnt feel hungry for the first few weeks.

but i was very emotional in the beginning. i cried alot. i was embarrassed that i had to have surgery to lose weight. alot of this was due to the after effects of anesthesia. eventually i didnt feel this way.

and like Mr Downtown said...once the LBS come off.....you will forget these first few days.

you will be fine

[red 0]

hi, i just had my 2nd fill...i didn't have any pain or problems with my surgery...i for sure have emtional issues..i fiqured out how to munipulate the band right away...soft foods and drinking...i too feel the burp sensation..i'm a little lost as to what's up myself...but i am losing weight in spite of myself...have a good cry and moarn the loss of food...we're on the road to recovery..weather we like it or not...get in touch if you need to...i'm 58yr old and i have good days and bad days..but i know we can do it...hang in there...lkron@skywerx.com red

[pj robinson 0]

dear newbies,

yes,what you are feeling is normal. this comes from a 16th month old bandster & a nurse who takes care of bariatric patients ( both lap band & bypass pts). it took me a couple of wks to feel somewhat normal. i had

gas issues as well. walking several times a day is the best for this. tums & gas-x work wonders too. it would take me 3-4 hrs to get done 8 0zs of Protein Shake. you just have to have patience on this journey. remember to drink & eat slow. take care & god bless, p.j.

[DawnG 0]

Ok, another question for the group.

I am feeling almost no restriction 5 days out from banding (6/25) and am curious if i should be this hungry. I am able to drink a 1/2 liter bottle of Water in less than 2 hours (thats 25 oz) and an 8 oz Protein shake in about 1/2 hour. I have yogurt in 3oz increments and I am starving 30 minutes later. I can drink 5 oz of Soup and don't feel full either. Basically, I am so hungry that my stomach is constantly "growling"... even to the point where the hunger pains wake me out of sleep.

I feel a slight tight sensation beneath my sternum when I swallow my medication, but that's the oonly time. None of the liquids bother me at all and I haven't had any nausea. I have avoided drinking within an hour of eating, but it doesn't seem to affect my fullness level.

Should I be worried? PLEASE tell I me I won't stay this hungry for mcuh longer! Or is this how I should expect to feel until I get my first fill?

Thanks so much!

Dawn

[cyndilou29 0]

This is very normal. I was banded 5 weeks ago and I felt as though I would never feel right again. I feel completely like myself now. Here's the issue though, you probably will remain unrestricted until your first fill (6 weeks or so). That's why the call this period "Bandster Hell". This time is for healing, not for weight loss. I know that's really frustrating but once you start getting filled you'll start getting more restriction

[MysticstarD 0]

I was banded on 6/26 and when I awoke from the surgery I did think what did I do to my self because I felt horrible I got over that quickly because I do know that w/o this my health and weight will get worse.

I have felt a some anxiety thinking I will not be able as much as I used to but those are also quickly changed to positive.

My port is sensitive and my shoulder hurts a lot. Why is this? burping hurts. I had a hernia in my esophagus. Yesterday and today I have felt better but still have limitations on what I can do.

How are everyones stiches? mine are covered up with a gauze and a plastic tape and they itch.

I have lost 13lbs since starting liquid diet.

[HAZE 0]

Hi PJ

I was banded on 6/28/07. I was told i could have 1 oz of Water every hour and 2 oz of boost for my 3 meals a day. This don't seem right, but i not hungry yet.

[red 0]

hi it's red, i have been filled two times and my weight loss has been really slow...i only lost 5 lbs after my first fill (just short of 4 wks.) this seems really slow to me...i had him tighten it more this time .. its only been 2 days so i'm not sure if it has made a difference..am i been unrealistic to want this to go faster...im also having trouble controlling my night eating...not sure what to do about that but struggle throught it...it feels allot like failling at a diet...horrors...

[IneedMajorHelp 1]

just from what my doctor told me about people and weight loss is that as a species we're not designed to LOSE the weight - the survival mode kicks in and holds on to that heap'o'calories - I notice during the week when I'm at my desk the loss slows down - the days I come home and get on the treadmill or jump on my bike are the days that the loss speeds up, but maybe that's just me - I've been the same weight for a week now - it's getting a little frustrating - happened right around memorial day too "hmmmmmm the scale must need new batteries" hopefully after the 1st fill on tuesday it will start coming off a little quicker again.