They have added a forum for us - let's post here... So we can share with the new people....

Hi Margie, I haven't heard of the disk o gram. I guess I don't need it for my spinal disease! I'll be interested in your test results.

I'll need a spinal fusion. I just had 2 epidural nerve blocks in my lumbar spine in March, and I'm currently doing okay.

My bad pain is often in my hips, which can, like last winter, make walking interesting.

Anita

Phyl, You are doing great! I am so proud of you and walking that far. Way to go. I just got back from that disk a gram. I have about 8 needle punctures in my back but thanks to some drug they gave me I dont remember much. Hopefully will get results tomorrow. Are you at your goal weight now?

Thanks for your kudos. No, not at goal...50+ lb to go. I think the weight loss will pick up now that I can walk more. Exercise will increase as rehab progresses. When I finally get released, we'll be going south to RV park in Desert Hot Springs CA where I do water aerobics every day and hope this year will be able to use some of the exercise equipment... treadmill, recumbent bike.

PT guy gave me permission to switch from walker to cane today. We walked outside with my cane this morning and it felt great. I go through my whole exercise routine with him and then at the very end do the "butt slide" and he measures my flexion on the 5th one. Monday it was only 100 degrees... only slightly more than last week (97). Today I got to 113!! It was GREAT.. but then we went to church for "Primetimers" and were gone about 2 1/2 hrs. So between last night's walk, bending leg to 113 deg, and outing... I came home exhausted and in a lot of pain. Took 2 pain pills and put on ice bag but took a while to get relief... I think because of our pouches, sometimes it takes a while for meds to absorb. I took those right after lunch and it took a while before they kicked in!

I have one more home PT session before he releases me to outpatient PT.

They shoot dye into the disc area and somehow the way the dye flows tells if you need surgery. They only do it one place in Kansas and that is Wichita. Ive had the epiderals but it didnt help the pain more then a couple of weeks.

They shoot dye into the disc area and somehow the way the dye flows tells if you need surgery. They only do it one place in Kansas and that is Wichita. Ive had the epiderals but it didnt help the pain more then a couple of weeks.

So no results yet??

No, they said tomorrow or Fri at latest.

Welcome, Margie. I was banded on 7-22-9 and one reason was I wanted to get this weight off so that both of my knee replacements would last hopefully for my lifetime. Joint pain is something probably common to most of us on this thread. I have been able to cut out sweets and most all carbs. I know a few sneak though, but this has really been working for me. I love to cook and I am lucky that I can still cook for others and not chow it down myself.

Hi Kay I know how you feel ...cooking has taken on a new meaning. It's more an art now. I used to cook and yeah I would interrupt the flow my tasting eating eating...now I cook and play with the dish without tasting and make it more visual. I enjoy cooking more now almost like if I can't eat than I will make sure others do. Sometimes I am so tight at night I can't eat what I cook. I am learning to save myself a plate and re heat it for lunch the next day...hopefully not for later in the night. though:scared2:

Ok guys, What gives with the awful shoulder pain I'm getting after being banded tuesday. Is it gas in my shoulder? I am taking gasX , it helps the gas pain in my tummy but does nothing for my shoulder. I'm trying not to take the liquid pain killer, I'm afraid it will make me constipation

I am working three times a day. Not very far but it is helping me with all the gas pains. I think the gas is worse than the incisions.

Any suggestions from those already banded?

Hi Nawlinzlady,

Yes, I felt the left shoulder pain was the worst part. I walked and took my pain meds. My doctor said it was very common.

I'm 3 1/2 weeks post-op and no pains at all. Still only at about 50% of my normal energy. I have lost 13 # since banding, so very worth it.

Good Journey,

This is from the gas they use to blow your stomach up so they can see inside during surgery, so gasx does not help... but movement does as your body has to reabsorb the gas to get rid of it... it does get better, I promise.

God Help Me!!!

If you really need the post surgery gas to release :huh2:

Just send the family away...open the window...lay on your side (the one without the port)....move one leg up to chest and press your butt :thumbup:

:eek::smile2: It works :eek::laugh:

:w00t::w00t::w00t::w00t: embarassing but works:w00t::w00t::w00t:

PS- I deny every writing this post :smile2::eek::ohmy::eek:

Blame it on menapause

OMG that is to funny!!!!!!!!!

God Help Me!!!

If you really need the post surgery gas to release :huh2:

Just send the family away...open the window...lay on your side (the one without the port)....move one leg up to chest and press your butt :thumbup:

:eek::smile2: It works :laugh:

:w00t::w00t::w00t::w00t: embarassing but works:w00t::huh2::w00t:

PS- I deny every writing this post :smile2::ohmy::eek::w00t::eek:

Blame it on menapause

you made me laugh, but a heating pad works great to alleviate the discomfort of the shoulder gas pain. at least it did for me..:eek:

you made me laugh, :smile2: but a heating pad works great to alleviate the discomfort of the shoulder gas pain. at least it did for me..:thumbup:

Works great for gastric gas, but the walking and heating pad is best for the shoulder pain. It is referred pain from your diaphragm being pushed on. If your tummy is gassy it hurts worse as it is pushing on the diaphragm too, so that is why gas-x and release seems to work. corliss

Feel Free to Fart Frequently.