starting a new thread for anyone who has or is considering surgery thru the Brigham/Falkner program.

~Mel

surgery 11/13/07 Dr Vernon

-35lbs

Glad your feeling better Jay.

I have a question for the BWH banders. Has anyone dealt with a person named Jennifer Johnson? Is she always rude or could I have done something to piss her off? I'm seriously thinking about speaking to her manager about her attitude problem.

Hey there,

Jennifer is kind of grumpy...It's definitely not you. Have you ever heard her voicemail message? She talks a mile a minute..

Hi there! I got a script for liquid tylenol...I have this huge ass bottle of it! LOL...maybe ask them for that? Sorry you have a fever...watch it to see if you have signs of an infection....I will be at Faulkner on Monday.....anyone else???

Hey There,

I got home on Thursday as well. Feeling alright but today I have a fever. Dr. R told me that if it goes up to 101 then I need to go to the emergency room. Did anyone have massive bruises when taking the levonox?

Jennifer: It was neat seeing you. I hope you are feeling alright. It's good that they are being proactive about your liver. Did anyone have trouble finding the liquid tylenol that wasn't for children?

How active were people after their surgery?

L

I have been having trouble finding liquid Tylenol as well. I also just noticed on my discharge paperwork it says I am suppose to be taking liquid Pepcid- yet no one mentioned that to me. Then again, my discharge paperwork also says I have no diet restrictions.... ummm, yea.

Not feeling particularly great today. Going to try and lay down a bit. Hope your fever goes down Lily.

I had the date wrong...AGAIN.....Faulkner meeting is next Monday..(it's the second Mondays of the month, right?). ..Maybe I am secretly wishing that this was the 14th...school is almost out for the summer!

Congrats to me...I had my first fill today! Whoooohooo! and I lost 5.5 pounds from the 2 week to the 6 week visit....Yah me! So, am I secretly hoping for restriction...or like they said..."it could take a couple fills'.....either way...another hurdle jumped over in this wonderful process.....I WILL be going to the support group next MOnday.....

sorry you guys seem to be having a rough go of it. I remember reading here are some people were up and "back to normal" right after the surgery. It took me 5 days before I went back to work and then a few weeks before I even felt like my old self.

Tylenol was making an adult strength over the counter called cherry liquid burst or something like that. Not sure if they still do..I found it at Stop and Shop. On occassion I have taken the children's strength and followed the dosage instructions.

Im almost postive the next Faulkner Group is Monday the 14th. Its flag day and I made plans so I dont think I can make it.

Feeling better today. I spoke with the nutritionist on the phone today and she said I could start having some yoghurt and some cream (low fat) Soups. I am so looking forward to going to the grocery store tonight and shopping for some low fat/low salt options.

Jennifer: How are you doing?

L

Hi Lily,

I am doing good. Just very hungry!! Who is your nutritionist? I am starting to think about what I can eat during the soft food stage for dinner... any thoughts? I had my MRI this morning and see Dr. R again on the 15th I believe. Hopefully everything is normal with my liver! Glad you are feeling better!!

Hi Jennifer,

Fingers crossed with the MRI results. I called the reg nutition line and left a message for Monica. Another Nutritionist called me back though. It was very helpful to talk because I am getting a little frustrated with the options.

I am still feeling wiped out. I did have a suger free fudgsicle which is a little higher in calories then the popsicles.

L

I think I have moved to the stage where I am feeling depressed and wonder if I made a huge mistake... Is this normal???

I think I have moved to the stage where I am feeling depressed and wonder if I made a huge mistake... Is this normal???

Hi Jennifer,

I'm sorry you're feeling depressed. If you are hungry are you sure you're getting enough Protein and caleries? I'm depressed a little now because I'm mourning my best friend "Food" & I'm having surgery next Wed. I'm sure it's normal but I'm seeing a councelor to help me work thru this proccess. I know it's going to be the hardest thing I've EVER done.

It seems live Bandster Hell is a real phase.

Remember, you just took a giant step to improve your Health and You started a New Job at the same time. An awful lot on your plate, sorry about the pun, Bad.

Call the nutritionist tomorrow to see if you can add something soft or thicker to your shakes?? (apple sauce, banana??) I don't know??

Please come to the Faulkner Mon night for the support meeting. So all of us can meet you. I'm going to be in your shoes in the next couple of weeks. We will have to help each other. You still haven't fully healed yet, please take it slow. I hope this helps.

My prayers to you:smile:,

CarolD

Jennifer,

I'm not sure I can add much else from what Carol offered, but as someone over 2.5 years post-surgery, I still suffer from "buyer's remorse" from time to time. It doesn't go away, but it does get easier. I was convinced that I was not an emotional eater before surgery----but now recognize what an important role food plays (ed) in my life. The initial healing stages of the band make socializing hard. It makes the day drag, and it makes you miss all of your old "friends". The reality is that food has always played a huge role in my life. I obsess about it---but never knew anything different because everyone around me was the same way. Healthy weight people rarely think about it the way we do. It's just not as prominent in their lives. You will absolutely go through phases when it's a huge challenge----and you'll need to find replacement behaviors. Tiny makes fun shakes with her protein powder. There are ways to be creative---but you'll still miss eating. Find other ways to occupy your time. I relied heavily on my computer and exercise to keep me busy. If you're typing or moving, you're not eating! Find something that takes your mind off of it. While I don't want to disappoint you, (because it may be a while...)I remember so well a point when I lost between 60 and 70 pounds that the food no longer had such a strong hold over me. I forgot to eat. I focused on talking in social situations, not the food that was served. I learned to love having the mental energy for other things, not for worrying about what I'd eat at the next meal. I was involved when I was banded. My now ex was tremendously helpful in keeping me busy. When we broke up, I finally realized how desperately I needed counseling because I simply couldn't afford to turn to food any longer. As Carol said, counseling may be good for you---if it's not your thing, find supportive friends and family and come visit us on Monday at the Faulkner! Having a group of people who have lived my experience has been such a tremendous help.

I hope tomorrow is a better day for you.

Thank you for the support and advice! I think for some reason everything is hitting me all at once today. It's an adjustment... even taking my medication now seems like a pain. But I never do well with change at first- I know intellectually this was a good decision. On a positive note, I am down 40 pounds since I started this whole thing with Dr. R in January.

Wow, I only lost 20lbs. since Jan. but I'll take it. Now there is the advantage of youth!!! You should be sooooo proud of yourself:yesnod:!!! I AM!! Take care of yourself. I look forward to meeting you Mon.

CarolD:smile2:

Thanks Carol! Where is the meeting located at the Faulkner? I am feeling in much better spirits today.