Had surgery a week ago and while the surgery went fine, post-op hasn't gone normal. My stomach swelled shut and nothing went through for several days, including spit. Got re-hospitalized for dehydration. I'm getting fluids down easier now, but still constantly feel so full I could burst.

I wondering how fast other bandees progressed up the food ladder. I'm still on Clear liquids. I tried half a teaspoon of pudding last night and though I didn't throw it up, it felt like a lump in my throat. Will all food feel like that in the little stomach?

While I have heard of this I have never experienced it, if your surgeon doesn't already know this, you need to tell him/her asap. You should be able to eat small amounts of soft food by now: jello, pudding, creamed soups. Did the hospital suggest anything? How are liquids (water, broth, etc) going down?

It sounds like you have had a rough time! I don't have any advice as I am just one week out myself, but I wanted to wish you good luck on your healing!

I have not had the problems you have had, but I do feel very tight, especially in the mornings. I am assuming (maybe incorrectly) that it's from stomach swelling and that when that heals I will be able to get more down.

Hi:

It seems that maybe one of two things is happening here, or a combination. Maybe you are swelling more than usual or your band is too small. The surgeon that I have stopped using the smaller bands last year because he had to reband 3 patients in one month because the smaller band ended up being too tight after swelling. He said he doesn't use the smaller band on anyone anymore.

I hope the swelling goes down soon. Please let your doctor know if you are unable to keep liquids down.

In a few weeks you'll probably be hoping to have that full feeling again. Until then, follow your doctors orders while you are healing.

I hope the rest of your band adventure is a little easier for you.

Take care.

Sue

Call your surgeons office and ask if they put any fill in your band during surgery. Some do, though many don't. If he did put some in, then you can go and get some taken out. It sounds like you have extra swelling.

Stick to the clear liquids (broth, sugarfree Jello and sugarfree popcicles). When those are comfortable going down, then start on the "full" liquids - cream soups, puddings, etc. I stayed on clears for 10 days and full liquids for three weeks. You may be trying too soon also.

But, this all sounds like a call to the office is needed. Best of luck!

Barbara

Even without those issues I was not on soft food 1 week post-op, I did two weeks liquid then progressed to two weeks puree. Go for the high protein items and get some liquid vitamins. Once you heal you shouldn't have that feeling when taking in food.