Okay, I'm about one week post-op now, and I thought it might be good to talk about the feelings (both physical and emotional) we've experienced.

Here's a few things that come to mind right away for me:

My left shoulder still hurts. It's getting better every day, but it's still enough to bother me.

I still can't sleep in my bed. I tried last night, with a ton of pillows, and I ended up looking like I was sleeping in one of those chairs by the pool - with the back completely up! I guess I'm moving back out to the recliner tonight.

When I eat or drink, I feel pressure. Even if I go very slowly, which I always do, I still feel some pressure. Sometimes I have to sort of catch my breath: stop, take a deep breath, and exhale. Which is fine, since I should be doing more deep breathing anyway.

It's very hard to get more than 600-700 calories in me in a day. I am not hungry pretty much all the time. I know this will probably change soon, so I'm trying to enjoy it for now. My energy has remained at a good level, though, and I am taking my multi-Vitamin and b12.

My doctor already took me off my high blood pressure meds. Apparently, losing 20 lbs was all it took for my body to start responding, and my pressure has been good!

What about everyone else who's been banded? What are you experiencing?

Im five days post op now, and it was a huge turning point. I feel so much better! The moodiness has gone, my energy is up, and the only pain left is at the port site. I am on full liquids and have not been hungry in between meal times. Its amazing! However I did eat a little too much at dinner tonight. Pureed some soupy scalloped potatoes and they were so good I know I ate more than my one cup limit. My tummy got full and round and that made my port incision hurt a little more. I am going to measure my food from now on while on my post op diet so I dont do that again. Things are def on the up and up though! I can sleep on either side at night or my back. No belly sleeping yet though.

Well I went back to work today. It was not too bad , I have to remember not to bump my stomach on the desk . the swelling in my stomach has gone down some but the port area is still swollen and sore . Is everyone one else having that experience? i have been a little bit hungrier today . I am using some cream soups with water in the blender to thin them out , I hope that still counts as a liquid . I think my doc says it has to go thru a strainer to be considered a liquid. I am counting down the next two weeks till I can have mushies . I love that the weight is coming off I just wish my stomach showed it a little more. Anyway just thought i would check in with everybody, hope all is well. mel

Today marks one week exactly. Still feel great. Just need to make sure I eat all my protien so that I have enough energy to get through all my errands and stuff durning the day. I have lost three pounds since surgery day! Yay! Good ridance!