Swan56

Hey Jamey - i think a lot of people question the surgery days after. It will get better! I didn't have it easy like a lot that I read on here. I wasn't up cleaning my house the next day or anything lol. But I allowed myself to heal and slowly started doing cardio a week out. I go to the same surgery center as you and while Dr. Morton isn't my doctor - i can tell you that I think everyone at that office is wonderful. They will take care of you and after you heal you will feel great about taking the steps to a healthier life. Good luck in your journey!

I started on the treadmill about a week post-op. I walked at a slower speed (1.6) the first day at a 3 incline for 30 minutes. Each day I would add a little speed. I'm now walking anywhere from 1-2.5 miles a day fairly quickly (atleast 2.8 speed - 3 weeks post op ). But please talk to your doctor about exercise. We are all on different levels and each doctor has different preferences. Mine told me I could do anything after surgery that "didn't hurt." I was pretty active before surgery (a healthy fat girl). Not everyone is and needs to work up to a level that is safe and effective for them. There are different levels (heart rate) that go by age. There are aerobic levels, cardio levels, weight loss levels... you should be able to find this online or your gym will have it. Keep in mind that it is a good idea to stay in the level that will benefit you. Good luck!

I was told I had a hiatal hernia but during surgery - my surgeon discovered that they must have seen something else because he didn't find any hernias. But i have heard a lot of people have them and came out fine.

lol @ all the sex - good for you! I also call the plus size stores the "Fat girl store." But I would still have to shop at one right now -- but I'm not shopping for anything new right now unless it's smaller

When I had my first "stuck" episode it was in my chest. It was very painful. I wanted to drink but actually discovered that burping helped a little - no throwing up any food just "sliming." It happened to me because I was not chewing enough or took too big a bite - lesson learned. No thank you

Kylie - choosing to have wls is a very personal choice. It has to be one that is well researched and thought out by you. You're going to be the one that has to make a life-long committment to your band. You have to commit to following the diet and following dietary restrictions even before you "feel" restricted. Personally, I've only had my band for 3 weeks and i love it. I can already see a change in how I feel and I haven't even had my first fill yet. I eat differently because I chose to make this work for me. I go to the gym to help maintain muscle so most the weight I lose is fat. Do your research and then, if you can tell yourself that you're ready to make a change in your life for better health then I'd say go for it! There is TONS of support here. Good luck with your decision

Hey C.J. Congratulations on the weight loss - what a great thing! The shoulder pain is most likely gas from your stomach being blown up during surgery to allow the surgeon to work. I had in for a little while but it did go away. I suggest the Gas X strips. They helped a lot. And obviously staying active will help to push some of that gas out... lol. Good luck on your journey - you're off to a great start!

And if you were on any pain meds with surgery - that can cause constipation too. I know I didn't go for like a week after surgery.

YAY - congratulations everyone! Way to go.

WOW - way to go!!!

I was surprised by my post op diet as well. He said 2 days of liquid, 2 days of mushy, and then begin working in solids. He said to make sure that I try new things slowly so that if I have a problem I can tell what food is causing it. I had read liquid/mushy for 2 weeks. I feel fine doing it the way he had me do it. I was on a preop for 2 weeks and was really tired of just liquids. I go for my post-op checkup Thursday. I'm assuming I'll get a fill in about 2 weeks. Things are going well. I feel much better this week. Been working out quite a bit and despite how little I actually eat, I have plenty of energy now (as opposed the the tired feeling I had before surgery). I hope you get to eat soon!

I had surgery on 12/27 and have to say that while my gas pain doesn't seem as bad as some peoples, it hasn't been a quick recovery for me. I didn't feel like leaving the house until 3 days later and even that was for short spirts. I went to the gym to walk today but did low incline (3) at a slow pace (1.8) and 30 minutes was enough. Keep in mind I was doing 30-45 on the ellipical before surgery. I too don't have much of an appetite and have been forcing the water and protiens down. My surgeon had me on mushies about 3 days out and adding in normal foods 5 days out, which was great until I tried something a little more chewy and had a horrible painful hiccup. I was afraid after that to try foods, thinking those hiccups could cause a slip or my band not to heal correctly. Today i resorted back to a protien shake at lunch just to make sure I'm getting in enough protien. I'm still really nervous about not doing something right. I guess it's times like these that I really need this site so I know I'm not alone...

Thanks for all the support everyone... sorry I've been a stranger lately. I didn't go near a computer when I was at home recooperating. Surgery went well. I think before surgery was actually the worst (they couldn't get a good vein... ouch). I'm a week out now and don't have much pain at all. Still getting used to foods but not doubting my decision one bit. Looking forward to changing with you guys..

Hey guys... I'm about 5 days preop and have been an emotional wreck lately. I know it's misguided feelings and nervousness about surgery. I've never had surgery, been put under, been on prescription pain meds, etc. So I'm pretty nervous about that but also part of me is scared I may fail at this too. I'm a positive person but my failed attempts at weight loss all my life have me questioning myself. I've been questioning if I can really do this, questioning how my husband will deal with these changes, etc. I started a huge fight with him over something simple on Friday. I apologized later and explained that I'm having a hard time dealing with all the different emotions about surgery. He seemed to understand and said that's what he is here for. Am i alone in thinking this way?

I hope everyone that was banded last week is doing well. I didn't get on at all last week. My husband was super supportive and my mom came to town to help me as well. I think she was more nervous than I was about having surgery (it was my first). Going in, I wasn't really as nervous as I thought I would be. I was actually pretty excited, until they got me back to prep me for surgery and couldn't get a good vein. They stuck me 8-9 times before finally deciding to do a central line in me neck OUCH! So that upset me... but then once I was back in surgery, she said, "okay I'm going to put you to sleep now." I counted 10, 9, 8, 7, 6... and woke up in recovery. I was only there for what seemed like a few minutes and the moved me back over the other side so my husband and children could come see me. I remember being in quiet a bit of pain and the pain medicine not helping. When I made it home, later that day I made sure to get up often and walk. I burped almost every time I did... which was great. I didn't get any gas pains until about 3 days later. They weren't terribly severe but it was uncomfortable. I took my pain medicine regularly. I didn't want to think I was feeling better than I was and then have to play catch up. By Thursday I was ready to get out of the house. Not too much but it was nice to move. Up until yesterday, if I bent over or laid on my side I had a very painful pulling feeling where my port is. Luckily today that subsided and I was able to kind of stretch out more - my back was beginning to bother me from all the sleeping flat. Today I went to the gym. I walked some and did a few weights. Nothing major... still not feeling absolutely wonderful but getting better each day. Back at work... but wanted to still be at home. Friday I did have some very painful hiccups when trying to eat some foods. I decided to switch back to "mushy" for a while and today chicken did fine. It's a learning process. I don't have much of an appetite though and have basically had to force myself to eat. And i guess my pain medicine burnt my taste buds... weird.

Hey Patty... sorry I've kind of been away from the site since surgery. How did it go for you on Thursday? I hope good and I hope you're healing okay. We started the new year off right... even if we were a little sore at the beginning... lol.

Hey and congratulations on taking the step to a better life! I am having surgery on the 27th so I'm pretty excited. Try to be patient with your insurance approval and the holidays - mine was right around Thanksgiving and I thought I was going to go insane. It only took 11 business days. Submitted Nov 22 and approved Dec 7th. I say try because I know how anxious I was. As far as your husband goes, encourage him to do the research with you. Show him the research you have done. Have him attend doctors appointments with you. The more he knows the better it will put his mind at ease and the more he will be able to support you in healthy decisions. Good luck!