Grumpy_nyc

wow... I've actually made it in your journal!!! The highlight of my day

Hi RRM, I had my LB the same day you did and I'm still in the mushy phase. I do get a pain in my shoulder blade and according to my doctor it is normal. To my knowledge, it doesn't not relate to the fill. I wouldn't think there is something wrong but given we are all different and all have different experiences, I would recommend to call your doctor and raise the question. Good luck and keep us posted.

That is such a great feeling and the "happy dance" makes it even better

At this point I don't see it, I can just feel it if I put pressure w. my hand on it. It was really bad on Friday and I thought it was from my suit. Over the weekend it got a little better, so tomorrow night, I'll see how it is when I get home from work. Mine, so far, is not sticking out and I hope it stays that way. Did you discuss with your doctor? I called mine yesterday and they told me that feeling it is normal. Everyone can feel it. That put me to ease a little.

Friday, January 12th was my first day back to work. People I work closely with noticed that I lost weight which made me feel good. I have kept my lapband surgery a secret, even from my family and only two people know. Thank God for the hiatal hernia and this is what everyone knew I was repairing. Wearing a business suit became a little painful towards the end of the day. I couldn't wait to come home and change to something more comfortable. And... as I was doing that, I felt the port for the first time! I was so scared, thinking I did something wrong, wondering if my pantyhose was putting pressure on it the whole day and now I could feel it. A thousand thoughts were going through my head and couldn't really relax. I kept putting my hand on it, trying to understand why on earth I am feeling it now. I am still very conscious about it today. I still keep putting my hand on it, slightly pressing it. I never realized that I can actually feel it. I honestly do not like that but now it's done. I certainly don't regret having the band, but if I can feel the port with such slight pressure, so will someone who is holding me or be intimate with me. Now THAT is a major problem! No answers on that one yet. I'll have to wait and deal with it when it happens.

Friday, January 12th was my first day back to work. People I work closely with noticed that I lost weight which made me feel good. I have kept my lapband surgery a secret, even from my family and only two people know. Thank God for the hiatal hernia and this is what everyone knew I was repairing. Wearing a business suit became a little painful towards the end of the day. I couldn't wait to come home and change to something more comfortable. And... as I was doing that, I felt the port for the first time! I was so scared, thinking I did something wrong, wondering if my pantyhose was putting pressure on it the whole day and now I could feel it. A thousand thoughts were going through my head and couldn't really relax. I kept putting my hand on it, trying to understand why on earth I am feeling it now. I am still very conscious about it today. I still keep putting my hand on it, slightly pressing it. I never realized that I can actually feel it. I honestly do not like that but now it's done. I certainly don't regret having the band, but if I can feel the port with such slight pressure, so will someone who is holding me or be intimate with me. Now THAT is a major problem! No answers on that one yet. I'll have to wait and deal with it when it happens.

Hi Tim, Welcome to the site and thanks for sharing the information about yourself. Unfortunately I do not know of any doctors in Ohio, but I have a follow up apt. with my doctor this coming Monday and I can ask. I'll let you know what I find out. I would agree that going with the lap band is less drastic plus it is also a non invassive procedure as well as reversible in the event you would need to. But keep in mind that, after you find a qualified doctor in your area, with a lot of experience in bariatric surgeries, he or she will be able to evaluate your situation and suggest what might be more beneficial for you. One suggestion would be to contact the American Association of Bariatric Surgery, at 100 SW 75th Street, Suite 201, Gainesville, FL 32607 p. 352-331-4900 f. 352-331-4975 info@asbs.org and see if they can recommend a board certified surgeon in your area. Best of luck Athina

Welcome Ashley and congratulations on your decision. Ashley, Becca & Sheila, best of luck on your upcoming surgeries.

That was a great link. Thanks Becky.

I was looking some of the posts a few minutes ago and found the following link. Some great people here put together this lists of lapband talking jargon that is soooo helpful. I often read posts and there have been many instances where I can't follow, and that's not because of extreme hunger..... I decided to put the link in my journal for a quick reference. It's very helpful, try it! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/abbreviations-and-they-t7959.html

I was looking some of the posts a few minutes ago and found the following link. Some great people here put together this lists of lapband talking jargon that is soooo helpful. I often read posts and there have been many instances where I can't follow, and that's not because of extreme hunger..... I decided to put the link in my journal for a quick reference. It's very helpful, try it! http://www.lapbandtalk.com/abbreviations-and-they-t7959.html

Good to hear you are doing better. :clap2: I have an apt. on Jan. 8th myself for an esophagram and post-op checkup. Let us know how everything worked out when you are up to it. Best of luck

Thank you so much.

Kristen and Jameza - Thanks for the suggestion on the Isopure. Chubbygirl also suggested nectar from GNC as well so I'm off there tomorrow. Kristen - good luck with your fill. Mine is scheduled on the 31st. I look forward to it. I didn't realize that there are different types of bands. I'll check with my doctor to see which one I have.

Annie - thanks for the suggestion. I'll check it out tomorrow

Douglas, I have to say that you sound so great. I was smiling as I was reading your posting. A lot of things touched home. I have to agree with you on the book "The Da Vinci Code" but I watched the movie recently, as I'm recovering from my surgery, and I was not impressed at all. I was disappointed with Tom Hank's performance, maybe because going back to the book, I never pictured Tom Hank's for that role. Regarding your friends, I agree with Teresita in terms of expecting from others to do what you did for them. As they say in my country, that would be Greece, friends come in your life for reason, a season or a lifetime. Based on your experiences with each of your friends, hopefully you'll be in a position one day to know who satisfies what capacity. You seem to have made plenty of friends here how are already praying for new friends to be sent your way You started your new life on 12/26, maybe it's time for new friends as well. Best of luck Athina

Hi Douglas, I was banded the same day as you. Your results are amazing, congratulations. How are you feeling in terms of pain? I'm doing pretty good except from a chest pain given I had a hiatal hernia repair at the same time. Question to all the bandsters here: As Eric was saying in one of his postings (hi Eric and congrats on your surgery), it is difficult to keep a 40, 60 or even 90gr of Protein on a daily basis, especially in the first 4 weeks of liquid and mushie diet [2 of each according to my doctor]. I did buy from GNC Protein powder to use for shakes either w. milk or Water but each serving gives approx. 9gr. I'm just entering my second week of liquids, and even getting 40grs is a problem. Are there any other ways you guys found for protein intake? :help: Thanks and happy new year to all of you Athina

Today is exactly one week after my band. The pain on the incisions is like little needles, and boy a lot of itching, which is very good as it's a sign of healing. My chest pain from the hernia continues but it's certainly much better as each day goes by. The biggest problem is when I sleep at night. I am still using a few pillows to be at a 45 degree angle. I attempted last night to sleep with just one pillow, which is the norm for me, but boy did I regret that decision. I kept feeling as if a hand was pressing down on me and couldn't find comfort in any position. At least it was a hand and not a person as right after surgery. I put the pillows back and tried to go back to sleep... oh it was useless! I also did another stupid thing last night, or should I say another experiment. Given I was feeling good the whole day, without any pain killers, I decided not to take any before I went to sleep. What a great idea!!! I often wonder what am I thinking... I had this "I can do everything" mentality, as if I had to impress the walls in my apartment! It only made my pain worse, appart from the pillow experiment. So, one advise, to anyone who may be reading my journal, do not be a martyr when it comes to pain. And, if you are trying to impress someone, find another way ! In terms of food, I started feeling hungry last night, for the first time after the surgery. That was tough. Somehow, chicken broth or slim fast shake couldn't satisfy my hunger. I kept drinking water, which seemed to help. Each day since my surgery I see to be in negative calories. I should be taking approx. 1,000 kcals a day. Days one and two my intake was almost nothing and then between -500 to -200. Yesterday I reached 970 and today, it's already 8:44 and I'm up to 660. I do feel hungry right now but not nearly as close as yesterday. Well, getting my monthly friend in the morning had lot to do with my extreme hunger yesterday, so it's all good. I'm happy when things make sense! I look forward to next week in getting into mushies. I need to start thinking what will I have next Tuesday, so when I feel hungry I can shift my hunger to Tuesday's meals.... Not sure how would that work but oh well... it's a thought!

Today is exactly one week after my band. The pain on the incisions is like little needles, and boy a lot of itching, which is very good as it's a sign of healing. My chest pain from the hernia continues but it's certainly much better as each day goes by. The biggest problem is when I sleep at night. I am still using a few pillows to be at a 45 degree angle. I attempted last night to sleep with just one pillow, which is the norm for me, but boy did I regret that decision. I kept feeling as if a hand was pressing down on me and couldn't find comfort in any position. At least it was a hand and not a person as right after surgery. I put the pillows back and tried to go back to sleep... oh it was useless! I also did another stupid thing last night, or should I say another experiment. Given I was feeling good the whole day, without any pain killers, I decided not to take any before I went to sleep. What a great idea!!! I often wonder what am I thinking... I had this "I can do everything" mentality, as if I had to impress the walls in my apartment! It only made my pain worse, appart from the pillow experiment. So, one advise, to anyone who may be reading my journal, do not be a martyr when it comes to pain. And, if you are trying to impress someone, find another way ! In terms of food, I started feeling hungry last night, for the first time after the surgery. That was tough. Somehow, chicken broth or slim fast shake couldn't satisfy my hunger. I kept drinking water, which seemed to help. Each day since my surgery I see to be in negative calories. I should be taking approx. 1,000 kcals a day. Days one and two my intake was almost nothing and then between -500 to -200. Yesterday I reached 970 and today, it's already 8:44 and I'm up to 660. I do feel hungry right now but not nearly as close as yesterday. Well, getting my monthly friend in the morning had lot to do with my extreme hunger yesterday, so it's all good. I'm happy when things make sense! I look forward to next week in getting into mushies. I need to start thinking what will I have next Tuesday, so when I feel hungry I can shift my hunger to Tuesday's meals.... Not sure how would that work but oh well... it's a thought!

Congratulations. I started reading your journal today after you commented on mine. Your success if impressive... I also liked that you named the band, that was so cute.

Hello everyone, This is my first time here. I was banded 2 days ago and I'm still in a lot of pain. I also had a repair of a hiatal hernia; two procedures for the price of one! I expect to have a pain but it feels so ackward at times. Every time I get up I feel this heaviness on my chest which comes and goes during the day. I also experience "needle" like pains on the incisions which are often pretty sharp. And on top of that, upper back pain, which I was told by my surgeon that it's a reflecting pain from the hernia. Have you guys had similar pain? How long all this will last?

Ann, I am glad my answer helped you. I hope everything works out well with your doctor and your first day back. Let me know how everything went. Good luck

I should consider myself lucky that I don't have to take many pills during the day. However, the few I do have to take, including the pain killers which became my best friends, in the first 3 days, I had to find ways to take them. I bought the, oh so familiar to all, pill crusher from my local drugstore before my surgery so I was ready when I got back home! It is amazing to me how all pills taste so bitter. What happened to the nice flavors when we were kids? Why nobody thought that adults would like those as well, especially in moments like these! Before you even start this process, check with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the medications you take come in liquid form. That would be ideal. Here is what I found useful, during the times of the liquid diet: 1> Make a small cup of hot tea, load it with Equal (or any other preferred sweetener) and drop them in. Put the tea in the fridge and when cold, drink it in 3 sips. [My medication didn't disolve in cold water] 2> Do the same as above but instead of tea, use hot chocolate. I didn't have to use Equal, it was sweet enough on its own and also the chocolate masked the taste. The problem was that I couldn't do it in 3 sips as I had to use a whole cup of water or milk to do the chocolate. For some medications, 1 cup may be to much. 3> Mix them in one teaspoon of honey. 4> Fastest but yucky.... Put the crushed pills on a tablespoon, fill it up w. water and swallow it fast. Then, follow with a cup of juice, sips at a time, or 1/2 a teaspoon of honey to take away the bitterness or even with your cup of hot cocoa. 5> If you are into the mushies, you can mix them in one or two tablespoons of apple sauce, with Equal and cinnamon. I haven't tried it yet, as I'm still in the liquid phase, but it was my doctor's recommendation. Good luck!

I should consider myself lucky that I don't have to take many pills during the day. However, the few I do have to take, including the pain killers which became my best friends, in the first 3 days, I had to find ways to take them. I bought the, oh so familiar to all, pill crusher from my local drugstore before my surgery so I was ready when I got back home! It is amazing to me how all pills taste so bitter. What happened to the nice flavors when we were kids? Why nobody thought that adults would like those as well, especially in moments like these! Before you even start this process, check with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the medications you take come in liquid form. That would be ideal. Here is what I found useful, during the times of the liquid diet: 1> Make a small cup of hot tea, load it with Equal (or any other preferred sweetener) and drop them in. Put the tea in the fridge and when cold, drink it in 3 sips. [My medication didn't disolve in cold water] 2> Do the same as above but instead of tea, use hot chocolate. I didn't have to use Equal, it was sweet enough on its own and also the chocolate masked the taste. The problem was that I couldn't do it in 3 sips as I had to use a whole cup of water or milk to do the chocolate. For some medications, 1 cup may be to much. 3> Mix them in one teaspoon of honey. 4> Fastest but yucky.... Put the crushed pills on a tablespoon, fill it up w. water and swallow it fast. Then, follow with a cup of juice, sips at a time, or 1/2 a teaspoon of honey to take away the bitterness or even with your cup of hot cocoa. 5> If you are into the mushies, you can mix them in one or two tablespoons of apple sauce, with Equal and cinnamon. I haven't tried it yet, as I'm still in the liquid phase, but it was my doctor's recommendation. Good luck!