Puttingmyselffirst

2 of my steristrips came of a week after surgery. The last 1 (my bellybutton) came off 3 weeks after surgery. It was recommended to me to put neosporin on the incision sites after the bandages came off. I am 3 weeks post op and drink a cup of coffee everyday. I was told by my doctor it was okay. I haven't had any problems.

That is so funny because I was told to USE a straw for the exact same reasons, gas. Apparently, the belief of my surgical team says to use a straw to prevent gulping air and causing air locks. Not quite sure what an air lock is, but I don't want one. So I have been using a straw since my first sips of water in the hospital. I have had no problems at all. So weird how doctors have different philosophies.

Wow! February has been a very good and successful month. Keep up the great work everyone!!

I had surgery February 28, and am still doing the soft/mushy phase. I too am doing low carb---seems ti work best for me and it is what my doctor recommends. I eat tuna, chicken, and egg salad a lot. I also made some soft meatballs that I was able to mash up with some marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese. Stick it in the oven/microwave to melt the cheese and it is very yummy. I am going to try a ricotta bake tonight. Ricotta cheese, marinara, and mozzarella baked---sounds good. I stayed away from yogurt and puddings because of the carb/sugar content.

I was banded on the 28th too . I was banded in Jacksonville, FL. Last week was a little challenging. I had a lot of discomfort! But I am feeling MUCH better now. Started walking last night (20 minutes--it's a start). Ive only lost 5 pounds since surgery but about 25 since I started my journey. Had my first post op appt with the surgeon yesterday and everything is healing well! .

I am 1 week post op and am able to sleep on my side. I use an extra pillow and wedge it under my tummy fat to give my incisions some more support lol. It keeps them from getting that "pulling" feeling. It works wonders for me because back sleeping isn't that comfy .

I am so sorry for your scare. I too would like to know how long this pain lasts because I thought I would be feeling much better by now (surgery Monday feb 28), and it is kind of depressing that I'm not . I get this feeling that I have to hiccup or burp, but there is a giant air bubble between my chest and back. It's very painful. Any insight would be great . I just want to be recovered all ready!!!

I am having really bad gas pains as well. My surgery was Monday, so I'm 3 days post op. The gas is really my only complaint. My incisions are healing great. I was up every couple of hours last night with pain in ny back and shoulder. I am walking and moving around, but it isn't getting much better. When will the gas end?!?! I'm with the OP...it gets kind if depressing.

I had my surgery Monday, Feb. 28. I have progressed to the full liquid phase of my post-op diet. Low carb works best for me, and it is what my doctor recommends. I am going to be on full liquids for the next 4-5 days. Does anyone have any suggestions on what i can eat that would be considered full liquid, low carb, and not only protein shakes? Thank you

My doctor uses the LapBand, so that is what I went with. I found a surgeon I trusted, and trust his opinion of band.

Congratulations!!! I just had my surgery yesterday, and can't stop smiling

I had surgery yesterday, February 28. My gas pains are pretty bad. I am using a heating pad and that seems to help a little. I find that if I lay down too long the gas pains get really bad in my chest. Walking and taking deep breathes is helping that. I was up about every 2 hours last night walking in my room to try and move the gas. I am still on clear liquids, and trying hard to stay hydrated. I move to full liquids (protein shakes) tomorrow...WOOOHOOO!

That is a great tip. I'm having surgery Monday, the 28th too. I am so excited that it is finally here. I just started my 2 days of clear liquids. Good Luck!

I am so excited. Just got a call from doctor's office. I am approved, and ready to go. Surgery date is February 28!!! Woooohoooo.

Thanks MoTown! I am SO ready too! Congrats to us both!!!

I'm starting my official pre-op diet tomorrow as well. I think I will have pizza tonight---yumm. My pre-op diet is a low carb diet (under 30 grams) until 2 days before surgery. Then I will be on clear liquids. Good luck and congrats!

Paperwork was submitted today to BCBS Fed. Now I wait for approval---hope it goes quickly!

Not sure if that would count. But it is definitely worth asking. . The whole supervised duet is a waste of time (in my opinion).

Lauren, that is so exciting. I hope to have my paperwork submitted to BCBS fed late next week. I hope my approval goes as smoothly as yours. Congrats and good luck.

Stacy, I just responded to your post in sloow doctors. I tried to cut and paste, but my phone won't let me. I hope it helps. I also have BCBS Fed.

Ugh Stacy. I'm so sorry this happened. Talk to your doctor's office about using prior appointments with them as part if you "3 month" diet. When my doctor's office called to say that BCBS was requiring a 3 month diet (starting in 2011), they were able to count my consultation appt in December and my group appt with the surgeon and nutrition counselor in January as 2 of the 3 months. I go next week, to hopefully my last, appt with the nutritionist to complete my crappy 3 month supervised diet. Good luck. Keep u's posted!

Stacy, that's awesome you have the 6 months. Hopefully, it is smooth sailing for both of u's from here

Update: My doctor called this afternoon, and turns out that starting in the new year BCBS federal is requiring a 3 month supervised. I am SO frustrated! I'm really bummed out. I was hoping to get approved and have my surgery in early February . Fortunately, they are including my previous 2 appointments with the surgeon as part of the 3 months--that means only 1 month left. I go for (hopefully) my last appointment with the NUT February 5. Then my paperwork will be resubmitted and I will wait and keep my fingers crossed. It's so annoying because it is a complete waste of time. Just a delay on the part of the insurance company. Ugh!

Southern Leo, I'm in Jax too! Great to meet another local lap bander. Although, I haven't had surgery yet. I used to belong to Planet Fitness. It is cheap and no frills. I liked it just fine.

Yes! I'm right there with you. Quitting smoking seems ti halt weight loss. I am doing a VERY low carb diet right now pre-op. Below 30 carbs a day (very difficult to do). I am also awaiting approval from insurance and want to be prepared when I get approved and be able to schedule my surgery asap. The low carb seems to be working for me. I'm down 4 pounds this week. It's the only thing that is working for me as far as losing that pre-op weight. Good luck.