mfw1941

Apparently getting the pills down is not the only problem. I was told that if they sit in the pouch to dissolve before passing through the stoma that there is a chance of irritation to the stomach lining that can lead to erosion. Darn sure don't want that, so I crush and use applesauce and one of mine is really disgusting. I don't think there is anything that can kill the taste. But I decided it is a small price to pay.

Can't wait to hear how tomorrow goes for you. Did you not have to do a barium swallow before you left the hospital? I stayed overnight and they did one the next morning before I left. I just assumed that all of Dr. S patients did that before they were discharged. I was dreading it all the way down to x-ray, because I was so nauseated, but it went OK. Not the greatest, but tolerable. Good luck!! Tulip, thanks for posting the info on your fill. I go in two weeks for my first fill and it was nice to hear how yours went. Still not eating much of anything, but not losing anything at all. I lost 10 lbs the first four days after surgery and then gained two when I started on mushies. Am eating about 800-1000 calories a day and not losing, but guess my body is catching up to that immediate loss. Any other time I would have been really excited about losing 8 lbs in two weeks, so am trying to keep positive. Just happy that I can control my eating. Don't really feel any "restriction" but just get to a point where I don't want any more food. A very new feeling for me as I have always been a volume eater. Never knew when to quit.

Hi Joy, There is a thread of January bandsters that you should join. Or get on the February bandster thread. There are lots of tips and ides as everyone there is or has just gone thru the stage that you are in. Try it!

I think that I am the oldest on the site currently. I had my 66th birthday on January 30 and had my surgery on Jan 31, 2007. I consider my age the major reason for getting the band. I have been fairly lucky with my health (if you don't count bypass surgery in 1989-no problems since) but decided that if I didn't do something to help it along, it was going to start to pay me back for all of the abuse. Did very well with the surgery and have firmly convinced that this is the best decision I have made in a long time. Don't ever feel foolish for doing what is best for you, no matter your age.

Dear Debbie and Kedasmom, Best of luck next week. I know I was so happy to finally have mine over and done with and move on to the rest of my life. I felt that was on a holding pattern until it was over. You will do great!!!

Oh Hon, how horrible for you to feel this way. Two quick things as I am sure this will pass quickly. Like Tracy said it is probably just a result of the anesthesia. 1. You cannot feel the band, I am 10 days post op and it is the swelling that you are feeling. It will go away in a few days. 2. You are dealing with a life changing event. Your life will be different from now on and that is a scary thing to think about. But these are good changes and you will be thankful in the long run. Hang in there for a few more days and it will all look different. Mary

Hi ladies, just want to let you know that I am lurking here and reading everyday. On mushies for three more weeks but am seriously thinking about SB when I can get back on regular food. So keep it up, I learn something everyday. You seem to be doing great on it. Audree, where do you order your Quickslim 30?

I had a lady, Dr. O'Neil, she was wonderful, so calm and pleasant. I think the injection was several minutes before I left the holding area, maybe that why I don't remember. Or maybe, I just don't remember. Actually, it is kind of nice to not remember, I have been in OR's before and am happy to have skipped that part. carrieba: PB is short for productive burp. I understand it usually happens when you eat more than can go through the band and it just comes back up. Apparently it's not at all like vomiting, and can be avoided by overeating. Maybe someone here who has experienced it can describe it. Since I have not yet had a fill, it is not a problem for me. Good luck at the seminar, I went to a several. It's good that you are looking around, it will make you more comfortable when you do make your choice.

You should go it is a fun experience. Wonderful prepared food, plus more more more! Directions to 3815 Westheimer, Houston, TX <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=473 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right> </TD><TD class=text vAlign=top>Conveniently located at the center of metropolitan Houston, this Central Market location can be found at the southwest corner of Westheimer and Weslayan, inside the Loop. </TD><TD vAlign=top align=right rowSpan=2></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right> </TD><TD class=text vAlign=top> From Loop 610 Exit on Westheimer and head east inside the Loop, towards the direction of the downtown area. You'll see Central Market on your right on Westheimer one half-block before Weslayan. </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right> </TD><TD class=text vAlign=top colSpan=2>From Loop 610 Exit on Westheimer and head east inside the Loop, towards the direction of the downtown area. You'll see Central Market on your right on Westheimer one half-block before Weslayan. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=473 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=right> </TD><TD class=text vAlign=top>From Hwy 59 Take the Weslayan exit, heading north towards Westheimer. Central Market will be on your left one half-block before Westheimer. Surround yourself with the freshest variety of foods and sweetest delectables at every turn. Central Market is a shopping experience that will inspire and delight you. Call 713-386-1700 for more information. Open 7 days a week Store: open 8 am to 10 pm Central Market Cafe: open 9 am to 10 pm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Anyone know how much they put in for the first fill? Is it dependent on how much weight you have lost? Also, does anyone know what size band Dr. S uses. I think I asked him right before surgery and he told me 10cc, but I may have just imagined it. Strangest thing, I think they put me out in the holding area. At least that is the last thing I remember. Someone saying, I am going to give you a little joy juice and then I woke up in recovery. For my other surgeries, I was never put out until I was on the table. Wondering if maybe they gave me Versed and I just have no memory of it. It's really not important. I was reading on another post about others experiences in the OR ( the thread is about wearing underwear in surgery and is riot to read) and realized I had no memory of it. Just wondered what others experiences were.

Your post answers a question for me. I am 8 days post-op and although I feel fine I have been plagued with intestinal gas. It just rolls our of me. For a while I associated it with the surgery, but this is not that kind of gas. I have always drank a lot of water (plain water) but after surgery they gave me a sample of Crystal lite and suggested that I flavor my water to make it easier to get it all down. Well, I have done that and now I know where the gas is coming from. I have always been susceptible to artificial sweetners (alcohol sugars will all but launch me in the air) but did not think to attribute it anything in the Crystal lite. So, it is back to plain water for me and hopefully a much calmer gut. For those who don't like plain water, maybe a little lemon juice with a tiny bit of sugar would make it more tolerable. Thanks again Mary

Welcome to the group. I was banded on the 31st also. Feeling pretty much back to normal now. Unfortunatly getting my appetite back and having to use my "self control". Never one of my strong suites. But so far so good. Keep us posted on your progress.

Excellent idea, I love them also. It is quite a trip for me to get there, but will go this week end. Thaks for the tip.

I would plan on at least a week, if your job is fairly sedentary. The first day that I really felt "normal", about 80-90% was on day 7. I know that lots of people go back sooner, but I think that if you push yourself you are slower to return to normal. Mary

I have to jump in here with my comments. I went through much of the same agony and self doubt as many of you are describing. I am self pay, so I had the additional guilt of spending the money. Although it is my money, that I earned and I can chose to do with it as I wish. I finally came to the realization one day, that it was mostly because I felt like I was taking the easy way out and blaming myself because I did not have enough self control. In thinking this through I finally decided: 1. What is wrong with the easy way if it is available? Why do we feel that we have to make things hard to make it worthwhile. Sometimes it isn't necessary to make things hard to make them worthwhile. And, by the way this is not necessarily easy, there is still a lot of work involved. This is not magic. 2. Face it ladies, this is a MEDICAL, as well as a social condition over which we do not have control. If self control and determination could do this, we would have all suceeded long ago. 3.The medications that I take are a tool also, and do I feel guilty because I take them? No, because they are saving my life. This will save my life also. 4. Last time I looked I was the only one in my shoes, so why did I care what they thought. "They" whoever they are, should not be in control of my life and decisions. So I quit beating myself over the head about this and made the decision to go ahead and do it. I am still new, but honestly believe this is saving my life. Best of luck to each of you in your journey toward making your decision. Mary

Well, I am 1 week post surgery today. The horrible gas pains are finally gone and I am feeling almost normal. Getting hungry now, but have only been able to manage 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food. Now I am scared that my appetite will get out of control..I think I will get a copy of the South Beach Diet that Baby Got Back is on and see how mushies will work. I am on them for another three weeks. Would like to weigh, but have decided to wait a few more days, as I know I will probably pick up a few pounds now that I am eating again. don't want to have to deal with seeing that. It seems strange to me that I am really banded, I don't feel any different and yet everything is different. Does that make any sense? Anyone else have those feelings.

You look awesome. A real inspiration for us newbies. Thank Goodness, the gas is gone today. I was able to actually eat today without feeling like I was going to float off from the the bloating, like that would ever happen. LOL Am getting my appetite back, guess that is a mixed blessing. Now I am faced with having to make some decisions about what I am going to eat. I live alone and don't generally cook, so this is going to be a challenge for me. Anyone have any good take out suggestions? I am thinking Outback Grilled Salmon with veggies and Boston Market grilled chicken and spinach. Not a problem yet as 1/2/ cup of veggie chili did the trick tonight. Just wondered if anyone else had the same problem.

I was also banded on the 31st. Yesterday was the first day that I really felt almost back to normal. Still not able to tolerate much on my stomach. Yogurt and soup seem to work the best. (My surgeon allows mushies after 48 hours) I have read of some that are already eating pretty normal, but I can't imagine how. Assume it is the swelling and will go down soon. But OH!! the gas pains. I have terrible pains in my left shoulder and under my rib cages. Tried walking, but the only thing that really seems to help is to lay down on my left side for about 10 minutes. I take the gasX and drink slow and follow all of the instructions, but nothing seems to help. Has anyone read how long the problem with the gas pains lasts? I know it is common after surgery, but I am ready for them to be gone. Although this is a small price to pay for the future.

Audree, You have done so great, but remember that you are the one that did it. Don't let other's problems take anything away from your accomplishments. Maybe you are just lucky or maybe you are just more positive and determined. Whatever the reason, this is an individual road that we are traveling. You just keep on going girl, you can be the lead for where we all want to be. :clap2: :clap2:

6 days post op today and still not able to eat much. Lots and lots of gas pains. Never thought I would be so happy to belch. Back and shoulder pain can be miserable. Try walking, but have found if I can just lay down on my left side for a few minutes it really helps. I office out of my home and did not schedule anything out this week. Thanks goodness, so if it just get unbearable, I can run lay in bed for 5-10 minutes. Anyone know how long this gas will last? Am hoping the swelling gets better soon, I know in a week or two I will probably long for the restriction I have right now, but I do worry about getting enough calories down. Yesterday, I had a serious hypoglycemic episode. Never had one before in my life and hope to never have another. I was concentrating so much on making sure I got my fluids in that I neglected my protein. Won't make that mistake again. I know better, Stupid, stupid, stupid! :faint: Anyway so far today other that the gas things are fine. Hope everyone is doing well tomorrow.

Appreciate your help

Hi, My name is Mary, I was banded by Dr. Spivak on January 31st, so I just a few days post op. Had my surgery done a Park Plaza and could not have had a better experience. One of the really nice things was that three of the nurses that worked with me had also had the lap band surgery and had nothing but great things to say about Dr. Spivak. It was very comforting laying in the holding area to have someone arond who had experienced the procedure and was very postive about it. My surgery went well, had virtually no pain. Nausea was the biggest problem, it lasted about 48 hours. Was told that it was my brain and my stomach coming to terms with the band. Today is the first day, I feel really normal. Thursday, Friday, Sat, I just took it easy and slept quite a bit. Actually more than quite a bit. Beginning to eat mushies and tolerating them so far. Happy to see this tread started as there is so much variation in the instructions from various surgeons. At least we should all be on the same page with what we need to doing. Kimmie, thanks for starting this.

Well the gas pains caught up with me today. Was beginning to think I might be home free, but no such luck. I made some cream of wheat this morning with nonfat milk. It was lactose free milk, but I am lacotose intolerant and wonder if I won't be able to use the lactose free at all. Back to my soy milk I guess. The gas was better this afternoon, so I am hoping it was just the milk from this morning. Ate the C of W this morning and about a half a cup of tomato soup this afternoon and it seemed to go well. Think I will try a scrambled egg tomorrow. Have managed to get most of my water down, but I really have to pay attention to it. Nice to have you our there blazing the way for me.

Fianlly am awake enough to post. My surgery went great, I had no pain, only problem was nausea for the first 48 hrs. Diet cordinator told me it was brain and my stomach trying to come terms with the band. I am feeling fine, still on mostly clear liquids as they seem to sit on my stomach better. Drank about a fourth of a portein hot chocolate this morning and have not wanted any thing other than water since. Biggest problem I have is wanting to sleep all the time. It seems better today and hopefully will gone by tomorrow. Sounds like all the 31st bandsters are doing good. Will check in again tomorrow.