SoCalAvsFan

Fair warning, this is a poop topic if you didnt already get that lol. Today I had my first stool since surgery (4 days later). It was just a few pebbles but there was something about it that freaked me out. The stools were covered in something fuzzy and white. Doing what I shouldnt be doing, I ran online to pull up what it could be. After some searching around I found that it was mucus. Now the cause for the mucus ranged from a variety of diseases all the way to cancer! Thoroughly freaked out, i called my surgeon. He too explained that it was mucus and he said that it is entirely normal. Unfortunatly i still am a bit freaked out about it. Has anyone else experienced this? How quickly did it go away? I searched online and couldnt fine 'surgery' as a cause to trigger it, so I dont know. Any info would be helpful! Thanks

I knew this day would come. It really is simple science to realize that eventually everyone will 'hit the wall'. The only question is when will they and how hard. Well today I got that answer. I have hit the wall, and I have hit it hard. The day started with a sleepless night.. I only got about an hour and a half worth of sleep. After getting up I felt extremely week for the rest of the day.. I simply felt like a zombie, but had no appetite at all. I also was extremely thirsty but I had a hard time wanting to drink. I spent the day very dizzy, very lethargic, and simply just bad. I had a protein shake for breakfast, for lunch I had a small cup of beans to try to get some fiber in my system. Unfortunatly I ran into a VERY stressful situation with my phone company. This was the first time since my surgery where I had to face stress from something unrelated to my surgery. Needless to say I did not handle it well. I felt like a sickening feeling was rolling from my head to my toes, no amount of medication could stop it. The night did not get any better. I had 2 poached eggs and some apple sauce. I cant say that it is hunger pains that I felt, but simply just an overall aching feeling.. Thankfully I will be seeing the doc on saturday, and hopefully he can check me out.. I have significant bruising near the port area, but i assume that its normal So far only 1 of the stitches patches has fallen off, I thought more wouldve fallen off by now.. I really hope tomorrow is a better today as today was just awful =/

Took a couple of days off from blogging, time to get back to it.. Last couple of days have been nearly the same.. I am disappointedly not making any additional progress in regards to the pain anymore. My unmedicated pain level hovers around 3/10 while laying down to 7/10 while walking. The first few days were encouraging because every day I felt a bit better, unfortunatly thats no longer the case. I am also starting to run low of my medication, so I hope the doctor will represcribe some to help me out. As far as food goes, I have continued with the liquids/mushies. I have been having a protein shake for breakfast, then soup for lunch, for dinner i have had 1-2 poached eggs. So far hunger has only been a minor issue. I have also had sugar free pudding and apple sauce as well when I need a snack.. Energy wise I am up and down. Normally when I feel energized I get up and start moving around, unfortunatly it doesnt last long and I quickly crash. I have a feeling it has a lot to do with my low food intake, and is something my body will just need to get used to.. Its amazing to think that right now (technically) it has been just about a week from surgery. I would definetly say that I am very satisfied with how the overall week went. I am really looking forward to weighing myself in the morning and taking my weekly shirt off pic. I really cant wait to look back on all these pics and watch the transformation take place! So far the only thing I have personally noticed is that my double chin seems to be receeding a bit. Hopefully next week will be better as I am going to start adding daily excerise to my routine!

Title says it all. If I have a band that is completely deflated, is it the same as having no band at all when it comes to eating/swallowing pills/ etc?

Ya I have sort of tried to test my bounderies by swallowing (not crushing) pills, not taking time between bites, etc and have yet to run into any sort of a problem.. I know im pushing my luck, but I kind of want to know how far my bounderies are lol

Today was an up and down day. This morning I slept for 12 hours (Midnight to noon). This is a bit concerning considering I did not take any sleep enhancers and I never sleep that long. Very bizzare. I absolutly hate waking up and half the day is already over. I finally had my first bowel movement since surgery. It was very concerning to me as the waste was covered in a fuzzy white substance (kind of like mold on bread). I rushed online and basically found out that the white substance was mucus. Of course the reasons for this were vast and included some scary things. I called my doctor and explained what I had. He confirmed it was mucus and advised me that it was normal and not to fret. I definetly felt even more energy today and less pain. I can pretty much get in and out of bed/chairs etc without it taking a long time, something that has been a struggle. I had an energy drink for breakfast. I didnt really have anything for lunch but I have been drinking as much vitamin water as I can. For dinner I had a small cup of beans and cheese. I have really started mixing liquids with some mushies earlier than prescribed. I am hoping to be close to pain free within the next couple days so we shall see!

That is so crazy that you posted this as I have been thinking the same thing for awhile and was about to post this myself.. it does feel like there are much fewer guys around, but as a previous poster said, im sure it has a lot to do with guys simply not taking the time to post about it..

I am afraid to weight myself still.. i was banded on 4/21 so only a few days ago, and I figure I probably still have some weight from all the iv fluid and swelling.. I think ill have my first official weigh in at the 1 week mark

Well it sounds like everyone is in agreement on this.. Ill just add my 2 cents.. My surgery went great, I had no issue or problems whatsoever. Less than 24 hours after surgery i went out and ran some errands and target and michaels.. at first I was ok, obvisouly in some pain, but was able to make due. But about 2 hours in, I hit a wall - HARD. Its amazing how little stamina you have post surgery. After the 2 hour mark I started to get Very swetty, nautious, and jittery. I could barely walk or do anything for that matter. Even after I got home and laid down, I still felt like crap for the rest of the day and the next, all over 2 hours out shopping. I am a young guy in my 20's who even at a large weight still plays soccer regularly and has a great stamina, yet I got my @ss kicked just from walking around a store.. definetly heed the warnings!

Determine-Gem, including my surgery day I have been off for 4 days. In all honesty with my desk job, I probably could have been back as early as day 3, but I want to make sure im 100 percent before returning. WitchyArmyWife- Agony is for sure, my family had a huge cake that I couldnt touch which really sucked.. as I said on my blog I cheated a little bit and had some devilled egg mix and some mash portatoes, but only a small amount. I need to get back on track tomorrow!

Today is a day Ive sort of dreaded for awhile. My dad is well known for making the most amazing feasts for holidays. Seriously every single pound gained by holiday food made by him has been well worth it. However this year things of course will be very different. So far this morning I have only had a protein shake for breakfast and its already 2. I dont know what I am going to do while around so much amazing food when all I can have is liquids. But its temptations like this that got me in trouble in the first place. Ill update tonight with how things go. As far as pain goes. I am still sore on port side, but I definetly feel an improvement. I am able to bend over a little easier and it isnt quite as painful. Getting up out of a chair isnt as painful either. The next big step is going back to work which will be happening in just a couple. Even though I have a light work job, I am afraid about how I am going to concentrate with the pain meds, the hunger pains, and just the overall body pain. Guess I shall see on wednesday. Time to get ready for easter dinner, should be an interesting night!

Well I cant say whether tonight was a success or not.. On one hand, I watched family chow down on such an array of delicious food and didnt feel depressed about it or felt like I was being depraved. On the other hand I definetly cheated on the 'liquid only' post op faze. I had some mash potatoes and some deviled egg filling, both of which im sure are classifed as squishys and not liquids My stomach did not seem to have a problem handling the food. I made sure everything was thoroughly chewed and swallowed at a slow pace. Although it seems like my stomach is very forgiving at this point, I dont want to test it again and will go back to nothing but liquids tomorrow. I am very curious to see how the pain feels tomorrow as I really feel like progress has been made on it. If things continue to heal well I am going to try to taper back on the meds as the last thing I need is to get hooked.

First of all, I want to say a big thanks to all who have been reading my blog. Having over 1000 views in just a couple weeks time is incredible and gives me so much motivation to continue to share my journey with everyone. So again thank you to all my readers Now onto Day 2 happenings.. The first bit of good news was that I got a full night sleep, something Ive absolutly have needed the last week or so. It really helped get the day going. The pain this morning was a little weird. I had a little less pain in my port area but a LOT more pain in my shoulders. I am not sure if that is a gas thing, a result of the way I am sleeping, or the result of the actually surgery itself. Thankfully I had my trusty pain syrup by my side and that helped a bit. I went to my post op appointment where the doctor did a quick check to ensure there was no swelling or redness around the incisions. Thankfully there wasnt and he said everything looked good. I asked and was given some stronger pain medication as the vicodin syrup really has not been helping. I told him that I had been out and about and he was quick to tell me that I need to take things much easier. I then talked to my nut. She went over all the things I could have under 'full liquids' On the way home, I stopped and got some soups and puddings that I was told I could have. Once home I had some clam chowder soup (being careful to thoroughly chew threw the clams) My god it was so tasty compared to what I have had the last few weeks. I cant explain how good it felt to feel like I was eating some real food again. Unfortunatly due to circumstances I had to go out and run a couple more errands today. My poor body however has had enough of that and has really tightened up and is in a lot of pain. I am going to really work to stay confined for at least the next day or so to give my stomach some time to rest. One side note, the new prescrip pills that were given to me of course have to be crushed up. I purchased a pill crusher and tried to use it. I just basically took the pill powder and tried to swallow it - i nearly vommitted as it was such an obscenely disgusting taste. I am going to need to find some new way to swallow the powder. I am soo looking forward to dinner - some brocolli and cheese soup and a little sugar free pudding! Yummm!

My start weight was 319 and goal for me is 215 for (im 6'4") . I have been VERY Sore on my left port side as well as feeling very tight. Most of the pain is my fault however. The doctor stressed how important walking around was in the first couple days, in order to avoid blood clotting. I actually had a family friend die because of a blood clot following surgery and made darn sure i wouldnt be the same. So I ran normal errands yesterday (less then 24 hours post surgery) BIG mistake. I started to feel ill. extremely weak, and in a lot of pain. Even after I got home and laid down it still didnt go away. Went to see the doc for my 48 hour follow up appointment today. He said everything looks good and that I could move onto full liquids. He also gave me some higher pain meds (Norco 10/345) which have COMPLETLY taken the pain away, and pretty much all other feeling other than the feeling of being high off my @ss lol. I am soo looking forward to taking a shower tonight too. Hope everyone else is doing well <3

Well I definetly over did it this evening. Less than 24 hours after having stomach surgery I was out running errands at Target and Michaels. This turned out too be a big mistake. While I had good intentions of getting out and moving around, I went too far and have paid for it all night. It didnt take long for me to start becoming very weak while out walking around. I became sweaty, pain increased, and I for the first time, I felt nausiated. By the time I got home I felt ill, and was in a lot of pain. I laid down to try to calm down and relax but the pain and sickness persisted. Its around midnight now, and the nausia has subsided but I am still very sore. At the very least I know ive made sure that there wont be blood clot problems. I am scheduled to see the doc tomorrow at 11. I plan on letting him know that while taking it easy, things have been pretty darn good under the circumstance. However I certainly need to take things much easier and realize that no matter how non invasive the surgery was, it was still stomach surgery, something that my body needs plenty of time to recoup from. I am hoping for a full nights sleep tonight, and hopefully a little less pain tomorrow!

I had no idea I had a hernia until it was discovered during the lap band surgery. I was not charged for the repair, although I cant speak for everyone. I also do not know whether or not they charged my insurance company. Hope this info helps!

Wow, I have to say that when I typed in the title of 'Day 1' I had such a feeling come over me. Its stunning to think wow, Day 1 of the rest of my life is today. So many times in the past I have felt like I have had that 'Day 1' feeling such as after I start a new diet or lost a few pounds here or there. But never before has Day 1 really felt like the first day of the rest of my new life. But because of the events of this year, I have ensured that today truly will be the last 'first day' I have. Last night, as expected was a bit rough. I only slept for a couple hours here and there. Thankfully I wasnt in much pain at all, I just normally dont sleep on my back, so I kept waking up. Today I have made it a point to walk around as much as I can. I took a 15 minute walk outside to get the mail, and have gotten up every hour just to walk around the house. I am VERY VERY sore today where the port is as well as where the hernia repair took place near the top of my stomach. I have been taking the liquid vicodin, but honestly it just barely takes the edge off. Thankfully I only have this feeling while walking around. When i am laying down or seated I have not been in pain at all. I did take a big step today, sharing with all my friends and family via facebook that I got the lap band. It was something I struggled with, whether or not I wanted to keep it to myself or to share it with everyone. In the end I know that all my friends and family provide nothing but amazing support, so sharing it with everyone has nothing but upsides to it. I did contemplate going to the ducks playoff game tonight, but I think I may have regretted it later from all the stair climbing as well as the tight and upright seat I would be stuck in for 3 hours. I probably could have done it, but its better to not take the risk when I can watch it in beautiful HD at home. I have not been hungry at all today, which is something I was concerned about. However I have been very thirsty and have had to constantly drink gatoraid and water. The last thing I want is to be dehydrated. My fiance is going to take me out to run some errands in a little bit. It will be my first real test to see how well I will be able to deal with the pain for a longer period of time for now. Honestly I have no idea how long before the port side pain subsides, hopefully it will within the week. In any event I have been in such a positive mood today, and I really think the positivity is what is helping to make this such a smooth process.

Well I did it.. i really cant believe that I have a lap band inside of my right now.. Truly amazing.. So let me talk a little about today.. Got to the medical center plenty early for the obligatory signing of the stack of disclaimers waivers and such.. seriously they definetly know how to cover their asses should something go wrong lol.. the tough thing is that you have to initial every single potential complication.. so as you go down the list its hard not to cringe and wonder 'what if', will I be that guy.. They took me into the room and took my pulse, blood pressure and asked me a bunch of questions about alergys and such.. Then I had to literally strip completely down and put this really thin paper gown on.. not a pretty sight thats for sure..it was cold in the place which made it even tougher.. They finally started the IV which, being a complete needle sissy, is never fun.. The surgeon and the anesthesiologist took turns coming in and answering any last minute questions I had (which if you still have questions at this point, then what the hell are you doing there!) Finally they came and said it was time Now let me say, that walk from the room to the operating table has to be the single most nervewracking moment ever.. it seriously feels like the green mile.. the operating table looked lile a lethal injection table too.. the arms jutted out to the side so i looked like i was being cruxified. Had straps on it too, not quite sure why but i was completely strapped to that thing.. THANKFULLY, after speaking to the anesthesiologist early, as soon as I laid down he pumped me full of meds, so up until the moment I was knocked out, I felt pretty high lol Next thing I knew I was being woken up, I sort of remember the tube being taken out. First thing I immediatly noticed: The Gas Pain Truly has to be one of the most painful and uncomfortable things I have ever felt.. No matter what meds they gave me, nothing could get rid of that pain. They had a nice heater thing keeping me warm while laying in bed. After awhile they had me get up and walk around. Walking around was not a problem really, but boy o boy that gas.. truly was brutal. I was informed I had a major hiatel(sp?) hernia that was repaired which was great news as I have dealt with acid reflux for years now, and now I knew the cause. Was finally rolled out of the place I think about an hour or so after I woke up. All the way home, again the one constant was the gas pain.. basically I couldnt take anything other than very short breaths as anything more was met with immidiate pain. When I got home I tried to walk around as much as I could as I have had a family friends husband die from a bloot clot after surgery and I definetly am taking steps to ensure that doesnt happen to me. I got to finally experience Liquid Vicodin.. boy o boy, goooood times that is all I can say about that, especially considering I had to slowly slurp it down.. ughh And so now I am just layin in bed... ive been able to burp a little to clear some of the gas, but sadly still in pain.. Its also numb where the port is which bugs me, I really hope that doesnt stay like that... But in any event I did it, I took back control of my life. I just know it will get easier from here.. I got my second chance at a healthy life, something soo many people wish they could have, and something that many dont ever get. Well tomorrow is Day 1 of the next chapter of my life.. I figure ittl be a tough night, but its one night closer to being pain free, and obesity free. Thanks again to all of you who have read my blogs, I really hope that if you are on the edge and are considering the lap band that you do it. While there is obviously some pain now, I think we can all agree it will pale in comparison to a triple bipass, or some other medical surgery that would be required without turning things around now. Chears to a new life!!

Hi Deidre, I also got banded yesterday! I am also exactly the same way, im a side sleeper and that certainly wasnt happening last night. I have been able to get rid of most my gas but my port area is VERRY sore. Also the middle of my stomach was more sore than I expected, which I am now finding out is because they repaired a major hiatle hernia I had. Overall though I feel pretty good. I have been out walking around today and trying to stay as active as I can. Havent felt hungry yet, but ive read dehydration horror stories so I am trying to keep myself as hydrated as possible! Congrats to us!

Hey all, im 26 and I just got banded yesterday! I think we all are taking care of this at the perfect age, where our skin for the most part should shrink back, and our bodies are the strongest they are going to be to make the process even easier.. Please feel free to add me as a friend or read my blog! Congrats to those banded and great luck to those who are on the path!

Ah i see, well im sorry to hear it didnt go well for you =( I too went through the 1800 Get thin people, but had a much different experience. Money was never talked about until it had to be, and I always felt immense support from every person I met. My consultant Lindsay, god love her, pretty much has a rainbow growing out of her butt she is like overly nice and helpful. And My Doc Dr Gee was Great! He was funny, very confident, highly regarded, and just an overall great guy. Just got banded 5 hours ago, and couldnt have been happier with the process. I think it just has to do with the people you get to work with, it makes all the difference. In any event, congrats on your choice to try it again!

Thanks karin.. you are right, it does feel better as every minute passes.. I absolutly cant wait to share this journey with you and all of our other fellow bandsters