Jessie26

I was banded a week ago (the dr put about 2cc into my 14cc band at surgery), and from day one, I've pretty much had no problem drinking Water like normal or taking normal-sized sips of broth/juice/protein shakes, etc.

I have read a lot of other people say that they are unable to take normal sized sips without feeling tight or constricted after surgery, especially week 1 when we're still swollen and healing.

I was wondering if anyone had insight on this. I haven't chugged a whole bottle of Water per se, but if I'm thirsty in the middle of the night, I've had no problem taking 4-5 large gulps continuously (not putting the glass down) and I haven't felt pain or discomfort.

What were you guys' experiences in this regard? Am I out of the ordinary? Did I just heal faster because I'm 22? Is my band superrrr loose?

I was banded on May 25. I could also very easily gulp down liquids and I still can now after 2 fills. (Still not tight enough) I suppose I was really loose to. I don't think that age has anything to do with the healing process...but everyone is different. Good luck hun!

Just a question, why aren't you following the directions, no Pasta, no bread, no soda??? Just because you can stomach these, DOESN'T mean you should. You could be harming yourself and not even realizing it. Maybe u haven't stretched your pouch, but it you keep eating like this YOU WILL. If you aren't feeling restriction you need to call your doc BUT YOU SHOULD ALSO SPEND ALL YOUR ENERGY FOLLOWING GUIDELINES. The band is not magic, until u get the right restriction you need to use self control to prevent overeating. it's all you baby. the deal is 80 20, eighty percent you, 20 percent or less the band. good luck

I've tried bread twice and first tried a carbonated drink this past weekend just too see what would happen with my band. Thank you for your input. I will take that all into consideration.

I was banded on May 25 of this year. I haven't had any complications. I've had 2 fills with no success. I can eat whatever I want bread, Pasta, meats, and I can even drink carbonated drinks. I can still eat the same amount of food as I did before surgery. I weighed 232 in May and now I am down to 197. Let me give you some info on my first fill. My doctor had a tough time trying trying to find my port. He was poking and poking and poking with that needle. He finally got through. Filled me to 4cc. Well about 3 weeks later...still I could eat whatever I wanted with no restriction. So I got another fill. This time it was much easier for him to access. One stick and he filled me to 4.5 cc's which was all I could take because we tried at 5 and I couldn't get the Water down that he had me drink. It's been about 4 weeks since that last fill. I believe that when he was trying to give me my first fill he poked around so much that now my port is leaking and that's why I am still not feeling any restriction. I personally think that my band doesn't have any liquid at all in it right now. OR...another thing I was thinking about was if I had stretched my pouch. Has anyone ever had any problems like I am having? Thanks for your input!

I am bipolar. I had my surgery on May 25th. My mood swings have been ok. I've been very stable though on my meds and have been fortunate enough to not have any manic or depressive episodes. Just take it easy and enjoy the process. You will be happy! Trust me!

I don't see any reason to assume you have a leak. call your doctor for another fill, and have him pull all the saline out before he adds in the next amount. He'll quickly be able to see if you have a leak. Otherwise, what you're describing is what I had after my 2nd & 3rd fills. Your body swells up, and once the swellign goes down you feel "the same" and it just means you need more Fluid in your band.

Great! Thanks! That explains a lot!

Hey there everyone! I had my surgery on May 25th 2011. I've had two fills since then. My last fill was on July 26th. After each of the fills I stayed pretty well restricted...then a week later...back to no restriction! On my first fill the doctor had a problem inserting the needle into my port. He poked around at least 7 times trying to find the right spot. I think that now my port has a leak..or my pouch has just stretched. I can eat anything I want too. I'm very concerned. I have a 10 cc band. My first fill was 4 cc's. Second one was a total of 5 cc's. I have absolutely no restriction. Any ideas? Suggestions?? Thanks!

Thank you all very much!

Hey there everyone! I had my surgery on May 25th. I am having my first fill on July 5th. I wanted to know what the actual process feels like pain wise? Thanks guys!

Are laxatives required prior to surgery? Anyone know? Thanks a bunch!

I'm having to do 2 weeks-Liquid Breakfast, liquid lunch, then light Protein with veggies. Then another 2 weeks of nothing but straight liquids. It has been really difficult. Today is only my 4th day....It's going to be tough.

Yes! My surgery date is May 25th. 7:30 a.m. I'm so excited...Now I'm just on this awful liquid diet! Oh well...it's so worth it! I started my process March 23. It went through so quickly. Thank you NCBCBS!