Lynn Snyder

I was banded 9/20. Most things are going well my incisions are a bit sore, but not too uncomfortable. I haven't had any nausea (except for the barium fluid they had me drink for the swallow test - NASTY!). However, even when I take a sip of water, it BURNS - feels like extremely intense heartburn. It hurt so bad to try to swallow the liquid pain killer my Dr. ordered for the hospital and post-hospital, I've opted to just go without. Anybody else have experience with this -- how long should it be before I can swallow pain-free? (I'm on clear liquid diet - just trying to get down water and diluted juice at this point.)

Well - thanks to all who answered my questions. I contacted my surgeon on Friday afternoon, and she had me come into the office. They removed 3.5 cc of saline from the band (so now I know for certain what it will feel like to have a fill injection). I immediately felt MUCH better. The burn and pressure behind my breastbone disappeared almost immediately. By the way - the fill was not too bad - less then having a blood test for certain, and having her remove Fluid from the port 4 days post surgery has to hurt more than later on, since I'm bruised and swollen at the port site. Now, I am a bit apprehensive about my first appointment with fill (October 8). I'm hoping that the pressure and burn was only from the trama of surgery - and that this isn't how the actual band will feel when the fill is returned. What a journey I have embarked upon. Now the hardest part - now that there is no pain - my brain keeps on telling me "it's OK -- just have a small bowl of scrambled eggs -- you'll do just fine." Post-op instructions are to remain on Clear Liquids for one week - then full liquids for another week. Hope my willpower will hang in there. There seems to be so many options on what to eat when with post-op. Some posts state that they have been allowed to eat "real" food prior to surgery - my Dr. allows only Protein shakes. Some speak of eating "soft" foods post-op. I'm thinking it's better to err on the conservative side, which I am certain is what my Dr. wants. I return to work on Monday - hope that goes well.

Banded 9/20 - day five of recovery and all seems to now be going well. I had to return to my surgeon's office on Friday (day four) and have some of the fill taken out of the band - every time I tried to swallow anything - even Water, it burned like my chest was on fire! Took 3cc out, now all seems to be going well - although I must say, I'm certainly not quite ready for public display -- all I've been doing today is expelling gas like a machine! Its really gross, but it feels so much better to release than to retain! Good thing my family has gone out for the day -- this would be a topic for much discussion - and it hurts still to laugh. My surgeon orders a full week of Clear liquids following surgery - I must admit, I'm beginning to really look forward to a bit of yougurt and cream of tomato Soup is something I'm absolutely dreaming about. With two weeks of only Protein shakes pre-surgery, week of clear liquids post surgery - anything that resembles actual food is sounding marvelous right now. BUT ....down 25 lbs from September 6, so the journey has definitely begun. I saw a couple of friends just after surgery, and they told me I already need a new reduced size of jeans -- my old ones are getting baggy. YEAH!!

Well, my surgery took place despite my weight gain. I literally STARVED myself for the final 3 days of my pre-op diet, drinking almost zero -- this resulted in a net weight loss. Surgery happened on Tuesday, September 20 and I am now BANDED. The surgery went off fairly well - I was able to get up and about walking on my own - pain was not too bad. A bit of discomfort, especially in the incision where the port is located. The only problem I had was with the oral pain meds -- when I swallowed the meds hit the band and just STUCK there. Burned like mad. It just wasn't worth taking them - so I decided to stick with just ice bags and forgo the pain meds. Now the real work truly begins -- I'm hoping that this "tool" will help me to FINALLY get control of my weight. I've been overweight to obese my entire 56 years - and am really ready to be over it. Luck go all others as they begin this journey.