leatha_g

Sounds like your doc is definitely new at this. The souffle cup routine is very indicative of a gastric bypass regime. Of course, do what he tells you, but according to Inamed, it is not necessary to withhold liquids with the lapband. It sure makes it tough on patients when the doc uses the same routine for both types of surgery. Just my observation...

I take the Lovenox/Heparin shots due to a history of clots. I understand some docs are giving them to all their patients as an added preventative. I don't like them either. How many days do they have you taking them? As for the nausea patch. I never really suffered any nausea post-op. It might be safe to take it off if they are causing you side effects. I'd ask. Just keep sipping. Sometimes the warm fluids help more. You'll be fine!! Good luck to you!

It's funny how those of us who deal with depression and codependency behaviors tend to want to help everyone else but generally don't consider ourselves too much. But, somehow we have to break that cycle and validate ourselves or ask for help. Anyway, I thought I'd actually post something that I've been dealing with now for the last week or more. I had surgery on July 16th to reposition/repair what the doctors said was a slipped band. When they took care of that, they also found a hiatal hernia which really should have been taken care of during my first surgery as I've known it was there since my first pregnancy in 1981. I was surprised my first surgeon didn't do anything with it and I feel that I might have avoided this second surgery if he had. apparently, there is a correlation with hiatal hernias and ill-positioned or slipped bands. My surgery went okay, although I was much more sore than the first time around, but I've been dealing with some pain this past few weeks that I felt would eventually go away. I chalked it up to my insides being tender from surgery. Problem is, this pain is on my RIGHT lower quadrant, about 5-6 inches to the RIGHT of my belly button. Some days it doesn't hurt until later in the evening if I've been standing alot or walking. Sometimes I think it may hurt worse after I've eaten. I can't really pinpoint anything in particular about it except that as the day goes on it gets worse. I drove about 3 hrs away yesterday to take my mom to dinner, then I drove back. Before I left her house I was having sharp pains upon movement and by the time I was nearly back home I was considering stopping at the ER to at least do some xrays or ultrasound. Since it has followed my surgery, I want to think it might be related, but I don't think they did a darn thing on my RIGHT side??? Other than that you have your appendix, which I still have or the other possibility is maybe a hernia? In the past, I'm almost sure that I've pulled a hernia on that side while doing certain exercises or have a really bad bout with coughing or sneezing too hard. There was never anything diagnosed, so it could be possible that it was just a pulled muscle during those times, I just felt like I could feel something sort of 'popping' out. It's hard to explain. So now, I really don't know what to do. I've called my surgeon's office and they said come in tomorrow, my co-workers say I need to go to the ER and have the doc just call over any tests he would ask me to do tomorrow. Anyway, I'm just so hoping this isn't something that will require anymore surgery/hospitalization.

Yes. I'm sure it's the umbilical hernia site that is so painful. It's very bruised all around it too. (My poor, violated belly button.) :think lol No one staying. I'm all alone. My mom was here til yesterday morning. My daughter stayed all day Friday. I am supposed to get out today to have my coumadin checked. I'm hoping that will go okay. Luckily, no issues with nausea or vomiting. I'm really a much tougher person than I give myself credit for sometimes. I'm ready to be over all this so I can get on my bicycle like you.

Just don't encouarge him to put in too much at once. We never know how our bodies will react to even the smallest amount. Even though we want that ever elusive 'sweet spot', it's still better to creep up on it than to damage ourselves in the process. Good luck with getting it 'just right'.

Yep. Sounds like you're too tight. Even .1cc can sometimes be too much. Maybe she can back it off by half? You definitely don't want esophagitis or reflux pneumonia. Good luck! I hope you get to feeling better real soon! Leatha

Morning Marie, I'm feeling sort of like someone took some really sharp pokers and poked them in my belly - several times. lol. Right now, my belly button HURTS!!I slept with ice on it last night and it helped, so I'm using it again tonight. Seems when you're up and moving it wants to swell, so lying down with an ice pack helps the swelling some. It's just very bruised and tender. My whole tummy has had a work-over this past few weeks. I sure hope I realize some benefits from it. lol. I'm able to get up and down better than with the band surgery, because my incisions are in different places, so all in all, I'm getting around better. I can wear underclothes, but nothing too tight, so that helps. He gave me a fill, but I'm not really noticing any sure sign of restriction, although I haven't had much of an appetite. I've taken the week off, but I am hoping for the next day or so to bring some marked improvment. We'll see! Thank you for asking. Leatha

I've never heard his name either. I would surely ask how many bands he's placed. Some docs have been known to 'borrow' other banded people's pics and post them on their websites as their patients. Sad, but true. I hope you get some good information. Please don't choose someone based on price or location alone. More than that, please make sure you have a local follow-up doc close to home because the band can and does require local treatment/follow up on a pretty regular basis. (Make sure this is in place BEFORE being banded.) Good luck!

I'm certainly not the wise one, but I really think you're worrying yourself over nothing. Is their pain involved? Do you feel that your band is in danger? Would your doc write you an order for an upper GI just to be sure? I feel my port on occasion. I even have thought it has moved in the past. They should be stitched to stay in place, but on occasion one gets pulled loose and flips, but that's a relatively easy fix. As far as your band. I think it would pretty hard to move it, but on occasion some do slip. If you feel that seeing it on film would make you feel better. I'd ask for an Upper GI. It's 2am. Am I way offbase here? Good luck! I hope they can help put your mind at ease. Leatha

Amen. Very well said. Progress.. not perfection. This is the only way I know how to live. You're doing great and I intend to sit down and read more of the journal. Good luck to you on your continued journey!

I saw your post on dylansmommie's thread! Welcome to the forum! Maybe if we create your own thread you'll get more responses. Tell us a bit more about yourself and what questions it is that you'd like answered regarding the 'gory details' of surgery before and after. Physically, this is a pretty straight forward surgery. Not really too gory at all . It is minimally painful - compared to other surgeries, but I won't lie and say it doesn't hurt. The first 3-4 days can be quite uncomfortable, but not unbearably so. You'll normally have 5-6 very small incision/puncture sites where the doc has placed trocars that are used to see inside during your surgery. These instruments have certain tools on the ends of them that are used in placing your band or cutting away fat and tissue in order to make a place for the band. Your most painful site will be what is called the 'port' site. It is a bit longer and although it is actually the site that is used to introduce your band and attached port, the reason it is called the 'port' site is because it is the larger port incision used for the largest instrumentation/camera/scope. This incision will normally be the only one which gives you some post-op grief, due to it's placement and larger nature. You'll feel like you've done about 1000 sit-ups/crunches exactly in the area where your addominal muscles do the most work during pulling up or down from a lying position. This will give you some trouble for about 3-4 days, then, with walking, it will eventually go away. You'll do fine and you'll find alot of support here, so ask away! Again, welcome to the site! Leatha This may help you with the more technical issues of surgery. http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/tectec.html

Julie, I congratulate you on the decision to have the lapband implanted. I haven't read all of your journal, but I do think the writing is good catharsis. I only have one concern and that is that you seriously need to have aftercare at your disposal once you return to the states. It is very difficult to get another surgeon to see you once you are banded out of the country. I'm sure you've heard this. I have known several people who have run into instances where they need emergent care for band related issues and no one will see them. Please make sure you have a follow up doc in the states. Many of those surgeons abroad helped to train some of the docs in the states and as a consequence some will agree to see their patients. I would ask your French doctor to please help you arrange this prior to being banded. If you've already done this, then I'm just being a worry wart. I did see that you have a dietician, but she cannot help you in the event of an overfilled band, or slippage or port problems. It is imperative that you have stateside follow up. I wish you a great experience both in France and once you return home to the real journey of your weight loss. Best wishes, Leatha

Glad you're doing better, Kelli. Nothing is worth risking your band or your health. Better slow and safe. I'm real glad you got this taken care of. No one wants or needs aspiration pneumonia. You'll do fine. Leatha

Wow Janie!! Those are really great! I love the grapes and Tuscan Urn things. Very good work. You should be very proud! Leatha

Marie, You are getting to be something else with this biking marathon thing. That is just incredible! Did you ever in your wildest dreams think you'd be doing this? I am so proud of you and I can only hope to ever even attempt such a feat. I bet the thoughts that go through your mind on these awesome treks are worth millions in gratitude. Amazing.. just amazing. You've got to get pics!! Leatha

It's me! The late one... lol. Have a great vacation. I'll miss you!! Leatha

After my lapband repair. I came out of the recovery with a black eye. lol. No one has owned up to that, but I've seen both the doc and the nurses who were in the OR again since. I think they treated me with a bit more caution today when I let them know about how I was when I came out then. Also, when I got home then, I found that laying on the bed was rather hard for more than 2 hrs due to some sort of nerve distress in my right outer thigh. The doc speculated that the position my legs were put in AFTER being put to sleep may have left the leg in position that stressed that muscle or nerve. It did eventually go away, but I was quite bothered with it and worried by it immediately after. I hope you're noticing some improvement by now! Leatha

This is a 'toughy' ladies. I remember ONLY being 50lbs overweight too. I wished now that I had known how to nip it in the bud, or I had the discipline to have exercised regularly. I didn't and it got me where I am today. I do know of other people who had less than 100 to lose and they self paid in Mexico, France or some other country. Their weight loss is, of course, slower due to the lower BMI, but they seem happy with their losses. I guess my only concern would be - is this something you'd be willing to take the risk involved, give up the things that have to be given up and be willing to do it for the rest of your life? Even those of us who have 100 or more pounds to lose and terrible health histories really have to do some soul searching and serious talking to ourselves to make this sort of commitment. Some don't make it. Some have the band taken out because it's just too much to think of having these restrictions forever and ever, Amen. My criteria for the band: If you're sick and tired of being sick and tired. It may definitely be a viable answer. I say more power to you, if you feel this is needed and you are okay with the commitment it takes. Beyond that, I'm sure you can find a doc that is willing to do it, for enough cash. However, I seriously caution you to be sure they are docs with an impeccable reputation, for your safety. There really are some out there who don't necessarily have your best interest at heart. Good luck with whatever you choose!

LOL. I gave my toaster to my daughter this evening. I simply do not buy bread products at all anymore, unless it is crackers. What a relief! I do not NEED bread anymore. Who'd a thunk it?

Welcome Heather. You are so fortunate that at your young age, you may have the choice to do something like this for your future. If I have any regrets, it is that I was not able to do this sooner. Read everything. We'll help you all we can, but the archives is definitely your friend! There are many personal and professional websites on the net also, just search for 'adjustable gastric band' or 'Lapband' and you will find plenty to keep you busy. Good luck with your journey!

Janie, You are doing an awesome job!! I am so proud of you!! That is 4 average sized bowling balls you no longer have to carry around! Way to go!!:banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny :banana :Bunny 34.4 is your current BMI - according to the CDC, you are now only 'obese', not morbidly... wooohooo! ------------->>>>>BMI Calculator: http://www.halls.md/body-mass-index/bmi.htm

Well. I made it home by 3pm today. My surgery lasted about 2hrs and the doc removed my gallbladder, repaired an umbilical hernia that had probably been there since birth. (My mom had to put a quarter over my 'outie' when I was born. ) Then, he also had to clear away some adhesions from around my small intestine from a previous surgery - perhaps my hysterectomy in '96? Although, my CT and ultrasound showed I had several large gallstones. My bloodwork showed no elevated pancreas/liver problems, so the disease was not too progressed. They said my common bile duct was very narrow and probably would create an impressive amount of pain if a stone moved through. However, I'm speculating that the pain I was having may have very well been the adhesions around the small bowel. I say that because my pain was very much lower quadrant, not upper. Either way, my body has had a major overhaul in the past 2 months. All hernias are repaired, no gallstones to worry about any more and he examined the appendix, but said it appeared healthy. (Knock on wood. ) Now, I'm probably the winner of the award for Most Laparoscopic Incisions as I now own 15. Thankfully, my pain is minimal, compared to the last lapband. I was up and out of the bed on my own within an hour of returning to my room. I can get on and off my bed, no problem. I have sufficient bruising where the umbilical hernia was repaired. I have been up and walking, doing small chores, visiting with my mom and daughter all day. I'm very thankful that my pain is not worse and my mobility is hardly impaired. I won't push it, but I may be able to return to work later next week. We'll see. The best part. I had no nausea whatsoever. I headed off the issue of another morphine reaction and since I used my lapband doctor and today was my 6 weeks date, he gave me a fill of 1.3ccs. I've been good. I've only had liquids today, but I was able to hear that familiar, but welcome sound of band gurgling. So I know it's there and I am wayyyyyyyyyy ready to move forward. :cool: For those newbies, who are still questioning. I'm starting all over again, too. But, I can tell you that after one year of re-training and conditioning, I was able to maintain the loss I had acheived and lost an additional 6lbs even un-filled since June. I don't always make the perfect choice because I believe in 'living' with my band and I believe I have the rest of my life to lose ALL the weight I need to lose. To me, anything under 200lbs is a bonus and that's exactly how I feel about it. But, I am elated that I was able to maintain and to know that even with all I have gone through this thing works and even my hardhead can learn new habits - one day at a time. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and your well wishes. I cannot wait to meet everyone in Vegas and here at home, in the DFW area. I'm the former little person, once vivacious and the life of the party, turned obese recluse with no life, shunning possible friends and social engagements and with this band and the encouragement and unconditional love I receive here I am coming to regain my life. Thank you for helping me in that journey. I love you all. As Ever, Leatha PS. Now, LET THE PARTY BEGIN!!:banana :banana :banana :banana

Ryan, What can I say that hasn't already been said? There is no need. Just know that I think I speak for everyone when I say we all love that part of your soul that we all seem to share in some form or fashion. Human emotion is a universal thing, but it takes a special kind of person to be able to share theirs in words. You help put a voice to those very private, but not always expressed parts of all of us. I truly hope both you and your wife can find some sense of recovery and re-gain that life which you both so richly deserve. Leatha

WOOHOO!!! You go Rica! You're looking MAHVELOUS!!!

I would go slow, maybe soft scrambled eggs, chicken breasts cooked until they're falling apart. meatloaf is good. flaky white fish. protein, protein, protein.