sandybraman

I researched all three procedures and decided that for me, lap band was the best. Gastric bypass is just that - you're bypassing your stomach. You have to be very careful what you eat, and know, in advance, that your body isn't retaining the nutrients that it needs. Yes, you get immediate results, but you have to live with it for the rest of your life. Banding is a tool, to be used along with diet and exercise. After yo-yo dieting since I was a teenager and trying every diet known to man, the lap band seemed the logical choice. I know how to eat right and I don't mind exercising - I'm just tired of gaining and losing the same weight every year. And if, for some reason, I need to have it removed, its a very simple procedure.

Exactly! You too?

Giving me spontaneous, uncontrollable diarrhea (like water). Any suggestions for protein supplement? I've got 2 more weeks of fluids.

You're absolutely right, Loretta. After the initial loss right after surgery, doctors say 1-2 lbs a week, which also prevents weight gain after you lose it too fast.

I am so worried about you! I asked my husband if I told you to do the right thing. he said that it sounded to him like your hiatal hernia wasn't right (he had his repaired a few years ago) - like maybe the opening is too small - and that's why you're vomiting everything back up. Anyway, you definitely need to tell them that you don't want blood work or a sinus scan done but an x-ray or ultrasound to see what's going on where you had the surgery.

Ms. Foto, ask them to do an x-ray or an ultrasound to see if something is pinched (or otherwise ) where they put the band in. Doesn't sound to me like bloodwork is going to solve the problem. You have to be proactive and tell them what you want them to do, rather than just accepting this and continuing to be sick. Something is definitely wrong - you do what you have to do to get some results and we'll all pray and be here rooting for you. HUGS!

Thank you so much blue for the explanation about the phrenic nerve. I thought I had a muscle spasm - I've had to put heat on it the last 2 nights - because eating or drinking doesn't seem to affect it as much as when I get tired. I'm 8 days out from my surgery and, like you, have bounced between a BMI of 20-35 for the last 20 years. I feel great (except for my neck), but not graduating to "mushies" until next week. Can't wait! In the meantime, I'm eating plenty of Soup (a can of Campbell's chicken Noodle pureed in the blended and then thinned out just a little tastes really good), cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Thanks for the heads up about Carnation Instant Breakfast - I can't seem to drink the Protein shakes because they really screw up my digestive system. It is so great that we have all of this support - I am in awe of your power walking (getting on the treadmill after this). I'll tell you, though, like I told my sister last month - that's what you get for nursing! LOL!

I overdid it yesterday (went to the office and the grocery store) and so I'm taking it easy today - I felt like someone beat me last night. But the gas pains are pretty much gone (I've figured out that I get them if I eat too much), the incisions are healing nicely, and I've lost 15 lbs since my surgery. Ate some yummy turkey baby food last night (actually, with salt & pepper it takes just like turkey & gravy) - I'm definitely ready for mushies, but have to go another week before I start them. Looking at the baby food is interesting, though - I can have that and there's all KINDS of good stuff - mac n cheese, squash, spaghetti, fruit - and its low calorie, too, with very little fat. I did get some Muscle Milk - the Atkins Protein shakes were NOT good for my digestive system (if anyone lives near Tyler, TX and wants them, there's almost a full carton) - and I'm going to try one of those tonight. How are YOU?

I was banded on 12/30, too, and I can't eat anything without it giving me diarrhea or gas pains. Even water gives me gas pains, and so I don't eat which makes things worse. I've lost 15 lbs since the day of my surgery, but I know this can't be healthy. Help!

Amen!

Banded on 12/30 and I'm on liquids for 14 days, then "mushies" for a week, then solid food the week before my 1st post-op visit (so they can see how I'm "tolerating solid food" and will know how much to fill. I did put the chicken noodle soup in the blender last night and pureed it so that it was smooth, but was too hungry and ate too much. Should've stopped at 2 oz, rather than 3!

Yeah - no more diet Dr Pepper - the ONE thing that would get rid of all this gas! And why are all of these FOOD commercials on TV? I could actually smell the Pizza Hut pizza they showed last night!

I'm glad to know that getting gassy after I eat isn't abnormal. I ate some chicken broth last night (too much) and was in misery all night! Need to learn to listen to my body. Can't wait to hear what happens at 1st post-op visit!

Cyndie B, on December 18, 2011 - 7:41 PM, said: Hello - I am new here as well. My surgery date is January 18...I'm super nervous but excited too. My biggest worry is that I love to eat and my life revolves around it so...what to do when you aren't hungry or you can't eat the things that you enjoy? I don't know...but I can survive it! Hi, Cyndie! I'm Sandy and I had my surgery last Friday. Read some of the previous posts and you'll find out that most of us feel the way you do about food. Just try to remember that after the first month, you'll be able to eat almost anything - just in smaller quantities. I ate 4 oz of chicken broth last night for supper and was miserable the whole night. The biggest help is this website. Everyone will give you support, answer your questions and be there right along with you. I don't know what I'd do if I hadn't found it. You can do this!

Well, I don't know about that - I got too hungry and ate too much and its NOT a pleasant feeling (cracks me up that 4 oz of chicken broth is too much!). Its just that I've been dieting since I was 11 years old - I starved myself (literally) in the 80's and 90's to be a size 6 - and I wanted off of this rollercoaster. Because of yo-yo dieting, I had to have my gallbladder out when I was in my 40's, my cholesterol and triglycerides are sky high, I have sleep apnea and the beginning of fatty liver disease. And the funny thing is, I've ALWAYS (for the most part) eaten right. My mom was way ahead of her time and I grew up knowing good food habits. But when genetics and metabolism collide, there's not a whole lot you can do about it. I'm so glad I've got all of you to talk to - my best friend was still upset when my husband called her after my surgery and it upsets me that she doesn't support me in this. My sister does, but she's one of those people who, until she turned 50, could eat anything and not gain an oz (even after 5 kids - that's my oldest nephew Justin in the picture). All of you UNDERSTAND and that really means a lot.

Only you can make that decision, Dianne - but don't let one day of a liquid diet confuse your thinking. If you are motivated and successful at losing the weight and keeping it off, then that's certainly what you should do. I did WW very successfully and lost 28 lbs last year - then I reached a plateau and got discouraged. I was doing everything I was supposed to do, exercising like crazy, and it wasn't working, which is how its been my whole life. As I explained to my internist (who has gone through this weight struggle with me), getting banded is a TOOL for me. If I use it the way I'm supposed to, along with eating right and exercising, then I won't have to feel like I'm dieting. I've been dieting my whole life: you know what the definition of insanity is, don't you? Its doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Whatever you decide, you've got MY support. If you need to talk or vent, just let me know!

Hi, everyone! Well, this is day 4 and I'm HUNGRY! I was reading this afternoon and the book described, in detail, 2 pizzas from pizza Hut. Honestly, I could smell them. (My husband is eating a Healthy Choice italian sausage and marina sauce over Pasta with zucchini and green Beans - it smells sooo good) The gas pains are pretty much gone except for under my left shoulder blade. The biggest problem I'm having is drinking enough. I've GOT to get in the habit of carrying my Water bottle around. The second biggest problem is the Protein powder - gotta find a new one, because my system does NOT like this one. So I think I'll have some yummy chicken broth for supper and then maybe a Jolly Rancher popsicle (they are the BEST! Make sure you have a box in the freezer when you get home from getting banded!). sleep well, peeps - hugs to all!

I did the same thing (about the pictures) and can't wait to take them in June and December!

My doctor said only walking until first check-up....

Ok - today is day 4 and I actually feel close to normal. I've lost 8 lbs and the only problem I'm having is when I put Protein powder into my Protein shakes - backing off of that for awhile! I've been wondering all along how I'm going to know when I'm full - this morning I ate 2 oz of applesauce and I was a little TOO full. Going to have to learn how to read my body again and remember now to eat so fast. Its hard to do when you aren't chewing anything! Would I do this again, if I knew what the last 3 days were going to be like? HELL YES - just losing 8 lbs is incentive. WE CAN DO THIS!!!!

Hey blonde - I'm sorry you feel bad, but it's good to see that I'm not the only one having problems. I cried this afternoon and told my husband that I feel like a wimp; he reminded me that even though it was laparoscopic, it was still major surgery. So we heal at a different rate - so what? The worst is behind us a d I've got your back.

Right now, I'd give almost anything for just a plain cracker - and I'm only 3 days out!

I had my surgery on 12/30 and still feel like I've been hit by a truck. The gas pain comes and goes, but the port site hurts (I'm carrying a small pillow around - really helps with burping and coughing) and I ache all over. I think a lot of it has to do with the anesthetic: I asked the anesthesiologist to lighten up on it a little bit because I'm way sensitive to it, but he didn't. Drinking water and zero water, eating sugar free jello and had a protein shake for breakfast this morning. I think I drank it too fast - feel uncomfortably "full" right now. But I'm walking and I feel better than yesterday, so that's good - right?!!!!

There is absolutely no way I could've gone to work the day after my surgery. Some of that may be due to the anesthetic, but I just got out of the shower and I am very shaky - I couldn't drive if my life depended on it. Everybody is different, though - I've read stories on here about people going shopping the day after. The other thing I realized this morning is that I'm 56 - and my body won't bounce back like it used to. Hungry? I'm not sure that's the right word. I have felt EMPTY a couple of times, but I've been drinking lots of fluids, too. I'm just sleeping a lot (and having weird dreams - again, from the anesthetic, I'm sure) and walking in between naps. I did drink a Protein shake this morning with a scoop of protein and I feel too full, so the next time I'm going to drink 4 oz rather than 8 oz.

I'm home and have posted my surgery day story - I'm not going to tell you that this is a piece of cake, but fortunately, this part of it doesnt last very long. I'm at day 2 and still sleeping a lot: I walk, drink, go to the bathroom and sleep some more. Haven't had to take any pain medicine today - just Gas-x - so I feel like I'm making some progress. More tomorrow - hope you all sleep well!