Sojourner

The post-op cough may be caused by the aftereffects of being intubated during surgery. Last summer, I had a surgery which lasted over 7 hours, and following it I had a very sore throat. The banding surgery is a much faster procedure...my throat was not sore, but was irritated and I did experience an increase in coughing after the surgery.

Hi Net31601, I was banded on 2/24 at Celebration Hospital, and I reside in Leesburg FL. Just this past week, I have started to have 6 oz of SF yogurt every day, otherwise I am still on a liquid diet until next Friday when I will be allowed to graduate to pureed foods. I am no longer having gas pain, and I do find myself getting a feeling of hunger/grumbling stomach late every evening around 10pm. I just ignore it...the most distressing event to date is the feeling of fullness which can persist most of the day/evening. When that happens, the only relief I have is to drink some hot broth or tea. Hope that this information helps...

I have had a similar experience with a very dear friend who actually had the original bariatric surgical procedure years ago. She told me that the 2 people who she knew who had the band actually asked to have it removed, and cautioned me to do additional research before moving forward with the surgery. I know that she was looking out for my best interests...and I did share with her that I had done my "homework" and felt comfortable with my decision. I'm still not "out of the woods" yet with my surgery, however I am motivated and comitted to regaining my health. Will continue to take one day at a time...and eventually know that I will be successful. For me, that's what it will take for success...continue to surround yourself with positive people who will encourage you and not try to discourage you. Just my honest opinion...

I hope you are feeling better today...thinking of you!

I agree...the ticker is a bit confusing, as it is an external link. I believe the ticker is also a great tool for motivation and to chart progress towards your goals. My understanding is that you can click on someone's ticker, and it will take you to the link, where you can follow the prompts and create your own. Hope that information helps...I still don't quite understand them! Good luck!!

My doctor had me add Benefiber to all of my Protein drinks which did add thickness...I found GNC "Amplified Wheybolic" using 1.5 scoops of the powder was the best for me...several very good flavors to choose from. You really have to try a few different ones to find the ones you prefer. Since these will likely be a staple in our diet for the future, we really need to have a few we like...

Sounds like you are off to a good start...and you are not alone with not coping well with pain. I have had some excessive pain, especially in my left shoulder which my pain meds did nothing to help. I found pacing around the house helped to "get things moving" inside so that the gas pressures were able to be much less painful. A heating pad on my shoulder helped also. I am now a week out from my surgery, and am feeling better every day...I'm certain you will, too. Pace yourself, and just take a day at a time...

My appointment with the surgeon resulted in having a CT scan scheduled just before my post op appointment next week...he just wants to be certain that everything is still where it is supposed to be. I could not have the test today as he wanted, as I am allergic to iodine used in the contrast, and will need to spend an additional 14 hours prior to the test being treated with benedryl and prednisone to ward off an allergic reaction to the IV. I was told that if the pain increased in intensity or I could not keep any fluids down prior to the scan next week, I was to come to the ER asap. Meanwhile, the pain has leveled off, and I hope to be able to begin having 6 oz. SF yogurt tomorrow as scheduled. At least a small sign of progress!

That's pretty scary...plase keep us posted on your condition. I hope that you feel alot better fast!

I will be returning to the doctor's office tomorrow to be evaluated. I have apparently developed the left shoulder pain that is expected, and also an abdominal pain which is not in a place where it is common or normal. The incisions are actually healing well, but the pain has been with me constantly since yesterday, and the pain meds are doing nothing to even take the edge off the pain. Not a happy camper at this point, but will continue to tough it out...good to read that so many are feeling better and are even energetic!

So sorry to read of this...what were the odds?? You seem to have coped well with the situation. I really hope that you will be able to have the surgery without any additional issues! Sending positive thoughts your way...good luck!!

I also have insurance through Aetna. I had my surgery last Friday, and they paid 85% of the hospital only (which is a lot, considering that we were told by the finance people at the hospital that the surgery total cost would be about $40 grand). The program fee through the doctor's office was $1200. Of that, I was required to pay about $900. It does matter what type of plan you have, and you should also research if your doctor and intended hospital for surgery is considered "in network" for Aetna. I chose a doctor/hospital because of their rating as a "Center of Excellence", and was not in network for my insurance. If I had chosen an in network doctor/hospital Aetna would have covered 90% of the cost. Dawn is correct, it makes a major difference if you have met your annual "out of pocket" expense or not. Hope that the information helps...best wishes and good luck!!

How are you today, Sophia? I'm starting to feel a bit more normal today, with the exception of 2 of the incisions are still painful. I have not taken any tylenol since bedtime last evening, and am doing fine. Please share your plan about how to get your "free liquids"...I still am not able to manage this, and am more focused on having the required amount of milk for the protein goals. By the time I have the protein drinks, milk, and the liquid to take my crushed pills, I feel I am pushing the limits with having that feeling of being full.

It seems that we are having almost identical issues to deal with...trying to drink that many oz of liquids is the thorn in my side now. I have been able to sleep in bed, though I have to stay on my back. This is not difficult for me, as last year following my MVA, I spent one week in the recliner(did not do well there) after getting released from the hospital. I spent the next 6 months sleeping on my back. I so happy that both of us can say that we are feeling a bit better today, and I am confident that this trend will continue!

Just as different doctors use their individual protocols for diet, so are the recommendations for what to bring to the hospital. I was asked to bring a robe, Chapstick, and tooth brush. The only item I used was the chapstick.

I am now "on the other side" officially, my surgery was yesterday afternoon! I was able to return home last evening. It took longer than anticipated to get to the OR because I cannot tolerate Heperin, and the doctor's orders were based on me being a diabetic, which I am not...It took over 2 hours to get those issues corrected. I am still in some pain, mostly from the gas. I have been walking around the house frequently, trying to get my Protein and liquid requirements met. I have been taking Tylenol and one dose of the liquid hydrocodone so far. I requested the pharmacy to add their "grape" flavoring to the meds, which does make them more tolerable. I really dislike having to crush my other meds, very bitter to swallow. And, wonder of wonders, we received a phone call just as we were leaving for the hospital that the one medication which insurance did not want to cover was finally approved, saving us several hundred dollars. I am still very bloated, though I remember feeling this way after surgery last summer. I will keep walking and try to be patient with myself. I am able to tolerate all of the liquids from the pre-op diet, but I have to sip almost constantly to even come close to the daily 80 oz my doctor advised me to drink. I have been able to discern the feeling of being full, and knowing when to stop drinking for 30 minutes or so. So, the real journey begins now. I am beyond ready to move forward and become healthier. Patience is a virtue I am determined to learn. We all take one day at a time...thanks to you all for the insight and emotional support shared on this forum!

It seems that you have been on quite a journey already...I believe that it is essential to make your choices based on what you feel is right for you. Easier said than done. If others have criticim to offer, let them know that your choices are yours to decide. In life, if we should not give others the power to influence our choices. If we do, then we risk becoming resentful. Bottom line: Be your own person. If others have issues with your decisions, it is their problem, not yours. If you choose, listen and hear what others have to say, but only with the understanding that the choice will be yours. From your writing, it does seem that you have a good record to achive your goals. The band surgery and what you choose to disclose to others about it should be based on what you feel comfortable with... Good Luck!!

I'm jealous of you! I will be banded in the morning, and then it will be an entire two more weeks of clear liquids and protein drinks... This evening I really lost it with my husband; I was allowed only 2 protein drinks today, and by evening I have to admit that I was hungry. I was able to ignore my husband while he had his wonderful salad and chicken dinner, but then instead of taking his plate into the kitchen, he left it sitting a foot from where I was sitting. For over a half hour I could detect the wonderful smells...and I lashed out at him for his total lack of consideration for me and the adjustments I am in the process of making in my life. He told me that he was trying to keep everything "normal"...in other words, I can change, but he will not. This is going to be a very long year...Thanks for letting me vent my frustrations!

Todd, Thanks so much for the words of encouragement...very happy for you to have achieved your goals with weight loss! I am hoping that all of us will experience similar excellent results!

Hi Sophia, You and I have the same surgery date! Now Day 14 of the pre-op liquid diet...still maintaining compliance. Chocolate flavor protein powder has been the key to my success thus far. Yesterday I was co-hostess of my club's monthly luncheon (a date chosen months ago), and was required to be in attendance. I was able to focus on the guest speaker while sipping ice water with a slice of lime and ignore the 40 other people in the room enjoying their lunch. I will have breakfast and lunch shakes today, and then on to clear liquids. I need to be at the hospital at 10:30 on Friday. Looking forward to moving on to the next stages of this journey. A major thank you to all of the people who have been posting their pre and post op experiences...the encouragement and emotional support have been awesome!

During my pre-op appointment, we were told that the liquid diet was just that...liquids only! SF Jello and SF popsicles are alright, and they count towards your "free fluids" goal. The only solid food I am allowed is 1 cup of raw salad veggies with a FF dressing...I opt to have them plain. I have completed Day 12 of my 14 day liquid diet, and have been able to remain compliant, despite my husband (34"waist) eating pizza and Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies across the table from me. Just another life skill I need to learn...how to distract myself and remain compliant with the diet requirements. Four days ago I had an intense craving for salt, and was very happy that chicken broth was on my approved liquids list! I am not an expert in this field, but after nearly completing my 2 week liquid diet, I have been through situations which have tempted me to cheat...like wanting to ask my husband for 1 piece of macaroni from his mac and cheese. As a former addictions counselor, I know that having the first "forbidden food" may open the flood gate to give myself "permission" to have more...and the last thing I want to do is self sabotage my efforts towards weight loss! I agree with others who have shared that the pre-op diet is sort of a "test run" to experience what level of discipline and focus it will take to remain compliant and use the Band as the tool that it is to achieve your weight loss goals. I hope this post has helped you, and perhaps others...I hope that this group continues through the following phases of our weight loss journey. I think this group is so helpful and supportive. Thank you all! Surgery is scheduled for 2/24...yea!

I enjoy reading your posts...thanks for your positive report of how you are feeling post op. I am hopeful I will perhaps have similar good fortune! Day 11 of the pre op liquid diet is now complete...thank heaven for broth, I have had very strong cravings for salt. One AMAZING observation is that most all of my arthritis pain is absent, which I can only attribute to the very low carbs of the diet. So, no ordeal to give up my NASIDS like I was dreading. Already a huge benefit I never dreamed of! Only 2 more days before surgery!

So glad to read that all of the February bandsters are doing so well...it continues to give me some hope! I really hope that I will feel relatively ok post-op. and I agree, definitely easier for me to cope with pain than nausea. This is Day 9 of my pre-op liquid diet. I have been very compliant with the exception that I don't seem to tolerate the vitamins and calcium pills very well, and I have not taken them every day. I have lost another 3 pounds since my pre-op appointment this past Wednesday. Right now, I'm coasting along until surgery date of 2/24. Today I will complete the inventory list of the items you all have shared were important to have on hand...and hopefully get my prescriptions filled. I'm still fighting with my insurance company for precertification of one of my medications which my doctor changed to a soluable tablet from a time release capsule. Such a headache to be caught between the pharmacy, Aetna, and the doctor. Will just pay full price for a month supply and file a claim for reimbursement after they all get on the "same page". I hope that everyone will continue to post and share their ongoing experiences and adjustments to life post-op...wishing continuing success to you all!

OMG...I can't believe that the doctor and hospital did not have you meet with one before your banding. I had to meet with the dietitician prior to being approved for the surgery. Shelly64 has shared some good advice, and is similar to what my doctor's office has told me. The day of my pre-op appointment, I had to attend a 2 hour nutrition education class. Points which were stressed included eating your 3 oz of Protein first, limit carbs to Fiber choices, and nothing to drink until 1 hour after you finish eating. Every bite should be chewed 20 times, and a meal should take at least 20 minutes to complete. If you don't get enough protein nutrition from your food, suppliment with Protein shakes. Protein is priority one. There are also some bariatric nutrition web sites, however I have found that they mostly are for the by-pass procedure patients, and they have different nutrition requirements. I am not an expert in the field, I'm just sharing some of the information I was taught in the class I attended at the hospital this week. Don't get discouraged...stay focused! Good luck!

What a long day at the doctor's office and hospital for my pre-op appointment...just returned home, and we left here at 6:15am this morning. All went well, thankfully my new scale and the one at the doctor's office read the same. Now I know for future reference...I weigned in at 9 pounds under what I had to, what a relief! They want me to increase my exercise to a full hour, 7 days a week. Physically, I am not sure I can comply with this, especially since I have to stop my NASID within the next 2 days and I have arthritis in numerous joints. I will figure something out...not sure what will work. Surgery is set for 2/24...looking forward to making the next series of adjustments to a healthier lifestyle!