Brandi

Hi Kendra- My BMI was higher than yours (38), but I will attempt to answer your questions anyways... The "tight" feeling almost feels like when you swallow a piece of hard candy, only not that severe. It just feels like something is there. Not really pain, only discomfort. This only lasted for me about 2-3 days post op. My port was a little bit tender for a couple of weeks, again, not pain but discomfort. This is because they actually stitch the port to your muscle. I'm not sure if you were asking if the tight feeling is every morning or just the morning after surgery. But I can't ever feel mine anymore. I can feel my port if I wear pants that have a high wasteband but I can't feel the band anymore. Hope I've helped a little. Brandi

I see you're from Michigan, where are you having the surgery done? Good luck to you.

I just wanted to share my experience with all of you. I am 6 days post-op and last night I spiked a temperature, had the sweats, cold chills, nausea (I was even heaving) and diarrhea. I freaked out thinking that there was an infection or that my body was rejecting the band. I called the surgeon and it turns out that these are all signs of dehydration. So they told me to take tylenol for the fever and drink gatorade (apparently this is the best thing to re-hydrate you). But I thought I'd post this on here to remind everyone to make sure you are paying attention to how much fluids you're taking in.

Okay, I've looked all over this site trying to find out what it means to "PB" so I didn't have to feel stupid asking.....will someone please tell me?!?!

Thank you soooo much!!! I'm learning.

I was banded 8/19 and have a 3 year old. My grandparents took her on vacation for a week so I could recover. My husband took care of me and they took care of my daughter. I would STRONGLY suggest having a family member or friend help her out with taking care of the child. She will have a much easier recovery that way.

Yes, everyone DEFINATELY does go through a "scared phase". I'm sure if you went through all these posts, you'll see a dozen people saying how scared they are. I was banded one week ago today. I have never had surgery before either and was TERRIFIED about being put under general anesthetic. When I was in pre-op, I was crying because I was so scared, seriously thinking about changing my mind! But before I knew it, I was in recovery. I really don't remember much other than that. When you get into pre-op, just tell them that you're really nervous and they'll give you some "calming medicine". That helped me a lot. They will be really understanding and comforting. Hope I've helped a little. You will be fine....and it will DEFINATELY be worth it!!!!

I was probably only drinking about 24-32 ounces of fluid a day. I just felt so full and I felt like if I drank anymore I would pop. I was just sipping until I felt full and assuming that it would be enough fluid. I am definately paying better attention now. I guess it just took a "wake up call".

I also had my band done by Dr. Boutt. I have NEVER had a more pleasant hospital experience as I did at Port Huron Hospital. Not only the surgeons, but the pre-op staff, post-op staff, nurses, transporters...EVERYONE was exceptionally nice and comforting. Dr. Boutt's number is 810-989-3328 if you want to call and find out when the next seminar is. That's the first step. Good Luck!

I went to Dr. Boutt at Port Huron Hospital. I did a lot of research and just found he and his partner Dr. Bhesania to be very experienced. Their office is called "The Lap Band Center" and the phone # is 810-989-3328. They have so many nice people on staff and lots of volunteers there who have had the surgery and are there to answer questions. I was actually scheduled to have the surgery in January, but chickened out because of what happened to the council woman. But if you've read into it at all, she died because she failed to get medical attention when she FIRST started having symptoms of an infection. She didn't want anyone to know that she had the surgery (media) so she went 4 or 5 days with a massive infection and got no treatment. By the time she finally went to the Emergency Room, it was too late. I've read articles where they've interviewed the ER doctors and they said that she could have been saved if she had come 4 or 5 days earlier. I hope that this one incident won't pursuade your decision too much. I decided that I was going to FINALLY do it and I am so happy that I did. It's been less than a week and already I know that I am on my way to a happier, healthier lifestyle and that this is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I was also banded in Port Huron, MI by Dr. Boutt (Dr. Bhesenia's partner).

I know all psychologists are different, but mine pretty much just asked me LOTS of questions pertaining to the band. She went over the benefits, as well as the risks and just wanted to make sure that I understood what I was getting into. She did ask some questions about my past (have I had any kind of family trauma, have I ever been treated for any mental illnesses or depression) things like that, but mostly asked how I am going to change my lifestyle after having the surgery and made sure that I fully understood the changes that would have to be made in my life. I guess some people go into a depression when they're deprived of food. Most obese people are food addicts and it's a big shock to not be able to eat like you're used to. But I would just be completely honest with him/her and let them know that you are fully aware of the lifestyle changes that you will have to make and let them know that you're ready to make those changes. Hope I've helped a little. Good luck!

Hey Alexandra! Every day is 100% better for me. I've stopped taking my pain medicine (except to go to sleep). It's hard for me to get comfortable enough to sleep. Does your doctor require clear liquids for 2 full weeks? Mine does, but everything I'm reading says 5-7 days. I've read some people are doing full liquids after only 2 or 3 days. I'm scared to try it, but I'm also HUNGRY!!!!! Brandi

Am I the only one who was told to be on CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY for 2 full weeks???? It seems that everyone is having full liquids the same week of surgery. Is this just a surgeons preference? Brandi Banded 8/19/03 Dr. Boutt, Port Huron, MI

I was banded August 19th (5 days ago). I wish I would have found this website before I had the surgery, it has answered soooo many questions that I had prior to having it. If I can answer any questions about what to expect the week of/week after surgery, I would be happy to. Brandi

I was banded on 8/19/03 and I am having the same kind of wierd pain. It almost feels like I swallowed a piece of hard candy and it's stuck right where the band is. I have had a hard time burping too. I haven't called my surgeon because I have talked a lot to my aunt who was banded a year ago and she tells me that this is normal. I have found walking to be the best way to work out the gas pains. Hope this helps. Brandi

Hi Janet! I just had the surgery on 8/19/03 (3 days ago) and am doing great. I am a little sore where my largest incision is, but nothing like I thought it would be. If you have any questions, give me a shout and I'll be happy to answer them.