dishdiva

Hey ya'll -- I've moved right along from liquids only to mushy and have been trying a few other foods here and there. Since its only been 10 days, I have no restriction. I've had a few things not go down well and obviously stop eating whatever it is. Tonight I was at a friends and had some tortilla chips and cheese dip plus a few chocolates. Chewed very well. Obviously, not good food choices for long-term success and don't plan to make a habit out of it. Don't feel great (duh) now...in addition to guilt, have some tightness in/above the stomach area. Now I'm worried I've messed up the healing process for my stomach. What do you think? Am I pushing it? I was thinking I'd go back to liquids and Protein shakes tomorrow to give it a rest. Plus, I plan a good pep talk...after going through all this, sabatoge is the last thing I want to happen. Elizabeth in ATL 8/28/03

Hey Linda-- Good luck. I was a nervous wreck. Just did a lot of internal pep talks. Also at the point you're at now, I was just ready to get it over with! My surgery was 8/28, Thursday. Came home Friday -- that was probably the worst day, but totally bearable. Mostly gas. And I'd hit the Lortab (pain killer) bottle as needed. Saturday, I actually drove (minus the pain killer). Very small distance. When people say every day is a little better, it's so true. By the time the Labor Day weekend was over and I went back to work Tuesday, I felt almost like myself again. Did 20 minutes on a treadmill that day! Good luck Monday. Elizabeth in ATL

Hi -- I'm in suburban Atlanta and was banded a week ago. So far, so good...although I have really no restriction and can push the envelope on the mushy food front. You're in Chatsworth -- are you going/did you go to Dalton? Hear great things about them. Good luck, Elizabeth

Mary -- that's awesome! Congrats. My one week post op is Friday, and I'll be thrilled if I come close to half your success! Are you feeling any restriction...I was until today...and now there's none. I know I'd have more severe symptoms if it slipped (at least from everything I've read), so I think it's just that the stomach has healed a little faster. Tried drinking some Water and that didn't even really fill me up. I'll work harder on water -- all day -- tomorrow, and hopefully it will help. Also noticed a little bulge where I think the port is... hmmm. Any more August bandsters with similar non-restriction (or bulge) stories?? Elizabeth 8/28/03

Everything went well... Great experience as far as Dr. McKernan and Advanced Surgery Center (suburban Atlanta) go. I was a little hesitant about not being in a hospital, but it was wonderful! I guess this means I'm officially on the "other side?!!" Thanks to those who have come before me, no big surprises -- pain is pretty much as expected -- left side and when I breathe... no terrible nausea because I kept seeing the words in my mind: baby sips! Going back to bed. Thanks for all your support. Elizabeth

Nancy, I was banded Thursday morning and was doing great until early afternoon today. Gassy. A little nausea. Was afraid I'd barf, and I know we don't want THAT to happen at this stage for fear of slippage. I have a stiff neck from not sleeping in my usual positions. Also, it's still hard to get a good, deep breath. But, all in all, I'd say things are okay. I'm taking everyone's advice and not push it. Hope you do too. I find that I feel better after one of my little nappies. Take care! Elizabeth

Hi Mary, It's great to see you're up and at 'em the day after your surgery. Hope the recovery moves right along for you. Mine is at 9:30 tomorrow morning. Nervous, but for the most part, feel like I know what to expect -- thanks to the many posts I've been reading the past few months that have pretty much painted so many different scenarios for what to expect post-op and beyond. Thanks everyone for all the support. I will try and post Friday -- hopefully, I'll be up for it. Elizabeth, Atlanta

Thanks Alexandra! You are such a great help to us band babies! Best wishes for continued speedy recovery...elizabeth

I'm this Thursday 8/28 and I'm right there with you on the "what ifs." I'm totally second guessing the decision. Let's compare notes this weekend. I'll be thinking of you both tomorrow! Stay in touch. Elizabeth in Atlanta

I'm August 28. Ready to get it over with. Just want to wake up from anesthesia! Praying for no complications. Sick of the pre-op diet, which is about to get even more obnoxious -- clear liquids only two days prior. Thanks for posting your experience, Alexandra. It helps so much! Good luck to the dolphins fan...from this falcon fanatic! Elizabeth