gwinnyb

Hi Doris, Muscle cramps are generally related to electrolyte imbalances; sodium, potassium, magnesuim, calcium, etc. They are not specifically related to Fluid imbalance except that if fluid is depleted electrolytes are lost well as they are present in body fluids. Drinking Water alone, though a great idea, will NOT replace electrolytes that are lost through fluid loss (sweating, urination, bowel movements, and so on). There are sports drinks that include balanced electrolytes for rehydration, some are low sugar. Your physician can advise you as to whether specific electrolytes are low by running a blood test. Some medications and medical conditions can cause cause specific electrolyte loss. Many fresh foods contain electrolytes. Electrolytes are used by the body as the conductive stimulus for muscle contraction (the mechanism of cramping as well). It is generally best not to simply replace a single electrolyte like (potassium for example) but rather use a balanced electrolyte solution, unless you know that you are deficient in ONLY a single electrolyte (blood test). Electrolytes in the body have to be present in a rather narrow range to be effective, too much or too little will cause physical problems (some of them very dangerous).

Hi Doris, Muscle cramps are generally related to electrolyte imbalances; sodium, potassium, magnesuim, Calcium, etc. They are not specifically related to Fluid imbalance except that if fluid is depleted electrolytes are lost well as they are present in body fluids. Drinking Water alone, though a great idea, will NOT replace electrolytes that are lost through fluid loss (sweating, urination, bowel movements, and so on). There are sports drinks that include balanced electrolytes for rehydration, some are low sugar. Your physician can advise you as to whether specific electrolytes are low by running a blood test. Some medications and medical conditions can cause cause specific electrolyte loss. Many fresh foods contain electrolytes. Electrolytes are used by the body as the conductive stimulus for muscle contraction (the mechanism of cramping as well). It is generally best not to simply replace a single electrolyte like (potassium for example) but rather use a balanced electrolyte solution, unless you know that you are deficient in ONLY a single electrolyte (blood test). Electrolytes in the body have to be present in a rather narrow range to be effective, too much or too little will cause physical problems (some of them very dangerous).

I agree with too much fun, I begin to feel a pressure feeling in my neck and chest like I need to burp, or I get hiccups from diaphragm irritation. It is not painful but if I continue to eat after this 'soft sign' then I will experience painful pressure, inability to swallow and PB or slimy mucus production. I prefer to avoid this. Obviously slider foods and well chewed small bites pass much more easily. Like TMF said restriction is just a tool or signal, if used incorrectly or not heeded you can eat around it. The purpose is to help us learn to distinguish between actual hunger and head hunger or habit; learn what a realistic amount to eat is (eat like a skinny person); learn to take our time and eat small bites chewed well, and eat appropriate foods, in appropropriate amounts, at appropriate times. You will still need to do some work your self regarding discipline, motivation, and compliance. Look at this time as time to learn proper nutrition, eating, and exercise habits with the assistance of the band and the reward of weight loss along the way. You have had great results so things are going well don't be discouraged just keep up the good work. this community is a good resurce as well.

I did not have EGD done by my surgeon prior to surgery. I had a known large hiatal hernia which the surgoen repaired at the time of banding and I was being followed by a gastroenterologist who did full endoscopy (upper and lower) at the end of last year. I think it is surgeon's discretion. If you have particular concerns then you should discuss them at preop visits.

you are definitely not alone! My mother made me a member of the clean plate club about 60 years ago. old habits die hard for sure. Hubby and I share entrees when we go out together. My tactic when alone is order just appetizers or side dishes to eliminate or minimize take home or what I consider waste of food (=starving children in china which really makes no logical sense). a friend told me it all just turns into waste (or waist) anyway if you dont need it, I say this to myself but don't quite buy it yet. I do better avoiding the issue with smaller portions to begin with. I have trouble with throwing away at home too. but my dogs help me a little with that

You have had to deal with a lot! I guess it all boils down to motivation. I have a friend who had a full gastric bypass several years ago she did have complications, and it was tough for her. she will always have some malnutrition but has gained back a little of the 100# she lost, and she has chronic diarrhea. Bypass is a much more radical surgery, than banding. I know it is important to improve my health by loosing weight. I have tried many times and in many ways to do this on my own and failed, so I had banding a little over 2 mos ago. deciding factors: 1. minimal down time (day surgery and home in evening, off work for only about a week) 2. the band is adjustable and fit is personalized to your needs. 3. I will not have to sacrifice nutrients with loss of absorbtion in the bypassed part of the small intestine, because the entire intestine is left intact. (also same reason less diarhea with band) 4.I realize I need some kind of personal assistance to learn how to eat in a more beneficial way ( this is where the band really works for me) 5. the realization that no matter what I do I will have to be compliant and working at the outcome, people can learn to eat around the effects of gastric byass or band if they refuse to comply. 6. finally, I just lost my younger sister to cancer. My whole family dies of cancer. I asked the surgeon "if I got cancer how would this affect me nutritionally?". he replied "it would not with a band. It can easily be unfilled or removed if necessary with minimal surgery." Yes lap band is much safer, I am very glad I had it done, I am learning how to eat correctly, which I was unable to do before, and I am not hungry.. God bless you with your decision whatever it may be keep in touch, there is a lot of support here.

I am 2 mos out now (surgery4/24) and had my first fill last week (because I was on vacation for a month after surgery). starting weight was 262 now I am 250 so 6 # in 2 mos. eating is someitmes problematic but usual reasons: not small enough bites, eating too fast, not chewing enough. I can basically eat anything but meat of any kind is probematic, I just can't seem to chew enough. hiccups is my soft sign, as is a full feeling in my throat. after surgey on clear and full liquids I actually gained weight and I was terribly hungry. now that I can choose that is not so much of a problem. just curious if this is anyone else'sexperience or what am I doing wrong?

I am 2 mos post op and just had my first fill. I have trouble with meat in general. I agree that the key is very small pieces qnd chew like the dickens.. makes me really just want to drink all of my protein sometimes. eggs make me nauseated, meat doesn't work, wish I couldl stick withy veg and fruit.

so it has been 1 week today since surgery, I have not lost any weight. I have a constant feeling of something in my throat. My band is not filled and will not be filled till my first post op visit in 2 more weeks. pain has not been a huge issue but when I do have pain it is in my shoulder. being an RN I know this is becuase of the air pumped into my stomach to enable laparascopic surgery. irritation of the diaphragm causes referred pain to the shoulder. the air in my belly will gradually be reabsorbed but till then I will feel bloated and have irritation of the diaphragm and shoulder pain. I have had no nausea. just the feeling of throat fullness that is uncomfortable. I am not having regular bowel movements but haven't been eating much, clear liquids and yogurt, sugar free jello and cream soup, I do best if it is less than 1/2 cup at a time, and I sip on it. clear liquids do not seem to be a problem. constipation can become a huge issue post op in general d/t pain meds and decreased intake. I wonder about adding fiber powder to the yogurt, I am taking a stool softener and have used MOM twice since surgery, with only small results. I have not been counting calories. I think I should be doing this do this so I will probably at least begin writing down what I eat.

I think each doc works out a plan that they feel is appropriate. the band is less likely to slip with nausea if it has had time to heal in place prior to the first fill. also think of this as a time to adapt to changes in your eating habits; small bites, chewing well, not drinking with meals, and the types of food that will work with your personal situation. I have not had my first fill yet either and I am actually glad to have the extra time to heal and adapt, though my doc has me on clear to full iquids for the first month.