Kitt3000

Wow. I am so sorry you are dealing with all of this. I am recently banded so I am afraid I don't have any words of wisdom to offer, except to say, please don't give up on yourself because you are 50. You are worth being healthy and enjoying every day you have left on this earth. You are right, none of us will ever be young as we were yesterday, but it is a gift and a privilege to still be on this side of the dirt. We have to have some bad days or we would not know how to appreciate when the good ones are given. Chin up! Hope your good days are right around the bend!

Just a quick note follow up. Doc thinks I am feeling the band. When he flushes the air from the little pillows around the band, some residual fluid stays in. We decided to leave it alone for a few days, see if it gets better. If not, he will remove the little bit in there, have no restriction, and see how that goes. He did say because it is in the early healing stages, the removal may be more uncomfortable than a port that is fully healed. So, hope this adds to your info....

Awk! You will get there! Look at where you were... Doing an awesome job!

Every Dr. Has different orders for pre and post op diet. Understandably, you are nervous. I think your best choice would be to contact the doctors office, and get your diet information in writing. Do you have an e mail contact? You will probably want to reference back to the diet plan occasionally anyway, and having it in writing will help you. Good luck!

If it is like the one my doc's office did, they give you a fact sheet to read about the lap band, post op, effects, risk etc., then they have a true/false page of questions that you already have the answers for because you just read it. Also if you have been paying attention to the chats on this site, you should pass it with no problem! No need to fret. Really.

Bandashoop, I am so glad you asked this question, because everyone has answered a question for me. I do not want to sound negative, so you just helped me to know that what I am experiencing, is not normal, from others posting an answer to your question (many thanks everyone). I don't want to high jack your thread, so I will just say, I will be in contact with the doc's office today. Hopefully, it's an easy fix!

Enjoy that awesome feeling!

I am only out about 13 days, but yes, I'm pretty sure that is what I am feeling...

Is your protein powder chocolate?

Mm, musinex works great to help get rid of that mucus. Good luck, I know you will be feeling more normal soon!

I had mine done the day before you, what's up?

Hijacked again!! Hahaha!

LOL!

Or have new people think you are amazing???

2muchfun: you crack me up!

As a newly banded person, I am a little confused about this request... ????

What do you do when your energy is low? Do yo drink something? Eat something? Exercise? Supplements? What works for you as a bandster?

April 10th. The energy question was a general question. Some people drink energy drinks, coffee, etc.. I am looking for healthy ways to have energy post banding. For instance, I love greens plus for the energy, but the taste is not so good. Right now I can drink an 8 oz glass of water and greens 1/2 and 1/2, so I can get past the taste. If I understand, after banding, I will no longer be able to do this, just sip. But how in the heck can you get 64 oz a day down by sipping? What am I missing with the word sip? To me that means " wetting" my mouth not drinking.

Good luck sweet pea!

Lellow, wouldn't it be great if they had something like fix a flat for the band? Seriously, I am so sorry this is happening to you. Please let us know if we can offer some moral support.

Bottled water, broth, and your heating pad. Depending on the hotel, they will have non fat milk, cranberry juice, tea, & coffee. You need the water to sip on frequently after the surgery, my throat was sore and dry. I found having something like Vaseline or lip balm a nice luxury too. I also wore sandals and a pull over long dress. There was no pressure on my tummy and I could just slip my feet into my shoes. Good luck! You will be happy you did this!

It's almost like informed consent. As a new bander, I was not prepared for the level of discomfort after the surgery. Upon reflection, I realized the doctors office smoothed over that by saying everyone is different (true), I watched utube videos of the procedure, it looked pretty straight forward with very small amounts of blood, not traumatic. I have had surgery before, not that big of a deal. So when my first experience with co2 gas inflating the abdomen surgery was performed, the breath taking pain from the gas looking for a way to dissipate, completely caught me off guard. I would have loved to know from folks who experienced this that it was normal, it hurts, and it will go away after a few days, as well as coping strategies. It would not have changed my mind about being banded, it would prepare me for " normal" and "lucky" if it did not happen! at least you know nothing is wrong. The surgery part, no big deal. I already love my band, it was the right choice for me.

I know not many people will have this at their disposal, but I too could not take a deep breath. My husband has a rehab machine that looks like the gear box of a bicycle. You peddle with your hands. I swear, it is what gave me relief. It increased my breathing, and the gas went away. Recline, don't lie flat, and use a moist heating pad. I did take gas x saw no improvement, but on day three I had a Pepcid. It was the final piece to relieve the pain. The surgery incisions are nothing, it's the gas. The doctor & staff glossed over that part, so no, I was not expecting it to be that intense. It's days like that, that make you realize how good you have it the rest of the time! Haha! Congrats ladies we did it, and it only gets better! Big hugs to all of you!

Is this like one used for pregnancy?

Musinex 12 hour extended. Works.