marlena_marie

Everyone is different....but I was banded on the 11th of April and this will be my last week of clear liquids. I will have two more stages of food textures to go thru and both will last two weeks each per my surgeon. I have had no problem what so ever with diarrhea. My first movement post-op came later than what I was used to and kinda freaked me out that I wasn't gonna have one. coffee has always been my med for that....so I do drink one cup a day in the morning. Your body should be absorbing most of the liquids you are taking in to keep you hydrated. Are you getting in your Protein daily? If so how much did your doc recommend. I thinkj by the sounds of how your doc has been thus far, you should look for a better one. Just my opinion....support from your med staff is one of the main keys to being successful with your band journey.....I'm not an expert or a doctor by far!! Good luck to you!!

Hi bagdon..... I agree with most posts above.....each doctor is different. For example, I am definitely no expert on this because I was banded just one day before you. However, just as an example on how each differs....my doc and his nutritionist rules are as follows.....for two weeks after surgery, I am on Clear liquids. Next two weeks, I am on pureed full liquids. Next comes two weeks of soft foods and then I go to regular. He doesn't even want to see his patients until week number four post surgery unless there is a problem. The nutritionist did call me a few days post-op and asked what I was eating. She told me that I will be working up to good amounts and for now with all the healing, just focus on as much protein (up to 60g) and as much liquid as I could do. Of course I still take my Vitamins every day and at day 14 will add in my Calcium supplement daily. I have no fiber amounts to speak of and so my one cup of coffee a day does what the fiber used to....LOL. But even the regularity of that is only every few days because your body is using pretty much everything you take in just to fuel itself. I was never given any type of pre-op diet to follow either because my doc said I didn't need one. I kinda wish I had been given something to follow so the after math would have been a bit easier but it's rolling along really well now and so far post-op I have lost a total of 21 pounds. I'm scared to start on the regular foods quite frankly so I'm glad this is how it is now. Good luck to you!! I would take Mis73's advice, just look at her track record.....it speaks for itself!!! She is my inspiration for sure.....

My bariatric team gave me a list of protein supplements that were approved because of protein quantities and the one I found on it that suited my budget and tastes great is Muscle Milk Lite in chocolate flavor.....It also comes in vanilla, strawberry and banana flavors. I throw it in the blender with skim milk instead of the directions calling for Water because the milk boosts the protein values and even some ice and the end result is a great tasting milkshake.....I look forward to them!!! Never thought I would ever say that....LOL. Best of luck to you!

Those gas pains really hurt at times.....I had them bad. I affectionately named my gas bubble Gus and he put me thru hell for a few days. Would move from my tummy area incisions....to my left shoulder and back again just when I thought he had made his exit....LOL. Hang in there and walk as much as you can....this helped me immensely. I started out just walking the halls of the hospital (I was an overnighter at surgeons request)....I walked so much that the nurses said I wore a path in the carpet of the halls...LOL. When I got home, I walked the house and then started outside. At first I could only walk a short distance of a block or so. Now, even though the pain of Gus was gone within 5 days of being home, I still take my daily walks and am working on a little more distance every day. You will be surprised when you wake up one day...(I'm there now) and the only thing you feel is a slight discomfort in your tummy incisions (I have 5 but only one seems to feel a bit sore). Then you will get stronger with each day that passes. Hang in there.....pain is only temporary! You can do this!! Best of luck to you!!

Congrats on getting your band.....I also had the gas and it took about 5 days to feel normal with no pain again. Walking was my key because the gas isn't intestinal for any meds.....it is just looking for a way out! LOL. I even named my gas bubble Gus......he finally left me alone!! LOL Happy, pain free days ahead!!!

I was banded on 4/11/13 and finally woke up this morning feeling pretty good despite coming down with a dbl. ear infection and bronchitis. I am following my surgeons rules to the letter and refuse to vary from it. I still have another week on clear liquids, then move to 2 weeks of Pureed full liquids, then two weeks of Soft foods (everyone here calls them Mushies I think). I wasn't given a pre-op diet of any sort which surprised and worried me a bit because it seems that most everyone on this site has had one. So far as of yesterdays visit to my pcp due to not feeling good with the bronchitis, I am down a total of 21 pounds and loving life. I know that it may go up once I start the different stages of foods but that is okay because it will come back off. I's sorry you are having trouble laying on your side to sleep for long periods. With me, I am a side sleeper too and luckily, that is the position most comfy for me since coming home from the hospital. I used to hurt to lay on my back and felt like my insides were stretching too much. For some reason, I have been really into cooking new things for my hubby for dinner (really weird since I didn't cook much before surgery....lol) and my new passion over all has been looking up recipes and modifying things so that I will be able to enjoy them along with the hubby once I can eat regular foods. Hubby has voiced that he needs to get healthy as well as me so that was my key to having him eat the same foods as I will be...just more of than me. I used to really struggle with the food demons (head hunger) also.....but since getting my band, that has almost gone away completely. I really wish I would have done this a few years ago!!! Good luck to you!!!!!

I was banded on 4/11/13 and I had the same gas pain as you describe. Mine got so bad that I called the center where my surgery was done to ask how to get rid of it. I think I cornered the market with buying gas-x and anything else that claimed to get rid of gas and bloating....lol. Finally the call to the center was what I needed. They informed me that the gas was not of the intestinal type and therefore, over the counter meds would do nothing (wish I had called before I spent almost $30 on different types of gas meds...lol), they said the only thing that would relieve it was walk, walk, walk and more walking along with some arm above my head exercises and the heating pad in between times. Well, I walked my rear end off and the pain eased a bit every day. Low and behold, it took five days, but the pain is completely gone. The walking even helped with the belly swelling I had. Hang in there.....it does get better!!!

I believe that is what Mis73 was trying to convey with her posts.....you need to follow your doctors recommendations and that she is not a doctor. Just someone who has lost over 200 pounds and still rocking with her band and pretty much knows quite a bit about being successful with it. Good luck to you with your next fill....I hope it works out for you.

Huge congrats to you!!! I hope I won't need a fill for a long time either. The placement of my band alone on 4/11/13 seems to have kicked my hunger in the pants. I am still on liquids, first stage I have one week left and then I move on to Full Clear Liquids...LOL. So far, I have lost 15 pounds ( as of yesterdays pcp visit). I am looking forward to reaching my goal of 80 pounds gone possibly by Christmas. You are an inspiration.....keep up the great work!!!

I was banded on 4/11/13 and only given one shot of blood thinner right before surgery and then one on the next day....I didn't bleed from the shot site...but the belly bruising was horrible. I think it was worse around the port site. Good to know that you had the same because I was starting to get a bit worried. Thanks for posting!

I would have to agree with everyone above in the posts. I am pretty new to this (banded on 4/11/13) but have friends who opted for the band, gastric route en y and also the sleeve. Those with the gastric re-route have had nothing but problems with being literally sick all the time and the mal-absorption of vitamins and mineral fight....in short, they look like hell!! Those with the sleeve haven't done so well either. But all of my banded friends have done so well that I am extremely jealous of them and can't wait to get to where they are today. I want my life back and to be free from obesity, have more energy, only one size clothes in my closet (instead of keeping my yo-yo sizes), and just know that I will be more healthy in the long run. Research is the key for you.....compare all the good and bad for all the surgeries and your choice will be simple. But never take fast weight loss over slow.....the slower you lose, the longer it will stay gone.....It's not a race....but more of a complete lifestyle change. Old habits die hard....but kicking their butt is easy when you see the benefits it provides you.......Good luck!!!

Congrats on getting your band.......I totally agree with line-dancer on getting your heating pad out or buying one if you don't have one now. Also, get ready to walk because I got banded on April 11th of this year and managed to hold onto some of the gas they put in your abdomen to do the surgery. It hurts and mine hung out for approx. 4 days. My heating pad was my best friend as was my daily walks. Don't mean to scare you, just giving you the whole truth as I wish someone had done for me. Last and most important is always remember that any pain or discomfort you endure is only a temporary thing and it will go away!!! Follow your surgeon's rules to the letter no matter what anyone else says they did or didn't do....then get ready for your new life!!!! Good luck to you!!!! Keep us posted.

Great job....!!!!!! You're an inspiration!!!!!!

Hi Chrissy, I was so glad you posted because I was beginning to think something was wrong with me and how I have been feeling since my band surgery on 4/11. I also had a really horrible 2-3 days after surgery and although it seems to be getting better with each day, I still have those painful (what seem like a belch in my chest but never get out my mouth) times. Today I had my first real burp and I was so excited I almost cried. Then right behind it was the painful type. The pain with breathing is one of my issues also. I was actually beginning to think I may have gotten pneumonia from the surgery.....so you posting with the same problem is very assuring to me. Along with all of this, I did have a slight cold going into the surgery and that has left me with alot of mucus in my chest and coughing (which hurts like hell). But being female, I find it hard to "Hack a loogy" as my husband calls it and so I just swallow it cuz I can't get it all the way up. Hence, it adds to what is already in my pouch but doesn't get out for hours which makes it hard to eat anything. I know I am not getting in what I am supposed to in a day and when my nutritionist called the other day to check on me, I told her just that. She said to take it one day at a time and as long as I am getting in my Water, Vitamins and a little Protein, I can work up to the whole amount with time. I was supposed to go back to work on Sunday night (I work midnights) but couldn't make it until Monday because of this flippin gas pain in my left side. I have named my gas bubble Larry....LOL. I wish he would just find a new home for good cuz I am tired of hurting like this!!!! They say lots of walking helps get the gas out and I have been walking like a fool. So hopefully a week or two and I can get on with this new life minus the pain. My surgeons rules are Clear liquids for two weeks after surgery and then "full" clear liquids after that, then soft foods and then transitioning to normal foods again. Each type of food is a 2 week session. I have to say that this lack of food thing hasn't bothered me in the least and I am a food a holic for real. The last thing they said to me when I was discharged from the hospital was "DO NOT VARY FROM THE FOOD TYPES OR LENGTH OF TIME ON THEM!!" So, after hearing about all the trouble some have with their bands "so-called not working". I have decided that I did this for me and I am going to make it work. Because after all, it is what "YOU" make it and it is only a tool to help you get to where you want to be. The pain is only temporary......and because this is all new to our bodies, it is only right that they freak out a bit until they get used to it. I wish you all the success in the world.....

Well we are on the same eating amounts I see....lol. I actually talked to my nutritionist today and she said I will work up to the amounts and not to push it and get sick. Our bodies are getting used to foreign matter and a new way of life so it may take a few more days or even a week. Funny thing is that I don't seem to be hungry other than what they call "head hunger" (been my problem all along even before the band...lol). I push it aside and find something to do to take my mind off it. I'm going back to work tonight so we will see what happens.....

Hi dand, Today has been much better for me also. I'm glad you got a good nights rest because that had to help greatly. I was supposed to go back to work today but I think I will take one more day to rest. I still have some gas pains going on but nothing compared to yesterday. So I'm thinking that every day will bring me that much closer to better....LOL. Keep me posted on your successes.....Hurray on starting this new chapter in our lives!!

Hi skenn31, I was banded on 4/11/13 and was also pretty scared/nervous going into this. I am not gonna sugar coat anything for you and if you are one of the unlucky ones to get the gas pains, it hurts like hell and the key is to keep moving and move every hour from the time they say it is okay to start walking in the hospital. The fourth day for me (today) is a dream with very little gas discomfort left. I have been living on sugar free Jello, Vitamin Water zero, chicken broth and bottled water so I am not sure you will need your blender right away unless your doctor stated those types of foods right away. Every doctor is different it seems in what they want you to eat in the weeks following surgery or so it seems by reading posts on here. This will be the best thing you could ever do for you in your life....just keep your eye on the end result. Good luck to you and keep us posted.

Hi dand03, I was just wondering how you were doing this morning. I hope you are much better. My niece who was banded 3 years ago (looks wonderful) told me that the third day was when she felt like she had been hit by a truck. Well, yesterday was the third day and I asked her if it was possible for two trucks to have hit me....cuz I sure felt like it....LOL. I sat up last night in the recliner as balbuquerque mentioned and watched tv for about an hour with my hubby. To my surprise, today is a much better day and the gas pain is pretty much gone. Getting up and down is done without a pillow on my belly today so things are good. I plan to take a walk outside if the weather cooperates today also. I truly hope you are having a better day and your pain is subsiding also.

Hang in there....I was banded the same day and this gas is horrible! Walking helps immensely with the gas and each hour of each day is a little better. We will get there....it may be a bit painful now, but the end results will be wonderful.

You speak of an abdominal belt....what is that? Where can I get one?

Thank you all for all of the wonderful replies. My surgery went off without a hitch. I had to stay the night because my surgeon does it that way but it went well. I was up and driving the night nurses crazy...LOL. One nurse even said she was gonna buy me some marathon tennis shoes because I had a path worn in the hallway from all the walking. My hubby has made a full circle and I believe his lack of support was due to worry and nothing more. He called me in pre- op and asked me if I wanted him to come to the hospital and I told him no...LOL. Now that I am home, he can't do enough for me and has even started talking about his own need to eat healthier and how this will be good for him too. I am having a bit of trouble with the gas pain thing but he bought me some gas-X earlier and that seems to help with the discomfort in that area. I'm just taking the healing one day at a time. Supposed to go back to work on Sunday night ( I work midnights) but I think I will take an extra day on that. I love this site and all of the help it offers. It really helps that most everyone is or has gone thru the same things and are so kind and willing to offer advice. Thanks bunches.

Sorry to hear that you are feeling under the weather.....I was banded two days ago and came home with this crap that sounds like what you have. I remember reading a post on here who said she went in sick or getting sick and it made her recovery worse. Well, I had a little cough but not anything to worry about or so I thought and now I am miserable trying to cough with my new stomach art work...LOL. But it will pass.....I hope you are better soon too. Take care.

Hi Erin, I think you are right in starting everything over again. I was a huge food lover and binge eater going into this as my last tool of resort because I was so tired of the rollercoaster thing I had done my whole life. I am now looking at this as a completely NEW way of living healthy and I will succeed. I was scared of how I would over rule my head into telling myself that I wasn't really hungry at all and just thought I was. I had to go two days without anything to eat or drink because of some mix up with radiology hours and not being able to have my Esophogram when I should have. I "THOUGHT" I was starving and even got really pissy with the nurses over it. Come to find out, it was all in my head. When they brought me my first "so called" meal. I ate some of the Jello, drank some apple juice and that was it for me. I sipped on ice Water until lunch and I was fine. Food and over eating ( I am finding) really is a head thing and how we have been taught or allowed ourselves to act throughout life up until this point. You can do this and do it correctly....and in the end, you will look in the mirror and say.....I DID THIS AND IT FEELS GREAT!!!! Good luck on your second time around.....just keep your eye on the prize which is a thinner and healthier you!!!! You'll do great!!!

Hi Phelanlucky, I was banded two days ago and have the same pain in the same area....I was told it is gas. I plan to try some gasX today and see if I can get it out...LOL. I was also given Lortab elixer for pain and I stay to the lowest dose because it knocks me right out. Sorry you are having trouble sleeping....maybe try the gas X and if it works, the pain med won't be needed and you can sleep. Feel better soon....

Hi bagdon08, I am having the same pain and in the same spot it seems that you are. Getting up and down is a real trip at times because it hurts. I was banded on 4/11/13 and my doc keeps his patients in the hospital overnight. So I came home yesterday evening. They prescribed a pretty heavy liquid pain med which should have been my first clue that it was gonna be a bear. I walked alot yesterday and it seems to be a tiny bit better today but not much. I plan to walk more today as soon as I get motivated to start my day. I am scheduled to go back to work on light duty this Sunday (tomorrow) but not sure at this point if I will be able to even do that. I'm gonna go get some gas X today and see if that makes a difference. Good luck to you and thanks to everyone else for the suggestions and help.