Miki71

My first experience getting stuck was horrible. I got stuck for the first time this past Monday. I was eating a piece of steamed broccoli and I didn't chew down the stem properly. The pain when it got stuck was really, really, really uncomfortable. I had to excuse myself from the table, went up to my bedroom and started pacing. Don't drink liquids if you are stuck, it only make it worst! I had to keep spitting out the slime. I thought I was going to pass out from the feeling... my head was throbbing! Finally, when I felt that the broccoli passed, I went and made a cup of hot, herbal tea and sipped it slowly and took 2 Tylenols. My challenge is that (1) only my husband knows I was banded, not my 3 kids (2) when the 5 of us are eating together I forget to CONCENTRATE on eating small bites and chew, chew, chewing! Since then I keep in mind what the clinic always reminds me of: "Eat SMALL bites (the size of your pinky fingernail) of healthy food and CHEW it well!"

I also recently had an "aha" moment. I had a funeral to attend and nothing fit right. I tried on a simple black pant suit I last wore 17 years ago and it fit like a glove!

Yippee!

You look amazing!

I was banded April 24th and went to my post-op appointment today. I will be starting "regular" foods next week. My first fill is May 24th. I was reading about the importance of eating enough Protein but had no idea how much is the "right" amount for me. I thought I would share the handout the RN at my clinic gave me. I've also been using the "Lose It!" app to track calories, protein and carbohydrates to keep me in check. Daily Protein Requirements (lbs. /2.2 = kg.) #1) Weight in lbs. / 2.2 = Weight in kg. #2) Weight in kg. X 0.8 = Daily protein MINIMUM #3) Weight in kg. X 1.0 = Daily protein MAXIMUM Note: 3oz. of protein is approximately the size of a deck of cards.

Have you tried Gas X?

The second day was not as bad as I expected. I took my dog on short walks around the block a few times throughout the day, napped, etc. My left shoulder and abdomen were quite sore. I found that a heating pad, Gas X and Tylenol really helped. By Saturday I was able to attend my daughter's dance recital. I was back at work today but I find that sitting for prolonged periods irritates my lower stomach area. I don't know if this is from the hernia repair or from the port.

I was just banded by Dr. Cobourn on April 24th. After surgery he told me he did a hernia repair... I didn't realize I needed it. Everything went well. Still have to sign up for the webinars. My post-op check-up is in 10 days.

I was banded April 24th and finally have felt some relief from the shoulder pain. Gas X, Tylenol and a heating pad seemed to really help. However, I am finding it difficult to stomach anything (protein shakes, yogurt drinks, etc). I also had a hernia repair when I was banded. Is this why I feel a knot in my stomach?

205.8, 6lbs for me to join this club!

Only my husband knows. My three kids (16, 14 & 13) think I went in for hernia repair, partially true as they did repair it when I was banded. Someone in this forum wrote be careful who you tell because once you say it you can't untell it. Maybe in time I will choose to tell my kids... time will tell.

Was banded yesterday. Left shoulder pain is in and off. Managed to be up walking a few times today. Abdominal area is VERY sore, the heating pad really works. How long before the abdominal area is not as sore?

Congratulations to you too! How are you feeling? My left shoulder and abdomen are very sore. It's hard to lie down. I was sitting on my vouch for an hour and now I'm walking around my house, swinging my arms.

I hah surgery this morning. Can I have an herbal tea? My doctor said only water but I think tea may be okay.

Good luck! I'm scheduled for 9:20am. I slept like a rock... for some reason I am not too worried about this surgery. Hopefully that's a good sign.

My bag is packed and I am ready to go. Surgery is scheduled at 9:20am. Good bye old eating habits and hello to the new me. For all the others undergoing surgery tomorrow, best of luck.

I'm having my surgery tomorrow morning. I'm hoping the post-op pain is not too bad. Hopefully the pain and discomfort pass quickly. I have four days to recover and then go back to work.

I've lost 15lbs on the Pre-op shake diet. No one even questions why I'm drinking shakes. If they ask I tell them it's to kick-start my weight loss. Everyone that knows me has seen me gain and lose so many times in the past that it's no surprise I'm dieting again. Last week we joined a gym as a family. My husband, 3 children and I all go together. That's the best decision I made in a long time.

I am almost 42 years old and am having my surgery tomorrow. Only one person knows, my husband. He is very supportive and has never criticized me about my weight. In the 19 years we have been together, he has been witness to my many diet and exercise successes then failures. I chose to not tell anyone. I don't know if this decision will change over time but for the time being I only want to be accountable to myself and no one else's watchful eyes. However, to all the open and honest people that share their story, thank you, because it's stories like yours that led me to make the decision to get banded.

Good luck to all of you getting banded tomorrow. I'm right behind you on the 24th. It's my first step towards a positive change and improved self image... I can't wait to get through this. I know that the worst of the surgery will be over before I know it (2 weeks on shakes went by quicker than I thought it would)! All the best!

Hello Jesse, I am a 41 year old female. My doctor was very strict about my Pre-op diet. He said that the following the protein shake diet should reduce the size of the liver by about 25% for the surgery. However, after reading the message boards I can see that every doctor is different and the Pre-op requirements vary. There was a very nice and helpful man who answered some of my questions. His profile name is charlesoakes68. He recently had the surgery (beginning of April I think). Try messaging him, he might be a good band-buddy. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop me a note.

I'm getting banded April 24th. Is there anybody else out there getting banded during the week of April 22nd?

Hi Jesse, I'm getting banded this Wednesday (April 24th). My doctor put me on a shake diet prior to my surgery (3 shakes a day, 250 calories per shake). I am excited about moving forward with my surgery but also nervous and scared. I can let you know how things go after the 24th. I like this forum because everyone is very responsive and helpful. :-)

Good luck! My doctor wants me to stay on shakes for 1 week post-op. What about you?