MirrorHas2Faces

Greetings from a new member of the BAND! I received my lapband a week ago (4/10/07). My surgeon had a problem installing the first size band he chose and ultimately had to settle with a larger band. As result, there was a little more surgery trauma to the stomach and I have been very swollen and restricted for the past week. I have been pushing the liquids to stay hydrated. I have lost 20.5 lbs. my first week (down from 301 to 280.5) and 6.5 inches. However, I have felt really bad for several days now. I finally broke down and called my doctor. I explained that I have been feeling light headed at times and his Nurse Practitioner suggested that I take my blood pressure. My blood pressure has been running high (160/100). I was shocked to find that my pressure was low (90/60). I removed my BP patch last night and this morning my pressure is (100/72). I am also feeling much better. I was placed on BP medications at 254 pounds approximately a year ago. I was expecting (hoping) that one day I would loose enough weight that the meds were no longer required. Currently, I'm still 30 pounds heavier than when I began the meds and now my pressure is lower? I'm confused. Is there perhaps another way to explain the sudden drop in BP?

I was sent home with liquid Lortab. I have only taken one teaspoon each night - more to help me sleep than for pain (which may be a bad idea). I just took my BP again and it is 112/62. I leave off the pain meds at bedtime tonight and measure again tomorrow morning. I also see my doctor tomorrow for my one-week post-op checkup and we'll discuss. I'm a little nervous about having the staples removed. Is it a painful procedure?

Make room for three in that boat! I was banded on April 10. I am now on "Full" liquids - creamy soups, pudding, yogurt, etc. Yogurt really fills me up. Like you, I'm now wanting to chew. Yesterday, I chewed a piece of gum. I think my jaw muscles were listening when the doc said no solids for a month and they went on vacation! Ten minutes and my jaws were tired:speechles