the best me

I'm here!! I'm okay! Thanks you guys. Okay, here's what happened. I went to the Urgent Care, after an hour got back to a room, told the nurse what was up, she left, came back and said I need to go to an ER because of the band, they can't do anything about the band. I said "I don't want you to, I just know how few fluids I've had in the past 3 days and I getting dehydrated" start to cry, she leaves, the PA who, as far as I can see, is the only Dr on duty, comes in and I explain the band, what's going on, how I have called my surgeon, what he said, how I can get to my local band doctor on Monday, could I just have a bag of fluids so I don't get dehydrated before Monday...so she did, and the nurses here blew a vein in my hand but got the one in my inner arm (I was REALLY appreciating the little Mexican nurses at this point!) and a full bag went in in maybe 1/2 hour. The nurse pulled out the needle before checking with the Dr or I'll bet I would have taken another bag...dumb ole nurse, but I wasn't gtting stuck again! So she gave me a prescription for liquid Zantac (ranitidine, what I had in my IV at the hospital) since I can't take pills. So I come home and sip the tiniest of sips and the Zantac (NASTY) goes down great, chased with a bit of water-room temp-and I take a nap. So I wake up and I'm as tight as ever...gurgle/hurt/takes 5 minutes to get past the band sips of water. Going to Winston on Monday...possible barium swallow (hope they give me a pan to PB it in) and we'll see. I have had 10ml of Zantac and maybe 15ml of water today. All I can say is, THIS DAMN BAND BETTER BE WORTH IT!"

I got a look at the Prilosec pill after DH got home from the drug store...NO WAY! I haven't taken it, it would never go down. And then the box says do not crush or chew...since it's sustained relaese I'd be getting the whole dose at once. So I'm waiting until after I see the Urgent Care doc in the morning...going to get an IV bag of fluids-YES! And I think you are exactly right about the V-8...looking back, I felt the swelling and difficulty passing through the liquids coming on, probably due to the V-8, and then the jello PB, well, it was all down hill from there. No more V-8 for a long time!!! Hey Rebecca, they VIDEO tape it? That's cool. I don't know which Dr Kuri does, video or audio only, but either way, it's cool. OH! and Paula, the fruit juice I had been drinking were the mango and guava nectars, and some others but I got them at Wal-Mart in well, the juice section, but they sell them in the grocery store too in the Mexican foods sections. I guess Hispanic people use them alot, maybe in cooking and preparing foods, but, yes, they are yummy! and nutritious.

Another update: Brown Mucus issue...this is what I think. When I was PBing the Gas-X the brown was the last to come up, as if it had been stuck there a good while and finally made it up or down, rather than stuck. I studied it carefully before rinsing it down the sink, and I do NOT think it was blood, which was my concern the whole time I'm spitting up this stuff, I look carefully at it. It seemed to be more like stained from tea, which I had been sipping on. The mucus itself is coming from my lungs, since I am not taking my allergy med (Singulaire) and after the anesthesia, I have been coughing up stuff, especailly after sleeping for a while or all night. I have used my Albuterol inhaler a few times since coming home just to make the coughing easier on my belly, not because of asthma or allergies. I actually have not used the inhaler at all since probably Tues night and then only 3-4 times before that since returning home Sat. So I guess the mucus I have is irritating the stoma? That's what it feels like is happening. I do better in the morning sipping warm liquids, but by the afternoon, I'm so irritated I get very tight. This is making sense. SO, I called Dr Kuri, and not my patient rep this time, and he calls me back, him, himself, THE Dr Kuri, calling me sweetheart, etc. Okay, so it took him a few hours, but I honestly expected that he would call in the evening there when he got back to his office before giving the speech to the next group of bandsters tomorrow. Having an idea of his schedule really helped my expectations...anyhow... he asked my weight, I told him 223 at surgery and 214 this morning. He asked me where I was and I said North Carolina, he said "oh" in a dissappointed way (hehe) and I told him I have a local band Dr and he said you may need a baruim swallow. He said to take Prilosec twice a day. And then, and here's the great part, he said to be sure and let him know what happens and that he will review my surgery tape. Oh MY GOSH! He tapes his surgeries!!! Just like a real Doctor!!!! As if he isn't, but that was just so reassuring. I don't know if he makes an audio tape during the surgery or afterwards with all the notes and details but that is an awesome resource from a professional doc, and I would expect it here, but for some reason was surprised and pleased. Kudos for Kuri on that one. AND, sorry this is so long, I called the Urgent Care up the street and told them I have been sick and I'm concerned about dehydration, could they give me an IV bag there, or would I need to go to a hospital...sure they can if I need it, yada, yada, so tomorrow morning I will go and get an IV and any other IV meds they think I may need. WHEW! I hope SO BAD that I feel better soon. I need fluids, I know it. I'll certainly be fine until the morning but I AM GOING. This thread is long, and I hope to close out the drama soon and start an "I feel lots better" thread. Thank you so much EVERYONE for your care, concern, advice, and like DeLarla said, every post with a well wish for me has been SO helpful and meaningful. I will make it, thank you my friends.

Okay gang, I have been researching old threads and there is lots of good info and I have come up with several great options...but I don't have the stamina or time (due to 2yo son at home with me) to search carefully, AND since I am such a new bandster, I'm not sure how much all the info applies to me, AND since we have so many new bandsters, a new thread for the newly banded would not only help me, but others, so here goes... I was banded Friday, today is Wednesday (day 5 after surgery). Since Saturday, I have eaten chicken broth, hot tea (caffienated), V-8 juice, fruit nectars (guava, mango, etc) 1 scoop of Protein powder daily since Monday, 2tbsp daily of Centrum liquid Vitamins since Monday, Water, and maybe 4-6oz a day of caffienated coffee with a little sugar and non-dairy creamer (the creamer being the only "iffy" thing I have had). Total liquids daily is about ??? maybe 45-60 ounces? I feel, not full, but not particularly hungry, certainly satisfied by my intake, although it doesn't leave me with very much energy. So I have my pouch, which basically stays empty due to the liquids going on down, no problem there, and my lower stomach, which gurgles and "grinds" so to speak doing little to nothing with the liquids it's getting, and then there's my bowels. THERE is where I feel "full". Bloated. Like I need a good Bowel Movement!!! I haven't been completely unproductive...(Sun am and Wed am, this morning) I have had small but very, what's the word?, unsatisfying bowel movements...know what I mean? I feel like I need some bulk, some Fiber, some good ole movement, and I'd feel so much better. So based on what I have read so far...here are my options... Benefiber-mixed into my juice Mirilax-RX for my daughter that Paula took and it helped her, I have this Can I take these so newly banded? Exlax Colace or Docusate Sodium Glycerin Suppositories(eww, but I will if it will help!) What should I do or take, if anything?! Thanks everyone, I know this will help other newbies, and you newbies chime in and tell me if you are experiencing this also...SURELY I am not alone. What have you done? Thanks

Update: no chapped lips and warm watered down chicken broth in the smallest of sips is going down fine...maybe 4 ounces this morning...I just can't mess it up from here and do something to cause more swelling. I will check in with Dr Kuri's this afternoon before the weekend just to be sure. (Mary and Betty, I did call my patient rep and got a VERY quick reply, same info I'm getting here though, warm liquids very slow). I don't think I've slipped (as if I could tell) I think I'm just irritated and predisposed to swelling due to being banded just one week ago. Rebecca, you will probably recover from your PB a bit quicker than me. I'm going ever so slowly....and conserving energy with several naps a day and NO chores or lifting at all. My dad, the "nanny" is here, whew!

I feel really good except that I'm refusing to drink anything and I'm doing absolutely nothing. I had 4-5 tbsp of hot tea and felt enough discomfort to know the stoma area is still swollen. My liquid intake was definately less yesterday, and Wed night because of the PB, and since I PB'd again on Gas-X about 24 hrs after the Jello, I decided to rest it and have nothing the rest of the evening...until this AM I had the hot tea by the tbsp. So I can tell I'm still swollen but not COMPLETELY closed, but if I push it I will cause more swelling. I have been swishing Water in my mouth and spitting it out, and I am swallowing my spit okay...I'm just resting the area. And remember, I had Sunday Monday AND Tuesday with up to 60oz of liquids on each day (ball park) so it's not like it's been this way for a week, just since Wed afternoon. I am very concerned about dehydration and am trying to avoid it without irritating the stoma. Urine output has definately decreased due to less fluids. I can put up with this for another day or two. I really feel okay, just NADA for energy. My Dad is here with me again to help with 2yo little man. DH will be home all weekend and really, he does not HAVE to go to work, he just doesn't get paid time off. Well, he does, but he's not making any money to cover it. I have re-read carefully all of Jonathan's stuff, and he has read and posted here, so that is helpful, and I found Geochic, who is having similar trouble, but worse! Scopes, follow-up surgeries, etc. and IV's. I believe I am on my way to dehydration if the swelling doesn't go down for good and I can't get good liquid intake. Hunger is not the issue, I am just resting the area and attempting to avoid the dehydration until the swelling goes down. Everything was fine until I PB'd. I say that, but maybe I PB'd because the swelling was slowly increasing after surgery, and I was ignoring the heartburn feeling (like Nykee said) and kept drinking stuff too fast? too soon? Otherwise I wouldn't have PB'd???

I keep thinking of your advice NOT to think of this as heartburn...feels kind of like it and it's similar, but it's the NO NO feeling. So I'm certainly not eating food, and I am ever so slowly sipping warm tea from a spoon, but STILL this morning get the stuck feeling. I'm still not healed. What's up with this? I had nothing since around 5pm yesterday. NOTHING, not sips of Water, ice, warm anything, just a couple of good toothbrushings and mouth rinses, no swallowing. Woke up feeling great this morning but still can't sip comfortably. Will keep up the no drinking and just let water rest in my mouth so I'm not so thirsty. Down another almost 4 lbs. Sigh.

I guess I have to get used to being less frequent, and as I move to mushies, and more REAL food, it should actually help. The bloat is gone, but I have been dealing with the fall-out from a bad PB lately, so very little liquids anyway...I'm just happy to keep those down.

Wooohooo Katie! Post as soon as you can, and know that all the girls here now have a small crush on your hubby for being so sweet! Wer'e thinking of you.

You have taken a great first step toward beating the food demons...WELL DONE! I know how hard it is, so does everyone else here. One serving of a Yodel isn't worth it. Find something that is to give yourself a REAL treat, one that's good for you AND yummy. You deserve a treat now! You just deserve better than a yodel!

Oh my gosh, Val, I just read everything you have posted since your surgery and I'm so sorry, just when I was beginning to feel sorry for myself! I have had a rough first week, and I gues it could eventually turn out to be just as difficult for me, but I am keeping a close eye on you! Alll the advice others have given you have been really helpful for me. I fear dehydration. And I'm SO glad you are getting better. I wish I had found your follow up stuff over the weekend...too self-involved...but I'm so glad there is light at the end of the tunnel for you! You give me hope!

Aw, Dell, please don't wander too far. If there is a way and it is meant for you, it WILL come about. Maybe the answer is "not yet" rather than 'No". I know you are discouraged, please keep a chin up and don't feel left out here. Even if you just want to be banded, you can come here, who knows, maybe you'll get an idea about how to make it work. I'm sorry you are discouraged.

Thank you so much Jonathan for reading and posting. DH read what you wrote and agrees about hot so I'll Water down chicken broth in the morning and see how it goes. I know this but chewed ice chips in the hospital so I was backing up to day 1...but I'll keep it hot. Honestly, I don't think I have any internal problems, band placement issues, surgery mishaps, etc., because everything else is healing up nicely. No incision infections, the port area is tender but less tender by the day, I can feel the presence of the band on the inside, if you know what I mean, or maybe I'm just feeling the sore effects of the swelling but it feels tucked right in there....dunno, it just seems right to me, can't explain it. I also have some back pain around where the band is so I know the swelling is causing trouble all the way through. The back pain is just an ache, like I need the heating pad and a good stretch, as if I slept wrong. Same with my neck, but I have been resting lots lately...so that may not be "band" related aches. As far as IV and dehydration, you are fortunate enough to be married to a nurse who can contraband the necessary equipment home to do an IV there...I'd do it right now if I could, but for me, it's cash out of pocket and hope either my PCP or local band doc will do it in the office to avoid hospital costs. I hate to spend the money but will if I have to, of course. So how do I know I'm dehydrated? I am fortunate to have had Sunday through Tuesday plus a half day Wed with very good Fluid intake, perhaps 45-60 ounces each day (except wed of course). I could get a good gulp of water or tea or broth down and it would gurgle and feel funny, but it didn't hurt. I'ts only been since Wed afternoon that I haven't been getting the fluids. Since the Jello PB. And it was a piece of thick bottom of the bowl jello, not the regular yummy stuff that got stuck...SIGH So thanks for replying, and anyone else out there with advice, especailly about the signs of dehydration, please post! I thank you all.

Hi girls! Thanks for thinking of me and asking about me, and yes, I have had a bit of trouble these past days. First, I encountered what you encountered, Eliza, about needing to be here but not here. DH and I actually avoided an argument based on your advice (even though I'm here, pretend I'm not). I needed help, he needed to work, so my sister stayed during the day with me Tue and Wed and my Dad was here today (thu) and will be here again tomorrow just to be with me and my 2 year old son during the day. It was just too much, and I needed to be off the hook, so to speak. So rather than having some mysterious burst of energy after banding, I got fatigued...and needed calories badly. So Wed I was doing fine until I PB'd on Jello, not regular jello that squishes through your teeth, but a piece of the thick bottom of the bowl kind that got stuck and it hurt terribly and I PB'd it. I have had trouble ever since. So I am concerned about dehydration at this point, but am fortunate to have had Sun through Wed with good liquid intake, perhaps 45-60 ounces total each day. That's helpful, but I'm really having trouble keeping anything down without even the smallest sip getting stuck. Yuck. So I trudge along, waiting for healing to take place enough to where I can finally get some nutrition...but plain ole fluids are fine for me right now. I hope it slowly gets better. I'll keep you two posted, thanks my band buddies! Hey, did Panda6 have a good trip to the fair South last weekend? Anyone heard?

Okay, I posted this one on my back from banding whatever it's called thread and it was taken the day after banding, still have steri-strips and band-aids on...I tried to take an update the other night but was holding the camera myself and it just wasn't working...anyhow...let me go find it...OH MY GOSH!! Look at you Jenna! and you know what sucks? Nana at 215 and me at 223...what a difference! I'm so jealous of you guys...this is turning into a pretty belly thread (well, 'cept for me) instead of a scar thread!! That's okay, it's awesome!

Took a few sucks of popsicle and fed the rest to little man, and got the stuck feeling, so I sucked on a Gas-X and layed down, then started sliming and PB'd the Gas-X, slime and a bit of what looked like slightly brown mucus. I felt much better afterwards, but have resolved to have nothing, I mean nothing, until tomorrow morning and then start over with ice chips. UGGGGHHH.

I am anxiously awaiting answers here, because I can't keep anything down either, and wonder if a year from now I'll be in your shoes...I was banded last Friday, 6 days ago and PB'd on jello yesterday afternoon and have been having a horrible time ever since. I am so discouraged so I'm really sorry for the trouble you are having. You will get good advice here!

This is good, I just bought popsicles made with real fruit juice, or whatever, yesterday, but ice chips are going really well. So later I'll definately do some popsicle. I was thinking of Prevacid because doesn't it heal the area? And the heartburn is really just that hurt stuck tight feeling in my chest. Once whatever goes all the way through it goes away, it just takes so long! Okay, so several minutes isn't that long but it sure feels like it! I have also sucked on 2 Gas-X today, and that helps but it makes me burp, which feels good but I'm thinking the less activity the better down there in the pouch. Yep, I'm going with my gut and how things feel for me, taking in everything from any source whatsoever but honestly, you and everyone on LBT have been the best source of info...nothing like experience for giving advice! I really appreciate all of you!

Okay, I e-mailed my patient rep and got a VERY quick reply (yay!!) even though it was nothing I din't really know...sip warm liquids until the stoma swelling does down...but I have found going back to day one in the hospital to ice chips is helping most to stay hydrated. I'll quit worrying, and I can as long as I don't get the stuck feeling from sips of liquid, which I don't with ice chips. Back to square one. I just love all you guys, I really do!

Thanks Lisa, the sports bottle in bed sounds exactly what I need! I try to let liquids just sit in my mouth but then I end up swallowing it and WHAM! stuck feeling, gurgling heartburn, the need to burp, take in big breathes of air, pace, hold my hands high in the doorway to help make it go down, it's terrible. I am about to call Kuri's office, just to see if there is some medication I need to be taking, Prevacid? but the thought of a pill is horrifying, so no. Plus, I get such good advice here I can't imagine him being able to tell me something new. I did get a call from my patient rep on Tuesday, I think, might have been Monday, and in my jaded thinking, I think all she wanted was my sister's name for the referral, just in case she gets the surgery (we met JoAnne N. and Ishi down there and JoAnne apparently told Sylvia (rep) my sister might be interested in having Kuri do her lap band.)..But surely she would have called to check on me even if she didn't want my sisters name. These people HAVE to get some fee or percentage for patient referrals, which I don't mind a bit, if the concern is sincere. Just don't always know that it is, ya know? I'll let you know about what I hear from Kuri's office, the jury is still out.

Hey, Tammy, you can have mine!

Terrible, awful, miserable, tired, discouraged, and I hate this band that makes this heartburn so unbearable. I don't know what else to do but sleep to make it heal form my PB (on Jello for GOSH SAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I'm mad and frustrated and crying. I'm sorry. It hurts to drink Water, I came on today to visit that thread "it's been a week and I'm miserable" or whatever...going there now. thank you for asking, really, and sorry it's not all rosey. I went there and it's mostly about mourning the loss of food and old ways of eating and that type of thing...some of it encouraging but not my issues. I am fine on liquids, I really don't care about eating, I just want to feel better and back to normal. Anyhow...

Ya'll all keep laughing at me, I really don't mind. My frustration is honest and my attempts to save this poor thing are from the heart, but I understand totally how funny this is! As soon as the weather warms, I'll get that booger outside and hopefully it will perk up. Think I should get a grow light? Just wondering. Yah, OT is Off Topic, which anything in the lounge is usually off topic anyway, but my dying jade is SO band UNrelated, I added the OT. Something I picked up from other threads, thought it was clever!

Heebie-Jeebies! What a horrible feeling! I'm so sorry this has happened...please keep up updated on how this all unfolds.

Okay, I had my surgery last Friday, so 5 days post-op, and some incisions are more bruised than others, but they are ALL the yellowy brown, I have none of the bright reddish purpley kind you have on the one...is that your port incision? Better be careful, quit being so darn chipper and laughing so much!!! LOL I'll bet it heals up quick, just keep an eye on it.