KimberlyNYC

Hello my fellow bandsters. I'm hoping someone out there might be able to shed light on a not so great experience I am currently having. I'm 10 months post surgery and had been going great. Never really felt like anything had changed, aside from my 70lb weight loss. However, this past Friday, things changed. It all started with hot & sour Soup at launch that caused some hiccups. After those subsided, I felt fine. Then came dinner, when just about nothing wanted to stay down. But the worst was what happened while I was sleeping. I awaoke to such an intense burning sensation in my chest that I didn't know what to do with myself. I was seriously contemplating a run to the ER, but realized that they probably wouldn't be able to help me. Saturday was a better day. My thoat was a bit raw but I figured that was from my PBing the night before. Sunday was even better. I felt like I was back to normal. Then, Sunday night came and back came the burning sensation. Only this time, it hasn't subsided. Since Sunday, I've been living with a burning sensation in my throat and chest. There's this constant gurgling/bubbling whenever I injest something and I can keep very little down. I just don't feel right. Last night, I attempeted a glass of white wine and that even burned going down. I'm starting to get really nervous and I can't get hold of anyone in my doctor's office. I've left three messages since yesterday and nothing. Any insights anyone can share are greatly appreciated. I guess my next step is to just show up at the doctor's office tomorrow morning and hope they take me as a walk in. Thanks in advance. Kim

I managed to get in to see my doc yesterday afternoon -- who knew they took walk ins. Anyway, it wasn't as bad as I feared. I just needed my bad loosened a bit so that my body could heal from the heartburn and vomiting. It was just a vicious cycle of irritation and swelling that kept making my band tighter and tighter. They took out 1cc and I feel fine. Phew.

I'll definitely let you know how it goes on Wednesday. My appt is at 9:30 on the 2nd. I'm probably going to call today to also try to get one with the nutritionist that same day.

I'm usually not a joining/group type of person -- I'm actually shocked that I even post to this forum -- but I figure I'll go to the session this week, see how it is, and then decide if I will go on a monthly basis.

LoveliBabi21 - I'm happy to hear you are doing well and you must be so excited about the weight loss. I too am down about 24 lbs., however, I've somewhat plateaued the past week and a half. I assume it's because I am no longer on liquids and am actually eating food, and I've probably been a bit liberal with the definition of pureed/mushy food. On Thursday, I went out for my first happy hour since the surgery and that was difficult. I would try to find the "moist" nachos on the plate. At least they had hummus on the menu so I didn't feel completely out of place -- only a couple of people I was with knew I had the surgery. I also took my first business trip/airplan flight since the surgery and went to DC yesterday. The hardest part of the trip was a lunch time when we were deciding what to get and I had to tell people I could only eat soft food, so burritos and other stuff they wanted were out for me. Overall, the trip was really just proof that my life is completely what it was pre-surgery. I can't believe you are getting a fill already. They made my appt. with Dr. Ren for August 2nd b/c that's just about six weeks since surgery. Did you want it sooner? I'm definitely excited for mine -- I feel like I'm eating too much -- but I'm nervous b/c I'm going on vacation four days after it. Gaspar told me it doesn't hurt, you just feel a pinch from the needle. Are you going to the support group this coming Wednesday night (07/18)? Kim

Hi NYGMEN - I was there for just over two hours, with much of the time spent waiting. First I went up to Fielding/Ren's office to take a nutritional quiz -- basically a few page paper test to make sure you "heard" what the nutritionist said when you met her. Since she was busy, I didn't review the test with her that day -- she called me later in the afternoon. Then, I headed down to pre-op. You see an anethesiologist -- not the one that you'll have surgery day -- who looks in your mouth and down your throat and then answers any questions you have. You then see a nurse who does an EKG, blood work and takes a medical history. Next it's on to the chest x-ray. If you've had a chest x-ray within six months, you don't have to have it done. Just bring copies of your films with you. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck on your journay and congrats. Kim

LoveliBabi - Happy to hear your urges to cheat have subsided. I'm sorry yesterday was such a struggle. I assume you haven't told many people you had the surgery, which could definitely make it even a bit harder. Luckily, I'm not really into the Fourth and neither are most of my friends and family, so it's not a big deal, especially since everyone had to work today. Being off from work was an excuse to stay in bed and watch Soap Operas and go grocery shopping to prepare for the next phase of the program -- pureed foods. I can't wait for this weekend. I'm so sick of soup. Other than that, I'm doing really well. I feel almost at 100% -- still get a little tired in the afternoon. Two nights ago I woke up in the middle of the night and, much to my surprise, was sleeping on my stomach. I was so excited. So, you'll probably find yourself able to sleep on your side soon. I have my post-op appt this morning, which I'm sure will be fine. I have to get some guidance on travel b/c my company wants me to do all these day trips to DC and Boston and since I still get tired I just don't know if it will be too much.

Hi LoveliBabi21 - I haven't cheated. I don't want to risk it. The most I've done is had some Soup with very fine threads of egg in it like Stracciatella, without the spinach. My local chinese restaurant also made me a version of hot and sour soup so I got some decent flavor. We're only a few days away from pureed foods. You can do it!!!!!! Did you go for your esophagram yet? I went this morning and have my post-op visit on Thursday. All-in-all, I feel like I'm back to 100%. Only problem is, one of my incisions has been bleeding a bit the past couple of days, but the nurse at NYU I spoke with said it doesn't sound serious so I can wait until Thursday. Also, I actually think I have a little bit of thread from the stiches sticking out of one of the small incisions. I hope they can take care of that. How are you holding up, besides having a desire to cheat?

Thanks LadyHR for sharing. I'm happy to hear your pains are gone. I'll see what happens in the next couple of days and call if they haven't dissipated.

Definitely think I saw you. My room had a view of the nurse's station, so i got to see everyone that stopped there, especially Sunday morning.

LovliBabi21 - For much of Saturday, I was walking around with a floral robe on, until I actually changed into my own pajamas that evening -- it was so nice getting out of that hospital gown. I think I might have been the first to leave Sunday morning, bolting out of there around 9:30 after Chris cleared me. You? How are you feeling?

Hi Rhonda, I haven't started the pureed foods part of post-op -- I'm only four days out from surgery -- but I've already been thinking about what I can have in ten days (probably not the right way to look at things, but I've been on liquids for four weeks already so I can't wait for some substance). Some things I've come up with are: hummus, scrambled eggs (soft), applesauce, cream of wheat, blended meatballs, ricotta cheese (add some splenda or sugar free cocoa powder and it makes a good high Protein desert). Hope these ideas help. Good luck!

Hi All, I'm four days out from surgery and doing pretty well. i only have pain when I stretch my abdominal muscles getting out of bed or up from a chair. And I still can't sleep on my stomach. I'm dreading the thought of having to commute by train to work on Monday, so I hope this pain subsides soon. I guess the fact that I'm not one to stay in bed all day isn't helping much since I'm constantly up and down. Also, yesterday, something somewhat strange started happening. Three days out and I began getting these twinges/small pains in my chest. I guess it feels like slight heartburn. It's strange b/c it isn't only happening after meals, but really all day long no matter what I'm doing. I hope I didn't push myself too quickly -- I had cabin fever Monday and accompanied my mother to an appointment and then went to my grandmother's to get out of the house for a bit. Has anyone else experienced these weird bubbly twinges? If yes, have any insights on what they are or how to stop them? I have my esophogram Monday and post-op appt next Thursday, so I figure I'll ask the doc then if it continues. I hope it doesn't. Thanks, in advance, for any insights.

KimberlyNYC banded on June 23. This calendar is great. Thanks, Heather.

LoveliBabi21 - I did get banded Saturday. I went in for 11:30 am. Can't beieve it's over.

Hi fellow June bandsters. I have officially been banded. Got home from the hospital this morning -- Dr. Ren and the folks at NYU were great -- and am feeling pretty good. Hardest thing is getting up from sitting or lying in bed, but the doctor told me that's normal since the port is attached to muscle, you'll have pain for a few days as that muscle stretches. One thing I will say, I'm already sick of broth and it has only been one day. Not sure how I'll manage for two weeks until I can introduce soft foods. Oh well. Here's to a speedy recovery.

Hi All. I'm fairly new to the site -- just joined this week -- and can't believe I waited this long to start chatting with folks. Being banded tomorrow in NYC. It hasn't really hit me yet b/c I just learned today at 5pm that I was approved -- I had to postpone my first date b/c they hadn't rendered a decision yet -- and the surgeon's office squeezed me in. See you on the flip side.

LovliBabi21 - Last minute change in plans. Just got a call from Joahnna and a miracle happened. Cigna approved me and she was able to put me back on for tomorrow. Woo hoo. See you there!

LovliBabi21 - Looks like I'm off the schedule for tomorrow. Haven't heard from my ins co yet, so we need to postpone again. Good luck!

Cigna. Unfortunately, they tell you it can take up to 30 business days for predetermination, but mine has ben, supposedly, bumped to the highest level of priority, but that doesn't seem to be much. All I keep being told is that it is with a nurse for review, yet, a supervisor told Dr. Ren's office last week that we would definitely hear in time for surgery this Saturday. I'm not optimistic.

Hi LovliBabi21. I'm also scheduled for surgery this Saturday with Dr. Ren. However, I guess I can't get nervous b/c I don't think it's going to happen. I was supposed to have it this past Monday but my insurance approval had not come thorugh yet, so we had to postpone. Well, here we are on Thursday and it still hasn't come through. Three weeks now on Slim Fast. Not fun. Anyway, maybe I'll see ya this weekend. And to FatBoySlim, CONGRATULATIONS and thank you for the recap of your experience. I just hope I get to have a similar experience soon.

Hi! I'm also new here -- this is my first post. I'm currently on my pre-op diet and my doctor recommended Slim Fast Optima. I've been using the pre-made shakes and Rich Chocolate, Cappuccino and Milk Chocolate are doable. After the first day, I had some digestion problems, so in speaking with the nutritionist, she said I could switch to Slim Fast easy digest, however, things cleared up after my body adjusted so I did not have to make the switch. Good luck!