peggy1011

My insurance actually required a 2 night stay. The first night I was grateful for, but the 2nd night was wayyyy too much for me. I couldnt stop thinking about my own bed, and my own pillows, and some peace and quiet!

I had the balloons, but they were just on my feet and ankles...didnt cover the entire leg. Kind of like getting a foot massage every few minutes (i did eventually kick them off though). I also had to have a swallow day 1 postop, which is routine for my doctor, to check band placement before I could be discharged. It wasnt barium, but some clear liquid...not the best tasting, but I only had to take a few sips, and didnt have any nausea or sickness afterwards.

I was taking the Flinstones chewables. I had my first postop visit with my doctor yesterday, and told her how much I hated them. I also questioned why i needed a chewable...when I'm able to take other pills. She finally relented and I can now take one a day. Thank God no more chewables. I also take a tums before every meal.

Thank You Terry, I'll give that fish a try as well---when I reach the eating fish stage (i'm in the mushy stage). I've noticed that a lot of people tolerate fish the best, and I was nervous, because like you...I dont like my fish to be the least bit "fishy". Any other helpful hints?

Definitely call your Doc and run it by him. All unexplained pain should always be checked out. If for nothing else, then your own peace of mind.

Congratulations, and happy journey!!!

Ange, I was really bloated too. In fact, 5 days after surgery, I tried to put on the pants I wore to the hospital for the surgery. I couldnt even button and zip them. It is normal, and it does resolve day by day. The key is to move around as much as possible. I was banded the 25th, and now those same pants are loose on me! Good luck...

I was banded 6/25, and the port site pain has finally decreased. It does remind me it's there if I roll over onto that side in bed, or twist funny. But I'm happy to report it DOES get better! Just take things day by day.

That is truely inspirational!!!! Thank you for sharing!

I was banded 6/25. The first week was all liquids. This past Monday, I was also able to add some soft foods such as mashed potatoe, cream of wheat, applesauce (2 tbsp total per meal). I didnt have any problems with it, and in fact, i think it helped me mentally, because I was actually eating something.

My doctor has advised me to have a childrens chewable vitamin every day. They taste so horrible, I want to gag. (and my kids actually liked them when they were little!). I'm wondering why I cant take a regular pill like One A day, etc. I'm taking my other pills regularly...so why not a vitamin pill. I have a dr's appt this Friday, and plan to ask him, but wanted to know if it's the same for all of you as well..... Thanks, Peggy

Sandra, You may want to give your Doc a call just to update him on the calf pain. Being a fresh postop, we're not as active, and run the risk of blood clot formation. The calves are a favorite spot for those to form in. Good Luck to you, Peggy

Thank you everyone for your responses and your encouraging words. I'm now 10 days postop and feeling much better. You guys are awesome!!!! Peggy

Sandra, Mine is in the same place too. Initially it hurt a lot, but every day it's better. I am now 10 days postop and I can definitely move around much easier. If I overdo, it reminds me that it's there and it's still healing. Good luck to you. Peggy

You're doing great!!! Congratulations.

I had my surgery 6/25 as well. Felt the same, but am definitely improving. I'm still wondering if I did the right thing...and I really wish that feeling would go away. My adult children look at me and ask why I'm starving myself. I try to explain all the particulars, such as this being the postop stage, and I will gradually begin to eat normal food again, and all the health benefits long term. The look of suspicion never leaves their eyes. I think if they had it their way, they'd admit me to the hospital tonight and tell the Doc remove it. But as for the physical aspects, things do improve..day by day. I can actually move around just about normally, and last night good actually sleep on my side. Good Luck to us all!!!

I was banded 6/25/07 as well. Today I feel pretty good! Was able to add cottage cheese, mashed potatoes and hummus to my intake. Nothing ever tasted so good! Good Luck to us all.... Peggy

I didn't have a catheter. In fact, they wanted me up and moving as soon as possible. That in itself helps get the gas moving.

I just had my band done this past monday 6/25. My doctor wants me out of work for 2 weeks--even though I have a sedentary job. Come to think of it, i'm not so sure I could sit at my desk for 8 hours quite yet. I still have a tremendous amount of bloating. I think they pumped enough gas into my abdomen to make me float like a helium balloon!!! So, while I'm recovering, I'm trying to keep busy. I haven't watched daytime TV in a long long time, and it's just not for me. Has anyone else noticed how much FOOD related stuff is on tv? From cooking shows to commercials, we're flooded with it. Hard for someone to watch that stuff when all you can have is liquids.

I was on a clear liquid diet for 3 days prior to the surgery. I've read other posts where people were on liquid diets for 2 weeks or so before hand. Others have had no special diet. It's all doctor specific. Good luck with the insurance maze.

Best of luck to you...let us know how you did!!!

Dawn, thank you for the support. And I'd LOVE for you to be my weight loss buddy!!!

I was just banded 6/25/07, and have the same feeling, but it is starting to come and go, rather than be constant. I'm trying to be active and adhere to all the instructions. My biggest problem is I'm soooo bloated. I had trouble putting on a pair of pants yesterday (i've been living in my jammies since I got home). When does this swelling go down??? Peggy