CallMeJim

Hi Steve-- yes, I'm 50. Can hardly bring myself to say that. It sounds so old and came so fast. I swear, since I turned 50 in September, I've really began to fall apart-- arthritis, more frequent heartburn, easily depressed, yada, yada, yada. Plus I have had high blood pressure for years. It's not a good recipe for longevity. Perhaps a good thing though, because I think that's what finally pushed me over the edge to have WLS. That, plus the realization that I would never be able to take the weight off AND keep it off without some help. My prayer is that my new band will provide that extra help. So here I am, and yes, I would agree that I don't bounce back as quickly as I used to, but I'm pretty much on the timetable my doc said to expect. Good luck to you. Do you have a pre-op diet to do? Jim

Greetings Mama, Free and Ginger-- We're all getting better and making progress. That's cool, isn't it? So glad to hear from everyone. Have a good day! Jim

It's going to be good! If you're feeling nervous at all, don't be afraid to tell your doc. They are used to that and will fix you right up.

Welcome to both of you. Come on over to the monthly support forums. They are excellent for talking to folks who are at a similar point on their journey. In addition, you can go back to previous months and sort of get a glimpse of the way things will be in your future. Good luck!

My surgery was on the 7th as well. Weird, but the gas pains started YESTERDAY and they are exactly as you describe. I hadn't had any gas at all but when I switched from my liquid vicodin to regular tylenol they showed up. Very painful in the shoulder and even in my neck. Couldn't even take a deep breath. I flapped my arms like a chicken (saw that advice in sereral places on this board). I asked my nurse and she said to hold a pillow to my stomach and roll around on the floor. I'm also trying to do a lot of walking. This morning I feel much better! It's early yet, so we'll see how things go the rest of the day. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Congrats-- sounds like my experience. Any pain in your neck or left shoulder? Get your rest!

Good job-- sounds like you're doing great!

Thanks-- the gas pains have really been doing a number on me today. I'll try the Gas-X.

Same here-- just finished three days of "clears." Now I can have anything that will go through a straw (don't have to actually use a straw) plus yogurt, etc. Sounds like a feast! The Magic Bullet better get ready for a workout.

Hope everyone had a great experience!

Thanks All-- looks like we're all having fairly similar experiences. That's a good thing, I think.

Hey Steve-- thanks. I dozed for a couple more hours and feel pretty good now. I have to drive to KC for my "band study" today so I'm just going with the "plain" Tylenol so I can stay awake! All in all things have been great, and they will be for you as well! Trust me, 2/5 will be here before you know it. Do you have a pre-op diet? Jim

My doc doesn't forbid it. She did point out that it is a diuretic that stimulates gut motility and increases appetite however. Probably best to avoid, but I guess I already knew that...

Wow-- I've been on clear liquids since 24 hours before surgery. Before that I had my bowel prep. and got myself completely cleaned out, so I haven't had anything even close to um, uh well, you know. I go in for a band study today (barium swallow and x-ray) and then begin on full liquids after that. Hopefully that will get things moving.

I had surgery yesterday. I am on clear liquids until tomorrow and then full liquids for three weeks and then mushies for three weeks. Right now a nice cup of soup sounds really good.

I second (third?) all that! Your feelings are completely normal.

Way to go Renee--Congratulations and best wishes! Thanks for the update and glad things went so well. Jim

I felt no pain when I woke up. Just a little sore throat from the tube. Today is day 2 and I am pretty sore, but staying on the meds and following the rules. Time will heal these wounds.

Good to hear Chrisann. Sounds like NukeChik and racetrackweary are doing great as well. There's another large group being banded today. Hopefully they will check in later.

cool-- thanks!

Thanks G-Bean. I'm going to save these.

Hi Chrisann-- How are you doing? I've been thinking about you, knowing that you had some rocky times shortly after surgery. Is it getting any better? I'm sure it will soon! I'm pretty sore today, just laying around and taking it easy. Trying to drink a lot of liquids and go for a short walk every couple of hours. Our bodies are amazing creations and time will heal these wounds. Jim

Hi All-- Jaymie- yes-- it was a major burden lifted, and a big relief! Luvs-- I think your feelings are completely normal. You will do great! Benson-- I do recall them saying something about a putting a med for my stomach in the IV. I'll bet you are exactly right. Thanks for the info!

Thanks saleel22-- you are exactly right!

Hey Shirley-- I think most folks get hungry once their swelling goes down. Perhaps you just healed up faster than most. What are you allowed to have? My rule for three weeks is "anything that can go through a straw and don't worry about losing weight-- just heal!" I'm planning to eat as healthy as possible, but I'm not focusing on dieting as I already know I will fail at that. I like Soup and there are certainly many varieties available. Also bought some unflavored Protein to sprinkle in. Take a look at the food/recipe forum for on this board for some ideas as well. I know it's not going to be easy, but you are not alone and you CAN do it. Hang in there. Jim (feeling pretty sore this morning)