sherita

I was banded May 18th of 2005, I went 5 weeks out for my post op and check for a possible fill, I have lost 20lbs and did not get a fill because of so much lost in such a short amount of time.... (totally cool with this) My question is that I am having some discomfort in the port area kinda like a tugging and sometimes if I move a certain way I get a really sharp pain. Has anyone experienced this? I am seeing Dr. Spivak this thursday for a fill and I just want to make sure of what I am feeling and If it is normal or not. I can eat a whole hamburger and I am full for hours-sometimes all night. I figure I am not supposed to eat this much correct? I have not lost anymore nor have I gained anything. I also am very very tired, literally like a noodle some days. What is a good liquid Vitamin that one may suggest? Thanks everyone Sherri

Well, I experienced my first two PB's this weekend...... OMG..... I will never again make the mistake of eating something that is dry. Anyhow, I am almost 4 weeks post-op and on soft foods like chicken and fish and vegetables- I seem to feel some restriction (I think) so I wanted to check with the pro's on this. I get the sensation that I am about to have a PB if I swallow that last bite. Does this sound like restriction. I can only eat about 1/2 cup of Soup that has consistancy to it like chicken. I am going this thursday for a possible fill and I dont want to go through the process of discomfort as I have read with others and them getting their fill. I guess I am kinda scared to have him touch anything. This is such a new way of life for me and I am 20 pounds down and loving my band. I would like to hear about some of you and your 4 week milestones if you wouldn't mind just to see if I am on track. I know that everyone is different but all seem to have alot of simularity. Thanks for the support you guys...... Sherri

Welcome.,,,,, OOps! exuse me. It's life as a bandster.... Sherri

Ok, I am now 3 week post op and 18lbs down, I am unsure as to whether I am eating right or not so someone please direct me and tell me if I am hurting myself. WATER..........always Breakfast: Protein Drink from GNC: 35 grams, 1g sugar, 2 carbs Snack: small applesauce lunch: Soup (cream or tomato) getting OLD! Dinner: Last night: 2 eggs smashed with Miracle whip light in a 1/2 of a wheat pita thinly sliced and I chewed and chewed and chewed and chewed and chewed. Snack: skinny cow Today however I am really tired, did I do something wrong?????? Sherri

I am in the mushy stage- but would that consist of me putting crackers in tomato soup? It isn't bothering me. I just bought some liquid vitamins and I will take that tonight. I do not want to mess myself up here but I am getting hungry again unless I do like tomato soup with crackers or pita.

Ok- I am now 2 weeks post -op :laugh, but how come I am still experiencing alot of belching even when I drink Water? I try to drink really slow- I eat yogurt-etc and it sounds like I'm a human perculator- is this normal and what advice can you give me. I am in the mushy stage- now lost 16 pds and counting. Sherri

I cant seem to get my ticker working

You guys are so funny.....Thanks for the replies. I was kinda worried because prior to my banding I was on nexium for reflux and I was told by my doctor that I didnt need it anymore once he placed my band. Also, any other suggestions for the muchy stage besides cream Soup, yogurt and applesauce. Sherri

My main concern is that I am not harming my band or stomach with the belching

Hang in there stacey it does get better. Try a warm heating pad where you are sore and this will help alot. Did you get any liquid pain medication? Take it because it surely helps. It took me at least 1 week until I was feeling a little better. All that gas makes you feel horrible so please try to walk a little. I got up every 30 minutes and walked to my back yard and back to the couch. Sip,Sip,Sip on liquids to keep yourself hydrated. Warm chicken stock is great. I totally agree that you should not be swallowing whole pills- at this time your esophogus and stomach are so swollen it would make anyone miserable to have to get that through. I would call your doctor and see about liquid medication (or the pharmacy) any antibiotics will make someone feel nausea, like I said try some chicken stock it helps. Hang in there girl-it does get better. I am 11/2 weeks post op-Dr Spivak. Sherri

ok whoa.....now I am scared, I had my band 5/18 with Spivak- I did alot of research and found that he was the best... I am sooo sorry to hear about your erosion- I will say my prayers for you and wish you the best of luck-hang in there! Sherri

I understand that every surgeon has their own set of rules and mine is no exception to the rule but I am still a little confused as to where I should be in the eating realm at this point. I had my banding 5/18/05 with Dr. Spivak. On my release paperwork he stated that for the first 24-48 hours to do Clear liquids then afterwards start on mushy foods the consistancy of baby food. I do not want to do anything that would jeopardize my health at this point, so I waited until one week post-op to switch to baby food consistancy. I made some chicken Soup yesterday and put it in the processor until it was moist and just like baby food, then I ate about 5oz and it was wonderful..... was this wrong? I have read everything and I am just confused as to the best way. Also, is rice milk ok to drink along with a rice Protein powder for the protein needed or do you guys have recommendations on drinks. Already prepared would be easier for me. I do not know what full feels like at this point because I get such bad gas with whatever I eat or drink I cannot necessarily destinguish whats what. Still in the learning curve I guess? I hope you guys do not get too frustrated with us newbies but I think one can read and understand the severity of not following instructions but also you guys have had it longer and are alot more educated with the "real world". Thanks for your understanding and help........I look forward to hearing from you. Sherri

I am a bandster as of 5/18, I am also a bracelet maker. I would love to come up with something just for us bandsters for medical id's. I make everything out of genuine accessories (i.e- swarovski crystals, sterling silver, gold etc....) If anyone is interested I will come up with something special and have alot cheaper rates than these others. Sherri

I am 5 days post op and still having pain at the lower left side and it really hurts when I breath in. I spoke with my doc today and it is where they go in to do the laproscopic procedure-so it is the most munipulated area especially your diaphram. It will pass- take an ice pack and it helps along with your pain medication. walk walk walk is the key. I wouldn't get any adjustments until you are completely healed from surgery. Best of luck with your recovery. Sherri

Good luck......this is the beginning of the rest of your life. Sherri

I am 4 days post op banding and I am not feeling really well. Everytime I drink I get this pain in the middle of my chest under my breast and I have to bend over to relieve it- then I burp and it kills me. Am I drinking to fast? Also, I am having alot of pain in my left shoulder and lower left side which does not allow me to breath in very deeply without extreme pain. The loratab elixer helps somewhat but from what I read with others they are feeling better by day 4. Am I doing something wrong. I am on soft mushy foods and liquids ie: sugar free pudding, popsicles, mushy mashed potatoes. I use a heating pad for the pain in my shoulder and lower left side which helps a little bit. I am taking gas-x and that doesn't help at all. Could it be because I am not taking nexium anymore? My doc took me off it the day of surgery. I am sorry for all the questions but I am very lost right now and need you guys help.

how do you add the ticker at the bottom of your messages?

I really want to commend all of you for your replies. If it weren't for this support group, I do not know how anyone would get by. In all honesty, the doctors offices are so saturated with patients that they seem to forget the ones who just had it done and all the questions and problems we go through. I am in no way cutting them down because they are doing a wonderful service to us- it's just sometimes they are just sooo busy. I would love to meet everyone, however I live in Spring and its hard to get on the other side of town for meetings. Is there any other places to meet? Again, thank all of you for the words of incouragement and hope. I don't even know you personally but I love ya'll. God bless each and every one of you..... Sherri

My sheet that was given stated 24-48 hours liquid , then stage 2 for 4 weeks which is mushy stage. Should I stay on liquids?

I am new to this site and may I say you guys are great people. I went to a seminar today that Dr. Speigal put on. I do not know who is better when it comes to this surgery Spivak or Speigal. Could you guys help me with what you know about both of them in order to help me with my decision. Thank you in advance. Sherri

I am in Houston and have United Healthcare EPo