Adelaide

Does anyone have any tips about minimizing the scars? I have just started using "palmers cocao butter scar reduction serum"- I have no idea if it is working. I also have some stretch marks I am trying to fade, What are other peoples experiences of scarring, particularly those who have been banded a little while- how much scarring is left? Did you do anything to help it out? I am hoping to minimize all of it!:flypig:

I would most definitely consider medication at a blood pressure of 190 systolic. I am a cardio-thoracic nurse, and see many people with malignant hypertension, please don't let it get to a stage where it compromises your health- you can put pressure on so many arteries, may have hidden stenosis, and are at a higher risk of stroke. Without a doubt, research has shown that weight loss is one of the most effective ways of lowering blood pressure, so in time you may be able to come off or reduce medication. Until then, consider a beta blocker, there are also natural therapies which have shown some good results, talk to your local natropath. Best of luck!

WOW! what a rough time! In aust, we are kept in hospital overnight, so I was covered pain wise (when I wasn't trying to pretend I didn't have any) but it was excruciating at the time, and I didn't sleep in hospital. I believe there is no fluid in my band, so I don't know how that feels, I guess every doc is different- but I am now 10 days post op, and no residual pain, just tender to touch, and when I bend down. It will get better, and remember, we have made a very brave choice about fixing our health. I am only 27, and 6 weeks ago had a cholesterol level of 7.7. Bloods taken on wednesday show that it is now 4.4 (needs to be below 5.2) I think that in itself is reason enough.

Car, have you tried really cold water? It might just be that your stomach is so swollen it cant cope. I'd keep pestering the doctor's office, and even push them to let you talk to the doctor, and not fob you off, as I believe too much vomiting can shift the band.

I don't think that your two diet cokes will have caused any problems at all- My doc had soda's on his preop diet, and even post op, so don't worry. I haven't had anything post op, just because of what I have read on this forum about stretching the pouch. Keep your chin up, and don't look at this as a failure. If I was in your shoes, and feeling that way, I would probably use it as an excuse not to go through with it, so please keep positive. One little slip up is not the end of the world- but try not to head into the i've done it once, what difference would twice, 3times etc make- thats when a minor slip up becomes a big stuff up.

I don't think that your

As long as you try to avoid anything carbonated, I wouldn't imagine it would be a problem- You might just have to watch how much you can drink, as you will have lost weight, and arent eating as much to soak up the alcohol! No matter what, you will have a good time, but cheap night. Have you thought about what you will be able to eat at the wedding? I didn't tell anyone I was banded, other than my immediate family, so I am avoiding those social situations for a while. As long as it is 4 weeks after surgery, and you chew well, it probably wont be a problem, but maybe someone who has been banded longer than me might have a better idea (I was only done on the 23rd). Good luck, have a great time at both events!

I was banded on the 23rd, and I felt exactly the same way you do now. What I found helped was ibuprofen (if it is called the se thing in the US, it is an anti-inflammatory, just make sure you take it with milk, or something to protect your sore stomach) and the pain relief given by the doc- paracetamol helped (I think you guys call that acetomenephin). I used a heat pack on my shoulders and neck. Shoulder tip pain (particularly on the left side) is likeley caused by irritation of the diaphragm (it travels up the frenic nerve) so every time I drank, I found that it hurt to breathe, the pain was excruciating. I found taking it very, very slow helped. I had a few ups and downs emotionally, and still am, but I'll get there. The only other thing I can tell you is that the pain gets much better every day- I am still a little tender, but not much, and get tired, but I think I am pushing myself a little bit. The swelling has gone down in my stomach, so no more diaphragm pain, but it does mean I have very little restiction, so I am sick of the liquid diet! Not much longer though. Best of luck, just take it easy.