Mamasahn

I have a terrible cold and have been coughing for a few days and today.... Oh my gosh, massive pain in the port sight. I feel as if the stitches are being pulled beyond their capacity or are in the process of coming out entirely. Has this happened to anyone? If so, does this correct itself or is this something I should go see the doctor about? Thank you in advance for all your help!

I just had my first big "stick". Without thinking I popped a piece of pork into my mouth and didn't chew much and swallowed. Immediately I was in a bad place. It hurt. I slimed a bit and had to stand over the sink for fear of throwing up. My question from this worrier to you all is this: Did I do damage to my band? I've been scared since it happened. And I'll tell you this, I will do my darnedest to make sure it never happens again! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Gayle, Thank you so much for your reply. I don't know what happened, I just freaked out. This thing in me is a precious thing and I don't want to damage it in anyway. I was scared. I kept thinking.... I've ruined everything.. I've just failed, again. Anyway, thank you again for your support. I really needed to focus and you helped me to do that.

I just had my first big "stick". Without thinking I popped a piece of pork into my mouth and didn't chew much and swallowed. Immediately I was in a bad place. It hurt. I slimed a bit and had to stand over the sink for fear of throwing up. My question from this worrier to you all is this: Did I do damage to my band? I've been scared since it happened. And I'll tell you this, I will do my darnedest to make sure it never happens again! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome, Amy! Congratulations on your surgery. I look forward to hearing about your journey!

I was my old self around two weeks after the surgery. I thought it would be faster but the port site just kept hurting. All is good now though. And you know, Amy, you're going to do great. You won't quit, not because you can't (because the truth is, you can) but because you're going to be so pleased and proud of yourself for making this tool work. You're going to smile bigger than you've ever smiled when you look at that scale and see your first 10 pounds off. And those first 10 pounds will probably come off in the first week or two. THAT'S what's going to keep you going. You should be able to go to work on Saturday. But you know, it's all about your body and how you handle it. I think the norm is 3-5 days away from work. Have a great night!

Consider the prayer said. I look forward to hearing from you after your surgery!

Hey, congratulations on your upcoming surgery. You'll do great. Like you I was scared to death and cried up until the moment they knocked me out. It only took 45 minutes and then I was done. From the moment I walked in the surgery center to the moment I walked out was only 3.5 hours. Take it easy and enjoy the weekend. Monday begins a new life.

Congratulations!! I was like you. In at 7:30, home by 1. And that includes the 1.5 hour drive home. I was on liquid meds for about a week. I'm thrilled you are banded and can't wait to hear about your progress!

I have a sweet tooth and since the band I've been able to recognize what cravings are and how to deal with them. If I go to the kitchen and browse for something sweet I know I'm not busy enough. That's the head hunger. For me it's been realitively easy to deal with. Good luck on your journey and let us know how you're doing.

I asked my nurse about the same thing except I described it as a shock. She said not to worry it's the permanent stitches holding the port in place being pulled. Normal and nothing to worry about.

After your first fill you'll have some restriction that will take the edge off of the hunger but you probably will need more than 1 fill to reach your sweet spot. I just had my third fill and I'm finally approaching my sweet spot. Keep up the good work and you will get back to that feeling you had right after your surgery.

Welcome.... I do not have diabetes but I know there are those on the forum that do and have gotten off of their meds entirely. Maybe try the general discussion thread for that question. I'm thrilled that you are taking this step and am eager to hear your story progress.

Woooo Hooooo! Congratulations!! Keep up the good work!

I was on anything I could get through a straw for the first week, then mushies for the second week and for the thrid and fourth week I was on normal foods. It was the thrid and fourth weeks that killed me. I was in "bandster hell" ready to resort helter skelter in order to curb my appetite. Once I had my first fill that all went away. I had that fill about 3.5 weeks after my surgery and have since had two more. Yesterday being my third. I am suspecting I'm either at my sweet spot or one fill away. I was banded on August 28th and have lost 31 pounds. Hang in there, after your fill you'll feel soooo much better!

I'm a stomach sleep also. My doctor said that there was absolutely no restrictions to how I should sleep or behave physically. I just had to progress at my own rate depending on pain. You'll do fine. After the pains go away you'll be back to sleeping however you want. :Banane30:

Nina, Nice to meet you. There are many doctors who will do surgery on individuals who have 35 BMI and above. Perhaps there are others in your area who are willing to see you? Also, you have the right to see whom ever you want for the psych exam. 700 questions seems a little excessive. From what you said I gather your insurance does cover the surgery if you prequalify, is that right? If so, that's awesome! I was covered also. My 17,800 surgery only cost me 50 bucks. I was truly blessed. If you would like to talk, feel free to message me anytime.

Benson, So sorry I didn't reply sooner. If it's a yeast infection it may go away on its own simply by keeping it dry and treating with neosporin, but you may have to get an otc vaginal yeast infection cream and apply a small amount to the area. That should take care of it fine for you. You hang in there and everything will work out beautifully. Just know that you aren't the only one going through all this and there will be support all over the place. I think my email is on my profile if you want to write anytime.

Hiyas back atcha. Congratulations to both of you. Fremeplz for the recent surger and Tizen for the upcoming surgery!

lblack66, I know exactly how you feel. I was banded on August 28th and was scared to death. I actually sobbed until they knocked me out. But it was over in 45 minutes and from the moment I walked in to the moment I left was only 3 hours and 50 minutes. If the anxiety is too much, your surgeon can prescribe a valium or two for the day of surgery. That's what they did for me. Consuelita, my surgeons said there were absolutely no restrictions what so ever due to the surgery. The restrictions from driving was based solely on the use of the narcotic pain killers. Make sure you ask at your pre-op appt. Congratulations to you all.

With me the head hunger is still there sometimes but I agree with Betsyjane, it is so completely satisfying when I can eat 1/4 of an avocado and 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese and be completely satisfied in my tummy. In my head I may want more, but feeling full makes it easy to walk away. I feel accomplished and proud. You'll do great.

Benson, I, too, am worried about all the extra skin. I know that I will have to get a tummy tuck for sure. I'm not sure about anywhere else. Thank goodness my insurance will cover that surgery. The doctors say that you should wait about 1-2 years before considering lifts because your skin will change so much. As far as the rashes under the tummy, put neosporin on it and it should do the trick for you. Once it is healed make sure you're keeping it dry. Sometimes those rashes are yeast infections so be careful. Have a great day!

Hi Amber, I can only speak from my experience. I have insurance and they covered the surgery too. In order for me to get it covered I had to go through a pre qualification process. First I had my consult with my surgeon and began my pre-qualification "behavioral modification", then another consult, date set and surgery. So, total for me was about 5 months. Your insurance may not make you pre qualify so maybe you will move a lot faster. Good luck and congratulations! -Augusta

Hi, I'm sorry I didn't see your questions earlier. Please understand that I am very new to all this. I have only had my band for a month and yesterday got my first fill. What I can address is the fear you are having as I was plagued by it also. My doctors have told me that I should not drink 15 minutes prior to eating up to 1.5 hours after eating. This is only to prevent the food from being made into a mush that will easily slide through your band. Like you, I do most of my drinking during meals and it has been very difficult for me to get used to, but on the other hand, would I rather be hungry right away? Nope, so I refrain from drinking with meals. Going out to eat, in my opinion, is possible but for me I think it would be difficult. Of course I may just be speaking from my newness to the who thing. What do I eat? How do I time it so I finish with everyone else? Etc, etc.... I have been told to order high protien meals, no bread (it is a problem food from most bandsters), try to avoid white foods (rice, potatoes, pasta) and then cut everything into very small bites. Chew well and take your time. Try to put your fork down after every bite so you can finish with everyone else. Again, Ron.... this is only what I have been told by my surgery center. I trust them completely as everyone who works in the center has been successfully banded. I am pretty sure my email is in my profile if you would like to email me... Yours was not, or I would have emailed this reply to you. I do not regret getting banded. I look forward to each day of learning and shrinking... Take care, Augusta

I am due for my first fill on the 24th of Sept. I was banded on the 28th of August. I have lost 12 pounds since banding. (22 lbs since 1 week prior to bandking) I was hoping for more, but am thrilled at this weight loss since this is the time for healing..... Great job to all of you. Augusta