mousecrazy

I'm not a doctor, but even a week out from surgery, the pain you are describing could still be gas pains. Are you taking liquid GAS-X or something similar to that? Try a heating pad under your shoulder, or wherever it feels good to you. Try a warm bath. Move around, walk. It took a full two weeks for me to be free of the gas pains in my body. They are not just contained in the intestines! I know it is uncomfortable...you will feel better soon, though! Hang in there, and call the doc if it doesn't improve! Cindy

I have had to vomit since being banded, due to migraine headaches. It has been okay. I just had a new fill yesterday, done with flouro, and the band is perfectly fine. If you have any problems or symptoms that are different, though, I would let your doctor know immediately. Each of us react differently to situations, you know? Good luck, Cindy

Happy Friday! Dianne, have you ever said what kind of magazine you do? If you do, I don't remember...it seems like it would be really exciting! Eileen, thanks for taking the cake off...although I was considering it a character building experience! LOL! I actually had some trouble eating my SF popsicle...I have a feeling this fill is going to be a little different.... Darcy, how's it goin' today? Are you at the gym this morning, or taking it easy? Donna, I watched your video collage again last night, and got chills all over again! It's so cool! Sherry, I hope you are back to solid land already! And, I saw on the Christmas wish thread that you've shed those cruise pounds already! Great! Betty, hope you have some rest and fun planned for the weekend! Weekend plans...nada. The regular stuff, plus packing for DD's church camp, which begins next Tuesday. DH and I will drive her out there (about an hour away) Tues. afternoon. On this Sun. afternoon, the kids going to camp are having a swim (and ice cream...but not for me!) party at one of the kids' house as a kick-off party, and a way for them to kinda bond. That'll be fun since we actually like the families of the kids in Haven's group at church. So, that's about it...ready to face Day #2 of the ICAC Challenge!

Congratulations! I know you were an inspiration to me when I was just a newbie, and you still are! Have fun! Cindy

The amount of time it takes will depend on your insurance policy and company. It will also depend on your medical history, and how much of your previous attempts at weight loss are already documented by a doctor. Your insurance company may require more tests, or less tests. You'll get a range of responses, because of that. It took 4-5 weeks from the start of asking about it, to having the surgery, in my case. Good luck! Cindy

For me, it is not about what would be fun for me. I think about the stability of the family, and what is important for my DD. IMHO, too many people think only of themselves, and disregard the effects these decisions have on the children.

Gee, Kathy! That's a great picture, but I was hoping to see a picture of you in one of clubs here in Dallas...thought maybe I'd recognize you from back then! LOL! If I could figure out how to scan and post....

I just saw this thread, so posting a little late. You don't have to make your decision according to any deadline, and I do want to tell you what a positive experience it has been for me to be open about everything with everyone. I know I have probably helped at least a couple of people decide to investigate the surgery for themselves, and have helped to inform many others about the differences between this surgery and gastric bypass. I have had nothing but support. That said, I do know that all situations and people are different, and I do not have many "toxic" people around me, so that could make a difference. Good luck, whatever you decide...it's YOUR decision. And you can start off one way, and change your mind later if you want.

So far, so good. No confessions to make. The most delicious thing I've had all day is this chicken cup of soup I have beside me right now. I'd take a picture, but it wouldn't be as sexy as Eileen's cake! LOL! How 'bout ya'll? Betty, I'll cross my fingers for DH's interview...hope it all works out for him! I'll check back later; I'm expecting good news from our Day #1 ICAC Challenge (Ice Cream and Chocolate).

I call this feeling the "golfball" feeling. I get it most often with solid proteins, especially chicken. I can also get that feeling if I take too big of bites, or fail to chew really well. It's actually fairly common, so no need to worry that it's weird and harmful...I mean, you wanna avoid it, because it hurts, but a lot of us get that feeling. And Jachut is right, it is also the feeling we get when full, which is no longer located down in the stomach area, but up higher, in the chest more. You'll get used to the new feelings, and just remember to take smaller bites, and chew more. Hope this helps, Cindy

Hang in there, Darcy. Get a good book, and take a nice bath for some "get away" time. It's good to collect your thoughts, and he'll wonder what you're thinking... Love is love...it'll work out. That cake picture is just too close to porn for comfort! LOL!

I am prone to the first bite syndrome, too, especially on meat. I just had my third fill, so I know I will have to be very careful when I start adding real food again, which is usually in 3 days. I stay on liquids for 2, then mushies for one day. Another tip I learned on here is not to let yourself get really hungry, because that leads to taking a big first bite and not chewing enough...maybe that will help you, too.

Natashiki, be sure to post in the Introductions thread...you'll get more responses that are tailored to you! You are right that different doctors use different protocols...we just always advise people to follow what their doctor finds works the best, because your doctor knows you and your situation, and everyone is different. I'm glad you are excited! It is a big, exciting time...keep posting here, and you'll find lots of great support! Cindy

Her surgery center sounds very much like the one I went to...I had the upper GI thing, done with flouroscope, right before my DH drove me home. Everything went fine, and I was much happier being at home. I know I've read on here that some surgeons do require an overnight stay, and some patients are higher risk for various reasons, so it's all an individual thing.

All right! What a great group! I know we can do this! I just got home with my box of SF popsicles. Well, the fill was a little different this time...I came away with .6cc's...yes, a little more than I was thinking about. But, Amy (fill doc extraordinaire) and the guy with the flouro know how conservative and cautious I am, and according to the x-ray, I had very little restriction. I knew that since I could eat a plate of blueberry pancakes, with bacon, no problem. Oh yeah, she did the .2cc's, then I had to stand up and swallow the barium, and then we decided to do a little more, so I had to get stuck again, and the 2nd time hurt, which was new. It never hurts! I guess it's because it was already a little sore from the first time...but it's okay now. So, now I'm at 1.3 cc's total. Makes me a little nervous, but I'm ready. Eileen, what? Not sharing that cake, huh? What birthday is this for you, anyway? You must be getting close to 30 by now.... Darcy, how did the workout go? Did you make it safely past Starbucks? DD is spending the night with my sis tonight, so it'll be quiet around here! Hugs, Cindy

When you talk to anyone, jot down the name and date. I kept a little folder with notes, names, etc as I went...everything went smoothly for me, but just in case, I kept good info. It's just a good idea anyway. Have you chosen a surgeon? If so, his or her office will handle a lot of stuff with your insurance for you.

It is worth it! It is so important that you follow the doctor's instructions, and make sure the band is healed properly and fully. Think of the big picture, and take the opportunity to prove to yourself that you CAN DO THIS! It will be the single best thing you ever prove to yourself! You will be amazed a year from now what you have accomplished! Good luck! Cindy

Sherry, hope you get your land legs back really soon! Tell your DH I appreciate his nice comments, and glad you already bestowed the hug for me! Glad you are going to play with us on our little challenge! I am starting this challenge today...but if you want to start Monday, that's cool. I'm starting today, and going through next Friday...officially. That's one full week and then some. But if Darcy wants to go two weeks, then I'll go two weeks. What say you? I am up early because I had to get my coffee and oatmeal in before 6:30, because my dr. does not allow food or drink for 4 hours before a fill, and my appt is at 10:30. The place I go is about an hour's drive away, so I take a little cooler and a protein drink to have on the way home so I don't suffer too long! LOL! I'm psyched for 3 days of liquids...soups...fruit juice. I have a strange feeling that I want to exercise....am I losing my mind do you think? Should I seek professional counseling? Darcy, if cutting out ice cream and chocolate rids me of migraines, I will give them up forever! However, I just feel sure that those are not causing these headaches....surely not...no, it couldn't be that..... Day 1 of the CHALLENGE begins today! Hugs, Cindy

In a word, yes. They have to start sometime, right? I was in my 30s when I had my first migraine...I had them for a while, then they went away for a while. Then, they came back. I guess they can come in spurts. Everyone is different...is there any history of migraines or cluster headaches in your family? Your mother or father?

My fills are done without numbing shots, and under flouro. Takes less than a minute, and no pain.

Is it expensive or difficult for you to go in for a small adjustment? I know some people have to drive long distances or pay alot to do that. I don't, but others certainly do. If it's not a problem, I'd just make an appt., have them check what amount is actually in there, and bump it up by only .1 or .2 cc's. Then live with that for a while and see how it is. The reason I say to have them check the amount that is actually in there is to see if it has "evaporated" or leaked or anything....I hear that can happen, too. Good luck! Cindy

Wow! Sorry you had that unusual complication! You've got a few uncomfortable days to get through, but the recliner will help you a lot...I was okay in bed after the 1st day. I don't think I slept through the night for a few days...but I just expected it and it was over before it got to be too dreadful! LOL! Get through these few days, and it will all be behind you! I was driving on the 5th day, if I remember correctly. The main thing is take good care of yourself, and let that band heal in nicely...it'll save you lots of problems down the road! Good luck with everything, and keep posting! Cindy

I am being treated for migraines. Yours certainly sound like migraines...perhaps clusters. Try googling the topic and read someof the medical websites about the symptoms of each. Then, see your doctor. If you are having migraines, OTC meds will typically not help you at all. My doctor is trying Topamax as a preventative and we are working on adjusting the dosage to get the right effect. There are other treatments possible also...you will have to work with your doctor on them, and it may take some time to get it right. I am sorry about your headaches; I know how miserably painful they are. I get sick to my stomach also, but that's kinda of a new thing for me. I wish you luck in dealing with this problem, I really do. Cindy

I like Unjury, and for convenience I like Atkins Advantage, Chocolate. I buy them at Sam's by the case. I like to have them on hand for times when I need to keep a liquid diet for a few days (if I'm sick, or just had a fill). Good luck choosing yours! Cindy

I totally understand you. It's not a problem, and it easier to talk to those who "get it." We don't mind being here; that's why we're here! Just wanted to give you some security that if people knew, they might be more helpful than you thought...but there are LOTS of people who like to keep it private, and it's totally understandable. Cindy