Kari

Hi All, There must be something to it, if all of our doctors say carbonation isn't good there must be a reason. It makes sense when you think about it; carbonation is air and it could stretch the pouch. Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having the band? I used to drink seltzer and soda every day, but since July I haven't touched it. I look at it this way; I went through the surgery to get this fantastic tool - why would I do something that would work against it's purpose? I guess it's a personal decision. Good Luck.

Hi All, I was banded on July 26th and have only lost 35 lbs. to date. My question is I notice that there are stages to the recovery period; at first I horrible spasms, then a week or so later; I experienced almost a contraction-like pain a couple of times; then the never-ending burps came; all this has passed now. Most recently, I'm having a tough time swallowing anything that isn't chewed well - it has to be almost pureed textured to get and stay down. I had a meatball for dinner last night and it came back up after swallowing. Bread is out of the question and if I forget to chew really well, I get the hiccups and a pressure-like feeling for a couple of minutes and then it passes. I haven't had any fills yet and was wondering if anyone else was experiencing something similiar to this restriction feeling? I have a doctors appointment this week and I'm curious what he'll say. BTW, can any of you sleep on your port-side yet? I'm still not comfortable laying on my belly or port-side. Thanks in advance for replying.

Hi Everyone - I have a question; doesn't the lapband surgeon also evaluate the gall bladder when he puts the band in? It would make sense to me. Mine didn't mention anything about it, but another patient said that she heard they take it if they need to. I'm one month out and having terrible pains in my stomach at least 2 times a day. I notice it's when I'm hungry, but I've never experience hunger pain like this! It's so painful it makes me nauseous. I'm praying it's not my gall bladder. I'm calling the doc this afternoon. Good luck to all.

Hi All - not exercising yet. I had a tough time after surgery, espohgas spasms and was losing feeling in my upper thigh. The doc says both are normal, the leg thing is from laying on the operating table for an hour, he said that must of tweaked a nerve in my back. It's a lot better, but if I stand to long it feels like my skin is burning. It's been so darn hot, I haven't been out. Tomorrow I plan to go to the mall and walk. I haven't had pasta or bread in 4 weeks, can't be that. I know I'm retaining water, but I'm not eating a lot of salt.

Micki - I was banded on 7/26 and per doc, he put me on mushies pretty quickly. Egg beaters, or pureered chicken (I diluted with chicken broth) and soft fish. I pretty much use common sense at this point. I've tried low sodium deli turkey (no bread) with a little fat free gravey and it goes down with no problem. Yum! No matter what I eat, I chew until it's pulverized. Good Luck.

Wow, your all doing great. I have question; my surgery was on July 26th and the first week I lost 21 1/2 lbs. since then I haven't lost anything and I'm only eating a 1/4 of what I used to. I can't figure out why I'm not losing more. I'm doing the vitamins and protein shakes but the weight isn't coming off like I think it should. Any advice?

Jack - you said; ... the peristaltic movement of the lower digestive tract is effectively stopped (temporarily) by this kind of procedure....check with your surgeon to see what he might suggest if it's a problem.... I wasn't aware of that, are you sure? Is this why some folks don't have a normal BM?<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Gene - Your my hero ! Thanks for taking the time to forward the information. I'll call tomorrow morning. I'm in NJ, so hopefully they have some retailer locations here.

Gene - Didn't see the CarbWise, next to the coffee only CANDY (smiles). Could I trouble you to see if there's a website on your containter? I tried to Google it but it didn't come up. Thanks.

Gene - your post about the Cappuccino intrigued me so, that I went to Walmart last night to buy it. I didn't see anything called Carb Wise, what isle did you find it? I did see Hills Bros Cappuccino French Vanilla drink mix but it was loaded with carbs, is this the same one? It was a brownish/red container. I love coffee drinks too and this sounds like it could be my new favorite drink.

Alex - Were the Fills painful? I experienced esophagus spasms after my surgery and am hoping that I don't have them when I get a fill. Did you go to MM or Abkin's office?

Alex - How many fills have you had? Hard to believe 1 plum would satisfy someone for hours & hours. Kudo's to you.

Well, tomorrow @ 5:30am - I will have my butt at the hospital for surgery! I did the 'only' fluids today and I have NO idea how people can do this for a week prior to surgery. I didn't have hunger pains, but the diarrhea is almost uncontrollable. I guess if I had to do this a week, I'd experience hunger pains too. Kudo's to the folks who have do the fluids for a week or more. Thank you all, for your support and mostly sharing your inner thoughts with the rest of the world. I've been reading everyone's posts and have found it to be of incredible value. Thank you all! I'm off to bed to catch a couple of hours sleep. I'll be back soon. Good luck to everyone who's scheduled this week and next.

Jachut - My doc said; eat protein first then veggies. I'm also taking a bunch of vitamins since I'm not consuming the same amount of foods. You should talk to a nutrionist who is well informed about the lifestyle after gastric banding. You are the only one who can decide if this is right for you or not. I just got banded on 7/26 and went out tonight with 14 people for dinner. I felt fine and wasn't bothered by everyone ordering appetizers and desserts. I had a broiled fish platter and ate until I was full, about 4 oz and I was done. I did ate a little of the baked potatoe but I wasn't hungry. There may not be a lot of long-term studies, but it's been around for a long time (10yrs+) and even longer in the UK. There are many studies that confirm obesity has negative effects on a healthy lifestyle and can even cut one's life short (heart attack, diabetes, stroke, etc..). Only you can decide what choice to make. Remember, this is a reversible surgery - God forbid you get sick and need to eat more. Good Luck!

Dogs for sure! Lobster or Prime Rib ?

I was banded on July 26th too! Last week I went to the doc for my one-week post op and he said to venture to lumpy but not solid food yet. Like, cottage cheese (yuck), scrambled egg beaters, stuff like that. He said that you want to have some food in your stomach, so your not hungry. If we only have liquids, it goes right through. I took him for his word, went home and had a small portion of scrambled egg beaters! Fake eggs, never tasted better ! Yummy.

I was banded on July 26th. The first week, I didn't even think of food - I was in a lot of pain with esophagus spasms. Once I found out I wasn't having a heart attack, they eventually went away after six days. I was wondering too, if I wasn't getting the 'full' feeling and something was wrong. After my one week post-op appointment with the surgeon, he said I have a good start - I lost 21.5 lbs in one week! Yippee! I am starting to notice when I'm eating that I eat because it's in front of me, not because I'm hungry. I just returned from a 'family night dinner' at a local restaurant. After I ordered I asked for a 'doggy bag' right a way and removed everything, but what I thought was 4 oz. of food. It's starting to work for me. I love this site, it's so nice to know your not on the journey alone. Thank you all!

Angie - Be careful with the BOOST shakes, it's loaded with Carb's. I was told to keep the shakes below 5g of carbs if possible. You can find samples of shakes at www.vitalady.com this way you don't have to spend a small fortune to find out you don't like it. I'm using Designer whey (chocolate), and I like it a lot. Good Luck - Kari

Tina - Congrats on your Band ! You sound like you had a heck of a time too. I can't imagine going back to work until these esophagus spasms are gone. I hope you don't have to work a full day, you'll be beat! I only did liquid the day before surgery and now have graduated to pureed foods. Do you feel a restriction? I think I do, I can't tell yet. I'm not hungry but I think it's cause I know it's going to hurt when I swallow. I weighed myself 5 days after surgery and lost 21 1/2 lbs, that has got to be water! Some day soon I'll be able to get both legs over that darn hurdle !

Hi Everyone - surgery was a breeze BUT on the 2nd day out of surgery I started esophagus spasms. Good Lord, I thought I was having a heart attack! It hurts every time I swallow or burp, it feels like someone is squeezing your chest. It doesn't last long but WOW it stops me in my tracks. Today is the 6th day and it's better but not gone - can't wait to catch more than 5 hours of sleep at a time. I hope your all well and enjoying your summer. Thanks for your good wishes and I'm sure I'll be back to 'normal' soon.

Hi Cindy, I wish you a speedy recovery. I too have esphagial spasms, since surgery this past Tuesday. It hurts to swallow or even burp, it feels like someone squeezing your chest for 15 seconds - the pain is so bad it stops me in my tracks. I can't imagine going to work like this. I called the doc because I thought I was having a heart attack, and he said that it was esophagial spasms not everyone gets them, but nonetheless I had them. He didn't prescribe anything other than; drink, walk and pee. I can't drink the 60 oz, because it's so painful - but I'm trying. I sure hope this is something that we go away forever, otherwise I might be sorry I decided to have the surgery. I wish you well, and hope you get rid of these awful pains quickly.

Hi, I had surgery two days ago and it was a breeze compared to the esophagus spasms! Did anyone ever have these, it's horrible ? I can't sleep more than two hours and I wake up with them. The doc says it's normal and to keep drinking - but knowing it's going to hurt everytime I drink or burp - it's tough! Any tips or suggestions ?

Hi Everyone, Surgery was a breeze but these esophagus spasms are unbelievable! It feels like I'm having a heart attack everytime I swallow or burp. I haven't been able to sleep more than 2 hours at a time, the pain is bad. The doc said it's normal, to drink and walk - but I don't want to drink when I know how much it's going to hurt when I swallow. Has anyone had this ? How long did it last, I'm on day two and it's the same amount of pain. I don't have any other pain, maybe the esophagus is a diverson from the incisions - but honestly there not painful at all compared to swallowing. :sick

Hi, I was banded on Tuesday too! Morristown Memorial in New Jersey. I feel pretty good except for esophagus spasms, are you having them too? It hurts everytime I swallow - I hope it goes away soon. I hope you don't have them. Good Luck to you!

Hi Everyone, My surgery is on Tuesday, July 26th at 7:30am, I'm also nervous. I didn't have to do liquids, but I was very observant of what I ate last week. Today I decided to eat only easily digestable foods and tomorrow is liquid only. I have to be in the hospital by 5am for prep. This website is terrific for everyone to share their thoughts and also give us their insight to the process. I wish you all a TON OF LUCK, I'm looking forward to wearing shorts next year (I hope) - I've been hiding in long pants since 1990.