gilta

I am so sorry you are going through this. I wish there was something I could say or do to help you. You will get through this and you will be a stronger person for it. He is not worth crying over. Just think, if he did this to you, he probably had done it to her and will continue. These types of guys do not change. (Trust me, I was once married to one) Believe in yourself, your family and your friends. They will be there for you during this "rough" time. Remember - this is all about you, not some stupid jerk that isn't worth it. Hugs

My hospital stay was not fun either. I wish I had gone home! The gas pain will go away eventually, but it does stick around for quite a while. I am 3 weeks out and occasionally get bloated or pain in my shoulder. Take your pain meds on time and keep a heating pad near you. It does help! Good luck.

Good luck! I am sure everything will go fine. Let us know how you make out.

Yes, every MD is different. I am also on the wait 3 weeks before adding in new foods. I am up to cottage cheese, cream Soup, and that sort of consistency. My pain in my shoulder is just now starting to fad and I am 3 weeks out. If I eat too much or too fast I notice it quicker. I guess it is a good signal to stop.

Hi All, Here is my latest: Since Jan - Down 31 lbs Since Surgery - Down 20 lbs Since last Friday - Down 5 lbs Exercise this week - walked 2 times for about 1.5 miles Let's hope it keeps going 5 lbs a week! I know I will slow down, but I am enjoying seeing the scale move fast. My clothes still fit. . I was hoping at least 1 thing would be too big so I can replace it.

thanks for the notes! I am very happy so far. I think the hardest part is the head hunger!

I can feel my port, but not my band. I have lost about 20 lbs since the surgery 3 weeks ago. I had a hard time eating and drinking. Until about 2 days ago, I was lucky if I got 1/4 cup per meal in me.

Unfortunately, I do not like refried beans. I was told to hold off on beans because they cause so much gas. They say the skins can cause problems as well.

Congratulations on being banded! I tried to get out of my chair and walk every 1/2 hour. I don't know how far I walked or how long. I did not have many calories so I tired easily. I used gas X strips which helped a lot as well. Good Luck!

Hi All, I had my surgery on 8/1/08 and I am still a bit bloated. I tried on a pair of pants that I wore before surgery and they are still a bit tight. I have lost about 11 lbs since the surgery so you would think I would not have a problem. Did anyone else have this? I will be going back to work next monday so I need some pants to fit! Thanks, Gilta

I am still not able to lay on my left side yet. I get nauseated when I lay on that side. Someone on the site mentioned that it is due to the way the stomach is positioned when laying this way. I hope you both are feeling better. It did take me until day 5/6 to really feel that I had gotten past the worst of it. Gilta

Hi ~ I had a horrible amount of pain for the first 5 days. I could barely drink anything because I just felt so full and nauseated. Make sure you take your pain medication on schedule, that will help. I kept walking as much as I could and that did help some. I used a heating pad on my shoulder as well. It does get better and you will be happy with your decision once the pain and swelling goes down. Gilta

Teri - I did not really sleep in the overnight stay, but it gave me a chance to get started on the walking. I walked every 1/2 hour and according to the note by the nurses station, I walked a mile and 1/2 that night! Good luck on your journey Gilta

Hi All, I had my surgery on Friday. Luckly no colon cleanse! I have heard that my come with the liquid phase I am in now. Liquid in, liquid out. My surgery took a bit longer due to previous abdomnical surgery. I was in surgery for 3 hours instead of the planned 2 hours. I went in at 7:30am and woke up in my room about 3pm. I was up and walking by 3:30pm. I had pain in my back and shoulder. I had my barium swallow and was told all is well. The MD informed me he put in 2 cc's into my band. He said he has some patients who say they don't ever need a fill. We shall see. I am having a bit of a hard time getting all the protein and liquids they want me to. Right now I can do about 20 oz and they want 40. I am sure with time I will get there. The only pain I have is at my port site (more of pulling when I get up) and the pain in my shoulder/back. I hear that is from the gas. I am still sleeping in a recliner because I cannot lay down flat yet. Hope all is well with the previous banders and welcome the newbies. Barbie you are on your way. Gilta

Good luck to both of you! Things are about the same, except I think the gas is finally moving. My shoulder is still very sore, but I have heard it can take up to a week to get ride of. Gilta

Hi, I was banded on Friday and I still have no hunger at all. I am still waiting for any gas to pass, no burps no nothing. My port site pulls when I get up, but other than the pain in my shoulder, I don't have much. Today I had 3 oz of Protein drink, 3 tsp yogurt, 1/2 popcycle and then another 3 oz of Protein Drink. I know this is not enough. I don't drink anything before I eat and I wait 1/2 hour after. It takes me almost 1 - 2 hours to drink the protein. Any suggestions on getting me moving? I know I should appreciate not being hungry right now, but the gas is awful. Thanks, Gilta

Thanks for replying. It is nice to know this is normal!

Hi Moe, Glad to hear that all went well! Since you shared your story, I will share mine here as well. I went in at 6am as well. The hospital I went to do the band all the time, so they had all the right equipment ready for me. The IV was painless and I don't remember anything after they gave me the versed until I was in my room. My surgery took 3 hours due to a previous abdominal surgery. He had to cut around scar tissue, but at least he was still able to do it with the lap version. I finally got out of bed around 3pm. It took me about that long to wake up. They had me on morphine, but asked to switch because it knocks me out too much. I was given fenergyn, but stopped after 2 doses. I did have severe back and shoulder pain. I could not lay down in the bed because of this. I ended up walking every 1/2 hour during the night. I did have a barium swallow so they could see the position of the band and it was fine, so they started me on Water and pudding. I really could not eat very much. Yesterday I came home by noon and other than the pain in my shoulder and back, I am ok. I just cannot seem to pass any of this gas! I have tried eating and drinking the Protein, but I am just not able to get much in me. I try to wait 1/2 hour after drinking before eating, but I am just not feeling like it. I guess that is a good thing! My surgeon put in 2cc into the band, so I am sure it is me getting used to this. I am glad that I have it already so I am on my way. Gilta

Good luck to those who go tomorrow! Gilta

My surgery is schedule for 7:30am tomorrow. I am excited to start on my journey. Gilta

I am there with the gas pains too. I am 2 days post op and my left shoulder is killing me. I have not had any noise/movement, so I think I will need to take something. What do you suggest? Gilta

Hi All, I was banded yesterday. It went well, but due to a previous surgery there was a lot of scar tissue the surgery went for 3 hours. I am home now, but have a bit of pain in my back that I think is due to the gas. How did the rest of you do? Gilta

Will do! I had not heard about the "colon" cleanse, so we shall see. Gilta

Moe - sounds good to me! I will post when I get back. I stay overnight in the hospital so it will be Sat/Sun before I am back on. Gilta

Moe - we have 2 things in common, band date and ;love of the Red Sox! See you on the other side. Greg - good luck on the 14th. Gilta