kinserj

Oh man!! This definitely tells me I'm overfilled. I also had my first fill on 12/17 and just thought I was experiencing a lot of swelling. My Protein shakes were getting "stuck" yesterday-for only about 10-15 seconds-but stuck is stuck I'm doing better today and am feeling a little less tight, but still definitely have to take small sips of my Protein Shakes. There's NO WAY I would even consider trying puréed, I'm not sure how big my band is, but the doc said he put in about 4 1/2 cc's. Thought that sounded like an aggressive fill, but everyone is different. I drank two Dixie cups of Water before I left and did not experience any bubbling or gurgling, I just felt tight. However last night I felt a little gurgling and am experiencing a feeling of indigestion; which I have not experienced since having surgery. I called the doc's office and wasn't able to get in yesterday but the doc called me back and said he would make a special trip to remove some Fluid. I felt bad because I wasn't sure if it was just swelling and I was overreacting or if I was truly overfilled, because he asked me if I was gulping and if so, it's normal because I shouldn't be taking such large drinks. I didn't think I was gulping, but of course second guessed myself on the phone with him. Has anyone ever experienced an overfill? How much should I ask them to remove to be comfortable? Christmas is this week and I don't want to be uncomfortable and unable to eat anything I know that sounds bad, but I wouldn't feel this way of it weren't for the holiday, and it totally makes me sound like a fatty LOL

Hey MaryRN66, just wanted to check in on you. How are you feeling today? Better I hope!!!

I was banded on 11/10 and had the same issues... I discussed with my doctor because I'm not due for my first fill until 12/17, and as you know, it may take a few fills to hit that sweet spot to really feel restriction, while feeling like you've eaten until your satisfied. I too could eat SO much... like WTH? Was I even banded? lol So, my doctor suggested a low does of Adipex until I receive my first fill. I am taking half of a 37.5mg a day, and I'm telling you it has worked WONDERS!! I am NOT hungry like I was for sure. I'm eating the recommended 1/3 cup of soft foods 4-6 times a day, am completely satisfied, and losing weight. I was scared because after I was banded I put on a few pounds, and clearly the scale started going in the WRONG direction. Not sure if adipex is an option for you, but it's really worked well for my situation

I'm so sorry to hear that... well, I guess the infection is indicative of how crappy you've been feeling Hope everything improves for you and you don't have to have the port replaced. Sending well wishes your way!!!

So good to hear!!! It just gets better

Oh no! How long do you have to wait for a fill?

UGH... and I had the EXACT symptoms you do. Mine felt like an overall tightness/soreness /extreme discomfort - like when I took a deep breath, or was sitting/laying in a certain position, bending over, etc. I basically felt it all the time. I discussed with my doctor and he said it's most likely a combination of trapped gas and constipation. I was banded on 11/10 and had a hell of a time (excuse my language) going #2. I had HORRIBLE constipation. I've since taken colace and have had a MUCH better time. High Protein diets are synonymous with constipation, so it’s very important that we drink as much Water as possible. I was 3 weeks post-op yesterday and can still feel it, just not as bad. It’s DEFINITELY gotten SO much better though. I too was very concerned for a while. My port is the lower right side of my stomach closer to my belly button as opposed to under your left rib cage. So for me, this particular ailment wasn’t port pain (though I DO have some port pain, just not there lol). Also, I know that some sleeve/bypass patients have experienced the same pain/discomfort… so I don’t think this symptom is exclusive to banded patients. My doctor also suggested that it may be something called "splenic flexure syndrome." Essentially, gas gets trapped in the bend of the colon near the spleen (the splenic flexure). It’s more or less just gas pains that will eventually dissipate. This may sound crazy… but I found that flapping my arms, like I’m doing the chicken dance helped. I know it sounds weird, but it actually helped alleviate my discomfort/pain But overall, if the discomfort if not manageable and is not getting better at all, I would certainly call your doctor. There’s no reason for you to be uncomfortable and in pain.

Pill*

Yes!! I'm taking half of a 37.5 mg tablet, and depending how I do, will increase to the whole pull within the next week. It has helped SO MUCH!!! I actually lost weight over thanksgiving!! I highly recommend asking if your doctor would be ok with this approach

Hi everyone! I was banded on 11/10 and have 5 incisions. They were closed with steristrips and all have fallen off except for the one on the largest incision. I started to try and peel it off but it looked like it was pulling off the scab (so sorry if that's TMI or grossing anyone out). Not sure if I should just peel it off anyway? All of the handouts and what I've read said to peel them off in the shower after 2 weeks. I'm sure it's closed, I'm just weirded out as I've never had surgery or incisions to deal with :-/

I find it so interesting that we all had the same surgery, yet we each were given such different instructions. Even for the pre-op diet. My doctor required 2 weeks, whereas I've read that other doctors didn't require one at all. Some of us have visible stitches, or were closed with glue, or steristrips. I feel that it just begs the question of what is truly necessary for success? Seems some doctors protocol is very high maintenance, and possibly overkill, when others are pretty relaxed. It truly just makes me more thankful for this forum so that each of us can understand and compare 'notes.' If someone is having an extremely hard time, one of us has probably experienced the same and can provide valuable advice ☺️ What can I say, thanksgiving is tomorrow and I'm in a thankful mood ???? lol

Oh man... I feel your pain. I'm SOOO hungry and am not receiving my first fill until 12/17 :-/ I've just been trying to stick with a high Protein low carb diet. I've read on other boards that during this time, surgeons are prescribing a low does of adipex, which is an appetite suppressant. I have a follow up tomorrow and think I'm going to ask about it.

Hi everyone, I am 11 days post-op and am healing well. Problem is, I am SO hungry! Went to my first post-op doctor's appt yesterday and was cleared for soft foods, which is great because I was literally drinking 8-10 of those Atkins Advantage Protein shakes a day - plus I'd have at least a gallon of Water, pureed Soup, etc. I'm not having my first adjustment until 12/17 and am scared because I can seriously eat SO MUCH. I lost 15lbs on the pre-op diet and haven't lost a pound since. Actually this morning the scale said I GAINED a pound. I feel like the liquids and soft foods go through me SO quickly that I don't stay full for very long... then next thing I know, my stomach's growling! I know I'm eating a ton of calories because I'm feeling sluggish, feel as if I'm retaining water, and just have that overall "food hangover" feeling. My pre-op diet consisted of fresh veggies and lean meat; both of which my nutritionist said NOT to eat right now, or else I would just go back to my pre-op diet. Has anyone else experienced this? What did you do? I'm feeling so weak and out of control

I totally understand the depressed feeling because I felt the EXACT same way! Sore, depressed, uncomfortable, UGH!!! But... It WILL get better! I was banded on 11/10 and had a VERY hard time post op and questioned/doubted my decision until just a few days ago. I'm finally starting to feel lIke my old self again. I'm not all the way there yet, but have a completely different outlook now that I'm actually feeling better. I forget who said it, but the first month after being banded has affectionately been called "bandster hell." Lol So just keep in mind that it's all down hill from here. We've conquered the hardest part and are ultimately preparing for a new, happier, healthier life. ☺️

Right?! One of my coworkers had gastric bypass about 10 months ago and has lost SO much weight. She looks great and is so much more confident and happy. She was not shy about telling people about her surgery; she didn't shout it from the rooftops by any means, but she told people that's why she took time off, etc. However it seems like people are trivializing her weight loss - like she took the easy way out. In NO WAY is surgery easy!! They even talk about her saying things like, "she should be losing more weight considering she had surgery." Seriously? This woman has lost over 100lbs in 10 months!!! It's a shame that we feel like we can't share this part of our lives with some people. I've lost weight the "regular" way SOOO many times, but it always comes back... with a vengeance!! I'm thankful modern day science and technology has made it possible for me to lose weight and have an actual tool to help me keep it off!!

You guys are awesome! I'm so grateful for this forum. I haven't really told many people about my surgery, and it's wonderful to be able to have people who truly understand what "bandster hell" is!!! lol