Dakota Girl

I have had a constant sharp pain in my upper left torso, right under my ribcage, and when I apply pressure, it is tender to the touch....any idea what may be happening? I will be contacting my doc tomorrow, just wondering if anyone else has had this symptom. My surgery date was November 12, 2014. Also, can anyone feel their band by pushing on their upper stomach? Is that normal, pretty sure I can feel mine..... a little worried because I can't find a position that relieves the pain, hard to sleep.....sometimes pain radiates into my left shoulder too...

your process may differ but my doc numbs the port site before inserting the fill needle, then i try not to look

;;

Congratulations!

I am so relieved to be on the other side of my 4 day ordeal. Last week I went to costco to get my hair, Skin & Nails liquid gel supplements and discovered that they were now offering a Kirkland brand supplement for a few dollars less. I thought I would try them since I have always found the Kirkland brand products really high quality. Fast forward to Thursday morning, I am running out of the house with the kids, forgot to take my meds, run back in the house and take my meds, just like I have since I was 1 week post op, but I knew instantly that there would be trouble, I could feel the meds piling up above my band. To make a long story short, one of the new supplements was stuck in my band, I was in quite a bit of pain all weekend, sometimes Fluid would stay down, other times I would slime up and gag, what a rude wake up call.... I am so incredibly grateful that I can drink now, and I am reverting to my post op diet for a few more days. I could not have imagined that the band would ever be that painful, but I have certainly learned my lesson.

Sometimes I just don't give a hoot what people think, say or do; thank you Serenity Prayer : God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change the Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference

I began to get hungry a couple weeks after my surgery (11/12/2014) so I thought I needed a fill, but I wasn't scheduled for my first fill until January 6. I am now staying full longer, BUT, the one thing that I still do is drink a large glass or 20 oz. bottle of Water when my tummy starts growling. If I can drink that entire amount and still be hungry, then I really do need to eat. Sometimes, my body just needs water, and thinks it needs food. This is also what I try to do when its late at night and I want to eat something, I drink water (flavored) and then run to bed! The other thing that fills me up for some reason is hot liquids, hot tea, or Soups for instance. Best of luck to you

Went in for my second follow up appointment last week and got a 3cc fill, I was "banned" November 12 and have had great success thus far, lost pretty good, even with an empty band. I have found that the significance of having the band for me is that I am now a deliberate eater. The disconnect between my stomach and my head is fading away as I am forced to consider what I put into my mouth. I could not be happier, or more grateful

Wow! all inspiring posts, thanks everyone. I couldn't help but notice amponder, you have already lost a LOT of weight, and you were just banded in November, hard days are inevitable, but you have made amazing strides, let that fuel your fire!

eggs are a great and very cheap source of Protein.

CONGRATS! the exercise you are doing is amazing!

Congratulations! Best Christmas present you will ever give OR receive

Ssssooooo exciting to hear from you all. I was banded on November 12 and I am feeling great. My port site was pretty painful until just last week, but I am exceedingly grateful that my recovery has been so smooth. I couldn't be happier with my decision!

I live in a small rural community also, so I can relate to the need for a 'script,' it is much smoother and less awkward when you're prepared. I like the " eating less and moving more," that sounds good. I told quite a few people about my WLS, and it doesn't bother me, but I can understand your apprehension. Another thing that I have been told before when I asked someone how they lost weight is, "Just not eating the stuff I have no business eating," that was to the point and I didn't feel the need to inquire further, it was obvious they were not interested in elaborating.

your ability to recognize these things for what they are is a true inspiration!

Jealousy is such a hard emotion to address, it's rooted in fear and irrational thought so trying to deal with it logically can be frustrating at best. Wish I had some sound advice, sorry you have to go through this

Easy, my dream outfit is to rock my birthday suit with style! (In the comfort of my own home, lol) I really cannot wait to be able to wear a swimming suit again....my family and I spend a lot of time on the water, so that will be awesome!

Okay, so I am being 'banded' tomorrow! I have so many feelings and thoughts whirling around between these ears right now; nervous, excited, scared....most of all though, I am feeling exceedingly grateful. The opportunity to have this surgery is one that too many people will never know, millions of people suffer with obesity, and I am a fortunate member of an all too small group of 'approved' individuals. Individuals who, after laying bare their very personal medical records, and jumping through extra large hoops for an extra long time, have been deemed 'worthy' to proceed, proceed with a surgical procedure that could improve the quality of life for millions of deserving people. GO time.....almost, and I am grateful.

I used an ice pack around my abdomen where my lower incisions were located, and lying on the side opposite the port site with one leg and one arm over a couple pillows relieved pressure. I also ate A LOT of gas-x. The shoulder pain is pretty normal, result of them messing with your diaphragm and also a result of the gas that they use to blow up your abdominal cavity during the procedure. Back pain may be from lying flat on your back during the procedure. All sounds very normal, it will continue to get better each day, just listen to your body, do not over do it. Congratulations !

NOT over-eating at Grandmas Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in my life! woo-hoo!

Ldimples, I am 11 days post-op, and it does get better, I feel like I had some lingering effects of the anesthesia, didn't really feel like myself, but gets a little better each day. Keep your head up, you are still you and always will be

Kris- yes, I have Aetna. I went to treatment September of 2013, and I just had surgery last week. My understanding is that the eval was for my surgeon but I think that Aetna had access to it in the "pre-auth packet" that my surgeon's office sent in on my behalf. My packet was submitted on Oct 9th and I got approval on Oct 23th. I called Aetna to make sure they had my information, then called them again a week later, and called them again a week later.

Kris- When I went in for my Psych. eval, I told her that I was a former alcoholic/addict and that I went to treatment a little over a year ago, she didn't seem to think too much of it, of course, I always start with alcoholic because for some reason that is more socially acceptable than drug addict, because that makes sense, right? I was pretty nervous about it, but they are mainly looking for red flags that indicate a person who is unwilling or unable to make long term changes to their lifestyle. Personality disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, etc. I, also take Wellbutrin and Effexor for depression and anxiety...... The fact that the clinician immediately began to treat you differently should not surprise you, people who have not experienced addiction generally have a hard time wrapping their head around it. Fear not my friend, your strength and courage to confront your opiate addiction has brought you to where you are in this moment. Don't allow your mind to create fear in the things that are beyond your control. Just continue to do the next right thing and trust that whatever happens is going to be okay, because you are okay - Nicole

Six days post op and having significant pain, seems to be located near port placement.......this is normal right? Follow up with surgeon is Thursday. Incision looks good, just pain with movement.

Keeper - You are not crazy for wanting this, and you will be fine.