ComCoach

Shortgal, thanks for the sound suggestions. That's fascinating out the influence of sodium, periods, and times of day. I doubt it was sodium. I had my usual scrambled egg beaters and grits for breakfast and that was all until the few bites of the dry chopped sirloin. In hindsight, I really think it was the dryness of the food. On the other hand, I had my 2nd fill a week and half ago, so it guess it could also be restriction from that kicking in late. Either way, I plan to go really pay attention to those the first bite or two, as you suggested, to see how my body is responding. I also plan to stay away from dry meat. It's just not worth the trouble.

Thanks for the info about chewing too fast or dry meats causing produtive burping (PB). I've had my band since 11/28/07 and 2 fills. No problems at all. I just tried to eat left over chopped sirloin that was on the dry. After 4 bites, chewed well, I was extremely uncomfortable. I had both the chest pain from the meat not moving through, then about 30 -45 minutes of PB. I was worried the epidsode would never stop. About 15 minutes ago it finally stopped. Any recommendations as to what to do from here? When is it okay to eat or drink again after a bout of PB? I was hungry at lunch and definitely not full after 4 bites, but scared to eat or drink anything now. I also don't want to do anything to further irritate my band. Any additional feedback would be helpful.

I had LapBand surgery Wednesday 11/28/07 in the morning. It's been 4 days and I have not had a bowl movement. Is this normal? My prescribed diet was clear liquids the first 24 hours post surgery, then 3 protein shakes a day and one alternate (1/2 cup cottage cheese, sugar free pudding, etc.). I make my shakes with fat free milk, protein powder, a few ice cubes and a 1/2 - cup of frozen fruit (1/2 banana, strawberries, or blueberries, etc.). I've had no problem getting the 3 protein shakes down and a couple of sugar free popsicles. I just sip everything slowly and make it last 30 - 45 minutes. However, I'm concerned that I've not had a bowl movement in 4 days, is the normal? I'm typically a very regular person.

I guess just talking about it, made it happen! I had my first bowel movement last night (day 4) without any product assistance. Figured I should note this in case future threaders happen upon this. However, it was not easy if you know what I mean. So I've started adding Metamucil to my protein shakes. Thanks everyone for your replies. This website is incredibly reassuring and wonderful source of information. :clap2:

I was banded 11/28/07 in the morning and went home in the early afternoon. The first 24 hours, most of my pain was coming from a "gas" pocket that found it's way to the front of my left shoulder. I thought I had pulled a muscle and it turns out it was gas! I had a hard time finding a comfortable position as any time I leaned on my left hand or arm the "wrong" way I got shooting pains in my shoulder (pain rating of 8 or 9). I also felt a heavy tightness across my shoulders blades. Both were rightly attributed to gas. The best remedy I found was walking as much as possible throughout the day. I found that one long walk didn't help as much as many long walks (10 -15 minutes movely slowly around the house or outside to my mail box down a long dirt driveway). I also found resting and sleeping in a recliner chair to be the most comfortable place during the first 2 days and nights. The other type of pain I experience is around the incisions and where the port is. I'd rate the pain around a 3, sometimes 4. Mostly it feels tight and when I move or breath deep I feel the tightness expand. Coughin also creates more of a shooting type pain, although still not as bad as the gas-type pain. If I didn't have a cold to contend with, I'd be feeling a lot better (at least I wouldn't be worrying about coughing too much). I am on prescription cough medicine (the break up the phlem and to supress the cough). I've also been taking my pain med every three hours as prescribed. I notice if I allow too much time to lapse between the meds, I feel a lot more uncomfortable. This is day 4 post surgery for me and each day does get a little better. Hang in there!

Thanks. I give the Benefiber a try.