Blund

Good Lord! What position is THAT???!! I'm a month post-op and get these pains. When I was a kid and actually DID run, we called them "a stitch in your side". I posted a simular question a few days ago, and many people have these pains. I get them on either side, but not at the same time. I think it has to do with the muscles and/or nerves and the stitches from surgery.

Turler, I really try to remember to chew well, but I'm still new at this. The not drinking before,during,and after meals is a hard one too. We had a BBQ and I made a pesto salad (with noodles) and after 2 tries and it getting stuck, I gave up on it. Oh, I LOVE pesto! I think it was the noodles though, I thought they'd be OK cuz they're soft. Anyone using the Mederma for scars? Not that I'm trying to be vain at this point, but my port incision is pretty large. The stuff isn't cheap, but I'm trying it out.....

Yes, Molly, I push in on the area to get rid of it too! And its not a really bad pain, but noticable and annoying! Thanks for everyone's input. I get my first fill in a week and will check in again after talking to my surgeon. Barb

I'm lucky to have some restriction without being filled yet, but I can also eat more and more. Certain things give me that stuck feeling though, and if I try to push it (cuz it tastes good, ya know!), I end up over the toilet foaming and tearing. I guess that's what its all about for me! I haven't lost much more since eating regular food now, but the nurse said to expect that.....and even expect to gain weight! I have been just trying to at least maintain my weight until my 1st fill next week. Can't wait to start shrinking more! ;p

Yes, Penny, it could be not enough fluids for me too. I haven't had the pain for several days now. It was just weird that it felt like that "run-walk stitch-in-your-side" thing! Maybe since things have changed inside there, gas pain feels different?

:confused:I need some help responding to my good friend, whom is the only person besides my DH & kids that I've told about my band. She's also overweight(and quit smoking 2 years ago). I'm sure she isn't doing it on purpous, but whenever the whole weight loss thing comes up, her conversation always includes things like "you inspire me, but I'm going to do it the hard (ie: right) way" or "I'm going to lose weight without something foreign inside me" or "the easy way out" bit. So far, I've just let it pass, hoping it won't keep happening, and its not like its happening all the time. Maybe I'm being over-sensitive?? I don't think she even realizes the negativity and I know she isn't trying to be malicious. I know I've made the right decision for myself and I know thats all that matters, but It would be nice to have her support or at least no negative comments. I don't want to tear into her or anything. I know its just a matter of her not being aware of how the band works, etc. Any input would be appreciated. I'm having trouble coming up with a good response and I would like to nip it in the bud. Thanks, Barb

Great Tina. Sounds like he is really making the effort!!

Just say no to tater tots! I was told my first fill would be 2cc, then they check me again in 2 weeks and if I haven't begun losing, they give me another 2cc right then. This is cool, because my first 3 months' of fills after surgery are included in my surgeon's fee. I will be watching the callendar to be sure I get my "fill" of fills. Har! Har! My couple of times PB-ing have brought tears to my eyes, and if I can't un-stick it by pounding on my chest, then I head for the bathroom. I have to say, that the pain has not been unbearable.....yet. Cant wait for that fill!

Wow, I had a lot of catch-up reading to do here! Seems like a lot of us have had the "dissaproving friend." Since we're both busy with kids & school, we have only seen each other a couple of times, but talk on the phone a couple of times a week, and I dont bring it up anymore. She has asked me in a general way how I'm doing, and I just say great. I have not told her I've lost 25 lbs, and she hasn't asked me how much I've lost either. (Which says a lot!! lol!) She was watching me eat an onion ring (only one!) the other day like it was going to make me puke. I hope she doesnt turn into my "food stalker!" I havent had my first fill yet, and am able to eat normal food now. Other than that, she hasn't made any negative comments lately. I plan to just continue on with her and see what happens. Thanks for all of your input everyone! Barb

It made me crazy too. I became a stalker of sorts so I could totally prove that something was going on. Does the Ho's husband know about this now? If he hasn't already, your husb should sever ALL contact with her no matter what. And I don't know how old your boys are, but besides not wanting them to grow up without a father, also think about them seeing how their mother is treated by their father. Be strong for you and your boys and they'll learn how wives (& people in general) should be treated. Keep your chin up! -Barb

I had a headache after surgery too. Not terrible, but enough to make it hard to sleep. The nurses were very forthcoming with the pain meds, and the Lorri Tab helped, but I had to keep taking it all day and night.

So sorry for your pain. Like most everyone here, I went through it, but thankfully had no kids. We ended up divorced after 7 years of marriage. I wanted to make it work so badly, but he refused to quit seeing her (and they worked together!) and resisted counseling, so I went by myself. The shrink finally told me that my head was in the right place and his wasn't, and hinted that my X wasnt worth it. I really hated the sense of "failure" I felt. I'm so glad we didnt have kids. Now I'm married to a wonderful man and have 3 great kids. If I wouldn't have gone through my divorce, I probably would never have met my current husband. Having kids now, I could not IMAGINE doing anything to jepordize our family! I know its what everyone's telling you, but wether or not you get back together, it will take time for you to heal. And HE is the one who did this so HE has to deal with whatever you need him to do to regain trust.

OK, now that I'm on regular food, I'm no longer losing, but they warned me about that. Right now, my goal is to just maintain until I get my first fill on June 5th. Seems like a long time. Except for the tatter tot incident, everything's been fine going down. I did get a little stuck with a piece of hamburger I didn't chew up enough. Its so hard not to eat fast! I was raised with my brothers and I HAD to eat fast or I wouldn't get anything! Then, when we had kids, I had to eat fast so that I COULD eat, and take care of kids! Hard habit to break. I walk about 8 miles a week, but need to start those sit-ups. My gut is still hanging over even with my loss so far.

I started regular food at dinner time the last few days and so far so good. Once, I made the mistake of popping a tatter tot (I made for my kids they smelled so good!) into my mouth and uggg! It was not pretty! I urped some of it up, but spent several minutes tearing, foaming and drooling into the toilet! Exactly what I needed! Good deterrent, but I'm not even filled yet!!

Hi Judy, I'm just over 2 weeks post-op so I'm no expert, but I had simular feelings pre-op. My BMI was not very high to begin with (36-ish), so I struggled with the "should I just try on my own one more time??" But, I remind myself of all the yo-yo-ing I've done and its always the KEEPING IT OFF part that I screwed up! My band will help me with that. Besides, the pre-op diet is to shrink your liver before surgery. When I got the pre-op jitters, I told myself that when I made this decision to have LBS, my state of mind was much better. Being nervous prior to any surgery is normal. And with me, all of the "what ifs" were flying through my head if I let them. I would try to stay busy and not think about it, knowing that my head is NOT exactly on straight right now. Also my primary Dr, surgeon, & shrink all agreed it was a good decision for me. I hope this was helpful, and I dont see why anyone would be offended by your posts. Good luck, Barb

My Dr said its fine. I had SIPS of it day 2 post-op, and everyday I have a cup or so in the morning. I have to sip it, so it gets cold before I can finish it! My cup is in and out of the micro-wave several times!

YES, its the EAS powder. I have vanilla, and as big and expensive as the bag is, I don't know when I'll be trying chocolate!!! Have you tried the chocolate? I like the vanilla. Sam's also has a non-carbonated drink called "Slim Lite" thats very good. Its stronger than the flavored water drinks with 0 callories and 0 carbs and reasonably priced.

I had sips of coffee my 2nd day post-op and have been fine. My Dr said coffee & tea are fine, just no carbonation due to the gas filling up the smaller stomach instead of nutrition. I was never a big soda fan anyways. Maybe when I'm further out, I might try a little bit of a "flat" soda, but the sugars (real & artificial) are so bad for you...... There are a lot of different opinions from different surgeons and I think some of them are being cautious (which is good), and unsure themselves how certain foods will affect us.

Weezie102, I bought a big thing of protein powder at Sam's Club. It was with all the body-builder type stuff. Can't remember the name right off, but it has LOTS of protein....maybe 24 grams? It was like $32 for a 72 serving pouch, which is a lot up front, but not too bad when you divide it out. You either have to shake it very vigorously, or use a blender to get a good mix. I like it a lot.

ugggghhhh! I think I ate too much tonight! Aunt Flo just visited, and uh, wanted me to eat more! Now I'm paying. I can't imagine this after I have my first fill! This experience should be a good deterrent! I gotta lay down now..........

I'm lucky not to be in much pain at all now. I can sleep on my side now too. As far as in the hospital, I NEVER wore the robe I took, they just gave me an extra hospital gown to wear backwards to cover my backside, which is what all the patients were doing. Wish I hadn't taken my robe. After my morning surgery, I slept the rest of the day and all night. The next day, I got up and walked a bit, but I haven't had a gas problem. I WISH I had taken ear plugs to the hospital because of all of the equipment beeping all the time!!!! Chapstick is an absolute MUST HAVE!!!!!

Gosh Wendy, you really DID have a rough recovery! I think maybe on the pre-op check list should be asking the DR about pain management. It didn't occur to me, but he brought it up himself in the consult. I'm sorry you had so much pain. That is totally un-called for! I was constantly offered choices of pain meds. Research shows that managing pain encourages the healing process. Anyway, it sounds like it mostly over for you. I have to say, I have been feeling so weak today, I finally ate 3 small bites of LF cottage cheese about 10 min ago.....so far so good! Oh, and I can't wait to get out of these sweats and see how baggy my jeans are now!!! Barb (again)

Thanks for your input everyone. Bits and pieces in all your posts gave me ideas of how to talk to her.....which I know I'll have to do, now that she's made these little comments 3 or 4 times. I know ignoring it won't help now. Pearlygirl, your letter was great. Can I borrow some of your lines?! Actually, I feel like trying to print this whole thing. I have a hard time coming up with the right words on the spot. She did quit smoking, and I was (and am) very supportive of her regarding that. (And she did have "medical help" and THATS OK) She and I have been friends (off and on with moving, etc.) since we were 7 and 8 yrs old! She's a teacher and really into "protecting the kids' self-esteem" etc.etc, (no offence teachers!) so I'm sure she'll get it once I tell her. May not stop future comments, but least I can give her the"stink eye:sneaky:" when she does, and she'll know why! Thanks again everyone!

I'm sick of broth & jello. The SF Jello seems to be too sweet! I have to add extra water to it when I'm making it. Yesterday, I SO wanted to just lick a piece of cheddar cheese!!!

Bunkey, you go to tickerfactory.com and type in your password and click on "update ticker" it brings up the fill-in-the-blanks screen like in the original set up, and you just enter your new info. I CANT WAIT TO BREAK THE 200 LB MARK!!!!!!!! Its been soooooooooooo long!!