Newme76

Didn't have a catheter. Not really sure why some surgeons require it as you've been NPO since midnight and on a clear liquid prior to surgery AND had some sort of bowel prep that is bound to assist in slightly dehydrating you-the point I'm making is there's hardly any risk of urinating on the operating table!! As a nurse, most MD's I work with will not insert a catheter for such a short surgery but you do have those old school MD's that just think another invasive procedure is warranted in case of complications. But it'll be up to your doctor. Take care and good luck!

Yes, it sounds like you're on the right track so I definitely wish you well as you take the first steps to reclaim you life! Take care!

Hi Ada! Well, I actually started the process for insurance approval and pre-diet about three and a half years ago and chickened out as well! So we have that in common. I thought, "Oh, I'm young. I'll just lose the weight the old fashioned way." Yeah right! In that 3 1/2 years, I just put on more weight. I started the process again last October as my insurance required a six month doctor followed diet and I didn't change my mind. I am a registered nurse and many of my collegues had either the bypass or the band so I know a lot about each procedure. To decide on my surgeon was a no brainer as he is the number 1 surgeon in Memphis and I've known him (professionally) for many years. My highest weight was 291. Day of surgery weight was 277 and I haven't weighed since then. I don't like to weigh myself as I don't want to get discouraged, but I see it in my clothes and face already. My doctor did not require a long liquid diet before surgery but did ask me to lose 5lbs. I had to be on a clear liquid diet the day before surgery. My immediate post op experience was pretty good. I got up immediately and started walking in the halls of the hospital and was released within 3 hours of leaving the recovery area. The morning after was a different story. I consider myself to have a very high pain tolerance but girl, I was in PAIN! And the gas pain that comes with it is something else! I couldn't understand it but you have to know that everyone's pain is subjective and many people have had little to no pain. I wish that were the case with me. This was no peice of cake. I had a breast reduction about 3 years ago and didn't have to take any pain medications but I emptied the bottle with this one! I just stayed mobile, fighting through the pain so not to get too stiff. Remarkably, day 5 was wonderful. I awoke to virtually no pain. I had started taking gas x strips on day 3 due to someone on this site suggesting it and it really helped. I haven't been that hungry at all but had to take some mental evaluations as I have be "wanting" certain no-no foods. This has nothing to do with hunger but why I've been overweight-poor eating habits and little self control. Therefore, I'm learning to eat to live and not live to eat. It's a slow process but I'm going to make it. I have enjoyed watching this show on BBC "You are what you eat". It's very interesting and has enlightened me on some of my horrible food choices in the past. I feel great but don't go back to work for another week. Anything more you'd like to know, just ask!

Carrie, I am also a week post op and did have the same problem for about 2 nights. You may not be getting enough protein. Try taking in some type of protein supplement before going to bed. I enjoy the Carnation Instant Bfast drink (sugar free) with soy milk and a extra bit of my powder protein mixed in. This definitely takes the hunger away for me. Good luck to you!!

Ask any and everything you can think of! I suggest you take the time to write down all of your questions so that your mind won't go blank when the class is in session. I wish you well.

Hello everyone. This is my first time on this site and have already found some very useful information, so thanks a million! I was banded last Friday, May 23 in Memphis, TN at Baptist Hospital. My surgeon is Dr. George Woodman (who is very good at what he does but lacks any personality) and was wondering how some people have been able to return to work 3 days post-op. I don't know about anyone else, but I consider my pain tolerance to be very high but the left side of my body hurst like crazy. I am taking my pain medicine around the clock because I don't want the pain to become just unbearable. Also, my entire abdomen is so tight from gas. I wouldn't be able to go to work if I wanted to. I am walking around as much as the pain will allow and even tried to go to the store yesterday but only lasted about 10 minutes and had to sit down. I often have the urge to belch but they don't seem to want to come out. I'm sure this must be normal but was just curious. Anyone having or had any similarity?

Thanks Gadumplin' and Becca. That info and encouragement really helps. Glad to see you both are doing so well. And Becca WOW!! 62 lbs gone-since Feb.? Either way, that's awesome! Congrats to you both.