Kmartin121

Thank you all for the replies. I didn't think I was being a wimp, but my sugeon seemed to think I could have the surgery on Fri and go back to work on Monday. I gave myself a couple extra days by scheduling for Wednesday, but now I think I am going to call in tomorrow and take the rest of the week off. I have the time to take and I don't need to jeopardize my health. You guys are the best!! Thanks.

Does anyone know when there are Post-Op support groups in Western MA. I have a schedule for West Springfield, but don't know if they are for Post Op. I was also wondering if there are still any meetings in Greenfield. I went to a preop support group there and would really like to attend a post-op if they have one.

Hi all - I just got banded this past Friday, 1/16. I'm feeling pretty good for the most part, I just have a couple of questions. Whenever I take a sip of anything I get a pretty intense pain in my left chest/shoulder. The hospital told me that this is just the gas from the surgery. How long does this last? I am worried because I have only able to get about 1/2 the Protein that they recommended so far because of this. I'm also wondering if the pain meds that they gave me to take are helping or hurting this. Any suggestions/support is greatly appreciated. Kris

Hi all - I just got banded on Friday. I'm feeling pretty good for the most part, I just have a couple of questions. Whenever I take a sip of anything I get a pretty intense pain in my left chest/shoulder. The hospital told me that this is just the gas from the surgery. How long does this last? I am worried because I have only able to get about 1/2 the Protein that they recommended so far because of this. Any suggestions/support is greatly appreciated. Kris

I had asked my doctor the same thing and he said that I needed to have someone drive me home. I was banded on Friday, stayed overnight at the hospital, and would never have been able to drive myself home on Saturday. In fact, I felt like I was barely surviving the ride home with my mother driving! lol Do you have any good friends that would go with you. Maybe you can get a room for them and you can stay at the hospital or with them at the hotel. I know when I talked to my friends, they came out of the woodwork to help me, but my family stepped up to the plate too.

Hey Win - We are in the same boat. I was also banded on Friday, have 5 incisions, am having a wicked time with what I think is gas pain, have gained a couple pounds even though I am not getting as much liquid as I'm supposed to, and don't have my follow up appt until 6 weeks. That just seems like a long way off to me... I am supposed to go back to work on Wed, in 2 days, but am still taking 2 pain pills every 4-5 hours. I am going to try to cut down to 1 today, so that I can be off of them by Wed, but I have my doubts. It is weird, because so many on this site seem to be perfectly fine after just a couple of days. Even trying solid foods right away (Which I would NEVER do even if I thought I could. I feel like this is my last chance and I want to do everything by the book to have the greatest chance at success.) Let's keep each other posted on how we are doing. I have been having all the same thoughts as you. Kris

Thanks so much for the quick reply. I am going to try your tea suggestion. I've thought it is just the gas. It seems like every sip I take causes me to burp. It is just a little scary not knowing.

Hi All! My first appt with Dr Haaig was in May, and I made all the support groups and appts and have just been waiting for a date. I just found out that my banding date is 1/16/09. I'm getting nervous now. Any advice? Any support groups coming up soon in W Spfld or Greenfield?

Hi all! I am new to this site. I know this will work, but am still very nervous. I have been through everything and have all my releases for surgery except for my 2nd support group meeting which I plan to attend Monday in W Spfld. Is anyone else going to be there Monday night?