AmyWA

Hey, all.. I'm sure this is a long shot, but I thought I'd give it a whirl. I'm getting banded 7/7. I'm basically healthy except for being overweight. I REALLY want to get into bicycling...primarily for fun, but maybe more if I really enjoy it. Is there anyone in the Portland/Vancouver area who would like to give this a shot with me? Or maybe someone who is already well into biking that can give me some pointers? Good bike paths for a beginner, etc? I don't even have a bike yet...and even shopping for one seems a little daunting. I'd probably like to start with a cruiser? I don't look forward to the initial stage of being a fat person on a bike...but a partner would sure take some of the edge off of it! Anyway, I know there is a bicycling thread, but I didn't see any locals. I'm a fun person and totally excited about a whole new way of life. I'd love a bandster friend in the area even if you don't wanna ride bikes! Amy 34 y/o

Okay, here's the deal: I'm one week post op and thought I was well on the way to recovery. I was getting ready for my first day back at work this morning when I bent down from a seated position to pick up something from the floor. This is when I felt a VERY distinct POP in the port area...such a pop that it almost seemed like I HEARD it although I don't know how that could be so. There was ZERO question that something had just happened. There was little pain associated with it at the time...but over the course of the day it has become VERY painful. I called the dr's office and spoke to a nurse. She seemed very casual about it and said it sounded like I popped a stitch and not to worry about it. She said it isn't uncommon and it will 'just hurt like all get out'. She said there are several more holding it in place. I spoke to a second nurse later who said the exact same thing without me telling her what the first nurse said. THat's all well and good...and it was reassuring...but it just felt like I bigger deal to me. It felt like the whole port ripped loose or something!!! Has anyone else had this happen?? Please share if you have. I don't see how it could just be 'no big deal'. Sorry this became lengthy. Any responses are welcomed!!:embaressed_smile:

Well, that's the pain I'm feeling, except it's all the time now. ***BUT....to ease your mind, this was LITERALLY a POP. It's not like I bent down and just thought 'hmm, that hurt, hope I didn't damage anything'. So don't think just because you're having pain that this may have happened to you. It was a very distinct, odd feeling. You would know it FOR SURE..not from the pain but by the 'pop'. I hate to keep using that word, but that's what it was...a --POP-- , not a tear.

I just wanted to jump in and share my personal experience. I was banded this last Monday (7/7). I did it completely by myself...and it was fine. I'm the type of person who just likes to recover alone. Friends and family are great, but I didn't have to answer a barrage of questions about how I was feeling, etc. In all honesty, there was more pain than I anticipated, but it was mostly confined to getting in and out of bed and rolling over. I thought to myself every time 'would it be easier if someone was here to help me?' and the answer was no. It would have been just the same except someone else would be there to share in the agony..and to some people that's very important in times of sickness. It was no easier when the nurse helped me out of bed after surgery. I'm not saying doing it alone is for every person. A lot of people NEED to be nurtured and coddled when they are sick. If you are not one of those people, you shouldn't have any problems if you stay on top of how you're feeling and make yourself move around. My family offered to fly to where I was, and I declined because I would rather have them come when I could enjoy them. I stayed in a motel and just made sure I had different liquids, gas-x strips and a heating pad. The heating pad was the key I'd say. And, of course, fill your prescriptions BEFORE surgery. My loved ones were able to support me by email and phone just as much as they could have supported me in person in those first few days. And I didn't have to worry about anything besides getting well. And it's not like you will be bed bound. Getting up and moving around isn't FUN...but it's recommended. And I say the sooner you get back to doing things yourself, the quicker your recovery will be. But that's just me. Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions. Congratulations and good luck! :biggrin:

Just a day two update here. This hasn't been too bad. The surgery itself was easy. The only pain I'm having is where they put the port...and it's is a little worse than I expected. BUT, the drugs do help. The heating pad is awesome, too! I don't feel weak or sick or anything aside from the port pain. And that is a little better today than yesterday. I was able to get out and go to the store and stuff today. i was out and about for 3 hours or so. Although there is some significant pain, it could be so much worse. It only hurts when I'm trying to get up or down from the bed or a chair. And I've been able to get some good solid sleep...because it doesn't hurt when I'm on my back or my left side. I finally got to eat some soup today, too...it was gooooood. I only had 3 oz and it was enough to take the hunger away. I went for the swallow test this morning and the barium went right through the band like it should. If anyone is considering or has to do this alone, it has been no problem for me. And I've actually enjoyed the peace. But that's just me. So congratulation to everyone who has already been banded this July...and to those who haven't, I finally get to be the one to say 'YOU'LL BE FINE'. Amy Banded 7/7/08 :wink2:

Guess who got her band today?? I did! I did! Just thought I'd pop in with an update. Everything went well. The port area basically hurts like a mutha, but there's no pain at all from the other incisions. And no real gas pain. I took Gas X as soon as I got back to my hotel room, though I'm not gonna sugarcoat the pain thing...there is a good deal of pain, but nothing unbearable, and I've been able to nap off and on. I don't really have any complaints. And while I don't know firsthand, I figure having a baby is much worse. The port/incision doesn't hurt when i'm lying down or sitting in a chair...just when I'm trying to get up...or when i'm standing. All in all it could be so much worse, though. And the heating pad feels good. I haven't eaten in 24 hours and it will be another 15 or so (after my swallow test in the morning)...but I've never looked so forward to tomato soup in my entire life!! Okay, this was just a newbie update. If anyone has any questions that I now may be able to answer, feel free to drop me a note. Amy

Hey, all... Just thought I would get in on this thread. I'm just over the river in Vancouver, WA...but I'm having my surgery in Coos Bay, OR on Monday. I am self pay and the cost is $12,500. This includes the first year of fills. I sure would like to meet some people in the Portland area to share this experience with! I really want to get into biking as well if anyone is interested. Dr. Tersigni. His website is baybariatrics.com Amy

Hey, all.. I'm sure this is a long shot, but I thought I'd give it a whirl. I'm getting banded 7/7. I'm basically healthy except for being overweight. I REALLY want to get into bicycling...primarily for fun, but maybe more if I really enjoy it. Is there anyone in the Portland/Vancouver area (or withing 60 or so miles) who would like to give this a shot with me? Or maybe someone who is already well into biking that can give me some pointers? Good bike paths for a beginner, etc? I don't even have a bike yet...and even shopping for one seems a little daunting. I'd probably like to start with a cruiser? I don't look forward to the initial stage of being a fat person on a bike...but a partner would sure take some of the edge off of it! Anyway, I know there is a bicycling thread, but I didn't see any locals. I'm a fun person and totally excited about a whole new way of life. I'd love a bandster friend in the area even if you don't wanna ride bikes! Amy 34 y/o

I've been lurking for a long time but this is my first post. My surgery date is 7/7! Nervous, excited...all the same things you guys seem to be feeling. Surgeon is Tersigni in Coos Bay, OR. So add me to the list!