cherko12

I have no idea how they did it, but I couldn't even tell they did. I have compared my recovery to 3 others and we were all the same. No reflux, it is great. I remember how I had difficult breathing when laying flat and how uncomfortable being full was. I have none of that now. It is really great that they could fix while they were in there.

Well for me, I hadn't had a feeling of food in my pouch since day 1 of the surgery. I know that my food went straight through because I didn't experience any restriction. My surgery was 6/23/08 and I was beginning to get frustrated. I had gotten myself into eating fast again and not noticing my bite sizes mainly because it didn't effect me. After the 3rd fill, I have a feeling (more in my throat and down) that would be similar to prebanding days of when I might have something not going down smoothly (a pill or dry food). You have this instant feeling that you shouldn't take another bite because the previous one is still there. I am still experimenting on when I shouldn't take another bite. I'm just saying when you get restriction, you will know. Now, I can't take a bite until I know that the previous one is where it needs to be. The feeling for me is pressure in my throat and a few inches below. Soups go down easily, but meat feels different than other things.

I have 7cc in a 10cc band. I didn't have any restriction till I got this 3rd fill. I notice I have to eat slower which I hadn't done prior to now. It is hard to tell when you are considered full. This is really the first time that I am experiencing the pouch filling...so am trying to get used to it. It just takes a little more experience to understand it fully.

Thanks for your post...but I have a question for you, Wendell. I have had 2 fills. Lost 24 lbs before & after surgery...during the liquid time. I have never had PB's, stuck food, or experienced any type of restriction yet. I am 3 months out. I have a 10cc band and was told 1st fill was 4 cc and 2nd 2-3 cc. I am discouraged and find myself eating more than I should. My challenge has been to not gain back any of the weight I first lost...which I have been successful at doing. I'm just ready to start losing again. My question is...is food just going through the stoma when I eat? I haven't felt the feeling of being full above the stoma. What is that feeling like? How will I know when it is working?

I had problems sleeping too. It took me 2 weeks before I slept good. It was the discomfort...I just felt like I didn't need sleep. It drove me nuts. I wondered if it wasn't a reaction to the anathesia.

Get focused and I am sure that you don't have the right fill. I asked my dr. yesterday why it takes so many fills to get where you need to be. He replied that the stomach can't handle 1 big fill. It would rebel and cause some issues. He said they do it in increments so that the side effects are minimal. Start your fills again and you will get there. The band works only if your fills are where they need to be. Don't be discouraged...it's a great time to start again (after a baby). Get pumped to start this process again. You can do it.

I chose not to tell. It takes patience with the lap band. I had surgery June 23 and I lost all of my 24 lbs. during the liquid/mushy diet portion of recovery. I had my 2nd fill yesterday and am hoping to start losing weight again. What people don't understand is that this surgery requires patience. I don't want to be judged by those thinking this is like gastric bypass and weight loss is quick and furious. It will not be for lap band surgery. I was unable to follow the 1 cup rule after surgery. I didn't gorge myself but I was hungry. I ate the right things -- just too much. I haven't gained any of my weight back (which many people do during the time they are waiting for their correct fill). I didn't want to be judged by those watching me eat or wondering why I haven't lost more weight. I have several friends who had lap band surgery and I have heard my friends talk about what they are eating and why they haven't lost more weight. It can take a year to lose your weight or more and it just takes lots of patience...confirmed by my Dr. yesterday. My theorgy is that when I lose all my weight, then at that time I may share with them how I did it--but not till then. I just don't want to be judged...and you will be!

I am 6 days post op (June 23) and yesterday I started burping...If I don't get the burp out, then the intense shoulder pain begins. I am taking small sips and small bites of jello but I still have the problem. How long will I have this problem? It is embarassing...:thumbs_up: Please help...

I know what you mean....I was getting worried when I was going through it and I didn't seem to find many people who shared the same problem. All I can tell you is that I was able to walk 1/4 mile within the 4 days after surgery. And, I couldn't have done more...I just didn't feel well enough to do so. Then, at 1 week and 3 days, I walked my 3 miles which is what I did before surgery. So, just listen to your body...the gas, for me, was the worst part. I'm still burping with a little shoulder pain but not nearly like it was... At least, now I feel normal. My inscisions are losing their scabs too and it was exactly 2 weeks ago that I had surgery. Each day gets better and just take those short walks till you feel like doing more. Good luck.

Hi Kimberley....This exact thing happenned to me. The gas didn't come for a couple of days, I thought my stomach was going to pop. I looked like I was 6 months pregnant. Then it starts coming out (the other end) and the burping begins. I am now 2 weeks past and I really started feeling better after 1 week of surgery. Give it a few more days and take your GasX. Walking seemed to help but it was uncomfortable... Keeping drinking your liquids and proteins..My personal feeling is that the stomach is troubled and starts creating gas from anything that comes in it. As it heals, that all gets better. I really didn't feel great till after 1 week and a few days.

I'm glad to know others are burping...Mine is getting better now but still have a little. Went to the Dr. this week for my 1st checkup since surgery on 6/23 and he said it was because I was drinking my fluid to fast...that I needed to sip rather than gulp. That doesn't seem to help. I think, its just in the healing part of the stomach...because it is getting better. I have no fills yet so maybe I am drinking too fast also.

I was banded June 23. I start my soft foods in 7 days. My question is...in the time between my surgery and 1st fill, will I have any restrictions with my new band? Will my hunger be any different than before the surgery? What should I expect till my 1st fill? Will I need to chew things differently as if I had a fill?

Thank you Liz...that was extremely helpful. I know what the Dr. says but I am one of those types that need to understand why he is saying that....because if I understand, then I'm less likely to stray from what I should do. I will keep this as a reminder. Thank you...

I had surgery on a Monday and tried to go back to work on Friday but didn't make it 2 hours. I even ran a low grade fever that night--I was totally zonked. I went back to work on Monday and felt amazingly much better. I would really recommend taking off 1 week.

Rhonda - Today is my day 8...I tried to go to work on Day 5 and after 2 hours I came home and couldn't even raise my arms. I was ill. I even ran a low grade temperature. I just couldn't do it. Today, I am back at work and feel wonderful...I'm still a little slower than normal but I am amazed what 3 days difference is like. On my day 6, I started burping when drinking water and the burping hurt my shoulder. I wasn't nauseated but my stomach was creating gas from anything coming into it. Today that is better. Hang in there...I finally feel alive. Rest when you can but walk as much as you can too. Today, I have a new outlook on this thing I have done to myself (ha). Good luck to your daughter.

Thanks everyone....mine seem to come after drinking or eating or when I roll over in the night. I have been taking GaxX and I'm walking 1-2 miles/day already. If I'm not walking, I'm moving around in the house. I don't know what more I can do but wait it out.

p1uddin - It is my5th day post op....gas in stomach is better but belching has begun. I find if I can belch quickly, the should pain doesn't come. If I don't, then the should pain starts. I think it is just part of the healing process when the stomach is able to push it up. I keep looking at how far we've come and keep thinking on the day I was looking at 4 days preop and then 2 weeks post op. I only have 9 days till I can eat...that's better than the beginning. Yes, we are all in this together. Hang in there, you have to do it...there's no going back...just forward. This time will pass and we'll forget all about the anxiety of not eating. Keep busy...

Me too...it was harder than I thought it would be. It is day 5 for me and I finally fell pretty good. I also had hiatal hernia and am experiencing the gas and shoulder pain. Today is my best day. I have not been nauseated though. Good luck to you.

It's normal to have mixed emotions. We all have said..."are we doing the right thing." I am 5 days out and the pre diet was the hardest for me. After banding, you aren't hungry, just wanting to crunch. During the pre diet, I was dying to eat..not so much now. Good luck.

Hi Kizzie...I would love the recipe...14 lbs. that is amazing. I am only @ 8 but not quit 1 week yet. My friend is a nurse and she was banded 7 months ago. She told me to put 2 tablespoons of prune juice in my protein shake. So far, I am not having that problem. Our dr. said to take stool softeners but I don't need that. Are you drinking your 60-80 oz. of water throughout the day? The more the better. I'm going back to work on Monday and I'm nervous. I do have a place to rest so will definitely take advantage of that. I am ready to chew something. I can't wait for the scrambled eggs... Another week to go for me. Keep up the good work.

I think it is normal to feel tired. And, I did feel nauseated a few times. I think the anesthetic does that. They gave me 2 shots for nausea before I left the hospital so that helped me. Try hard not to throw up. And, I was told gum is ok...

Banded June 23. Would love to chat about it. Having some problems but overall going very well. General Aneseth. zaps you plus lack of nutrition. Not so hungry but would love to crunch on something. Having some major gas issues that make it uncomfortable. Taking GasX but not getting much relief. Also had hiatal hernia repair with Lap Band. I don't know if that bring other recovery issues but generally all going well.:tt2:

Congratulations...I was banded on Monday (23rd)...Ok I have some answers and it pertains to me. My dry mouth lasted 2 days. The 3rd day was so much better. Seriously I don't know how you can go to work on Monday. This surgery is more difficult than I thought it would be. I tried to work yesterday for 2 hours and was completely exhausted and even ran a low grade fever. I was ill. Don't do too much. I had my first bowel movement at 3 days. The first part was solid but the rest was liquid and they have been the same every since. Now am having 1 every day or every 2nd day. Not much there. I had the same problem with peeing. Remember the anesthetic shuts down everything and it took about the 3rd day before I was able to pee normally. And, that day, I got up to pee all night long. I lost much water on that day. As far as liquids are concerned, I have been drinking lots of broth. I found the vegetable broth the best. I have drained Campbells chicken noodle and it's good. My friend, a nurse and also banded 6 months ago, said to go get wonton soup or egg drop soup. Be sure to run it through a strain but it will be a different flavor. I am not that hungry at all...just miss the crunching. The protein shakes are best if put in the freezer for 15 minutes. I just keep thinking of where I am in my 2 weeks 4 days of liquids and I'm closer to the end than beginning. I felt more uncomfortable sleeping on my right side. Haven't slept on my stomach yet. I stopped my pain meds on the 3rd and have cut them in 1/2 just in case I need them. I'm not sleeping well. I know that pain meds will interfere with my bowel movements so am trying to stay off. I was told to stay away from the straws..so got rid of it with all the gas I'm having. I hope I have answered. Sounds like you are right on track...Good luck

Jane, it is both... I find when I feel a need to burp, if I will help get it out (maybe 5 or so burps) it helps alleviate the shoulder pain. Then your stomach feels like you have just gorged yourself in a large meal. It didn't start for me till 3 days post op--about the time the incisions were feeling better. Now I am 5 days post op. I put on pants yesterday (loose ones) and I think that added to the gas pains. I find the gas is better if I just wear a moo moo. I have talked to others who never had a problem with the gas. Believe me, when it comes out in the other end, you are so happy and it really makes the stomach feel better. So, embrace that part of it. Good luck to you...I'm still happy I did it. I started my fast 4 days before surgery and I am 5 days out and have lost 8 lbs. Good luck.:tt2:

Thank you. I am not having gas pains just gas fullness which causes the stomach to be uncomfortable. And, that shoulder pain is really intense. I'm told that there are a few nerves in the diaphram that trigger the shoulder and that is where it comes from. I feel the shoulder pain when I burp and when the gas is worst. The incisions are not that much of a problem. Good luck to you.