RestlessMonkey

I slept in my bed from the first night but depending, it might be a little dicey the first few days post op getting up. I was very obese and getting up off the floor wasn't pretty anyway, though, so it depends a lot on you. Some bandsters prefer sleeping in a recliner the first few days. That might be an option for you.

I'm one of the ones where straws are STRICTLY forbidden!

You might want to try Gas-X too. It comes in strips that dissolve in your mouth very quickly...and it is simethecone which helps break up gas quickly and easily.

Are you drinking with straws? Chewing gum? Eating things not on the "approved" list?

I hope I was clear....if you are restricted but not too restricted, you'll only PB or slime if you don't chew properly or hurry too much. Some have certain dry foods they can't eat, or foods like white bread (that ball up) and others have no restrictions like that. So the "Threat" of slimeing shouldn't be enough to stop you from getting a fill. Unless you are too tight, don't chew enough, rush, or just hit a food that disagrees with you, it won't happen.

I'm a newbie but the point of the fill is to find your "sweet spot" where you can eat most things, (of course low cal high protein to lose) remain full for up to 5-6 hours, and feel fine. Some people want their bands super tight (not me) and some just haven't found the "sweet spot" yet. If you have no fill, odds are you won't notice any difference. For many it takes 2, 3, or more tries (and some unfills) to hit "the spot". Also, as you lose, the band may loosen and you'll need adjustments. The adjustability is the beauty of the band; put it to work for you! Get a fill. If you are slimeing and uncomfortable, you can always get some taken out. It's a process but with patience you'll strike gold!

Mine was super easy too. I had to answer some questions from the MMPI II test (and it asks the same thing bunches but just reworded...) then I met w/her and discussed why I wanted the band and what I wanted from it. She asked me if I smoked (quit in 1995) drank (used to a lot but for the last 20 years just occasionally) and did street drugs (once when I was 20 it was vile never again). She said "so you just can't lose weight" and I told her NO I lose just marvy but I can't keep it off. It was fast. Later she reviewed my test questions and passed me. Just be honest. That's the best route!

Best to ask your doctor; some restrict straws, some don't. You DO swallow more air with straws but I guess some docs just don't think it's the problem that other ones do!

I have a big neck and no sleep apnea...or if I do, I don't know it. Came out of anesthesia just fine!

WOW I'm glad my doc lets us take pills if we can! LOL in fact for my pain postop he gave me Darvocet N in pill form! LOL My surgeon has specific guidelines for vitamins and protein shakes...make sure yours doesn't before you invest a bunch in something that he won't want you to use! AND I am still excited for you. I love my band and I've only had it 6 days!

Sorry you're having a bad time. I didn't have any of your issues except pain in my incisions and yes that is totally normal! I was able to drink from the time I came to in the hospital. On the down side of that, though, I've been HUNGRY since I came to in the hospital! LOL You are doing great. You'll feel better every day...but I agree...walk walk walk!

Thanks Lynnie! This is such a new thing; it's hard to sort good info from bad! I am having proteins now and feeling a little more human; but I rebelled by buying my own type of protein powder (low carb low fat, but my choice LOL) and I feel better. AND the sky hasn't fallen yet, either! :crying:

I agree with the other posters...it depends on what your surgeon requires. I will say to do what your surgeon says once you get that direction! Everyone is SO different! Good luck!

I just had my 1st postop meeting with our nutritionist and she said we are to wait 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after. This contradicted the hour our physician originally told us we had to wait after a meal, so I raised my hand and reiterated to her...You mean only 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after a meal? Not an hour? and she said our Doc had reviewed the data and changed the limit. ??? ALL surgeons are different but 2 hours seems excessive to me. You may want to reconfirm!

No I think his mommy probably has already made him go to bed. It IS a school night.

Welcome ! I was told "PB" meant "productive burp"...it happens when you don't chew enough or get too large a bite or something too dry etc...it rests at the top of your pouch but won't go through and you "productively burp" it back out. It isn't like traditional vomiting because there's no stomach acid. You may have some slimey saliva and it isn't fun, but it does happen. Some do it all they time, some only once, and some have never done it. I'm aiming for that last group but braced for the possibility!

Snowflake I'm so sorry for you! I can imagine. You build up and prepare mentally and so on and then BOOM the rug is pulled out from under you!

Welcome Monica! I'm newly banded as of 8/29 and while I am in what is affectionately known as "bandster hell" (because you have to follow a strict postop diet but no reduced hunger from banding yet) I am loving my band. I guess I'm lucky; my surgeon only uses the lap band. He said in his opinion it's tried and true; and he prefers to wait for them to get the kinks worked out of the realize band. Maybe that will help you? The lap band does have a larger port but initially that makes it way easier to get fills, I think. My doc told me when I lose enough to make my port stick out, he'll swap it for a low profile, no biggie! (outpatient) Whichever you choose, good luck!

I know they say there are no dumb questions, but this one really is. However I would appreciate an answer (feel free to snicker if you want LOL) They told me I could have sugar free jello my first week post op when I am to have only clear liquids and broth. Does this mean LIQUID jello, or can I let it set and then chew and swallow? I assumed they meant to just drink it, but now, I am wondering if I jumped to the wrong conclusion. Thanks!

And for a dentist, "Drstan" really can't spell, has pretty wild grammar...I sense a troll.

Pam you're right. I'm being too rigid. And if I eat a popsicle, then afterward I can gnaw on the stick. LOL OK it isn't THAT bad, but it feels like it could get that bad really quickly! LOL

Will your hospital put you on days temporarily just to get the surgery? That's underhanded but, my gosh, he's an idiot. An educated idiot, but an idiot. Lack of SLEEP contributes to weight gain, but working nights doesn't contribute to weight loss. Where's the proof? Where is he getting his data? From the gnome who lives in his closet? good grief.

I am SO GLAD! When I saw the headline I hoped it was your post! :thumbup:

That's Assinine! Find a new surgeon. You're a nurse, you know they aren't all created equal. What a bunch of pooey.

Yes Jodi is right...we are healing and can't risk eating/digestion. What happens during this post op phase is different for everyone, however. For example, even after we are healed we are to eat only 3 meals a day. No snacks. Not all docs are that strict. I have some problem distinguishing what I must not do because it will HURT me, and what I must not do because the nutritionist feels it is inappropriate. If I want to drink Brand X protein powder with o fat and 19 gms protein, and no sugar or carbs, then I don't quite understand why I MUST drink her Brand Q protein powder with o fa and 19 gms proein and no carbs or sugar. I can't help it; I believe in that saying "Question Authority". I'm compliant for now but I feel a rebellion brewing.