julesmck

Yes, you're right - thanks for the tip - I couldn't find the option to change my signature before.

Yes - my original pouch was dilated, so the lap-band was removed and replaced. Can't quite figure out how to change my ticker information.

Hi, I was banded yesterday. Is it normal to feel gas pain (across the back at the shoulder line) after a sip of Water? Thanks!

Thanks everyone. Lianna, when you say you get "ridiculously tight" on the first day of your period, do you find it hard to get liquids down? That's my main concern; If I drink rather slowly I can get warm Water down, but it still feels uncomfortably like it might come back up at any moment. Is that normal? Thanks again!

Hi, I had a fill 10 days ago in which I went from 1.7 cc to 2.2 cc. My band felt noticeably tighter after the fill, but then a couple of days ago (around the time my period started), it got so tight I can barely get fluid down, even hot liquids. Do I need a slight de-fill or is it because I'm menstruating, as I read on another forum? I scheduled a de-fill for tomorrow but if this is something that will pass I'd like to know. Thanks!

Hi, I was banded Friday, and everything seems to be going well. I'm not too hungry and the demon that compels me to overeat seems to be sleeping (yahoo!). Anyway, a few of my incisions are itching and it's driving me mad. Also, I have sporadic pain in my shoulder-to-neck area (on both sides) like a pinched nerve that only goes away when I lie down. I suppose that's the referred pain from the diaphragm? Any idea how long the referred pain lasts? Is it a matter of days or weeks? Thanks! Julie 252/248/150 Banded 5/19/06 Dr. Chris Cobourn, Mississauga, ON Canada

I just called the clinic and they said that although I would probably be released between 2-3 in the afternoon (surgery at 11am), I absolutely must have someone with me at all times during the first 24 hours after surgery in case of fainting, to help with toileting, etc. They gave me the name of a nurse I could stay overnight with that first night (at her home) if I want to. Sheesh, this is such a pain.

Thanks for all your replies! Jachut, you say you did need help the first 24 hours - while you were in the hospital? That's the period of time I'm worried about. The surgery is scheduled for 11am so I suppose I'll be released to my husband around 1pm (?) and I'm really hoping I won't need much help because we don't have anyone who can look after our son while I'm convalescing.

Hi, I'm having my surgery done about 5 hours from where I live (in Mississauga, ON), so I'll be staying at a hotel for 24 hours after the surgery. The pre-surgery form states that one should arrange for alternate child-care in the 24-hrs after surgery since the person who takes charge of you after your surgery should be completely devoted to your needs for a day following the surgery. I am planning to go down with my husband and three-year old, and am assuming I won't need so much "care" that my husband won't be able to look after DS, taking him to the mall across the street to burn off some energy. What has the experience of other people been? Have you needed someone devoted to your care immediately after surgery? I figure that as long as my husband has his cell phone on and is nearby I should be ok that first day in the hotel room by myself. Thanks.

Kel, thank you so much for your thoughts. What you say about why I'm defending my husband is exactly right. BTW, he hasn't threatened to leave if I don't lose weight - he simply says if our son weren't around he doesn't know if he could put up with the mood swings, the lethargy, the irritability, etc. I am just so ANGRY all the time. As they say, I am sick and tired of feeling sick and tired all the time and I do take it out on him. Like you described your behavior towards your husband pre-surgery, when my husband compliments me I let him have it because I know how he "really" feels about me. If he wants to go see friends I put up a nasty fuss because I'm ashamed to be seen in this state. If he wants to go for a walk I'm too tired. He has a stomach problem and if he doesn't eat within ten minutes of feeling hunger pains he feels terrible for days after. So last week he had to pop into a fast-food restaurant when he first got hungry and I couldn't hide my jealous rage because he and my son were sharing a grilled cheese sandwich! I swear to G__ I feel like a monster sometimes. Where does the rage come from exactly? Were you angry all the time pre-surgery? I have very low frustration tolerance and my lack of energy has rendered me unable to roll with the punches of everyday life. I don't know if it's because my blood sugar is out of whack (I'm not diabetic -yet) or what the hell is going on. Which is why I feel justified in saying, "who can blame him"???? I just got off the phone with my surgeon and finalized the surgery date so that is a relief. He doesn't do bypass surgery but said he's had several bypass patients come in for banding after their bodies adjusted to the bypass and they started gaining the weight back. Makes me feel more confident in the banding choice. Thank you all for listening, Jules

I'm pretty sure that my husband looks at it from this perspective: he pays all the bills and worries about our financial security in addition to participating in child-rearing and house-cleaning, so why can't I get it together and do this one thing?

vinesqueen, thanks for your support! However I should clarify a few things: my husband works full-time and actually does do a fair bit of the house-work. He did not have a good childhood himself (which no doubt explains a lot of things) but I honestly could not ask for a better father for our son. The way they interact is incredible - my husband showers him with love (yes, unconditional!), attention, interest and patience. They are really sweet together. I am a stay-at-home mom and what my husband objects to is that I don't get off my duff often enough and take our son to the park, for walks or for rides on his tricycle, etc. because I have all the energy of a slug, no matter how much coffee I drink. I do worry about my husband's attitude towards me rubbing off on my son but so far my husband manages to keep his negative comments to himself until we are alone.

Thank you all for being so kind - it really does mean so much to me! As for my husband's lack of support, he has definitely been more supportive in the past (though truthfully his support is more of the "you know what you need to do so just do it" variety with a few hugs and pep talks sprinkled in ) but at this point I think he is just completely fed up. Over the years I've embarked on every new weight-loss endeavor with high hopes and I've dragged him along with me, both financially and emotionally. In the end, we've both been disappointed, over and over. Anyway, as I said I think he's just fed up at this point and I can't really blame him.