Elisabethsew

I got my first fill (1 cc in a 4 cc band) 8 weeks post-op and it did nothing. I am going in on Wed for fill #2 and am hoping this one does the trick.

I am surprised they did not switch to an open surgical approach when they could not place the band. I am also shocked that your CHF was not discovered pre-op. Weren't you required to have an EKG, Echo and stress test? I would definitely see a top-notch cardiologist and get some answers.

Gas pains and anesthesia side-effects can produce the nausea you describe but if it persists for more than another day or two, I would suggest you call your surgeon.

Welcome and congratulations. I'm sure your story will be helpful to those still considering being banded.

I agree with the others, you need to take a step back and stop concentrating so much on the scale. I noticed that you're taking in about 1300 calories a day and also that you said you exercise regularly. If you're burning 500 calories a day doing an exercise routine, your dietician is correct... up the calorie intake. Also, are you staying hydrated before and after the exercise? "Worked" muscles suck up water so you might have actually lost weight when you thought you stayed the same. Weigh once a week and stop making yourself crazy.

I am on Coumadin and take Aleve for severe arthritis. Because it is NOT possible for me to come off these meds without risking my health, I was placed on Nexium. My surgeon has no problem with this and allows his patients to take an occasional NSAID. Bottom line... check with YOUR MD.

Enteric coated medications are dissolved in the small intestine.

Slow down and allow yourself to heal. You just had surgery and, like it or not, it takes 6 weeks to heal. I also had a repair of a hiatal hernia at the time of my banding but had no restrictions on not having cold beverages. Call your MD and ask if you can make modifications to the diet.

Welcome and congratulations on your great progress.

People heal at different rates. I went back to work after 9 days but was still sore and really didn't feel human for a few weeks. Take Tylenol for the pain and keep moving and stay hydrated. You'll feel better soon.

What you're experiencing is quite common. As the swelling subsides, the sutures tighten. Since they are attached to the abdominal wall, it DOES feel like a pulled muscle. Some tylenol should help.

You don't have to worry about stretching the pouch with fluids so stay hydrated and keep the fluids going. As for needing a fill, you first need to advance to solid foods and see how you tolerate them. If you find that you can eat more than 2 cups of food at a sitting and not feel full, it's a signal that it might be time to schedule the first fill. I had my first one at 8 weeks post-op and still feel no restriction so I'm going back for another one in the hopes that I finally will.

I hope you have a safe trip home and a speedy recovery. Congratulations!

Congratulations on your new home. I hope it brings you tons of happiness.

I had lost over 200 pounds and put back on 100+ in the last 3 years. I didn't want to regain the other 100 pounds and knew I needed help and opted for the band.

I would choose the two black and white pics although they're ALL beautiful.

I have no restriction after one fill and have scheduled the second one. When I do feel restriction, I plan to ride the wave as long as I can. You're lucky that you have some restriction and have not had a fill so hold off as long as possible.

Why let a number dictate what you should weigh? Do it the other way, look in the mirror and decide if you like what you see. If the answer is yes, step on the scale and see what you weigh. THAT is YOUR ideal goal weight.

I was told by my dietician that it's actually helpful to drink before meals... called water loading. It helps fill you a little and also begins to signal the brain that the hunger sensation is being satisfied.

The fact that this could be a life-long problems dictates that you need to get an attorney ASAP. Don't bother communicating with the insurance company anymore, let your lawyer do it for you. Jack is a chiropractor so he might have some valuable advice for you.

I have no restrictions on milk but am lactose intolerant so I go easy on dairy products. I take a calcium supplement everyday and LOVE the lite ricotta cheese which is low in calories, high in protein and tastes great. As for sugar, I don't use it and avoid processed foods.

I splurge on fresh fruit salads. The local fruit and veggie place makes different sizes and it's all delicious. It's more money to buy it all prepared but I'm worth it.

I was told to not drink any water for an hour or so after I had eaten. I was following that rule pretty well until I drank with an after my meal and found that I got full and stayed full longer than if I didn't drink. I experimented with this "phenomenon" several times and sure enough, it works everytime. I am an the only one or do others find that drinking fluids with their meals actually aids in a lower intake of food and a longer period of feeling full?

I am not a fan of insurance companies but I don't believe it's ever OK to "nudge" (A.K.A. CHEAT) the system. I had a BMI of over 50 and had to fight to get my surgery. I FINALLY won the appeal although it delayed my surgery by several months. Call me old fashioned but I still believe it's best to be honest... easier to sleep at night.

I just finished my Ph.D. comprehensive exams and will be beginning my Doctoral dissertation in Adult and Post Secondary Education in July. Congratulations on getting to the finish line.