kerrik

Hi! I was banded on 2/11/09 and have had really no complications since. I've been able to swallow and drink and have not vomited at all. Today I went in for my first fill and the doctor said he felt a hematoma near the port site. I'm a tiny bit bruised that is visible on the skin, but otherwise hardly any swelling and just a little sore. It definitely hurt when he was kneading his fingers around to feel it. Then he put a fill of 4 cc in and I was sent on my way. It wasn't the surgeon who did the fill, but another doctor that works in his office and was the one who also did my manometry test..He didn't seem too concerned with the hematoma, but should I be? Should i call the office and make sure the surgeon knows? I didn't see him today. Is this risky? Since the fill i've just been on liquids and taking them fine. Maybe a little more sore than usual since he was pushing hard around the port... Would definitely love some input here. Thanks!

hmm...that is very comforting. I'm sure i'll get the same response. Mine doesn't even stick out from the skin..I see some slight bruising but you have to look close. No other symptoms except some soreness. I always worry about stuff like this and when i search the internet it really scares me more. That's why i needed to ask on here. I'm a nurse and I sometimes see hematomas but usually in the groin area or on the head. The huge huge hematomas have to get evacuated, but you definitely KNOW there is a hematoma there. There are all sorts of pretty colors around the area and it swells big. I definitely don't have those symptoms. I didn't know it was there before today and I was losing weight, taking liquids and purees just fine, so i'll just keep doing what i was doing. But I will post what my doctor says.

Band camp..that's cute! Tomorrow I start my full liquids. I can't wait. I'm sick of this chicken broth. But amazing how i get really full from only half of what is in the microwavable campbells bowls. Walked for like 30 minutes tonight..just wanted to keep going. I feel really good..got dressed, did makeup..wearing jeans. Can't really stay laid up on the couch...I go back to work as a nurse on thursday night and i'm pretty confident i'll be fine..maybe a little sore.. got my ticker thing going...hope it works when i post this:)

for what reason?

Also, how do you post a ticker with your weight loss in your posts? I want to do one but can not figure out how.

I was so worried too. I thought "ohmigod i have that superbug!", but i did some searches and found that its pretty normal for diarrhea after surgery. I also read that about a week after surgery as we are transitioning to fuller liquids and mushies, we will start having the constipation problem...today is my last day on clears...I've been living on chicken broth, Vitamin Water, popsicles, and water...i know the popsicles and vitamin water have some sugar but i know i can't even be taking in more than like 500 calories, so i'm not too worried. I have issues with sugar alcohols in the sugar-free products as they really make me sick and then i am living in the bathroom. Pain is much better today...still took my lortab as i want to go on a walk with the dog. He's very good about not pulling as he can tell something is up with me and he walks very gently by my side. Hootie, when do you transition to full liquids? What kind of Protein shake do you use? I stopped using them on the pre-op a few days before surgery because i realized they were making me sick. I have to go find a soy powder cause i also have lactose issues (I wish i could have transplanted a whole new intestinal system! ha!). Are you going on walks already? My doc wanted us doing 10 minute walks the day after surgery.

Hi all, Just got banded on 2/11 at UCSD with Dr. Horgan. I was really nervous before hand but as soon as I was on the OR table and they gave me some medicine I was out...woke up in the PACU and they were really good about giving me pain medicine... I admit I have had a bit of pain. I'm post op day 3 now and this morning I was a little better. I was able to pull myself out of bed..that is the WORST part..using the stomach muscles to sit up is hard! I've been on Clear Liquids..started to get a little hungry last night but just had some Soup broth and that filled me up quick! Been doing my daily 10 minute walks and been up and about the apt doing stuff. The only problem I've been having is diarrhea, but the nutritionist said that is normal. Liquids in, Liquids out. But, she recommended benefiber. I tried it but it made me feel really full in my stomach to the point of pain. It's a bulking Fiber so I think i will wait to use it until I'm a few more days post op. Otherwise-I lost 17 lbs on the pre-op diet..The scale hasn't budged since the surgery but I bet its the fluids they've pumped me with and i feel really swollen..I know it will happen... Anyone else having a similiar recovery?

Hi there! I am getting banded on Feb 11, 2009. I'm on day 3 of my liquid diet (and it is much harder than i thought). I will be having my surgery at USCD with dr. horgan (hi DoxieMom-I will let you know how it goes). I have my manometry test next week and the week after i have my EKG, labs, etc...I can't believe it's almost here. I feel like something will happen that won't allow it (bad tests, insurance problems..), but i will try to keep positive. Glad to know there is another UCSDer on here that will be doing this.

Hi! Just introducing myself:) I'm very interested in getting the lap-band here in san diego at the UCSD clinic. I go for my initial consultation in 1 1/2 weeks where i do the psych eval/nutrition..My insurance will cover my procedure 100% but needs documentation of 6 mos. exercise and nutrition program. I am wondering if being seen by an endocrinologist about my weight and having been consistently working out with a trainer for 8 months now will help me qualify for the insurance. But anyway, its still not set in stone when I will be having this done, but I wanted to say hi:)

thanks so much for telling me that! It's good to know what i'm getting into. I'm actually suprised your initial was like that. At the seminar they all seemed so sweet. I'm a little nervous for it, because i get anxious in situations where i feel like i'm being grilled. So are you now on the liquid diet? how is that going? Good luck for your surgery as its only days away! how exciting! Did UCSD make you do an upper GI? Any other tests you had to go through? May I ask what insurance company you use? Mine is Ameriben/IEC group and UCSD isn't really familiar with it, but apparently from how i've been using it, its been really really amazing. Way to go for sticking with it for the 6 month program. I will definitely be discouraged if i have to wait another 6 months as I have my wedding in exactly a year. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!