volcano lady

It's not surprising you'd be tired 2 days after surgery. This is day 9 for me, and today I finally feel pretty good. Every day gets better. You'll be able to take liquid meals easier, but don't forget the Water. The gas is still a problem for me but much more manageable now. The pain meds you take may be making you feel groggy. I used them for bedtime only and that helped me get around more by day. As RM said, walk.

I'm wondering if my story is unique. I had my surgery 7:30 am, Dec. 31. I was awake at 10:00 and feeling grogy and in not too much in pain because my belly area had been numbed. The plan was for me leave the hospital when I could get up and walk around, doctor's orders. At 1:00 pm my ride picked me and I went to my Mom's house to rest up because I was flying home with my husband at 5:30, we live on another island. The doctor didn't try to discourage this, so I figured it must be OK. I was a little nauseous, had some stomach pain, and vomited before the flight, but things got much worse in the air. By the time we got back on the ground, 6:30 pm, I went straight to emergency. The stomach pain was unbearable, up there with childbirth but with no contraction relief. The only way I would expel stomach gases was to vomit (dry heaves) and I knew I shouldn't be doing that. Plus I was really dehydrated. I couldn't hold anything down, including my pain meds. After 4 hours of examinations, tests, guesswork, and IV, they gave me a powerful painkiller and I was finally able to settle down. They kept me overnight, I got a good night's sleep and lots of TLC. I'm home now, experiencing the same things other 1 dayer's do: some bloating and a very tender tummy and I know I'm going to live! Here are my observations on how this could have been avoided to an extent: Allow at least one night's hospital stay. This is major surgery. I guess the insurance co. in trying to cut costs and seeing that most people can get up and survive this as an outpatient procedure made this call. In the literature from them, they explained hospitals are for sick people. The doctor should have discouraged me from flying that day. Had he said, "I don't recommend it", I wouldn't have done it. Period! Don't think you can made sane decisions right after awakening from anesthesia. What I'd like to know from you guys is this: Is outpatient the norm? Or did you get at least an overnight hospital stay? Did anyone have stomach gas that was so excruciatingly painful that it led to vomiting? How did you handle it? Happy New Year all!!! I hope this is one time I can keep my New Year's resolution. :confused:

I'm much better now. Sore but that's to be expected. PT, you didn't decide on the band on a whim. Keep focussed, it'll be worth it in long run. Hang in there, we skinny chicks are going to Vegas next year remember?

I can't say for sure if it was the physician or insurance. Maybe someone else out there can relate. My insurance is with Kaiser. Here, they have only been banding for 2 years. They provide a large binder with lots info and you have to jump near impossible hoops for 4 months before you can get approved. Even then, I have noticed many inconsistancies. The rest of my group is still waiting for a surgery date, 6 weeks after approval. Terrible. BTW, my fever is gone and I feel much stronger.

Thanks again, it is comforting to know I am not alone and can communicate with people who understand. RM, I just spoke to my doc and tho he sounded concerned about the fever, said if it got to 101 (it's was 100.4, but is 100.0 now; I took some tylenol), then call him back. He said it is not unusual for a slight fever. Body reaction...or something. Thanks for reminding me to walk, I'll get up more often. Instinctively, I was deep breathing, but I'll do more of that too. I did cough up some mucus, but my lungs feel pretty clear. You are right, I did get crappy post op care, they got too nonchalant.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support. It was good to hear of your post op experiences. I have a slight fever this morning and will try to locate my doctor by phone about it. I don't think it is related. I was able to down a protien drink. BTW Phyl, my ER experience went smoother because I called an ambulance at the airport. That guarantees you immediate admittance, no waiting. I learned that from a trip there last year with my very sick granddaughter who had to wait 90 minutes before being seen. Oh, and they know NOTHING about lapbands.

Hi Tquad64, I know how you feel. I'm getting banded in 2 days also, the 31st? Sometimes I wonder "what I'm going to be doing to myself!" Answer: Making my life easier! I'm here with you, you've come this far. Keep in touch

Hi Fellow Islanders, I'm nearing the end of my wait (weight, too) I hope. I may get my band by February, if all goes well. One of the challenges I face is having to fly from the Big Island to Oahu for surgery and fills because presently there is no one here to do it. I also have to drive 200 miles RT for my regular check ups with the Doc and Nutritionist, that has been a trial in itself. Is there anyone else out there in this same situation? Aloha, Patria

Thanks for replying! So far I have only met one other Lapbander here but there are a couple more coming in soon. We are on the Hilo side. I'm just waiting for a date now, I hope early January. You have done a fantastic job, thanks for the inspiration.

Jachut, I think it would depend upon how much weight was gained. Yes, the skin stretches, then fills in. When weight is lost, that extra skin remains, some might shrink back, but some will just hang there.:laugh: If it is surgically removed, I would image a few pounds should be lost.

I wondered if it might be extra loose skin that was contributing to weight we didn't have before?

I am waiting to meet my doctor but first I am waiting to be presented. Soon, I hope. I have Kaiser insurance and the head doctor is Dr. Weber, but it could be another, just don't know yet. There is another team I've seen on the web if one is not a Kaiser member. Good luck to your mom.

I am in the Kaiser program in Hawaii. From my understanding, the dietitian will put in a report (after 4 visits), as well as reports from a mental health therapist and physical therapist and my doctor. After I have jumped the hoops, there will be a "presentation" including the surgeons. It is THEN it will be determined if I am eligible. One person does not make the decision. This is the scary part, tho. What if I have lost too much weight from the regimen I'm following and they feel I can do it on my own with more determination on my part, although they say that won't happen? My advice to GirlNextDoor is to talk with your doc. The dietitian is out of line. As far as insurance companies saving money, I hope they realize the amount they will save in the long run when our health improves.:thumbup:

I, too, have only told a few close people because I really don't have the answers they would ask. I'm not positive I'd be approved, would I opt for bypass? Can't say now because I'd rather not. If I get a date, I'll probably tell the rest of my family and friends. When people comment on my weight loss, small appetite, etc. I'll probably have to fess up. I am a teacher and work at a school with 1,500 people who will want to comment on any drastic change in my appearance. High school students are especially vocal and curious and not afraid to ask embarrassing or inappropriate questions. I don't see how I can keep this a secret. I figure the sooner they know, the sooner they'll leave me be.

Hi Everyone, I keep getting this reminder that I haven't posted since I registered, so I better come out of the "lurking closet". Soon, I hope to get an op date. I have waited since September 2007 to get this far. I have one more appt with a consulting doc and with a nutritionist, then I get the final eval. My insurance is with Kaiser and they have a very long grueling process. I hope it happens before Christmas. I'm glad I found this forum because I have been reading about problems, solutions, and daily living with the LB that I wouldn't have thought of. I appreciate the openness, too. I'm very excited and anxious about this, but looking forward to getting an resemblance of the old me back. :biggrin: Glad to be here!