akindofmagic

I had my surgery on December 16th - have only had two fills since, the most recent of which was almost 1 month ago. During that fill - my doctor withdrew all saline and there was only 1/2 cc as opposed to the 3 cc's he'd injected 2 months before that. His comment, "we may need to swap out your port - we'll see on the next visit" (scheduled for Friday). Yesterday - I ate a piece of chicken and it got stuck. Everything came up and now I'm not even able to keep down Water. I have a call into my doctor but am wondering if anyone else has had this happen?

I told my entire office and all of my family and friends. Everyone has been very, very supportive as I knew they would be. When I adopted my daughter from China 3 years ago (by the way - I also told my daughter's daycare teachers, directors and even some of her classmates parents), I talked about it immediately and throughout the process and found it to be a tremendous relief to be upfront and honest with everyone. It has been my experience that when you attempt to play things to close to the vest, people take it upon themselves to speculate and they are often times incorrect in their assumptions. With regards to the lap band, people know I'm overweight - this is no secret to anyone who has ever met me. I also carry a card in my wallet in the event of a medical emergency that states I have a lapband implanted and that special care should be taken before performing any abdominal procedure. Just like I prefer for the people around me to be aware of my penicillin allergy, I want them also to know I have a lap band. I have nothing to be ashamed of for finally taking my health seriously and taking steps to improve it. These are my reasons and I can tell by the responses thus far that many people feel differently. Ultimately it is a personal choice and you will do what is best for you. Good luck to you. Michelle in NJ

I was not given a caffeine restriction either. I only drank decaf beverages prior to surgery (for about the past 4-1/2 years). Now I drink iced tea, hot tea and coffee (all with caffeine).

- wearing a bathing suit and taking my 4 year old swimming. - getting off high blood pressure meds. - all new clothes - going on amusement park rides with my daughter - living a longer, healthier life Michelle in NJ starting weight - 296 lbs. lap band date - 12/16/2008 - 278 lbs. current weight - 265 lbs.

I haven't been filled yet either which for me means I can eat bread (have had 1 slice - no problem), biscuit (have had 1 - no problem), pizza (twice - PB on first because I ate too fast and ate a bite of crust. 2nd time - no problem). I hope once I get filled and feel restriction that I won't be able to tolerate these foods as they have been my downfall most of my life. banded 12/16/2008 down 36 lbs with miles to go before I sleep

On day two I could have kicked myself for having subjected myself to this surgery (only I was in too much pain). I felt much better on day 3 and incredibly better on day 4. On day 5 I went to a Christmas party where I had chicken broth and protien Water. We've all been there - you will be fine, just give it a couple more days.

I was banded on December 16th and am experiencing neck, jaw & ear pain that my PCP believes is due to the Phrenic nerve having been aggitated during surgery. The pain is so severe at times (especially at night) that I also went to my cardiologist to rule out a heart problem. I'm hoping it subsides soon but when I saw your post about experiencing this pain 10 months post-op, I have to admit - I'm a little discouraged. If you look under the "lap-band complications" forum I think you'll find that many, many people have and are experiencing the same symptoms that we are. I only wish it had been communicated to me prior to surgery.

Not to change the subject - but what was the issue with refried beans? That was my first mushy meal after surgery (although I was on clear liquids for 2 weeks so it was day 15 for me). I've had it one other time since then and enjoyed them immensely.

Happy, Healthy New Year everyone. Has anyone experienced the following: I was banded on 12/16/08 and things have been pretty text book except the gas pains. I didn't experience them til almost 2 weeks out and now at a little over 2 weeks I'm experiencing something completely different. Last night each time I moved in bed I felt pain in my chin, the back of my neck (if that makes sense) - almost in my throat and my left ear. The pain was fairly intense and I've not had it since I got up and started moving for the day. I did place a call into my LB surgeon's emergency number and am waiting to hear back. Has anyone else felt this? Does it sound like gas and is it normal to be feeling it this far out from my surgery date? Thanks guys! Michelle in NJ

My surgeon sent me to my PCP saying the pain I was experiencing was not surgically related. My PCP disagrees with the surgeon and agrees with you! He said my phrenic nerve was most likely irritated during surgery and that once the gas and swelling dissapate - so will the pain. I hope he's right because I was awake most of last night with it. It seemed every time I moved in bed, I could feel it in my jaw and neck.

I'm jealous - I was also banded on the 16th but my surgeon thinks that as long as I'm still losing weight we should put off my first fill until I hit a plateau. My next appt. is Feb. 06th so I should find out what he has in mind then.

I irrigate my sinuses at least once per day using salt Water in a neti pot. It is a strange feeling to pour salt water into one nostril until it runs out of the other but I've not had a sinus headache or infection since I started using it almost 1 year ago (a record for me). I got mine at Whole Foods but there sold many places now. Michelle in NJ

Thanks so much for replying Michelle. I had an 8am follow-up with my surgeon this morning and when I described it to him he said it wasn't surgically related and that perhaps it's cardiac and I should check with my PCP. I have an appointment with my PCP at 11:15am and will request an EKG however, I think it is surgically related and I will share your post with him. Thank you again and I'll keep you posted. Michelle in NJ

What a beautiful post!! You are truly blessed to have such a loving supportive family. My daughter just turned 4 the week after my band surgery (Dec. 16th) and I look forward to having increased energy in the new year so that I can be the fun, active mom she deserves. Happy New Year!!!

My surgery was on December 16th and I'm down 34 lbs total. I did a 14 day pre-op diet and I just started purees today. I know this can't possible keep up - if it did I be at goal within the next 2-1/2 months! I not only expect a slow down because of starting on food again - but most likely a slight gain. My pre and post op diet were so incredibly restrictive that the weight just fell off. That type of diet is impossible to sustain.

I've got it all planned out - for Breakfast I'm going to have cream of wheat (which frankly I've never liked but am looking forward to immensly). For lunch I'm having vanilla yogurt and for dinner I'm having deviled ham!!! I was banded on 12/16 and my surgeon calls for 2 weeks Clear liquids, 2 weeks full liquids and pureed foods and 2 weeks of soft food. I'm so incredibly hungry that I'm downright giddy at the prospect of eating runny cream of wheat!!!

Each surgeon seems to give different instructions regarding the post-op diet. I was banded on Dec. 16th and am still on clear liquids (it's killing me) until Tuesday. Once Tuesday rolls around I can have full liquids and purees for 2 weeks, then soft foods for 2 weeks. Hopefullly, I'll be approaching my first "fill" date when I go on to regular foods. I have my post-op follow up with my surgeon on Friday Jan. 2nd.

I was wondering how long you guys who have been banded were on your pain meds. I thought I'd be able to switch to liquid tylenol by now but find myself still using the oxycodone. It's day 6 and I'm still experiencing what I would call a considerable amount of pain - especially around the port site. I'm up and around, showering, even went to a play yesterday afternoon. I should mention that while my surgeon was in - he found a hiatel hernia and fixed that as well. Perhaps that is contributing? How long does the pain last?

I was banded on 12/16/08 and had experienced some gas pains, mostly in the shoulders and neck which seemed to disapate fairly quickly. Today on my drive into work - I started to feel a great deal of discomfort, nausea, cramps and pain in my upper and lower back, rib cage area and abdomen. At first I thought I was having a heart attack but when I stopped the car and got out - I felt fine (so it's most likely gas, right?). Well now it's back with a vengence and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas? I'm walking around now as much as possible but admit that in the beginning I did not walk as much as I should have. Thanks.

I'm on basically the same liquids as you: jello, popsicles, broth. I'm also drinking Isopure - it's a clear fruit flavored protien drink with 40 grams of protein.