should_be_working

Darce, I'm sending positive thoughts your way that the antibiotics will do the trick and that you won't require further surgery. I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Hi, All. I was banded on 8/26 (3 days ago). The gas pain has started to diminish. I'm having terrible headaches that are probably due to caffeine withdrawal. I had nausea and reflux on days 2 that caused dry heaves (also a little yesterday morning). Walking around feels fine at first but it seems to trigger that feeling of things wanting to come back up. My challenge now is being able to get down and keep down enough liquid and Protein. This has been harder than I thought it would be... definitely more difficult than my c-sections. I'm really looking forward to the memory of it fading!

I specifically asked about something for gas when I was in the hospital and the doctor told me that the gas is way down in your colon and that phazyme (sp?) is not effective for that. He stressed moving around as the only real way to work it out. But the gas pressure that I am feeling is up high. It's much more of a needing to burp feeling. And, unfortunately, every little burp feels like it's going to be the start of something more. I wish that he'd prescribed liquid meds b/c the pills feel like they're getting hung up. I used a pill cutter and have been taking them in halves instead of whole. The doctor did call in a prescription for an anti-nausea med. My DH is going to pick it up now. It's only day 2 after the surgery, right? Tomorrow will be better and the next day even more so. I just need to focus on that.

I got up last night to walk around a little bit, hoping to get rid of some gas. The gas seems to want to work it's way up rather than down. I got the dry heaves and sat retching over a trash can for a couple of minutes. I ended up sleeping in a sitting position because of the reflux. I had another, shorter episode this morning and called the doctor. I'm waiting on a call back. I've only been able to ingest 16 oz. of water and a sugar free popsicle since yesterday at noon. I'm worried about band slippage from the heaving and dehydration from not being able to get fluids down without them wanting to come back up. I got the realize band so no fill was done right away. I guess this is just from swelling?

I love your positive attitude!

I had my surgery yesterday and my mouth tasted terrible from the second I woke up in recovery. My sister was kind enough to confirm the bad breath! I've brushed my teeth a few times and had as much water as I'm supposed to have. Thanks for the heads up about thrush.

That's fantastic that you have no gas pains. I wish I could say the same!

Thanks, Ladies. My surgery wasn't until 2:40 yesterday so I didn't get into a room until 7. My DH picked me up at 11 this morning. I also ended up with a hiatal hernia repair. My ribs really hurt (from that?). I was sleeping horizontally this afternoon and woke up gagging. I had taken my pain meds with water and I guess I either swallowed too much water or laid down too soon. I'm back to a sitting position now, hoping that the reflux will pass. I wish I could fast forward a couple of days.

Seriously, could I be any more conflicted? I haven't had to do a pre-op diet so I ate dinner last night at my family's favorite local restaurant, a Japanese steakhouse. I drank my last (ever?) beer. This morning, I had my last (ever?) Diet Pepsi. I have gotten to an age/maturity level where this isn't primarily about looking better. It's about feeling better and being around for my girls who are only 6 and 7 years old right now. I need to be healthier. I need to have more energy. I have been reluctant to get excited about this b/c a close friend of my family is in the hospital and not doing well. If something had happened to her this week, I would have had to reschedule. As it is, I have to be at the hospital at 12:40 tomorrow. Surgery is scheduled from 2:40 to 4:20. I truly believe that I am making the right decision for myself and for my children.

My surgeon doesn't do a pre-op diet either. On the one hand, yay for me. On the other hand, I'm worried that I'll go into surgery and my liver will be too large or that my recovery will be harder. When I asked about it, he said that the surgeons in his practice feel that the 6 months of supervised weight loss is adequate. I'll let you know next Thursday.

Sending lots of support. I'm glad to hear you're doing well!

My husband has scheduled a business trip 5 days after my surgery. My kids are 6 and 7 years old so I don't need to worry about lifting them but I will have to be able to prepare their meals, get them off to school, help with baths and homework, etc. I've had two c-sections and I think I could have done all of that 5 days later but I'm not sure how this will compare and I am six years older and more overweight than I was then. I'll get a break while the kids are in school from 8:40 to 4. Any thoughts?

Welcome, Abby. What I wouldn't give to have gained control over my weight when I was 22! Best of luck to you.

Sally - August 26th

Thanks tgilley. I hope you're doing well after your own surgery. I love hearing that it's not as bad as a c-section recovery. That will help keep any last minute nervousness in check.

"Apparently the loving me for me is strong with this one." I'm sorry, but that made me LOL. What a great guy you have. I've only been considering lap band since March, but my husband is completely the opposite. He would never SAY that he wants me to lose weight any more than he'd tell me to get a boob job or a tummy tuck, but when I brought up the possibility of lap band surgery, I swear it seemed like he was relieved that I was actually going to do something about my weight. Frankly, it sounds like you need a new family doctor. You are right, it is NOT normal to gain 100 pounds in five years. There's no right answer for everyone. You're going to get a lot of support here if you end up choosing lap band, but that doesn't mean that it's the best thing for you. It does sound like you've given the traditional approach of diet and exercise a fair enough try though.

My doc's practice only uses the realize band.

I have a pre-op appointment on 8/10 in anticipation of surgery on 8/26, but I've been told by the staff at the weight loss clinic that there is no pre-op diet. Hmmmm. After reading all of your posts, I'm feeling like it might be smart to do one anyway. Then again, if these are my last days for Diet Coke and beer.... :smile2:

Hi. I just got my date- August 26th. I'm 44 and live in western MD. I am mom to 6 and 7 year old daughters and stepmom to a 16 year old daughter. I have struggled with weight issues since 4th grade. I have had success with diet/exercise and have maintained a healthy weight for as long as 7 years (age 29-36), but that's when I was single and had the luxury of making fitness a primary focus in my life. As a working mom/wife, I can't keep every temptation out of the house and time to exercise is tough to find. I am crossing my fingers that this surgery will help me when my willpower fails. I know that it is just a tool and I have been discouraged by some of the stories of people who have lost their motivation, but I already KNOW that I can do this. I just need some help. I weigh 220 lbs and am 5'4" tall. I've had 2 back surgeries and still have trouble sleeping because of back pain. My cholesterol is 240. I have sleep apnea. 44 should feel better than this! I look forward to opportunities to support each other. I am married to a man who has never struggled with weight issues. He is as understanding and supportive as most people in his position would be. I've told my mom, my sister, my husband and my 2 best friends about this surgery. I'm reluctant to share it with anyone else.

I've received approval from my insurance company but still need to schedule the medical clearance physical with my family doc and a pre-op nutritional appointment with the weight loss clinic before I will get a date. I'm guessing mid-August though.

Supposedly my doc's ofc was ready to submit to BCBS last Thursday. How long did it take from submission until you got approval?

I had to gain 6 pounds. It was easy! LOL

Good for you! I was just about to post a question asking how long it takes to get approval from the insurance company once everything is submitted.

Hi, eviebell. Why are you going so far away? I had my surgical consult on Monday with Dr. Prashar in Hagerstown. I'm scheduled for the psych consultation later this month. At that point, the timing will just depend on how quickly my insurance company turns around the approval.

I'm in Frederick and am just beginning to consider the surgery, probably with Dr. Currie. I would love to hear from others who have worked with him!