emmylou

I went ahead and called the surgeons office to inquire. I was told that these pains and sensations my be related to the hernia repair and tender nerves where the sutures are. I was concerned for my pouch. They didn't think I should be concerned but said that I could perhaps go more slowly with drinking and take Gas-X to see if it helps. I'm glad to know these things will hopefully ease as I heal!

Kimmy, I was just banded this Tuesday. I knew going in that I would not be able to lose a significant amount of weight with the band unless I exercised. I too hate to exercise, but it is necessary. How did I know this going in? I've spent half of my life dieting. I could not get weight to go without exercising my arse off. As soon as I'm able, I plan on exercising again. Right now, I'm trying to just walk. The band is a tool that I plan to use to keep me from overeating even healthy stuff and still be satisfied. Try walking! I wish you guys luck in your continued journey.

I was banded on the 7th too and had a hiatal hernia repair too. I'm having the same thing I guess. I feel the air about to seep up and if I catch it right on time a VERY small burp will come. If I don't catch it, it seems to swell up under where I reckon the band is and cause some discomfort. I hope this goes away. Hey Jodi, I just realized you're just down the road from me. :thumbup: I'm also having this weird link/sensation or pain going from the band up my esophogas to my forehead and sinus after I have been lying down and then get up. If I take a breath through my nose while getting up I will get this pain. Once I breath out it stops. VERY strange. Anyone had this too?

Here's wishing you the best of luck and a speedy recovery!

I wish you all luck with your surgery and thank you for your well wishes too! I'm glad this info could be helpful to you. KayVee, I was having some gas pain in my shoulders last night but I was getting up and walking around alot and I guess that took care of it. When I tried to lay down it would radiate to a shoulder and I'd get up and walk. I've been taking Gas-X to help my belly rumbling gas. I haven't had any shoulder pain today, but I'm still very sore in my belly. I took a shower and took off the bandages as instructed leaving the steri strips. Now I'm having what I'm guessing are trapped burps. I feel the air trying to come up but it seems to get stuck below where I guess the band is. It's an brief unpleasnt feeling but goes away. I think I'm almost to where my liquid Tylenol will handle the pain or soreness, but I will be taking the Lortab before bed. The liquids were very tough for me too...trust me. The bonus right now is that I'm not hungry AT ALL. The other bonus is no nausea either so I'm drinking shakes and stuff to try to keep my protien up to heal up. I really wish you guys the best! If you have any questions, I'll try to answer from the experiences I've had so far.

I reckon I'll post this later in the surgery day stories, but thought I should document now as I tend to forget stuff. Got up, showered, and got to the surgical center at about 10 till 6am. Checked in and was in the back changing by 6:15. My husand sat with me and tried to reassure me that everything would be fine. I was very nervous, but ok. My nurse was really nice and explained what she was going to do and had me fill out a few forms. She then gave me two Oxycontin extended release (sp?) pills to take along with a Celebrex tablet. She had some trouble getting the IV into my right hand and then tried the left. It appears that even though I've been driking liquids for the last two weeks, I was slightly dehydrated today. She gave me a heperin (sp?) type injection into my lower stomach. The needle didn't hurt but the injection did sting for a few minutes after. One of the anestesia doctors came in and got the IV in on my right forearm and proceeded to get the juices and anti-nausea meds going. Shortly after getting my IV, I heard a lady across from my cubby explaining that she has a fear of needles to the nurses. She began to hyperventilate as they tried to numb her for the IV. A few other nurses voices could be heard trying to calm her down and allowed her to recover before their second try. I knew when they went in for the second try too. You would have thought the lady was having intimate relations! It was a welcome distraction for me anyway though I felt for her and she was fine. Around 7:20am I was given two injections through the IV to calm me and the PA and surgeon stopped in to see how I was. Shortly after I had to tell my husband goodbye and they wheeled me back to the OR. I don't remember exactly whether they had me jump tables or not. I remember having my arms outstretched and a mask placed over my face and told to breathe deep a few times. I think the 3rd breath took me out. Next thing I know I'm waking up and a nice lady is talking to me. I was a little sleepy but more alert than I had anticipated that I would be. I could open my eyes easily and smile and ask questions. The only pain I was having was in my actual stomach, kinda low. I would rate the pain at a 5, but the nurse hooked me up with more meds and it became a 2. The other weird thing was that it seemed that my stomach muscles were trying to contract as if I was doing sit ups or something. I would notice pain and then realize that the muscles were contracted and ask my body to cool it! LOL I also had slight pain in my shoulders from time to time. I asked the nurse about how everything went and how I did. She said everything was excellent. I asked how many incisions and was told 5. I was somewhat upset at this since I had hoped for a max of three. Once I was pretty well alert they rolled me to the next area. I asked for some ice and water. They brought me slightly warm water and ice chips. My mouth and lips were dry. I was then offered a popcicle and I took it with pleasure. I had no discomfort or restriction with drinking. I was pleasantly surprised that I have been able to continue to drink just fine at home too. In the second recovery area, my only requirements were to be able to drink, walk, and pee. Within 1/2 hour I did all three and was on my way home. The drive home was fine as I only live about 5 miles from the surgical center. I felt sleepy, but I haven't been able to really sleep. I've been sitting on the couch propped up and then getting up to walk around. I felt as if I could go walk around about anywhere until around 6:30pm. I'm having terrible cotton mouth and throat though, but it seems to be subsiding. Sucking on my chewable multivitamin and chocolate calcium supplement have helped with the swelling/dryness it seems. My cheeks were sticking to my teeth! Very strange! The good stuff has worn off and now I'm kinda sore. It's muscle type of soreness in the middle of my stomach. As much as I didn't wanna, I took some liquid Lortab to see if it would take me back to the nice comfort level I was having. I've been sucking on Fruit2o and Diet Snapple. I have taken the acid reducer pill thingie too and have not had any problems so far. I was soooooooo afraid to be sick to my stomach, I cannot take nausea. I have anti nausea melti pills, but have not needed them. I feel better knowing they're there though. Until 6:00pm or so, I began to wonder if there was anything behind the bandages or around my stomach.

I attended a seminar where a surgeon talked about several WLS's and who could benefit from them. I wish I kept the paperwork and I would tell you what he said. It was in regards to your eating style. If you are a "grazer" the lap band would not be the best choice for you (according to him) since you would be eating many small meals all day and consuming more calories instead of small meals with no eating inbetween. I was eating three meals a day. Big meals and not so smart choices. The lap band would be for someone like me. I'm looking forward to being able to eat a small meal and be satisfied until it's time for the next meal. I'm able to lose while dieting and exercising, but the smaller portions would leave me starving and I would still overeat healthy stuff. I'm not a snacker or grazer as he put it. I cannot remember the surgeons' suggestion for grazers. Maybe you can attend a seminar that covers several options and then research which you think could benefit you best. I'm looking at the lap band as a tool to keep me satisfied with my healthy choices as well as a tether to keep me in check when I feel like falling off the wagon so to speak. But it is true that you can self sabbotage by sucking down high calorie drinks like milkshakes, etc. Good luck with your choice! :biggrin:

It depends on your surgeons' instructions and they vary wildly. I was 14 days all liquids (broth, protien shakes, sugar free popcicles, water, Diet Snapple, etc.) and no "real food". Others have shakes and one meal a day or no pre op diet at all. Check with your surgeon to see what they would prefer you do.

I reckon I'll post this later in the surgery day stories, but thought I should document now as I tend to forget stuff. Got up, showered, and got to the surgical center at about 10 till 6am. Checked in and was in the back changing by 6:15. My husand sat with me and tried to reassure me that everything would be fine. I was very nervous, but ok. My nurse was really nice and explained what she was going to do and had me fill out a few forms. She then gave me two Oxycontin extended release (sp?) pills to take along with a Celebrex tablet. She had some trouble getting the IV into my right hand and then tried the left. It appears that even though I've been driking liquids for the last two weeks, I was slightly dehydrated today. She gave me a heperin (sp?) type injection into my lower stomach. The needle didn't hurt but the injection did sting for a few minutes after. One of the anestesia doctors came in and got the IV in on my right forearm and proceeded to get the juices and anti-nausea meds going. Shortly after getting my IV, I heard a lady across from my cubby explaining that she has a fear of needles to the nurses. She began to hyperventilate as they tried to numb her for the IV. A few other nurses voices could be heard trying to calm her down and allowed her to recover before their second try. I knew when they went in for the second try too. You would have thought the lady was having intimate relations! It was a welcome distraction for me anyway though I felt for her and she was fine. Around 7:20am I was given two injections through the IV to calm me and the PA and surgeon stopped in to see how I was. Shortly after I had to tell my husband goodbye and they wheeled me back to the OR. I don't remember exactly whether they had me jump tables or not. I remember having my arms outstretched and a mask placed over my face and told to breathe deep a few times. I think the 3rd breath took me out. Next thing I know I'm waking up and a nice lady is talking to me. I was a little sleepy but more alert than I had anticipated that I would be. I could open my eyes easily and smile and ask questions. The only pain I was having was in my actual stomach, kinda low. I would rate the pain at a 5, but the nurse hooked me up with more meds and it became a 2. The other weird thing was that it seemed that my stomach muscles were trying to contract as if I was doing sit ups or something. I would notice pain and then realize that the muscles were contracted and ask my body to cool it! LOL I also had slight pain in my shoulders from time to time. I asked the nurse about how everything went and how I did. She said everything was excellent. I asked how many incisions and was told 5. I was somewhat upset at this since I had hoped for a max of three. Once I was pretty well alert they rolled me to the next area. I asked for some ice and water. They brought me slightly warm water and ice chips. My mouth and lips were dry. I was then offered a popcicle and I took it with pleasure. I had no discomfort or restriction with drinking. I was pleasantly surprised that I have been able to continue to drink just fine at home too. In the second recovery area, my only requirements were to be able to drink, walk, and pee. Within 1/2 hour I did all three and was on my way home. The drive home was fine as I only live about 5 miles from the surgical center. I felt sleepy, but I haven't been able to really sleep. I've been sitting on the couch propped up and then getting up to walk around. I felt as if I could go walk around about anywhere until around 6:30pm. I'm having terrible cotton mouth and throat though, but it seems to be subsiding. Sucking on my chewable multivitamin and chocolate calcium supplement have helped with the swelling/dryness it seems. My cheeks were sticking to my teeth! Very strange! The good stuff has worn off and now I'm kinda sore. It's muscle type of soreness in the middle of my stomach. As much as I didn't wanna, I took some liquid Lortab to see if it would take me back to the nice comfort level I was having. I've been sucking on Fruit2o and Diet Snapple. I have taken the acid reducer pill thingie too and have not had any problems so far. I was soooooooo afraid to be sick to my stomach, I cannot take nausea. I have anti nausea melti pills, but have not needed them. I feel better knowing they're there though. Until 6:00pm or so, I began to wonder if there was anything behind the bandages or around my stomach.

Couldn't get comfortable on the couch and kept waking up to take more pain meds. I slept though. No nausea thank goodness. Had my first shake this morning with pain meds to coat my stomach. I fell asleep on the couch on my side and when I woke I was having weird pain/sensation in my sinuses and head when I would breathe in. Very weird. I'm taking Gas-X for gastro rumblings and am experiencing occasional trapped burps I guess under the band. The trapped burp feels weird and could be painful I guess but goes as fast as it comes. I'm about to take a shower and remove the bandages to see what's going on under there. My mid section is sore and I'm betting my port is on my left side from the pain there. I think I may take some more pain meds before getting in the shower just in case I move around too much.

Couldn't get comfortable on the couch and kept waking up to take more pain meds. I slept though. No nausea thank goodness. Had my first shake this morning with pain meds to coat my stomach. I fell asleep on the couch on my side and when I woke I was having weird pain/sensation in my sinuses and head when I would breathe in. Very weird. I'm taking Gas-X for gastro rumblings and am experiencing occasional trapped burps I guess under the band. The trapped burp feels weird and could be painful I guess but goes as fast as it comes. I'm about to take a shower and remove the bandages to see what's going on under there. My mid section is sore and I'm betting my port is on my left side from the pain there. I think I may take some more pain meds before getting in the shower just in case I move around too much.

I can't imagine what it's like reaching goal and then switching to maintain mode. What does THAT feel like? I've always been on the "gotta lose" track, so I'm curious about what happens when one reaches the finish line.

Do you mean that once I reach goal (knock on wood) that my world doesn't magically change into the life I've perceived that skinny girls have? :biggrin: I'm curious about what life would be like at goal and turning into maintain woman. I have a good husband who treats me well now and I hope he'll be the same when I'm thinner. I hope to go out more. I've always been a home body especially after gaining additional weight. I hope to never be home once I feel confident enough in myself. :smile2: My journey has just begun. I'm proud of all of you guys!

I will be checking those out as well. Congratulations on your journey and races! Racing is another thing that I can't imagine doing right now, but would be cool to try eventually. Keep up the great work you guys! It comforts me that I too could be like you!

LMAO!!! Too funny!

Gone 4 Ever - food Porn?!?! LMAO I wish I had thought of that. I've been watching food porn for the last two weeks during liquids! I had surgery yesterday and have not experienced any hunger since which is fine with me. I had my first shake last night to wash down the lovely liquid lortab, ick! I'm not so concerned with losing right now, I would just like to feel less and less pain and be able to sleep in bed. I'm having weird feelings in my stomach, but I guess that will pass as everything heals. Hope everyone's surgery is a success!:biggrin:

Evacuate huh? LMAO! They may not have to evacuate, but not cooking stuff you can't eat for them could be helpful to you. I went on strike kinda. I haven't cooked anything but hot and sour soup broth in over 14 days. The smell of the food that my DH cooked would drive me crazy, but he cooked stuff I didn't like. It seemed though after all the days of liquid EVERYTHING was appealing!

I reckon I'll post this later in the surgery day stories, but thought I should document now as I tend to forget stuff. Got up, showered, and got to the surgical center at about 10 till 6am. Checked in and was in the back changing by 6:15. My husand sat with me and tried to reassure me that everything would be fine. I was very nervous, but ok. My nurse was really nice and explained what she was going to do and had me fill out a few forms. She then gave me two Oxycontin extended release (sp?) pills to take along with a Celebrex tablet. She had some trouble getting the IV into my right hand and then tried the left. It appears that even though I've been driking liquids for the last two weeks, I was slightly dehydrated today. She gave me a heperin (sp?) type injection into my lower stomach. The needle didn't hurt but the injection did sting for a few minutes after. One of the anestesia doctors came in and got the IV in on my right forearm and proceeded to get the juices and anti-nausea meds going. Shortly after getting my IV, I heard a lady across from my cubby explaining that she has a fear of needles to the nurses. She began to hyperventilate as they tried to numb her for the IV. A few other nurses voices could be heard trying to calm her down and allowed her to recover before their second try. I knew when they went in for the second try too. You would have thought the lady was having intimate relations! It was a welcome distraction for me anyway though I felt for her and she was fine. Around 7:20am I was given two injections through the IV to calm me and the PA and surgeon stopped in to see how I was. Shortly after I had to tell my husband goodbye and they wheeled me back to the OR. I don't remember exactly whether they had me jump tables or not. I remember having my arms outstretched and a mask placed over my face and told to breathe deep a few times. I think the 3rd breath took me out. Next thing I know I'm waking up and a nice lady is talking to me. I was a little sleepy but more alert than I had anticipated that I would be. I could open my eyes easily and smile and ask questions. The only pain I was having was in my actual stomach, kinda low. I would rate the pain at a 5, but the nurse hooked me up with more meds and it became a 2. The other weird thing was that it seemed that my stomach muscles were trying to contract as if I was doing sit ups or something. I would notice pain and then realize that the muscles were contracted and ask my body to cool it! LOL I also had slight pain in my shoulders from time to time. I asked the nurse about how everything went and how I did. She said everything was excellent. I asked how many incisions and was told 5. I was somewhat upset at this since I had hoped for a max of three. Once I was pretty well alert they rolled me to the next area. I asked for some ice and water. They brought me slightly warm water and ice chips. My mouth and lips were dry. I was then offered a popcicle and I took it with pleasure. I had no discomfort or restriction with drinking. I was pleasantly surprised that I have been able to continue to drink just fine at home too. In the second recovery area, my only requirements were to be able to drink, walk, and pee. Within 1/2 hour I did all three and was on my way home. The drive home was fine as I only live about 5 miles from the surgical center. I felt sleepy, but I haven't been able to really sleep. I've been sitting on the couch propped up and then getting up to walk around. I felt as if I could go walk around about anywhere until around 6:30pm. I'm having terrible cotton mouth and throat though, but it seems to be subsiding. Sucking on my chewable multivitamin and chocolate calcium supplement have helped with the swelling/dryness it seems. My cheeks were sticking to my teeth! Very strange! The good stuff has worn off and now I'm kinda sore. It's muscle type of soreness in the middle of my stomach. As much as I didn't wanna, I took some liquid Lortab to see if it would take me back to the nice comfort level I was having. I've been sucking on H20 and Diet Snapple. I have taken the acid reducer pill thingie too and have not had any problems so far. I was soooooooo afraid to be sick to my stomach, I cannot take nausea. I have anti nausea melti pills, but have not needed them. I feel better knowing they're there though. Until 6:00pm or so, I began to wonder if there was anything behind the bandages or around my stomach.

I think I would have liked the modified liquid diets that I've seen here, however, my preop was all liquids for 14 days. I did cheat once big time before the mandatory 7 day all liquid diet benchmark. The all liquid diet did suck for me and it was around day 4 that I caved and had the cheat. Everyone is different. Finding a shake you like can help, but they seem to be an aquired taste sometimes. I've been living on "hot and sour soup BROTH" alot and I make at home and is great. I can't do plain broth to save my life apparently. I didn't adhere to the max daily cals 950 per day during pre op but I did keep the carbs low, if I was starving I drank. If I got hungry I either had a cup of soup or a shake. I have still lost around 10 lbs being on the liquids and will be on them for another two weeks now that I'm post op as of today. Sometimes it's mind over matter I reckon. It's good that you're givin' it a shot before you HAVE to. For me, during the second week the thought of ANY "real" food would make me salivate. I'm talking lettuce or carrots or even mustard. So if you're on a modified liquid diet APPRECIATE that you can eat them carrots!

Hope you guys are feeling ok! I've been home for about an hour and 1/2 now. No major pain. My stomach itself or that area is in mild pain and very mild gas pain in one or the other shoulder. Sleepy, but can't sleep at the moment. Good luck guys!

Best of luck ladies! I just got outta the shower and am getting ready to head to the surgical center by 6am for surgery hopefully at 7:30. I was given an rx for anti anxiety and took one before bed last night. I guess it's still in my system since I'm not flippin' like I was yesterday! :thumbup: Funny thing is that I'm HUNGRY! LOL I reckon they'll take care of that today "at the shop"? Best wishes and speedy recovery to all y'all!

Excellently put. Thank you, I will remember this post as I continue my journey. :tongue_smilie:

It's an unfortunate means to an end my dear. I had some experience with several pre made shakes over the years for whichever diet I was doing. Right now I'm liking the Muscle Milk Light chocolate (not the 100 cal one, didn't care for them). The light ones are 8carbs and 160 cal 20 protien. I'm also using Atkins shakes though they all taste the same to me. The ones I've tried all seem to have the same basic taste, though the muscle milk is different for me. I've also used a powder from Walmart (I think it's advanced nutrition? in chocolate) that isn't so bad. I've mixed it in with coffee and skim milk as well as Water to minimize calories. I've read other people talk about Isopure from GNC. I think I may go check that out tonight in order to shake up my shakes after tomorrow. Good luck! I guess the shakes are like beer, an aquired taste? :tongue_smilie:

Thanks you guys! I really appreciate it. I'm turning into a bundle of nerves. I'm now not concerned about not making it out of surgery, but about being able to heal and not be in too much pain. Ahhhhh, I'm not worth crap at work today! LOL I dread what I'll be like tonight and in the am. Good luck everyone!