Wisteria75

I know isn't it amazing that you cannot even taste it at all? I put it in my coffee, applesauce, crystal light, tea... can't tell it's there. It is by far a great product. Helped with my diarrhea stat.

We were banded on the same date and I am not in that much pain at all. Maybe you should call your doctor if the pain is really bad and you are still taking pain killers. Go to the ER if need be. I wish you luck. Keep us posted on how you are.

I called my doctor and had my appointment today, 11/2. He said the pain was definitely the port because it is "sewn" into a muscle. Makes total sense. After all that, he said, "while you're here, why not get a fill?" OK why not? lol 3cc's.

Hey Jenny, OMG sounds like what happened to me with the IV and the black and blue arms. I have to say my roomie was quite pleasant. She had two knee replacements, God Bless her. She was quite talkative though while I was nodding off; I felt so bad, but I still had the morphine in me. I'm so sorry to hear of your experience at Baystate. Sounds horrible. Well just think; hopefully we don't have to go through it again! I am healing along just fine. Although set-back last night with mashed potatoes; didn't measure and ended up keeled over in pain, vomiting, and crying because the pain was so bad. It only lasted an hour but throughout the whole ordeal I thought the band slipped! I've learned NOT to do that again! Anyway, I got my first fill today; 3cc's. How do you know what size band you have? I have no idea. And how is your progress Jenny? :wub:

Hey Lisa, thanks! I've never had to go to the ER at Bay State but at Cooley Dickinson which isn't so bad. Things are moving along; had my first fill today - 3cc's. We'll see. I'd still like to get together since we live so close!

I too had my 1st fill today; 3cc's. Not sure how big my band is though. As to what kinds of things are best to eat right after a fill? All liquids. broth, decaf tea, Protein shakes first and foremost, sugar-free Jello, crystal light, Water at least for the first two days. Then the two days after that pureed foods like baby food, sugar free pudding, Protein shakes, applesauce, pureed squash. Then two days after that slowly putting in soft foods.

Hello, I was banded on October 16th and today (11/2) I had my first fill! 3cc's. I am unsure if it is good or not. I lost 10 lbs. the first 2.5 weeks since surgery. I would like to know the answer to this question also. All the best, Renee

Thanks a bunch. I added Benefiber to my foods and I am doing much better! :thumbup:

Thanks, I thought about that too. Who knows? I have GasX to see if it will help. Starting mushies on Tuesday! YAY!

Hi Alice, I am only 9 days post-op. The first 2 days I had trouble having a BM at all. After that, when I introduced non-carbonated, non-caffeinated, sugar-free liquids to my diet, I have had diarrhea and stomach upset (gas) every day and sometimes a few times a day. The BM's are normal looking - no blood or anything. However, it is annoying to go through each day this way. Not exactly sure why. Good luck to you. Renee

I think I am having the same thing as you. I am 9 days post-op and I understand that my port area will be sore for a bit. The port is located under my chest a little to the right (almost in the middle). The dull pain however is located in my right side. It has come and gone this past week, but since Friday night (when I lifted some grocery bags) it has been constant. I do see my doc on 11/2. I am wondering if I should make a sooner appointment. The pain is uncomfortable and I am unable to do tasks like dishes, laundry, shopping. Any other ideas on what it could be? Or is this completely normal?

Hey Oliverdog! I was banded on the same day. I just went back to work on Thursday. Not feeling pregnant but feeling pain/soreness in the port area. I keep getting sharp pains up my right side due to the port possibly sitting on a nerve. About the hunger. I was soooooooo hungry Days 1-5; I spoke with my cousin who has been banded since 2005. The advice she gave me is what I'll give to you because it has since worked for me: Sip water in between your "meals" whether your water is just plain old water or something non-caffeinated non-carbonated with no sugar. And continue to sip all day long. Also put in little walks here and there, even if you walk around your house a few times a day. Just keep moving. Don't over analyze exercising like I did. I walk up and down my street once or twice a day and I'm OK with that. It doesn't have to be a lot, just some movement at first. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Try to divert your attention away from the hunger by trying those two things. I recommend also watching a program or movie you haven't seen before, read a good book, do some crafts, etc. I hope this will help you. I am here if you need to talk. Take care and good luck to you! Renee

OK so it sounds related. I feel relieved. Thanks for the advice and the info. ~Renee

Hi all, I was banded on Friday, October 16th, so I am 5 days out. I've had a lot of pain in the incision areas but it has dissipated somewhat. The problem I am experiencing is a sharp pain in my right side (almost like pre-op "normal" gas pain). I am wondering if it is the gas the surgeons used to blow up my stomach during surgery.Would it still be in my body? I called my surgeon and they didn't answer my question however the doctor's assistant called back saying it may be the port and can I come in next week? Unfortunately the only date and time she picked next week, I'll be out of town, so now I have to wait until 11/2. So... is that normal? A sharp pain where the port site is... could it still be gas? could it really be the port? Honestly, with all the bruises and bandages I cannot even tell you where the port site is. Someone told me it is the largest incision and if that is so, then it is smack dab right in the middle of my belly underneath my breasts. So that pain would not make sense to be port pain. Also... has anyone coughed or sneezed before and felt like they pulled a muscle? Yesterday I had a little coughing fit because I choked and now my stomach is more sore than yesterday due to the stomach pull of the cough. Thanks for any and all advice. Good luck to everyone on their journeys... may they be less complicated and see more results!

Hey Kris, Thanks for thinking of me. Surgery was Friday, October 16. All went well. Just adjusting to the post-op diet, exercise and pain management, etc. I go back to work tomorrow. I was getting cabin fever! But I know I needed the rest to heal. Thankfully I have this forum and a few personal friends who have gone through this journey so it's great to talk. So very helpful. One thing I do have to say is my dislike for Baystate! I thought they'd be great, but I find I like Cooley Dickinson way better. It's more personalized there. Baystate of course is a bigger hospital which is why you have to "bunk" with other people, but if it were at Cooley Dickinson, they like, roll out the red carpet for you. *sigh* I got poked with the IV line 4 times before they got it right! The drugs weren't all that great, and way too many people to keep track off. That's my rant. It's over and done with. I hope you are doing well also. Thanks for the well wishes. Renee

I've added myself several times but the list keep getting people dropped. Perhaps its an overlap when posting? Here we are: Happyloser 10/1 bethany329 10/1 Timmers 10/1 Lindac80 10/1 Marfar7 10/1 Salbri 10/1 Ca7696 10/2 Opus03 10/2 RedboneLA 10/3 ihavehope3 10/3 Viking_girl 10/5 leetie 10/7 o-2BTHIN 1O/7 Jtreece 10/8 MommyOf1 10/8 Suz-Q 10/9 Noodles 10/9 SharPei 10/13 Guy 10/13 Cshytle 10/13 MoniqueD 10/14 Jenfromtheburg 10/14 ncarreras 10/14 angela677 10/15 Kme 10/15 Nooshie 10/15 munkee'smommy 10/15 Oliverdog 10/16 danyett 10/16 Wisteria75 10/16 We3601 10/19 Onikenbai 10/19 hope2bthinr 10/19 Mzcancer 10/20 Soexcited 10/21 erenstar983 10/21 pina3940 10/21 marybeth 10/21 HDmama 10/22 Cindylou00 10/23 Crazychica133 10/26 NJLIZ 10/26 Idahlem72 10/27 Daria77 10/27 Jenrobbar951 10/27 Barley 10/28 4girlfamily 10/29 Tina 10/29 jenrobbar951 TBA See my signature. I made an October 2009 Bandit avatar if anyone is interested I can post the code for all of you October Bandits out there! ~Renee

I somehow got lost in the shuffle... Happyloser 10/1 bethany329 10/1 Timmers 10/1 Lindac80 10/1 Marfar7 10/1 Ca7696 10/2 Opus03 10/2 RedboneLA 10/3 ihavehope3 10/3 Viking_girl 10/5 leetie 10/7 o-2BTHIN 1O-7-2009 Jtreece 10/8 MommyOf1 10/8 Suz-Q 10/9 Noodles 10/9 SharPei 10/13 Guy 10/13 Cshytle 10/13 MoniqueD 10/14 Jenfromtheburg 10/14 ncarreras 10/14 angela677 10/15 Kme 10/15 Nooshie 10/15 munkee'smommy 10/15 Oliverdog 10/16 danyett 10/16 Wisteria75 10/16 We3601 10/19 Onikenbai 10/19 hope2bthinr 10/19 Mzcancer 10/20 Soexcited 10/21 erenstar983 10/21 pina3940 10/21 jenrobbar951 TBA HDmama 10/22 Crazychica133 10/26 NJLIZ 10-26 Idahlem72 10/27 Daria77 10/27 Barley 10/28 4girlfamily 10/29 Tina 10/29" marybeth 10/21/09 Good luck October Bandits!!! :cursing:

Thanks everyone. Oh yes... for some reason I never thought about taking measurements and stuff. I do have a before pic though. Thanks for bringing that up; I will definitely have hubby do it tonight. :cursing:

Congrats to you! :thumbup: Yes, like it was my choice and I'm in this pain because of me... etc. Good to be able to relate to someone! I really hope this feeling is temporary, it's not just that, I am feeling emotionally, mentally, like what did I do? What was I thinking? I think it is probably normal to think that way but being in so much pain and being stuck in the house is just plain depressing. Nevermind going back to work and all the stuff I'll have to take with me... argh. That's my rant for the day.

Thank you. I'm sort of doing that now... using my arm to get up rather than my body, but still it's hard. I am an administrator so I sit at a desk all day; not too demanding. Although I do have to travel 2 hours on 10/28. I hope that won't be a problem because I have to do it. Anyone else feel a bit depressed? I'm just thinking to myself, "what did I do?"

Hello, I had my surgery Friday morning and I'm still very sore. The pain meds seem to be the only thing that helps the incision sites aside from holding a very soft folded up blanket and an ice pack. The gas is bad too, but finally happily passing it! LOL I've been hungry too... just started my protein shakes yesterday and I'm still so hungry. I don't remember reading anything or being notified about being hungry! Also, my throat is still very sore (from the tube?) and I'm hoping that goes away soon. I'm worried that now I have strep. I am supposed to be back to work on Wednesday and I hope I can do it. Let's just see. Oh yes, anyone have any tips on getting out of bed? That is the worst part... getting in and out of bed because it really stretches the surgery site. Thanks to everyone... Best of wishes and good luck on your journeys! ~Renee

Hi All, I had my first consult with Dr. Fiallo at PVSA in May. I've done all their guidelines and they put the pre-approval forms through my insurance on 8/28/09. Does anyone have BCBS HMO Blue? If so, how long did they take to approve you? Thanks, Wisteria

Hey everyone, I was lucky and did not have to have a pre-op diet. :thumbup: My surgery is Oct. 16!!! :tt2: Good luck everyone! :tt1: ~Renee

Congratulations everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are October Bandsters! Woo hoo!!! :thumbup::sad::thumbup::w00t:

Hello Everyone...if your name is not here why dont you copy and paste then add your name and date! Happyloser 10/1 bethany329 10/1 Timmers 10/1 Lindac80 10/1 Marfar7 10/1 Ca7696 10/2 Opus03 10/2 RedboneLA 10/3 ihavehope3 10/3 Viking_girl 10/5 leetie 10/7 Jtreece 10/8 MommyOf1 10/8 Suz-Q 10/9 Noodles 10/9 SharPei 10/13 Guy 10/13 Cshytle 10/13 MoniqueD 10/14 Jenfromtheburg 10/14 ncarreras 10/14 Kme 10/15 Nooshie 10/15 Oliverdog 10/16 danyett 10/16 Wisteria75 10/16 We3601 10/19 Onikenbai 10/19 Mzcancer 10/20 Soexcited 10/21 erenstar983 10/21 pina3940 10/21 jenrobbar951 TBA HDmama 10/22 Crazychica133 10/26 Idahlem72 10/27 Daria77 10/27 Barley 10/28 4girlfamily 10/29 :thumbup: