LollyMoe

Benefiber, water, protein, and walking. Sleeping with a pillow to support your abdomen and back will help the port pain. I am four months out and still have sometimes that my port is tender. Just take it a day atthe time, know that you're not along and most of, FOLLOW your doctor's directions. We're here to help but you are paying him/her for this service.... so use it.

I'm not worrying about five little scars after having gallbladder, tubes ties, & hysterectomy. I'm going to have a tummy tuck and a panni surgery when this is all over anyway...so what's a few more scars. No one but me, hubby and doctor sees them anyway. I'd rather be healthy than scar free.

My first fill was 4ccs and I'm now at 7.5ccs after the foruth fill. I haven't felt anything until the last two days. (Filled last week) All of a sudden, I am really having to watch myself. Chewing even more slowly and smaller bites than before. I guess I have finally gotten my restriction. Hope it lasts for awhile. As for doctors. I have worked with many many doctors thru the years of being a nurse. Some are idiots, true, but others are wonderful men/women with caring and concern for their patients. Some are learning doctors in that if they don't know something they will seek advice or hit the medical books again. Some are God-like in their attitudes and think they are the ONLY one that knows anything. It's important to ask your doctor questions and learn about your own body . If you blindly follow your doctor, then you reap whatever he comes up with for you. Build a trusting relationship with your doctor and if you don't have one...by all means, go find another one. They aren't perfect but they are all we have.

Recently someone posted a site for a plate that you put in microwave and it would stay hot for 30 min. If anyone knows that site, please let me know. I need to order one. I'm sick of having cold food!:thumbup:

Zobee: Thanks so much. I ordered it. Will let everyone know if it's worth the money.

You have to realize that the use of the band isn't years & years old. The stats are based on the few years it's been in use. My doctor says that it will be up to me as to what I lose. I went to group support mtg on Saturday and met a lady who has lost 287 pounds. She started at over 350 but didn't want to say how far over.

My doctor told me nothing bigger than a M&M and I have not had any problems with my 17 pills I have to take every day. I do take them slower than I use too and my PCP is beginning to reduce the amount of them finally. As for pain meds, I have not even opened the bottle of liquid Lortab or Tylenol....not enough pain to worry about in my case. As for the pain in your chest, it is probably gas pains. Walking and Gas-X strips is best for it.

Perfectly normal. However, if you are concerned, call your doctor's office.

After 50 years of marriage, I can say that my hubby is one of the best. He is very careful to take good care of me in lots of different ways. As I am getting more and more independant again, I will have to make sure that I don't shut him out. He needs to be needed sometimes.

Take a closer look at what you are eating. Journal keeping is important b/c it helps you see where your mistakes are happening. Mydailyplate is a good one to use. It never hurts to call for another fill. You are paying the bill. They can only say No or come on in. Right now it sounds as if you're in bandster's hell and that is a tough time. Hope it gets better for you.

Hi Everyone: I went to group today and boy was that room full! Half of Birmingham is going to have surgery soon. We sang Happy Birthday to Wade as tomorrow is his special day. They showed us the film of the fashion show...first time seeing it for me. Lisa did a fill on Wednesday for me but still not feeling any restriction unless I eat too fast. I am up to 7.5ccs now, so I'm hoping that I'll get there soon. At any rate the weight loss is still happening and that's what is important to me. Next group is January 16, 2010. Hope to see everyone there. Merry Christmas & God Bless.

I lost weight before my first fill. I have had four fills and still don't have restriction. BUT, I have lost 62 pounds by sheer will power so far. I think I am close to my sweet spot but not quite yet. To answer your question, my doctor did not put in any fluid att ime of surgery.

Be patient, it's the weekend and posting are slower sometimes. I still get tender around my port at times, especially after vacumning or bending too much in that direction.

Just remember that everyone is different. You may never PB, especially if you chew well and slowly. Follow your doctor's orders. You are in the healing phase of your surgery and you don't want to mess anything up at this point. During this time and when you start to feel restriction, you are going to have to depend on your own will power. You can do it. Just remember to follow the rules from your doctor and don't worry about what others are saying.

Get some Benefiber from Walmart. It works well. When you can eat regular foods, eat a peeled apple everyday, Fiber-One Raisen Bran Clusters, and drink plenty of water. Every once in awhile you might have to use a laxative also. I use MOM.

It's gas pains. Walking and Gas-X strips will help. Take several of the strips at the time. It will get better soon. Hang in there.

soocalchic: You are correct in all that you said. I must have had a senior moment.

Can you have your surgeon send you a copy of your records so you can prove you didnt' use a doctor in Mexico?

I wish I knew the answer to your question for sure. I can tell you that my doctor said I would have to gorge on foods in order to stretch it out. He said that he didn't think that most people could sit down to eat like that after being banded. His example.....eating a whole pizza by myself in one sitting. Thank goodness, I've never had that problem.

If you go to a WW meeting, make sure you don't tell them you were banded. They don't like it! They feel you are cheating if you are banded. WW wants people to lose ONLY with their program...even if you are the one paying for it.

I think I am the culprit that mentioned the Wheat Thins. My nut said they were okay as a snack and very helpful for Fiber. OMG, I am so addicted to them. I can eat a small box of them in three days. They are so good! Sorry if I've aided in someone's addiction. BTW: They are the only things that I eat besides my Protein & veggies. No fast foods, Cookies, cakes, candy, chips, etc.

I was banded on Aug 11th this year and haven't actually thrown up yet. However, I have had some slimming but no food comes up yet. This is b/c I ate too fast.

I am on my fourth fill and I don't feel restriction unless I eat to fast or take too much. I am beginning to think this band is just to teach you to eat much much smaller amounts and that's all it does for you. Keeps you from gorging. What I have lost at this point is by my own sheer will-power...not the band.

I had to change into a hospital gown but wore my own clothes home. Wear something very comfortable. I also took a small pillow to put between my incision and the seat belth. Worked like a charm.

I could urinate immediately, however, some people take longer than others. The organs are sleepy and need time to awake. You'll be alright soon. Just relax after the catheter is removed, drink warm fluids, and it will happen.