pixistix

I was sick as a dog too, for about a week. Terrible nausea. Some pain from the gas at first, but the nausea was the worst. What helped me was lying back in a recliner. And frankly, just letting a few days go by. Surgery is a real shock to the system. Your stomach is going to be swollen. And anesthesia takes quite a while to get completely out of your system. Stay in touch with your doctor regarding fever and swollen lymph nodes, just to make sure you don't have any infection. Hope you feel better soon.

It is frustrating, waiting for proper restriction. It can take months of tinkering with fills. But the 12 1/2 pounds I have lost so far would never have been lost without the band. In fact, I probably would have gained without it. I find that attending support group meetings and journaling about my feelings is very helpful for dealing with the bigger issues of why I want to overeat. I also see a therapist regularly. It's good for me to check my perceptions against an impartial observer's reality. Fortunately I found a wonderful therapist who charges on a sliding scale so it is affordable for me. It's not easy (not yet at least) but I feel it will be very, very WORTH IT!

That is wonderful advice. I want to go hiking with my husband without joint pain or being out of breath. I want to ride a horse! I want to play with my nieces. I want to go out in public without constantly being self-conscious about my body. I want to have fun with family and friends. I want to LIVE!!!

I was banded April 22, 2010. After a rough start, I am doing better now. My outlook has improved, I'm 12 pounds lighter and am cleared for all exercise starting this week. I had terrible nausea for the first week post op. Then as soon as that went away, I was ravenous and wanted to eat everything in sight. I had a few bouts of panic about not being able to eat whatever I wanted and ate too much fast food. Felt depressed and like a failure. But now I'm calming down, eating more sensibly. I plan out 3 smallish meals and 3 healthy Snacks, so I don't get too hungry and crazy. I focus on getting the healthy stuff in, then there's less room for junk. I can still have treats -- I just try to keep the amounts much smaller. Learning a whole new way of life will take some time. I keep telling myself: Progress, not perfection. I get my first fill on June 2. I think exercise will help my mood and motivation as well. Thanks for being here, you guys. This board is an invaluable source of information and encouragement. I would really be lost without you all.

Really?? Is that right? I thought it was possible to stretch it. Or is that only for the bypass?

Newly banded - 4/22. Planning on going to the next support group meeting at Memorial. I've heard there is also an informal group that meets at a local Starbucks. Just wondering if anyone near me is on this board.... Thanks. :biggrin:

WOW!! Congratulations -- keep up the good work. How about sharing some of your secrets of success?

Not sure about the reflux, but I can recommend a taking a stool softener until things start moving again. Hang in there. Surgery is a big shock to the system, but it will get better.

It's hard for me too. I was banded on 4/22 and I have no fill yet. What has been helping me is planning out 3 small meals and 3 healthy Snacks, and drinking lots of Water in between, so that I don't get too terribly hungry. And coming here for moral support is wonderful. We're all in this together -- we can do it!

I was banded on 4/22 and felt okay for a few days, then I had TERRIBLE nausea for five days (it felt like forever). It was absolutely awful, but I've been fine since. I was pretty tired until a few days ago. I've been told that frequent, short walks (like a couple of times around the house) are best for dissipating gas and preventing blood clots. Hang in there. Take it easy as much as possible. It gets better!

Have your doctor's office double-check your height, without shoes on. And maybe slouch a little :closedeyes: Also, I've read about people who are a few pounds shy of 40 bmi slipping divers weights in their pockets for the weigh-in. They're the size of a pack of cards and come in weights of 5, 10 lbs, etc. Also, people drink a lot of Water, wear heavy shoes, etc. I know for me, I'm about 5 lbs under 40 bmi and if you're under 40, my insurance only considers extreme comorbidities -- like heart disease and diabetes. But my weigh-in isn't until after the first of the year. And between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I think those 5lbs will just about put themselves on. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your post. I haven't had surgery yet and I'm nervous as a cat! The more info I can learn, the better. You write well -- I look forward to reading about your experiences as you go. All the best! pixistix

Hi Dane65, I haven't had surgery yet, but I know I will face a similar dilemma when I do. I have always used eating to relieve anxiety and depression, the same way other people use alcohol and drugs. I know I will have to find more positive ways to cope with my emotions (rather than destructive ways like gambling or excessive shopping). My surgery center offers weekly support groups, which I will definitely be attending. If I want to drive around to different cities, I could attend up to three per week if needed. I think journaling and writing about feelings could help. Other options are individual or group therapy, or a 12 Step program like Overeaters Anonymous or Emotions Anonymous. A meditation class or yoga class might also be very helpful. Best of luck to you (and me too!), pixistix