Floridacocoon

also to pmommy, re the nausea ... I do not get nauseated from pain meds as a rule, but I know many people do, so I think it IS normal.

Hi pmommy I had a hiatal hernia repair at the time of surgery but there were no different or additional instructions about that. It has BLESSEDLY relieved my horrifying heartburn/reflux and I am so grateful for that. Was banded 3/8. I was really thirsty too and I think it was simply from surgery. I think I'm right about this but someone correct me if not: With the cold liquid/warm liquid thing, I think it's just that many people find cold liquids uncomfortable to drink after surgery. I don't think it hurts you to do that. I asked for ice chips in the hospital and got them. Good luck!

a little unsolicited advice: be cautious about who you tell for just the reason you said. I think "dieting" and "weight loss" are like parenting, in that everyone has the right idea and best solution and they feel compelled to share it. shame is such a nonproductive thing anyway. so peace and love and good luck to you! I was banded March 8 and am doing very well ...

Wow. That is strange. You all will have a fascinating story to tell some day, when it's not so painful. You probably should bear in mind that I am a journalist when I tell you this, because it's the way I think about experiences, but if I were you I might consider telling my story to a local newspaper reporter if you don't mind the publicity, because health stories are particularly relevant right now in light of health care reform (or non-reform), and it may save other people from having the same experience (as well as strengthening the case for coverage of these procedures in this country). "Medical tourism" is a big story right now as well. You aren't in Florida by any chance, are you? If you'd rather, respond to dayharp@yahoo.com ...

Has anyone else gained weight?! YES! I called it my "Farewell to Food Tour" (I didn't make that up, I read it somewhere) and I personally think it is quite a natural response to what's coming. I've read some places that some docs get upset if you do that, but mine didn't. In my case, food has been an addiction. So like a typical addict, when faced with the prospect of "rehab," I embraced my habit because it was about to end. Having had experience with drug and alcohol addicts, I know that they "drink themselves in" to rehab, so it makes perfect sense. The bottom line is I was banded Mondayl. It's Friday. I stopped being hungry sometime Monday evening and am on my way to a new life. Having the band already seems to be giving me the advantage of not feeling driven by hunger, which gives me the edge I need to conquer emotional eating. I hope you're not beating yourself up about eating. That was really the point of my answer!

Your question about feeling your port. No, I can't either! Surgery was March 8. Today is the 11th. I'm still puffy I think, from the gas pumped into my abdomen for the operation. My left shoulder still hurts now and then, and I have a lot of gurgling too, but I think I figured out it's when I drink something too fast and it's too cold.

Sandi, What do you mean they tried to turn your family against you? Of course family support is so important! Don't answer if you don't want to, I'm just curious about that. Dayna/FLA COCOON

Hang in there, Caldwell. The pre-op diet was challenging for me because I was still hungry! But after a couple of days it really does get easier. And there is an end in sight ... you can do it!

I'll add my two cents! I was banded Monday ... today is Wednesday and I'm doing great! Here are a few details. I am: THIRSTY: Amazing, I think. After being on a liquid diet for a week before surgery and on clears since surgery, how can I be thirsty? But I am. It was worst the day after surgery. NOT HUNGRY: Amazing. I'm so glad. It's a blessing. I was actually hungry after surgery, the same day, and through much of the evening, but then it disappeared and hasn't returned. NOT HURTING TOO MUCH: I have three incisions and one is above my belly button, and that one gets a little sore if a waistband of PJs irritates it, but overall the pain is entirely manageable and I have liquid pain meds anyway. WEIRDLY HICCUPING: Like one hiccup at a time, and that can be a little uncomfortable in my sternum area, but it's entirely manageable. This only happens once in a while. 12 POUNDS LIGHTER: Yep. After the liquid diet week and now clears. Although I don't know where it came from because I'm not wearing work clothes or anything but loose and comfortable stuff and my stomach is still bloated from the gas they pump in it to do the surgery. My left shoulder hurts from time to time but it also is entirely manageable. IT'S ALL GOOD! Peace and luck to all and hope I helped you know what to expect.

Hi btrieger, Why skeptical? About what in particular? You've done really well in weight loss already. I hope you're proud ... ! Dayna

TO MSDV and SANDI! My date is March 8 also! I start full liquids tomorrow (the 1st) and am both excited and a little scared. My issues now are 1) everyone in the family wants to be there, and that sounds like a circus to me, not to mention that the hospital is more than 2 hours away. 2) although doc has said I can drink coffee moderately, I'm worried about it. 3) surgery fear, of course. How are you guys? Dayna

Hi Lauren I've been told the reason for the one-week liquid diet is to give my liver time to shrink, which makes the actual surgical procedure easier. As it was explained to me by dr. office, this is standard for them, not because my liver is strange or anything. So maybe your doctor does the procedure a little differently. Because from what I know of SugarBusters (which was created by three or four New Orleans doctors while I was living there; I'm in Florida now; as a journalist I wrote a little about it then), it's a lot like what I'm supposed to do after surgery when I can tolerate solids again. I'm supposed to eat little to no sugar and start with protein, which is a lot like SugarBusters (although I don't think SugarBusters is low fat, and I've been told to do low fat). I think you need to do whatever doctor says though! Dayna

Hello Aussie bandster ... I am a journalist in FL, USA and also getting a band ... I am so curious about other health care systems ... would you mind talking (I won't quote you I just want to know) about this?

Hi, my dr. requires only a one-week full liquids diet, then clear liquids day before surgery. I think some insurance co's require a regular diet first too. I have to confess I was more like on a SeeFood diet until a few days ago. But March 8 is approaching so I've started behaving.

Hi Suzy, Mine is March 8. Woo hoo. I start full liquids the 1st but otherwise living fairly normally at the moment. I'm getting the Allergan band. You? Good luck!! Dayna

me too, march 8. are you OK? I start full liquids monday (the 1st) ... kinda worried about that part. Dayna

me too! March 8. Staying one night in hospital. Starting weight 259. Never could say that outloud before.

Yes! March 8. I'm finishing up what I have come to think of as my Farewell to Food Tour, which was not a smart idea but I did it. So Monday I am to begin a better eating and exercise routine. I am nervous but excited about it all. Just got the date yesterday.

Help! I don't know how to start a new thread on this or I would. Can you? I'd love to hear more from people about head vs. body hunger ...

Re the TOOL etc. I have spent so much time thinking about my problems with EMOTIONAL eating that I nearly have lost sight of the fact that the band is to help with things like real, honest HUNGER. Does it really help in that regard? I can't be ONLY eating for emotional reasons ... ??

Wow, you have said a mouthful, pun intended. Regarding being confrontational and not swallowing your feelings: I am struggling to get a handle on this before I get a surgery date. I KNOW I have been eating emotionally and I'm trying to figure out how to change patterns with people, telling them what I need and how our interactions need to change WITHOUT saying or implying "YOU are making me EAT." But the truth is, I do need to change some things about my relationships. I have let my kids be rude to me and swallowed it. I have let my spouse equivalent be inconsiderate and swallowed it. I realize the only thing I can really change is my reaction to these things, but it sure seems like I ought to be able to tell them what I need and how they can help, no? I've always believed that you train people how to treat you, and some retraining is now needed.

good for you! good luck and if you are so inclined, let me/us know how you are doing.

I guess you're right, Missy. I'm not familiar with a huge failure rate, if I am defining failure the way you are. The doctor I am seeing has only removed two out of 600. But does failure in your eyes mean lack of success with the tool?

Usually, when people react WAY out of proportion to what seems reasonable, I've noticed there is something hitting a nerve with THEM and it's not about YOU.

It's amazing that everyone has to factor THEMSELVES into how they react to what YOU are doing. We are SO not all the same as human beings and it's sad when friends can't be as supportive as you hoped. I bet, though, that someone else will come from the woodwork who does get it and can be a friend through this. I'm sad because my spouse equivalent is so afraid of medical things/surgery that he can't hear much about this without changing the subject. But one of my women friends has been great, and will help me along with my dad. So I'm thinking if I let the RIGHT people in for this, I won't be alone.