Cristinaj

so glad you have a nice vacation and so encouraging to hear a "bandster" can go on a vacation like that and still have a great time. I lucked out and have been able to get Saturday off from work so I will attend the meeting. Thanks for arranging it and I will see you and everyone else on Saturday. Ciao for now!

Hi there, I was at the Lions Gate meeting last night. There were only 3 of us but we had a great discussion. As far as we know there will definitely be a meeting on the 3rd. Wednesday of March (17th). At least I hope so cause I really need them as I am just starting my journey. Take care Cristina

I was banded on Jan. 13th and still have the shoulder pain. It is definitely better than it was. Day 5 -8 post -op were not worst. Now, 6 weeks post-op it comes and goes and usually is pretty tolerable. I saw my surgeons yesterday and they do not think it is related to the surgery but I am not convinced. I doubt it is still from the gas they inject for the surgery but I believe it is either a positional thing in which my port is pushing on a nerve (phrenic nerve) which can cause shoulder pain or is the gas that builds up with eating. is your constant or just after eating? Have you tried Gas-X? Take care Cristina

Don't panic. It is totally normal to not feel any restriction at the point you are at as the swelling is probably almost gone now. I just had my first fill yesterday and am not feeling any restriction yet. I have to admit I did panic and was really upset. However, after to talking to many others i know realize that this is probably going to be a bit of a slower process than I thought. It seems that for most people it can take several fills until they hit that "sweet" zone of good restriction. Generally the docs are very cautious with the fills as getting overfilled is not a good situation and can cause vomitting etc. which can result in a slippage. Just hang in there and try to be patient. I am trying to use this time as practice time for learning to eat slower and chew well etc. Hope my experience is helpful to you. Take care. cristina

Hi all, It sounds like the meeting is a go for tomorrow. Is that right? I have never been before so can someone let me know where it is held and what time? Thank you Cristina

Hi all, I would be able to make a meeting on the 17th. if others are interested. thanks Cristina

I had my surgery on Jan. 13th. I arrived at 0830 but didn't actually go into the OR until almost 11:00am but it sounds like you'll be the first one that day so you should go into right away. I live about 5 minutes away from the FCSC at 10th and Onatrio. Hope the liquid diet goes okay...just remember it only 2 weeks and if you can get through that..post-op will be no problem. let me know if you have any questions/concerns. I no expert yet but may be able to help. Hopefully we can meet sometime. Take care Cristina

Phil, Glad your fill went well and painless. I don't consider myself "delicate" as you put it but as I have not had a fill yet I had no idea what to expect and had heard from others that it can be quite painful. If it is no more than like a blood draw, which by the way I never said was painful...I guess I have nothing to worry about. Thanks for the "support"!

Hey there Antonella, Good luck with the liquid diet. I survived it so I'm sure you will do just fine. When is your surgery? I think I am getting my first fill on Feb 17th. at the FCSC. Is that were you are having your band put in? Take care Cristina

Hi Longbaygirl. I was banded on Jan. 13th so am due for my first fill also in a few weeks. I am definitely going to put some emla cream on ahead of time b/c my port is still quite tender. I think it's a good idea. Good luck with the fill. Cristina

I suppose every Doc. is different but I was told I can return to work as soon as I feel ready but no lefting anything greater than 10 lbs for at least 4 weeks post op. I had my surgery on Jan. 13th and had originally booked off one week but was not ready to go back at that time as I work 12 hour shifts and do a lot of running around. I returned for a 1/2 shift on day 12 and ten an 8 hour on day 14 and then a regular 12 hour on day 16 and had no problem with that. I really think it depends on how you feel. I have heard of people returning to work after only 4 days. If I were you I would plan on being off for a week and then see how it goes. Good luck. I'm sure you will do just fine. (Lucky about the liquid diet! I had to do 2 weeks liquid pre-op and 3 weeks after am still on soft foods ).

Thanks for the response. You are so right about the Protein thing. I was really good about watching my protein intake for the first week or so and then I kind of got off track and that is when I started to get hungry. I will get back on the protein "band wagon" and see if that helps. Thanks for the advice and hope you are continuing to do well.