sharcorb

I was banded 3/18/10, and have found I'm tight in the mornings and the protein drinks are a lifesaver. In fact, I've found that the days I use it are days that I don't have food cravings later in the day. The first 2 weeks after surgery I couldn't stomach it. It's much better now. Sharon

I just had my teenage son run up to the nearest CVS and pick up whatever they had, which was I think $29.99. Don't remember the brand. It was worth every penny!!! It even helped while sleeping - I didn't realize the stomach muscles used rolling over in bed until that first night :laugh:. I emailed my doctor before using, and he said no problem. Sharon

I'm only 2 months post-op, but I'll tell you my feelings on the abdominal band. It was the best thing ever! The first day after surgery I was having a hard time getting up and down. I found I was having to sleep holding onto the pillow they gave me, and when walking I had to press on my abdomen. Wearing the band felt like heaven to me, I could stand up straight and get into a sitting position no problem. I wore it about 4-5 days, then didn't need it anymore. I doubt it would have any long term benefits though, strictly a comfort issue. But I def recommend! Sharon

cost in las vegas, nevada $16,250 including 1 year fills

I agree, I was absolutely not-at-all hungry day of surgery. And for next several days!

i was given the go-ahead to go back to work after 2 weeks. my job is pretty strenuous, and i've got to lift and carry up to 70 lbs. no problems! sharon

Now I'm wondering, is this feeling going to go away? Or will we just get used to it? Any long-time bandsters have an opinion? Sharon

I have bursitis in my shoulder and arthritis in my hips. I'd heard horror stories of the gas pains in shoulders, but when I was banded last month, didn't have any problems. In fact, while I was healing all my other issues seemed to be put on the back burner! My allergies disappeared, no pain other than the surgery pain, which was tolerable. I think the body is a miraculous thing, to set aside things like sneezing (which would have hurt like hell!) in order to focus on healing. Don't really know anything about fibromyalgia... Good luck tomorrow, Sharon

I really was grateful for the abdominal band. It's like a giant ace bandage for the middle. I found the first day I was walking around holding myself in - very uncomfortable. After wearing it, it was so much easier to get up and down, bend over, etc. Sharon

I'm a month post-op, and have 3 wks until my first fill. I can go days without any restriction at all, and have been able to eat whatever I want (altho of course I'm trying to stick to the small amounts recommended). Then all of a sudden (on an empty stomach) I can feel some restriction, and am getting some heartburn. Seems kinda strange, but I am welcoming the restriction in whatever form it takes :smile: Anyone have any similar issues? Thanks, Sharon

I was banded on 3/18, and I feel it exactly as you describe. In the evening or after a meal I can still feel it when I take a deep breath, although not as much as morning. Must not be too unusual :thumbup: Sharon

I've only been banded a month, so am not the most experienced. However, I took the "final food tour" before banding thinking I couldn't have my favorites afterward only to find out that I CAN still have them, just in smaller amounts. So my advice is, don't feel like you are going to be deprived afterward. That just sets us up for failure, I think! Good luck, Sharon

Thanks, 'outside', for replying. I'm feeling better today and think I must have overeaten and my body was telling me to lay off. I'm back on liquids today, and maybe for a few more days, and really hope that will quell the tightness and heartburn. Appreciate the input! Sharon

My band is only 3 wks old, so I'm no expert. That said, I couldn't eat/drink anything for the first several days. A total struggle to get down a bit of water. After 3 or 4 days I was able to drink water and protein drinks. I think your body tells you when it's ready. Good luck, and congrats! Sharon

I've got my first fill coming up and have a question, probably a stupid one. Do I need to go in for it with an empty stomach? If so, how long before the appointment would I need to fast? Thanks, Sharon

Do you think it's gas? I had my surgery on the 18th as well, and I felt like that for the first 6 days. It's eased off now. Try a gax-x strip maybe. Sharon

Mine was my 50th birthday. Been heavy all my life and tried not to let it stop me, but when I look around at elderly people, they aren't huge. My husbands family are extremely long-lived, and I'm not ready to leave him and the kids at a youngish age. I'd like to live into my 80's, not my 50's! Sharon in Alaska

does it feel similar to running cramps? i'm 5 days post op and today is the first day i've had an ache like that. sharon

Yep, flew to Las Vegas for the surgery. My kids live here so I am recuperating with them. I'm self pay and didn't want to go out of the country. Also I didn't want to use Drs in Alaska. I didn't think they had done a lot of the surgeries, and there are none in my town anyway. Good luck with your move! Sharon

I was banded last week w/ Dr. Darren Soong in Las Vegas. He and Dr. Atkinson run the "Gastric Band Institute of Las Vegas". I really like Dr Soong and they have an office in the central area and another in the southeast. I traveled here for the surgery and did alot of research before choosing them, they seem to be the best in the area. sharon

Add me! Banded March 18th. Still in recovery

I've had my first appt w/ ekg and was told it was abnormal and i need to come in tomorrow for a stress test. now i'm freaked out that i won't be eligible if it's not good. but i need to lose some weight for my heart to work properly, right? Has anyone been declined for a bad stress test? And is there anything I can do to ensure it goes well? i'm scheduled march 18. thanks, everyone...sharon

My doctor isn't requiring a pre-op diet either. Glad to hear that someone else is getting the same info! Sharon March 19th is the day :thumbup: