faz1988

Hey all- I'm a college student, and the only time I am able to fit my surgery in is the second weekend in September (unless I want to wait until Spring Break, which is not an option for me!). I don't have classes on Fri or Mon-- so if I have my surgery on Friday early morning, is it possible to be back at school on Tuesday for classes? All my classes are in one big building with elevators, so the walking around is pretty minimal I would think. Any special precautions I should take? Any recommendations?

I was banded a week ago, and since the surgery I have lost between 11-12 lbs. While I'm obviously glad to see the numbers go down, I'm thinking that this can't be terribly healthy, and I don't want to do anything that's not healthy to lose weight. For week 1, I've been on Clear liquids, and between a couple of Protein shakes (with water) and broth, I feel like I'm getting about 50g of protein and about 600-800 calories per day. I'm assuming this will all come be gained back once I start solids, but should I force myself to eat more Protein Shakes until I can have fuller Soups? Just looking for input!

And for what it's worth Jackie, I think you should try making your shakes slightly colder. Why don't you make them as cold as possible without condensation on the glass? I mean, theoretically Jello has to be refrigerated and is cold when eaten, so I would assume your Protein shakes could be refrigerated temperature.

I feel your pain Jackie-- This period is pretty divisive among Bandsters I think. Meaning, with skim Milk and the right powder, Protein shakes honestly don't taste all that different than a milkshake or a malt to me. That being said, I don't really care for milkshakes or ice cream. I find them too sweet. My weakness is hot savory foods (like pizza heehee). As a result, I think this period is more of a tough adjustment for people like me, since a majority of the things that are allowed are sweet: Jello, Protein Shakes, carnation instant breakfast, thinned juices, etc. I think that's why some people seem to have almost no trouble making it through this period, and some find it hellish. Either way, cream Soups are calling my name tomorrow, and I cannot wait to dig into some tomato Soup from La Madeline.

On Thursday, I can finally start to have what my doctor calls 'full liquids', which means I can incorporate milk into the Protein shakes again (they are disgusting with Water right now). Here's my question: Are cream-based Soups considered mushies or full liquids? I'm thinking of the broc and cheddar Soup from Panera or their Baked Potato soup. I would take any chunks out, but the consistency of the soups themselves are wayyy thicker than broth. Any thoughts?

I was banded a week ago (the dr put about 2cc into my 14cc band at surgery), and from day one, I've pretty much had no problem drinking Water like normal or taking normal-sized sips of broth/juice/protein shakes, etc. I have read a lot of other people say that they are unable to take normal sized sips without feeling tight or constricted after surgery, especially week 1 when we're still swollen and healing. I was wondering if anyone had insight on this. I haven't chugged a whole bottle of water per se, but if I'm thirsty in the middle of the night, I've had no problem taking 4-5 large gulps continuously (not putting the glass down) and I haven't felt pain or discomfort. What were you guys' experiences in this regard? Am I out of the ordinary? Did I just heal faster because I'm 22? Is my band superrrr loose?

You should weigh yourself for motivation! I know that month 1 is about healing and not losing, but being on only liquids is bound to cause some weight loss, so you might as well enjoy it (since it probably will come back when we adjust to solids again). For now, just enjoy the number going down!

Haha I am in the same boat as you. I was banded on 9/8, and for all of yesterday and day before, I was HYPNOTIZED by food. Seriously, commercials would come on for stuff like Frosted Mini-Wheats, which I don't even like, and I was salivating. I had been living off of Protein shakes (w/ Water, not milk), Jello, and chicken broth since the surgery. I ended up going to Panera and getting some chicken noodle Soup and just drinking the broth and it made me feel so much better. I just needed a different taste in my mouth, I suppose. I am so excited to have a normal cream soup for dinner tomorrow night.

I was banded on 9/8 as well, and was worried about the same thing. I am a full-time college student, and the lack of energy that comes from not eating just isn't an option for me. My doctor said to up my Protein shakes to 3X a day, and even do the non-low fat ones if I needed to. That way I'd at least be getting about 1000 calories in.

So I had surgery on Thursday, and my doctor told me not to shower till Saturday. I want to shower today, but am kinda scared. My biggest incision has a square credit-card sized bandaid over it, and the rest just have regular band-aids that look like they go on kids' 'booboos'. Shouldn't I have hardcore gauze or bandaging going on? I'm afraid that showering will either be painful (with Water and soap getting into a raw area) or lead to infection. Any tips? I normally shower in really hot water, is this okay? Should I use my loofah and soap or not?

I'm having surgery in about 8 hours, and I'm so excited! I'm confident it will go well! I have never been under before, but it should be fine... Is there anything I should take with me to the hospital? They said I should be home by mid-afternoon, so a change of clothes isn't really necessary. I feel a little odd about being passed out naked on a table, but I guess that's what surgery is, right? Looking forward to sharing my post-surgery recap with you guys! This forum is really a handy tool for bandsters, and tomorrow I'll be an official one!

Thanks Carol! I actually feel fine for the most part, when I'm sitting in one place watching TV or reading. Even taking small steps around the house is fine. I just have this discomfort around my port whenever I move. I can't imagine going to school/work like this on Tuesday. Hopefully, I'll be better tomorrow and even better on Sunday.

I had a big pillow on the way home, but didn't really need it since it was mostly smooth highway driving. My vicodin is a liquid syrup-- it's disgusting but it works.

Thanks for all the advice and kind words everyone! Surgery went off without a hitch and I was home about 5 hours after. The gas hasn't been too awful-- it mostly hurts in my shoulder when I sleep. I've been a lifelong side sleeper, so it's hard to get used to sleeping on my back. Of my five incisions, four are covered with bandaids (I can see the white stich things underneath) and the fifth is covered with a big rectangular bandage (about the size of a credit card). Is this my port? Whatever it is, this is the one that hurts the most. Whenever I move or do anything. I'm trying to avoid taking the vicodin during the day, but I might have to in order to be comfortable. Either way, I'm sure this will all heal soon enough! So excited to finally be a bandster!

I've heard many people talk about the doctors being able to see your 'fill line' through the x-ray when you're having a fluoroscopic fill. Does this mean that Fluoroscopic fills are exact each time for the most part? Basically, I have a choice of getting a regular fill at 4 weeks after surgery or waiting 6 weeks to get a Fluoroscopic one (since my doctor only gets the machine in every few weeks). If there really is no difference between the two, then I'd rather get the fill quicker, at 4 weeks. But if the fluoroscopic one is more precise, then I'd rather put up with 2 extra weeks of bandster hell for some GOOD restriction. Any thoughts?

I am on Concerta for ADD, and it's a slow release pill, meaning I cannot crush it and stir it into a liquid. After my procedure, How long before I can take this medication? It's only one tiny pill, but I don't want to do anything that might jeapordize my recovery. I'm planning on asking my doctor, but I wanted to get opinions from the people on here. If it matters, the pill is rather small-- about the size of a Tylenol capsule.

I recently had my surgery date scheduled-- and I totally forgot something to share with my doctor. About two years ago, I went to a sleep study and was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, and I was given a CPAP to use. I ended up not being able to get used to it, so I gave the CPAP back when my insurance lapsed and stopped paying for it. I now no longer have or use a CPAP. What should I do? I'll call my doctor on Monday and let him know that it slipped my mind, but will they still let me have the surgery?

I am self pay though and don't have a CPAP machine anymore. I'm already stretching myself paying for the surgery, will they make me purchase a CPAP outright too?

I am getting banded in early September and I feel like one of my main issues with weight is my low energy level. When I actually do make the effort to go to the gym, I actually rather like it, but having to get up and do it is the problem. Similarly, I feel like I need at less 10-12 hours of sleep a day to feel fully active and engaged. If I dont get it, I'm really lethargic and sluggish and can only do the bare minimum o my responsibilities. Caffeine helps considerably, but post banding, my beverage of choice (Red Bull) is not allowed. Any tips to help me increase my energy level? I really want to be one of those people who is constantly busy from 8am to midnight but even thinking about it gets me exhausted.

I am getting banded Sept 8, and my doctor told me that he plans on putting 'a little bit' (I'll find out specifics when I meet with him later this week) of Fluid in the band at the time of surgery. I'm sure though that I could tell him not to if I wanted. I just wanted to get people's opinions and see if people who got a semi-fill during surgery were happy with that process or not... Any tips from the pros?

Thanks for the advice everyone! I guess I'll just make sure to take it easy and limit the weight of my backpack!