HelenC32

Like so many others, VERY glad I found this thread! I just talked to my RN and this is what she told me --- it can last 2 -3 weeks on average and for some people, even longer. The first 2 - 3 weeks is due to gas being trapped, drinking/eating too much, eating/drinking too fast, cold versus hot, and so on. It appears there is a long list of things that can cause issues with the diaphragm area which is where the pain is actually coming from. I have read several things on here about "reflective pain" and that is what she was explaining to me. I did find that if I sip warm liquids instead of taking what I consider a normal swallow of something, I don't have the pain as much or as bad. Not sure this helps but that's my two cents on the issue. :tongue2:

Hi all! Quick question. Overall I feel really good. I was banded on Friday (2 days ago) so considering that, I think I am getting around good...light housework, cooking, etc. When I left the same day surgery center and all the way up to til late yesterday afternoon, I have been taking in fluids just fine. I "slightly" thickened my chicken broth yesterday with a small amount of corn starch but other than that, all liquids...juices, Vitamin Water, coffee, water, etc. Then all of a sudden, last night and this morning it feels like stuff is not going down. When I take a drink, it feels like it is stopping in my throat. I still have "pressure" in my chest area like gas is pushing up against my diaphragm but nothing severe. I am just curious if anyone else has experienced this and if so, how long did it last? What did you do to "correct" it? Or is it just the digestive system naturally adjusting to not taking as much in? It just seems weird I could take fluids fine up until last night and then morning. I am really worried about dehydration so any insight anyone has would be great! Thanks!!!

Chillax...I felt the same way! BUT...after talking to a few people on here and talking to the RN that I worked with on all my pre-op and post-op instructions, I have found that I will be able to eat pretty much anything I want. Certain foods like celery (which I love), apple skins and things like that are a no no due to the size of the stoma. Other than that, I can eat whatever I want as long as I chew-chew-chew! The big thing is, like with any "diet", we have to be careful what we eat due to nutrition requirements. My nurse told me that if I want pizza, have pizza! But only 1 slice and not every day. Occasionally having pizza or lasagna or even the rare piece of chocolate cake is not a problem. It all has to due with portion size and moderation. Use those "favorite foods" as rewards or special occasions rather than the norm. I am totally psyched about this journey and can't wait to see the pounds falling off. The fact that I am not experiencing hunger yet probably helps the attitude though. lol

Liberty...Glad to hear things are progressing smoothly for you! I am so happy to hear about the diet you are on! I was beginning to think I am the ONLY person on this site who is on that strict of a diet...lol My doc has be doing the same thing. This 1st week is clear liquids and sugars (the RN said this is where my energy will come from). So I drink water, eat jello, drink water, have a juice, drink vitamin water, etc etc. I can't have anything else until this coming Friday---my 1 week mark! At that point I get to have sugar free pudding, protein shakes and a few other "mushy" items. Week 3 is when I get to have things like mashed potatoes, veggies I can mash with a fork, etc. It is strange how the diet varies from doctor to doctor though. I like the idea of eating pudding, etc at this stage (I had my surgery Friday) but at the same time, I really don't have a "want" for it yet. I am staying well hydrated and feel fine...no hunger issues yet! Hopefully this will continue. I cannot wait to get down to where I can actually shop in the "cute" section and buy clothes that I love...not ones that hide and camoflauge my fat! lol Good luck to us all!!!

Thanks for the response Humming Bird. They didn't give any specific instructions on liquids being ice cold. The one thing the RN DID tell me though was that as soon as I got home after surgery that I could have my coffee. She said the heat from the warm drink would actually help the muscles relax. I can see where cold liquids would be of big help though because they would most likely help reduce the swelling. hmmmm

Liberty...I think the breathing deeply thing is normal. My surgery was done at a Same Day Surgery facility and before I left, they had me breathing on this little hand held device. You put the tube in your mouth and breathe in as deeply as you can...10 times every 15 mins for the first several hours. I didn't do it and now I think I am paying it for it. I felt great the first day after surgery (yesterday), all the way up until the afternoon. Then I got the horrible pain in chest. I imagine this is what a heart-attack feels like. The gas that has not escaped yet, all settled into my chest area, making it difficult to breathe. Taking the advice of others on here, I got some Gas-X strips last night and took two...about 5 mins apart...and just let them melt on my tongue and the roof of my mouth. Early this morning, I awoke passing gas. As I got up and moved around more, the pressure in my chest comes and goes and I feel like I have to burp constantly. The good thing is that I know my body is doing what it is suppose to and the gas is finally started to expel itself. I STRONGLY recommend some deep-breathing exercises (even though it may be VERY uncomfortable) and the Gas-X strips. I hate this pressure feeling in my stomach and chest and the constant need to burp but at the same time, my surgery was just 2 days ago. At this point, I am still a couple hours from hitting the 48 hrs mark since my surgery. To me, I think I am where I should be. I don't like feeling this way but I know that each day, the gas will go away and I will feel better and better. Now I have to go...Gas-X strips are calling my name! Good luck to all!!!

Thanks for all the great info. I had surgery yesterday and it seems I am constantly having pain in my left shoulder. I am moving around quite a bit and drinking lots of fluids. This afternoon it seems to come and go. Like everyone else, I guess it is just something I have to deal with until it works itself out. Hopefully it won't be more than a couple more days. <crossing fingers!>:thumbup:

Way to go!!! I was just banded yesterday and weighed in at 216 right before surgery. I have set my ultimate goal at 150 but my first goal is to get that first number to be a ONE. I am so excited for you and can't wait til I can post and say I have made it to ONEderland too! Congrats again! :thumbup:

Hello everyone! I was banded yesterday, June 4, 2010 and so far, so good! My shoulder hurts quite a bit but I am following the post surgery instructions and am actually feeling pretty good! I currently have diabetes, high BP and 70 lbs to lose but for the first time, I feel that can actually succeed at losing the weight and living a longer, healthier life. I have been reading lots of the posts on here and am so relieved to see I am not alone. There are so many people that share the same feelings I do and the same struggles. I look forward to getting to know some of you better!