Kysmith72

Thanks, Maxi! I am feeling better. I'm still in pain, but not as bad. It was a really scary experience and I kept thinking what have I done to myself. I think it's great that we have a forum here where we can share our stories, good and bad, and learn from each other's experiences.

The good news about the pneumonia is that it is pretty easily treatable, no matter how far away you are from your surgeon. It was scary, but once I found out what it was, I calmed right down.

I was banded on 9-15 and I was doing fantastic until I woke up yesterday and I felt like someone had beat me up. Every time I took in a breath, I would have horrible chest pains. It got worse throughout the day and I ended up going to the emergency room last night. Turns out, after a zillion tests to make sure it wasn't a pulminary embolism, I have pneumonia. They ran some IV antibiotics and gave me morphine and then diloted for the pain (which only took the edge off). They sent me home at 3 a.m. with more antibiotics, nausea medication, and vicodin for the pain. I'm feeling pretty weak, and don't really have much of an appetite. I'm just trying to make sure I get enough protein and water in for the day. I am still on leave from work, thank goodness, so I have another week and a half to recover.

A few days after my surgery I had the same thing. It hurt to take a deep breath. I took some pain meds (the Lortab) and eventually it went away. I would call the doctor if it lasts more than a day.

The nutritionist told me that the reason they don't want you to have caffeine is because it's a diaretic and it's difficult enough to make sure you're getting enough water in. She said that we could probably have 8 oz of a caffeinated beverage per day, but we'd have to make sure that we drank an extra 8 oz of water on top of the suggested 64 oz to make up for the caffeine. I'm not too much of a coffee drinker, so it wasn't a hassle for me to give up. Soda on the other hand has been really difficult for me.

All in all, it was pretty smooth. I had to be at the hospital for 9:15 and my surgery was scheduled for 10:15. Dr. Roye had an emergency with another patient so I didn't go in on time. I was probably in about 30 minutes to 45 minutes later than scheduled. I know I got out of the operating room and into recovery around 12:30. I really wasn't fully consious until around 1:45. There was a shortage of beds in the hospital so I went from one recovery room to another and I didn't get into "Step Down" (my own room) until almost midnight. I had to stay overnight because I have sleep apnea, but I'm glad I stayed. I've heard very good things about Dr. Ryder, too. I also had a little issue with one of the secretary's in their office... she gave a bunch of us some mis-information.

I also went through RI Hospital- who is your surgeon? Dr. Roye performed my Realize band surgery. Just to let you know, the nurses were absolutely fantastic at the hospital. Each one was better than the last. They were all so positive and helpful. I also wasn't required to go on the pre-op diet, but I went on full liquids for 10 days just because I thought it would help.

I'm back home from the hospital today (stayed overnight) and doing ok. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The worst of it has definitely been the gas pains in my shoulder/chest. Walking around seems to help. I'm running a very low-grade temp, but I still feel pretty decent. I did make the mistake of getting on my scale when I got home and I had gained 2.2 lbs in the hospital. I know they pump you full of fluids and I'm hoping that was the cause. I didn't really consume much while I was there. Did this happen to anyone else?

My doctor recommended WLS for Dummies. Half of the book is pre-op though. Still good reading - very educational and some great recipes for after the band.

Thanks so much RK! Now I'm actually looking forward to starting the pre-op diet. And thanks to everyone else who chimed in with websites and flavors. This will be extremely helpful.

My doctor is not requiring me to go on the liquid diet, but I was encouraged to go on one if I want to. I'm thinking it's probably a good idea. Does anyone have any good recommendations on decent tasting protein shakes?

I got my date on Friday - September 15th!!! I'm excited and nervous!