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Well thank you for this post. I had surgery Wednesday(feeling good) and I appreciate the encouraging words. I want to feel the same way.

Best wishes. Sandra

Hey Nina, well we are in this together! As soon as I read the part about the straw I knew that was the problem. Again, I sip 3 oz of propel water/chicken broth every hour. I have to set the timer or else I don't think I would be doing it right. So your pain meds are tablet form? Mine is liquid. I would recommend liquid and chewables for all medicines and supplements. It will be so much better. I do have to crush my Iron tablet(couldn't find anything else at time) but I put it on a spoon with chicken broth. I'm going to finish the bottle of tablets since I already have them but after that- liquid iron. I would really recommend a shake with more Protein. My dr. told me to use Body Fortress from Walmart. (and it's cheap) Taste pretty good. Also, there is a site(vitalady) where you can order protein shake sample packs. You want that protein so switch up. I can't wait for a protein shake. lol Hugs, Sandra

I'm a little confused about port/band location. I was told prior to surgery that my port would be located right in the center under the breast bone. (think of breast and down 4 inches right in middle) I do have a big incision there so I assume that's where it's at. So is the band above that or below that? They must be really close together? Also, I was told I have the realize band. That must have been a last minute decision because prior to surgery it was the lap band. Anyways, just curious. (I tried doing a google picture search for how it might look but no luck) Sandra

I appreciate the responses. I definitely can feel the port so I know where that's at. As far as watching the video- no thanks. lol I told my dr. that I've researched this for two years now and I didn't need to see details. lol I do much better without video details. I pretty much knew by pictures how it works but I was a little thrown off about the band and port being so close in my case. I've seen a lot of people have the port way down on their right or left side. I think I like having mine in the middle.

Wow- protein shake already huh? I'm on propel Water and chicken broth only for the 1st week. Also, I was told I have to have calcium citrate only. (no citrate carbonate) I am ordering today online as Kroger/Walmart/etc doesn't have chewable calcium with citrate. I appreciate the responses. It really helps to get imput. Sandra

Not feeling well- typing is going to be short & sweet. First of all I went home 2 hrs after surgery. To quick. To big hurry. Should pain is terrible. Was up all night besides 1 hour. Here is what I've tried. Please post solutions only if you can. 2-3 tsp hydrocodn liq. every 3-4 hours. Walk, walk, walk, totally exhaused but walking Can't even think of laying down. Recliner good for 1st hour home but not now. Best when just standing. exhausted though. Heating pad makes worse. Thought for sure that would help. Gas X. ? about Gas x- is that really just for stomach gas and not the gas that is floating around in shoulder? Not want to take if it's only for stomach gas. I feel like it's in the muscles. Anyways, if you have suggestions that worked for you, please pay along. Will have computer on but won't check for several hours. Sandra

Thanks for picture. No, I didn't use that. Feeling better today. Day 4(including surgery date)

Susan I had surgery Wednesday and started a thread about the same thing. My shoulders were killing me. Now it has gone to my back. It's more tolerable today. I made sure to take my pain medicine. And of course, walk, walk, walk. The day I came home I used the heating pad and it helped. Yesterday the heating pad made it worse. Today I went back to the heating pad(put it on lowest setting) and it has helped my back. My Dr's office called and checked on me and I mentioned it. I was told it was air. She said the gas x helps the stomach gas and not really the air gas but it wouldn't help to keep taking xstrength gas x. She also mentioned that it could be from drinking to much Water in a small time. I've been drinking 2 to 4 oz of water every hour. (I have a timer) I've only slept 6 hours since Wednesday after surgery but it is getting better. Just take pain meds, try heating pad, and walk. Best wishes. Sandra

Great thread. Just read a few. I'm two days out so not up to par right now but will come back and read some more. Great idea original poster and what great comments.

Surgery the 10th. Sent me home two hours later. WAY to soon. My insurance would have covered a night stay at the hospital but because the dr. changed it from the hospital to his outpatient facility I had to go home the same day. Walking a bunch and drinking my Water but boy does the should pain feel terrible. Hopefully will go away soon. Sandra

I'm right with you. Surgery two days ago and this morning after I took a few sips of Water my chest was awful. I figured the band was to tight this morning. I've read about that on the boards. (band being very tight in mornings) I just wished I could get rid of the shoulder/back gas. It's awful. Sandra

you aren't hungry? I've been curious about this.

If so, opinions please. Sandra

"breathing into the IS" I don't know what an IS is- apparently I wasn't given that. But I'll start taking some deep breaths. I can't thank you enough for the reponses. You know this is such a great board. It's amazing to have someone to help you that you don't even know who completely understands. That really helps this process. If it wasn't for the shoulder pain(and it effects the whole neck) I think I would be doing pretty well.

Leaving today for surgery tomorrow. Dr. Duncan in Atlanta. Keep me in your thoughts. Sandra

Just thought I would post on a few threads that I leave today for my surgery tomorrow. I am scheduled for 9:30. My surgery is in Atlanta Ga. (Titus Duncan) I am not nervous and I am excited to have a new relationship with food. I would appreciate all your good thoughts and prayers. Also, I know there are a few others having surgery within the next days so please post and keep us updated. Sandra

Just thought I would post on a few threads that I leave today for my surgery tomorrow. I am scheduled for 9:30. My surgery is in Atlanta Ga. (Titus Duncan) I am not nervous and I am excited to have a new relationship with food. I would appreciate all your good thoughts and prayers. Sandra

I see on these boards all the time about people having that done. I'm having surgery Wednesday and I never had to have an upper or lower GI. You would think I would with every other test being done. Especially with it involving the stomach. Just curious. Sandra

I do have severe acid reflux. However, I'm trusting all will go well. I was just curious.

I just think it's strange that they have checked everything except the stomach. lol No x-ray for me either. And I know they won't do anything the next day because I'm going home the same day.

Hi, I just finished 10 days of pre-op and today and tomorrow is Propel Water and chicken broth. Hooray!!! lol Surgery is Wednesday. Sandra

So surgery is approaching, I'm sure it's normal to start second guessing but I am.(not the surgery) I didn't get to be 85lbs overweight by eating a little to much. I have food issues. I have been preparing for this surgery for quite some time now and those food issues have improved but I would just like to hear from other banders who did have a food addiction/binge problems and that it can be something in the past. I completely understand that the band won't do it for me and I have to do the hard work but I would like some encouraging words from others who had food issues. TIA Sandra

but in small portions. I hear so much from others that they aren't able to eat certain things and I'm really hoping that I can just sit down at a meal and not have to worry if I'll get sick, won't agree with me, etc. It would be nice to be able to eat a piece of fruit if I wanted fruit. I would like some positive stories that this can be accomplished. TIA, Sandra I should add that my physician did say fiberous foods that are strigy will probably be off limits.

fading a little bit. I'm sure this is quite a shock to my body to be eating so healthy the past 8 days and not to mention barely any carbs. Monday and Tuesday will be liquids only(Surgery 10th)so I can't imagine how that will feel if I'm already fading. I'm drinking plenty of Water, eating on plan, so it's just the shock probably.