jonesmrn

I have had my band since 2010! Not one single regret AT ALL!! I had all these questions and concerns (I still worry) mainly b/c I work in the operating room and see all the complications! If you "you tube" the surgery you can watch the way they secure the band by pulling up and suturing the stomach around the band! One of the most dangerous complications we see in surgery is erosion which can cause infection!! And that is almost always from overfilling and purging. You have gotten this far and want this for a very good reason, do what you feel is right I had a hard time accepting that once I could introduce food into my diet again after surgery (by this time swelling is down around the band) I was hungry, and had very little restriction! Wait till you get a full or 2, I actually had to have some taken out on my second fill, my "sweet spot" was easy to find, LOL Best of luck, you'll do great, and I have read some awesome advise on this board about taking the time to understand your relationship with food!!! Very important... The past relationship and the future one!!

Believe it or not... After my second fill I had to go back and have a little taken out!! After the 3rd day post-fill I could barely swallow water, Its was terrible! They said when your tight like that it can actually get tighter if your wait, and that it was not unusual, but after taking just .3cc out I was great. Just reached that "sweet spot" easier than most. I had great restriction after that for 3 months, and lost great! My doc actually told me that after losing alot of weight you need a slight adjustment to maintain the restriction! So here I am, with a little too much restriction from my last little fill... its not an exCt science and you have to just be patient and keep in close contact with your Doctor!! Good Luck!! Re-post and let us know how your doing!

Banded 8/30, and the gas pain in my shoulder and chest has gotten much better but still comes and goes! I too thought that the gas-x was not helping, but it helps me burp and when I do the pain in my chest is relieved a little! Sometimes during the night if I lay on my back I find that the pain will wake me up, but if I get up, walk around and lay back down on my side it goes away! So even if you think the gas-x isin't helping (get the strips) just keep using them! And move around as much as possible!! Good Luck to all of you!!

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply, My surgeon said that the gas pain in your shouler and chest is normal after laproscopic surgery. Even family that has had gallbladder and appendix out have complained of the shoulder and chest pain... Unfortunately the only things that really help is heat and movement! I do range of motion excersises as soon as it comes on and it usually goes away faster! I do feel a strange sensation also when I drink, its weird like i can feel it until it gets there... don't know if thats normal but it doesn't hurt so I figure it will go away. I'm so glad to have been banded on the same day as someone... I keep asking a friend of mine questions but she had her band 3 years ago. Good Luck with the gas pain and keep me posted! :biggrin:

I had a band! Only 2 incisions it was great! I would have never thought to try sleeping on my tummy, I'll have to give it a try! Thanks!

Well I'm now at post-op day 4. Doing great, took out my pain ball last night (that was weird! But not painful at all) eatting full liquids and a little mushies, like yogurt and some pudiing! Still have the shoulder pain, but it goes and comes. Tried to lay flat for a few minutes yesterday and had a lot of pressure in my chest and shoudler, I have been sleeping in a semi-reclined position as well and have had no problems. Woundering when did you all transition to lying flat?? Thanks!

Thanks you guys... I'll definately try the heating pad right now, and I'll keep up the walking!

I'm only 2 days post-op and I just keep thinking of how I have been given the greatest tool in the world to assist me in my weight loss goals!! Even though I'm in pain from the gas in my shoulder and chest, I certainly don't regret doing it!! I can't wait for the future to start living my new lifestyle!! Good Luck to you!!:biggrin:

Hi there, I was banded on August 30th, post op day 2 now and the only major pain I'm having is in my shoulder and chest from the gas... How long will this last?? And is there anything I can do to make it go away faster?? I've been walking and taking Mylanta...:biggrin: Thanks so much for any advise!!

I'm very nervous... Tomorrow is the day!! Right now I'm on a clear liquid diet, with a terrible headache and some nausea from an anibiotic that I took... I'm excited, but hoping this headache wont stay with me for the next week on clear liquids... AUGUST RUSH 2010!!!