Search the Community

Hello Rossonmarcus! I was very nervous as well. Before my sleeve I had never had a surgery before so the anesthesia was freaking me out (I'm a nurse to, but for animals! hehehe...also in an ER). The day of my surgery I had to arrive at 6 am so they can put my IV in and prep me. I was moved to the pre-op area around 11 am and there they gave me an IV drug that they told me was going to relax me, but funny thing is that next thing I know I was waking up in recovery wondering what the hell had happened and asking for pain meds! hehehe....mind you, I have very low tolerance for pain. But like Tiffy mentioned above, the pain was most from gas. That same night after surgery, the nurses had me up and walking, because it's the best to relieve a lot of the gas discomfort. The pain in my abdomen, was more soreness. It felt like I had done 1 million sit-ups!! LOL...I was in the hospital for 2 days, on the first day I had a morphine drip and the second day they were giving me oral Vicaden (sp?) I know it's Hydrocodone with Tynenol (best sleep ever...hehe). After I was discharged I was on a full liquid diet for 2 weeks, then on to mushie stage for another 2 weeks. I could eat more normal food now, but at times some foods don't go down too well, so I go back to mushie, which I don't mind. Now I'm about 6 weeks post-op and I feel great, I went through a little stall with weight loss but started loosing again. Good Luck with your procedure and pre-op diet...you'll do great!

Hi there, and welcome. Immediately post-op, I was groggy. I felt the gas pain from the CO2 gas, but minimal discomfort from the actual surgery. I had the most discomfort/pain from the port incision from my band surgery. My abdomen was full of scar tissue and adhesions the surgeons had to take down all of it to remove my port. I was given IV pain drugs of morphine. It managed the pain well, but walking, moving, and stretching helped with the gas pain more than the drugs. I slept a lot the first night, but walked when I could. Day 2 post-op, I developed a leak, and a second surgery was needed to repair it. My recovery, and complications were not typical. Therefore, it's really difficult to compare my experience to other patients. I was in the hospital for 10 days. Then sent home with a TPN bag, and pic line for nutrient/calories. I had a home healthcare nurse come in every other day to change dressing, check vitals, and ensure I was recovering. I had nothing to eat or drink for 22 days. Literally, nothing crossed my lips for those days. Once I was off TPN, I started on Clear liquids for 17 days, then onto full liquids for a week, then mushies/soft solids as tolerated. It took me over 6 weeks to get to regular food and even then I relied on soft solids for most of my meals. I was hospitalized mid-July for a week due to abscesses in my abdominal and pelvic cavity. During that time, I was on heavy antibiotics, and pain meds. I was able to eat, and the nausea was kept at bay with IV drugs. I had quite a bit of nausea as well during this time after coming home probably from the heavy antibiotic regimen I was on. Phenegran, and Reglan helped, but fatigued me severely. My surgeon switched my nausea meds to Zofran, and it was a lifesaver during that time. I was finally fully released for full activity, and regular diet around 3 months post-op. My activity was very limited initially because of the pic line/TPN bag that I had to lug around plus the 2 drains that I had in my abdomen for those weeks really kept me sedentary. I didn't do more than walking for 3.5 months. I also had drains placed during the July hospitalization. Those were extremely painful. One of the abscesses was very low in pelvic cavity, and could not be accessed even with an interventionalist radiologist placing the drains. Luckily, it resolved with the antibiotic therapy. But, the pain from the abscesses was far worse than the surgery. As you can see, my experience is not typical. But, it's what I went through and just to give you an idea of what I consider to be worse case scenario. I know several of the members here will share their experience, and you'll get a wide range of experiences. Best wishes on your surgery. Even with all of my complications, and struggles, I would do it all over again. Life with the sleeve is truly fabulous, and I have zero regrets. Keep us posted on your progress ! ! !

Hello everyone. I got banded back in August and things have been going so so. I'm down 50 pounds and only 30 from my first goal, so I guess I should be feeling more encouraged, but I've been having a hard time with my band the last couple of months. I got a pouch dilation back in the beginning of January, right after my fill up to 5cc (I have a 10 cc band). My next appointment wasn't until February and I wasn't sure at the time whether this was a real problem, or if I was simply just starting to feel real restriction so I didn't go back for an unfill until a month later. During that month, I could drink liquids but sometimes I felt like they weren't going down as easily as they should, especially in the mornings. I was able to eat food too, in teensy lap band portions and I ended up losing 13 pounds in that one month. I've never gotten stuck so badly that I had to bring it up, PBd, or had reflux, but I did get painful hiccups sometimes that don't last very long. At my February appointment, they found the pouch and put me on a 2 week liquid diet to make it go down, but when that didn't work they had to take 2 CCs out bringing me back down to 3. I've been slowly getting refilled since then and haven't had any problems. Monday they got me back up to 5CCs, and I'm having the same problems again. I CAN drink liquids, but they aren't going down as smoothly as I think they should, I sometimes get painful 'hiccups' after eating a tiny bit of food, and I haven't felt hungry at all since two days ago despite barely eating anything. Maybe that's normal with good restriction? It's hard to describe, but I can kind of feel the band squeezing around the liquid while I drink. Should I be getting that feeling with a band that's only half full? My fill doctors are closed until Tuesday due to the holiday, they said that I could go to the ER but I don't think it's THAT series because I can still eat and drink. I'm going to do a liquid diet for the next few days, but what should I do after that? Ask for a sooner appointment to see if I have a pouch again? I really don't want to go through another unfill just when I'd started to feel good restriction again. I'm ashamed to admit that my self control isn't as good as I thought it was and I gained back another eight pounds after they took out those 2 ccs. I'm also feeling very discouraged that I can't seem to get past the 5cc mark without having this problem. I worry that if they do unfill me, I'll just have the same problem again in another three months. Is it okay to just leave the pouch alone, as long as I'm careful? Or will it lead to complications? I've love some advice, thanks!

Hi, I have been band for over 2 years now and for the last week or so I have this funny taste in my mouth it taste like metal or tin? Sometimes I have a funny feeling in the back of my mouth. Hard to explain. I have not had anything coming up like acid or anything no problem laying down or anything like that. Has anyone had anything like that before?? IS IT ACID REFLUX?? I have a flipped port and Im in the process of getting that fixed my insurance has agreed to pay for part of the surgery but not all. I was a self pay in MX. Thank you Tracey

LADIES, December 7th here and I am SUPER EXCITED, NEW BEGINNINGS. Yes, we should give our cells and text each other through this process.....What you all think? I been on a pre op diet since Oct 31, three Protein shakes and a light dinner. I am oh so ready for this!!!!! Gina

Yes, I think I'm ready. I still need to shop for my after surgery meals but I have a list ready to go. I'm going to be making some broth and freezing it over the weekend (Chris brought up that great idea). Other than that I think I'm ready. I start my 2 week pre-op diet next week. On the one hand that cool because it's a sign that this is getting close but on the other hand I'm not looking forward to drinking shakes for 2 weeks but I'll live. I've also scheduled 2 weeks off of work, looking forward to having the time off. Mentall, I think I'm ready, I seem to go from excited to anxious to excited to anxious all day long. I really just want to get to the hospital and have this done already!!!!! LOL! How about you? Are you ready? -Lisa

I am to the point of just giving up. I had a band to sleeve revision on July 14th 2011. I lost 15 lbs on the liquid diet within the first two weeks.. That is all I have lost. This is not a stall. My concern is that I am still able to eat anything in any amount. I dont feel like my stomach is any smaller then it was before surgery. What can I do. How can I find out truthfully what was done to me. I have done the whole count calories, have joined weight watchers, I can lose 3 to 4 lbs only to gain it back the next week. I have been experiencing massive hair loss for the last 3 weeks. The last time that happened was when I was losing weight at about 5 lbs a week with the band. I'm not looking for the whole keep it up, it will happen replies or even the calories in calories out thing.. I want to know if if there are peolpe out there who have not experience any sort of change from having had the surgery. And if so, what did you do. Who can I contact to see what size my stomach is. the whole point of the sleeve was to help me portion control when I couldn't do it myself, well it doesn't. And it doesn't matter if I eat dense protien or if I eat slider foods.. HELP

I lost 12 pounds immediately after surgery and then nothing for 3 weeks... just my body adjusting to being banded. Remember, we average just 1-2 pounds a week with the band. Look at the big picture. Your body is healing and it's not really about weight loss right now. Just keep following your doctor's orders and stick to your diet. Until you get restriction almost any weight loss will be due to your dieting efforts following your post-op diet. I've had 2 fills and I'm still pretty much doing it myself with diet and exercise. Hang in there and don't get discouraged... it will start happening for you!

IYou sound like you are exactly where I am- back and forth between excited and nervous, and I am quessing it is all pretty normal. I too am taking 2 weeks from work, but I am a little worried that it might not be enough. I just took a promotion amidst alot of shake-up in our organization and I really don't think I can be away much longer. I will make the 2 weeks count! Rebecca

I had to eat liquids for two weeks, followed by a surgery, followed by two more weeks of liquids and two of mushies. Like anyone else, I still have to exercise and watch what I eat. And no matter what, I can never just take a day off and eat whatever I want. Easy way out? I don't think so. I always tell people not to confuse successful with easy.

I’ve only told immediate family (mom, husband, my kids 20 & 28). I have also told two friends from work who both have had WSL. One I’m very close with she had lap band but about the forth week had to have it removed because of an infection. She had her surgery done in Mexico. I asked her if she would do it again and she said if insurance paid. Well ours doe s now but she doesn’t want to go through all the hoops for approval. I don’t plan on telling anyone else as it’s private to me. I wouldn’t announce getting new boobs they would announce themselves:wub: as I believe WLS will do soon enough .

You should be able to drive yourself that far 5 days out unless you're on pain meds. I drove myself home from about 30 miles away two days after surgery on fairly busy roads, although they were all pretty straight roads. My surgery sites took about six weeks for the last one to heal completely over. The site where my drain was took the longest to heal and I wasn't allowed to swim or tub bathe until that was done. Good luck!!

I am a week away from surgery, getting excited! My surgeon is Dr. Rodriguez, surgery day is May 23rd. No one knows except hubby. He works away, but is coming with me. We will meet in Dallas then fly out to San Diego. Questions, 1) will I be able to drive myself home from airport 5 days after surgery? 2) How long does it take for surgery sites to heal?. Btw airport is very small and is only 15 miles away from home. No traffic mostly rural roads. Thanks for your help

I buy my Protein powder at Trader Joe's. The size makes more sense to me as I am now beginning my 5th week since surgery and don't want all the calories that the powder provides. I made smoothies with it and never used more than 1/2 scoop at a time. I am so calorie conscious!!

This is just me....but if I ate that many carbs I would not loose weight either. Before you go and let them do that other surgery.....try eliminating the carbs and see what happens. Are you getting 80 grams of Protein in a day? I am just asking because I know if I fill up on the carbs (rice, bread, pasta) there is no way I get the protein in. The protein is what keeps you feeling full longer (or for me anyway). A day's menu for me goes something like this: Breakfast 2 poached eggs Snack String cheese lunch Baked chicken breast and green Beans Snack Nutts (pecans walnuts peanuts and NOT the honey coated kind dinner Baked fish and some kind of veggie (i avoid corn and carrots) like field peas, green peas Late night - if I have not gotten enough protein in I add a Protein Bar or unjury chicken broth (20 grams protein) So far the weight is coming off 3-4 lbs a week for me. Just thought you might want some diet to compare to. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Good Morning Everyone, I am 4 weeks (26 days) post op..but I have some lingering questions. On my pre-op week before diet...I tolerated the Protein shakes..I guzzled them to get it over with..I lost 7 lbs pre-op..as of last week the scale at Publix showed a total 20 lb weight loss which is awesome for 3 weeks...I don't have a scale at home and satisfied with that since I would drive myself crazy on it everyday. At this juncture of post op..I can pretty much eat anything..have difficulties with eggs but for the most part everything is good..I hear some people have issues with constipation...but as grossly as it sounds I have just the opposite..very watery diarhea. I am not drinking Protein Shakes only because I have tried every flavor and the sweetness makes me gag..I am however, eating broiled fish for Breakfast and a lean cuisine for lunch which gives me almost the recommended daily protein.. and for dinner I can only eat a few bites of something or another...I am trying very hard to get all my Water in, but failing in that area which I knew from the beginning that would be my major challenge. My question is...am I doing ok for the most part or if I don't get all the protein and water in will I be defeating my purpose of the surgery and start gaining weight. Like I said i am not eating much only a small portion of what I used to eat..so chances are I will still lose? Just any input is welcome. Feel free to rag on me for not getting in my water..or anything else deemed necessary. Have a great day

I have a 20# weight limit for 4 weeks, but I have been using the same backpack on wheels for a couple years and they are so convenient!

I'm glad I found this thread. I was banded nine weeks ago and still do not have a fill. I have been back to the doc but have requested no fill because I have PLENTY of restriction and I am losing 1-2 pounds/week. I was worried that something was wrong because so many folks don't seem to have restriction until several fills but it's great to know others have found it sooner. :thumbup:

no sense in trying to fix what ain't broke! I too, went at 6 weeks for a fill, assuming that's what we're "supposed" to do. 1.6 CC, too tight. I went back and had it all out. I never never needed a fill for 7 months. If you'r losing 2/week, you don't need a fill. Some people naturally feel the restriction of the band alone, and don't need to be filled. Maybe in a few months, but leave well enough alone.

I had my first fill on Monday, Sept. 29th, 4 weeks post op and although I was at the point that I felt I could eat a horse, I already had 0.6 cc's in my band and they added 3.2 cc's to give me a total restriction of 3.8 cc's. It didn't hurt at all and was quite cool to see my port on the monitor as I stood in front of the x-ray machine. There is really nothing to worry about. Best of luck to you!!!

I would have liked a "couple of times a month" option as "once a week" is a bit too much, but "once a month" too little.

How about this for luck?? I had my lap band placed June 27th. On July 19th I worked 5 am to 4 pm. Then, took my daughter to the hospital for induced labor (3 wks overdue). Got her there about 6 pm, she was nervous, we played games, they weren't giving her pitocin (labor inducing drug) til the morning. I stayed til about 11 pm, drove 40 min. home, cleaned up the kitchen, fell asleep exhausted about 1 am. My daughter called at 4am, 'Mom, almost time to start pitocin, I'm nervous'. Jumped outta bed, noticed some abdominal pain (frequent constipation since band) washed face, brushed teeth, went to hospital. Things went as expected, labor progressed, as my daughter's pain increased, so did mine! Around noon, I took milk of mag, hoping it would help, instead pain turned horribly severe, I assumed impaction (I'm a nurse). I ignored and hid it, as my daughter was having her 1st child, she already has anxiety, and she was in increasing pain. This continued till July 20th around 2 am. She was dilating, 8 cm at this point, but baby wouldn't come down. They took her away for a c-section. Around 4 am, I got to see my 1st granddaughter! She's the love of my life. I tried to leave the hospital, but by now, as I walked out, I was sweating, doubled over in pain, feeling nauseous. I walked by the ER, thought, 'No one in waiting room,,can get a suppository and go home!' Mind you, I've not showered, sweaty from pain, 2 days without sleep...I go in and they put me on a cot (no pillow, no blanket), I fall asleep! I can barely function to answer questions (they gave me pain meds, I remember asking for a suppository)..they are running tests, I am still out of it. I dreamed that a handsome Doc told me he was admitting me for an emergency appendectomy. I finally woke around 11 am as they were wheeling me to the surgical floor,,I remember thinking, 'OMG! It wasn't a dream (My Surgeon really was terribly good-looking..lol)! Anyway, my family had no idea where I was,,I woke enough to call them, had my surgery around 6pm, so my appendix and my grandbaby have the same birthday...haha I'd love to see my H&P,,,disheveled, unwashed, barely coherent, possibly 'on something',,,lol So now I have 4 more laperscopic incisions to add to my 5 from lap band,,my belly looks like a peg board,,,but all is well! I was wondering if anyone else had an appendectomy after lap band? I dang sight better end up cute and skinny!!! lol

In response to the 6 flags dilemma, this makes me sad. Your husband obviously loves you - he committed to spend the rest of his life with you!!! If this is a friend of his, he will likely love you too - for making his friend happy. The fact that you might be slimmer 2-3 months from now is not the answer. You are still YOU!!! That is enough, even if you never lose the weight. Please do not stop living because the weight shames you. Weight is not the answer (not denying that that it adds dramatically to our sense of self worth, but...) you are! Go have fun with the man who loves you and his friend. Keep trying on the pre-op diet. If it's any consolation I am 3 weeks out and just gained 2 lbs!! Sucky, but not uncommon. Were you close to getting your period when you had to weigh in? that often adds a lot of weight (probably my gain). Also your profile pic- adorable!! Get out there with your bad self and live a little.

Thank you all for your feedback. It helps to know how it works for others. Sometimes I am so caught between thinking I'm eating too little and too much that I get overwhelmed and don't know which way is the right way to go. I am hoping I'll feel something in the next week as you suggest!

Kansas City Sleevers A WEEK FROM SATURDAY MEET, anyone who is interested in meeting, next opportunity will be Saturday, October 27 at 9:30. We will meet at the Bean Counter Cafe on Hiway 7 south of Blue Springs. It is in the Lead Bank building on the east side of the road. They do have hot, iced or frappe Big Train Protein Drink. 16 oz. has 20 g of Protein, 130 cals, 25 carbs, 5 Fiber. Choc, vanilla or strawberry. PLEASE RSVP so I can let Sara at the Bean Counter know what size table we need. Bring a spouse or a friend....just let me know. Hope to see fellow sleevers a week from Saturday!