MY FIRST POST OP APPT WITH SURGEON

[Joleen 3]

I had a great post op visit with my surgeon this morning. It was so nice to find out if everything I was feeling was normal! I was banded on 3/28 so this is day 10 post op!

He told me the pain I have been having around my port is natural since they do sew it to the abdominal wall! They sew it to the muscle with sutures so as you heal and you are moving it takes time to heal but it does heal fine and it is sutured in tight enough not to flip or move now days!

I was also worried about band slippage (the nurse practitioner also came in and answered some questions) she said that slippage usually occurs within 5 days post op and happens because the sutures the band is sewn in with become loose (usually 3 - 6 sutures) because of violent excessive vomiting or a traumatic event like a car accident. After 5 days the sutures are usually healed enough to anchor the band in place. Saying that she said it is still important to stay on full liquids for 14 days post op to ensure continued healing then slowly progress to soft diet.

I can start the soft diet Monday and she told me to choose soft meats and instead of pureeing them I can cut them to the size of a pencil eraser, which I think I will try instead of pureed meat!

Regarding hunger eat Protein first because that fills you up faster and try to eat/drink every two hours. I told them I was starting to get hungry! It is normal for most to get hungry after the swelling goes down. I will be getting my first fill in 4 weeks! (I think I might stick a tblsp. of Peanut Butter in my Protein shake which is ok)

I can exercise, but only walk on treadmill or outside. I can resume normal activity after 6 weeks checkup, which is what all surgeons say!

I feel so much better knowing that everything is ok!

Hope this helps for all those waiting to see their surgeons, but this is just and FYI, letting you know what my surgeon says is not what all surgeons say!!

Peace, Joleen