Just had surgery Monday

[Finally Did It 0]

Ok, I did it. Did I make the right decision?

Only Time will tell.

Today it is 5 days. Still no BM. I'm assuming that is normal as I don't even have an urge.

I'm really worried about all the things I am feeling.

1: Left side under rib, what is this pain/discomfort I am feeling????

2: I constantly feel my stomach growling - is this normal????

3: Why am I feeling this?

4: Why can I do ok laying on the recling couch, but horrible if I try to lay in bed?

5: How long is recup time? I thought I'd be able to go back to work Monday, I'm still taking Pain pills at night just so I can sleep.

6 I am barely drinking, I'm lucky if I can drink more than 15 oz of Protein shakes. I'm trying to just shake and not blend, but finding them hard to get down.

7: Water seems a little easier to get down. and I can eat Ice pop and Jello....but how long before I can eat food another 3 weeks, how will I last???? I'm just dying for real food, but I can't wait for cream of broccoli, cream of Tomato, or maybe something else.

8: Stopped heartburn meds, but gas pains are yucky.

9: When I drink I feel like I'm putting Water into oil and that the water drops to the bottom, and the oil floats on top. WHat is this I am feeling?????

10: When is pain or discomfort going away???? I know that is a repeat.

[slm2007 7]

I was banded on monday too...I hope you get some answers because I am no help. I am actually feeling okay except forvthis severe intense headache! Noreal.pain unless I pushto do too much. Good luck to you ...take it easy. Oh oh..I can answer one question...had first bm on friday (water..maybe tmi but its an fyi)

[Amanda Mae 22]

I was banded two weeks ago and I'm doing great. I have been on solid foods for almost a week now - still having a little discomfort from time to time but overall I'm doing really great! I put some answers below based off of my own experiences.

1: Left side under rib, what is this pain/discomfort I am feeling????

This could be "gas pain" - my surgeon explained that during surgery the body is filled with CO2 to keep the chest cavity open and it can take a week or more for the CO2 to work its way out of the body - during this time pockets of gas can get caught and cause discomfort. For me personally, it was in my left shoulder - the pain from this was worst than my incisions.

2: I constantly feel my stomach growling - is this normal???? I wish I could answer this - I just emailed the nurse to ask the same question - I have been very hungry the last few days and gained a few pounds -

3: Why am I feeling this?

4: Why can I do ok laying on the recling couch, but horrible if I try to lay in bed? I didn't have any problems laying in bed - like I said I recovered very quickly though

5: How long is recup time? I thought I'd be able to go back to work Monday, I'm still taking Pain pills at night just so I can sleep. I had surgery on a Monday and went back to work the following Wednesday - I made it through the whole day ok but was exhausted when I came home - I did have to take some pain meds that night

6 I am barely drinking, I'm lucky if I can drink more than 15 oz of Protein shakes. I'm trying to just shake and not blend, but finding them hard to get down. Get an immersion blender or something - on the Lap Band website there are some GREAT recipes for a snickers Protein Shake and a butter finger Protein Shake - these really helped me out - make sure you are getting 64 oz of Water in each day to prevent dehydration.

7: Water seems a little easier to get down. and I can eat Ice pop and Jello....but how long before I can eat food another 3 weeks, how will I last???? I'm just dying for real food, but I can't wait for cream of broccoli, cream of Tomato, or maybe something else.

I started eating soft / solid foods five days after the surgery. The cut everything up really small and chewed a lot. I had some Mrs. T pierogies, mashed potatoes, baked french fries, I even had pizza the weekend after my surgery. the eating instructions I have said to start introducing foods slowly to check for tolerance. Nothing I had said to wait three weeks after surgery - it said Clear liquids for 1 day, full liquids for 2 days, and then pureed foods like baby food for 3 days and then soft foods.

8: Stopped heartburn meds, but gas pains are yucky.

9: When I drink I feel like I'm putting water into oil and that the water drops to the bottom, and the oil floats on top. WHat is this I am feeling????? Wish I could help you with this one but I don't

10: When is pain or discomfort going away???? I know that is a repeat.

[dragonflies 7]

Hey there! I was banded on Monday as well so I don't have any definite answers, but I can certainly share with you what I am going through as well. My experience is pretty similar to yours. First of all, don't stop drinking Water. Yesterday and the day before I realllllllly really slacked on my Water intake. Today I got some major gassy like cramps in my stomach, got cold sweats and was having trouble breathing. I think that I was getting dehydrated! Once I started drinking water, I started feeling better & better. As far as a BM, I finally had one yesterday. I tried this morning when I felt horrible, but it was watery. (sorry tmi) I answered the questions that I could. They may not be much help, but thought I would give you a perspective from a 4/18 surgery date as well. Hope you feel better soon!

1: Left side under rib, what is this pain/discomfort I am feeling????

The doc has my port on the left side of my body, and I believe it's stitched to muscle? That causes me some pulling discomfort... I'm starting to get used to it, I suppose.

2: I constantly feel my stomach growling - is this normal????

Well mine is too lol. It gets annoying! Perhaps it could be normal...?

4: Why can I do ok laying on the recling couch, but horrible if I try to lay in bed?

I also slept sitting up for 2 nights. I upgraded to my bed the third night, even though I was uncomfortable at first. When I woke up, my body felt much better that it had gotten to stretch out. (I did prop myself on 2 or 3 pillows, with one at the side lol)

5: How long is recup time? I thought I'd be able to go back to work Monday, I'm still taking Pain pills at night just so I can sleep.

I'm wondering the same thing. Not going back to work Monday, for sure.

6 I am barely drinking, I'm lucky if I can drink more than 15 oz of Protein shakes. I'm trying to just shake and not blend, but finding them hard to get down.

Try the pre mixed! They are much better and easier access in my opinion.

7: Water seems a little easier to get down. and I can eat Ice pop and Jello....but how long before I can eat food another 3 weeks, how will I last???? I'm just dying for real food, but I can't wait for cream of broccoli, cream of Tomato, or maybe something else.

I've already nibbled on a little bit of mashed potatoes. Started eating sugar free Jello pudding too. I bought a can of Tomato Soup as well... can't wait to try it!

8: Stopped heartburn meds, but gas pains are yucky.

The heating pad works wonders... especially if it's in your shoulder like mine. I am still using the heating pad. I love it.

[Sistersue 12]

FYI, 1 month out, my stomach still makes the weirdest noises. It does hurt any more but I think the whole room can hear it.

[Finally Did It 0]

I was banded on monday too...I hope you get some answers because I am no help. I am actually feeling okay except forvthis severe intense headache! Noreal.pain unless I pushto do too much. Good luck to you ...take it easy. Oh oh..I can answer one question...had first bm on friday (water..maybe tmi but its an fyi)

Thank you and good luck to you too.

How did you do the ticker factory thingy? I tried, but don't understand it.