February Bandsters?

[judych 225]

I just had my surgery on 22 February! I am definitely looking for some supportive people that are going through the same thing. Please feel free to add me! Good luck to everyone!

Jen 3480.. how are you feeling?? are you able to swallow much liquid now?? whats your sleeping like??

i havent been done yet, thats coming up, meantime im in the group learning as much as i possibly can.

how long did you have in the hospital after you were done?? WAs there much pain?/

[xlaurax 8]

Good luck to you too!! I am excited, nervous and ready to go!!

I have to same feelings. I am more worried about the catheter they are going to put in me!!!

[jenn3480 5]

Jen 3480.. how are you feeling?? are you able to swallow much liquid now?? whats your sleeping like??

i havent been done yet, thats coming up, meantime im in the group learning as much as i possibly can.

how long did you have in the hospital after you were done?? WAs there much pain?/

I actually can swallow more liquid than I thought I would be able to. I can drink about 4-6 oz. of a Protein shake before I feel full. I don't have much of an appetite... not sure if that is normal or not.

My husband bought a brand new king size pillow top bed for me to have after the surgery. It was actually delivered the day of my surgery. I can't sleep in it. I have been sleeping propped up on the couch.

I was only in the hospital overnight. Surprisingly, the most pain started on day two. The gas is pretty painful, but feels better if you can get up and move around. I was prescribed a pain killer, but I don't like the side effects it gives me, (severe headaches). So, I have not taken anything today for pain. I was just contemplating trying to swallow a tylenol, but I think I might just go and get some liquid stuff.

When is your surgery?

[judych 225]

I actually can swallow more liquid than I thought I would be able to. I can drink about 4-6 oz. of a Protein shake before I feel full. I don't have much of an appetite... not sure if that is normal or not.

My husband bought a brand new king size pillow top bed for me to have after the surgery. It was actually delivered the day of my surgery. I can't sleep in it. I have been sleeping propped up on the couch.

I was only in the hospital overnight. Surprisingly, the most pain started on day two. The gas is pretty painful, but feels better if you can get up and move around. I was prescribed a pain killer, but I don't like the side effects it gives me, (severe headaches). So, I have not taken anything today for pain. I was just contemplating trying to swallow a tylenol, but I think I might just go and get some liquid stuff.

When is your surgery?

i dont have a date yet but will have in ten days. i see my specialist then. im hoping that he can do me fairly soon ... i want to be on my feet again and confident with my new eating plan before winter sets in. i live in southern australia.

you mentioned about having to sleep propped up?? i think that was mentioned here,that that position is more comfy.

also that liquid tynenol is perhaps better... someone else will verify that for you. i know that others here have taken the liquid one.

im not sure if i can buy liquid tynenol here.... im going to check that out.

you sound like you are doing really well, apart from discomfort sleeping. if it were me, i would just be prepared to sleep like you have been doing, until you get more relief. you have plenty of time to enjoy your new bed. by the way, it sounds just wonderful. theres nothing like sprawling out in a king sized bed... luxurious.

it sounds like you are doing everything right. even moving around to help get rid of the gas.

i did ask here why the gas is present?? is it introduced for the surgery?? i have no idea, but it seems that pain from gas is a major thing .

best wishes with your recovery. looking forward to hearing how you go.. keep us posted. Everything is important enough to share. People like me are benefiting so much from it all.

[jenn3480 5]

i dont have a date yet but will have in ten days. i see my specialist then. im hoping that he can do me fairly soon ... i want to be on my feet again and confident with my new eating plan before winter sets in. i live in southern australia.

you mentioned about having to sleep propped up?? i think that was mentioned here,that that position is more comfy.

also that liquid tynenol is perhaps better... someone else will verify that for you. i know that others here have taken the liquid one.

im not sure if i can buy liquid tynenol here.... im going to check that out.

you sound like you are doing really well, apart from discomfort sleeping. if it were me, i would just be prepared to sleep like you have been doing, until you get more relief. you have plenty of time to enjoy your new bed. by the way, it sounds just wonderful. theres nothing like sprawling out in a king sized bed... luxurious.

it sounds like you are doing everything right. even moving around to help get rid of the gas.

i did ask here why the gas is present?? is it introduced for the surgery?? i have no idea, but it seems that pain from gas is a major thing .

best wishes with your recovery. looking forward to hearing how you go.. keep us posted. Everything is important enough to share. People like me are benefiting so much from it all.

I was a little loopy in the recovery room, but I could swear the nurse told me that they filled my abdomen with gas to make the laproscopic procedure easier. My surgeon told me that I would not be able to burp, which I have, but it does hurt a little.

I have four incisions, but really only two of them hurt. The other two only hurt if I accidentally rub on them or touch them. I have to say that I was pretty scared about post-op pain, but it's not nearly as bad as I imagined. And I believe it will totally be worth it!

[Sojourner 2,446]

Hi! I've been lurking for a couple of days and finally decided to post. My surgery was 02/22 so I am 4 days post-op. I've been doing great physically, other than some gas on the first day and soreness around my port. I hate hospitals so I was quick to get out of there right after surgery and have taken time off to recover at my grandmother's house. This morning (about 2 hours ago) I had my first Protein shake and I am super full. I think I have never been so excited about a Protein Shake.

My head is all over the place. No regrets whatsoever. Just a lot of time to analyze my relationship with food and how it must change. I feel like I've gone through this before, 6 months ago when, after 16 years, I quit smoking. I've had to re-define myself in every old/new situation I am in. And while I was going through the toughest part of that process I would think: this is the first friday night of my adult life without a cigarette.

Today I have to do the same: This is the first saturday of my whole life without eating unhealthy fatty comfort foods.

My family and friends have been very supportive and I am very thankful for that. Everyone had the same first reaction, which from what I've read here is pretty common: "you're not big enough". But they all understood when I told them that I didn't want to wait until I was. I'd always been "chubby" and then graduated to overweight after college, obese was next. 4 days ago I stood on the scale before my surgery and weighed in at 202 lbs (height: 5'5). I am 28 yrs. old, and am ready to make the changes necessary now to lead a long healthy life. I already didn't give a damn for much too long, booze, drugs, whatever. I knew the band was right for me just by turning around and looking at my family, their obesity and comorbid diseases convinced me. People think this is the "easy way" to do it, I disagree...this takes a whole lot of conviction.

I've always hated that my character is judged so severely because of my weight, that people are allowed to label me as lazy, lacking in will power, etc. because of a combination between genetic disposition and a complex addiction to food. So today my main issue is what to say when after I've succeeded (I know I will) I'm asked how I did it. This might seem a little..."ugh" but I'm actually in a position where my honesty can reach thousands, where if I reply with the truth and say "I was banded and I followed through" and not pretend I just did another diet and more exercise, some of the taboo of WLS for at least some people, might be lifted. I'm not famous, just considerably well known within my business and have been honest about every other aspect of myself, including my sexual orientation. Why would I be so ashamed about this that I would lie? Why would I be ashamed about actually doing something positive about my health?

Anyway, sorry about the long rant. Congratulations to everyone banded this month! I hope we all keep sharing our progress, doubts, motivations, etc. here and supporting each other. We should all be very proud of ourselves and take this bold move not only as an opportunity to be thin, look better, or be healthier physically but also as a chance of a lifetime to redefine ourselves.

Stay strong!

Hi! I've been lurking for a couple of days and finally decided to post. My surgery was 02/22 so I am 4 days post-op. I've been doing great physically, other than some gas on the first day and soreness around my port. I hate hospitals so I was quick to get out of there right after surgery and have taken time off to recover at my grandmother's house. This morning (about 2 hours ago) I had my first Protein Shake and I am super full. I think I have never been so excited about a Protein shake.< /p>

My head is all over the place. No regrets whatsoever. Just a lot of time to analyze my relationship with food and how it must change. I feel like I've gone through this before, 6 months ago when, after 16 years, I quit smoking. I've had to re-define myself in every old/new situation I am in. And while I was going through the toughest part of that process I would think: this is the first friday night of my adult life without a cigarette.

Today I have to do the same: This is the first saturday of my whole life without eating unhealthy fatty comfort foods.

My family and friends have been very supportive and I am very thankful for that. Everyone had the same first reaction, which from what I've read here is pretty common: "you're not big enough". But they all understood when I told them that I didn't want to wait until I was. I'd always been "chubby" and then graduated to overweight after college, obese was next. 4 days ago I stood on the scale before my surgery and weighed in at 202 lbs (height: 5'5). I am 28 yrs. old, and am ready to make the changes necessary now to lead a long healthy life. I already didn't give a damn for much too long, booze, drugs, whatever. I knew the band was right for me just by turning around and looking at my family, their obesity and comorbid diseases convinced me. People think this is the "easy way" to do it, I disagree...this takes a whole lot of conviction.

I've always hated that my character is judged so severely because of my weight, that people are allowed to label me as lazy, lacking in will power, etc. because of a combination between genetic disposition and a complex addiction to food. So today my main issue is what to say when after I've succeeded (I know I will) I'm asked how I did it. This might seem a little..."ugh" but I'm actually in a position where my honesty can reach thousands, where if I reply with the truth and say "I was banded and I followed through" and not pretend I just did another diet and more exercise, some of the taboo of WLS for at least some people, might be lifted. I'm not famous, just considerably well known within my business and have been honest about every other aspect of myself, including my sexual orientation. Why would I be so ashamed about this that I would lie? Why would I be ashamed about actually doing something positive about my health?

Anyway, sorry about the long rant. Congratulations to everyone banded this month! I hope we all keep sharing our progress, doubts, motivations, etc. here and supporting each other. We should all be very proud of ourselves and take this bold move not only as an opportunity to be thin, look better, or be healthier physically but also as a chance of a lifetime to redefine ourselves.

Stay strong!

It seems that you have been on quite a journey already...I believe that it is essential to make your choices based on what you feel is right for you. Easier said than done. If others have criticim to offer, let them know that your choices are yours to decide.

In life, if we should not give others the power to influence our choices. If we do, then we risk becoming resentful. Bottom line: Be your own person. If others have issues with your decisions, it is their problem, not yours. If you choose, listen and hear what others have to say, but only with the understanding that the choice will be yours.

From your writing, it does seem that you have a good record to achive your goals. The band surgery and what you choose to disclose to others about it should be based on what you feel comfortable with...

Good Luck!!

[judych 225]

I was a little loopy in the recovery room, but I could swear the nurse told me that they filled my abdomen with gas to make the laproscopic procedure easier. My surgeon told me that I would not be able to burp, which I have, but it does hurt a little.

I have four incisions, but really only two of them hurt. The other two only hurt if I accidentally rub on them or touch them. I have to say that I was pretty scared about post-op pain, but it's not nearly as bad as I imagined. And I believe it will totally be worth it!

... thanks for that info. so the gas is introduced?? to give the surgeon more room to operate?? thats interesting. it probably happens with more surgeries than we know.

i hope your issues with pain from gas go very quickly. it must be frustrating to not be able to move some of the gas.

[Sojourner 2,446]

I am now "on the other side" officially, my surgery was yesterday afternoon! I was able to return home last evening. It took longer than anticipated to get to the OR because I cannot tolerate Heperin, and the doctor's orders were based on me being a diabetic, which I am not...It took over 2 hours to get those issues corrected.

I am still in some pain, mostly from the gas. I have been walking around the house frequently, trying to get my Protein and liquid requirements met. I have been taking Tylenol and one dose of the liquid hydrocodone so far. I requested the pharmacy to add their "grape" flavoring to the meds, which does make them more tolerable. I really dislike having to crush my other meds, very bitter to swallow. And, wonder of wonders, we received a phone call just as we were leaving for the hospital that the one medication which insurance did not want to cover was finally approved, saving us several hundred dollars.

I am still very bloated, though I remember feeling this way after surgery last summer. I will keep walking and try to be patient with myself.

I am able to tolerate all of the liquids from the pre-op diet, but I have to sip almost constantly to even come close to the daily 80 oz my doctor advised me to drink. I have been able to discern the feeling of being full, and knowing when to stop drinking for 30 minutes or so.

So, the real journey begins now. I am beyond ready to move forward and become healthier. Patience is a virtue I am determined to learn. We all take one day at a time...thanks to you all for the insight and emotional support shared on this forum!

[josmith2154 1]

Surgery on the 29th! Ready, but nervous.

[sweetsoutherngirl 32]

testing my ticker. guess it did not work

[WickedWitch 10]

Surgery on the 29th! Ready, but nervous.

Same day as me!! Good Luck!!

[luvbug0712 41]

4 days to go and I can't wait but I find myself getting nervous. I am surprised to hear how each Dr has different rules for Pre and Post Op diets. Dr. Dietrick has me doing the following:

Preop- 11day Liquid High Protein Diet w/ only 1 small meal of meat and veggie

PostOp-

Day 1-5: Liquid ONLY

Day 6-10: Soft

Day 11 and Beyond: Regular food

The 11 day liquid diet has been very rough but today I stepped on the scale and I've lost 10lbs... I can't believe it!

My Dr really didn't give me a list of things I may need for my 1 day stay at the hospital so I am wondering do I need anything?

[nyklor 4]

Just wanted to share, I just got home from my first post-op (4 days today) Dr. appt. with good news. I've lost 6 lbs. ! (No pre-op diet). I hope stuff like this motivates those of you soon to be banded, I know reading it did tons for me. Starting my three week soft food diet now...

BTW, any thoughts on sf gerber (fruits) and gerber in general?

[WickedWitch 10]

4 days to go and I can't wait but I find myself getting nervous. I am surprised to hear how each Dr has different rules for Pre and Post Op diets. Dr. Dietrick has me doing the following:

Preop- 11day Liquid High Protein Diet w/ only 1 small meal of meat and veggie

PostOp-

Day 1-5: Liquid ONLY

Day 6-10: Soft

Day 11 and Beyond: Regular food

The 11 day liquid diet has been very rough but today I stepped on the scale and I've lost 10lbs... I can't believe it!

My Dr really didn't give me a list of things I may need for my 1 day stay at the hospital so I am wondering do I need anything?

Hey LuvBug!!

You and are going the same day and have the same doctor!!

Good Luck to you!!

Tammy

[luvbug0712 41]

Hey LuvBug!!

You and are going the same day and have the same doctor!!

Good Luck to you!!

Tammy

Really? That's awesome are you on the same diet?