banded march 20th

[wannabefitagain 1]

Ok thought I was dying on Thursday, thought I could go back to work, big mistake, I was miserable all day. Had severe gas in my shoulders and chest!!! Pain has gotten better but still having shoulder pain ever once in a while. I had planned on going to the gym the day after surgery ya that didn't happen. Not to sound gross but I've only been to the bathroom twice since surgery, I'm following the diet. I'm peeing often but that's it. Pre liquid diet I was 213 now 4 days after surgery I'm down to 201. Thinking that's a good start. I'm struggling to find soft liquids that have Fiber, I can't have oatmeal yet and not alot of cream Soups have fiber. Hoping to find a lap band friend who's surgery date was close with mine. Any suggestions on fiber I'm all ears.

[parisshel 1,892]

I was also banded March 20th but don't have to worry about returning to work yet; I'm off until April 4th . I cannot imagine going back to work the next day; I could barely get out of the hospital bed, plus my brain was still foggy from the anesthesia.

Good job on the 12 pound loss!

As for fiber: I knew that going to the bathroom was never going to be the same; still I was glad when I finally went yesterday. I'm sure there are fiber supplements sold but I'd check with the surgeon because some might bulk up too much in your system. I read a post on here from someone who took Metamucil and it was the wrong thing to do...they were in great pain from the bulking effect.

I'm adding a teeny bit of prune juice to all the Water I drink. Don't know if it will be effective but I figure it's better than nothing.

[aeromech 202]

I'm a March 20th bander too. I'm planning on going back to work Monday or Tuesday depending how I feel.

Gas pains are pretty much gone. Overall discomfort from surgery is not there. Slight pressure where the port is though.

Metamucil is the worst idea ever for a banded person. The powder gells up and stops up the opening like a cork. Very uncomfortable. Others on the site have been saying they use a non-gelling one from costco.

My biggest problem is that I can't get enough calories in, like maybe 300 a day.

[parisshel 1,892]

I'm a March 20th bander too. I'm planning on going back to work Monday or Tuesday depending how I feel.

Gas pains are pretty much gone. Overall discomfort from surgery is not there. Slight pressure where the port is though.

Metamucil is the worst idea ever for a banded person. The powder gells up and stops up the opening like a cork. Very uncomfortable. Others on the site have been saying they use a non-gelling one from costco.

My biggest problem is that I can't get enough calories in, like maybe 300 a day.

Yes, I figure this is what I'm consuming currently. But I know that will change as the swelling goes down....so I'm riding this "non appetite" thing like a wonderful wave! Also, since I'm off work until early April, I can deal with the low energy that the lack of calories is provoking. It would be much worse if I had to be back at work.

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

You can add Benefiber to your liquids, it dissolves clear, no clumping. If that does not help, then try Miralax. It also dissolves clear and is a non cramping laxative recommended by my surgeon's NP. Even after 16 months, I need a half dose of Miralax daily to keep me moving. The high Protein diet affects some people that way. If you do not have success within 5 days, call you doctor. You do not want an intestinal blockage. Many will recommend Potassium Citrate, available in most drug stores.

[wannabefitagain 1]

I bought some benifiber hoping it helps. Eating anything makes me feel like I'm choking.

[SueBee01 630]

I bought some benifiber hoping it helps. Eating anything makes me feel like I'm choking.

I agree. I am 14 months post op and put Fiber in every drink I have during the day. It really helps. Keep track so that you know how often you go. You do not want to go through the pain of Constipation. Once was enough for me early on. If you find yourself not going by day three or four, take Senacot. One pill will get you moving the next day with no cramping.