Newly Banded

May 20, 2004

Hi, I have just been banded on May 12. I am eating like a horse...Is this normal? I have hardly any restriction and I feel really good except for the gas in my chest. Is this normal too? Most of my questions have been answered by just reading other people's comments but I haven't heard anyone really say anything about the gas pains.

Alexandra · May 20, 2004

Hi Shaneal!

If you were banded on May 12 you should NOT be eating like a horse. Unless that horse is limited to mashed hay and oatmeal, that is. What do you mean, exactly? Aren't you still on a liquid/soft regimen at this point?

The gas pains vary a lot from person to person, and the weird thing is they don't feel at all like "gas" as we are familiar with it. I felt it as sharp pains from place to place in my torso, which went away after a couple of days. Then I'd be surprised two weeks later with a new one, seemingly out of nowhere.

Anyway, let us know what you're really eating. What you think is a lot may not be, or you might in fact be doing something unwise. You don't want to hurt yourself or do anything to lessen your chances for success!

GinnyWhite · May 21, 2004

the gas pains are the worst but they will go away soon but I am with Alex you should not be able to eat so much I would call the Dr. for me the 4th week was when I noticed my appitite increase.Ginny

299/283/130

May 21, 2004

Well, This makes me a little concerned. I have been eating things like chicken noodle Soup (noodles and chunks of chicken), chicken breast, grilled pork chop, grilled hot dog with a bun, pc of banana bread, tons of pudding and Jello, lots of frozen popsicles, and I'm not having any problems with getting it down at all. I even at some cheese pizza one day with no problem. I go next week for my first fill and check up. Will things change?

GinnyWhite · May 21, 2004

I think the main thing is to eat slow and chew things really good I guess I started getting my appitite about the same time everyone told me not to worry that after my first fill things would change I will let you know on Monday, I had a crazy dream last night about getting my fill it was bizarre. Ginny

299/283/130

La_madam · May 21, 2004

WOW!

I was not able to eat any of those things exccept Jello, popsicles until week 5 post op. Even now that I'm on those foods I have a hard time. I still feel alot of restriction just from my band placement.I'm scared to death to eat bread or pizza or rice. I have yet to have a fill and I'm almost 7 weeks post op. My doctor does first fills 6 weeks post op and beyond. As far as my gas pains, they lasted for me 3 weeks post op. Every day was a little less painful though. Gas X did nothing for me. Walking did nothing for me, I just had to let it runs its course.

Well, good luck to you. I hope your fill helps you!!

Michelle

4/6/04/

265/242/160ish

Dr Ortiz

donali · May 21, 2004

Shaneal -

WHO is your doc, and didn't they give you a post-op diet?

Even the Inamed handbook has patients on liquids ONLY for a couple of weeks after surgery, then mushies, and then real food.

The restriction on diet isn't because you might be unable to tolerate solid food - it is to keep your stomach as still as possible while it is healing. You want those sutures well healed and the band well-seated before you start eating real food.< /p>

Just like a knee with a cut in it - if you keep flexing the knee, and breaking open the cut, it will take longer and longer for the cut to heal. Same with your stomach.

A band that is not well seated is more likely to slip farther down the road.