How long after surgery until restriction goes down?

kyethra · March 18, 2007

So today is my fourth day post op and I'm still pretty restricted on an unfilled band. For example, even on liquids I have to sip nice and slow because I am noticeing restriction with them. I PB'ed my second day post op because I ended up drinking too much at once and stayed on Clear Liquids a couple of extra days after that. So how long until I get less restriction? I mean this would be way too much restriction on a permanent basis. If I wanted to exercise for example, I would need to be able to gulp down Water. I can't do that now. And sure I can sip on my slim flast if I do it nice and slow, but what about if I go to mushies or just to thicker liquids let alone actual solids? It will get better, right? I guess I'm a little nervous that maybe the doc put too small of a band on me or something though I think he wouldn't do that being an experience lap band surgeon with a good rep and all. But I'm a big person- I mean I have a large frame and stuff in addition to being fat and what if the band is too small? I would really hate to have to do this all over again to put in a larger band... So someone tell me I'm being silly please and when the restriction will ease up?

Kat817 · March 18, 2007

Right now you are dealing with A LOT of swelling! As your swelling goes down, and the weight loss begins (from the forced liquid diet) your stomach will go down in size. Both in swelling reduction, and loss of fat from around the stomach itself. Then you will feel much less restriction. As long as you need to sip slow---I would stick to the liquids. Slowly making the liquids heavier.

The surgeon doing the seminar I originally went to- went into detail, that your exterior size has little to do with your actual stomach size. That the apple/pear shape is more of an indicator. But even then he said he has had to put the larger band in patients with low BMI, and the smaller band in the largest patients, he said it is something they decide once they are in with the instruments. I am sure you will feel less restriction, as time goes on.

I was on clear liquids for 10 days after returning home---2 weeks of clear liquids, then another 2 weeks of full liquids---anything that would pass through a straw. So I was on the liquids for awhile. It wasn't until the very end, that I felt anything near hunger---I had a lot of restriction in the beginning. Then it felt like suddenly I could eat a horse! I was hungry through the mushie stage---and fought to eat healthy. Then when I began to really EAT food, it was not a problem. I have had 2 fills, and am back to being in a good place with restriction. I am not hungry---eat a small amount, but can eat most anything if I am careful.

I would relax, sip slowly, and let yourself heal. You may not be able to "gulp" anything for awhile---I don't gulp now!! But it is a habit that is broke pretty easy!!!

Welcome to Bandland!!!!

Kat

sunnysea · March 18, 2007

Everyone is so different, my surgery was Feb. 28th and I feel like I didn't even have surgery:omg: I was able to drink right away. I did have restriction and loved not being as hungry. Just go slow like you have been and it should get better soon. I can't believe how fast mine went down.