A road block in recovery...hospitalized

[Weeviegurl 81]

I had Lap Band surgery June 3^rd and the surgery itself went very well. I was able to come home the same day and had started on very little liquids. My surgeon and his team have provided patients with a Lap Band “Bible” of everything regarding the surgery start to finish. I started logging the following day the liquids I was taking in and followed the example to a “T.” By the 3^rd hour, I was having this very bad gas bubble in my chest and was salivating profusely. It was gross. I did throw up the saliva “foam” several times while trying to take more liquids in, but ended up calling my Dr. the next day and went into his office.

He tried to take any possible Fluid that was in the band and air out via the port and I felt noticeably better. After that, he had me stay and drink 2 small cups of Water and since I felt better and kept it down; was allowed to go back home. About 20 minutes after arriving home, I started vomiting again and had that horrible blocked/bubble feeling in my chest/esophagus. I tried taking small amounts of liquids again for several hours and was worried about dehydration; I ended up calling the Dr. again and was directed to the ER.

I was at in the ER for about 3 hours with IV, Potassium, a Steroidal anti-inflammatory. I was watching my son drink his water I had brought him as I knew we would be gone from the house awhile, and I kept looking at it DROOLING! It looked so refreshing. I love my water, always have.

I still was unable to keep down 2 very small sips of water. I was then sent for a barium swallow/fluoroscopy…Why it is that I could keep that yucky crap down is beyond me. Anyway, they found that the band had NOT slipped, but there was barely a trickled of fluids getting through my stoma to my stomach.

They kept me overnight, and gave me 4 more rounds of potassium and I am still a bit dehydrated. My Dr. saw me this morning and wants me to stay another day or so to administer anti-inflammatory meds for the swelling around my band. I am able to have ice chips. ALL I WANT IS A HUGE CRYSTAL CLEAR DRINK OF WATER!!!!! ARGH!!!

So at this point, my Dr. tells me that his few patients that have had this issue in the beginning; tend to do better and require less fills. Just taking it one step at a time. My incision cites are healing well and I have not had a lot of pain, which is good, because I couldn’t keep down the anti-nausea and pain meds in the first place. I think that in 6 weeks when I should be getting my first fill, I may wait, or hesitate…we’ll see. Today was supposed to be day 5 of which I was to start on my full liquids, I’m bummed I’m so far behind.

I will keep you all updated on how I’m progressing. As I said, it is a small road block that no one could have foreseen, but it has set me back several days and is also making me use up more of my vacation time from work.

Please, let me know how ya’ll are doing.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

I'm so sorry you had this happen. Please take care and let us know now it goes. Feel better!

[Makinchanges4me 44]

So sorry that this is happening. Hope it gets better fast. Let us know how you are doing.

[Bandista 7,466]

Oh my goodness,so sorry -- sending very best wishes your way!

[MarvyMimi 61]

I am so sorry to read about your problem post-op. I am brand new and have been keeping up on your progress. I will also be going to the same hospital you were when the time comes. I am sending best wishes your way and know you will be up and buzzing along before you know it!!! Take care of you!!!

[Weeviegurl 81]

Thanks MarvyMimi! You just never know when these things are going to happen. Dr. Snyder and his team has been the best anyone could ask for. Not to mention the Bariatric portion of the hospital in which

I'm staying, and the ER. I'm writing A+ survey cards for each person I have been in contact with.

I think that my body just reacted adversely to the size of band he chose during surgery. I don't want to scare anyone away from making a decision. I am not in any pain, just can't eat anything but ice chips, and my tummy is growling like crazy. It's easy to overcome though because at the hospital, I have nothing to tempt me...well except when I take a walk down the hall where the Snacks are....Hahaha!!! I've been good. I'm glad to have someone else in the area, and hope to meet you at one of the Post-op classes. Keep in touch.

[MarvyMimi 61]

Hi. I was so impressed when I met Dr. Snyder at the seminar. I researched this surgery every which way I could. I also looked into different hospitals and surgeons all up and down the front range. Everything kept leading back to him. I am self pay so I have really put a lot of thought into this decision. Thank you for your comments. It's scary, even at my age, which is 56. Keep resting and think positive. !!.