Banded 7/17 - help, need advice

[reconciler 0]

Everything's gone well since my surgery last Tuesday except I think I'm still quite bloated and don't know if it's still from the operation or what I'm eating which are only Protein Shakes mixed with fruit and/or yogurt or cottage cheese; chicken broth with blended potato; and Tofutti 30-calorie fudgicles.

I also don't know what I'm feeling in my stomach - a tightness - is from the healing (there is still a little soreness) or I'm drinking too many liquids. Or this is part of the healing process and it will disappear soon.

I would appreciate any ideas! Thanks.

[jnkntrnk 0]

Have you been able to go to the bathroom? I have been up and down with the bloat; sometimes it's just gas, sometimes Constipation. Take some Gas-x and walk a bit either way (can't hurt). I've been adding Benefiber to my shakes -- sometimes the Protein can bind you. I was banded nearly a week before you and I am just starting to feel normal in my belly, both in and out. Soreness at incisions nearly gone.

[reconciler 0]

Have you been able to go to the bathroom? I have been up and down with the bloat; sometimes it's just gas, sometimes Constipation. Take some Gas-x and walk a bit either way (can't hurt). I've been adding Benefiber to my shakes -- sometimes the Protein can bind you. I was banded nearly a week before you and I am just starting to feel normal in my belly, both in and out. Soreness at incisions nearly gone.

Yes, my bowels are fine, it's just my belly that is so distended. Sounds like I need to have patience. Thanks so much for the reply.

[Iluvharleys 15]

Everything's gone well since my surgery last Tuesday except I think I'm still quite bloated and don't know if it's still from the operation or what I'm eating which are only Protein shakes mixed with fruit and/or yogurt or cottage cheese; chicken broth with blended potato; and Tofutti 30-calorie fudgicles.

I also don't know what I'm feeling in my stomach - a tightness - is from the healing (there is still a little soreness) or I'm drinking too many liquids. Or this is part of the healing process and it will disappear soon.

I would appreciate any ideas! Thanks.

Did your doctor tell you it was alright for you to eat these foods? I think you should be on the liquids only stage at this point. Fruit, cottage cheese, potato was things I wan't allowed to have in the first 2 weeks.

[Kat817 19]

I like Betty (Iluvgharleys) was not allowed anything like that until like week 4! I was on clear liquid for another week or so, then full liquids for 2 more weeks.

When they put the band in place, they bring the lower part of the stomach up over the band and stitch it in place, and in order for those stitches to heal properly, your stomach needs to remain fairly empty and not attempting to digest food. When your stomach digests, it makes a kneading motion, and that makes it hard for your stitches to heal.

Gas is pretty common, both the gas you were filled with for the surgery and your standard bloating gas. Your shakes are a likely culprit for that, anything with artificial sweetner is notorious for causing gas! Watch out for sorbitol, malitol....those kinds of sweetners, they can cause horrid gas!

If you are following the diet your Dr. gave you, and you still feel bloated, it might be worth a follow up call, to relax you. You paid him to take care of you through this, and I'd call and ask if it was making you unsure.

Hope you feel better quickly!!! Welcome to bandland!!!!

Kat

[reconciler 0]

I like Betty (Iluvgharleys) was not allowed anything like that until like week 4! I was on clear liquid for another week or so, then full liquids for 2 more weeks.

When they put the band in place, they bring the lower part of the stomach up over the band and stitch it in place, and in order for those stitches to heal properly, your stomach needs to remain fairly empty and not attempting to digest food. When your stomach digests, it makes a kneading motion, and that makes it hard for your stitches to heal.

Gas is pretty common, both the gas you were filled with for the surgery and your standard bloating gas. Your shakes are a likely culprit for that, anything with artificial sweetner is notorious for causing gas! Watch out for sorbitol, malitol....those kinds of sweetners, they can cause horrid gas!

If you are following the diet your Dr. gave you, and you still feel bloated, it might be worth a follow up call, to relax you. You paid him to take care of you through this, and I'd call and ask if it was making you unsure.

Hope you feel better quickly!!! Welcome to bandland!!!!

Kat

I was told I could drink anything if it could be drunk through a straw. In Mexico, I showed my doctor my protien mix and she said it was fine. Now I'm adding yogurt or creamcheese plus a cup of blueberries but I'm blending it completely in the blender. I'm using the whey Protein isolate. I thought this was all okay as long as it was completely liquified and diluted, which it is. You still think this could be the problem? Plus, I am putting 3 splendas into each shake. Thanks.Kat and Betty, would appreciate your continuing to share your thoughts. This is a little bewildering.

[edith5257 0]

I had my surgery 7/16 and wasd only aloud clear broth for 5 days, then Protein Drinks and Soups for 10 days and then I can have pureed foods for two weeks before I start any kind of food. Maybe what you are eating or drinking is too much for your band. Just an idea. Thanks,

[Kat817 19]

I would just wonder if it not a little thick this soon, and with any residual swelling, it could cause it to back up a little. But overall it sounds to me as though your problem is gas/bloating. The Splenda is not as gas inducing as other artificial sweetners can be, from what I understand, but I would very carefully read the entire label on the shake mix, and anything you are adding, to see if you are not getting something in it that might be causing the problem.

Prior to banding, did you consume much dairy? I suddenly began taking in more than usual, and worried about lactose problems, my Mom is seriously lactose intolerant, but lucky for me it has not affected me that way. Maybe it is you though----I am just guessing at things here, giving you some ideas to look into, to see if you can solve the bloating problem, that is never fun!

Good Luck!

Kat

[reconciler 0]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to take the dairy out of the shake and see how it goes.

[unruhlyhd 0]

We are banded twins - I was banded on the 17th as well - hope things are going better for you now. My stomach has finally deflated from the surgery - it was quite bloated and hard as well for quite some time. Now it's easier to button up without pain. I was on Clear Liquids for 2 days, full liquids for 3, mechanical soft for a week, and am now on soft, mushy foods. I can really tell when I am eating too fast or not "chewing" the mush well enough - kinda hurts like it's not going down. Let me know how your doing - I'd be interested in keeping contact since we were banded on the same day! Kim

[reconciler 0]

We are banded twins - I was banded on the 17th as well - hope things are going better for you now. My stomach has finally deflated from the surgery - it was quite bloated and hard as well for quite some time. Now it's easier to button up without pain. I was on clear liquids for 2 days, full liquids for 3, mechanical soft for a week, and am now on soft, mushy foods. I can really tell when I am eating too fast or not "chewing" the mush well enough - kinda hurts like it's not going down. Let me know how your doing - I'd be interested in keeping contact since we were banded on the same day! Kim

I'm doing much, much better, thanks. I started "mushy" foods on Monday and it's made a world of difference- I'm no longer gassy or bloated. And as of 2 weeks I lost 16 pounds. But this week I'm eating too much in the evening - I'm eating the right foods but too much of everything - it"s as if I don't have the band. During the day I'm okay. Glad you're doing well.

[unruhlyhd 0]

And as of 2 weeks I lost 16 pounds. But this week I'm eating too much in the evening - I'm eating the right foods but too much of everything - it"s as if I don't have the band.

16 Pounds! That's AWESOME! Isn't it nice to get on the scale and it actually goes DOWN! It's been a little like slot machines for me all my life...that moment of apprehension, then the numbers, then AUGH! it goes up...now I still have a hard time believing it's going down - I weigh 2 - 3 times just to make sure!

I've been trying to expand my food groups to include more veggies and fruit in addition to mostly Protein - I think the variety has slowed me down a little and fills me up pretty well. Plus...my daughter's friend grows canteloupe (sp) so I've been enjoying that - YUM!

I had scrambled egg for the 1st time today - had a rough time with the first couple of bites - really hurt - must not have chewed enough. Do you every have that problem?

When are you scheduled for your 1st fill? I have mine in about 2 1/2 weeks - kinda nervous - have a little needle phobia...

[A lot less 1]

Hi, everyone. I have my surgery August 10th at Wadley (Texarkana) and I'm very excited and I think that's this website is the best. Betty at Precison Surgery has been very nice and the the doctors are great (husband and wife team). I'm trying to get this done before school starts on 8/27. I am also a bus monitor, do you think it would be good to ride ride now? I know that I should ask the dr. and I will, but I just wanted some input.

[drcano 0]

Pre-op Weight 206

Surgery 07-13-07

Current Weight 192 (still!)

-15 inches

Hi July 2007 Banders! I was banded July 13th, and I lost 14 pounds and 7.5 inches in the first two weeks. I haven't lost additional weight since. I'm following my doc's orders regarding food. But, I know my body is changing because I've taken my measurements every week. In spite of the scale hanging on for dear life I'm now at -15 inches over-all. I will have my first fill on 08-09. If I don't feel as restricted as I did the first two weeks after surgery, I will go back in for a 2nd fill. I want this tool to work for me! Has anyone else experienced this too?

[drcano 0]

You should feel fine by the time school starts. I went back to work after four days, but I fely totally normal after one week. You will have some incision pain for several weeks, mainly at the larger incision. Don't worry, follow your doc's orders, and take you meds until you feel better. Good Luck To You!

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