Banded on 02/25/08

[JBY 0]

I was banded on 02/25/08 and had problems with breathing during the operation. I woke up in ICU where I spent the night before being discharged the next day. All I can say about the procedure is that I felt very empty inside for a couple of days after. I had no pain I couldn’t handle and refused all pain medication. Today is 03/01/08 and I have dumped the liquid diet because it was making me extremely sick. A man can only take so much chicken broth before it gives him a serve case of lock jaw. I am scheduled to meet with my doctor for my first post op appointment on the 4th where I guess he will do my first adjustment? I believe my bands swelling has gone down considerably and the only discomfort I feel is the port when I cough or stand up to fast. I can tell you I am VERY hungry but have lost about 25 lbs since I started this journey. I hope when I get my adjustment it will help with the hunger because I would hate to think you stay hungry all the time. I had my procedure in St. Louis and live in Southern Illinois which makes it hard to attend the support groups but I have been told there are groups here that I can attend, which I believe will be a big help when it comes to adjusting to my new way of life. If you are reading this because you are interested in getting the procedure done all I can say is really think it over and don’t underestimate the procedure like I did. I thought this was just a walk in the park and boy was I wrong. I am to new to this so I really can’t say if I would do it again but I have asked myself that question on several occasions. Well good luck to all and good health………Live long and healthy……………..JB

[Teal 0]

Hello JB, Congrats on getting your surgery and your weight loss so far. This period after banding is what I have heard others refer to as "Bandster Hell" being hungry and not having a fill yet. I noticed where you mentioned about getting an adjustment when you meet with your doctor on the 4th, FYI, most doctors wait at least 6 weeks before doing the first adjustment (so don't get your hopes up too much) I have heard of doctors putting partial fills in at the time of surgery but never within a week or two of banding. . . . Good luck on your post-op visit and let us know how you are doing.

[JBY 0]

That Sucks!!!! I am trying hard not to blow it but six weeks?????? Wow, I did not know that.

Thanks

[hijabigirl1973 0]

You were banded just a day before I was and you must be healing alot faster. I still can barely get pureed foods to go down. The first day I couldn't even get Water down without getting stuck. When you say the 4th are you saying the 4th of March or April? I go back to see my doc for my first fill on April 4th so if it's then it makes sense, if it's March well I highly doubt you'll get a fill. Just be patient, right now is healing time anyway much more than it is losing weight time. Once you start getting restriction I'm sure you'll feel much better about having surgery. Good luck!

[DonHoll1 0]

I don't think any doc will give you a fill so soon. He will probably just move you to mushies if you are really hungry. You are doing great with weight loss. Best of luck to you. Donna

[bigunc 0]

JBY you and I were banded on the same day and had the same issues with broth. My biggest issue was the severe cave of loose bowels. liquid in, liquid out someone in this forum told me.

My Dr has given me a pretty detailed list of foods to eat and what day post op to start them. Today is day seven and I can eat mash potatoes, cream of wheat, well cooked vegs, veg. Soup, Beans (no rice) and baby food. Doesn't sound like much but anything is better than broth.< /p>

I agree with everyone else who said 6 weeks post op before filling the band. I don't think 1 week is enough healing time without a problem with slipage if filled now. I know, not what you wanted to hear.

Good luck and keep us up to date on your journey.