For those who got banded this week and last

[micks 0]

Hi, I was wondering if you guys are still on pain meds? Also, what are you guys drinking and how much. Are you all hungry yet? Do you have bandages over your incisions? When are you guys allowed to shower? How do you guys sleep? Do you know when we can sleep on our side? TIA I look forward to reading your experiences thus far.

I got banded on the 27th.

I'm not taking any pain meds and after leaving hospital on the 28th, I only took the odd paracetamol.

I'm trying to drink, but am finding it hard to drink just Water - however, my dietician did say that as long as I took 1.5lts of liquids (tea, etc) then I shouldn't worry about it.

I'm not letting myself get hungry by eating small regular meals - Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner. I've had no issues eating and eat suprisingly well - I found it really difficult to have a just liquid diet, so have introduced some mushy stuff like scrambled eggs, which really fills me up.

I've been changing the plasters over my incisions after every shower (so, yes I can shower) and I'm healing up nicely - even the big port incision on the left looks good and has stopped being as painful.

I've been able to sleep on my side for the last two days at least, and woke up this morning on my tummy, so it's getting easier.

Compared to how I feeling this time last week, I am absolutely fantastic! I went to see my GP yesterday and I've even lost 4kgs!

[grace65 0]

I was banded 2/29/08

I was not given any strong pain medicine since I am allergic to most. Was sent home with a mild non-narcotic. I take it when I have back pain which comes from the gas. The gas gets better daily.

Hunger: I was really hungry on day 3. I had to cook for the family and broth was making me gag. YUK! But stuck to it. Day 4 wasn't too hungry did good sipping Water all day. I try to drink 60 oz but it is really tough! My Dr. said thin Clear Liquids and 1 Protein shake a day for week 1, thick liquids like Tomato Soup, 1 Protein Shake a day week 2, and mushies on week 3. I can't wait till tomorrow when I can have thick liquids! It has been really hard keeping my energy up.

Shower: Dr. said I could shower the next day and I did and continue to do so daily.

Bandages: I removed the cover bandage the first morning before my shower. The stitches are dissolvable and are covered with steri strips and are supposed to fall off on their own. They are beginning to peel up at the edges now. I am beginning to get itchy so I think they are healing nicely.

Sleeping: I slept on my back/ side the first night. After that I would go to sleep on my back and wake up on my stomach. I prefer to sleep on my stomach so I am glad this didn't hurt me. :thumbup:

I hope I answered all of your questions. Good luck to you!!

[lucci 0]

I was banded on 3/03/08 and the thing that has me in discomfort is my shoulders, and when i take a deep breath, then i can feel the gas in my upper back. I shower and walk around do lite chores and drive the kids to school. All that feels fine.The doctor used glue on the ports and sometimes when i get up it feels like i came unglued, but not the case just feels that way. I feel better every day! can we drink coffee at this stage?

[olgi330 0]

Hello I was banded Feb 28th. I took motrin 400 mg today and that was it, I needed pain meds a 3-4 times a day until 2 days ago, now its once. Over the counter stuff, nothing too strong was all I needed. There was some shoulder pain that bothered me post-op 2-4 days from a nerve that extends from the stomach to the shoulder. Its called "reffered pain" because the pain hurts in a place where it does not originate. That pain wasn't too bad, easy to manage, I still went about walking and was fine sleeping. It went away as the stomach swelling healed.

I drink just about anything that is not acidic, carbonated or caffeinated. Lots of Water, on a slow day I drink a liter, but I aim for a liter and a half. Usually in the form of Crystal light beverages. My surgeon gave us yogurt drinks the morning after our surgery and I drink those and low fat/low cal creamy Soups if I need something with a little more substance. Jello is often in my menu as well. And now that I'm back to work as of yesterday (the place where I commited a huge portion of my binge eating for many many years) I bring with me a slim fast optima shake. It keeps cravings/hunger at bay. All of the above have to be consumed slowly over time. My slimfast shake will sit next to me for 3o-40 minutes while I work and THAT is my meal. You just cant gulp without embarassing and/or painful consequences. Productive burps, stomach spasms, even more gas...Oh yes, I still take rolaids for occasional gas

I showered the morning after my surgery, I was told to wait several weeks before submerging in a pool. It's really cold in jersey now so thats ok

sleeping was not really brought up, I sleep in the position most comfortable for me and that has changed several times since the surgery.

[bainkimt 0]

I was banded on 2/26. I never took any pain medication (unless you count Tylenol. I barely made it through the clear liquid phase, but now I'm on full liquids. I'm looking forward to Tuesday and mushy foods.

I took a shower on Day 2. Can't take a bath yet.

Most of my bandages have fallen off (except the one over the port).

I slept on my back (propped up with big pillows) for the first few days. Now I'm sleeping on my back, side, stomach (or wherever I end up.)

[newmommy 0]

I was banded on 3/03/08 and the thing that has me in discomfort is my shoulders, and when i take a deep breath, then i can feel the gas in my upper back. I shower and walk around do lite chores and drive the kids to school. All that feels fine.The doctor used glue on the ports and sometimes when i get up it feels like i came unglued, but not the case just feels that way. I feel better every day! can we drink coffee at this stage?

yes, Decaf.< /p>

[malby 0]

What is scar cream?

[Tarasa 0]

Hi, I was banded on Tuesday Feb. 26, 2008 and I was off pain meds by the following Sunday. I think I am recovering very nicely :teeth_smile:. Gas X really helps for the gas pains and I heard from others who have been banded longer than me that the gas pains will slow and then be off and on for a few weeks. But just remember the hard part is over now and we just have to watch the weight fall off :crying:.

[davrik 0]

I was banded Feb 29. Went in at 9AM, out at 10. Home by lunch. Took a nap,and went out to dinner with wife. Had a delicious glass of Water. Went shopping Saturday and went out to a concert Sunday. Back to work, Monday.

Was 347 in December, 339 in January at first consultation, 331 at pre-surgery consult on feb 21. Weighed 315 on March 6, a week after surgery.

Never took or really needed pain meds. My Doctor, Walter Rose, seemed pretty darn good, so far. No stiches, just glue.Five holes, one 2 inch, 4 one inch or smaller. Shower after first day. sleep great on my side, feel good after sleeping. Walk at least 30 min every day. Feels better after walking too.

Some gas pain, especially in evening, but now that I can add in Slim-fast shakes and mashed potatoes..that helps.

All vitals have returned to normal..BP is 120/70. Cholesterol and blood sugar are perfect. (I guess Water and broth did that!)

Blue Cross Blue Shield was great - paid all but 10%.

It has gone so well, I almost expect to be hit by a crashing airplane or for my band to explode. I hope this good stuff continues.

Update after my first post op appt next week.

Thanks to all those on this forum that have helped with comments and postings.

Bob

[pippinje 0]

ok my turn.....I was banded last Friday 03-07-08.

I was wondering if you guys are still on pain meds?

yes....when I need it, which is usually after I exert myself too much. I am one of those who can't stand to stay still.

what are you guys drinking and how much

Water, Protein drinks, Special K Protein Water, gatorage G2

Are you all hungry yet?

No not really. Only around meal time and I eat a little and then I am satisfied.

Do you have bandages over your incisions?

yeah...the clear ones the surgeon put on which will dissolve themselves.

When are you guys allowed to shower?

yup. Was told to shower 24 hrs after surgery and to shower regularly. Was told to wash incisions with soap and water.

How do you guys sleep?

I sleep on my side with a pillow under my belly for support or on my back with alot of pillows under my head proping me up.

Do you know when we can sleep on our side?

I would say ask your surgeon, but I already am....however, I don't move alot in my sleep so I tend to stay where I fell asleep.

Hope this helps.

[angiebeth23 0]

Getting banded in a week and appreciate knowing that it's not too painful.

[elkhunter_65 0]

I am still in a lot of pain but I think it is because I had 11 hernias repaired at the same time. The band itself I don't believe is causing me much pain at all. I also have severe knee arthritis knee pain that I live with ............I'm a mess!

[proudmaryrn 0]

Hi. Got banded 3/5/08. I am still having quite a bit of searing pain at the port site. I have to take the liquid lortab/pheneragan several times a day. I am not that sore anymore (except port site) & my sites are closed w/dissolvable stitches/steri-strips. I haven't had any problems w/sleeping or nausea. Have lost l8 lbs. since beginning of diet before banding until today. I am encouraged. started on creamy Soups yesterday. Anything is good after clear liquids!

[kcispy4 0]

Hi! I was banded 3/5 and used my pain meds for a good 5 days. I also had an unexpected hernia repair also though, but as for the no pain meds and walking the malls after 2-3 days, there is no way I could have done that! The most important is that you feel better each day! If not, you may want to check with your dr. You are all so lucky with the glue. I HAVE STAPLES! 48 total. Get them out tomorrow. :-)