One Month Out, no restriction

walkbyfaith · April 29, 2008

I was banded 04/04 and have only lost about 6 lbs total. Lost more, but gained some back. I progressed through the recovery period quickly... liquids, pureed, soft, etc. I am pretty much back to a normal diet now and 95% of the time feel no restriction. I've also had pain on my left side, but doesn't really seem to be related to the port site. Feels more like a "stitch" in my side like when you exercise too hard, but it won't go away quickly. Sometimes sticks with me for an hour or more, and pretty painful. (about a 7 on the scale) Could this be the gas pains lots of folks are talking about?

Need lots of feedback about first fills. I am not scheduled until May 19.... but I have read others getting it around 4 to 5 weeks post op, so I am thinking of calling to see if he will schedule sooner.

Anyone else out there about a month out and want to share with me?

Lizalee · April 30, 2008

HI

I was banded 4/9. I wonder if the left side pain you are feeling is the resriction of the band? I have had a similar pain if I eat more than 1/2 cup -- I ate 3/4 cup homestyle chicken noodle Soup on Monday, and I think it was hard to digest, though I thought I chewed it thouroughly (perhaps too fast). I too had the 'stitch' feeling on my L side and somewhat in my L shoulder that lasted a couple hours. I felt it was overstretch/fullness of the small pouch. I don't expect the restriction is a feeling of "gosh I'm so full I can't eat another bite" bit this uncomfortable sensation, and not being truly hungry anymore.

I haven't had a fill yet - next week - but can't say that I've been hungry much at all. I am still on a soft diet - only easy to digest / chew items and only about 4 oz max.

Perhaps someone w/ more experience can give you more info? It sounds to me like you need a fill to feel more restricted. Everybody is different!

Best wishes for your success!

BigBandFan · April 30, 2008

Hey WalkByFaith - Your mind reading ability is amazing!! I could have written your thread! I was banded on 4/4 also and have been experiencing the same stitch that you described. I don't believe that it is gas pains. I had severe gas pains in the hospital...felt like a heart attack!! Then later at home it was just a very uncomfortable feeling like your gut was bloated as far as it would go and belching or walking were the only things that made it feel better. I go tomorrow for my 4 wk checkup so I will ask about it. I really think it is just a referred pain from the port site.

I go for my 1st fill on May 8th. I'm a little nervous b/c with gaining my 6 lbs back, I got discouraged and began to test the limits of my eating. I have absolutely no restriction since my swelling went down. I could eat a 12 oz steak if I wanted to...but of course I don't...that would be WAY past pushing the limits! I have read all about 'bandster hell' and know that we are smack dab in the middle of it, but that doesn't make it any easier....especially when i would normally turn to food when i got this discouraged. It's one thing to read about it and try to prepare, but it is entirely different when you are going through it and all the old thoughts continue to rush through your head!!

Well, all we can do is just push forward and keep the faith!!

Take care and i'll let you know what I find out about our 'stitch'!!

Amy

walkbyfaith · April 30, 2008

Thanks for the reply... Let me know what the doc says!

BigBandFan · May 3, 2008

Sorry for the delay in responding...Doc said that what i was feeling was the from the stitches from the band. I showed her where I was talking about, b/c i didn't think the band would be overto the left where I was feeling the pains. She said it was very normal and most people find that the pains stop between the 4th and 6th weeks post-op.

gotta run..I hear the sound of my angels fighting....

lanaholuby · June 26, 2008

I'm also experiencing something similar. I have the Realize band and was wondering if that has anything to do with it. I feel like I have no restriction and I can eat just about anything. I was banded on June 13th and I am only two weeks out. I try not to overdo it but mentally I still want to eat. I just can't do fresh bread very well. Does anyone else have the Realize band?

joiful · July 31, 2008

I hope some of you can help me. I am feeling the pain in the far left side and am wondering if any one found out what it is. It does feel like when you were excersing and you get the cramp. Mine lasts almost all the time some times worse than other times. Please I hope you can help me I am really worried and so is my husband.

food expert · August 6, 2008

Thank you for posting this. I too was banded July 17th and I am starting to feel the same way. This morning I ate a big Breakfast, much more than the 2-4 oz. I should have had. I think I let myself get too hungry was part of the problem. It's also hard transitioning back into "regular" foods. I missed eating! Perhaps it will get easier after the first fill. I was also told that my hunger would return after 3-4 weeks, I guess they were right!

mshooper · August 6, 2008

I was banded on July 15th and I can hold like 6-8 oz of food. I go for my first fill on Aug 22. But I feel like I have no restriction at all. I mentioned to the doc on my follow up, she told me that is normal. I just have to control my portions until the fill time. Translation, stay hungry all the time. I have the Realize band also. I don't know if that has anything to do with it, but I saw someone else mention it. Also, my port seems to be sticking out. I mean, I can feel it and see it just by looking at my stomach. I had to do some moving after my surgery and dont know if I've given myself a hernia or something.

I don't know, I'm kinda scared and frustrated right now. Anyone have any ideas? Your suggestions are definitely welcome.

Alicia