"OPEN" BANDING ANYONE??

bbgal · August 20, 2005

I'm a newbie and proud as can be! I was just banded this past Monday (8/15). After a 2 year research of lapbanding (yes, I'm a chicken), I had run out of excuses. In Feb 2005, I met Dr Felix Spiegel in Houston and he changed my life. He actually performed lapband procedure on patients with a BMI over 50! (Yes, that's me....but not ready to give you #'s just yet). After many insurance issues, dr office staff issues, etc. I went in for laproscopic banding in May 2005. Boy, was I ready! I was awaken from the procedure to find out that it could not be done, as a grapefruit size tumor was found on my liver, prohibiting him from getting to the stomach.

I was sent to a liver specialist in the medical center and after more testing...found wherein the tumor is a benign hemangioma (blood tumor) and is generally never removed! If it prevented me from being banded...I wanted it gone! Dr. Spiegel spoke with 2 of my liver specialist and all agreed to not remove the benign hemangioma, but perform the banding 'Open' procedure. Which sent me back to the insurance company for open procedure approval...................! After fighting like the stubborn bohemian woman I am, I was approved and surgery was performed by Dr Speigel at Twelve Oaks Hospital in Houston this past Monday.

I was on Preop liquid diet for 4 days, hositalized for 3 days with only ice chips and 1 broth meal and now at home and still on liquids! I HATE LIQUIDS! But, I've come too far to screw it up now! I am determined to concur this come hell or high water!

Today, I'm having to run to the bathroom with diahrea (sorry, don't mean to gross you out) after each meal.

Meal is either: broth, Atkins shake, Jello and/or popsicle.

I did start drinking about 1/2 cup of coffee in the morning. (i like my java) Could this be the problem? I stop when I'm full and drink slowly (or at least I think I am).

Is this what they mean by 'dumping syndrome'. Thought I wasn't gonna have this with lapbanding.

Should I be concerned? It's Not terrible yet ... and I will not let this defeat me either!

Don't own a scale (imagine that?) and won't weigh in until next Wednesday when I see Dr Spiegel for postop. Anxious to see the #'s. (Never thought I'd say that I'm anxious to step on a scale).

I have an awesome support group of friends and family and are ever so thankful for them, but unfortunately they can't help me like I'm hoping you can! Thanks in advance to all you for your support as well!

bbgal

"Smile...it makes people wonder what you've been up to!"

Alexandra · August 20, 2005

Hi bbgal, welcome!!

Congratulations on your banding, sounds like you sent through some hoops to get here. Good on you!! The answer your question about the runs, no, it's not your coffee. It's your liquid diet and it's perfectly normal. Things will get better as soon as you start on more substantial things besides Clear liquids. I promise!!

How weird that they don't usually remove such a tumor. I hope that's not an issue down the road. Good luck with everything!!

Marimaru · August 20, 2005

liquids in, liquids out. You aren't dumping, none of us have that, fortunately .

Sounds like you've been through the wringer. I hope that you get to feelin' better soon!

I'llsucceed · August 20, 2005

Welcome to Bandland- sure glad that little fellow hanging on your liver wasn't an issue & you were able to be banded. Things will only get better for you from here on! Congrats!

Margo · August 20, 2005

bbgal,

just got banded on Wednesday and I know the 4 inside walls of my bathroom quite well at this point. No, it is not dumping....the diarerrha is normal...this too pass, I am told.

chichigirl · August 20, 2005

Yeah, unfortunately the runs come with the territory. However if you are experiencing a feeling of being run down or just blaaahhh, you might think about getting some of those pedialyte popsicles, I know they're for kids, but the work for adults also and will help replace some of the electrolytes you are loosing during this time of adjustment. I don't think there is anything in them that would be harmful, but you might still want to talk to your doctor just to be safe.

Good luck, I wish you the very best success!! You certainly have the right attitude and determination. Good for YOU!!!

bbgal · August 21, 2005

Thanks to all ya'll. Seems to be getting better. I've noticed where this liquid phase can be from 1 week to 6 weeks, depending on your dr. God, I hope I'm not in the 6 week group....I think I'd lose my mind! Hoping when I return on Wednesday for postop, I'll get the green light to soft foods (yogurt, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, etc.). I'm a "Texture" person.......I wanna feel the food in my mouth! Ha

Dr Spiegel enphasizes getting on foods as soon as you can tolerate, so I'm hoping that day will be soon.

Thanks again for ya'lls help.

bbgal