Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How long before you were in bandster hell?



Recommended Posts

Hey everyone. I was just wondering how long after surgery people stopped feeling restriction and went into bandster hell? I'm 3 weeks out and I'm wondering not because I'm there already, but because I'm not. If anything, I'm actually afraid I'm too tight. Is it too soon for me to tell that, or should most of my swelling have gone down by now?

I've been on mushies for a week now. I had my first post-op appt last week 1 day after starting mushies and I told my doc that when I ate I got that pressure in my chest that feels like indigestion without the burning. He said I was probably just eating too fast and I should slow down. Well, I've been eating plenty slow now. The info packet I got from my surgeon's nutritionist said eat 2 oz protien and 1 oz carb at a rate of 5 minutes per oz. Well, it takes me at LEAST 15 minutes to eat that much and I still get the feeling. Yesterday I even felt uncomfortable with a yogurt and a medifast. Although the weird thing is that the more solid stuff actually seems to go down more smoothly. I had turkey meatballs and felt fine, but apple sauce is almost always nucomfortable. I haven't PBed yet, nor have I had anything stuck, except maybe a piece of canned peach and that only lasted for about 5-10 seconds.

My surgeon does prep the band with a small amt of Fluid at surgery, although I'm not sure how much. Has anyone else still felt this way 3 weeks post op or were most of you already in bandster hell? Is it possible to tell this soon that I'm too tight or will I still continue to loosen up some. I have already talked to my doc like I said and he wasn't concerned but that was a week ago. If it keeps up I'll definitely call him, but I was just curious how other people felt this far out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was there at like day 8 -- and really, as I've gotten fills, it has slowly improved. Got my 4th fill yesterday and if this isn't my sweet spot, it's VERY CLOSE. Just have to wait and see if the restriction lasts longer than a week. bear in mind, though, that the only Fluid in my band after surgery was .6cc which was left in when the doctor drained the band after testing it before he put it in place. That's pretty much the same as nothing. I now have 5.6ccs and this is the first time after a fill that I saw the need for liquids the rest of the day. Heck, I think I pretty much want liquids today! I've been kinda stuck at 55 pounds gone but I'm expecting to break that when I get on the scale next.

How much "prep" is a small amount? Do you know how much is in your band? I've read people's comments here that they have 5ccs post-op and some even had to get an unfill when they were on the liquid post-op diet.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

How much "prep" is a small amount? Do you know how much is in your band? I've read people's comments here that they have 5ccs post-op and some even had to get an unfill when they were on the liquid post-op diet.

I'm not sure of the exact amt. but the nurse said that he basically just takes the air out and puts a little Fluid in to test it with. Doesn't sound like he uses too much. I meant to ask at my first post-op appt but forgot. I have my 1st support group meeting tonight so maybe someone there will know.

Yesterday felt like the tightest day yet. I didn't even eat 600cals. and yeah, I was a little hungry at times, but I didn't want to eat because it was too uncomfortable. I think I'll see how the other people in my post-op group are doing since they've all had the same Dr. as me and therefore similar fill amts ect. If this is normal for people banded by my doc I'll give it some more time, if not I'll call the office tomorrow and find out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

At 3 weeks I was still on liquids. Perhaps it IS a matter of there still being some swelling for you, and your stomach isn't ready for anything more than liquids. At this point, I'd venture to say that if you can get and keep liquids down, to keep on doing that. That way, the area around your band can finish its healing without having to work so hard digesting mushies or solids. Above all, keep in contact with your doctor.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lauren, a lot of us have a period during the day where we feel much tighter than the rest of the day. Morning is the most common time to feel that way. I am tight in the mornings so I have a Protein Shake for Breakfast. If you'll drink something warm like tea or coffee, that can make it a little looser so that you can eat soft foods. If you can eat more in the daytime, when it comes time for dinner, you won't be starved out of your mind.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Lauren, a lot of us have a period during the day where we feel much tighter than the rest of the day. Morning is the most common time to feel that way. I am tight in the mornings so I have a Protein shake for breakfast. If you'll drink something warm like tea or coffee, that can make it a little looser so that you can eat soft foods. If you can eat more in the daytime, when it comes time for dinner, you won't be starved out of your mind.

It's not specific to the morning or any other time of day. I actually had my first support group meeting today and the PA was there and she did suggest that I make an appointment as it sounds like I am too restricted and not getting enough nutrition. Thanks for the advice anyway.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×