jktbnelson

I was also feeling completely ravenous by day 5, not to mention sick to my stomach and bloated. I broke down and ate a few bites of food that day. I felt 100% better after I ate. Shamey on me...I know, but ever since then I advanced my diet as my body tolerated and I have felt fine every since. I have never felt any restriction. My first fill will be in about three weeks and I hope at that point I start feeling it. I have only lost 3 pounds post-op, so definitely needing my fill. I don't know how some of you have stuck to the diet plan so religiously...that's awesome. Unfortunately, I couldn't make that happen. I'll keep you posted. Kari

Hi Gals, The pain killer we bought was called Tramadol. I took one today for the first time and I was dizzy and sweaty for about 3 hours with it. These are common side effects. It is similar to codeine. I have side effects to everything, but it helped with my port site pain which is still extremely sore without any meds. Kari

Hey Darlene, I'm probably the biggest motion sickness baby that you will ever meet...what I found that works wonders for me is meclizine. You have to ask the pharmacist for it (they keep it behind the counter). I was out on a deep sea fishing boat for 8 hours with 5 foot waves and felt completely normal. Dramamine never seemed to help me. So, if your interested in the future give it a try. Kari

Hey Girl, I tried calling you a couple of times, but it wouldn't go through. Can you email me your number? I would love to chat with you. Thanks, Kari

Hi Ladies, Well, I am happy to say that I am feeling much better today! I broke the rules and had some food today and I feel 100% better. I took about 4 small watered down bites of chili, sucked on 6 pieces of dove chocolate and had 5 bites of mashed potatoes. My stomach finally stopped churning and my gassy bloated feeling has gotten much better. The little bit I ate I washed down with some liquids and I never felt nauseaus or bloated. I want to still stick to my liquids as much as possible, but this reprieve allowed me to feel better and as I long as I wasn't retching or vomiting I don't think I jeopardized the integrity of my band. I'm not going to go crazy with eating, but if it gets me through the day without wanting to commit Harry Karry then so be it. I think half my problem was my stomach felt sucked in on itself and when I feel starved...I feel sick! I can't function that way for long. Anyone else cheat with their diet? How did it turn out? I'm going to be careful and very mindful of how my stomach is feeling, but as of now I have to say I'm glad I had those snacks. Dr. Miranda wouldn't be happy with me I'm sure. Stick with the diet plan if you can. So, everybody...do as I say...not as I do!!! I'll keep you posted on my intake. Hopefully, I will be able to stay on track somewhat until I'm allowed to have solids (which is April 13th). Thanks for all your support and concern. Kari

Hi All, Well, here I sit 4 days post-op and really having regrets. My experience with the hotel, surgery and the facilities is similar to everyone elses...except for the fact that Ortiz's shuttle didn't get us to the airport in time and we ended up missing our flight...costing me more money and a whole day at the airport feeling very uncomfortable. For me, the surgery was a piece of cake and the next day at the hotel was fine. I was feeling fine. On the day we left I was having a lot of pressure and gas pains in my abdomen and chest. I had severe, sharp gas pains radiating up the left side of my neck and found no relief with the Gas-X strips. When we finally got home...I was almost in tears wondering if I had made the right decision. I started out so good and am now after 4 days I still am not finding much relief. I have a 1 and 3 year old and cannot take care of them. Twisiting, bending and actually moving in general is painful. I have burning where my port was sewn in and I have to choke back tears when I stand up from a sitting position. I left a message with Dr. Ortiz today, but have not heard back from him yet. I'm not sure if my body is getting an infection or if I'm just not tolerating this well. All of this and I'm starving to boot. My stomach is in a constant rumble and feeling nauseaus all at the same time. Most people sound like they have had a better experience, but I just needed to share this info in case someone else went through this and can give me some advice. I am going to try and find some of the Phayzime, phyzime (whatever) to see if that doesn't help. I have got to find relief soon otherwise I will be trying to find a physcian here that can help me. Kari Banded 3/24/08 pre-op weight: 196 Height: 5'4"

Hi Everyone, Well, I am heading for TJ on the 23rd and absolutely love all the information I am receiving on this forum. My question for you is how much are you all paying for your fills (if not getting them in TJ)? Did your physician require an upper GI before your first fill? Do they require fluor each time? Do you recommend fluor each time? And of course the cost! Just trying to figure out if it would be cheaper flying down and getting them with Dr. Ortiz. Thanks, Kari

Hi Apple, I'm also flying in on the 23rd and my girlfriend still isn't sure if she can make it. (hubby staying home with kids, also) So, I may be alone, too. My guess is we will all become friends that day and can stick together when we go out. I'll watch your back if you'll watch mine? Looking forward to meeting you. See you in "OH MY GOSH" 4 days!!!!!! Kari

Hi Mindy, I am arriving at 1:00 on Northwest. So, I would imagine we are all going to be riding down together. Can't wait to meet you 'soon-to-be' fellow bandsters. Kari