May15bandster

It was rough for me for the first month (maybe 5-6 weeks actually). I actually vomitted repeatedly; I was scared and talked to Dr. M and Dr. O a few times. Dr.O advised me that there isn't anything to do to resolve the situation (the band it not too tight, as there is nothing filling it...I was just swollen). He told me to hang in there, drink vitamin water, sport drinks, eat popsicles and use milk of magnesium (not sure of spelling), but it encouraged the passing of gas and waste. Eventually the swelling subsided and life got back to normal. Keep moving....walking will encourage the nausea to pass. I would sip the beverages and walk around slowly. One year later and I am 75 pounds lighter and close to my final goal. Hang in there! There are many little quirks that we learn to adjust to, but it is well worth our committment and effort.

Hi Monica. I was banded on May 15, 2009 and I can say with complete conviction that it has been the right decision for me. The first week and half after surgery I was not well (nausea, vomitting, couldn't keep liquids down); though, I am not sure it was due to the surgery...perhaps I just had a tummy bug). In any case, I talked with Dr. O and Dr. A on a daily basis (several times a day) until they were comfortable that everything was okay and I was able to keep liquids down. Once that passed, I was fine and stuck to the post op diet. Today, I eat normal meals (portion control *band control* with healthy choices - as suggested by Dr. M)- protein is my least favorite, but I manage to eat it. I chew well and stop eating when I feel the signs telling me to stop. While I have to work at making good food choices; it is much easier knowing I have a friend "my band" helping me. I still have the desire to snack (menatally, but not really physically). I stay away from foods that are trouble for me (ice cream, sweets....the band will allow me to eat them, but I choose not to because my life experience tells me that I won't control them well). Pre-op weight was 245 and I am currently at 201 and have lost two pant sizes (at least...maybe more...everything is so baggy). The experience with OCC TJ team has been fantastic. I am 3 hours away from the center and have been back for a fill and will continue to go back, anytime. The center is clean, organized and safe and the doctors are awesome. I wish my local doctors were as great as the OCC TJ doctors. I wish you the best and if you have any questions, just ask.