Any lap banders here?

My DH was banded on Thursday and I have a question.  Just wondering if there are any MO lap banders on here.....

I have had my Band for 2 years and almost 3 months. I will gladly be any help I can. Feel free to send me a private message through OH if you would rather or post your questions here.
Connie B.

Connie, you'll be a great reference for us.  He was banded on Thursday and he's feeling a tightness in his stomach area.  He said it's like if you had walked hard/fast and your side started hurting how you feel like you need to bend over to get relief.  I think it's probably gas related or just still swollen from the surgery since it's only been 4 days, but he's kind of worried.  The Dr also fixed a hernia while he was banding him. Since I had the BPD/DS 7 years ago this is completely different than anything I had.  He goes back to the Dr. on Friday for follow-up, but any advice/help you can give until then is greatly appreciated.

Thanks Again!

It sounds like it is from the swelling and maybe some deferred pain from messin around his diaphragm between placing the Band and fixin the hernia. It wouldn't hurt to call his surgeon just to be safe. But I remember feeling like I had been kicked in the gut type of pain about that many days out. Also there is some soreness due to having the port stitched to his stomach muscle. Not sure where they placed his port but mine is just under my bra line and it still gets tender if I turn just right. It quickly reminds me it's in there. If it is gas (some protein shakes create ALOT of gas too just FYI)which hopefully that is most of it get him some GasX strips, they dissolve on your tongue and it should take care of it pretty quickly. Also when he is sitting have him place a heating pad over his tummy and that will help with the internal swelling. If none of the above seems to give him relief have him call his surgeon. Oh and most doctors place a little saline in the Band during surgery to help keep it in position and it might be just a tiny too full after the swelling. If that is the case all he would need is to stop by the office and they can remove a tiny amount and make a world of difference in his comfort level. Make sure he is not drinking too quickly or too large of swallow cause that will make him feel painful pressure as it tries to slid down the esophagus.
Those are the most likely issues he is feeling at this stage. But never feel foolish calling the doctor's office and asking questions. That is included in the post-op care that is very important.
Let me know if you have any other questions or if I can help in any other way.
Congratulate him for me as he is headed on one heck of a ride to a much healthier lifestyle. But you already know that from your surgery.
Connie

Thanks Connie, I'll pass the word on!

I'm gonna keep you info close by for a good reference point.

Congrats on your success!

Thank you for posting your question and answers on line. The more we know about each others choices, I think the better we can understand what we are going through and be there to help. I don't get the issues on the main board about our choices. It is such an individual choice and no one should second guess each other. I am glad you could help each other.

Hugs
Barbara

I couldn't agree more Barb. We are all more alike than some want to admit for some reason. I don't even go to the main board because of the behavior of some there. But am very thankful for the kindness and mutual respect shown here.
Hope you are healing quickly and will be pleased with the results,
Connie B.

I have to reply to Skinny because I, too, avoid the main board. People are so judgemental there - like the surgery they had is the ONLY possible choice a SMART WELL-INFORMED person would make. There are many reasons we choose the surgery we do - insurance, age, speed, knowing our own special problems, etc. We need to just support each other as we do on the MO board. We are all pretty much alike - we're food addicts - and that is the same no matter what surgery we choose.
Hugs and thanks for saying what I've been thinking for ages.
Lana