Newbie

Hi, I am a newbie here.  I just got banded on 24 May and am very scared and confused with things I'm feeling.  Is this normal?  Would somone please "hold my hand" through this ordeal?

I get banded on the 2nd of June so I am not much help.  Love to friend you since I may have some of the same fears as you.  I have heard people feel some regret when they first have the surgery.  Not sure if that is what you are feeling.  Good luck and I am here for you rooting you on.

Thank you, kruzn70.  I appreciaite your cheers!  I will be ok, but definately have a regretful, fearful being right now.  Please feel free to friend me.  Even email me....and good luck to you.

What are you scared of and confused about?

Debbie,

I am scared of complications.  Since I got out of the hospital, I have had a few already.  I got ouf of the hospital on Wed., Thrusday and Friday, I spent back at the doctor's office because of redness (which I was afraid of infection - turned out, I am allergic to the glue over my stitches) and the feeling in my upper stomach where I feel like something is pressing on my stomach (the Dr. thinks I have a bunch of swelling).  I am still scared that I'll feel this the rest of my life.  I am weak very weak and hungry.  I can't wait until I feel better.

You are probably weaker because of your allergic reaction.  That would make anyone feel insecure.  Do you have many allergies, or was this just a fluke?  Your doc is probably right, because of your allergic reaction, you probably do have extra swelling.  This will have to be given a little extra time.  Try to relax and concentrate on healing. ( I know, easy for me to say) When allowed, concentrate on getting lots of protein to help with the weakness.  And WALK as much as you can tolerate, even if it is just around your home at first.  I know this goes without saying, but be vigilent about how you know you feel.   

I'm not sure.  I don't have allergies (besides typcial sinus allergies) usually.  My chest is still in so much pain I can hardly breathe.  I hate this feeling.

I was banded on May 24th also. The only advise I know is to walk, walk, walk...and sip, sip sip!!! Welcome to  the losers bench. This is a very exciting and scary time. Most important is to follow your Dr. instructions. Congrates!!!!!

Congrats Wendy.  I am hoping these crazy feelings go away soon and I can begin to enjoy my new life.  I am not sure my surgeon told me all I needed to know.  :(  Thanks for listening to me vent..

The best advice I can give you is to relax.

It is pretty normal to be obsessing over every single twinge in your body, and wondering if something is wrong.

Your 'job' for the first few weeks post-op are to
1.  sip, sip, sip --- you should be trying to get at least 8 ounces per hour -- some of that will be plain water, some will be protein supplements -- whatever your doctor has prescribed for you --- but make sure you stay hydrated

2.  walk, walk, walk --- at least a few minutes every hour, be up and moving around.  Even if you don't leave the house, be moving.  It will help to get the excess gas out of your body and build your stamina.

3.  rest --- when you are not moving, you should be taking it easy and healing from surgery.  I made sure to have time to nap every day for 2 weeks post op.  I work from home, so I was able to take a little nap at lunch time every day.  If you can't do that, try to at least find a place where you can sit and relax -- breathe deeply and de-stress for a few minutes.

Before long, you will be here telling us about your first fill and how great you feel!!!
Hang in there -- it gets better!