GASTRIC BAND

I am alive & feeling good!

Had my surgery at just after 11 today!

Came in to hospital, they did the usual blood pressure etc. Met anaesthetist and consultant did consent form etc.

Had to walk into the theatre and lie on the operating table which I must admit, petrified me! But didn't look around too much! 

Took a while for them to knock me out which panicked me slightly and I kept telling them 'I'm still awake, please don't do anything!' Lol

Post op, finished about 1, don't remember much until after 3 as I was very sleepy! 

Little pain when I was with it, but morphine and anti sickness sorted me out. Feeling ok now, just uncomfortable to move and a little light headed when I do so but so much better than I thought! 

Can't think of anything In particular to help anyone but it's honestly not as bad as you think!! Will update with any tips I find!

Good luck for tomorrow kb! It's such a nice feeling when it's over!

My first question when I came round, was, 'is it done?!' And then asked what my liver looked like!! Hehe xx

You will be so nervous tomorrow but you will be fine!! It's really not as bad a I had thought! Worse bit for me was the anxiousness while waiting! & the fact that I wasn't allowed to wear knickers!! Hehe

Also I asked a few questions....

I am allowed to wear a bra because of my scar positioning.

I don't have to inject myself.

I can drive when I feel up to it, after 48 hours.

I was allowed to stay in as I was a bit dizzy every time I went to toilet and was pale!

Just had soup and yoghurt!!

X

So glad that it all went well! I know il be so scared & very anxious! I will take magazines & my phone! xx 

So nice!

Not convinced they did anything to me as it's really quite comfortable, just keep on top of the meds!!

I've got stockings on and inflating stockings on, on top!! 

Try not to worry! It's easy for me to say, but I really don't know what I was worried about! 

Nurses are very nice here which is a bonus!! 

Good luck 

X

Is your op tomorrow?

Good luck, keep me posted when you can xx

Just a little bit sore but as to be expected! Just had a doctor come and prod me in the stomach so that hasn't helped!

Are you staying in for the night? Or depending how you feel after?

Wow a very early surgery but at least you won't have to wait around getting more anxious!! 

Hope it goes well for you x

Thanks.... wish me luck xx

However I was very dizzy and pale every time I got up and that's when the consultant came in and told me to stay in!! 

I have four incisions on 1 side and 1 on the other!! Not what I was expecting but who knows! 

Good luck, you will be fine! 

Keep me posted when you can xx

I hope ill be able to msg you later! 

Rest up xx 

Just think this time next year 😃

Best of luck & hope to hear from you soon 

😊 x

I'm sure they will tell you though, if it happens just mention it to them but apparently is quite normal!

X

 I will be able to go home at 10pm so im just realxing & feeling positive! I was so scared & anxious & now it is all over!! And now my weight journey starts HERE & NOW. 

Thank you so much for your constant support & encouragement!

Lets keep each other posted of our journeys to success xx

How are you feeling? Have you been up a lot?

Are you getting picked up and looked after when your home?

Yes I found the theatre part very overwhelming, did u have to walk in and get on the operating table?

X

Nurses are lovely & very supportive. My best friend is here & taking me home.

My partner & mum will be on hand for when I am home. I have a BAG full of meds.... to take for 2 weeks!!!

Jabs & depositories 😁 pain killers etc.

I can only have clear liquids today/nite.

Not feeling hungry? Last meal was yesterday @7ish.

How are you today? x  

Oh I'm sure you will get on with the jabs just fine, I had to have one in my arm! 

Yes I'm not hungry either! I had a yoghurt at hospital this morning, and now I'm having some soup! I thought I would be starving!

I've slept a lot today! Have u?

Glad you will be looked after! 

Have you any pain in your chest or shoulders? X

Having a smoothie now. Feel relaxed, but not sleepy.

It does hurt when i get on & off bed, so no sudden movements!     

Been told to keep active & NO bed rest! 

I've done 3weeks pre op diet and lost 1 stone 7 so far. 

Don't know why I've ended up with 5 incisions! Ones rather large where the port is! 

Yes I've been told to keep active aswell! It's hard because I'm so tired! But can't stay in one position for too long!! 

I don't know about you but I'm so happy it's over!! Surgery wise! 

Are you homeyet? X

Was this the milk diet? It's tough so hang on in there! 

You will get more nervous each day but just try and think of why you are going through with it and that it won't be as bad as you think it's going to be x

Hope i manage to sleep, feel tired.

Did you wake up in pain? x  

I will of course keep you all posted! 

1.7 stone!! 😀 that is so amazing!!! Well done you! Your journey has a good head start!! You will be absolutely fine!! It was so nerve wrecking for me & I kept thinking "should I really be doing this" but im the other side of it now & it was no where nearly as bad as i thought. 

I am only a few hours in, but ill post as much as I can!! I will prob end up boring you all ☺

Not doing too well today!! Painkillers aren't touching the pain at all so my mum is going to pick up some new ones for me! Bit emotional today but probably because of the pain! Need to have a shower today but at the moment I'm not sure how on earth I'm going to do that today!

Did you have a good nights sleep? Xxx

Hope you feel better soon. 

I asked for water proof bandages which cover up the original bandages, so i was sble to have a shower. 

They forgot to give me extra flight socks. 

I went out earlier but im now home taking easy. 

Hope new pain killers work for you xx

I had co-codamol but ones that dissolve in water which kept making me gag!!! Which hurt even more!

I then got a different type of dissolvable stuff which did the same but were stronger!

I have just got back from the hospital as they have given me tramadol tablets which have really helped so I'm comfortable in bed!

I think I just let the pain build up too much and didn't drink all of the pain relief I should of! 

I've had a shower and feel better for it so hopefully it's onwards & upwards!! 

Glad your getting on ok! 

Have you eaten anything? Xx

its disgusting. 

I still have no appetite? yesterday I had two slim shakes & a cupa soup. 

Glad the pain in controllable now. xx

I cant seem to sleep well? Very anxious & restless? Not sure why? 

The pain is on the left side where my port is and 3 other incisions! 

Had some tramadol last night, I think I just let the pain get on top of me as I wasn't doing well with drinking the horrible dissolvable stuff! 

This morning I'm feeling a lot better and so far I've only had a voltarol! I don't know what was wrong with me yesterday, I was so emotional! Sorry I was being negative!

No I'm not hungry either actually! I'm scared! Lol I was a little sick last night, I had a little soup and then went to bed so I think it was too soon to lie down! Either that or the strong meds! 

Oh why do u think you are anxious? Are you uncomfortable? Xx

I dont know? I just toss & turn trying to get comfortable. 

Pain on left side is ok now when I lay down now, I just feel strange? 

I have never ever in my life never felt not hungry, lol. I feel bloated & full. 

I didn't manage my night time paracetamol, it made me gagg....

The jabs to tummy are ok, but a little sore to area where i did it, strangely my legs hurt & feel bruised??   

I'm still sleeping on my back! I've got a big square pillow keeping my sort of up right and then a normal pillow across the top of that to cushion my head! Haven't attempted to sleep on my side! 

If you were like me you would of been pumped full of gases which make me feel bloated still! I don't feel hungry either, it's so strange! Maybe we are nervous! 

Glad the jabs aren't too bad, I'm

Surprised you have to do them in your tummy seeing as that's where the surgery was! 

My legs feel funny to, just really heavy!! X

I had my 1st jab in my arm @hospital, but was told it has to be done in tummy area inches away from belly button. 

Was you given suppositories? 

The most pain is on my left side where port hole must be. 

I didn't manage to go for a walk yesterday, but i will make an attempt today. xx

No suppositories! I did ask about the jabs but they said that because of my age I should be fine and just to wear the stockings and walk around! 

I just walked up the road to meet my mum before work with my tablets! I can't believe how tiring it is! 

I'm feeling loads better today thank goodness!

Now for some angel delight! 

X

I've also brought a recipe book for life after weight loss surgery! Lots of recipes with low fat and high protein meals for gastric banders! Il let you know if it's any good! X

I didn't know such books existed? Sounds great, what is it called? I know I'll be eating allot more homemade soups in time & juicing soon. 

I need to go throug my post op notes. I feel like I'm on loads meds.... I wasn't told this at consultation. 

Thanks so much for all your helpful info and advice xx

This book is called - eating well after weight loss surgery. It's a white book with a little portion of what looks like chicken/fish on it?! I ordered it from amazon! Should be with me in the next week! There are others if you just type in life with a gastric band or gastric band recipes or something similar!

Just had a nurse phone me! She asked about what I was eating etc, she said I need more protein in my diet! I've just been having tomato soup and yoghurts! What have u been having? She told me to buy some bene fiber which I've just brought online and will be here by the morning! 

She also said that appetite returns within the first week once the inflammation calms down from the stomach! Xx

I have googled some books & I see that one as well as another! Thanks. 

Energy levels are low... No nurse has called me!? I have had shakes & soups only! Thought that was all I was allowed?? 

I will ill look up the stuff you ordered. I think it might be worth me calling the clinic. All info they gave me was by email. So I can't just gown& refer to it when ever I feel like it. 

I will order books in time for mush food stage x

Yes no rush with the books, I've just been bored and online shopping is my downfall! I saw that 8 in 1 slow cooker thing on the tv advert and ended up buying it as it's payday! I just can't help myself!! 

I think the benefibre is because I haven't opened my bowels yet! Too much information I know, but I don't want you to think you have to buy it! 

X

There red can never be to much info..... I just went to loo.... Don't feel any better for it! I am just scared my appetite will come back with a vengeance! 

I don't know if it is me? But the notes on removing dressings is not clear? 

Just having a cuppa soup.... Will see if I can start to juice, as at least that's all healthy fruit & veggies! X

Yes I just read instructions and it says remove dressings after 7 Days?!? That's it!! 

Be careful that all that fruit and veg doesn't bind you up! 

I'm just having sweet potato, chilli and coconut soup, it's yum! 

My friend is delivering me some lentil soup later! Xx

I'm to take the waterproof dressings off on Friday, and if the steri-strips stay on to leave them on and they will come off on their own! 

She said to peel the corner off and dampen the waterproof dressing because they can blister the skin if you do it too fast etc x

Did you get your stuff from the hosp?

X

Not to good. They said they would send me some in the post but there is no point as i have water proof ones that i can use for now.

I had a shower earlier & tried my hardest not to get them wet, but my wounds now feel a little irretated! Cant not sleep to well at night, so napping. in the day... which isn't ideal.

Liquids only is so dull...... so having a bit of s bad day! 

How are you xx

I'm ok thanks, keep napping in the day aswell! Keep feeling sick the last couple of days :-( 

Can't wait to have proper food! I feel so empty! 

X

I took my stockings off earlier to wash & put them back on after my shower. 

I am still in bed!! Was supposed to be going to the cinema, bur i dont feel up to it now. 

Have not bren for my walk today.

Hows about you??

I haven't been out today just walking around the house and sleeping really! 

Very bored actually! X

Feel bad for laying around, but don't feel up to much. 

Want to fel normal!! 

I just want to be thin & now! Lol

I actually miss work! When do u go back? X

I am back on the 5th!! I just need sime motivation. Its been so sunny & clear for past two days. 

I go back to work on the 10th, I'm nervous actually, although I'm super bored and want to be there already! X

I am bored & have little motivation x

how are you getting on? Have you taken your bandages off yet? I am now day 5 so I think mine can come off..... But I'm scared. 

Energy levels are a bit low, but I've planned a day out with my mum & kids & I will try my best & go, hopefully I'll be ok? 

I need to start making my own soups.... Need more variation. 

Hope your doing well xx

I was just thinking I should message on here today! 

Yes I'm ok thank you, feel like I'm getting somewhere with the pain today! Just can't laugh or cough too much! Still can't lie on my side but apart from that all is well!

My notes say don't take off until 7 days so I will probably take them off after a shower tomorrow, I don't really want to see them to be honest! 

That would be good, a day out with the family! 

I'm thinking maybe cinema next week! 

I had some mash potato last night, only a tiny bit and it was so good! My diet plan said week 1 I could have a little mash and mashed veg and I've only just felt up to having a little mash! 

Next week, well from Saturday! I can have half a jacket potato with tuna, or a 1 egg omelette or 3-4 tablespoons of mince casserole, like bolagnese or something! So I'm focusing on that as not far to go!

What can you have next week? Xx

The water proof bandages are itchy! 

I was was told liquids only for TWO weeks!! I even called & asked if I could have a milky porridge & was told no, not before my two weeks. 

 I am not even a week in on the liquids only. 

I will call clinic today anyway & ask about my bandages. 

I look forward ward to making & preparing proper meals. 

I have my first band fill booked for 9/12!! 

You will probably feel better after a day out, just take it easy, that's what your time off work is for after all! 

Yeah my dressings are getting itchy to, it's nice to itch around them! I really want a nurse to take them off and check them for me though!! Hehe 

I've got an appointment with the dietician and then my fill both on the 21/11 ahhhh!

I'm quite scared about the fill! 

Do you think post op it was more painful than you thought? 

Xx

But I'm ok... Still on most of my meds but today should be finally day. 

Can our stockings come off now? 

I would prefer a nurse nurse to take my bandages off.... The bruising and stitches look scary! 

I have aves heard fills are not painful... But it's still an injection, which I bet will hurt & finding the porthole etc.... Scary. 

This time last week I was mentally preparing myself for tomorrow! I haven't been that scared in a long time!! But well worth it! 

I was told I've got to wear stockings for 2 weeks until I'm back to work and running around like a lunatic again! 

I think il take dressings off tomorrow and if I'm concerned at all I shall go back in as it's only up the road!! Xx

Are you still in so much pain? I feel ok... Not 100% by any means. 

I am goin to call my clinic in a bit. 

Yes stockings for 2 weeks ahhhhh!

X

I definitely want/need a shower TODAY!

I signed up to my clinics online forum.... interesting..... allot of the post banders have spoke about joining weight loss clubs..? which seems to dfeat the object of having a band? 

Well... I never made it to the park, my youngest is not to well. I am suffering from cabin fever at the moment.

Allot of my going out/socialising was mainly based around food! 😁 apart from the Gym I need to find new hobbies!!

Just enjoying yet another soup 🍵

I won't be spending more money by joining a class, if I need to I will refer back to the books I've for from all my 10272920 diets I've tried in the past! I know what I should and shouldn't eat and portions was my problem so I think I will go it alone! 

10 days for the dressings! 

Yes I would say ALL of my socialising was eating and drinking! But when we are at the weight we want it will so insignificant!

Xx

Chicken, sausage and red pepper soup! Sounds horrible but it's really nice although blended! Xx

Bit i had spare dressings & now I have run out! Post in my area is slow as it is, so I wont get them in the pist until saturday at a push! 

Joing a slimming class with a band seems like an expensive joke!! 

I would never have considered surgery if slimming classes were so effective for me. 

I look forward to my two new books & I am sure once I get over my first few hurdles, I hope healthy choices & portion control will all come easily..... xx

I wonder if they joined classes straight away?! 

I got my books today & my slow cooker hehe 

Did you get the same book as me? X

A week at the very least. 

Well done on making the commitment! It will be so worth it!

Ermmm I'm not sure about 2 days really, I personally wouldn't of been able to go back after 2 days! I think I would of been ok to go back after a week. 

At 2 days I was so sleepy and quite uncomfortable. But everyone heals differently. I must say post op wasn't as bad as I thought but I think 2 days isn't giving yourself much chance in my opinion!

What does your surgeon say? X

I'm 8 days and haven't driven yet but I feel I would be able to today if I need to x

I'm feeling pretty good today!

Steri strips are starting to come off ahh! They are allowed to but I want to keep them on! 

X

What does your surgeon say? X

I'm a dental nurse in a hospital and I have got 2 weeks off! 

Yes I went private to and I'm pretty sure kb did aswell.

I'm healthy other than my weight but it doesn't change recovery time lol but if your surgeon is happy with 2 days then he or she knows best!!

X

They do say at least 2 weeks recovery, I was up & about the day after, but i was nit fit for work. 

I paid privately & I live in central london. 

I have the same kind of package as you. 

First fill is booked for 9/12! xx

I lost 2.2 stone on pre op diet in 2 weeks, have u got to do this aswell? I had to do the milk diet!

The gastric band will work,if you work with it and have done your research and listen to the advice and follow the rules you will be fine!

My mind set on food has already changed.

My feeling is, if you go through the op and pay all that money to have it done then you need to make it work! I will make it work!

I'm sure you can to! We can support each other.

X

I wiill not lie, it has not been easy for me. Liquids only is quite dull & it is such a contrast to what i previously ate. 

I want to give this my ALL & get to goal & stay there! I have not weighed myself as yet, as I have the most rubbish scales that I can just about stand on! But clothes are looser & I will go to Argos tomorrow & invest in a decent pair & let you know. I was told not to obsess with weighing myself, once a week maximum! 

Good Luck xx Always here to help! 

I wiill not lie, it has not been easy for me. Liquids only is quite dull & it is such a contrast to what i previously ate. 

I want to give this my ALL & get to goal & stay there! I have not weighed myself as yet, as I have the most rubbish scales that I can just about stand on! But clothes are looser & I will go to Argos tomorrow & invest in a decent pair & let you know. I was told not to obsess with weighing myself, once a week maximum! 

Good Luck xx Always here to help! 

Hope you've had a good day! 

X

Well done, you are more then well on your way!!!! xxx

Haven't weighed myself yet but will when I get back to wrk!

Like you I can tell I've lost weight by my clothes, I can also start seeing my collar bones! And my bingo wings look smaller!

It's such a nice feeling! Each day I think to myself, this is the fattest I'm ever going to be!

Bring it on! 

X

I've got massive cravings for macaroni cheese! And crisps today! 

My appetite is definitely back!

Hope your ok xx

So looking forward to mashed food this saturday!!! I will have a scrambled eggs 😃

I wanted to cry when my partner got a chinese takeaway on Friday!! lol! 

So looking forward to mashed food this saturday!!! I will have a scrambled eggs 😃

I wanted to cry when my partner got a chinese takeaway on Friday!! lol! 

I'm over it now! Phew!

Macaroni cheese however I will always love! Never normally have it but I want some and wonder when I can!

Sorry not helping but no-one else understands! 

Chinese take away, ooooh that's mean :-( well done u xx

Are you back at work?

X

I took bandages off last Friday and they are ok thanks, have you taken yours off? 

Got a trapped nerve in my back which is also in my thigh which is more painful than post op!!!! Lol but apart from that I am feeling really good!

Looking forward to going back to work actually! 

X

Hope ill be ok with my eating once my diet is more varied. 

They are now scabbing!! 

I think you will feel a lot more positive and more energy when you start eating more variety! Are you still on liquids? What have they advised you to have after the liquid phase? Xx

But my job I am mainly always on my feet so I think I shall be fine! Just got a burning sensation in my leg! Very strange!

X

If you can eat a lot just try and have 20 mouthfuls and stop as that is more realistic of what the band would be like when at the right level.

After my first fill the man told me that I may not lose a lot of weight at this stage. My next fill is 19th December.

Try and look at the positives, you are doing so well. 

Maybe try eat a healthier diet and do the 20 mouthfuls and see how you get on.

Remember it is still early days for all of us, we will be drop dead gorgeous before you know it! X

I felt a bit down about my loss and measured myself and in total have lost inches everywhere - 14 in total! So that may be worth doing to boost you both.

That's what I keep thinking - never again will I be this fat! 

How much are you planning to lose?

Maybe you can have an extra potato at Christmas this year than you will be able to next year! Positive spin! X

Shoulder pain went after 2 weeks for me. If it's just when you are eating maybe you are eating too fast or too bigger mouthfuls? Do you think this could be the case? Or maybe it is just taking longer to leave for you!

It will go don't you worry! Maybe take some gaviscon or something similar as it is wind related x