Can barely drink fluids one day...then no problem the next?

Hi...I just had the lap-band surgery on Aug 19th...so I am 6 days out. Each day has gotten slightly better than the one before as far as being able to get liquids down. Yesterday was still very slow going. It would take about 3-4 hours to get one 11.5 oz shake down....slowly but surely. Well...today I woke up and it seems significantly different. I could drink my shake in about 30 min. I also was able to drink way more water than the prior days combined. I had broth and a suger free jello cup all before it was time for my next shake. I am just wondering if any of you that have been through this had a point where the change was so major from one day to the next. I am assuming that alot of the swelling went down and it is just going though easier...but couldn't hurt to ask. Thanks

[jandd]

Hi there-

I had my Lapband on June 29th - and I hate to tell you, but things may continue to be difficult for a long time to come.  Yes, the swelling has gone down, and you can expect that for a while, until your first fill, that things won't be too bad.  But I still have pain when I drink quickly, or eat more than a couple of spoonfuls.  The WORST, and be ready, is the mucus.  Normally our sinuses produce mucus all the time and it just flows down and passes through without us knowing it, not with the band, it collects in that tiny pouch and the only way to get rid of it is to choke it out.  I don't go out to eat anymore because sometimes it is REALLY bad.  Sometimes now.  Drinking something hot will help thin it out and I suggest that before you eat in public.  However, I do not regret it - I was 319 pounds and now I'm 212 - aiming for 140.  Good luck!

[sobermommy]

Hi...thanks for the reply. I posted this in Aug and was only a few days out of surgery and at the time it kinda made me nervous but since then things have gone really well. I am down 52 pounds and have felt really good for the most part. The dr must have hit it right during surgery b'cuz I am full on less than a cup and have not had a fill. I feel pretty thankful for that fact. So far...as long as I eat slowly...eat dry meals...take small bites...and chew thouroughly...things are going down pretty well. I have been really lucky and have not had the mucous problem. In support groups I have met only 2 others who have the problem. Hopefully it will get better for you...it sure doesn't sound fun. Congrats on your weight loss...sounds like you are getting awesome results. I don't take many chances...and stick to the program. I have heard stories of people getting things like bread stuck and I don't want to go through it so I am pretty careful. I focus on the protien and try not to think about missing the other things...lol. Hope you continue to have great results and some of the bad things get better for you real soon.

[jandd]

I am so pleased to hear that you are losing weight and not having too much difficulty.  Yes, bread is a major problem, but I wanted to let you know about another one that happened to me this weekend - cherry skin.  I ate a cherry and apparently didn't chew up the skin enough and it settled directly over the opening between upper and lower stomach.  Threw up everything for 2 days before I could get to doctor.  Drank barium and they loosened the band until it passed through.  At this point I am on liquids again for a few days until the swelling goes down in my tummy.  So - watch out for cherries!  Keep up the good work and I hope thing continue to go well.  I'm down to 191 - 51 pounds to go!

[sobermommy]

Wow...I will be sure to watch out for them. I have kinda stayed away from grapes for the same reason. congratulations!! Sounds like your weight loss is going great. Mine is slow and steady but I am ok with it. I have not had any fills yet and am still losing so for now I will not mess with the balance. Thanks for the advice...keep up the hard work.

[cpowellsparks]

This is so much good information. I am out of surgery for 8 days now. Started off pretty good and now I am having so much issues with starting the mushy food. My stomach is just so loud with gurgling and gas...did you have this transitioning from liquid to food? I am barely eating anything because it really messes with my stomach. I have 14lbs in 8 days and it seems to be a little fast. I am getting enough protein but I don't think I'm getting enough calories.