I know that for many people stress causes their band to tighten. Others say they get more restriction when the have their period (I wouldn't know about that - I have a mirena coil and haven't had a period for over 10 years).
Last week I received the sad news that my parents dog had died. I was eating my dinner when my dad called to tell me. After I put the phone down I took a moment then carried on eating (it was delicious haddock in cheese sauce on a bed of vegetables). I engaged in good band eating behaviours - chewed well and left a few moments between mouthfuls. After three or four bites I was aware of increasing pressure behind my breast bone (often referred to as 'iron fist'). I could feel the food being pushed up my oesophagus an inch or two and then back toward my stomach; as it approached the place where my band is positioned it changed direction and moved back up my oesophagus two or three inches then back down again; up four or five inches then back down. I tried to drink some water to ease the situation. The sensation was very very uncomfortable. Eventually, after a few minutes of the food making its way up and down my oesophagus, I realised I was going to be sick.
I went to the bathroom and waited until the 'stuck' food was pushed all the way up my oesophagus. The sensation was very unpleasant and not one I hope to repeat (excuse the pun).
All of the food that I regurgitated was very well chewed (certainly no big bits in there)so I am thinking that my band must have tightened considerably in response to my upset (I was literally choked). I have not experienced food regurgitation since (or indeed before).
Pounds and inches lost:-
Weight
Waist Measurement
Waist Measurement
Tuesday 28 February 2012
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Exercise stepped up this week
Now I am 7 weeks post-op I am permitted to do more vigorous exercise, including abdominal exercise (my provider states that 6-8 weeks should elapse post-surgery before strenuous exercise). I have therefore begun daily abdominal crunches this week (I'm starting with 100 per day with the intention of building up to 400) and I have been 'working out' with the kinect (x-box) sports games (particularly boxing).
My muscles are definitely aware that I have upped the exercise this week! Ouchy :). I will look forward to seeing if it shows when I stand on the scales on Saturday.
My muscles are definitely aware that I have upped the exercise this week! Ouchy :). I will look forward to seeing if it shows when I stand on the scales on Saturday.
Weight loss stalled and is now moving again
I 'officially' weigh and measure myself each Saturday. Two Saturdays ago my weight was exactly the same as the week before (I had lost inches though). I became a bit obsessive over the following week jumping on and off of the scales at least once per day. They seemed glued to 14st 8lb!
Despite knowing that weight-loss plateaus are 'normal' and with the knowledge that I had lost inches if not pounds I was anxious for the scale to get moving. Last Friday I was fairly despondent that the scales were still reading 14st 8lb (tantalisingly close to a 3st loss!). I was therefore very happy when I stood on the scales on Saturday (the official weigh-in day) and 2lbs had miraculously evaporated overnight :D.
Two days later another 2lbs were gone! So no loss for 13days then 4lbs in 3days *blink*. I haven't weighed myself since (I try not to obsessively jump on the scales between official weigh-ins).
What I have noticed is that since the weight has started shifting again I have been peeing much more (even waking up in the night to go to the loo). I suspect the weight stall was connected to water retention (not sure why - I was drinking plenty of water).
BeBea x
Despite knowing that weight-loss plateaus are 'normal' and with the knowledge that I had lost inches if not pounds I was anxious for the scale to get moving. Last Friday I was fairly despondent that the scales were still reading 14st 8lb (tantalisingly close to a 3st loss!). I was therefore very happy when I stood on the scales on Saturday (the official weigh-in day) and 2lbs had miraculously evaporated overnight :D.
Two days later another 2lbs were gone! So no loss for 13days then 4lbs in 3days *blink*. I haven't weighed myself since (I try not to obsessively jump on the scales between official weigh-ins).
What I have noticed is that since the weight has started shifting again I have been peeing much more (even waking up in the night to go to the loo). I suspect the weight stall was connected to water retention (not sure why - I was drinking plenty of water).
BeBea x
Sunday 19 February 2012
I'm definitely in the 'green zone' :D
Following my fill 10 days ago I am now happily in the 'green zone' meaning my band is doing what bands are supposed to do :D. (For more info on the green zone see here).
Go Geldof!!
I am rarely hungry and don't think about food very often - this is what the band manufacturers refer to as satiety.
When I do eat I don't need to eat much before I feel satisfied (this is helped, of course, by the fact that I am eating protein with crunchy vegetables) - this is what the band manufacturers refer to as satiation.
Happy days :) - I never thought I would be satisfied on such a small amount of food and, more importantly, that I would be free from obsessing about food all of the time.
BeBea xx
Go Geldof!!
I am rarely hungry and don't think about food very often - this is what the band manufacturers refer to as satiety.
When I do eat I don't need to eat much before I feel satisfied (this is helped, of course, by the fact that I am eating protein with crunchy vegetables) - this is what the band manufacturers refer to as satiation.
Happy days :) - I never thought I would be satisfied on such a small amount of food and, more importantly, that I would be free from obsessing about food all of the time.
BeBea xx
Monday 13 February 2012
Maybe a little restriction.........?
After my fill last week I stuck to liquids for the rest of the day and then built up to textured food over the next day (my provider states I should do 3 days of liquid then three days of mush before moving onto textured food but I could feel that was not necessary).
Food has gone down fine and I have, I guess, a small amount of restriction but nothing to write home about.
Food has gone down fine and I have, I guess, a small amount of restriction but nothing to write home about.
Thursday 9 February 2012
I had my first fill today.........
......and it all went very smoothly.
The nurse took me through to the treatment room and asked me what I had been eating. She said I would need to eat "better" with more in the band. When I asked her in what way "better" she said I should eat more regularly than twice per day and that I should be eating breakfast. I said I was confused because I thought I was not supposed to eat unless I was hungry. The nurse said that tends to be what the surgeons say but "they" (I guess she meant nurses and dieticians) know it is not good to leave too long between meals. When I asked her why she advised that she said that there can be 'problems' if don't eat regularly. I asked what problems there could be and she faltered and seemed stuck for words then said "erm you might get hungry and wind and stuff........" as she trailed off I made my decision that I will continue to do what 'feels' right for me and my body. She certainly didn't put up a convincing enough argument to sway me toward her way of thinking.
The actual fill was straightforward I lay on the bed and pulled my dress up to expose my tummy (the nurse said how neat my incisions looked compared to many she sees). She pressed on my stomach and asked if the bit she was pushing felt "tender". She put the needle in, at which point I felt a tiny pin prick, and then 15 seconds later removed the needle and said "there that's done". I was surprised. I had thought it would take longer and that there would be more 'fiddling around'. She popped a plaster on the site (I didn't realise that until later - I am allergic to the adhesive) and I jumped down from the table.
I had to ask her how much saline was now in the band. She said that there had already been 4.5ml in there and that she had added another 1ml taking my total to 5.5mls in a 10ml band.
She said for me to have a drink before I went home and that I would need some taking back out if there was any gurgling etc. She stressed that gurgling and bubbling, as I tried to drink, would be bad and would indicate that the band was too tight. I said I understood and that I did not want a band that was too tight. She said in her experience most people wanted an over-tight band!
I don't think she liked me much. She certainly wasn't at all friendly - she didn't even introduce herself (I only know her as 'nurse'). After she dismissed me I sat in the waiting room for 20 minutes, drinking a cup of water, and she walked past 6 times (the treatment room is off the waiting room) and she did not acknowledge my presence at all. Odd since I was only sitting there, at her request, checking for bubbling and gurgling.
I'm now back on fluids to allow any stomach swelling, caused by increasing the bands' restriction, to settle.
The nurse took me through to the treatment room and asked me what I had been eating. She said I would need to eat "better" with more in the band. When I asked her in what way "better" she said I should eat more regularly than twice per day and that I should be eating breakfast. I said I was confused because I thought I was not supposed to eat unless I was hungry. The nurse said that tends to be what the surgeons say but "they" (I guess she meant nurses and dieticians) know it is not good to leave too long between meals. When I asked her why she advised that she said that there can be 'problems' if don't eat regularly. I asked what problems there could be and she faltered and seemed stuck for words then said "erm you might get hungry and wind and stuff........" as she trailed off I made my decision that I will continue to do what 'feels' right for me and my body. She certainly didn't put up a convincing enough argument to sway me toward her way of thinking.
The actual fill was straightforward I lay on the bed and pulled my dress up to expose my tummy (the nurse said how neat my incisions looked compared to many she sees). She pressed on my stomach and asked if the bit she was pushing felt "tender". She put the needle in, at which point I felt a tiny pin prick, and then 15 seconds later removed the needle and said "there that's done". I was surprised. I had thought it would take longer and that there would be more 'fiddling around'. She popped a plaster on the site (I didn't realise that until later - I am allergic to the adhesive) and I jumped down from the table.
I had to ask her how much saline was now in the band. She said that there had already been 4.5ml in there and that she had added another 1ml taking my total to 5.5mls in a 10ml band.
She said for me to have a drink before I went home and that I would need some taking back out if there was any gurgling etc. She stressed that gurgling and bubbling, as I tried to drink, would be bad and would indicate that the band was too tight. I said I understood and that I did not want a band that was too tight. She said in her experience most people wanted an over-tight band!
I don't think she liked me much. She certainly wasn't at all friendly - she didn't even introduce herself (I only know her as 'nurse'). After she dismissed me I sat in the waiting room for 20 minutes, drinking a cup of water, and she walked past 6 times (the treatment room is off the waiting room) and she did not acknowledge my presence at all. Odd since I was only sitting there, at her request, checking for bubbling and gurgling.
I'm now back on fluids to allow any stomach swelling, caused by increasing the bands' restriction, to settle.
Tuesday 7 February 2012
Brrrrrrrr, difficult getting warm......
Up until recently the winter has been uncommonly mild. Now the cold weather has arrived with vengeance and I am really feeling the reduction in my insulating fat layer.
I'm huddled under the covers of the bed in my hotel room and desperately need to pee but am holding on because I don't want to relinquish the warmth I have created within my duvet cocoon.
I'm huddled under the covers of the bed in my hotel room and desperately need to pee but am holding on because I don't want to relinquish the warmth I have created within my duvet cocoon.
Constipation
Since I was banded I have suffered on and off with constipation. Less food going in, obviously, translates into less waste coming out. I have resorted to using senakot and/or lactulose every few days to get things 'moving'. For the past week, however, that has resulted in diarreah.
I know that the lack of carbohydrate in my diet is exacerbating the problem so yesterday I decided to eat a small bag of dried apricots in the hope that would help. Unfortunately all it did was give me an agonising stomach ache :(.
Senakot again tonight then......
I fully expected to be craving carbohydrates today after eating the apricots yesterday. Although I have thought more about food (especially carbs like chips and chocolate) than I have become accustomed to I haven't had the cravings that I anticipated. I'm away from home on business and staying in a hotel and low carb food choices are more restricted than when I am at home. Today I have eaten an M&S feta side salad for my lunch and a chicken salad and cheese selection for dinner.
I know that the lack of carbohydrate in my diet is exacerbating the problem so yesterday I decided to eat a small bag of dried apricots in the hope that would help. Unfortunately all it did was give me an agonising stomach ache :(.
Senakot again tonight then......
I fully expected to be craving carbohydrates today after eating the apricots yesterday. Although I have thought more about food (especially carbs like chips and chocolate) than I have become accustomed to I haven't had the cravings that I anticipated. I'm away from home on business and staying in a hotel and low carb food choices are more restricted than when I am at home. Today I have eaten an M&S feta side salad for my lunch and a chicken salad and cheese selection for dinner.
Monday 6 February 2012
Inches lost to date.....
As well as weighing myself weekly I am measuring myself. Here is what I have lost, and from where, to date:
Chest:........... starting measurement = 48". current measurement = 44.25".
Under chest:. starting measurement = 39". current measurement = 35.5".
Waist:........... starting measurement = 40". current measurement = 34.5".
Tummy:....... starting measurement = 48". current measurement = 42.5".
Hips:............ starting measurement = 50". current measurement = 46.5".
Upper arm:... starting measurement = 14". current measurement = 12.75".
Thigh:........... starting measurement = 31". current measurement = 27".
Chest:........... starting measurement = 48". current measurement = 44.25".
Under chest:. starting measurement = 39". current measurement = 35.5".
Waist:........... starting measurement = 40". current measurement = 34.5".
Tummy:....... starting measurement = 48". current measurement = 42.5".
Hips:............ starting measurement = 50". current measurement = 46.5".
Upper arm:... starting measurement = 14". current measurement = 12.75".
Thigh:........... starting measurement = 31". current measurement = 27".
My weight loss so far......
I began my pre-op diet on 20th November 2011; I weighed 17st 6lbs
Pre-op Week 1: loss -9lbs.
Pre-op Week 2: loss -3lbs. = accumulative loss 12lbs
Pre-op Week 3: loss -3lbs. = accumulative loss 1st 1lb
Pre-op Week 4: loss -2lbs. = accumulative loss 1st 3lbs
Pre-op Week 5: loss -3lbs. = accumulative loss 1st 6lbs
Pre-op Week 6: loss -2lbs. = total loss pre op = 1st 8lbs
Post-op Week 1: loss -6lbs. = accumulative loss 2st
Post-op Week 2: loss -1lb. = accumulative loss loss 2st 1lb
Post-op Week 3: loss -3lbs. = accumulative loss 2st 4lb
Post-op Week 4: loss -6lbs. = accumulative loss 2st 10lbs
Post-op Week 5: loss -2lbs. = total loss to date 2st 12lbs
I have lost 40lbs in the past 11weeks. I have 50lbs more to lose before I reach target. I suspect the next 50lbs will move much more slowly than the first 40lbs.........
Pre-op Week 1: loss -9lbs.
Pre-op Week 2: loss -3lbs. = accumulative loss 12lbs
Pre-op Week 3: loss -3lbs. = accumulative loss 1st 1lb
Pre-op Week 4: loss -2lbs. = accumulative loss 1st 3lbs
Pre-op Week 5: loss -3lbs. = accumulative loss 1st 6lbs
Pre-op Week 6: loss -2lbs. = total loss pre op = 1st 8lbs
Post-op Week 1: loss -6lbs. = accumulative loss 2st
Post-op Week 2: loss -1lb. = accumulative loss loss 2st 1lb
Post-op Week 3: loss -3lbs. = accumulative loss 2st 4lb
Post-op Week 4: loss -6lbs. = accumulative loss 2st 10lbs
Post-op Week 5: loss -2lbs. = total loss to date 2st 12lbs
I have lost 40lbs in the past 11weeks. I have 50lbs more to lose before I reach target. I suspect the next 50lbs will move much more slowly than the first 40lbs.........
Update on incisions / scarring
The additional scars, in the second photo, above and below the main incisions, are due to blistering caused by iodine burn and allergy to steri-strips.
 |
| Incisions 5 hours post op |
 |
| Incisions 5 weeks post op |
The bruising that you can see on the first photo became much more pronounced over the next week and it was tender and sore for a while. The bruising has now gone altogether and the scars are healing well.
Since the iodine burn subsided I have been applying bio-oil to the incisions every-other day (if I use it more often it tends to cause a localised rash). I also apply to my belly and upper thighs in the hope that excess skin and/or stretch marks are minimised.
The first month of being a bandit
I am now a little over 5 weeks post op.
For the first 9 days post op I was struggling to eat anything and all I really wanted was water. On day 10 my appetite returned with vengeance I suddenly I was hungry (very hungry!!!). I know the swelling of my stomach had abated and the restriction that was being thus created had reduced. It was a good sense of what 'restriction' actually feels like and what I will be aiming for, eventually, with band-fills.
For weeks three and four I was supposed to eat 'mush' or anything that could be crushed with the back of a folk. I did so for a week but found myself eating more and more and wanting more and more and recognised I needed to get myself back onto a low low-carb diet (I had been eating a lot of high carb foods). I did just that and ensured I chewed food thoroughly ensuring it was 'mush' before I swallowed it.
I have been eating meat and chicken despite the 'rules' stating they shouldn't be attempted for 3 months (due to risk of them getting stuck above the band). In my opinion they are more likely to get 'stuck' after a few band fills when restriction is greater. I guess the 'rule' is there in the hope that by three months bandits will have learnt to chew well and eat more slowly. I have been doing that from the word 'go' - eating meat tends to make me cautious (I wouldn't want to get food stuck when I know I am technically breaking the 'rules').
I am eating two (on occasion three) small meals per day. I only eat if I am hungry (unless social convention dictates that I eat when not actively hungry). I am finding I can eat more at one sitting as time goes on and I know I am ready for a band-fill (thankfully I am due one this Thursday). I am sure if I wasn't doing low carb I would be gaining weight at the moment.
Happily I have not experienced any 'iron fist' or 'productive burps'. Iron fist is a sharp pain in the chest caused by food getting stuck at the top of the oesophagus due eating to much, too fast or not chewing properly. Productive burps are caused by insufficiently chewed food being unable to pass through the band, with the aid of oesophageal contractions, and resulting in the food being forced back up the oesophagus into the mouth.
For the first 9 days post op I was struggling to eat anything and all I really wanted was water. On day 10 my appetite returned with vengeance I suddenly I was hungry (very hungry!!!). I know the swelling of my stomach had abated and the restriction that was being thus created had reduced. It was a good sense of what 'restriction' actually feels like and what I will be aiming for, eventually, with band-fills.
For weeks three and four I was supposed to eat 'mush' or anything that could be crushed with the back of a folk. I did so for a week but found myself eating more and more and wanting more and more and recognised I needed to get myself back onto a low low-carb diet (I had been eating a lot of high carb foods). I did just that and ensured I chewed food thoroughly ensuring it was 'mush' before I swallowed it.
I have been eating meat and chicken despite the 'rules' stating they shouldn't be attempted for 3 months (due to risk of them getting stuck above the band). In my opinion they are more likely to get 'stuck' after a few band fills when restriction is greater. I guess the 'rule' is there in the hope that by three months bandits will have learnt to chew well and eat more slowly. I have been doing that from the word 'go' - eating meat tends to make me cautious (I wouldn't want to get food stuck when I know I am technically breaking the 'rules').
I am eating two (on occasion three) small meals per day. I only eat if I am hungry (unless social convention dictates that I eat when not actively hungry). I am finding I can eat more at one sitting as time goes on and I know I am ready for a band-fill (thankfully I am due one this Thursday). I am sure if I wasn't doing low carb I would be gaining weight at the moment.
Happily I have not experienced any 'iron fist' or 'productive burps'. Iron fist is a sharp pain in the chest caused by food getting stuck at the top of the oesophagus due eating to much, too fast or not chewing properly. Productive burps are caused by insufficiently chewed food being unable to pass through the band, with the aid of oesophageal contractions, and resulting in the food being forced back up the oesophagus into the mouth.
Post op complications
My main problem, post op, was iodine burn and allergic reaction to waterproof dressings and, especially, the steri-strips placed over my incisions by the nurse at my GP surgery.
It might sound daft but the pain, blistering, burning, itching and irritation caused by the iodine was by far more distressing than any pain/discomfort associated with the surgery.
Indeed, the blistering caused by the steri-strips has left scarring as visible as the surgical incisions. Thankfully my skin calmed approximately 3 weeks post op (until then I was using various creams and antihistamines to try and ease the symptoms).
It might sound daft but the pain, blistering, burning, itching and irritation caused by the iodine was by far more distressing than any pain/discomfort associated with the surgery.
Indeed, the blistering caused by the steri-strips has left scarring as visible as the surgical incisions. Thankfully my skin calmed approximately 3 weeks post op (until then I was using various creams and antihistamines to try and ease the symptoms).
The week post op.........
31st December 2011. 06.44
Morning :)
I'm just been discharged. My driver will pick me up at 7am. Must say I'll miss this adjustable bed. Will definitely need husbands' assistance to get up from vertical in my own bed - feel like I have overdone (by serious amount) stomach crunches and my tummy muscles are complaining (loudly) when I try to use them. I'm in more pain today (kind of like bad period pain but higher up) so I have asked for paracetamol (I'm sipping 4 tsp now); I asked for paracetamol before bed too as I thought I ought (up until then no pain relief had been offered - I'm not sure if that is standard or because I looked so well?? I was only given 2tsp then).
I slept much better than I thought I would (even though next to nurses station) :). No interruptions into my room during then night (no obs taken etc.)
It may be my imagination but I'm sure I can feel 'Geldof' providing restriction already (having to sip the paracetamol very slowly - water goes down much more easily). I guess with 4ml in already, and the swelling my stomach must have right now, that is to be expected).
Can't wait to get home to husband :D
2012 here I come............. :D :D
BeBea xxx
PS I have been brought breakfast - a strawberry muller yogurt and a strawberry smoothie. I'll take them home with me - I cannot eat at this time of the day ordinarily; and definitely not today. I'll stick to the water :)
12.53
I am at home happily propped up on the sofa, hot water bottle comforting my left shoulder, with my feet up :) (bliss). Not terribly good at sitting doing nothing when husband is busy with household chores.... But the tenderness in my tummy is telling me that is what I need to do.
There was a tricky moment when my darling chocolate lab, overjoyed at seeing me, decided to give me a hug (with me in a sitting position he has a liking for walking up my body, putting one leg either side of my neck and then laying down on my tummy and chest :O.
BeBea xx
1st January 2012. 13.26
Hello Everyone :). Happy (slimmer) New Year!
UPDATE:
Pain has lessened today. It is definitely wind pain (I have never really suffered with wind before - how much blooming CO2 did they pump into me??).
I managed to get to my parents' NYE do last night. I was fine once I found a comfortable place to sit but a bit 'out of it' and got thrashed at Trivial Persuit - lol. I was pleased to get back home and into bed :).
I slept okay - I started propped up on pillows but I didn't like that much so ended up flat on my back (pulling myself up with the bed head when I needed a drink - I was a bit pathetic). As others have said sleeping on my side would not have been an option.
I put some waterproof dressings on my wounds (which actually felt very nice) and had a lovely shower (bliss) and washed my hair.
I am not in the least bit hungry but I know I need to eat something because I am starting to get mild acid reflux and waves of nausea, which I am assuming is due to my having nothing but water and a couple of mouthfuls of hot choc since 8pm on 29th. So after my shower I made up some banana and berry smoothy and have managed approx 3tbsp of that with multi-vitamin, vitamin c and anti-histamine tablets crushed up in it. I had to force myself to drink it all (told myself it is medicine).
I have not taken any paracetamol since yesterday. I really don't think it was doing much (or anything) and I suspect it was contributing to the nausea and acid.
BeBea x
2nd January 2012. 11.59
UPDATE 3 DAYS POST OP:
The trapped wind has significantly lessened since yesterday :D. There are a number of things that I think contributed:
1. Time
2. Peppermint oil (washed down with lots of water)
3. Laying flat overnight (I found advice online from a nurse who said being upright causes the gas to bubble upwards - into the shoulder - which is not where we want it to go as there is little chance of it escaping through the shoulder).
Also I managed to sleep much better last night (even slept on my right hand side :) although the left side is still a definite no-no)
I am up and dressed today (even got tights on - it wasn't pretty but they are on - lol) and I have been out for an hour long walk with husband and our puppy. I was walking slower than I am accustomed to but I managed to walk constantly without needing a rest (I could probably have gone on if necessary).
So the indications are very good for my being well enough to get back to work on Wednesday.
BeBea xx
3rd January 2012. 12.30
UPDATE POST-OP DAY 4
Feeling good today.
:) Wind, and accompanying pain, has all but gone.
:) I slept realively well again (and managed some of the night on both left and right sides :D). TIP: instead of a glass of water take a sports bottle of water to bed (that way you don't have to struggle to sit up to drink some in the night :)).
:) walked the dog alone this morning (husband is back at work) in torrential rain and 70MPH winds :O and, even when the dog went to chase a leaf and yanked on the lead, I was okay.
:) have cleaned the house (pushing Hoover was a bit 'ouchy') and bending/stretching was soooo much easier than yesterday.
Not so positives:
:( struggling to eat more than a couple of mouthfuls of anything (due to iron fist feeling). I can manage a little bit more yoghurt if I take my time (half a standard size pot maybe - but that will take a hour to eat).
:( coughing hurts very much (mostly the port scar).
On balance however all is good :D and water goes down no problem at all.
BeBea xx
4th January 2012. 15.53
POST OP DAY 5:
All is good :D
I went to see the nurse at my GP surgery this morning. She removed the waterproof dressings, that I had put over the top of the glue applied by the surgeon, and the wounds are healing wonderfully.
Eating is a little easier too (I asked for advice in the Gastric Band Friends forum as husband was getting very concerned - and the lovely people on there were wonderful :D) and I have watered soups down and eaten small amounts more often.
Wind pain is pretty much gone :) but my tummy is still swollen and tender (I've put 2" on my waist since the op - yet lost 6lbs in weight so I know the inches are down to swelling).
I'm back at work today. Heading north in an hour and lecturing tomorrow then home again (then off again until Monday - hurrah)!
BeBea xx
Morning :)
I'm just been discharged. My driver will pick me up at 7am. Must say I'll miss this adjustable bed. Will definitely need husbands' assistance to get up from vertical in my own bed - feel like I have overdone (by serious amount) stomach crunches and my tummy muscles are complaining (loudly) when I try to use them. I'm in more pain today (kind of like bad period pain but higher up) so I have asked for paracetamol (I'm sipping 4 tsp now); I asked for paracetamol before bed too as I thought I ought (up until then no pain relief had been offered - I'm not sure if that is standard or because I looked so well?? I was only given 2tsp then).
I slept much better than I thought I would (even though next to nurses station) :). No interruptions into my room during then night (no obs taken etc.)
It may be my imagination but I'm sure I can feel 'Geldof' providing restriction already (having to sip the paracetamol very slowly - water goes down much more easily). I guess with 4ml in already, and the swelling my stomach must have right now, that is to be expected).
Can't wait to get home to husband :D
2012 here I come............. :D :D
BeBea xxx
PS I have been brought breakfast - a strawberry muller yogurt and a strawberry smoothie. I'll take them home with me - I cannot eat at this time of the day ordinarily; and definitely not today. I'll stick to the water :)
12.53
I am at home happily propped up on the sofa, hot water bottle comforting my left shoulder, with my feet up :) (bliss). Not terribly good at sitting doing nothing when husband is busy with household chores.... But the tenderness in my tummy is telling me that is what I need to do.
There was a tricky moment when my darling chocolate lab, overjoyed at seeing me, decided to give me a hug (with me in a sitting position he has a liking for walking up my body, putting one leg either side of my neck and then laying down on my tummy and chest :O.
BeBea xx
1st January 2012. 13.26
Hello Everyone :). Happy (slimmer) New Year!
UPDATE:
Pain has lessened today. It is definitely wind pain (I have never really suffered with wind before - how much blooming CO2 did they pump into me??).
I managed to get to my parents' NYE do last night. I was fine once I found a comfortable place to sit but a bit 'out of it' and got thrashed at Trivial Persuit - lol. I was pleased to get back home and into bed :).
I slept okay - I started propped up on pillows but I didn't like that much so ended up flat on my back (pulling myself up with the bed head when I needed a drink - I was a bit pathetic). As others have said sleeping on my side would not have been an option.
I put some waterproof dressings on my wounds (which actually felt very nice) and had a lovely shower (bliss) and washed my hair.
I am not in the least bit hungry but I know I need to eat something because I am starting to get mild acid reflux and waves of nausea, which I am assuming is due to my having nothing but water and a couple of mouthfuls of hot choc since 8pm on 29th. So after my shower I made up some banana and berry smoothy and have managed approx 3tbsp of that with multi-vitamin, vitamin c and anti-histamine tablets crushed up in it. I had to force myself to drink it all (told myself it is medicine).
I have not taken any paracetamol since yesterday. I really don't think it was doing much (or anything) and I suspect it was contributing to the nausea and acid.
BeBea x
2nd January 2012. 11.59
UPDATE 3 DAYS POST OP:
The trapped wind has significantly lessened since yesterday :D. There are a number of things that I think contributed:
1. Time
2. Peppermint oil (washed down with lots of water)
3. Laying flat overnight (I found advice online from a nurse who said being upright causes the gas to bubble upwards - into the shoulder - which is not where we want it to go as there is little chance of it escaping through the shoulder).
Also I managed to sleep much better last night (even slept on my right hand side :) although the left side is still a definite no-no)
I am up and dressed today (even got tights on - it wasn't pretty but they are on - lol) and I have been out for an hour long walk with husband and our puppy. I was walking slower than I am accustomed to but I managed to walk constantly without needing a rest (I could probably have gone on if necessary).
So the indications are very good for my being well enough to get back to work on Wednesday.
BeBea xx
3rd January 2012. 12.30
UPDATE POST-OP DAY 4
Feeling good today.
:) Wind, and accompanying pain, has all but gone.
:) I slept realively well again (and managed some of the night on both left and right sides :D). TIP: instead of a glass of water take a sports bottle of water to bed (that way you don't have to struggle to sit up to drink some in the night :)).
:) walked the dog alone this morning (husband is back at work) in torrential rain and 70MPH winds :O and, even when the dog went to chase a leaf and yanked on the lead, I was okay.
:) have cleaned the house (pushing Hoover was a bit 'ouchy') and bending/stretching was soooo much easier than yesterday.
Not so positives:
:( struggling to eat more than a couple of mouthfuls of anything (due to iron fist feeling). I can manage a little bit more yoghurt if I take my time (half a standard size pot maybe - but that will take a hour to eat).
:( coughing hurts very much (mostly the port scar).
On balance however all is good :D and water goes down no problem at all.
BeBea xx
4th January 2012. 15.53
POST OP DAY 5:
All is good :D
I went to see the nurse at my GP surgery this morning. She removed the waterproof dressings, that I had put over the top of the glue applied by the surgeon, and the wounds are healing wonderfully.
Eating is a little easier too (I asked for advice in the Gastric Band Friends forum as husband was getting very concerned - and the lovely people on there were wonderful :D) and I have watered soups down and eaten small amounts more often.
Wind pain is pretty much gone :) but my tummy is still swollen and tender (I've put 2" on my waist since the op - yet lost 6lbs in weight so I know the inches are down to swelling).
I'm back at work today. Heading north in an hour and lecturing tomorrow then home again (then off again until Monday - hurrah)!
BeBea xx
The actual surgery.....
 |
The placement of a gastric band around the stomach |
For those of you interested in my experience of going down to surgery here is my recollection:
Prior to surgery I was required to shower and remove all make-up (not that I was wearing any), deodorant, creams etc. I then put on surgical gown with 100% cotton knickers underneath. Note if the knickers were not 100% cotton I would have been required to instead wear a pair of opaque 'paper' pants provided. I then put on the surgical stockings that all patients are required to wear (I was permitted to remove them when I got home the day after surgery but I know some people are required to wear them for a week or so post surgery - I think the decision is down to age, weight, other health concerns and mobility post surgery).
The nurse came and walked me down to surgery (almost 2 hours later than expected because they were waiting for blood results to be returned). I wore my own robe and slippers (over the surgical gown and socks) to walk down to the theatre.
I arrived in a room next to theatre and my dressing gown and slippers were taken back to my room by the nurse. I recall feeling quite 'exposed' as she left leaving me standing there in nothing but a flimsy cotton gown and a pair of pants. The room was quite cold. The anaesthetist checked my name and DOB then walked me into theatre.
It was quite an odd experience walking into theatre itself. There were lots of people in there (probably about 10) and I smiled and said "hello" (feeling very surreal as I did so). I was asked to get onto the operating table (as I did so someone was loosening my surgical gown and ensuring it did not get trapped underneath me - I had an urge to pull it back over myself but I resisted) and I was asked to shuffle down until my feet were flat against the rest at end of the table.
The anaesthetist asked me to place my arms into the rests attached to the table (think crucifix type position) and someone began loosely strapping my arms in place. At the same time someone was placing cuffs around my lower legs (similar to large blood pressure cuffs) and someone else was tugging the gown down at the front and attaching heart monitor patched to my chest. The team worked very quickly and efficiently. Had I not had some idea that all of this was going to happen (and whilst i was still conscious) I may have panicked a little. I had to work hard to keep thoughts of how much more 'exposed' I would be once unconscious from my mind.
As soon as my arm was on the left arm rest the anaesthetist was I inserting the canular and his assistant was speaking quietly near my right ear reassuring me that they were going to take very good care of me whilst I was asleep and before I knew it I would be waking up. I felt a cold feeling travel up my arm and I was asleep.
The next thing I knew I was waking up with a very kind nurse asking me if I was feeling okay. I was very warm and comfortable and felt pleasantly floaty and light. I drifted in and out of a pleasant sleep as they wheeled me, on my very comfortable bed, back to my room.
The nurse asked me if I had a mobile phone. I told her it was in the drawer and she brought it to me. I was desperate to surrender to the lovely floaty sleep that was beckoning me but knew I must first let husband know I was awake after the op and all was well. I called him and told him just that and that I loved him. He said he would call my mum. Ahhhhhh sleep.........
I drifted in and out of the most wonderful sleep for the next two hours (waking occasionally for a sip of water).
A retrospective account of my surgery day.....
06.45
I'm sitting here, cuddled up with husband, waiting for my driver to pick me up. Feeling oddly calm with little waves of excitement breaking in my tummy whenever I think about it.
I'll be off soon. I'll update when I get there.
BeBea xx
09.45
I just arrived :). I am sitting in reception (nice chandeliers).
My driver was fab' we talked non stop for the 2.5hr journey. He kept me well entertained. The time whizzed by.
I'll update when something else happens xx
10.26
I was brought up to my room almost immediately and I am now waiting for something to happen.
I'm yet to be 'admitted', no bloods taken yet etc. The nurse who brought be up to my room said they are short staffed (only 2 nurses when there should be 4 apparently). I suspect I am in for a long wait.
I don't mind waiting. I do mind being without water if they know it is not necessary.
BeBea xx
11.59
Time is actually whizzing past (almost midday already).
My bloods have been taken now (it was Dr Win and he was very gentle, managed to get the vein first time and three files filled easily :)).
My surgeon has just been to see me and I've signed the consent form etc. fortuitously the morning surgery will finish early today so Mr Hewin will be able to get going 2 hours early (12.30 instead of 14.30). I am second on the list so should be around 13.30. I won't hold my breath though ;).
My nurse is called Jo. She is very lovely, fun and smiley. She was very complimentary about my, apparently, perfect blood pressure (I bet she says the same to all the girls ;)) She told me she will let me know when the first woman goes down and I will then go and get a shower and put on my sexy surgical stockings (I hope my husband is not reading this it is his greatest wish that I will lose enough weight that stockings replace tights in my life).
BeBea xx
13.27
The latest is I am sitting here in my sexy gown and stockings (sounds quite nice when I put it like that - lol) waiting for them to come and get me.
Surgery started about on time and woman no. 1 went down about 12.30 so I should be going down about 13.30. I think I heard commotion in the room next door (like someone being returned after surgery) whilst I was in the shower.
I'll check back in once I'm conscious again.
20.04
Hello guys :)
I'm awake now. Have drunk 4 glasses of water and a couple of sips of hot chocolate (for sore throat). The water goes down no problem at all :). The hot choc I can feel all the way down (not painful just aware of it).
My surgeon (Mr Hewin) has been in and said all went well in surgery. The Anaesthetist is a genius - the best post op ever - lovely floaty in and out of sleep feeling.
I have some discomfort accross my tummy and the predicted pain in left shoulder. Nurse looked at my scars and was visibly impressed - she said they are the neatest she has seen today :D. I've not been out of bed yet (when I do I'll have a look and report back).
Minor panic 20 minutes ago - fire alarm sounded. I was still Floaty-Mac-Floaty so couldn't have cared less - senior nurse got a bit flappy though. Hospital has been checked and it appears the alarm was set off by someone spraying copious amounts of deodorant :).
Thank-you everyone who has had me in their thoughts today - I very much appreciate it xx
BeBea
PS apologies for any typos - not easy to type on iPhone with pulse monitor clip on my finger :D. When I get out of bed I'll get my iPad out of the safe (will be easier to type on there).
21.13
UPDATE:
I'm up and about. Have photographed my belly and the incisions.
I am so impressed with the wounds. They look more like scratches :shock: and it is obvious, even at this early stage, that they will heal well and become invisible :D - bring on the bio-oil. They are also lower down than I anticipated - that is a good thing as my bra will not rub on them :). Mr Hewin, I am liking your work there sir *doffs cap*.
I have some discomfort (certainly know someone has been fiddling with my insides) but not pain. The discomfort is eased significantly by moving around :). I did have an 'oh my' moment when I first swung my legs off the bed and saw a pad I had been lying on that was apparently soaked in blood :O - thankfully, on closer inspection it turned out to be iodine :D
BeBea xx
10.23
ANOTHER UPDATE:
Night Sister popped in a few minutes ago and is very pleased with how well I am looking; obs are all pretty much perfect (which is fantastic because whenever I have had a GA before I have had seriously low BP afterwards and felt dreadful: not today -YAY :). Maybe they give you better drugs when you go private - lol.
Also she told me I have a 10ml band with 4ml added during surgery :)
BeBea x
I'm sitting here, cuddled up with husband, waiting for my driver to pick me up. Feeling oddly calm with little waves of excitement breaking in my tummy whenever I think about it.
I'll be off soon. I'll update when I get there.
BeBea xx
09.45
I just arrived :). I am sitting in reception (nice chandeliers).
My driver was fab' we talked non stop for the 2.5hr journey. He kept me well entertained. The time whizzed by.
I'll update when something else happens xx
10.26
I was brought up to my room almost immediately and I am now waiting for something to happen.
I'm yet to be 'admitted', no bloods taken yet etc. The nurse who brought be up to my room said they are short staffed (only 2 nurses when there should be 4 apparently). I suspect I am in for a long wait.
I don't mind waiting. I do mind being without water if they know it is not necessary.
BeBea xx
11.59
Time is actually whizzing past (almost midday already).
My bloods have been taken now (it was Dr Win and he was very gentle, managed to get the vein first time and three files filled easily :)).
My surgeon has just been to see me and I've signed the consent form etc. fortuitously the morning surgery will finish early today so Mr Hewin will be able to get going 2 hours early (12.30 instead of 14.30). I am second on the list so should be around 13.30. I won't hold my breath though ;).
My nurse is called Jo. She is very lovely, fun and smiley. She was very complimentary about my, apparently, perfect blood pressure (I bet she says the same to all the girls ;)) She told me she will let me know when the first woman goes down and I will then go and get a shower and put on my sexy surgical stockings (I hope my husband is not reading this it is his greatest wish that I will lose enough weight that stockings replace tights in my life).
BeBea xx
13.27
The latest is I am sitting here in my sexy gown and stockings (sounds quite nice when I put it like that - lol) waiting for them to come and get me.
Surgery started about on time and woman no. 1 went down about 12.30 so I should be going down about 13.30. I think I heard commotion in the room next door (like someone being returned after surgery) whilst I was in the shower.
I'll check back in once I'm conscious again.
20.04
Hello guys :)
I'm awake now. Have drunk 4 glasses of water and a couple of sips of hot chocolate (for sore throat). The water goes down no problem at all :). The hot choc I can feel all the way down (not painful just aware of it).
My surgeon (Mr Hewin) has been in and said all went well in surgery. The Anaesthetist is a genius - the best post op ever - lovely floaty in and out of sleep feeling.
I have some discomfort accross my tummy and the predicted pain in left shoulder. Nurse looked at my scars and was visibly impressed - she said they are the neatest she has seen today :D. I've not been out of bed yet (when I do I'll have a look and report back).
Minor panic 20 minutes ago - fire alarm sounded. I was still Floaty-Mac-Floaty so couldn't have cared less - senior nurse got a bit flappy though. Hospital has been checked and it appears the alarm was set off by someone spraying copious amounts of deodorant :).
Thank-you everyone who has had me in their thoughts today - I very much appreciate it xx
BeBea
PS apologies for any typos - not easy to type on iPhone with pulse monitor clip on my finger :D. When I get out of bed I'll get my iPad out of the safe (will be easier to type on there).
21.13
UPDATE:
I'm up and about. Have photographed my belly and the incisions.
 |
| incisions 5 hours post-op |
I am so impressed with the wounds. They look more like scratches :shock: and it is obvious, even at this early stage, that they will heal well and become invisible :D - bring on the bio-oil. They are also lower down than I anticipated - that is a good thing as my bra will not rub on them :). Mr Hewin, I am liking your work there sir *doffs cap*.
I have some discomfort (certainly know someone has been fiddling with my insides) but not pain. The discomfort is eased significantly by moving around :). I did have an 'oh my' moment when I first swung my legs off the bed and saw a pad I had been lying on that was apparently soaked in blood :O - thankfully, on closer inspection it turned out to be iodine :D
BeBea xx
10.23
ANOTHER UPDATE:
Night Sister popped in a few minutes ago and is very pleased with how well I am looking; obs are all pretty much perfect (which is fantastic because whenever I have had a GA before I have had seriously low BP afterwards and felt dreadful: not today -YAY :). Maybe they give you better drugs when you go private - lol.
Also she told me I have a 10ml band with 4ml added during surgery :)
BeBea x
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