Normal?

[~Shelly~]

I was banded Monday and came home last night. I have to drink (broth, jello, water, popsicles) 4ounces every hour. I've been doing an ounce ever 15m - sometimes I forget. I'm not hungry, but I also don't feel like I couldn't drink anymore. Is that normal. I thought I'd feel very full even after drinking small amounts, and I don't feel that way.

Also, am I supposed to be losing weight since Monday? I haven't, but I'm also really swollen and bloated - so I'm assuming that is why?? When should I start seeing weight loss? I know I'm only 2 days out but I get nervous over everything

Lastly, they put steri strips, over my incisions areas, and then a clear plastic dressing over that. I've been SO ITCHY around the incisions!!!!!!! I took the clear dressings off today as directed and around each incision is red and slightly inflammed and SO ITCHY! The redness is in the exact shape of where the clear plastic was touching my skin. Anyone have that happen??

Thanks!
Shelly

[Mloukas143]

In regards to your hunger, you will feel hungry as usual until your next fill according to other bandsters. Since the surgery, they put the lap band around your stomach, but they haven't put any restriction in there either...at least that is the case for most doctors. Most doctors want you to recover and heal first, and then about 6 weeks later they will apply a fill through the port....some people don't feel the satiety until after 3 fills or so..it does take time, and patience. your body has to heal now, and that is most important. so relax, take your sips, walk around here and there, and just recover. don't worry about the scale, some people gain after the surgery because they are swollen and/or from the anesthesia...the first few weeks i have been told are the hardest..because there is no restriction, so you have to use your own strength and will power...you will get through this! i am not banded yet, but can't wait to be!
i can't answer your question about the itchiness over the incision area..maybe someone else can answer that for you!
congrats on being banded!

[Stitchy]

You most likely won't feel hungry for a few days at least. You are swollen and have *natural* restriction. The reason for only a few ounces is because you shouldn't put any stress on you stomach/stoma/band. Go gently. Everyone is different as far as feeling full or not. You may or may not lose weight right away. Yep, everyone is different. Don't worry if you don't lose anything for awhile. The first 6 weeks are for healing, not losing. If you do lose, that's just a bonus.

Be careful when you are off clear liquids. When you are on full liquids, you can satiate yourself with blended soups thinned with broth. Consistency should be that you could suck it through a straw. That will help a lot.,

Best of luck, Sweetie.


I was banded Monday and came home last night. I have to drink (broth, jello, water, popsicles) 4ounces every hour. I've been doing an ounce ever 15m - sometimes I forget. I'm not hungry, but I also don't feel like I couldn't drink anymore. Is that normal. I thought I'd feel very full even after drinking small amounts, and I don't feel that way.

Also, am I supposed to be losing weight since Monday? I haven't, but I'm also really swollen and bloated - so I'm assuming that is why?? When should I start seeing weight loss? I know I'm only 2 days out but I get nervous over everything

Lastly, they put steri strips, over my incisions areas, and then a clear plastic dressing over that. I've been SO ITCHY around the incisions!!!!!!! I took the clear dressings off today as directed and around each incision is red and slightly inflammed and SO ITCHY! The redness is in the exact shape of where the clear plastic was touching my skin. Anyone have that happen??

Thanks!
Shelly

[martha]

Hi Shelly,

I think what you're feeling is normal.....there were times when I wasn't hungry and then others where I was ravenous! Just keep doing what the doctor says. Water is soooooo important, you don't want to get dehydrated.

Like Stitchy said, don't worry about weight loss right now, it's all about healing.....that said I'm sure you will lose some....you are very swollen right now - so put that scale away until Monday...easier said than done, I know!

It sounds like you might be having a slight allergic reaction to the adhesive. Do you have any Benadryl, either liquid or cream? Try that...if that doesn't help, call your doctor. I was very itchy but not from the adhesive just from healing. You don't have a temp do you?

Keep asking questions, keep drinking water and walking as much as you can....and REST!! We are here for you! It only gets better from this point on! I promise!

[Mloukas143]

woo hoo you fixed your ticker!

[BrendaC]

You are on target with my experience post-op. Very difficult to get in the liquids and I probably wasn't able to for the first 2-3 days. Do the very best you can. I started getting hungry about day 4. I guess the swelling was going down from the manipulation during surgery, although my doc put in 3cc at surgery.
I also have the same problem with tape, I had to wear mine 1 week and it burned me! You could see what looked like 'scalded places weeks later from where the clear dressing was. It goes away eventually and nothing helped my itchiness. Contact your doc and see what they say. As far as weight loss everyone is different. I lost 4 pounds the first day and a pound every day or so. In 4 weeks lost 15#. I don't know if there is such a thing as an average. It would be according to our weight, age etc. You will do great. I too had my doubts but it does happen. Happy losing and welcome to band-land!

[kristina]

yep all normal..i would talk to the doc about your itchiness and swelling though..i didnt have that at all...
i lost 15 pds in1 month like brenda...