3 days post-op! Feel bloated yet not eating/drinking enough

dlynnmarie · 05-16-2008, 09:33 AM

I had the lap band surgery on May 13th. It was a rough couple days due to the anesthesia, but I'm feeling much better now. Although I refer to the post-op dieting instructions all the time, much of the time I can't tell if I'm full or not, I have a bloated feeling the minute I eat or drink anything. The post-op instructions say to drink 6-8 cups of fluids per day and I can't even drink close to that, but at the same time it says to stop eating/drinking at the first sign of fullness. Seems contradictory - I'm sure it's not. I'm probably trying to make brain surgery out of this and don't need to. Any of you fellow bandsters have a similar experience? I welcome all responses!

By the way, what is a "tag". It says I can add one to this thread - I'm new here and don't know what a tag is.

Jenn1969 · 05-16-2008, 09:54 AM

I was also banded on the 13th. I am having pain in my chest area like something stuck sort of. I hope this is just normal healing but I had a hernia repair also. As far as the full feeling, they told me I wouldn't have that feeling for several days due to the swelling. I can't get in all of my liquid either. Have you tried any of thw protein powders? I ad the benetein powder to my chicken broth so I at least get protein.
Good Luck on your recovery.

NeNe967 · 05-16-2008, 10:00 AM

dlynnmarie & Jenn1969,

You are both feeling what you are suppose to feel. I had those same feelings. Drink what you can and don't worry about it. You will know when you can tolerate more liquid. If you force liquid down, it might come back up or you will have an awful feeling in your stomach. Just do as much as you can and walk, walk, walk. Walking helps heal the body and gets things to flow again.

I hope my post is helpful to you both.

Best regards,
Ms. NeNe

goodbyefood · 05-16-2008, 10:03 AM

dlynnmarie you're not alone, I was banded on 5-12 and today is the worst day yet. i await anyone's response to your question with anticipation.

holly11 · 05-16-2008, 10:18 AM

I was banded on the 12th and I am feeling better today just weak. I think your feeling is normal. Sometimes I think I am hungry but when I fix something I can only drink 2 or 3 sips and I feel full. I think we just need to listen to our bodies and it will tell us what we need. My biggest problem is I am so weak, lightheaded and dizzy. I know this doesn't answer your question but I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I hope your recovery goes well and I am sure you will figure things out!!!

Crystal115 · 05-16-2008, 11:48 AM

I was also banded on May 13. The first day wasn't so bad but the second day was terrible. Each day since has been getting better as far as the pain and weakness. I also am not able to get in all the fluids. Everything I take in, comes right back out. Anyone else with this problem? I am running to the bathroom like 10 times a day.

Tomorrow I start full liquids. Anyone else? I am looking forward to some cream of wheat. Hopefully things will improve when I start taking something in with some substance. Take care and best wishes!

Aquameliza · 05-16-2008, 05:17 PM

I had surgery on 5/13 (along with a hernia repair) and I am still quite gassy- I can feel every movement of gas in my intestines. I had a tough time urinating the first few times in the hospital and that is better- but, every time I go, I also have liquid diarrhea. It is distresssing, but I am still home for a few days. I am weak and tired and sore too- I keep telling myself that this will get better. If I still feel like this on Monday, I will call the doctor's office.
The Gassiest May Flower Around.

KELVINSMOM · 05-16-2008, 05:23 PM

Hello new Bandsters.. congrats to all and I wish you a speedy recovery. I am almost 3 weeks post op and feeling great.. I had the same symptoms as all of you guys. the gas, the bloating and unable to get a lot of fluids. I did not start feeling myself until week 2 and as i moved into mushies and more stable foods like soup and apple sauce. Enjoy the days of feeling full! You know you are healed when you start feeling hungry - LOL. That is when the real challenges set in.. will power and eating choices.. my best to All..

dlynnmarie · 05-16-2008, 08:59 PM

Hey, this is dlynnmarie (Donna). Thanks for all the feedback, I really appreciate it. I talked to my doctor about this today as well. He said the same thing you all did - that the bloated feeling is from the swelling which takes a while to go down, and that I shouldn't worry about getting the full amount of liquids in. He said the important thing is to not get dehydrated. One of the repliers to my post said she was peeing constantly, and that's good. Peeing a lot means your body doesn't need the extra fluid and isn't trying to hold onto it, which it will do when you get dehydrated. Also, the more clear your urine is, the better. Most of you probably know this already, but when you have bright yellow or dark yellow urine, it's a sign of dehydration.

I think the one replier had a good point too that if we just listen to what our body tells us, that's the key. My body's just a BIT CONFUSED right now!! LOL.

My mom, who had gastric bypass a few years ago, bought me protein shake drinks which were pre-made, rather than powder you have to mix. They are by EAS and called Myoplex Lite. They look like juice boxes. My mom got me French Vanilla, and I have to say, they're not bad. They're not GREAT, but there not bad!

As far as not keeping anything down, I had that problem only the first 24 hours, which was bad enough! My heart goes out to anyone who experiences that - it is not fun! My doctor said when that happens in the first 3 days, it is the anesthesia causing it and you just have to let it wear off.

I've only had the surgery on the 13th, and already I'm craving solid foods! Can't wait to eat something with some kind of substance to it! Not complaining though - the weight's coming off.

NeNe967 · 05-19-2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquameliza

I had surgery on 5/13 (along with a hernia repair) and I am still quite gassy- I can feel every movement of gas in my intestines. I had a tough time urinating the first few times in the hospital and that is better- but, every time I go, I also have liquid diarrhea. It is distresssing, but I am still home for a few days. I am weak and tired and sore too- I keep telling myself that this will get better. If I still feel like this on Monday, I will call the doctor's office.
The Gassiest May Flower Around.

You are feeling exactly what you should be feeling. It will get better everyday. Hang in there!

Aquameliza · 05-19-2008, 03:28 PM

So, I ended up calling my doctor yesterday as I was so concerned about the 5 days of loose stools - very dramatically loose ones- stomach cramping and all. Yuck. It was certainly the napalm assault of the antibiotics- so I had to recolonize my intestines by breaking open acidopholous capsules and drinking Keffir yogurt- it you can find it, it is the best thing in the world - low fat, but no fake sugars and high in protein and fiber.
I think they should tell everyone to drink yogurt drinks along with the protein shakes to recolonize. Did anyone else have this problem?

mstrina27 · 05-19-2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeNe967

dlynnmarie & Jenn1969,

You are both feeling what you are suppose to feel. I had those same feelings. Drink what you can and don't worry about it. You will know when you can tolerate more liquid. If you force liquid down, it might come back up or you will have an awful feeling in your stomach. Just do as much as you can and walk, walk, walk. Walking helps heal the body and gets things to flow again.

I hope my post is helpful to you both.

Best regards,
Ms. NeNe

This is soooo true.....

3 days post-op! Feel bloated yet not eating/drinking enough

3 days post-op! Feel bloated yet not eating/drinking enough

Banded May 13 too!

Rumblings below!

Thanks guys!

Loose Stools for Days!