I know it is kind of late in my journey to be talking about this, but I can finally describe what it is like for me and hopefully it will help another along the way. I am not sure if the feeling I have is unique to a bandit, but I believe it probably happens to some degree to all of us.

We have known the feelings of a cranky tummy, things that don't agree with our tummies, food our tummies won't tolerate..the list goes on and on. (I have an appt scheduled with my PCP and surgeon, just in case of some underlying issue)

As a rule of thumb with my surgeons instructions, when you have a fill it is advised you go back to the beginning. We are told to eat like we did in the early stages of our recovery since our tummy swells after a fill. It usually takes about 2 days to comfortably eat normal (our new kind of normal).

We can all say that we have the burps and more belching gas after surgery than before. I have noticed though that occasionally I get this and also some pain when I eat. Also pressure, especially in my esophagus. I have noticed that my band is tighter earlier in the day and so I tend to get more of these sensations at the tighter times.

It works best for me to have a warm beverage right away in the morning, then a little something like a protein shake to add a little pressure and nutrition. I liken it to some stretching exercise for Pearl. Here come the belches. Boy is that lovely, but my hubby gets quite a charge out of the whole scenario. (Free entertainment for guys, I guess!)

I have to repeat this whole scenario all day if the day starts out difficult. I believe the reason is that "Pearl" is acting like a newborn baby. I realized all of this when my husband was hugging me one day, then started patting me on the back like one of the kids when they were little. To my wild amazement it produced a big burp...

We have this baby to nurture and love after waiting so long to hold and cuddle this little body. We feed them and it becomes a challenge trying to find the best method to help feed, calm and sooth them.

Then this morning while enduring the routine of Pearl's crankiness, I understood that what a baby must feel when it cries and has colic is somewhat like I felt. I can find a fast amount of relief while a baby doesn't know how.

A baby likes warm milk. Cold milk seems to make the tummy hurt. Feeding is still somewhat foreign to the digestive plumbing. How can something so yummy make you feel so yucky? Babies are trying to learn that feeding is a necessity. It is suppose to make the body feel better but then-- here comes the pressure and a big burp. Boy that feels better. Their bodies begin to relax and then off to sleep they fall. Sometimes the pain comes back but then a little soothing and relaxation helps more bubbles come up. Then my favorite...when the big moist burp comes up all over your shoulder--(and ahhh that feels soooo much better!) For me that is how the foamies end. Not so pretty but sooo much better than 10 seconds before!

I also know that different scenarios bother my Pearl. A smoke filled room, waiting too long to eat. Getting really really cold (wow, a concept I forgot about when I had more insulation), not drinking enough throughout the day, pollen/ allergies. I am sure we all have our triggers.

I find if I can get Pearl to relax, then I can eat almost anything. The trick is to find a nutritious and a comfortable way to relax my esophagus and my band before I start in on my meal.

So far-- a warm sip of something thicker (malt o meal-- a little runny), Cream soup that is pureed. These are my tricks so far. Any ideas?

I just wanted to help someone along the way know that there isn't anything wrong, it is just the new "you and your partner" learning how to work together. Hope this helps...

It really IS different for banders, isn't it? Warm malt o meal would make me feel like I'm having a heart attack! But I do get the warm sip idea. Very interesting info, Lynn. Thank you for sharing. I wish more band-its would post their info. We need people from every procedure to come forward and tell their stories and share their stuff. Info is power!

Lynn, I really appreciate your detailed description. While I had a Lap RNY, I do have friends that have a band and this is something I am going to pass on to them. I think they will really understand what you are saying in a way that I couldn't because they have mentioned some of the same symptoms you have and I am clueless to help.

Just goes to show that we can all learn from each other, no matter what procedure we had!

The commercials on tv are right, "KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!" Thanks for posting this sis. I am sorry, Pearl is having a difficult time. Be advised, excessive burping can be an indicator of gallbladder trouble. In time, Pearl will feel better. Maybe I will come over this weekend. We can drink tea and chat!

HUVS!

Being a fellow bandit, you have described it to a "T".

My Lap Band surgery is Feb 4th so I'm just about ready to join all you other Bandits! It's these kinds of posts that I most appreciate --- really helps me to be prepared for what's ahead! And now I need to come up with a name for my newest best friend... !! Maybe Angel!

Thanks Again!

Kelly S.

Being a RnY girl, myself I don't have those particular symptoms...I do however, have the BURPIES!!!! Whew...Lynn, I can totally identify with your relief after hubby's "patting"...I have posted this before but OMG how I burp after a meal and have always done so since wls...glad to know I'm no loner!

??Marla, is excessive burping always a sign of gallbladder issues??? Just curious considering I always have the burps! My wl surgeon told me in the early days that it's just what happens to some patients...

Hey there Amelia!
Here is an informational site about the symptoms. Gallbladder attack info I have an appt with my PCP coming up, so I'll talk to her. I noticed though that if Ihave kept my tummy soothed, it seems to be the trick for my discomfort--unless I take bites that are too big and swallow before I am done chewing! A band thing, I am sure...

Up until right now peppermint tea is the most sooting, but I also am trying the Sassy Water and that seems to be doing the trick, too...

I have begun to refer to mealtimes as air displacement exercises!




Kelly, it won't be long now..if you have any questions, just PM me. It will be a breezzzzeee....... You are almost there!!!!!!