Kate

Hi Ladies,

I am looking for suggestions for bring to work meals during the early stages of banding.

I plan to take about a week off work after surgery, so that I will be past the clear liquid and well into the creamy soups stage of the post-op diet. I work in an office with a kitchen, fridge/freezer, microwave, water cooler.

I would love some suggestions on what you bring to work for lunch.

Thanks Cathy

Hello Kate,

I'm just copying the below from another post of mine:

"One bit of advice - whenever I was moving slow I would increase my protein intake - I'd have my Isopure Low Carb, high protein shake in the morning. It has 50 grams of 100% Ion Exchange Whey Protein Isolate and when you add in your nonfat high protein milk that brings you up to 60 grams for only 310 calaries. It was my biggest hit of calories for the day and I'd only have it in the morning when my band was tight. (I was lucky if I could drink it all) And then the rest of the day only solids in two other meals, my band is tight so about 1/4 to 1/2 cup total and I'd always start with my protein (chicken/fish/turkey) chew the living daylights out of it and then veggies - hardly had room for fruit and rarely made it to the carbs - but tried.

The high protein really kicked my body into burning the fat - I had heard that from a lady from this board that had lost most of her weight - she was right on."

(Its a great way to get a good amount of protein in one meal)

Best,

Lisa

Lisa,

Thank You so much! I will start that this weekend! Kate

Hey MM-

This happend to me as well. Mine was after my second fill (2.0cc's in my band) I came home and had a normal dinner just to be a rebel and "test" my new fill. Bad, bad banster... I know but I everything just fine! It took about 5 days for mine to "kick" in

When ppl ask me about my band... the best word for me to describe it is FICKLE!

Congrats on your restriction!!!

Hey Girls,

I had my fill on Monday (2.1 CCs) I was a little disappointed because I felt very little restriction. Ah but now, 4 days later...yikes! Happy to have it though.

Any March 10 bandsters still checking the forum?

Kate

How important is the protein? I don't think I am getting enough of it.

Hi Kimmie, and Hi all!

I am worried about not getting enough protein.

I found I just can't do it eating 3 tiny meals a day. I am getting 40 grams a day at best.

I want this to work, but I think I am missing something.

I have noticed my fingernails have become very soft, easily torn or splitting, and for the past 2 days I have felt light-headed and dizzy.

Do I substitue a protein shake for a meal? Any ideas?

I got my first fill this week and prior to it I hadn't really lost much, so I am concerned with calories, carbs, etc.

Kate

Hi,

I will be looking for a fill doctor in Florida if I decide not to go back to TJ. Does anyone know of any good ones?

Best, Helen >

Hi Helen,

I had wanted to go back to TJ for my first fill, but it's a long ride.

So, I am getting my first fill in Tampa (Fill Centers USA) on April 21. The have another office in St. Pete.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Kate

Hi Kate,

Congratulations! It sounds like you're doing great. I was banded on March 20th, and am anxiously awaiting my first meal on April 9th. Did you lose any weight on the post op liquid diet? Also, did you concentrate on calories or protien?

Hi Utahmom,

I feel great. I've lost a total of 21 lbs. since starting the pre-op diet. I have only lost 12 since the surgery. I really didn't watch my calories for my liquids, but concentrated more on the protein. I bought vanilla flavored whey protein and added it to almost everything (except cheddar cheese soup ...blech!)

Anyway, I get on the scale every morning and I know I shouldn't. I don't seem to be losing right now, however I have dropped a pants size, so something's going on.

I really have to become more diligent with counting calories I suppose. I am concerned with the amount of protein I am getting. So I am eating a lot of fish, boca burgers and eggs. I'll let you know how that works...I've only been on solid foods a few days.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for all the advice. Today I nuked some Campbell's fiesta nacho cheese soup and then strained all the peppers out as to not have any chunks and I feel like I came back from the buffet!! I'm making chili tonight (kidney beans, hamburger tomato sauce that kind of chili) do you think if I put it my magic bullet and made it really runny is that fine? No chunks but some consistency?!? Any suggestions? :-?

You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I put in my blender during the first 3 weeks on the post op diet, Ha ha ha! By the time I hit the third week I added Ham to campbells cheddar cheese soup! You have to get creative.

I am on my first week of solid food now and feel only a little restriction, but not hungry all the time like I was prior to getting my band. I am thinking my first fill will be the last week in April.

This is quite the journey and I am really loving it! >

Good luck to you! I will look for posts on your progress.

Kate

Hey everyone! And Hi to Diane, Val, Antsooz and Lovetta!

Yesterday was my first official meal!

I invited some family and friends over. (I love to cook) I grilled salmon, steamed broccoli (with home made lite hollandaise sauce). I made yellow rice and black beans, bruchetta, and a few other munchies for my guests. I was able to eat about a 3 inch square of salmon, broccoli and a small piece of bruchetta. I was full. I know bandsters have moderate troubles with rice and pastas, so I only gave the rice a little taste. The trick was taking small, deliberate bites and chew, chew, chew. Eat slowly and take the time to enjoy your meal. AND don't drink! That was hard. I am so used to slugging down at least 1 big glass of water with a meal.

We'll see how this week goes.

Anyone with menu ideas for the post-op? Please post! Tell us what works for you!

I am still mega excited, super happy and I have a whole new outlook on life! Thanks Dr. Ortiz!!! >

Kate!

I gave up diet coke a few months ago, and am now on a tea kick, green, white, black. You can get creative, and I use Stevia to sweeten its a natural leaf that has no sugar in it! and NO chemicals. I really don't miss it all that much!!! Good luck!

Donna

I'm loving the green tea too! I especially like Lipton's Diet Citrus Green Tea...Yummy! Kate

Hey Girls!

How are my fellow bandsters out there?

I was banded March 10th. All seems to be going quite smoothly. I think I am starting to get hungry for the first time since my procedure.

Anyone else getting the munchies?

Could be 'head hunger' or could be because I baked a big old Ham for Easter with all the traditional sides?

I can have my first solid foods on March 31st and I am already planning it.

Kate

Hello everyone. Maybe some of you had (are having) this same problem and can offer me some advice and solace.

My older sister has known that I am planning to have lap band surgery, but she was not aware that I was having it done in Mexico. Last night on the phone I forgot I didn't tell her and mentioned it.

She got really angry, comparing it to a back alley abortion! I told her I had researched this thoroughly and that Dr. Ortiz is one of the best in the world. It didn't matter to her. I told her I would send her url's to look at and she said she doesn't want to see them. She is DEAD SET against it.

I told her I am not stupid and I wouldn't do this if I were not sure of what I was doing.

Anyway, it ended up with her hanging up on me. Thank God we don't live in the same town!

It's not like I'm a kid. I'm 50 years old, and she's 53!

I know it's my decision and I know how she feels is her problem, but it has really put me to the test as far as emotional eating is concerned. I haven't given in yet. (I'm on the pre-diet diet from Dr. Miranda) But it is really tough.

I need some support from people who have been through similar circumstances and advice about what you did!

Jena

Jena,

I too kept my trip to Mexico a secret from several of my family members for the very same reasons. Of course I had to tell my husband. He was not hip to the surgery in the first place, but add the fact that I wanted to go to Mexico for it and Yikes! It took quite a bit of talking and reassuring.

I was banded on March 10th and the experience you will have at the OCC is unlike anything here in the states. The facility is state of the art and sparkling clean. The Doctors are WORLD renowned. The staff is impressive, kind and thoughtful.

My husband was reassured as Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez and the anesthist spoke to us before surgery.

I know she's your sister, she loves you and her opinion counts. It must hurt that she thinks that way. But she couldn't be more wrong about the center. Perhaps you could invite her to go with you?

You have to do what is right for you. You will not be disappointed. Read over some of my earlier posts and that of others. We are all very pleased with the care we recieved. All of us have had great experiences.

Good Luck to you!

kate

I had surgery Marth 10th. We were picked up at the hotel at 6:30 but it was Really 7:30 due to the time change. We got to the clinic and filled out paperwork. Did all the pre op test. The blood work is done with the IV so dont worry you only get poked once. Everyone here is so nice and they go out of there way to make you feel at home. Dr. Ortiz came in to my room and talked to me and my parents. He was really funny and up beat. He asked my why I picked his clinic and if it was because of his good looks or what I have hear. I laughed and said it was because of his good looks and NO ONE HAS DIED ON HIS TABLE. He thought that was funny. I was amazed that he did over 5,000 of these bands. However he did say it only takes him 4 to 5 min to place in. Shocked me. This whole experience was wonderful. I did have a minor problem with vomiting. So I called back to the clinic and they sent a van to come and get me to make sure eveything was ok. I did some test and spent another night. I found that because I was use to having caffieen all the time that I was getting head aches and vomiting because I didnt drink any coffee. I wanted to tell anyone who has any hesitations about having the surgery here just let them go. You will not regret it at all. They are all very kind and wonderful. It is defenitly not like the hospitals in the states thats for sure. All of the staff is WONDERFUL! And might I add ladies alot of handsome staff LOL ... Well I am saying goodbye to the people at the clinic and it saddens me that I wont see them for a while but I am looking forward to coming back and getting my fill. Even if I have to drive the 14 Hours. Please e-mail me if you have any questions. It was a great experience.

Hi Tammy! And Hello EVERYBODY!

Tammy, so glad to hear you are doing well. We worried about you. (the vomitting part)

I too was banded March 10th. I can not possibly describe how wonderful the staff at OCC is, how wonderful the enitre experience was. It was practically spiritual! I feel I have taken one of the most rewarding steps of my lifetime. Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Martinez, Senora Aurora Ortiz, Carmelita Rivera, the whole staff...pleasant, caring, empathetic. (I regret I cannot remember everyone's names) My husband was so apprehensive, the whole idea of me actually having the lap band proceedure (never mind going to TIJUANA!) was beyond his realm of understanding. But the staff at OCC spoke to him, encouraged him, eased the tension.

To me, it was more like a fine spa vacation, not at all like surgery or a medical proceedure that one would have in the States.

The OCC was well appointed and comfy. Hotel Lucerna was GREAT!

The day after surgery we were shopping in Tijuana, bartering with the locals, having a blast with new friends and fellow bandsters Val and Diane (from Canada, eh?).

To All of You who are thinking about having this proceedure...FEAR NOT! You are doing the right thing and the OCC is THE place to go.

I will continue to post on my progress.

By the way, I feel like a million bucks. I am back to work, sipping juices and tea, not hungry at all. Down about 10 pounds already. Yay! I am one happy gal!

Loves, Kate!

Girls... I empathize with you... I felt that way when I was doing the pre-op diet too. But guess what... when you are in our/my stage you're not hungry. So there's no hunger... it's in your head. You kinda have these food withdrawals I guess. You will be able to eat normally again but it just takes time to get there... mine in on the 18th of March.. I think...gotta check my paperwork. There are rewards... like right now the lbs. are dropping off. It's cool and you will be encouraged... we'll help you here!!!

Have a nice day ladies!!

Hanna

Thanks, Hanna! It's encouraging to know I won't be feeling this hungry for too much longer. (And congrats to you on the pounds dropping off!)

I have really enjoyed reading all the posts from your group of bandsters. You've been so active and candid with your posts and I am sure many of us getting ready to go have appreciated your comments and encouragement.

I'm better today. We fly out tomorrow and I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the March 10th gang at the hotel Sunday afternoon.

I am READY!

Kate

Now I am getting scared. I am having such a hard time with the pre-op diet...darn scale won't budge. Is there such a thing as starvation mode? I have heard that when you limit your intake beyond a certain point, your body will go into starvation mode and hang onto every ounce it can. I found this when I didn't strictly follow herbalmagic plan, and ate less than what they recommended. after i bumped up my caloric intake just a touch, my weight went down again. is anyone worried about this during pre-op and post op? Or am i just paranoid?

I guess we all worry about this.

I'm so over this pre-op diet. I'm about to turn green and I seem stuck too. I've lost 9 lbs and I'm ready to gnaw my own arm off (God forgive me!).

Then just thinking about the weeks ahead is starting to scare me too. I sure hope there's an end to this hunger. That's the point, isn't it?

We can do this. It's right around the corner! Kate

I'm nervous too! But excited!

I'm scheduled for the 10th, so I'll see you there!

AND Yes, this forum is wonderful!

Kate

And I am the Sister... :-h LOL ..I think Diane is back to work today (shiftwork)

from the sounds of it, we will meet... I am so excited and I know Diane is too. yet nervous.

Pre-op diet is going good, we have protein shakes from Herbalife and having lean cuisine or weight watchers for dinners. so far I am down 9lbs from Sunday and i was told to lose 15.

just eating my salad as I type.

Hello Diane's Sister;

I'm a little nervous too. Just want to be there...Now!

You are really rockin' on your pre-op diet! I am doing slim fast and a lean cuisine for dinner. I've probably only lost a few lbs. since starting it Monday. It's funny, we are all going to Tijuana yet, not a one of us will be indulging in burritos and Tequila! lol! I am looking forward to a little vacation!

See you at Lucerna!!!

Sorry it was a blank response at first...

My sister and I are getting banded March 10th as well. We are flying down from British Columbia, Canada on Sunday the 9th and will be at the Lucerna that afternoon.

We're nervous and excited as we jumped on the bandwagon quickly and are barely hanging on right now it's moving so quickly yet so slow...

Hi Diane!

I know exactly what you mean but it's getting close! I am so excited and a bit nervous. How's your pre-op diet going? I am struggling with mine, but sticking to it. I am eating an awful lot of green salad.

My husband is flying in with me on Saturday. We'll be at the Lucerne sometime Sunday afternoon too.

I look forward to meeting you and your sister!

Another gal is on for the 10th too. Her name is Elle. Hope we all can get together! =D>

I'm scheduled for surgery March 12. My sister-in-law Debbie, who was banded five years ago (has lost 120 lbs), is accompanying me. Looking forward to meeting everyone. Mary Pat

Hi Mary Pat! I am getting my band on March 10th...perhaps I'll see you at the hotel.

I'll let you know how it went!

Best of luck to you!

Kate

It would be great to hear from people who have gotten their fills at one of the Fill Centers (click here for site). There is one about an hour from me so I was considering going there for aftercare. If you have used that one (Roswell, GA) or another one, please share your experiences.

has anyone used a fill center in the Tampa Bay area?

I have had the Costco version and they taste great. (pre-op) Post Op I purchased a Whey Protien powder (chocolate flavor, of course) that I mix with water. It gives me 24 g of Protien per 6 oz drink, and it's low in calories and fat. There is no soduim in it, either. I would suggest using that instead. You can blend it with ice -even a banana and have a yummy shake, that is filling.

Can I suggest something though ---

With all the time, energy and money you are going to be spending - you are going to relearn how to eat. Maybe you can take a little extra time for yourself to make sure you have time to eat a proper meal. I found that I was always taking care of someone else, and leaving mySELF behind. The diet shake would curb my hunger (pre surgery) and soon after I would head for the drive through. I found on the days I took time for mySELF and planned my meals, I was much more satisfied and was eating better.

I'm only 6 days post-op, and ready for my cream soups. I spent about an hour last night making some homemade cream of mushroom and cream of broccoli/chicken soup. I took control of my soduim intake by making my own soup. I also took control over the fat content with the cream. I just had my first little bowl - I was very satisfied with my meal, ate just a little and feel great knowing that making it mySELF, knowing what I just put in my body - that in itself was very satisfying to me!

Good Luck to you!

Much Peace,

Maggie

Maggie,

I am having my procedure in March, and still not sure what to expect post -op. I realize everyone is different, but will I be able to move on to cream soups after a week? And when can you expect to eat 'soft foods'?

I also take the time to cook most meals from scratch, I would really like to hear more from you about what you are cooking up. Thanks!

Kate =D>

I am planning to be there on Sunday. My husband and I are going to arrive at the hotel on that evening. I will be banded that next morning on the 10th. I will look forward to meeting you.

Elle

Great! We'll see you at the Hotel! We can have a celebratory slimfast together! Are you feeling anxious? I'm too excited!

I want to know what are some of the airlines flying form Orlando FL and what are some of the airfares you folks received. Any pointers will help. I want to schedule mine for March but I need to know when it's most inexpensive to fly from Orlando, Florida to San Diego, CA.

Anyone from Florida going anytime soon?

I am flying from Tampa on Southwest Airlines for about $220 round trip. That is their "web only" price. It may be worth it to drive to Tampa for that price. Also, I chose not to fly Easter weekend as the cost went up quite a bit.

Im going to be banded on March 27th with Dr. Ortiz. I am very excited and nervous at the same time. I am thinking I better start my Pre-Op diet soon just incase I have no will power. I am driving down to TJ from Medford Oregon. Its going to be nice.

I am getting my band on my birthday; March 10th! I am so excited, wish I were going today!

We fly in (from Florida) on Saturday March 8th and plan to run around San diego for a day. My husband and I will be at the Lucerna Hotel on Sunday afternoon.

Any one else planning to be there on Sunday?

I am having the surgery on March 14th, i will be flying in on the 13th, i wish it was tomorrow. Anyone else on the 14th?