MarinaBleu

That's a good rule of thumb - I am definitely using more willpower than the bandpower - Mucho Thanks for the tip!

I had the exact same question on day 8 - I was given the advice not to get addicted to the scale, which I became after the surgery. Put the scale away for a week and stop stressing - it will happen You have a whole new adventure ahead of you. Hang tight! You'll see the changes. Also remember there are non weight victories along the way too while your body is catching up. ~Kim

I don't normally drink any kind of soda - I lean toward Crystal Lite flavor packets. But I did have a glass of coke last week and let me tell you it was NOT pretty. I had a roaming bubble in my gut for a week that made me nauseous to the point that I went to a clinic so they could prescribe something to easy the nausea. It had me exhausted by 7pm each night and I had a hard time eating because of the feeling of having to vomit. It wasn't worth it. I'm not say this to scare you, but to let you know, what you can tolerate before surgery, you may not be able to tolerate after. ~Kim

My Dr had me fill out an online questionnaire before my first consultations. Then he went over everything I filled out and had more questions. I also wrote down any questions I had before I went in and brought them with me. You have a 2 -3 hour prep time before you go into surgery, this is when anyone who will be in the surgery room will come and see you to talk to you. I had 5 people talk to me while I was being prepped - each one introducing themselves, what part they would be assisting in, asking questions and answering any last minute questions I had. There is a lot of checking going on before you go in - trust me they don't want to mess anything up. I had the nurse quiz me about the vitamins I was taking, why I was taking them, how long I'd been taking them and the doses...they want to know your history, any surgery's you've had in the past, are you a smoker, drinker or recreational drug user...they go over it with a fine tooth comb I hope this helps ~ Kim

For the most part I eat slow and steady. If I eat too fast or don't turn my food into pulp, it gets stuck (especially breads). I've only have one major block this past week with a piece of chicken that was not chewed enough - it took about 5 minutes of sliming and waiting for it to pass - I was warned if that happens to go to liquids for a day due to possible swelling. Getting hungry 15 minutes after eating is very frustrating - you clean up your kitchen and suddenly you feel like you need to eat again...ugh! ~Kim

I'm just curious how you all feel about how tight a band should be - I know everyone is different, I was trying to see if I'm "normal" I've gone 3x's in the past month to get filled. The Dr. checked the amount, no leaking. But how tight is tight? I'm a bit frustrated that I eat 5 to 6 oz, feel full, then about 15 minutes later I feel it all slip down and am hungry again... I have a 9cc band and it's at filled to 6.5 at the moment. How long should I feel full? I feel like I'm eating all day long... I think I was expecting to feel full for at least 3 hrs from consuming 4 to 5 oz's? Any thoughts? Your input is welcome and appreciated!! ~Kim

Hadn't thought about the electrolytes, I'll give it a try - mucho thanks

I'm on day 15 and started feeling nauseas after "breakfast". I had it over the weekend but it was mild, today feels quite different and has kept me from getting into my day. When I sit or lay down it seems to calm down, but as soon as I get up, I feel sick to my stomach. I did call the Dr's office and they said it's kind of like having morning sickness and normal - I've never had kids, so I don't know what thats like... Has anyone else experienced this?

I've had shoulder pain all along, some days it's barely there, other days it talks to me all day. My Dr told me some people have the gas pain as long as 6 weeks out, while others are good after a week post op. I'm sorry for your discomfort, I hope you get some relief soon ~Kim

I'm going through the same thing. I was banded 3 weeks ago. I posted the same frustration on another forum site and was directed to a great thread with some great info...hope this helps If you have recently been banded please read this. I'm hoping to save many of you grief and stop you from driving yourself crazy with unanswered questions. This thread is not directed towards one person and I'm hoping to help some of you out. I've read about a dozen threads lately, and responded to a few, about the following: There are a few stages you will be going through in the next couple of weeks. Liquids - they suck, Mushies - they suck too, Soft Foods - Ah, life is getting better and finally Normal Foods. Somewhere in there is Bandhell. I want to cover the sucky stages; Liquids and Mushies as well as Bandhell. Liquids - this is the stage you will most likely lose the most weight. 1st and most importantly of all - follow your doctors instructions. If he tells you stay on a week - do that, if you're told liquids for three weeks - please follow his orders. You didn't have major abdominal surgery to cheat and put yourself at risk. It's not a picnic - it's also not forever. Hang in there. Mushies - you may have to wait a couple of weeks before you can enjoy the pallet of a one year old. Truly - the first time you get some "flavor" other than chicken broth, popcicles and jello - is wonderful. It's also deceptive. After weight falling off of you at an amazing speed - you may actually gain weight. It is OK - this is normal. Don't freak out! There is nothing wrong with you and you've done nothing wrong. You may think it is okay to start adding back "normal foods". You think your body is ready, after all everything seems to go down fine. Don't do it unless you call your doctor and he says it is okay. Now is also when you have to start learning how to deal with head hunger. The first six weeks following surgery is for healing. Let me say that again, HEALING. Don't push yourself and cheat just because you are missing chewing or eating your favorite foods. Everyone that has been banded has been in your shoes. We all know how you feel and it is no fun. Remember this is only temporary. You will eventually get to eat as normally as possible for a bandster. I say that because after banding your life will never be as it was before. It is something that takes adjusting and time. BANDSTER HELL - After six weeks (or so), the doc finally approves you to move on to normal eating. You are so hungry by now you feel like you could eat a horse. About this same time you should get your first fill. This should help some of your hunger. Don't expect it to though. It often takes more than one fill to get you to your sweet spot (the perfect adjustment level for your band). More than likely you'll be in Bandster Hell. You have a band, but it really isn't going like you thought it was. You can still eat more than you want and you have another month (or more sometimes) before your next fill. You may be going off of willpower alone. Here's some things that may help: * Start Logging Your Foods - keep track of your protein, calories and daily intake. Use paper if you want. There are great websites out there that have online programs just for that. * Start An Exercise Program - Muscle weighs more than fat. If you are exercising regularly you may be putting on muscle - thus you weigh more * Measure Yourself - You often lose inches when the pounds aren't coming off * Weigh Yourself, but don't become obsessive. I weigh once a week - at first it was daily, sometimes more than that. Every ounce would drive me insane when I did that. The scale makes me accountable * Measure your food. Know how much of something is going into your body My last word of advice - Don't compare your weight loss to anyone elses. You are only setting yourself up for heartbreak. We all lose weight very differently. Some people are put on different pre-op programs, every doctor is different on their post-op diets as well. Someone that has been on liquids for three to four weeks will have a larger weight loss than someone that hasn't. Our metabolisms are different. We should be losing 1-2 pounds a week with the band. You should lose slowly - so don't get discouraged or angry if you aren't down 50 pounds in two months. I'm finally near my sweet spot and it took four months to get there. Being banded isn't easy - it is hard work. It is only a tool and a tool is only as good as its user. In ending I must say there have been ups and downs for me since April, but every struggle was and is worth it. I would do it over again in a heartbeat. I have learned so much about myself in the past few months. I've learned how to deal with addictions and demons I refused to face in the past. I've also learned to love me again and know I am worth the battle.

Mari, you're going to have to dig deep to find ways to stay on your liquids - this is such an important part of healing. You could be setting yourself up for problems down the road. What you eat today to stretch out your stomach, could result in the band slipping down the road. If you don't get a grip now, the band is just going to be a useless and expensive piece of plastic inside you - it can't do the work for you. Here is a link to some You Tube videos - there is info on why the liquid phase is sooooo important and there is one on the importance of attitude. http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=LAPBANDVIDEOS Be strong!!! ~Kim

Way to go ladies!! :cheerleader: :cheerleader: :cheerleader: :cheerleader: :cheerleader:

Jessica, Sending good thoughts your way hoping your stomach calms down. ~Kim

UGH!! It feels like since I've started this band journey all I've been doing is obsessing about food! I've tried to redirect my energy but that only lasts for so long before another food commercial, smell or thought crashes into my consciousness and then it starts all over again. I got this heavy for a reason and now I need to do daily battle with it. I'm determined to win, but it ain't easy. I decided not to tell anyone about my banding because I didn't want people to think I took the 'easy' way out. I don't want to justify myself, debate my decision or want the "food police" watching my every morel asking if I'm supposed/allowed to have that...as far as the world knows I had my hiatal hernia taken care of (which I did) and that's the reason for my eating. Everyone on this board knows this is defiantly not the "easy" way out. I applaud your strength and determination to choose a healthier life and LIVING IT!! “Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.” ~Unknown

Welcome Tara and Tara, Best wishes to you both!!

Way to go Nicolek

I still had shoulder discomfort 9 days out - my Dr told me some people have it as long as 6 weeks - I'm at day 12 and the only time I feel it now is when I lay down, and it's almost non existent. Together we can do this!! ~Kim

At what point after you got banded did you hit your first plateau? (I realize everyone is going to be different) This is the point when most of my sabotage starts and I end up throwing in the towel of what ever diet I happen to be on...I guess to be able to plan ahead could save me some self defeating behavior. Way to go for those of you who were able to push past that point. ~Kim

I just mixed up a vanilla/raspberry concoction - can't wait for it to set up - licking the bowl was the best...lol!! Mucho Thanks for the yummy suggestion - it came at the perfect time >

Mari - I wish someone would have warned me about the pain too - mine felt like someone ratcheted my shoulder out of its socket for the first 3 days - It does get better from here!! Hang in there

Great Suggestion! Mucho Thanks! ~Kim

I'm at day 11 (liquid phase) and not getting enough fiber - does anyone have any suggestion? Thanks!!

What is the OCC plan?

Hi Everyone, I just got banded Aug 21st. They took care of my hiatal hernia while they were in there, so my recovery was just a day or 2 longer. I never filled the pain meds - I wasn't in that much pain (kicked in the stomach and 1000 sittups pain, but not meds kind of pain) I was back to work on day 6, I will admit to being more tired than usual and not able to have a stimulating conversation, but I don't think I was loopy or out of it. I still have to keep my crabbiness in check due to lack of carbs, but I think that goes along with the territory. There is a learning curve for everyone. I'm on day 10 and I think all things considers, this is the best thing I've done. The first 3 weeks before you can introduce "real food" back in are a bit trying but the results are well worth the journey. I asked my Dr the same question about what are some of the draw backs and worst case scenarios he's seen, his response was non compliance by patients not following the lifestyle change. The one thing I wish I'd have know was about the pain in your shoulder from the air they fill you with!! Yikes! Best wishes! ~Kim

Here is the PostOp Diet I got from Michigan Obesity Surgical Specialists. I was banded on Aug 21. 2008 Week 1 Foods (day 1-7) Water Sugar Free Jell-O Chicken, beef or Veg stock broth (low sodium is a better choice) Crystal Light - Minute Maid Lite - Diet Snapple Sugar Free Popsicles Start Protein Drinks on day 3. Try to get between 50-70 grams of protein a day. Week 2 Foods (day 8-15) Thickened Liquids Reduced sugar yogurt Sugar free pudding Creamy soups (cream of potato, cream of broccoli, cream of tomato) - no clam chowder STRAIN ALL CHUNKS FROM SOUP healthy shakes: use a blender to mix a low fat yogurt, protein powder, ice and 3 - 4 ounced of skim milk. Sugar free fudgesicles Sugar Free creamsicles All of week 1 items. Week 3 (day 16-22) Soft Foods Proteins & Fats Eggs - you may prepare virtually in any way. Be sure to take small bites and chew thoroughly. This is an outstanding source of protein "Soft Cheese" - these are high in protein, moderate fat and generaly low in carbs -cottage cheese -soft cheddar -soft mozzarella Soy Tofu Hummus Carbohydrates Mashed potatos, regular or sweet - limit your volume to 1/2 - 1 cup per day Cream of wheat Cream of rice Unsweatened Oatmeal - INSTANT, NOT OLD FASHION (it expands too much) - do not add brown sugar or honey Grits Farina Baby Food - may patients like the small sizes, the broad choices and convenient packaging. Week 4 (day 23-29) Soft Meats Fish: salmon, whitefish, tilapia, tuna - try baking or broiling -use light may of light Miracle Whip Seafood: Shrimp, lobster, crab - use lemons, NO butter -steamed, broiled or barbecued (No Deep Frying) Turkey/Chicken - These meats should be prepared so the food is moist. Patients will often mistake their first difficult episode with turkey or chicken as intolerance when in reality the meat is simply too dry. Beans and Nuts: (6 to 10 Nuts = 1 Fat) - Unsalted peanuts and cashews are an excellent source of proteins as are beans Red Meat or beef is not recommend at this stage because it can be very difficult to pass through the band. After the sixth postop week you can begin to try ground beef and advance slowly to other cuts Deli Meat - start off eating 86% Fat Free, not 98% Fat Free. Week 5 (day 30-36) Fruits & Vegetables At this point begin to reintroduce fruits and veggies into your diet. It is wise to begin with cooked vegetables and soft fruits. Fruits and vegetables have high fiber content and can be difficult for some patients to pass through the band. Items that have a peel, like and apple, should initially be peeled until you are certain the the fiber content is not too much. Again, the key is CHEWING WELL. Salads and raw vegetables are OK as long as they are chewed finely before swallowing. Although this sounds trivial, eave easy, this is usually the most difficult adjustment for patients to make. It takes a conscious effort to do it right. Just like any habit, once established you will no linger need to be as mindful. (side note: be careful of Fruits: grapes & blueberries - Vegetables: corn, peas, romaine lettuce - these seem to have a higher risk of getting stuck) Week 6 and Beyond Red Meat & Breads Congratulations! You've finally made it! At this point you can reintroduce red meat. Start with ground beef before moving on to cutes of beef. The importance of chewing well cannot be overemphasized. Keep in mind that 3-4 small bites will probably be all you an accommodate. Starches, like bread, pasta and rice can be reintroduced. Some patients will tolerate these items and some will have a difficulty almost every time they try to ear bread or rice. It is common for patients to experience the sensation of pouch distension (with resulting pain and discomfort) or the sensation of these items "getting stuck". Some patients may find that toasting bread makes all the difference. If you should experience this, slow down, take a few slow seep breaths and the symptom swill usually subside. If the symptoms continue then have a very small sip of water to help the food pass through the band, If the bites are too large the fluid can cause bread and rice to expand and the only way for them to pass is by vomiting, This should be viewed as a lesson and not a treatment. NEVER INDUCE VOMITING. If your body needs to vomit to expel the ingest foods it will do it on its own. Avoid excessive starches. Breads and crackers made from whole wheat or multi grain are much better choices because they have much lower sugar. White breads and refined crackers (Wonder Bread and Saltines) should be avoided. Side note: Angel hair pasta & Spaghetti are ok - be careful of Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo, Rotinni This was copied from the information packed from Great Lakes Weight Loss Center 41 yrs old - Height 5'8" Pre Op Weight - 243.5 lbs One week pre op diet - 237.5 lbs Day 8 - 226 lbs NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS