2 days away from being banded!! It's always seemed so far away and now it's HERE!! Any suggestions or advice from other banders? Anything unexpected or "you wish you had known" prior to going into surgery?

I've read some people talking about how awful post - op is...I don't understand - why is it worse diet wise? Won't I fill fuller faster post - op?? Would love to know your thoughts and opinions! Thanks!

Make sure you walk alot afer surgery, small sips of liquids, no ggulping cause your mouth is so dry it gets better in a day or two

Being banded on the 9th. of June. My daughter was done almost 3 years ago and she said the hardest part for her was the two days of clear liquids prior to surgery. She said post-op the three days of clear liquids was easier as she was full and really didn't feel like eating. I think it all depends on the individual.I started the two days clear liquids this morning and have just been keeping myself VERY busy. I have had some coffee, sugar free jello and chicken broth so far today. I feel a bit hungry but how much of it is actually hunger??? Who knows!! Do you have a banding date yet??

Hello there, well please keep in mind that everyone is different, I was hungry after my surgery, but liquids went down just fine. I wish I had taken some sugarfree hard candy and or some mints, mouth is superdry after surgery, the nurse gave me some of her altoids, and I had cherry cough drops in my purse which I was thankful for. maybe buy some sugar free Jolly ranchers or peppermint wheels, lifesavers. The band works with solid foods , thats why you drink your drink first, then have your meats, then your veggies then carbs, the ehavy stuff first, you want it to stay in the small pouch as long as possible, if you drink you flush it out and you get hungry too fast. So needless to say when youre on a liquid diet you get hungry. Just have the broth and jello and tea whenever you want it thats what I did. Dont expect weight loss the first months but if you do(people usually do) then great. Trust me when I tell you after your first fill you will get full much faster and you will start to lose slowly but everyday. I just had my first fill last Monday. Some people like gas-x after surgery for the gas, I used the chewable vanilla mint. have plenty of pillows to prop yourself up when sleeping. it took me a while before I could lie on my side. In the mornings the band is tighter, so it feels wierd under your ribs. When I got my first fill, a couple of hours later I had a nagging pain under left rib. It went away and i think its just gas from the fill. Ok here is a recipie you will LOVE, when on liquid diet just strain it and drink after youre on solids you will love this even more. Its also cheaper and you can freeze more use later, also its good for the whole family so they can eat the chicken and veggies while youre on liquids maybe just add extra broth, i have it on a blog under Vinca, but here it is.... Goodluck and keep in touch.Ok heres a fantastic recipe that a co--worker used when I was in San Diego in 2004, she was the docs sister and she was in the best shape flat stomach, she was always doing this soup diet after Holidays and when she would put on 5 pounds, this is how she kept her weight down, she had gotten this from Womans day magazine it is a diet created by Dr. Mary Dan Eades and let me tell you its the best tasting diet food i've ever had, I had lost it in the move but just found it and I will be sharing it here on this site and everyone doing lapband, whether you do the diet for the week like my friend did, or just have it anytime it will definitly become a favorite for the whole family. It is extremely low carb and protein rich. I have the old printout of the recipe from the magazine but I looked it up online and found it!!! Guess what? Theres more of her recipies in there! This is perfect for us Banders!!

Ok here it is, go to Proteinpower.com there is even a link to go to the actual Womans Day magazine article. Please let me know how it works for you. Goodluck and enjoy!

Protein Power Soup Diet Soup

Makes 4 servings.

It’s so quick to make, you may want to whip up a couple of batches at once to last several days. Freeze portions in zip freezer bags or freezer containers if you need to keep it longer.

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, diced fine

1/2 small yellow onion, diced small

1 small carrot, diced

2 ribs celery, diced

1 medium (or 2 small) zucchini squash*, diced

1 can (about 14 ounces) diced tomatoes with seasoning (basil/onion, onion/garlic, Italian seasoning, etc)

1 quart chicken broth (with salt and spices if available, if not, add the following: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder)

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken tenders, cut into 1/2″ chunks, sprinkled with salt and pepper.

1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

1. In a soup pot, sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat. After about a minute add the garlic and continue cooking until they are both translucent.

2. Add the chicken and sauté until opaque.

3. Add the carrot, celery, and zucchini and sauté until slightly softened (about 5 minutes) stirring them often to prevent burning.

4. Add the tomatoes, with their juice, and the broth.

5. Bring to a boil, then turn down and simmer until all vegetables are tender.

6. At serving time, if desired, add a tablespoon or two of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to brighten the flavor.

Protein per serving = 27.5 grams

Effective Carb per serving = 14 grams

Calories per serving = 345

*Note: This version calls for zucchini, but you could just as easily substitute a cup of broccoli or cauliflower or yellow summer squash or a mixture of all three veggies or a big double handful of fresh spinach leaves for about the same carb cost. I usually use whatever veggies I have the most of on hand or that I need to use up because we’re heading out of town. It’s all delicious and nutritious!

My doc and dietician gave me a list of what I'd need and my post-op prescriptions at my last pre-op appointment so I had them filled before even going into the hospital. Be sure to grab a handful of those med cups at the hospital to take home with you, so you can measure out your 30cc of liquid per hour. And have a pillow in the car for the ride home.