stillthinking

I am also a week and a half post surgery. The liquid diet is driving me nuts too! Had a lick of chocolate cake yesterday the size of a pinky nail. My in-laws brought over an entire Entainman's chocolate cake after my husband had told them he was on a diet. They don't know about me. I know eating is my responsibility, but I think family sometimes contributes to our demise. I have found certain things have helped me in the short time doing this. Here are a few: sugar free ice pops, Campbells French Onion soup mixed with the chicken broth..strain the onions, Lipton's cup a soup tomato flavor (it's creamier than Campbells, yet it still counts as "clear Liduid". Oh, and adding cinnamon and vanilla extract to my chocolate protein shake makes it taste like a real milk shake when belended with skim milk plus fiber.

I too was banded on Aug. 12 and felt the same jitters and doubts ahead of time. It's been 9 days since surgery and I am hungry! The gas bloating finally subsided enough to fee comfortable but definitely still letting some out. It's pretty embarassing around my husband and especially my toddler who announces every time she hears it. I know it's funny to think about in hindsight, but not at the time it's happening. Having had the surgery is surreal. My doctor has me on Water type liquids for 2 weeks, which will end Fri., Aug. 26. I never thought I'd be happy to have baby food mush, but I honestly can't wait at this point. I've had water, chicken broth, tomato soup, ice pops (sugar free), and one Protein shake per day. Sometimes, even for short periods when I'm not hungry, I still linger in the kitchen craving food. Especially when cooking for the family. That's the worse part. I've only told 3 people about my suregery: My husband, my best friend who tried to qualify as well, but didn't, and the person who recommended it to me because she had it done. Nobody else knows. It's been really hard keeping the secret and making excuses for not going out with people (because I can't drive and can't eat). I told one friend I've had a stomach bug, but she's in shock it has lasted for 9 days. Yeah, she calls often to get together for play dates with our kids and/or lunches alone without kids , etc. So today I told her I'm getting better but sticking to liquids to stay on the safe side and suggested we get our nails done when she suggested lunch. She's urging me to see a doctor. And my in-laws are relentless too. They keep wondering why I haven't attended their 3 get-togethers ine the past week. Yeah, I know, 3 get togethers with in-laws, incredible right? How much family can a person take? Anyway now with the stomach virus excuse, their suggestions on various intestinal meds are flooding in. Oh, and they chose to come to my house, since I didn't go to them. Talk about overwhelming! That was 4 days post-op. I had to pretend not to be in pain and hide the fact that I couldn't lift the baby (30 plus pounds) to change her or whenever she requested. How's everyone else out there doing with telling/not telling people?

Oh, by the way, Hydro whey is 30 grams of protein for one 12 oz. glass.

I personally didn't much like Unjury. It wasn't horrible, but I couldn't see myself drinking it every day. I prefer Hydrowhey Turbo Chocolate, found at the Vitamin Shoppe. It is also expensive, $37.00 for 2 weeks supply, but tastes like a real milk shake at Mc Donald's when blended for the recommended 30 seconds. I like to add cinnamon and vanilla to it and, when I'm eventually allowed to, I'll add crushed ice. I mix it with Skim Milk Plus Fiber...Awesome. I was even thinking of freezing it as a fudge pop. Any protein shake you find id going tobe expensive. I like the suggestion of using food, but I'm still on the liquid diet.

Prior to the Band experience, I've always had problems with constipation taking Benefiber helped somewhat. When I got reallly blocked for several days I've founf that taking one Dulcolax pill before bed made me "go" in the morning. My surgeon didn't require me to be on a pre-op diet so I have no advice there. I got banded 9 days ago and have only "gone" once, but very small amount. The receptionist at the doctor's office said it's because I'm on mostly liquids and unless I feel uncomfortable, don't worry about it. I don't feel uncomfortable, but I'm not sure I'm cinvinced that what she says is correct. I have an appointment on the 29th and will ask then or call sooner if I get uncomfortable. So my suggestion: Try Dulcolax before bed.

I started with the chewables on day one. AFter 4 days I learned about the "tabs" that dissolve on the tongue. They seem to work much faster. I am 7 days post surgery and still passing gas, and feeling very bloated most days. It seems to be getting better with each day that passes.

I say go for it! I gained 20 pounds to qualify after hearing the same thing at my consultation. I just got banded on August 12, 7 days ago, and it was completely covered by insurance. It's been really hard so far, but my friend who got banded says it's worth it and it gets easier. She's been banded for one year and has lost 100 pounds. --Stillthinking (although I should have picked a different username since i've already had it done.)