newbek

Hi Everyone, I'm Rebekah and I hate discussion boards. But, I figure this is a huge journey I'm undertaking and it might be nice to have some support along the way from people who have been there. I had my lap-band placed yesterday, March 25th. Today, I'm sore and still very bloated from the surgery gases. So far I've only had Water and a Carnation Instant Breakfast. Doc says I can eat anything I can get through a straw. I'm thinking...hmm, where do I buy jumbo sized straws? Seriously, though, I'm going to do this right. No sense in going through all thispain and trauma only to cheat the system. I'm a little timid about drinking my food the next 2 weeks. I have kids and a husband and their real food is going to get to me. But, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I'd like to have one of those cute little tickers for the bottom of my messages - where do I find those? Height: 5'10" (hey - that's important! I hate it when I see diet success stories and don't know how tall they are!) Starting weight: 316 GW: 190, although doc says 220. Looking forward to getting to know you all!

Hi everyone, I'm 3 days post-op and still very bloated and gassy. It hurts to drink liquids (in my chest) and I am burping constantly. I feel like I'm about 6 months pregant - my stomach is so full of air. Any suggestions?

Thanks everyone! So, I think I discovered the bulk of yesterday's severe gas pressure and pain. I mixed in Benefiber in my morning shake. Duh. I just thought I could use some extra fiber since I can't eat my fiber cereal, breads, etc. This morning, it was much better and today I have been able to drink without pain. Still burping, but its down to a tolerable level. I still feel awful, have a low fever, tired, weak,and want to eat a steak. But hey - steak is part of what got me here in the first place, so I really can't complain. I will be much happier when I'm not on this awful liquid diet anymore! 11 days remaining....

Yes, it absolutley makes sense. Just last night I was crying to my husband and said, between sobs, "Its like I've lost my best friend." Thankfully, he understood and didn't run from the room away from the crazy sobbing lady. I don't want to drop 5 lbs a week unless it comes from eating normally, like all my skinny friends. Well, not all of them. Some of them only eat junk and are still skinny! (They're not really my friends...s sssssh!) On another note ... I feel awful today. The horrible gas is much better, but today I'm weak, still can't drink much (really, broth and Protein shakes...for 11 more days?!). And I have a fever of 99.5. I called the doc and left an afterhours message.. Anyone else banded by Dr. Ray in Bloomington? THANK YOU, Stratcat, for thinking exactly like ME!

DITTO! Milk of Magnesia - ugh, even the thought of it makes me gag. I agree and comiserate with everything you have said in the above paragraph. Guess that's a good sign - it means neither of us are weird or abnormal. Well, at least not due to post-op symptoms!

Amy, Nice to meet you, Sister!! My potato soup concoction was good - better than anything else I'd had. But I'm so bloated today I can't stand the thoughts of it! You have to be on a pre-op diet? Liquids only? I've heard of that...I didn't have to do anything except eat light the night before. I, too, was nervous and scared as well as thrilled to be taking a monumental step into my future. I'll warn you - I woke up regretting it and have cried every night! LOL, I guess the nights are harder. Especially when I can smell the dinner my family is in the other room eating and I feel like no one around me understands what I'm going through - having to give up food as a crutch. Speaking of, have you read "Made to Crave"? I'm going to start it soon... Nice to meet you all..

Terri, Your post was so funny and iinformative that I'm printing it out! Thanks! I just made myself a potato soup concoction - leftover mashed potatoes, chicken broth, milk, sour cream mixed with chives, and some smooth cheese dip. Tastes good, but I'm already tired of that dairy taste. Oh well, the end will be worth it, I hope! Thanks for your posts, everyone - I'm enjoying reading them all, just trying not to spend all my time here thinking about it. Night!

HI! I'm brand new to the boards and the band - just had it done on 3/25/11 and only drinking so far. However, I do know one thing my doc and nutritionist have said over and over - if you drink while you eat, you can basically bypass the band. Are you drinking with your meals? If so, it just pushes the food through the band and allows you to eat just as much as before. Just a thought - obviously I'm no expert. YET!

Also, I only have flavored protein powder so far... what's the best unflavored powder?