dmg223

I did not have to do any sort of liquid diet prior to surgery. Three months prior to surgery I had to add in one protein shake a day as a meal, 2 months prior I had to losely encorporate a second shake, and for the month prior to surgery I had to stick too the 2 shakes as meals. I was also told to start eliminating carbs as soon as I started the whole process. I can tell you I loosely followed the guidelines. I was banded 6 weeks ago and have not had a single problem sticking to the guidelines post surgery. I stuck to my 5 days of clear liquids, 2 weeks of protein shakes only, then 2 weeks of lowcarb mushy foods before being allowed to introduce solid foods. About a week into the protein shakes only I started to really miss chewing, but that was the only issue I had. It may not be this easy for you but keep your head in the game and you shouldn't have any problems!

The sugar count on those fruit yogurts (even greek) is so high. I will take a plain nonfat greek yogurt and add a few drops of the Mio water flavor to it or half a packet of the single servings of the powdered water flavors. Try that, it definitely makes it taste better :-) Good Luck!

Dave_NW - Thanks for posting that link! Very informative...I was under a different impression of how the band works but this makes so much more sense to me. I couldn't wrap my head around how something could get stuck immediately if our previous food was "sitting" on top of the band, this information helps me make sense of that now!

I was also required to go to 2 support groups prior to surgery. The office I go to only has combined groups which I didn't mind so much. I found them so helpful that I continued to go to them every week before surgery and now even after ( I even got someone to drive me to the support group the night after surgery). I hope you find the groups as helpful as I do!! Good Luck in your journey!

Love it!!!

I am 1 month post-op and was wondering if some people still get a slight pain in shoulder? I never had this pain before surgery and thought the gas pain in the shoulder would be gone by now. I have heard some people mention that this happens sometimes if they eat too much but this happens regardless if I ate or not. Just wondering if this is fairly common.

I got restless leg syndrome (or what felt like it ) for a week or so after surgery. Never had it before and it went away right around the 2 week mark.

My doctors office has me on a strict low carb diet. I consume under 20 grams of carbs a day and roughly 50 - 60 grams of protein. If you are going to do low carbs with the lapband just make better decisions about your protein choices, like lean meats instead of bacon :-) And there is no rule that you have to do high fat while doing low carb.

I started going to the support groups two weeks prior to surgery and have continued going weekly since (even made it out to the group the night after surgery). I love going to the group, its nice for me to be in a room full of people who you know have gone through or is going through the same things you are. I learn a lot from the people who have been there a while and am now in a position myself to share my story with new people. For me its a great feeling and keeps me motivated :-)

My Dr's office has me follow a 2-3 days of protein shakes, 2-3 days mushy foods, then onto regular foods after each fill. That way your stomach is able to adjust a little easier to the new restriction, Hope that helps :-)

Singingpeaches Not all bands are empty right out of surgery. There are plenty of surgeons who put Fluid in the band during surgery (mine included). I have not gone in for a fill yet but I know I already have 4 cc in my band.

I buy the cases of EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control in Chocolate Fudge. Only 110 calories, 2 net carbs, 17 g protein.

Im surprised your Dr, didn't give you more specific guideline. I started on mushy foods this past monday and I've been having 3 oz of a Protein & 3 oz veg a day plus one 3 oz of cottage cheese as a snack if needed. I got a very detailed list of things I can and can't have plus serving size for each. Good Luck!

Same thing happened to me! I asked the nurse what to do when I get to the hospital and she told me to leave my own underwear on and just wear a pad.

About 2 weeks post-op I was able to start sleeping on my stomach again comfortably. For the first week I couldn't even handle sleeping on my side and wound up sleeping on the couch for the first week propped up. I'm a little over 3 weeks post op now and no problems at all :-) It will start feeling better before you know it and this discomfort will only be a memory. Good Luck to you!

Last year I bought the Reebok toning shoes more for comfort over what they supposed can help do. While they were very comfortable, if I tried walking anywhere for a little distance I still had terrible foot pain. The little air cushions on the under side of the shoe I felt did not last very long. I started noticing that I was walking funny and looked on the bottom, half the air cushions were deflated. Instead of re-purchasing this pair I opted for the Sketchers Shape-ups (the black & pink ones are so cute!) and can honestly say I have never put a more comfortable shoe on! I was wearing these everyday and now 3 months later I have no more pain in my feet. I love the cushioning so much that I went to the sketchers store and purchase two more styles of shoes ( maryjane & sandels) in the shape-up line. Can't tell you it does all that much for toning/shaping but as far as comfort goes you will not be disappointed in the Sketchers!

When I woke up from surgery my pain was at a level 8 out of 10. I am a wimp and have a low threshold for pain. The recovery room nurse immediately pumped something into my IV (I'm assuming morephine) and I was fine within minutes. I slept for about 2 hours, woke up with nausea which they gave me something for, which in turn gave me a HUGE headache. The pain when I woke from surgery was in my whole abdominal area. When I woke up later I was in barely any pain except for my throat from the tube during surgery. For the two days after surgery my pain was about a 2 only when getting up & down and I was able to ease that with just some liquid tylenol. Day 3 post-op did not need pain meds anymore at all. Only pain that was left was in my shoulder from the air they pump you with during surgery.

I start Mushy foods today (banded June 8th) and I prepared to "meals" yesterday. Canned chicken mashed up with a little non-fat greek yogurt (instead of mayo) with a few drops of franks red hot sauce for added flavor. Very well blended shrimp (tuna like consistency) with a little non-fat greek yogurt, finely chopped scallions & a small amount of old bay seasoning. Can't wait to finally chew something today :-)

How did you know it slipped? I was just banded 6/8 and got a terrible cold this week. Ive been coughing /gagging like crazy and Im so afraid im going to do something to the band!

I was just banded on June 8th and the whole first week I had to sleep on the couch. Could not get comfortable enough to even attempt sleep in my bed. I need the support from the back of the couch on my side to keep me in one place :-). Good Luck ! You seem to be doing great so far :-)