MonaLisa2

Thank you!!! :-)

I haven't heard of this either.

Okay--I am trying to be helpful. Meal replacements have tons of vitamins and minerals added--regular protein shakes do not and are typically used by body builders, not weight loss folks (well at least NOT to replace meals). My nutritionist and staff went over this with us during our classes before surgery. I have protein supplement drinks I use on my liquid days--these are flavored and taste like Kool-Aid, but are not to be used to replace a meal--only to help me get in enough protein on such days when I cannot. To each his own-do what works best for you. :-)

There is a difference between a meal replacement and a supplement. I found this on a website where you can buy actual replacements. "There is a very distinct difference between protein shakes and meal replacement shakes. A protein shake is just a concentrated protein powder that can be mixed into liquid like water or milk. A meal replacement shake contains multiple vitamins and minerals to help with all of the nutritional needs that you would normally receive if you were eating a healthy meal. Protein shakes still exist but they are really only a supplement for body builders. Meal replacement shakes are far more versatile when it comes to having all of the nutritional needs a meal needs to provide. Meal replacement shakes are designed to REPLACE one or two of your daily meals. Meal replacement shakes are specially formulated for weight loss and weight maintenance. These shakes are designed to give you a wide range of essential nutrients in a low calorie meal substitute, rich in proteins and low in carbohydrates." I hope this helps you.

I had to have my band removed in August 2011. I did not revise. I've maintained my weight. It is a struggle, but I'm never going back to where I was before. If you need some tips, feel free to ask me! I'm sending positive thoughts your way!!!

Okay, I know this isn't the healthiest snack, but often times when I have the salty/crunchy cravings, I grab a serving of pork rinds. (A serving is usually 1/2 ounce or 14 grams.) This usually helps!! Pickles are awesome too!!

To be honest with you, I used to have a protein shake for breakfast because I was usually to tight to eat anything in the mornings. Now I have Proti Oatmeal (less carbs and more protein) or a protein shake or a protein bar or maybe Egg Beaters with Canadian bacon and guac (usually weekends). Sometimes I may have PB2 and half a whole wheat round. I rarely have regular oatmeal or any other cereal due to carb content. I haven't had rice for anything since my initial surgery.

Mis73, that was my exact plan given to me by my doctor as well.

I sincerely hope that someone who never had the band wouldn't come here--what would that accomplish? Why would they waste their time and energy? I simply believe that people have different experiences and this lends itself to different comments regarding the band. I try to take the good and the bad here, as I've experienced both.

My pcp was helpful with documentation regarding my previous attempts to lose weight; but she also knew me before I gained a lot of weight. She thought I could do it on my own, and wasn't sure that banding was a good idea for anyone, based upon researching she did for other patients. She encouraged me to lose the weight and didn't stand in my way. Shortly after I had surgery, she retired. I don't think she's even seen me since I've lost weight.

Hi Hayley!! I found a link that is pretty close to what I did and how I progressed with my diet in each phase: http://www.murfsurg.com/dietary_guidelines_lap_band.htm I hope this helps you!!

Okay! I misunderstood! Eating the protein first sounds right to me. I usually wouldn't have a salad--I would eat veggies like green beans.

I used to drink protein shakes every morning because my band felt too tight until the afternoon. I don't see anything wrong with having one in the morning to get a good start on protein for the day. My PA said no more than one a day after the healing period because eating solid food would keep me feeling full longer and she was right. There were times when sick that I would drink protein supplements (like Bariwise juice drinks) and not eat much. Since meeting goal, and maintaining without the band, I have one day per week when I have a "liquid day." I have a protein shake in the morning, protein soup for lunch, etc. (It's really more like a soft food day because I have Greek yogurt and cottage cheese sometimes.) It's just kind of like a reset for the week. :-)

I agree with you, Carolina Girl, about there being better options. I know each of us have different directions given by our doctors and nutritionists, but I always chose/choose protein over bread/tortillas. It seems to me if something was a different consistency, like toasted bread, melba toast, crackers...it went down easier. ( It also sounded to me like she was craving carbs...)

I'm not sure why you would remove the protein. Isn't that what we are supposed to eat first?

I really wouldn't recommend bread or wraps at all. I agree with Sharpie about it being toasted if you have ANY bread. What did your nutritionist tell you about these types of food? Mine said "NO GO," especially if they are from WHITE flour. You run the risk of these getting stuck. (I eat whole wheat crackers, like mini Triscuit or the triangle Trisucit if I want something 'bread' like.)

I've been keeping track of everything consumed since before the surgery--calories, protein, carbs, fat, cholesterol--learned that in my nutrition class. The reason I was asking about what your doctor or nutritionist advised is because I seem to see different standards here often times. I was a week into my recovery and called my doctor's office with the a question about calories. That's when they said since I was on protein shakes and soft food, to watch protein more at that time. I think you'll see some loss soon. It really didn't take that long for me to start losing--I was just very strict with following the schedule of when to add foods and documenting everything. You can do it!!

What are your doctor's instructions for you? Did he give you the caloric intake amount? I'm just curious because my nutritionist didn't really deal with calories--instead focused on protein amount. When I went through my nutrition class, it was 2-4 oz lean proteins and 1/4 to 1/2 c veggies. (Those veggies did not include anything starchy like potatoes, peas, corn...). I was also told to watch the type of carbs and make sure carb intake was not greater than protein intake. You are only 12 days out, so are you still on soft foods with protein shakes??

I write everything! It has helped me maintain ever AFTER having the band removed in August 2011!!

My doctor recommended no more than 1/2 cup -1 cup; 2-4 oz lean protein and 1/4 to 1/2 c veggies. No starches.

Failure with the lap band does NOT mean YOU failed. I followed the rules--ALL OF THEM. I lost most of my weight without a fill--I finally had a 2 cc fill and then three months later, the band slipped. After having the band fixed, I never had another fill. I lost some more weight and made it to goal, but then 7 months after the second surgery, I started to have the same symptoms--same days I could eat--other days NOTHING-- and sometimes I had a hard time even drinking water. (My coworkers could hear me "gurgle" with WATER.) I had several tests (after the fluro with barium) . At this point, the gastroenterologist couldn't find anything "wrong," but his nurse commented that they "...see these symptoms many times with lap band patients." After this, I had the band removed. I will never consider myself to be the failure; the band failed me. (And YES, I've kept off my weight--but it is a struggle every single day!)

I wish you luck and success!! If you need any tips on maintaining your weight after the surgery, just let me know!! It's been 18 months since mine was removed, and I'm maintaining!! It isn't easy, but you can do it. Also, I understand your want of relief from the pain. :-)

Hi Trixie! Is there a specific reason why you are considering having your band removed? The reason I'm asking is the only reason I had mine removed is that my body couldn't tolerate it any longer. I miss having that tool to assist me in maintaining my weight loss, and wouldn't want you to have any regrets. I had four pre-op tests to see why I couldn't eat normally. After those tests, all we did was schedule the surgery. My physician always keeps his patients overnight to make sure everything is okay before we go home. Afterwards, it was just the standard liquid diet for a few days, then move up to soft food, and so on. Similar to when I had the surgery to place the band. I did take some time off from work, but you really shouldn't need more than a few days. Best of luck to you as well, and as always, if you need to talk, just visit here!!

I was told by two bariatric doctors not to have carbonated beverages ever again. They both told me it could cause air in the pouch and eventually lead to band slippage.

DizzyLizzy and Ebonymc, Normal protocol dictates that the doctor remove all Fluid if issues arise with the band and it is suspected that it is too 'tight." The only fluid I ever had while using my band was 2cc, and that was from June 2010 to October 2010 (initial surgery was Feb 2010). All the other weight I lost with diet only. Before I had my second surgery (to repair from the gastric prolapse) my PA took that amount out. After that surgery, I never had a fill. When I statred having issues again, there was no fluid involved at all. Simply put, my body didn't like the band. My stomach was swollen around the band; it's very placement was causing this. I guess my body just couldn't tolerate a foreign object, even though no doctor will offically say my body "rejected" the band. If there would have been any way to save my band, I would have done so. The use of that particular tool helped my lose my weight and get down to within 2 lbs of my goal. I've kept off the 82 pounds for nearly a year without a band (band was removed August 2011). If you can save your band, and are not getting sick from it, then I recommend doing so. In any case, good luck to you both!! If you end up having it out, be stubborn and determined to keep off your weight, or else your surgeries and effort will all be for naught. This attitude helped me in the past year.