subsurfcpo

This is good to hear! I was checking in to ask this same question. The pain itsn't too bad, but it is there. I am thinking it is part of the healing process as well.

First of all, I am in Vegas for business not vacation. But, it is challenging none-the-less. I am just getting to the not so soft food stage and allowed to not eat baby food. I have found several things that have helped with the Lap Band diet and will power issues, plus fitting in without drawing attention (unless you feel comfortable with the attention I don't). First, fish is your friend. I found it easy to chew and it doesn't always come in a giant serving. It travels well (back to the room) and warms up in the micro for dinner or lunch the next day. Fajitas without the tortilla - the meat is already cut up in small pieces and most of the toppings are shredded or minced. The last thing I learned was the illusion of a "regular meal". I am in a class with caterer lunch. So, I get my plate, take what I think I can eat and if I don't, it goes to the dirty plate pile. If I get something I can't or shouldn't eat it just stayed on the plate. I have found the will power a lot easier when you fill up faster. Oh, I and did find out sautéed green bean are not cooked enough for this stage of the diet. It caused some uncomfortable moments during lunch today. This thing sends a really clear signal when you are getting full or something is not going down well. I picked this up the other day and recognized the feeling early enough today to stop before things got out of hand. In general, it has been a good visit and I have not had any issues with over eating or going outside the diet. The exercising is pretty easy too. I walk from my hotel to the conference center and my wife and I are walking in the evenings. Things are not a close as they appear here. It seems like a big illusion (it is Vegas after all) and it is quite a hike between points of interest. I am covering about 4 to 5 miles a day. On breaks I walk from one end of the casio to the other (Bally's is a big place). I hope this helps. jp

That is what I figured. Sometimes the book is a little vague. The walking around part is ok. I was wondering about the lifting, etc. I got most of the projects done prior to surgery and the rest will keep until later. Thanks for the insight.

I am 5 days post-op and getting cabin fever. I am walking around the house and to the mailbox (I live on a farm so the mailbox is 1/4 away). I'm constantly being reminded not to push or over do it by my wife. So, at what point do you start an exercise regimin, how often and what is a good starting plan. I am obviously cabin crazy since I haven't had my first post-op consult with the surgeon yet (Tuesday). But, it is just the start of the weekend and I am just wondering.

The gas-x and walking about seem to help me as well. The walking may just be to pass the time until the gas-x works, but I'm sticking with this combination. The shoulder pain is incredible though. Good thing it was talked about in my book and here before I actually felt it. It could have been a cause for alarm.

Gas-X and walking around seems to do the trick for me. How long does this last? I am 2 days post-op.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Are you kidding me? I feel like the Hindenburg. My book says to walk around and try Gas-X. My question is do you need to swallow the gel cap whole or open it?

Surgery yesterday and everything went well. I am home recuperating and relaxing this week. I have the 200 sit-up soreness and got to enjoy crushing my regular meds last night so I could take them (yum tasty). I am an engineer so I over prepared and have lists for everything. I have plenty of the clear liquids so I have a variety for the next two days and I have a good starter selection for the full-liquid diet starting on Day 3 (Oct. 20). Today is going to be rainy here in north-central Florida so I don't mind being inside. The biggest drawback is feeling "too good". I have to constantly remind myself to take it easy. I learned at a younger age after hernia surgery that you can easily overdo it and end up in the ER. I am amazed by the surgical glue. They should make this the preferred way to close incisions. I have had stitches and staples and while those cannot be replaced in some instances I really like the lack of surgical site swelling and post-surgical scarring. Also, the liquid pain meds are nice and make me goofy so if I ramble and make no sense I apologize in advance.

Thanks for the advice Dave. I will keep in mind the old rule, "a happy sailor is a (well you know the rest). I have picked up a few good pointers already and I am sure to find other bits and pieces of help along the way. There is a recent post with post-surgical photos that I find interesting. It resolves the staples vs. glue question. I am Joe; by the way, I was a nuke electrician

Thanks Shirley. I am looking forward to it.

The alcohol is always a big question and big issue. I am quite sure my alcohol consumption had something to do with my excessive weight. I am being sarcastic of course, but alcohol should always be accompanied by moderation, self-control, etc. My brother had a gastric bypass and his doctor gave him two stern warnings: 1) your body cannot process this stuff like it used to and 2) if you drink and drive with a bypass you will get a DUI. The physical difference between the band and bypass is obvious. For me, I need to be aware of my new diet (and changes) and change my definition of moderation. Personally, I like Bombay Sapphire martinis - dry with two queen olives. It has been two months and my wife and I will be going to Vegas on business the end of this month. I would love a martini, but if it is not on the diet or advisable then I will just wait. I like a good single malt scotch too (as well as a good Churchill). I like chicken fried steak to but that is over. I guess it is a matter of personal preference, ability and need. I have made the mental adjustment to booze early in the game because above all else - a good Delmonico needs an excellent cabernet. I just need to adjust the portion size accordingly.