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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

I am new to the forum and have my surgery scheduled for Monday 6am. I will spent the first few visits reading as much material as I can and trying to absorb all of this. Sorry, I am subsurfcpo from Florida. Retired Navy CPO submariner and surface warrior working as an engineer.

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.

I'll jump in to this one as well. I'm new here and my date is the 17th just two days before my 51st birthday. No cake this year, we did that a couple of weeks about prior to the pre-op diet. Good luck to everyone!

Oh yeah, those office Snacks are killer. I emptied my little fridge and filled it with yogurt and 100 cal. muscle milk boxes. After 10 days I am almost used to the taste (almost). The dietician asked me if I enjoyed her recommendation for Pure Protein bars since I had done so well on my pre-op diet. I told her thanks but no. They taste like a chocolate covered wax turd. I think I hurt her feelings. I was sold on feeling full much sooner and eating less. The healthy diet change is good, but I am looking forward to completing the liquid and squishy food part of the process (not too soon, don't want to rush things) and get back to real food. These Protein Bars are a rung on the ladder (a very low rung at that). My wife bought me a Protein shake mix (I have it at home) that isn't too bad. It will be a part of the full liquid diet afterwards. Anyway, they have finished the burger grilling and moved on. I can't smell the grill anymore, thank goodness.

There is always a Schlep Rock in the group to rain on the parade. Education won't help. Actions speak louder than words, so go make it happen and continue being positive. Could be a touch of jealousy in there as well.

Same here. My date is Monday and if there are changes they haven't happened yet.

Hang in there and keep fighting it. I just finished my pre-op consult this week and understand. I found myself enroute to the snack machine at work as if driven by some unforeseen force. I turned around and went back to my office. I find a motivator works good for me. I don't care to repeat the liver shrinking diet and get any more blood work. I found an extra notch on my belt yesterday (bonus) in the smaller direction. I agree on this site as well. And while you (and I) are on the subject of a little venting... I work at a mill and we have been working hard to improve our safety record this year. We have and for our efforts we are being treated to a grilled hamburger lunch. I am enjoying a Protein bar and shake and smelling the grill for two days. Not to worry, I have put my best company face forward to cheer us on and support our positive safety results. Actually, this hasn't been too bad, the snack machine calling my name last week was the big challenge.

I am with you on the 5k run. I used to (the key words here are used to) run alot and would love to again. I am looking to run in a Fisher House Charity 5k next November. That will be 1 year 1 month post-op for me (as long as I make my appointment on Monday) Good luck!