Sojourner

Very good news to read...best wishes as you move onto the next stage of your journey!

Initially after having your band placed, you may feel some slight restriction from the surgery, however that usually does not last long. There have been heated discussions regarding the "don't eat and drink at the same time" issue. It's always best to follow the instructions your surgeon gives you. My surgeon has advised that you can drink up until you begin to eat your meal, but then no drinking at all until 1 full hour after your last bite. As you get your band filled, gradually the amount of restriction you can feel will will increase. Prior to your first fill, most likely you will still be able to gulp down liquids...but after you have restriction, you won't be able to keep fluids down unless you sip them. That's why you are usually asked to practice this new way to drink prior to your surgery, so you will have less trouble adapting post op. I've found that if I properly hydrate myself prior to a meal, it is much easier for me to wait the hour after to drink. It takes a bit of forethought, but easy to do when you repeat enough times to make it a new habit. As far as cheating on the pre op diet, I would say, don't do it. Even with the blessings of your surgeon. The reason is that once you have given yourself permission to cheat, it could become progressively easier to rationalize another cheating episode. That initial permission can create what I refer as the "slippery slope" towards regressing back into previously unhealthy eating habits. The psychology behind this is well documented, and the philosophy of 12 Step programs incorporate it into their teachings. I'm not saying that you have an addiction to food, but generally people do not become obese if they are eating healthy foods in reasonable portions. The lifestyle changes which successful weight loss with the band requires are easily compromised when one redesigns the "rules" to suit their needs, instead of doing what the rules require you to do. You will discover that there are many opinions on the forum...so ultimately it is best to follow your surgeon's rules, and learn to think for yourself and make informed choices. Best wishes...

Yes...though eventually we are supposed to get all of our nutritional needs met with a diet of regular foods. You will increase the Protein content of the shake if you mix the Protein powder with milk. I have read where others have shared that their band is too tight in the morning to allow them to eat anything, and in that scenario definitely have a shake. Something with good nutritional value is better than nothing.

Sorry to read of your scary experience with your first fill...happily, I have read few first fill horror stories. I would ask some serious questions directed to the staff at your surgeon's office before you have another one, just to avoid the same stupid mistakes that you experienced today.

As you approach the soft foods stage (and I'm not writing about mushies), don't forget to consider your daily carb grams...many of us have been advised to avoid the foods which are over processed and/or that the body will quickly convert to sugar (usually considered to be "white" anything). These types of foods will not keep hunger away the same as Proteins and basic carbs, such as fruits and vegetables which are skinless and overcooked (the veggies, not the fruit ). Some of the soft foods recommended to me were home prepared meat salads; dark meat chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, shrimp salad. Use light mayo, and avoid pickle relish and celery. Also, moist, flaky salmon, tilapia, cod. Also shaved deli meats; ham, turkey breast, chicken breast. The higher quality meats such as Boar's Head Brand tend to have more moisture in them. For Fiber carb choices, any fresh fruit without the peel is alright to have. banana, avocado grapefruit, peaches, and strawberries were a few on my list. For vegetables, boiled until tender the list included broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green Beans, tomatoes, and summer squash. Yams and oatmeal(not the quick cooking or instant type) were included on the list for complex carbs. BTW, Jello is considered to be a liquid...and has basically no nutritional value. At this stage of life with the band, everything we eat has to deliver big on nutritional value. Be certain to focus on getting your Protein goal met every day.

It might help you to structure your time, sort of like scheduling your meal times, and making a conscious effort to remember to drink as much of the "free" fluids (SF/FF) we're supposed to be getting every day. I still carry a bottle of Water with me most everywhere I go. Drinking fluids can help with managing hunger; if you don't allow yourself to have anything but your fluids between your meals, it can help with maintaining diet compliance. Just a tool I've discovered along the way to help me cope with hunger. And, one additional pearl of wisdom...always remember that we are all individuals. No two of us will have the same experiences or loose weight at the same rate. Try your best to avoid comparing yourself to others...it just sets you up for negative thoughts. You will be successful if you are motivated to be... Best wishes...

Congrats on a successful one year journey...keep up the great job!

The band is only a tool, and like other tools if you do not learn how to use it properly it will not work for you. This is not a "magic bullet"...if it was, I'm certain every overweight or obese individual would be on a wait list for the surgery. The band does not stop hunger...but there are ways to learn how to manage your hunger. It requires a change of lifestyle to a healthier one which includes regular exercise. Your relationship with food needs to change also; you will no longer be able to seek solace with food to cope with stress, unhappiness or boredom in your life. Head hunger needs to be recognized for what it is, and skills learned to neutralize it. Diet compliance is part compliance and also a "head game" to better understand the psychology behind the reasons you are overweight. Not impossible to accomplish, but not a walk in the park, either. That's just a part of the reality of the weight loss journey with a band. Drinking Water and keeping yourself properly hydrated helps to trip the "hunger sensors" in your stomach/pouch. And until you are in what is commonly referred to as the "green zone" with fills in your band, you will need to rely on sheer will power and determination to remain compliant with your diet and loose weight. I encourage you to do additional research into the band to make an informed choice to determine if it is the right decision for you. This forum has many supportive individuals with an impressive amount of knowledge to share of the topics related to the band. It's an excellent resource to learn more... Best wishes...

Yes, what you are experiencing is normal...you've just had a significant surgical procedure done, and it does take a bit to have your energy return. Also, your hormones are gyrating as they adjust to the new terrain you have internally. The pre and post op diets were difficult for me as well...and I want to encourage you to focus your thinking forward to the future. Life does return to a semblance of normal, with a few minor adjustments to the way and what you eat and drink. Try to stay properly hydrated, and for me it seemed that having enough Water every day helped with minimizing constipation. I still keep a bottle of water with me at all times, and sip constantly (except during meals and for an hour after eating). Also, taking a stool softener should help. As you are able to tolerate it, exercise will help with having your mood return to what is normal for you. Best wishes...

Pre op anxiety is very understandable, especially when you have had no prior experiences with surgery and hospitals. The staff at the hospital will reassure you...and you will likely be given a medication to help you to relax and feel less anxious. They aim to keep you comfortable. Anesthesia may give you a sore throat, so try to have some SF hard candies at home to help with that. Also, I know from my experience with surgeries that having a chap stick at the hospital with you will help with dry lips. Best wishes as the next phase of your journey begins...you're going to be fine!

The best advice I can share is to plan ahead and get yourself properly hydrated before you begin eating, and that way you are feeling no thirst when you begin your meal. We have to be aware of what we are doing while we are eating...just ask the veterans on this forum who attribute many of their stuck episodes with getting distracted during a meal. Same principles apply to drinking during a meal...just don't have a glass of anything at the table. That way, you may want to drink, but you would have to make the effort and take the steps to get anything to drink. I have found that waiting an entire hour post meal is much easier for me to do when I begin the meal properly hydrated. Best wishes...

I've had a similar series of events happen to me...initially I was hospitalized, and later diagnosed with pancreatitis...the very scary part was that my bariatric surgeon tried to pass off the symptoms I was having as a pulled muscle. When my PCP got the hospital to fax him my lab results, he immediately asked me if my surgeon had mentioned my elevated lipase levels, which he had not. My mild pancreatitis was caused by my gall bladder, and additional testing did not show any traces of gallstones, but that my gall bladder was not working at all. My PCP said that the gall bladder issue is likely related to my recent weight loss. Who knew?? I'm trying to delay surgery to remove it; 3 abdominal surgeries within a year is just too much to cope with. I continue to experience intermittent waves of nausea, and sporadic series of sharp pain in my upper right side. The general surgeon was ok with me waiting, as we have no idea when my gallbladder quit working, and my hope is that the symptoms will subside over time. A concern I have is that not everyone who has their gall bladder removed has their symptoms resolve post op.

Anxiety about having surgery and essentially changing your lifestyle is to be expected...even the most grounded individuals will have some reservations about making those types of sweeping changes. I know i did... Trust me when I write that life as you have known it will resume, with a few minor exceptions. I'm only 5 months post op, but now I'm able to attend parties, go to restaurants, travel, and go sailing. Pretty much all of the activities I enjoyed before getting my band. I just make different choices on the menu, and every meal I order gets stretched into 3 meals. For the initial month or 2, you are still adjusting to the many changes we need to make...and inherently, people do not do well with change. How we interpret the situation we are confronted with makes a huge difference in how we ultimately will adjust to our new lifestyle. It's important to understand that the more self determination we feel in life, the healthier we will be from an emotional standpoint. Having a band is very self empowering; you and only you will determine your level of success with your weight loss journey. For some, that can be a frightening thought, because many have a fear of failure. Day to day, remaining compliant with your diet can be very challenging, but overall, we do not need to be perfect, only make the best effort every day to do the best we can to follow the rules. People who do not need to loose weight do not have the surgery...and the reason many of us got to the point of choosing to have the band was because of our relationship with food. That has to change; food is not your friend. We must learn to eat to live, not the other way around. When you have to say goodbye to a friend, you can actually go through a grieving type process as you adjust to understanding that you can no longer seek solace from food to cope with stress or boredom. I was fortunate to have a chance encounter with a woman who had been banded 2 years ago...she helped me to place things in a better perspective. What is more important to you, having your health and mobility or knowing that you can eat whatever you want to in whatever quantity you want to? Put into those words, discussion over...just do it! Yes, it has been a major adjustment for me; and pre op and initial post op times are the most difficult. Gradually you do get your life back to some sense of normalcy. My interpretation of having my band is that it is an opportunity for me to restore some of the health that my weight was stealing from me. I still feel fortunate that I was able to have my surgery, even with the complications I have experienced. Because I know what the alternatives would be...so my thoughts remain positive and I do my best every day to remain compliant, and I also accept that I am not perfect. Get in touch with your reasons for choosing your band, and keep them at the forefront of your thoughts so you can review them when you have moments of anxiety or regret. Best wishes...

Just by participating on this forum, you will find many friends and much knowledge and emotional support... The people who are on this journey are really the best ones to understand the daily trials and tribulations of having a band. Best wishes...

I was so happy to be able to have a small, yet real salad again...and I've discovered a very low cal and low fat dressing which is made with yogurt. I use the darker romaine lettuce leaves and always include some lean Protein, usually tuna or turkey and a sliced hard boiled egg. I do measure my food by volume, after cooking. Now that I am nearly 5 months since banding, I will allow myself to have a hamburger patty (it's important to not overcook it), with a little mayonnaise and mustard; for my carbs with that meal I include the lettuce and tomato I would have had if I had a bun, which I never do now...sometimes I make ground turkey meatballs and have a bit of home made marinara sauce on them and grated Parmesan cheese, and a cooked vegetable. Everyone has different tastes...and I guess that I prefer to keep things fresh and simple. I have yet to get tired of the basics...Consulting with a dietitian would be helpful, and they have much insight and recipes to keep the boredom away! Best wishes...

I have yet to read where people don't have pre op second guessing their choice to have this surgery, and post op asking themselves "what the h%^# have I done to myself?" I know that I did...but it lasted less than a day...so yes, it is totally normal to have these doubts and anxiety. Try to remain in focus with your original reasons for wanting to have this surgery...and it's never too early to begin to look ahead and identify some basic goals for yourself. Having a band is very self empowering, and you are the one who will determine your success. Emotionally, we are going to be healthier if we have the insights into how much self determination we have in life. Best wishes as your weight loss journey begins...

Whey isolate is generally considered to be lactose free...so I don't know if you tried it and had a negative effect. Individuals who do have lactose intolerance are supposed to be able to use whey isolate protein without difficulties. Soy proteins are also considered by some to be acceptable, however there is still controversy as to the legitimacy of the claim that soy is a complete protein containing all of the necessary amino acids. I have not studies much about egg protein, and have never heard of them as a prime ingredient for necessary protein shakes. Whey isolate has been, and as per my surgeon's instructions, continues to be the "gold standard" of protein choice for bariatric patients. BTW, I do have allergies to dairy products, however the need for adequate protein trumps the need to take medication for my allergies. Your mileage does vary...

I use Wheybolic Extreme (half measure) 60 from GNC. Most of the ready made shakes are lacking in nutritional value, so it is only in the rare instances for convenience that I use the Atkins shakes. As you look for a product you like, look for the ingredient of "whey isolate protein". That's the best Protein nutrition choice for bariatric patients.

No, I have not had any difficulties with scrambled eggs; they are one of the more tolerable foods for soft foods. Let your surgeon know about how you are feeling, especially if you discover a pattern. I have recently discovered that some of the discomfort I had been feeling was actually caused by my gall bladder.

You have received much excellent information on your original post...and I sincerely hope that you will really read what others have written. The band is a tool, it's not going to work for you unless you use it properly. It's very self empowering, because ultimately you will be the one who determines the degree of success you will have on your weight loss journey. And that level of success will be determined by your diet compliance. This is a journey, and not an event. I believe that just about every member of this forum has had to cope with hunger. You learn how to manage it, or you will fail with your band. If your surgeon advises you to follow a liquid diet for 2 weeks, you do it, or you communicate to their office how you are feeling and ask for additional instructions. It's dangerous to one's health and well being to compare yourself to others, especially the differences in medical instructions. Different physicians will have their specific protocol for their practice. You don't have to like it, but accept that there are valid medical reasons for their instructions. Until you become a physician, I would avoid making your medical decisions as they relate to your band. Your health and weight loss success depend on it. I do advocate that everyone become proactive in having a voice in their medical care, but that means to be an informed consumer and ask questions. Understand that you will need to depend on sheer willpower and determination to manage your hunger until you have some restriction with fills. You can eat around the band, but just because you can does not mean that you should. If you are not loosing weight, yes, your surgeon will be asking you questions about your diet compliance. And, yes, the surgeon will know if you have not been compliant with the diet. This journey is not supposed to be punitive, and I hope that you do not get into a situation of shame and guilt feelings about what you have already done. Just become informed and compliant, and do your best every day to remain that way. Good luck...

Not all physicians are willing to take on another physician's patients for lap band follow up care. All it would take is a call or a visit to the doctor in your building to find out. I've heard that it can be difficult to locate a physician willing to do the fills if they did not perform your surgery. Best wishes...

There was only a week between my only pre op visit with my surgeon and my surgery date. I would expect that someone on the staff at the office (an RN or PAC) may be able to answer some of your questions. You may want to consider scheduling a consultation appointment also, though it may take some time to get one. The morning of my surgery the doctor visited me in the surgery suite to discuss the medication that they give you prior to the surgery (heparin), which the staff had neglected to tell me I would have to have. I had concerns, because I'm allergic to it. The surgeon came in to discuss my prior reactions to the medication, and we were able to decide on an alternative. He was unhurried, and took the time to discuss my situation, though I would not have wanted to wait to literally the last minute to discuss routine questions. Best wishes as your journey continues...

Really, there is nothing to be scared about...all I felt was a needle prick. And it was over in less than a minute. Quite painless. My first fill was done at the hospital under fluoroscopic imaging to make certain that everything was placed properly and functioning as it should. It was fascinating to watch the images on the screen. I've read where some doctors use Lidocaine to numb the port area topically so you don't feel the needle. Be certain to take at least a small gulp of Water following the Fluid being added to your band, to make certain that you can swallow adequately and know that the band is not too tight for you. Best wishes...you will be fine!

I've found that I need to limit portion size and the length of a meal...a total of only 5 oz per meal, small bites, much chewing, and only have 20 minutes per meal. I do get the sense, a subtle sign of fullness that I have had enough to eat, and stop at that point. I also sometimes will get hiccups, another soft sign to me that I have reached my limits. I do sometimes feel too tight, especially in the morning. Drinking hot tea or coffee does seem to help. Other times I have noticed restriction to the point of not feeling comfortable to drink water is while I am driving. I attribute that to stress generated by being behind the wheel, and sharing the road.

I am only able to exercise in a pool; residual issues from a car accident. I take a Water aerobics class at our local "Y" 3-4 times a week, and then also try to either walk laps in the therapy pool or swim laps in the outdoor pool. Low impact exercises in the water and water resistance are what I have to work with for exercise. Some is better than none...