Sojourner

You cannot continue to take time release pills initially post op as you would be at serious risk of an overdose if you crushed the pill. Just after surgery, and for at least a couple of weeks, you will not be able to swallow pills. For long term use, I have not read that time release pills are not allowed. I agree with others that being on NASIDS is not going to work post op, as you risk developing ulcers and bleeding in your GI tract. I am having great difficulties with coping with pain from a near fatal car accident post op, as I am only allowed to take Tylenol which is useless for me. My opiate medications make the constipation impossible to deal with. I have to cope with the pain every day with no medications now. I encourage you to have a long discussion with your surgeon and your prescribing physician pre op to determine what your realistic options are. Like I said, I have chronic pain which I am unmedicated for now, and it has effected my ability to get the proper exercise I need. Best wishes...

My surgeon will not do fills more frequently than 6 weeks apart.

The band was designed to assist with portion control, but for me, some of that portion control had to come from me. I had to wait 14 weeks for my first fill, and I still use drinking my free fluids to help stave off hunger. Just because you can still eat regular sized portions does not mean that you should. No one but you really knows how you are feeling, and through experience know what you believe to be the best course of action, meaning having an additional fill. I am a strong advocate for each patient taking an active role in their treatment planning and having a say in the course of their treatment. I agree with others that you should have an appointment with the surgeon next time, and discuss your treatment plan with them. Good luck!

Post op habits are a dramatic change; you have to become mindful and aware while you eat. That's to say that you cannot allow yourself to become distracted or rushed while eating. if you don't chew your food thoroughly, you risk having something get stuck...not fun. I am allowed only 3 oz of Protein and 2 oz of fiber carb with every meal...measured by volume after cooking. I have felt restriction since my surgery, and now that I have had my first fill, frequently I am unable to finish my carbs (always eat your protein first!). Everyone is a little different...until you get your first fill, you have to learn to manage your hunger with will power and drinking your "free fluids", which for me is water- 80-90 oz every day. Best wishes on your journey!

Vitamin pills for healthy adults are often quite large compared to other pills, so perhaps that's part of the reason. I can no longer swallow horse sized larger pills. And, if you have much in the way of restriction with your band, it becomes more difficult to swallow larger pills. Trust me when I tell you that it is no fun when a pill gets stuck... The bariatric Vitamins are formulated for adults, as opposed to chewable children's vitamins. As a bariatric patient, the amount of food we eat is less than what a non- bariatric patient would eat, so the ability of the body to absorb proper nutrients is more limited. The calorie value of your daily intake of food is not the best value to determine the available nutrients from what you eat. And we rarely are able to absorb all of the nutrients from the foods which we eat. I purchase my chewable vitamins at my doctor's office because they are less expensive there, and incredibly, they taste good. It is always best practice to follow the instructions your surgeon gives you. If you have questions or concerns regarding the vitamins you should be taking, the best idea is to discuss this with either the doctor or the medical staff.

I pureed fruits by putting them, cut into pieces, into the blender. I did not even have to add Water... cantaloupe was heavenly ! For the first couple of weeks, I only used fruit for my daily carbs, and waited to add pureed vegetables. I don't know if adding your Protein powder to pureed fruit would be palatable or not...honestly it does not sound appealing to me, but that is just my opinion. I added ice cubes into the blender when I made my shakes, and that made them thicker and taste better to me. I still keep things basic and simple with my eating; simple works best for me. So, I don't have any recipes to share. I'm certain others will chime in with their favorites. Also, I believe that there is a separate area on the forum home page devoted only to sharing recipes. Good luck as your journey continues!

The first day, is rest...stay properly hydrated, and take your pain medication as needed. Try to stay ahead of the pain, that is to not wait until your pain level is high and then take the medication. It is very helpful to get things moving again inside for the gas so be certain to take a short walk around the house every hour you are awake...I was also given a series of foot and lower leg exercises to do every hour to help avoid development of DVT. The same goes for the initial week or so; it will seem difficult to get all of your fluids every day; do your best so that you are properly hydrated. Try to lengthen your walks around the house, maybe a bit outside as tolerated. The more you move around (within reason), the better you will feel. SF popsicles were great to have . I got a craving for salt a couple of times, so I had clear chicken broth which was a nice change from the sweet shakes. I was on liquids for an entire 2 weeks post op, and was thrilled to finally to get to the next stage at week 3...everything went into the blender to be pureed. I used fresh fruit for my carbs (pureed cantaloupe was my favorite ), and also made homemade chicken salad and egg salad. I also had SF FF pudding for variety. I began to take walks around the lengthy cul de sac we live on, and it felt good to get some exercise which was not too strenuous. Best wishes to you as your weight loss journey begins!

What others have posted seems accurate...with the typical variations between doctors. What I would add, for consideration, is to ask if you know what your daily Protein goal is? As per the dietitian during my pre op education, for my height and age, my daily range is 32-60 g of protein per day. I was advised to never count calories, only to make good food choices, and limit each meal to 3 oz of protein and 2 oz of healthy carbs per day. We do need to get enough protein daily to sustain weight loss...and also be sure to drink sufficient fluids every day.

I also have the Realize band...and have not had any issues with it. I don't know of any foods which I am unable to eat, and have never had a stuck episode with the exception of one of my pills just after I stopped crushing them. Several weeks ago, I thought I remembered reading that it had been discontinued. I don't know if that is accurate or not... I'm very happy with my band...

I began to prepare for this change several months prior to my surgery, so my post op adjustment was not difficult. As with coping with my hunger, I use distraction to get my mind off of not being able to drink for the hour following a meal. I get involved with a project around the house, answer my email messages, read my current book, the possibilities are just about endless. I also make it a point to properly hydrate myself prior to meals, which I find does make a difference after the meal as to the length of time that elapses before I feel thirsty again. I usually have between 80-90 oz of Water a day...so I do miss being able to take a sip whenever I want. With practice and proper hydration prior to your meal, it does get easier with practice!

It is typical to hit a plateau every so often, and it is important to maintain your compliance with your diet. Also, I have found that my weight loss slowed significantly if I did not eat enough Protein, and if I did not drink enough "free fluids" (SF and FF). I have also read that changing up your exercise is supposed to help; if you have a set routine of exercises, change the type and perhaps the speed of your reps. I halve also written in past posts that this band and weight loss journey has taught me a life skill which eluded me for most of my life: how to have patience and be patient... Best wishes as your journey continues...and it will!

My band was empty until my first fill, which should have been done 6 weeks post op. I experienced some medical complications, so I did not have my first fill until 14 weeks post op. My doctor will not do a fill any closer than 6 weeks apart. From reading this forum, it is common for different doctors to have slightly different procedures and recommendations. The best policy is to follow your doctor's recommendations. I initially had some restriction as I was healing. I now have only 3 cc of Fluid in my band, and have noticed that I am not able to finish my meals all of the time. It is also takes me longer to feel hungry between meals sometimes, but I sometimes do get hungry after only 3.5 hours. I manage my hunger by drinking the fluids we are supposed to have daily. Eventually, with the correct amount of restriction you need, you will not be getting hungry too soon between meals, and will have to slow your eating down. As per my surgeon's recommendations, each meal is timed for 20 minutes, and what ever is left on your plate, you don't eat.

I'm concerned about the number of carbs in it...the Protein grams look good, but the added sugars are something I try to avoid. Sugar carbs only increase my wanting more of them! Thanks for sharing this...

You came to a great place for emotional support and encouragement! Best wishes to you as your journey begins!

Everyone has shared sound information and insights with you, and really covered the topic well... It's important to recognize that you are still in the process of making major life adjustments. You realize that your relationship with food must change, so your are mourning the loss of that relationship. Totally normal and to be expected. The changes you are involved with are both emotional and physical. Your hormones are raging, and that does not help with maintaining a positive outlook either. Depression is not a rare response to the adjustment. If your down feelings persist, it would be helpful to tell you surgeon and perhaps also to speak with a therapist. There are few others who don't have the post op questions you mentioned about "Why did I do this? What was I thinking?". I know I did... As others have mentioned, the initial post op time can be difficult when there is a family to continue to care for. Please know that at some point in the future, you will be able to have small amounts of the foods you crave, though you will not want much of them. If that sounds impossible to believe, I understand that. But you simply cannot eat larger portions. and though it may be difficult to believe, you won't want to. It may be helpful for someone else in the family to do the cooking and serving, and eat at different times from when your meals are. It does get easier...again, it may be difficult for you to believe this, but if so many others are sharing the same message, there must be some truth in it! Get back in touch with the reasons you opted for the surgery...what were your goals? Refocus yourself on a healthier you...and the rest, along with the lifestyle adjustments will follow. There is a huge amount of emotional support on this forum, along with many ideas for assisting one through the adjustments needed for success. Take a day at a time...best wishes to you!

I met with the dietitian who works in conjunction with my surgeon's practice several times pre op, and then attended a 3 hour education class she conducted just prior to my surgery date. I have her contact information should I want to speak with her or email her. I have not felt the need to continue to consult with her, as I prefer to plan my own menus and keep everything basic and simple. She was an excellent resource, and also part of my success post op definitely came from the education she provided. All patients who are having bariatric surgery should be required to meet with a dietitian pre op so that they are able to understand proper nutrition for a bandster!

It'a an individual choice as to who and when to tell that you had surgery. It was troubling for me to read about all of the people who felt that they needed to be dishonest, and then felt bad about not being honest with others. Just because others ask you a question, it does not mean that you have to provide an answer. If you do, you choose if you want to disclose any or what information. And be ok with your choice. If others seem to become judgmental towards you, that is really their issue, and not yours. Other people cannot make you feel any emotions; you choose to feel the way that you do. If you get angry in a situation, it's because you permitted the situation to "get to you". If you are not truthful and feel bad about not being truthful, it's only you putting a guilt trip on yourself. Just a different perspective; if I am asked a question which I do not want to answer, I say something to the effect of "I don't feel comfortable discussing that with anyone". I find you usually don't have additional questions asked. Also, as a side note, your rights to confidentiality regarding medical issues does extend to your employer. If there is a "need to know", (ie, you have some temporary physical limitations in doing your job) then it is possible to disclose that information to only the HR staff, and still be within the parameters of the law. If it is for time off, a note from your physician to verify "medical necessity" for the time off required should suffice. There is no need for the physician to disclose your specific medical condition to your employer if there is no on the job injury.

I was required to have 3 cups of 1% milk daily during my liquid diet. I used the milk to make 3 of my required daily 4 shakes, which made the hunger stay away a bit longer. I also used to add a few cubes of ice to the blender to thicken the shake, which made it take longer to drink. I focused on distracting myself; I structured my time so that I had set times to exercise, have my shakes, and got busy with projects around the house. All of the drawers, closets and cabinets in the house were purged of unneeded items and are still organized. Hope that this information helps...it's a difficult time, but so worth it! Best wishes on your journey!

My doctor will not do a fill earlier than 6 weeks after the previous fill. And in my case, waiting until 3.5 months for the first fill, with the next one on July 17, it is quite possible that in 6 months I will have had only 2 fills. Not what I anticipated, but what I had to do. Still waiting for test results to determine if I will need to have my gallbladder removed...which if so, may delay the fill schedule longer...

I have experienced a similar pain...the doctors are still running tests to determine the cause of it. If it persists, be sure to notify your surgeon. I hope the pain went away...

I know how disappointing it can be to have to postpone your fill...I had to wait for 3.5 months for my first one. I was scheduled for it, and the doctor determined I was severely dehydrated and instead of getting a fill, he admitted me back into the hospital. Hang in there...the time will go by quickly...

Honesty is definitely to be valued, though I believe that empathy is a preferable value to cultivate...and I can definitely assure you that all things are relative. An individual's perspective can definitely get skewed. One definite truism I have learned through the course of my career is that all of us, to some degree, engage in "flawed thinking", which tends to be inaccurate. Raising one's awareness of those inaccuracies helps us to develop empathy for others. Let me assure you, someone who weighs in at 200 pounds is definitely not "skinny". And for many who have less pounds to loose, it is more difficult to loose them. For some, co-morbidities are just that; if the weight does not get lost, they will increase their chances to end up in an early grave...no vanity there. Perhaps they want to see children and/or grandchildren grow up, graduate from professional school...They are not primarily concerned about fitting into smaller spaces or the clothing they wear. The possibilities are just about endless for why they need to/want to loose weight...much likely more dire than your circumstances. For someone who needs to loose 100 pounds, or whatever the number is, the journey can be as difficult and daunting as another's journey of more pounds, whatever the number is. You don't need to "relate" to those who weigh less, only have empathy, as we are all on our own unique yet similar journey. Empathy...far more effective than honesty when used alone. My empathetic $.02... Your mileage varies...Best wishes.

Not meaning to "hijack" this thread...but I also used to , pre op, rely on popcorn to stay regular. I have been scared to try it since my surgery...you have not had any negative effects from eating it? I have been eating some extra raw spinach in my salads to try to get some natural fiber, but that is marginal at best. That's the best news I have had in weeks...please let us know if you are able to tolerate it well since your surgery!

I agree with Cazzy...though some people say not to use heat, I did find a heating pad on my abdomen soothing. And, you need to be moving...walking around your house will not only help to avoid the possible DVT, but also will get everything inside "moving" again...which also means the gas which does cause some discomfort. I was given a series of foot and lower leg exercises that I had to do several times a day in addition to walking around the house. If you have not already been provided with prescriptions for a liquid pain medication and something for relief from nausea, be certain to get them, and have them filled. I only took 2 doses of the prescription pain medicine, but did take several doses of liquid Tylenol for the pain, so that is another item I would put on your list to have on hand when you get home. If you are taking any oral maintenance medications, such as blood pressure medication, you need to discuss with your doctor the availability of another form of the medication. I was able to temporarily change to a liquid form for several...if you take pills, you will need to either cut or crush them. That was the worst part of my post op experience...very bitter taste. Post op, I really enjoyed SF popsicles. You may have a slight sore throat, so the SF hard candies or throat drops (ie Luden's) may be a good temporary choice. Best wishes to you as you begin your journey!

Sugar alcohol, from what I have read, comes in many different varieties. It is hydrogenated sugar, and cannot be absorbed by the body. Because it cannot be absorbed by the body, it can ferment in the intestines, and may cause digestive upset in people. Some of the "sugar alcohols" do have a caloric value. I am not a chemist, but this is my understanding of how they function. Basically, they are a form of chemically engineered sugar, and as such are used in the category of foods considered to be "highly or overly processed". I don't believe that it's a great idea to use those products...if we truly want to change our health for the better with loosing weight, why would you want to ingest chemicals? IMHO, in the long run, simple unprocessed foods are healthier. Many on the forum have written about their "sweet tooth", and I am a self confessed chocoholic. I would think it healthier to have 1 small piece of the real deal than to use the chemicals. Your mileage may vary...best wishes to you as you continue your journey!