Sojourner

Just a thought to share about saying goodbye to the drinks and foods we have come to love...those preferences or in some cases addictions are the reasons we have the band surgery. food is not your friend...saying goodbye with a finality is a positive step to take for success with your weight loss journey. As is often quoted on this forum, the band is only a tool; you must do the work to experience success with using the band in the way it has been designed to work. We need to change our relationship with food, and revise thoughts to approach a better and healthier way of life and diet. A healthier regard for food as something we need to fuel our bodies to live, instead of looking at food as solace for anxious and/or angry thoughts. Best wishes for success as you move forward on your journey!

This thread is hilarious...we all have some humor to share! I seem to be loosing my weight fairly uniformly, but definitely have noticed that I have lost in my breasts. I had entertained the "slim" ( pardon the play on words ...) hope that one day I would be able to wear my smaller size bras, so I saved many of them while I was obese. I have gone down over an entire size, with more to go, I hope! But, my husband was lamenting over the loss in my breasts...and he did not feel better when I reminded him that I was a 34B when we met, and doubted that I would ever be quite that small again. Once a breast man, always a breast man...after 40 years, I still love him!

Mood swings are normal anytime you are confronting a major life changing event...and also common post op with hormonal changes which may affect your mood. The important point you addressed is that you are doing what you feel is best for you; your support system is extremely important, but at the end of the day, it is you who will have to do the work! Best wishes as you navigate towards your surgery date!

The only thing that ever got stuck with me was one of my pills, just after I first stopped crushing them. It created a burning sensation in my esophagus for about 10 minutes until it worked itself along. It's a great idea to engage in "mindful" eating, to stay aware of your bite sizes, and chewing each bite enough. It takes some practice, but like everything else we practice, it can become part of your routine. I think multitasking gets many of us in "stuck" episodes with food..

As I understand it from my internal medicine doctor, gallbladder inflammation and/or gall stones may result from rapid weight loss. Someone I know told me that years ago when they had the original gastric bypass surgery, it was routine for the doctor to screen the gall bladder for any signs of stones or inflammation at the time of the surgery. The gallbladder would be removed if there were any signs of a problem, because it is so common for rapid weight loss and gallbladder issues to coincide. Though gallbladder issues could be a result of high cholesterol diets, the type of healthy Proteins we are supposed to eat should not raise cholesterol levels. Definitely any diet recommended by your surgeon should contain healthy proteins and carbs, along with FF SF options, none of which should contribute to gallstones. There are certain ethnic groups who are predisposed to develop gallstones, and women tend to have a 20% higher incidence then men for gallstones. I am currently undergoing tests to determine if I also need to have my gallbladder removed. Please be certain to post what you find out about having the band unfilled...I'm interested to know also! Best wishes on your continued journey...BTW, I'm told by others who have had their gallbladder removed that it is not too difficult of a procedure to recover from!

Definitely begin to wean yourself off of caffeine to avoid a major headache later...and I agree with what everyone else has posted about the carbs that may tempt you... This is the time to begin to change your mindset and thoughts about your relationship with food. If you are aware of any unhealthy eating habits, begin the process of change. The only other thing I would add is that you should also begin to include exercise into your daily routine if you have not already done so. Find out if your surgeon has a "weight" that you must be under by the time of your pre op appointment, and work your diet and exercise to get there. I found out about my surgery approval right after returning from a family cruise...along with the "weight" I needed to be under by my pre op appointment...only 2.5 weeks away. Needless to say, I went into a panic mode as I was 6 pounds over the designated number. I don't like to operate under stress... Best wishes as you move forward with your weight loss journey!

Many information sources available through the internet have had their credibility compromised by the posters who are not experts in the field they are writing about. While teaching at the university level, I told my students that "Wikipedia" was not a valid source of information to include with their list of research citations...the reason being that anyone can post their additions to the subject. There is no requirement for the information to be valid and correct, and the source looses it's credibility to be valid. You no can no longer believe everything you read, especially online. The band surgery, as with any surgical procedure does have some health risks. Cancer is not one of the potential complications I have read about. If you have concerns about this, I would definitely discuss them with your surgeon. Taking a "stomach protector" such as Prevacid will help with the acid in your system. It's very important to discuss this medication and all medications with your surgeon before taking them.

Drinking your "free fluids" may help control your hunger...also the SF jello and Popsicles for variety.

Definitely stay in communication with your surgeon's office. They should have given you a prescription for nausea, and an anti-emetic. It's very important for you to stay properly hydrated, otherwise the nausea could become a symptom for dehydration. A sore throat following general anesthesia is normal, as you had a tube there during the surgery. You will feel better with every day that passes...but don't risk becoming dehydrated. Let your surgeon know what is happening with you. Best wishes to feel better fast...

I have also one time had a small piece of very thin crust pizza; with no negative consequences. The toppings were all veggies... Next week, as the prep for my HIDA scan, I am required to eat a "fatty greasy meal" the evening before...and the scheduler at the imaging center told me to have some pizza for dinner the night before the test, no matter that I have the band and am definitely not supposed to have those type foods. Put in that language, pizza seems like the least appetizing meal in the world...so I will have the one required piece, and my husband with the 34" waist will happily have the rest...

It would depend on what a "pre-band" recipe would be...as per instructions received from my surgeon, you should start with tender and moist meats: dark meat chicken, turkey, meat and shrimp salads using some light mayo. Moist and flaky salmon, tuna, cod. Shaved deli meats, use better quality choices such as Boar's Head Brand. Any fresh fruit is acceptable, as long as it is peeled. I still enjoy all of the "melons", and red grapefruit. Just about all vegetables are acceptable, but they need to be tender. I was advised to avoid salad greens and other raw veggies until at least week 6 post op, and start with dark leafy greens. Well cooked complex carbs can be used for one meal along with your Protein, such as edamame, peas, lima Beans, yams and the real oatmeal (not instant or quick cooking). Hope this helps... Best wishes as your journey continues...

Now is the time, as you continue to heal that you begin to make the best choices for the food you do eat. Low fat, simple and unprocessed foods to begin with. Be certain to get the amount of Protein you are supposed to have every day. I put everything, but the scrambled eggs in the blender at this stage. Try not to get obsessed with your scale either...remain compliant with your surgeon's instructions, and you will see the scale move in the right direction. The greatest lesson this journey has taught me to date is to have patience...the weight did not appear quickly, and we will not likely loose it as quickly as we would like. Stay the course, and keep your eye on the prize! Best wishes as you recover...

The same plateau has happened to me...and it lasted for over a month. I found that adjusting the calories or changing up exercise did not help. I focused on maintaining compliance, and the scale has finally started to move again... Jean McMillan has just posted an informative article in the magazine section of the forum (at least it was there yesterday...) that addresses this topic. This journey has taught me the patience that has eluded me for years...taking a day at a time, and recognizing that the weight did not appear quickly, nor will it be lost rapidly. Dee has some good thoughts to share also...sorry that I am not of more help! All good things in time ! Take care, and continued success...

I'm still waiting for my first fill...and use FF SF fluids (mostly Water for me) to help manage my hunger.

I totally agree with NWgirl...having enough Protein every day is the key to both staving off hunger and to successful weight loss. Pre-op you should have received a "target" range number of grams of protein you should be eating every day. If you don't know that range of numbers, I would definitely ask the doctor or their staff!

I have experienced some complications post op, and have been in the hospital twice for evaluation...so I do relate to the recurring pain. They are still running tests on me... Do you still have your gall bladder? During my post op journey, I have discovered that the gall bladder can become easily inflamed as a side effect of rapid weight loss. As with many other pain, this pain can be "referred", meaning it may be coming from somewhere else than from where you are feeling it. I may need to have mine removed... I'm not saying this is what is going on with you, only suggesting that you discuss it with your doctor if you pain is not resolving as a possible explanation. I really hope you will feel much better soon!

Well, all of the drawers and closets in the house are cleaned out and reorganized, if that gives you any idea of how I managed to go the distance through my liquid diet... Seriously though, distraction of your thoughts, staying busy with a project you are interested in, and drinking the free fluids you need to stay properly hydrated, in addition to your Protein shakes are all very helpful to manage hunger. Best wishes to you as you continue on your journey!

Jean McMillan has just written a magazine article to address this very issue...and she has shared some excellent suggestions for breaking through a plateau. Check it out! I have hit a plateau every 10 pounds or so, and they usually last for about a week. Like others have mentioned, it's very important to measure your portions accurately, and to choose low fat Proteins. Spicing up your chicken with herbs and paprika has a lot less calories than adding gravy. My favorite seasoning for fish is paprika and lemon juice. Best wishes to you as you continue to "stay the course"...the scale does eventually move again!

My surgeon typically wants to do fills every 6 weeks, until you are in the "green zone". You most likely will not be able to tolerate solid foods for at least a couple of days after the fill. I have been advised to have a liquid diet for 2 days and then "mushies" for another day after a fill. As Mis73 has shared, it's important to take a "gulp" of Water in the office to be certain that the water can be tolerated by the pouch without coming back up.

That's a great reminder! It's very important to stay hydrated, otherwise you may end up in the ER like I did without recognizing the symptoms of severe dehydration, the most prominent being nausea. I focus on what my doctor has called "free fluids"...any SF and FF Fluid will count, from popsicles, Crystal Lite, to tea and Water. I was also advised to avoid caffeine..., but I have returned to having my daily glass of iced coffee in the morning. I also always carry at least 1 bottle of water with me, and sip constantly. I usually have around 80oz a day. I enjoy a flavored water which is carb and calorie free in several flavors, but I also like the plain water in certain brands.

There are numerous posts regarding this topic...and the instructions also seem to vary by the doctor's practice. I was advised to never count calories...only to make good choices with foods I eat (not processed, fresh and basic), and strict portion control- 3 oz of Protein and 2 oz of a Fiber carb with every meal. Portions are to be measured by volume, not weight, and only after cooking, if applicable. I hold myself accountable; no eating, only drinking "free" fluids between meals.

Welcome to the community! There are many knowledgeable and supportive members here... It helped me to control my hunger by drinking the "free fluids" we are supposed to be having every day.

I was told by the dietitian that if a patient does experience any hair loss, it likely is a result of not enough Protein. Not everyone will experience some thinning of their hair...I did not have any loss/thinning of my hair. I felt that the risks to my health were greater if I did not have the surgery, than the risk of having a temporary thinning of my hair!

Yes, and no..."mushies", as per the post op instruction book I was given are any soft food, which will be easier to digest, such as scrambled eggs, which do not have to be pureed if you chew them well. I pureed everything, except the scrambled eggs during my "mushy" stage. Everything I wanted to eat that was allowed on my diet went into the blender first; chicken moistened with plain broth, overcooked broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, tuna, cantaloupe, strawberries. You can make the food "runny" if you want to by adding more moisture (broth or water) to the blender. Many people have written that they survived this stage by having mashed potatoes. I was advised to avoid potatoes, as they lack the Protein we need for good nutrition, and are carbs.