Sojourner

Every doctor is a bit different; my meals can only be 5 oz; 3 of protein and 2 oz of a fiber carb. You did not mention if you have had any fills to your band yet. Generally, if you are getting hungry, it is a sign that your band needs to be adjusted. How much would be your doctor's decision. I have not had any fills yet, and am finding that I am getting hungry between my meals. I distract myself with sipping water or chewing SF gum (be careful not to swallow it!). I've found that the ultimate difference with loosing the weight and keeping it off is to exercise as much as you are realistically able to and not obsess about it. I was encouraged by the dietician to purchase a pedometer and track the number of steps I take daily...and steadily increase the number. There are many ways to approach using the band, but I believe compliance with the recommended diet and exercise is the best way for me! Good luck!!

You are really doing a great job...loosing 20 lbs in under a month is not slow weight loss!

Any type of surgery is an ordeal of sorts; it affects you both physically and psychologically. It is normal to become anxious to some degree prior to having the surgery...for some people the thought of going under anesthesia alonee can bring sheer panic. Consider your past track record...prior surgery had a good outcome, and you survived it. Understand that this is your mind running away with you, and in the same way, you can regain control of your thoughts by reaffirming the positives about the band surgery. You have the power and control, if you take it! Good Luck!!

I know I have read some references to this topic on several different posts...not I can't locate any of them! I started on "mushies" 3 days ago; I am having a difficult time eating the meals, and never finish the amount I am allowed. The major problem is that I get a dry, "foamy" mouth between meals. I am constantly sipping Water, seem to be genuinely thirsty, but the water does nothing to relieve the sense of dry mouth and foaming. Does anyone else have this issue? What is going on that I need to do differently? Any information anyone can provide would be deeply appreciated!

From what I have read, it is normal to gain a bit when you go back to eating real food again. It seems that you are doing the proper things to follow the protocol...one additional thought to consider is that with exercise, you build muscle, which burns more calories to maintain. Muscle is also heavier than fat...so your level of fitness may be increasing your muscle mass, which is good. I was banded around the same time as you were, and I have just started "mushies"...I promised myself to make good food choices, and not weigh myself every day. Just stay focused on compliance with what I am supposed to be doing. Going through the banding surgery has some additional psychological impact on us as well...you may be experiencing this. You are just a few days away from your appointment to see your doctor...try not to obsess about the weight, remain compliant, and then discuss your concerns with the doctor. Good luck, and keep your focus on the reward of improved health!

Survived my first day on "mushies"...but just barely. I followed the protein rules (egg, tuna, had some pureed fruit, yogurt) and felt so lethargic. I could not even gather enough energy to do any exercise that I had intended to do this afternoon. I got enough protein, but only felt better after a protein shake for dinner. Has anyone else experienced this lack of energy when transitioning back to "real" food?

I was advised by the dietician that wine along with all other alcoholic beverages were not to be used for a full year post-op, as they are irritants to the pouch, which needs that time to heal. I also enjoyed a glass of wine with dinner on an occasional basis, and just accepted going a year without any was just another part of my journey back to health and a normal weight. We all have choices to make; I would never question another individuals choices. I just know that my preferred approach to recovery from surgery is to stack the odds in my favor for as few chances for complications as possible!

Smoking does interfere with the healing process, and slows it down considerably. One of my sons is an endodontist, and he has told me that there are a number of oral surgical procedures that patients who smoke will not be considered for if they don't make the choice to quit smoking. My surgeon requires that you be smoke free for a minimum of 30 days pre-op, and another 30 days post-op.

My post-op pain gradually resolved on it's own after about 8 days. I only used 2 doses of my pain medication (narcotic), then had 3 doses of tylenol for the rest of the time. Important: we are all individuals, and will not heal the same way in the same amount of time. The most important thought to remember is that you will feel better, and that the pain does go away. During the morning of Day 4 post-op, I had fleeting thoughts of "what the h*** did I get myself into?", and self reproach for having the surgery. Those thoughts did not stay with me for more than a few minutes...I am now 2 weeks post-op, getting back into exercise, and ready for the next major challenge of mushies and soft foods. The pain is gone...and the journey ahead looks bright and full of promise. Good luck...this is a major adjustment in lifestyle. If you need emotional support to stay focused, this is an excellent place to visit. Hope you will feel better fast!

There is an OTC (over the counter) skin gel called "MEDERMA", which is a skin treatment for scars. I used it last year after my colon surgery, and it did help to fade the scars, and they were not pretty ones I will plan on using it again when my new incisions are healed closed. I still have the adhesive on them all, but my surgery was only 2 weeks ago. This product is not inexpensive (about $32.00 a tube), but aren't we worth it? The tube has lasted me since last July, and the odorless, colorless gel is refreshing on your skin.

Reading the majority of these posts is making me very nervous...I attended my post op appointment this morning. CT scan and additional lab work came back with good results. I had lost an additional 2.4 lbs since my visit last week. Best news: I no longer am required to crush my meds!!!! I am going to begin my "mushies" in the morning, and really am concerned with regaining some of the weight I have been working to loose! I have already made a committment to be consistent with my exercise, a maximum of 5 days per week. Because of my age and status with post vehicle accident fractures still healing, and no NASIDS, the bones and joints need a couple of days off from cardio a week to manage the pain. I visited the grocery store for the first time in weeks...on the menu for the mushie week are eggs, low fat cottage cheese, yogurt, SF pudding (60 calories), halibut, canned in Water peaches, a sweet potato to bake, and fat free refried Beans, along with FF sour cream. Writing this sure makes it seem like a terrible set of menu choices, but after 4 weeks of liquids it sounds good to me! My next appointment is for 3 weeks; the doctor has informed me that he will not be doing a fill at that time. He said he wants to see my progress (or perhaps lack thereof), and at that appointment will discuss creating a fill schedule with me. I am nervous about weight gain and feeling like a failure, though I do understand that this slight weight gain is normal. I guess that the exercise will be the deciding factor... Everyone continues to do well...good encouraging news for me. Thanks for sharing the weight gain information...perhaps o won't freak out too much!

Relax...and follow your doctor's instructions! The doctor's and their highly trained staff are there to answer your questions. No question is too small if you really need an answer. Good luck with your surgery!

Try not to "personalize" comments by the insurance company personnel...I have found that many such "professionals" are really ageny supp;ied with a minimum of training in the field. I had to loose 20 lbs just to get scheduled for surgery...which I did (amazing what you can accomplish when you are motivated!). I was fortunate to have a primary care physician who is very experienced and knowledgable about the surgery, so I was approved with only one letter. My co-morbidities are what made the difference in my case. Good luck...and keep your focus on the prise of better health!

Congratulations with your decision to refocus yourself on loosing weight! Though I have yet to experience a fill, I have had the sensation of feeling "the lump in the throat". I found drinking some hot tea or clear broth helps to relax me. Best of luck!!

That's a difficult scenario, indyhandmade...and not a weird question at all... Before I answer it, anyone who might read this response and take exception to it. please don't personalize any part of this message...I answer from the perspective of a licensed professional in mental health disciplines. Though you did not mention how long you and your husband have been together, and the length of time that your weight has been an issue for you, typically the spouse who is not "Changing" (surgery, striving for weight loss) will feel threatened by the balance of the relationship changing. Your husband's response to your sharing of the experiences with the support groups tells me that he is acting in a selfish, immature manner, and his insecurities about the direction your changes have created some insecurities in his beliefs. If he will ever be supportive to you as you go on this journey is questionable; he needs to gain some real maturity so that he can perceive that he is not the center of the universe...that he is part of a partnership. Typically, people don't change their beliefs and behaviors unless they are extremely motivated to do so. Attempting to assist your husband to understand and accept that this weightloss journey is about you for the purpose of enhancing your health and by default your marriage is worth a try, also that he will like the "new you" just as much or better than the pre-band you. Just be prepared to accept that he may not get on board with you and be supportive. For this journey, emotional support is essential for your success. Reach out to those in the support group, you might be surprised by the number of people who are experiencing similar challenges at home with their family/friends. There are some excellent and supportive individuals that actively participate on this forum. You did not mention other family, however a sister/mother/aunt may be available for emotional support. As for me, my husband has been supportive of my decision to have the band surgery. He has attended all of the information and education sessions with me, stayed with me while I was in the hospital, tries to make sure that wherever I am in the house, I have a bottle of water to sip on. He has not expected me to cook for him during the weeks that I was on my liquid diet, and has made an effort to not cook any of the meals I find particularly difficult to ignore. Everyone is human, and unique...we all have our faults! Try your best to keep the "lines of communication" open with him, and be willing to hear his feelings on the topic(s) which concern him. You cannot force him to be an emotional support of any kind for you if he chooses not to...so be clear in your mind about your options and which people will be your "go to" individuals on your journey. I don't know if what I wrote helped, or if it even made any sense to you...feel free to write back if you have any questions or concerns... Good luck...you can do this with him or with out him!

My new exercise bike arrived at the house today...very excited, as soon it will be too hot and humid to continue walking as I was prior to the surgery. I have not felt up to walking since the surgery, and wanted to wait for the post-op appointment/clearance from the doctor before I returned to that exercise; either way you leave our driveway, you encounter multiple steep hills. I've lost 20 lbs since beginning the pre-op diet...very exciting to have to search for a smaller size pair of jeans to fit me today. Sort of sad to realize that I have already "shrunk" out of several of my favorite sweaters...but I'll get over that!! Very encouraged to read of so many of us "February" folks doing so well!

As I am newly banded, the thought of having the "TT" procedure did cross my mind. I dismissed it as just being too vain...until I saw the pictures you posted! What a difference...definitely the best reward for going through the weight loss. Thank you so much for sharing!!

I was not even aware that this thread existed...will this different thread be the place where we continue to keep in touch and share our successes?

Hi all...I am unsure what "MFP" stands for. Let's all ask sweetsoutherngirl, as this acronym was referenced in her post! I'm curious to know also...

Every doctor seems to have their preferred approach to the liquid diet...pre-op the only real chewable anything I had for the 2 weeks was 1 cup of raw salad veggies every day, and focus on taking in enough protein every day. The range varies by your age and height. For me, it was 62-80 grams daily. And a total of 80 oz of liquids. I was allowed to include the 3 cups of skim milk mixed with the Protein Powder in my daily Fluid totals. Post op diet also varies; I was on liquids for the first week with the same protein and fluid goals. Week 2 I was able to add 6 oz of a no sugar added, fat free yogurt daily as a substitute for one cup of milk. The key is to avoid any products which have sugar added. I was advised that we were permitted to use seasonings (even salt) within reason, and use splenda for sweetening. I have been overcome with cravings for salt several times, and I was thankful for having broth. SF Jello was allowed, pudding was not. Altering the recommended diet post op can be a slippery slope of having your metabolism reverting to burning carbs instead of the fat we want to loose. We were told that naturally occuring sugar (such as in unsweetened fruit flavored yogurt) is allowed, but anything with sugar added is a definite no! I am surprised at the number of people active on this forum who were not required to take a nutrition class as part of their education process with relearning to eat in a healthful way. I was required to meet with a registered dietitician a minimum of 3 times total. If you have questions or concerns, it would be helpful to meet with a dietician, and this cost may even be covered by your insurance. Good luck as you move forward with your journey! There are many knowlegable participants on this forum...so ask your questions!

You can add me...we were banded on the same day...

One additional thing I would like to add about the healing process is an over the counter gel called "Mederma"...it's a skin care to help minimize scars. I purchased my tube from Walgreen's. I used it after my abdominal surgery last summer, and it really did help the scars from the incisions fade. I plan to use it again when my current incisions are healed to the point of being closed. It's colorless and odorless, and actually soothing to the healing skin.

We were banded on the same day, just in different hemispheres of the world! Sorry to read of your initial difficulties, and am pleased that they are strating to resolve. I was in a similar situation with how I felt initially post-op. I am still on a liquid diet, though this past Friday, I was allowed to add 6 oz of SF yogurt to substitute for an 8 oz servinb of skim milk. Pureed diet is supposed to begin following post-op exam next week... I really wanted to begin to get some walking in today, but the winds here are 35 mph sustained. Many small branches are being blown from trees. It will have to wait until the weather calms. I have also purchased an exercise bike to use indoors after the summer temperatures come to stay; it should be delivered by the end of this week.

At my pre-op appointment, we were told to avoid the collagen Protein, because there is significantly less protein per oz then the whey isolate or soy protein. Post-op, initially I was very challenged to get nearly all of my liquid goals for a day, so every ounce of protein needed to be the highest I could find. My favorite protein powder so far is the GNC "Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60", of which I cut the amount of protein powder in half to make it 30 grams of protein with every 8 oz shake. They have several flavers, chocolate and Cookies & cream being my favorites, along with vanilla.