ddrobins

Hi, I just joined the July Bandsters group. I've read all of your posts and found some really good advice and info. I was banded on Friday. Everything went well and my first day Post op was a piece of cake. I thought , hey I'm gonna cruise right through this with no problems. Second day Post op, not so much fun. I overdid it yesterday, I'm sure and today I'm as weak as a baby bird. I was out walking yesterday, visiting with the neighbors. They all told me, Wow, you don't seem like you just had a surgery. I was all like, oh it was nothing. I'm singing a different tune today. Have been mainly laid up in my recline, dosing off and on. Trying to get some protein shakes and liquids into my body. I have zero appetite. I have a lot of bloating in my stomache and the left top of my shoulder and neck aches. I'm getting up and walking around my house every hour, so I keep circulation going. Doing some deep breathing. I had a shower earlier, it sapped what little energy I had. I'm 56yrs old, not 25, anymore and I guess this is going to take some recovery time. I'm already retired , so not having to head back to work. My husband is actually looking after himself and doing ok. That's like a mini miracle. Cause he pretty much depends on me to do the taking care of him. I know I'll feel a little better each day. I got in two scoops of protein and some milk today, and now I think I'm just going to hit the water as much as I can. I also took some Milk of Magnesia, as I think I may need help moving things along. I know we'll all heal nicely and do great. Glad I found this group. Nap is calling my name now. Deb

Wow, thanks for the recipes. I'm not there yet, but when I get to the mushy stage, I'll definitely be trying your recipes. I've been trying to think of some high protein food that I'll actually be able to eat and not have to depend on my liquid protein drink for all of my nourishment? Do you feel any restriction with your band or are you just using will power at your stage? You probably don't have much of a fill in yet, right?

Ok, glad I found this post. I'm right there with you guys. I was banded on the 27th. I felt fine yesterday and overdid things. Even out visiting with neighbors. Today, I'm as weak as a newborn bird. Taking my shower totally did me in. I'm having a hard time getting many liquids in, and so I'm concentrating on getting my liquid Protein down as I was told I could start back on it today. I just had my second scoop of the day and I mixed it with milk instead of Water, thinking that would be more nourishing. Then after drinking it, I thought Geez the milk will probably give me more gas. I haven't had a BM since Thursday, so I started taking some Milk of Magnesia too. I have a lot of gas pain today and a lot of pain across the top of my left shoulder. They say that's very common and may last for awhile. I weighed myself this morning and I'm up like 3lbs since friday, which was my surgery day. I know that's nothing to worry about, cause I haven't had diddly to eat. I'm totally not even the least bit hungry either. I'm just hanging out in my recliner today. Walking around the house a bit every hour, so no blood clots develop. But not as perky as I was yesterday. God Bless us all

I'm two days post op and I've gained about 3 lbs. How can this be? I haven't had anything to eat but clear liquids?

Hello everyone, Yes, I'm officially one of the Banded now. I had my surgery yesterday on the 27th. Everything went very well. I had a bit of the left shouler pain. I found having my husband give it a good rub with the arthritis cream I use for my knees helped a lot. I also had some pain pills too. Today, I'm feeling fine. I have a bit of bloating in my stomache and have been using the gas x strips. I've definitely been passing some of the gas, so no problem there.....ooops TMI. I couldn't have asked for a more attentive and professional medical staff. I was treated like a queen from the time I entered the clinic. I had my own nurse with me from start to discharge and my Dr. and anesthesiologist were just wonderful. They both described in detail what would be happening to me in the OR and afterwards. I had my surgery at 9:30 and was on my way home by 1:30pm. The doctor called me at 8pm and then again this morning to see how I was doing. He said he'll be giving me a call on Monday too. And the I'll see him in two weeks for an incision checkup. I'm on Clear liquids for the first 3 days and then I can have full liquids for a week, including my Protein drink. He likes to take introduction back to food slowly. He says he wants abit of scar tissue to form around the stoma before taking any kind of a chance with food getting stuck or what not.He said if I follow just what he tells me to do, I should have no vomiting or discomfort. I also have a dietician who is working with me and she gives lessons over the internet. My first one is August 1st. Just like a classroom with hand out sheets that she has already emailed to me. I couldn't have found a better clinic. I'm very happy with how I've been treated and expect to have a long and lasting relationship with my weight loss group. Tips: drink plenty of Water after surgery, have a pillow to hold against you for your car ride, gas x is a must. I found the most comfortable way to sleep last night was in my recliner as they don't want me laying flat for 3 days. You won't have any trouble with the clear liquids after surgery, as I have zero appetite. Just think , this time next year we will all be so much healthier and look better too.

I was banded yesterday. I have some gas pain, but not severe. I've been drinking warm chicken broth and warm tea. I think maybe the warm fluids help the gas move through you. I've been passing gas and I think that help a lot with the pressure you are describing. I've also been using arthritis rub on my shoulders and one of those microwave heating pads. Just don't put the heating pad around your incisions. That's what the nurse told me. Moving and stretching helps some too. You'll get through this. Hang in there.

Tomorrow is my big day! I can't believe it's finally here. I'm all ready to go and I think that I have everything that I will need for the first two weeks post op. I'm so excited!, not feeling nervous. If I'm nervous about anything, it's that we will oversleep in the morning, have a flat tire on the way to the clinic, I'll wake up with a fever, etc. That would be the only thing that would throw me for a loop, if something happened that would make my surgery not happen tomorrow. However, I'm very confident that around 9:20am, in the morning, I'll be having my surgery. I have many people that have promised to be thinking of me and saying a prayer: that my body will be strong, my surgeons hands will be steady and sure, my anesthetist will be vigilant and I will have little pain and heal quickly. I trust in God's will and know everything will go smoothly. My real challenges will come afterwards. As I read these messages and blogs, I've come to realize that I am entering a whole new life style. I'll need strength and encouragement along my journey. I'm a food addict and have been for a long time. Food has a calming and almost numbing effect on me at times. It's what I turn to when I'm tired, bored, anxious, stressed, etc. It's also a big part of family get togethers and celebrations. My two grown daughters are overweight also. They are very supportive of my decision, as they know how much I want this. I'm hoping I can inspire them both to change some of their eating habits before they are my age. I come from a family of large women. We all love to cook and feed ourselves and anyone else who walks through our door. My husbands family had a family reunion last weekend. Right in the middle of my protein diet. It has been planned for months and I knew it was coming, of course. I signed up to bring all the plates, napkins, cups, etc. I did not cook, like I normally would have. Several of my inlaws commented on my missing brocolli salad, homemade meatballs, choc. cake with butter cream icing. They were a bit dissapointed. But they survived, and I was able to survive also. I ate my protein drink and veggies, along with one bite of my husbands hamburger. I called that a huge accomplishment for me, as there was tons of mouth watering and fat laden foods. I still had a really good time and so did everyone else. I know this is not going to be easy and I will have some hard times and a few set backs, But one step at a time I'm going to climb this mountain. On the other side lies better health and a new me.

You've been on a very low calorie diet. Your body is not sure just what is going on and so when you introduce some actual food back into your system, your brain is sending out an alert to hold onto lose calories. Things will level off as your body gets use to your new way of eating..

Sounds like you need to see your Dr. and you might need just a tiny fill to get you back on track. Does your Dr.charge you every time that you go and have a fill or a check up?

How long have you been banded and how do you know when you need a fill?

I'm happy for you. You'll do great. From everything I've read on here, it's a fairly simple surgery. Just imagine how different you'll look and feel by next summer, eh?

Can you have full liquids, like cream soups? or do they need to be clear?

I'm so proud of you. Has it been harder or easier than you thought it would be? You need a 1 month reward. Anything in mind?

I'm being banded on July 27th. Today was my second day of pre op protein. I feel totally full and satisfied with the protein and I'm very surprised that I'm not hungry and obcessing about not being able to eat. Of course, it's only the second day. What I'm noticing on here is that there are definitely two camps of Lap Banders. Some of you sound very upbeat and determined to follow the program and make this work. You seem to be losing weight, not at a fast rate, but steadily. Which is what I want to do, after all I didn't get fat in a month and don't expect to lose it that fast. The second camp seems discouraged and even wishing that they had never had the surgery. I am feeling a bit worried. I don't want to make a mistake, but I really need this to work for me. I decided on the Lap Band after doing a lot of research. I was very uncomfortable with having either the sleeve or bypass because it just seemed very invasive and I didn't like the thought of actually changing the anatomy of my stomache or digestive system. I'm not saying it's not the right decision for others but I felt that it was not right for me. I am totally committed to following the rules, before and after surgery and taking things very slow as I progress through my dietary restrictions: clear liquids, full liquids, puree and soft. I'm reading all that I can and I have purchased the bullet processing machine and I'm practicing pureeing foods and freezing some things in ice cube trays for after surgery.\ I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance. I know it's not an easy fix and I'm praying that I have an easy post op with no complications. Good luck everyone.

Well, today is July 25th. I'm being banded on July 27th. Less than 24 hours to go until my big BAND day! I'm very excited and can't stop smiling. I'm really not nervous, and I'm taking this as a good sign. I've really had very little trouble with my pre op diet. Two weeks on the liquid protein has been very doable. I've lost just over 15lbs. Very happy about that. I always knew that I ate too many carbs and not enough protein. It seemed that no matter how much I tried to count calories, it's been very hard for me to lose any weight. The fact that I have dropped 15lbs in less than two weeks is almost a miracle. I know now that I really need to focus on protein and low carbs in order for me to be successful. I have thought longingly of my beloved pastas these past days, but they have not been a friend to me. My new love will be fish, chicken, lean moist meats, high protein, low fat dairy, veggies. But most of all I want my new love to be myself. I have hated myself for far too long. I've neglected myself and forgotten to ever put my needs first. I have a funny story to tell. I have 2 small dogs: chihuahua and a yorkie. My two babies, always at my feet or on my lap. Before I started my protein fast I bought some high end dog food. Some very good wet and some very nourishing dry. Now I have always cooked for these two little munchkins, along with every other living thing that comes through my door. I feed everyone, that's what I do. BTW, that's changing, a bit. So, I put down their food, regular dog food, just what they should have always been eating. They both take a sniff and walk away. But, they are watching me, " yeah , right Mom, now wheres our real food?" So I say to them, " Listen up you two, new rules,, you'll either be eating your new food or I'll be planting you both in my flower bed, your choice." I swear, they were both listening to me like dogs do, turning their heads this way and that. So, Bailey, the yorkie, he walks over to his plate and starts right in eating. I about fell over. It took Coco a little longer, but she ended up eating hers too. It was the funniest thing. I swear they understood just what I was saying. Too funny. Taught me a lesson. ASK and you shall recieve.

Wow, These recipes all sound good. Way too good, I'm thinking. I'm noticing a trend of high fat in a lot of them and not a whole lot of protein. Isn't this what got us into trouble in the first place. The only one I think I would actually make is the tuna and avocado salad. Tuna has a lot of protein and avocado has good fat.

Yes, My PCP was very much against my having Lap Band. She actually said she didn't think it would work for me and all I needed to do was push my self away from the table and move more. I said, Well, thanks so much for the advice and that was the last time I saw her. I have a new doctor now and she signed off on the procedure, gave me my pre op physical . It really didn't make any difference to me what she thought either. I didn't even need for her to be onboard as I'm a self pay. I love my surgeon. He is never too busy to get back to me quickly if I have any questions. This decision shouldnt be entered into lightly by any means , but as an intelligent adult and having lived in my body for 56 yrs. I feel equipped to make this decision.

Today, July 13th, is the first day of my pre-op Liquid Protein diet. Made it through today with no problem. Well, maybe one little problem. I was'nt able to finish all the protein that I was supposed to consume today. I had 4 Protein drinks, which used up two pouches of the protein, but I still have one pouch left. I'll try something a bit different tomorrow and try to get it all in. My Dr. prescribed a medical grade protein that has all of the nutrients and Vitamins that you need on a daily basis, plus, if you drink it all you get 107gr. of protein. Seems like a lot, eh? The only solid food that I had today was 1 very small zucchini, 4 mushrooms, and 6 asparagus spears. I'm only allowed very low glycemic veggies, plain, and the Protein Drink. Oh, and I can mix a bit of Crystal Light into the protein to flavor. Boy am I glad that I can do that, because it's nasty on its own. Any way, today is almost over and I made it through and do not feel hungry. I'm thinking I will be able to get through these next two weeks and my liver will be in good shape for my July 27th surgery. Yesterday evening I was really doubting myself if I would be able to stick with this two week diet. My friend was here and I was whining to her and she did such a good thing. She gave me a little bit of tough love and it straightened me out. She reminded me how important it is to get my liver into shape before surgery. She asked me if I wanted to be split wide open so that my Dr. would be able to repair my bleeding liver, and that is what could happen if I can't be honest about this process. She said I have no business going for surgery if I can't follow this two week plan. I knew she was right and decided right then and there to commit onehundred percent to making this work for me. There really is no plan B if I fail at this, I wont let that happen. And thank God for my wonderful friends who are supporting me in all of this. My husband is cold and hot about the whole thing and deep down I don't believe that he thinks I will lose the weight. But, saying that he did go out and get me all the veggies that I had on my list and he has agreed to do the shopping so that I don't buy anything crazy. It's just the two of us now and he's never been a snacker. One of the lucky ones who eat to live, not live to eat. We grilled out together and he cooked his own meat and potatoe while I did my veggies on the grill. They were tasty. Well, tomorrow is day two and I'm hoping it goes as well as today. G'night all.

I understand your apprehension about the pre op diet. I'm on a medical grade liquid protein, 3 pkgs a day gives me 107 gr.of protein. I can also have green leafy veg. cooked or raw, but just plain. Yah! I have yet to get down all 3 pkgs. of the protein in one day, but I'm doing about 2.5 pkgs. I'm not hungry at all. This stuff is very filling. I was really worried that I would not be able to stick to the pre op diet. I was doing a bit of whining about it to my friend the evening before I was to start and she pretty much gave me the talk that I needed. She reminded me of what my surgeon had already told me , how important it is to shrink that fatty liver down as much as possible to make the surgery less complicated and safer. It could mean the difference between having just a few small incisions or having to be opened full abdomen or having to be closed back up if your liver was in a poor condition and the surgeon felt he didn't want to take the risk of you bleeding. I'm sure none of these things happen often, because we are grown ups and know that we must follow doctor's orders. After she told me all of that , I said, YES MOM, and I've been following my docs orders to a T. You'll do fine. Have some distractons set up to fill in that time when you would have been snacking. I'm a quilter, so I have a new quilt on the go. Some great books downloaded onto my Kindle, and two different window shopping trips planned with a couple friends. I'm going to check out some clothes that I hope to be wearing this time next year.

I'm so glad I found this site. I'm being banded on July 27th and everything I am reading is going to help me so much. I've even made a few notes to refer back on for after surg.

Could be shingles. You need to be checked.

Congrats! You'll do great. Keep us posted , if you feel up to it. I'll be thinking of you.

So happy for you! Yah! I'm on the two week pre op protein diet now. It's my 3rd day and I was very nervous. I didn't think I would be able to stick to liquids but you know what? It's not that bad. My doctor has me on a medical grade protein. I'm getting 107 gr. of protein a day and it's all I can do to get it all in . Very filling. I can also have green veggies, just to keep my bowels working. Just plain, with nothing on them. At least a bit of something to chew while my hubby has his dinner. We can and will do this. We are strong. We are the July Band Sisters! lol Good luck!

Thank for the advice everyone. I'm definitely going through with my surgery. I'm feeling very confident that this will work for me. I'm on day 3 of pre op protein and finding it easy going so far. It really keeps me feeling full. So far today, 3:30pm, I've had two protein drinks and a cucumber and I'm not even thinking about eating. I even went grocery shopping today. Had to buy some food for hubby and my precious pups. My mouth watered a little when I walked by the bakery but I walked on by, got just what was on my list and headed home. Still early in the game for me. I can usually stick to a diet for two weeks and then usually fall off the wagon. Not this time though. I know my Band will be there to help me by then.

Thank you. That is awesome! I would be thrilled to get down to a size 14. I'm hoping this time next year I will be in a much better place. My knees are so bad I can't walk long distances at all anymore. I love to go to flea markets and fairs and the like but just can't cope with the walking. I know the weigh loss will help me tremendously. I'm sure you will meet your goal. You are doing great.