taijos

This is all great advice. I have my first fill next week, so I am going to make sure I use these tips. I just hope that I will not be filled too much, especially on my first visit.

I know that we are all different and have different concerns. I was also banded on 10/24. I had my first post surgery appointment with my doctor on Monday, 11/12. He told me that I could start solid food now, as long as I don't eat more than the size of my fist at each meal. I find that the more time that goes by, the hungrier I have become. I guess I am healing well. The first week or so, I had trouble drinking liquids, I always felt full. I receive my first fill next week, so we will see if that makes my hunger subside. Hang in there!

It's a great journey we are on! So excited for you!

Yes, in my case, my insurance company apparently needed all of my preliminary testing completed, including the psych eval before my doctor even presented my case for approval. Not only that, after I met with the surgeon, my insurance company had to at that point give their final approval for surgery. It was an interesting process, however my primary care doctor was absolutely outstanding, and really worked fast on my part. Stress to your doctor that March is just not a good month, February is better. That is so far off, I am sure that you will have all the necessary tests done and insurance clearance by then.

I think it really depends on your doctor and how fast he can process things. I officially started the process with asking my primary care physician in August. I started that day with the blood tests, for thyroid, etc. That same day, he provided a referral to a nutritionist. Since my insurance didn't require that I have a referral to a psychologist, I made that appointment at the same time I made my nutritional consultation. So I had my nutritional consultation and my first psychological evaluation within the same week. I had to see the psychologist again because he wanted me to complete this 500 + questionnaire. I had to stay on him then to send my results to my primary care physician (which took him 1 1/2 weeks to complete, after I nudged him to hurry). So all of that was done by mid September. My primary care physician had enough information to submit to my insurance company for approval to see the surgeon. I don't have any other health related conditions due to obesity, other than arthritis in my knees. So at first my insurance company denied my referral until my doctor added the arthritis. I was finally cleared to see the surgeon and had my first appointment on 10/8. Before my first appointment with the surgeon, I called and asked how long it would take to have the surgery and was given step by step instructions. I told them that I MUST have the surgery in October, do to work obligations. So, the same day that I first visited the surgeon (10/8), I was placed on the pre-surgery diet for 2 weeks and had my surgery on 10/24. The timing was impeccable. It is going to take you staying on top of your doctors and having your doctors do their part. I agree with Rojasanall, take this time to practice eating less, etc. I would still see if there was a way to move your surgery date up if possible, I was successful with asking for it.

I had surgery on 10/24. I was gradually losing weight since pre-op, however I haven't lost anything in a week. My first appointment since surgery is on Monday. Anyone else experiencing this? You know, the surgery was a lot to do, I just don't want to get worried, I want this to work. I think I am getting in all my protein now and I have increased my fluids (not all the way but it's better).

Hi All, I had my surgery on 10/24, 10 days ago. I am on full liquids, however I admit that I have eaten a couple non-full liquid meals like a little of my husband's rice casserole. The casserole was soft and didn't cause any problems. My main concern is how tired I get after I eat meals. I am mainly talking about the full liquid meals, like cream of chicken or cream of potato Soup. I can only eat about 1/2 cup and I am full, then then I feel sooo tired and EXTREMELY sleepy. I don't know what I am going to do once I return to work on Monday. I won't be able to take a quick nap after meals. I must admit taking a brisk walk afterward does help with the full feeling and wakes me up a bit, but I just can't understand why I get so tired.

Thank you all so much for your input, it has definitely helped me a lot. I am going to increase my Protein intake and liquids. I can't wait to feel my "new normal." @Melony, yes I have the left side shoulder pain too at times, usually it's after I have eaten. I have my husband rub my back and shoulders and it really feels good afterward. I am off the pain meds now, so this has helped a lot.

You are probably right, I just received my order of Unjury protein powder supplement yesterday. I need to begin using it. You are also right about my water intake, I know I have to improve with that. So, do you think that could be the problem?

I was banded on 10/24 and didn't ask my doctor if he filled my band. I have an appointment on 11/12, so I will ask him then. My concern is that whenever I eat (most times), I get full after eating like 1/2 c and then I usually get really really sleepy. In addition, I am so uncomfortable, like I am stuffed and just need to lie down. Sometimes I have pain on the left side under my left breast too. Does anyone else experience these issues?

The Atkins protein shake is really good as well, it has 1 gm of carbs I think.

I actually didn't start on full liquid until AFTER the surgery. I was placed on a low-carb diet 2 weeks before, and yes my doctor told me that was to shrink the liver so that it can easily be moved out of the way to place the band. I was mainly wondering if the full liquid diet post op diet was so you can heal or to see if the band works, or what.

Can someone explain to me again, what's the purpose of being a full liquid diet for so long. I am on a full liquid diet for 3 weeks, post op, so I have 2 more weeks to go. I am sure my doctor explained this, but I am curious to hear from you all.

What os tje green zone? I remember my doctor mentioning this, but can't remember what he said.

YES Maddysgram! You know exactly what I mean ...ok, I will try Imodium, this is awful!

I guess I am having the opposite problem. My surgery was last week on 10/24 and I haven't had a regular bowel movement yet, the ones that I have had have been really really really soft, sometimes it's actually diarrhea. I asked my doctor about it and he said that it could be just my body reacting to the barium drink. I am getting concerned because I really want to make sure I eliminate waste. I don't want or need to take a laxative, any other insight that you all may have would be helpful.

I was banded on 10/24 and was planning on going back to work today, however I just informed my boss that I needed an extra day, so I will be back to work on Monday. I've been able to work from home a few days since my surgery, but physically commuting on the train for 1 1/2 hours still feels challenging to me. Besides, for some reason I am still having gas issues that really hurt and whenever I eat a meal, I immediately feel exhausted afterward. So, I have today and the weekend to get things together for returning to work on Monday. I hope you feel better as well.

I agree with Maddysgram. Just simply put your favorite, low fat/low carb foods in the blender and make it smooth, it is MUCH better than baby food. I made turkey chili today (canned for now) and just put it in the blender. It was great. I was banded on 10/24 too and am still on a full liquid diet, but I just got so tired of the normal full liquid, like cream soup. I could tell my body was craving protein, so the chili was perfect, perked me right up.

I've had the band for almost a week now, and I can say that there is absolutely no comparison to Meridia. I have been less hungry with the band. Even though I haven't had it long, I can tell that even if I wanted to eat a lot on those times where I really feel hungry, I won't be able to because the band just simply won't allow your stomach to hold much. It is fantastic. I've lost 13 pounds, 5 of which since I got the band last Wednesday. This is God sent, for sure. I finally feel in my heart that I am going to be successful reaching my goal.

I received my band yesterday----YES! Everything went well. My doctor had me stay overnight because he wanted me to have an X-Ray while drinking this AWFUL liquid, just to make sure that the fluid was going through properly. I didn't realize that this really was the real deal surgery, which included intubation. I am home now and things are going well. I am on a full liquid diet, in which I am eating slowly and only a little at a time. I was on a low-carb diet for 2 1/2 weeks prior to my surgery, and was amazed that I lost 8 pounds, so I am on my way. I am having a little pain when I move around, but other than that I am doing well. No real gas pains either, that was what I was concerned with the most. So glad I found this site so that we can support each other.

October 24th

I gotcha, thanks! You are doing great!

So good to hear that things are going well. I just joined tonight and my surgery is set for 7 days from today, I am excited. Did you have to follow a pre-op diet? Did you have to stay overnight?