Kinley7390

Ooh... I'm so sorry to hear about your BFF. I know how hard that is. My BFF is dying too, of a progressive neurological disease, mother of two kids, 10 and 12... so very sad. Makes me appreciate every day and not take health for granted. <3

My doctor said the same thing regarding drinking calories. I am able to use Unjury up to three times a day now because I am still in the post-op liquid phase, but once I transition to foods, I will use it only on an "as needed" basis as a supplement (such as a 4oz. snack between meals) if I find that I am not meeting my protein requirement through food alone. My nutritionist also suggested adding a banana or peanut butter to it so it is thicker and stays in the band longer to create more of a meal than a drink. However, I am so excited to eat real food in a few weeks, that I can't imagine not finding enough protein through food alone! I think my first meal will be scrambled eggs with low fat cheese...Mmmm!!!

Welcome!

Just curiously, are you diabetic? Often times the carbs are more concerning than the actual sugar content as carbs convert to sugar (which I'm sure you know), but nevertheless, my personal favorite Protein powders are those made by unjury. (unjury.com) Although they are a bit expensive, 1 scoop (mixed with 8 oz. skim milk), yields 21 g. protein, 4 g. carbs and 3 g. sugar. Can't beat that! The shakes are absolutely delicious. My favorites are the chocolate Splendor and the vanilla.

Smoking can cause delayed wound healing, increased risk of infection, poor oxygenation which can lead to complications with anesthesia and increased risk for post operative blood clots. Bottom line - smoking increases the risk for complications some of which can be life threatening. Most doctors recommend quitting 6-8 weeks prior to surgery.

Don't worry! Everything will be fine. Nervousness is normal, but you'll be okay! I was out cold before I even got to the operating room, and have no memory of initially waking up. Things were very pleasant other than being sore which is to be expected. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Congratulations!! You must feeling so good right now. I was done one week ago today and felt so happy it was done and so excited for what was to come! Enjoy, and get some well needed rest! Good luck!

My plan is to eat eggs or eggbeaters, (scrambled or hard boiled), low fat cheese, milk, greek yogurt, beans, etc. I will use unjury protein powder (which I use now and LOVE) in 8oz. of skim milk (21 g. of protein) and divide it into two 4 oz. servings to use as snacks in between meals. There are also some great protein bars out there that are low carb and low sugar yet very high in protein (12 - 15 g/bar) that I might use on an "as needed" basis to meet the daily requirement. My nutritionist gave me a list of high protein foods and some suggested recipes. You might ask your nutritionist for suggestions and meal planning ideas. I also got a lot of great ideas right through this website under the recipes forum. Who better to get great high protein recipe ideas from than other banders who are in the same boat! I copied a lot of them down into a recipe journal I started for myself. Good luck!

I have also chosen to only tell a few immediate family members. This is such a personal decision, and since there is no right or wrong way to handle it, my advice would be to do whatever you feel most comfortable doing, and if that means keeping the band to yourself, then do it, and do NOT feel guilty! Reality is, we do most of the work anyway! The band is a wonderful tool, absolutely, but this lifestyle takes discipline, commitment and hard work in order for it to be successful. Focus on what you are doing (making healthy choices, limiting portion sizes and exercising) and proudly explain just that when someone asks your "secret". I also have a similar situation with a relative who puts a negative spin on everything and can be very condescending (I would imagine most families have at least one person like that!), so I don't blame you one bit for choosing not to share this personal information with her! We can't change the mindset or behaviors of other people, but we do have the choice to protect ourselves from being subjected to their negativity. Good luck!

Congratulations! You must be excited! I remember how real it became once I had a date. Good luck!

Oh no. I am so sorry. I hear how disappointed you are and I don't blame you. To go through all of the pre-op preparation, and then to actually go under anesthesia.. my goodness. I suppose it is better safe than sorry. Hopefully your biopsy comes back fine, and you can at least have that peace of mind. You lost 24 pounds on the pre-op diet! That is wonderful! You should be very proud of all your hard work. It is not easy, but you did it. Your liver will come around in its own time. I had some liver function tests a few years back that were off and went for a liver scan and was told it was due to a fatty liver. (diet related) I don't know how long it took to improve, but today it is looking back to normal. The body is a funny thing. I know six weeks must feel like an eternity for you, but think of it this way...if you only had six weeks to spend with someone you live, or six weeks to spend with your newborn before you had to return to work, it would seem like the time flys by. Try to think of it as an extra challenge or preparation for what is to be a lifelong change, and you will most certainly succeed at it based on how well you did the first time around, and how disappointed you are now, which shows how bad you want this. Life isn't always fair, but all of these tribulations will make you cherish the payoff even more. So mourn a little (who wouldn't), but then try to re-energize and tell yourself that this WILL happen and you will do an amazing job of seeing that it does. Keep us posted and always come here for support. And by the way, my cousin had the sleeve, and loves it. She has had great success, so if it should come to that, it isn't such a bad option from what I've been told firsthand. Good luck, and hang in there!!!

Good luck! Hope everything goes well. Keep us posted!

I felt the same way (done on the 6th). You'll do great! Best of luck!!!

Thinking of you! I imagine you are banded right about now! Hope things are going well. Congrats!

Same here too! 5 days post op, and still feeling bloated and carrying a few extra pounds since surgery. Can anyone who is further along in the process share with us how long this lasts? I know it varies from person to person, but can anyone share their own experience with the bloating and extra fluid? Thank you!!!

That's great! I'm happy for you! I am four days post op, and still having some pain/discomfort on my right side where the port was placed. There is some bruising there, but no redness or evidence of infection, so I think it's just a matter of time before the discomfort disappears. How are you doing on the post op liquid diet? I've found that it's getting easier. I'm not craving foods that way I was in the beginning.

Wow, you guys are troopers! Sounds like both of you handled your setbacks very well. Hopefully your posts will be helpful to others if someone else is concerned about redness and/or the potential for infection. It's great that you were so observant and "in tune" with your bodies that you were able to act quickly. I'm glad you are both feeling better. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing from here on out! Good luck!

Congratulations! I'm day four post op, and still pretty sore, especially around the port, but getting a little easier each day. I had dry mouth too! My doctor gave out Cepacol lozenges to help with that. Best of luck moving forward! I am definitely sharing your excitement. Let's do this!

How are you feeling? Did the antibiotics do the trick?

Oh no! Keeping fingers crossed that the antibiotics clear this up for you! You did the right thing listening to your body. When symptoms worsen instead of improve, it's time to get the doctor involved. Congrats on staying on top of things. Hang in there. We are all pulling for you! Please keep us posted. Sending healing thoughts your way!

Hello fellow bandsters, Just wondering if anyone here has tried any Bariatric Choice products and whether or not you were happy with them? I ordered some of their Protein bars, as well as their pancakes and sugar free syrup. The pancakes are high in protein, low in sugar and carbs. I am hoping I'll be happy with the purchase because most of the reviews were very positive. Thanks for any info! I also welcome any other info on products or websites you found particularly helpful. Thank you!!

Thank you for sharing that information! So glad to hear you are feeling great! I am very sore, but it's only my 2nd day post op so it is not unexpected. I am pretty bruised. I haven't tried their vitamins, but seem to digest my Centrum chewables very well just as I do my Viactiv with Calcium chewables. In fact, they taste like candy, so I rather look forward to them as strange as that probably sounds! Please let me know what you think of the Bariatric Choice oatmeal. I was curious about that too. Thank you, and good luck!