MrsJroChicago

Grits and cream of wheat too were on my list. My husband eats grits with salt and pepper so that might get you your savory fix. Hang in...it's almost over!!

I think I might be the first post-band surgery to post. It is natural to be nervous, etc. But it is the best thing I've done for myself! The 15 days of pre-op shakes and chicken broth weren't the most fun, but finding the right mix and combinations made all the difference. It really wasn't that hard. We did tend to stay around the house on the weekends, but since then, we have had parties and outings and even business lunches and dinners. Here's what I've noticed...I eat like a skinny person! Sticking to the proteins mostly and a little vegetables as sides. No desserts--or just a bite--not because I dont want it or like it, but because I'm FULL. I dont want to eat more and I dont get my first fill until next week. I know this is still a long journey, but so far, I'm loving it. Get a copy of the book The Beck Diet Solution. It will help you because even tho it isn't surgery related, it talks about how skinny people think and that, if you do it right, is what happens with the lap band.

Good luck!

Good luck. You will be glad. Got mine on 8/24 and down 15 lbs.

I was feeling pretty good other than the gas pain and some port site pain within 48 hours. It took a few more days to be comfortable on my side or tummy, but with a firm pillow, I was OK. Check with your doctor but I was on clear liquids only in the hospital and then I could add some soups (like strained cream of mushroom or chicken) and protein shakes. Just keep the amount to a little at a time--like 4 ounces. If you get too full, you feel worse. After a few days, you'll see you can eat and drink a little more. Stay on top of the water--that's really important. If the wrap helps to keep everything stable, I would keep it on.

That's great! Yes--my doctor also told me they will track me forever and after I reach my goal, I still have to show up once a year to check in. Hope it all works out according to your timeline!

I used a shake with the same protein and vitamins that we got from The Vitamin Shoppe. It was the same counts for only 1 scoop of the powder. I always added a banana or strawberries to the shake as well--oh and ICE. I couldn't take the smell of the BA shakes and the thickness. I also like Myoplex for the pre-mixed shakes. The Carb lite version is the one I keep on hand just in case. The important thing is to stay on liquids and get as close to the 60 grams of protein as you can and to stay under 900-1000 calories. Go to a good store and tell them what you're doing and ask them for a meal replacement powder that tastes good! They know!! The shakes don't have to taste bad.

Welcome!

Greetings from Chicago! The diet has been he hardest part so far...and I'm about to start on solid food so I can't wait. Banded 8/24 and after the gas finally left, I started to feel great. Good luck!

Just had my surgery on 8/24 and down 15.5 pounds. Best decision I've made. If you can make it through the shakes pre-op, you'll be ready for anything!

Totally looking at the non-weight factors too. Just nice to see a smaller number for a change. Hang in there Rocio! IMHO, the pre-op diet is the worst part so far. If you can do that, you can make it over the other hurdles we all face.

Haven't had a minute since I got back to work to report on my first post-op doctor follow up. My doctor is happy with my progress and the way everything is healing. He checked my port site, asked how I was feeling, told me I can go back to the gym (as long as I wait a couple more weeks to start the core exercises), I should start solid food this weekend and he'll see me in 2 weeks for my first fill. He did tell me my port is a little deeper than they normally place them and that they might need the x-ray machine to fill it, but he said it isn't a big deal. I'm happy that I'm down 15.5 pounds from my first visit to his office (June 22) and 12 pounds from the date of surgery (August 24). Boy, I'm looking forward to something other mushy potatoes, cream of wheat, and grits!!!

Thanks for the advice! I'm very excited and can't wait to see where I am in 2 weeks when I go back. I've refused to get a new scale, so I'm really excited for the possibility that my old bathroom scale will work once I get under 300.

There's a great book, The Beck Diet Solution, that my psychologist at the surgeon's office recommended. We found it on ebay for $5 or $6 and it is worth it. Helps you to get inside your own head about why you eat the way you do. It doesn't replace therapy--but it helps.

You suck in a lot of air when you drink from a straw so a straw and soda is a double whammy! My doctor was really specific about no straws and I gave up soda a long time ago... Good luck.

When you feel a sneeze or cough coming on, grab a thick pillow (if you don't have a Bari-Bear) and hold tight! It helps to put pressure on the port site when you sneeze so you don't feel like you're going to expell it like the Alien! I'll grab anything--last night it was the 85 dog who was closest to me while I was sitting on the floor. I pulled her up on my lap and got quite the look when I sneezed into her while hugging her to my side. My husband laughed and laughed!

I've been craving cheeseburgers!

Wasn't on the site, but had mine August 24.

I couldn't get the BA brand down either. I used another brand with the same calories and Protein and I suppliment with Myolpex Carb Lite when needed (made by EAS). We added a banana and ice or strawberries and ice. Find a combo that works for you and stick with it. You can do it! My husband also decided to come on the shake journey with me and now 11 days post-op he's on the mushy foods (and did the liquids too). He's lost 25 pounds so for. I go for my official first weigh in tomorrow tomorrow morning.

As others have said, it depends upon the insurance company. I would suggest calling them yourself and finding out EVERYTHING your doctor has to provide. They will fax you a list if you ask. Stay on top of the doctor's office to make sure they send everything in a timely manner. Good luck and keep on top of everyone!

Congratulations!

I'm 11 days post-op today. I also added mushy food like mashed potato, cream of wheat, and grits to my menu on day 8 post-op. I feel better. I had no energy at first either and I got my period right away too. They told me I was anemic in the hospital and that could be why you are feeling sluggish. I'm pretty sure that is why I was. I've added a little food some more iron the last few days and I feel better. I've found that chewing some SF gum helps with the need to crunch on food. I know I had the "what did I do to myself" thought a few times in the last 11 days, but today when I put on a pair of shorts that were pretty snug 3 weeks ago and had no problem with the zipper (oh and the butt is baggy too!), I remembered why I did this. I'm looking really foward to the day I can pack these shorts up and give them away (or burn them in effigy!). I've had cravings for real food too--cheeseburgers especially. My super-supportive husband has been on the diet with me even though he doesn't need the surgery--so we can sit and laugh and commiserate on how much we miss chewing food. We were watching TV last night and I paused the movie we were watching, looked over at him and said "I'd kill for a tuna melt right now!" and hit play again and went back to watching the movie. He laughed but at least he could understand what I was feeling. It isn't easy--but we both know it will be so worth it in the end. Hang in. You know you aren't going to go back now and you just need to give your body a little time to heal and your mind a little more time to catch up. Sending a virtual hug and big cheer!!

Stay on top of it. Get the specific list faxed to you and sit down with the doctor and his office to go over it and it done right. You have to be your own advocate.

Call your insurance company. Theybeach have different requirements. Blue Cross did change theirs in the spring to make it easier. No co-morbidity diseases required with a 40+ BMI. Work with your doctor to get it approved. They are your best advocate. They can also submit your case for pre-approval to see if and what the insurance will pay. Working with a Center of Excellence is also recommended--insurance companies like them and work with them to get you approved. Good luck.