gowalking

same here.

me too. at least a week...maybe even a little more.

can you have sugar-free gum? If yes, there's a chance to chew without eating yet.

not all doctors do this but most want you to do 1-3 weeks on the pre-op diet. also...the diets can be different. some folks could eat protein, some only liquids. depends on your doctor's protocol. just know that you must follow whatever directive they give you..

Dr. Ren did my surgery as well. I was banded on the 14th so I'm pretty new to this process. I stayed at the hospital overnight and it was suggested I walk...no one put a gun to my head. i was happy to get out of bed so it wasn't a problem for me. Good luck kateeryn and all you February bandsters.

I was banded on Jan 14th and all I can say is that it's hard to get through this part of it. My preop diet included a small salad and some veggies in my soup for dinner. Can you eat anything or is it a full liquid diet? Regardless, you just have to slog through it and know that if you don't cheat, you may have an easier time of it post op if your liver has shrunk as it's supposed to. Don't be surprised if you go a little crazy...I had a full blown meltdown about halfway through my two weeks. Thank goodness my sister and son haven't held it against me...LOL. Good luck and know that you have alot of support on this site.

thanks again Lee. This site has truly been a godsend and the support and hints and insight and experiences I've read about have helped me more than I can say.

thanks Lee. I already have the baby spoons/forks but I don't want to use them outside of home...I am appalled at the idea of bringing attention to myself and having to explain why I'm using these utensils. It's nobody's damn business. There are already too many people who know I've had this surgery...and that was never my intention. Anyway, back to your hints. I use a timer and it keeps me from eating too quickly but again, I'd never use it in public. I've gone with the shake in the AM as it is quite filling for me..at least it is right now. I watch the liquids while eating...and I don't drink until I am finished. As far as staying away from what causes problems...how do you know these are problem foods? I presume you get stuck. ...and there's my fear, right there. I picture myself trying a little piece of shrimp or white meat chicken, and feeling like I'm going to have a heart attack....and then having to run to the bathroom to sick it back up. It friggin terrifies me...and I'm not trying to be dramatic here...I am truly terrified of this.

have you had any fills yet? I'm so afraid of one of those 'stuck' episodes that I'm afraid to get a fill.

I drank thicker soups rather than just broth. I found that satisfied me more.

Excellent!! That's a huge step...one I haven't made yet. It's all about living with the band, and incorporating it into our lives. I go back to work tomorrow since I had the surgery and am nervous about that first lunch with the girls....

Oh R-Sheryl....that has me so worried...getting 'stuck' and throwing up. I'm not even sure that I want any fills because of that. I know...then it's just another diet..but avoiding getting stuck is quite a deterrent in my opinion.

I'm ok with the sugar free puddings and pops but here's another suggestion...sugar free jello (which tastes an awful lot like regular) with lite cool whip...just a little...about a tablespoon. the jello is only 10 calories and the cool whip about 30 or so. I found that to help with snacks and to satisfy the sweet tooth.

I had my first BM issue this morning. Felt very constipated even though I went a little yesterday. Was bloated and it was also causing issues when urinating...felt like i couldn't empty my bladder. Realized I was not drinking enough so more water today and also started on stool softener. Haven't gone yet, but passed gas several times since mid afternoon and that alone made me feel better. Will continue with the stool softener and water and hopefully that will do the trick. Sorry if this is TMI but I figured based on the topic, it would be OK to share...)

I've been switching back and forth between regular and FF mayo because i like regular so much more. I figure I'm eating so much less than I was pre-band that a little regular mayo isn't going to kill me. I had fish mashed well and a small red potato mashed for dinner tonight. As long as I can eat, I feel more normal. I start regular food on Thursday.

Oooh..I had an NSV today! Went for a haircut and sat in the chair and while I still filled it, I didn't squeeze into it. Oh boy, was I smiling on the inside at that.

Also...if you like it, hummus is good at this stage. It's one of my favorite things to eat and even without the pita bread, it's still delish. And you get protein with it from the chickpeas..

I was banded on the 14th and today was day 2 on mushies. I've had so far, scrambled eggs, tuna fish w/ mayo, egg salad w/ mayo and tonight...soup and a large tablespoon of hummus. I can't believe how good the hummus is. I'm sure it's just being able to eat food again that makes it so tasty, but I'll take it.

interesting carolinagirl. that's why I weighed out the food because I have to know when to stop...I don't have that 'I feel full' feeling right now...no fills yet. So I portioned out one pouch of tuna which is 2 1/2 oz. and ate it all. the nutritionist told me to eat until I was not hungry and I told the skinny b***h (LOL) that if I could stop when I was satisfied, I wouldn't have a weight problem to begin with. I know from reading alot of posts that some folks calorie count, others weigh portions and others can just know when enough is enough. this journey and process seems to be so individualized that I think it comes down to doing what feels right and is working for you. thanks so much for your input and everyone else's. I'm so glad I found this site. The info and personal stories have been an enormous help.

this is so funny! I'm 10 days post op and was also given the OK to eat soft foods today. I too had tuna and mayo and just like you, I thought it was the best tuna I've ever eaten...LOL! I did the same as you....small forkfuls, chewed well, and also used a timer to make sure I was waiting 15 seconds between bites. It took me 45 minutes to eat 2 1/2 oz. of tuna but that was OK. By the time I was done, I wasn't hungry anymore and in another 15 minutes or so, I was really satisfied.

For those of you recently post op or soon to be banded, I'm ten days post op, feeling pretty good though still a little sore around the incisions. First day of mushies....protein shake for breakfast...had two hours of conference calls and didn't want to try to eat while on the phone. But for lunch, scrambled eggs, and a sugar-free pudding for a snack. Just finished some tuna w/ lo-fat mayo for dinner. So far, everything went down just fine and I'm feeling satisfied with 3 oz. of tuna. if i get hungry later...soup maybe. Just wanted to give you all a little update to let you know it gets better. I know we hear that from folks who are months or even years down the road but I wanted to let you know from one newbie to all you newbies what to expect. Congrats to us all making this journey.

today is 10 days post op for me. Protein shakes and thicker Soups like creamy tomato or butternut squash. that helped me. tomorrow I start mushies....can't wait.

yes, I will be looking for your post when you are back online. Again, best of luck. Also...I've been conversing privately with NYTeacher who also posted in this thread and she had her surgery a few months ago and has been very helpful with her experiences in terms of what comes next. Maybe we can all meet up at talk about this. Or maybe I'll see you at the support group. Take care and see you on the other side!

I met with my surgeon in August and didn't get banded until last week. I wasn't self pay so had to meet insurance requirements and then the hospital was closed for several weeks because of Sandy damage. I only met her the one time but I spoke with the nurse in the office a few times to ask additional questions so go ahead and have your consult even if you don't have the surgery right away.

great to see you online ladybabies. welcome to the other side.