erinjkenben

I am in White Township - between Hackettstown and Phillipsburg (near Belvidere).

Just wondering if anyone can share their experiences with being banded at NYU - my surgeon is Dr. Fielding - but I would not mind hearing about anyone or any aspect of the practice. Also, info about care on the day of surgery. I am in early stages of the process and have talked to Dr. Fielding about specifics i.e. does he prefer Lapband or Realize, should I expect same day procedure or overnight...those sorts of things.

This is going to require a lot of honesty from everyone, but I am wondering if I am the only one struggling to eat. I had my surgery June 14, 2013. I am losing weight at a nice and steady pace and I think my restriction is probably just right, but I still haven't figured out how or what to eat. Of course the things that are not great (chocolate, ice cream) seem to go down, but I find myself craving Protein and veggies. I have been taking Vitamins and sipping warm tea in the morning which is helping, but I could really use some additional suggestions and tips. My doctor reminds me constantly eat slower and I even use the 30 second time, but I find myself spitting up more often than not. Not to worry, we checked my band and everything is good, but it's just so annoying that I can't seem to get the hang of "eating like a lap bander".

Thanks for all the ideas everyone. I'm eating pretty much the same. I guess it's when my band is a little too tight it throws me off. We found out something interesting about my band. We may have the restriction set just right (I don't have much in there - 3 or 4 cc), but over the course of a few weeks or if I'm traveling a lot, the bands seems to tighten by itself. Weird but true, but at least we know the physical reason I struggle with eating what are normally good choices.

Let me know if u guys decide to do another meet & greet in the city or NJ. I would not mind meeting other banders from NYU or anywhere really. Erin

Thanks for the above comments...I wish I could say I did not follow the above advice, but I definitely put the fork down between bites and I cut my food into toddler bites. I don't each much meat either, mostly because I have kidney problems, so I prefer non-animal Proteins - lots of nuts and Beans - all chewed well. I eat Soup and chili - that all works well for me. Sometimes I can take Farina or scrambled eggs. I don't think I can drink another Protein shake, I had enough of that pre and post surgery and am still traumatized by those yummy chocolate shakes! I would love to start eating fish and Market Day chicken breasts (they are very moist), but every time I try it does not go well (I found a website that actually sells vomit bags - the kind you find on airplanes - and it comes in handy since I travel a lot). Anything I eat though, I can only eat 2 or 3 bites max.

These are great tips....just what the doctor ordered! I went into my appointment today pouting and whining a bit. I was sure I needed some liquid out because even though I am losing weight at a nice slow healthy pace, I have been throwing up after almost everything I ate. I have Dr. George Fielding at NYU who had the surgery himself, right off the bat he said I was eating too fast. I said no way, I'm practically not eating at all and that there must be something wrong with my band. Just to keep me quiet he sent me to have do the barium swallow. Of course the test came text book perfect. I really thought I had been eating slow....back to the drawing board.

Including the two weeks of pre-op, this is day 18.....yuk. This liquid routine is making me a little crazy (and I am a bit starving which isn't helping)!!

Quick question, I was just banded a few days ago on Friday and this past Sunday, I went to Mass. I received Communion and took some Wine as well (tiny amount to help the host dissolve). I wonder if I should have done that so soon since I am obviously still on liquids. Do you think I could have hurt anything by doing this? I know I'm not supposed to have solids or alcohol. How soon did others start receiving Communion after surgery?

Ok we'll I guess l lost one stone from the start of the dreaded liquid pre-op diet until surgery! Interesting!!

Well it's Thursday and I'm still here!! I'm going to get a little crazy and go to Mass again on Sunday and take Communion. God is probably laughing and smiling that I was even worried about this. For the record, he did get a big thank you for helping me get this far and through the surgery. I am very excited about the blessing of having my health and life back. With his help and grace of course, I know this is possible!!

Sadly...I am still drinking them......but I do have a hard time finishing them. How bout that guy in the movie, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. I am watching it now. Volunteering for liquids for 60 days??!!

How many pounds is 2 stone Tracie?? I suppose I could google it.

Here is something that will motivate you or at least help you pass the time on the pre-op diet...I am watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. I like it...this poor soul has volunteered to be on a liquid diet for 60 days for the sake of his health and his film. Is he crazy?? I am only half way through the movie, but it is very good.

Well it seems we are all on the same page!! I only had two weeks pre-op too. but now it's the 10 days of liquids (send your creative ideas my way please) and I can't believe I am going to say this, I am looking forward to the 10 days of puree/mushy foods (I'll take suggestions there too)! My surgery was June 14, 2013, so I am on liquids until June 23rd.