dede801

Hi, Ginger-- Since you are banded, you may have some difficulty getting 1200 cal/day if you are eating what you are suppossed to eat. Pay attention to what you are eating---you should have a certain amount of every food group to round out your nutritional needs. Since you are physically restricted, you need to be sure to get in the Protein and veggies and fruit. But I eat Beans, too---mainly because they have protein while also having a huge amount of Fiber. And you also need to look at what Jacqui said related to exercise---if you are sedentary, you don't need much more than 1000 calories daily--- 50 grams of protein/day is also fine. Try to get past thinking like a dieter, because you aren't one of those anymore. You will lose weight simply because you can't eat very much. You have to be smart about what you eat just so you will meet your nutritional needs. Drink your Water. That is the secret to success. Good luck dede

Hi, Collector-- Yes, I live in Littleton. Had my surgery done in Mexico last week. Lap band surgery is just catching on here--I knew of only one person when I started looking into it. She had amazing success--100 lbs in 10 mos. Since joining in her excitement over the band and attending a support group, I now know many more folks who are loving their bands. Feel free to email me privately.

This was my first day off clear liquids--I had homemade egg custard for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yummy! Gee, if I had remembered how easy it is to make, I would have been eating this all along (probably all 6 servings in one sitting, though...:mad: ).

I didn't like the idea of having my guts rearranged, either. The lap band is a more favorable solution on several levels. First, you don't get rearranged. Second, you are less likely to have problems down the road (additional surgeries, malnutrition, dumping syndrome, stretched pouch, etc). Do both procedures assist with weight loss? Yes. I chose the lap band because the whole idea was to preserve my health, not add additional challenges. Many bypass folks will tell you all is well, but I know several people who have been back to the operating room within 2 years to correct complications. Are they slimmer? Yes. Are they healthier? No. Continue researching. Ask lots of questions.

My insurance would have paid some, but I wasn't in the mood to jump through their required hoops, so I took my little cashier's check and went to Mexico. In retrospect, I would have paid twice as much to have my surgery there. The hospital and staff were stellar. My surgeon and his team have done >3,000 lap band procedures. That was the kind of expertise I was after.

Really, you can eat lean meats, drink lots of water, and call it a day.

Hmmmm... The first 3 post-op days I had clear liquids only--broth and jello plus water and tea. I was told a couple of ounces at a time taken in slowly. The band has no fill, but there is some swelling that can cause some stricture. Most fluids should run through the band pretty easily and painlessly if you go slowly. Therefore, technically, quantity is not an issue. I have noticed some discomfort if I have a big gulp of water because I'm not paying attention! Today I could start pureed thin full liquids, and that will continue through day 14. I had about 1/3 cup of egg custard for breakfast and washed it down with a latte (more protein in the milk). Protein drinks are vile and constipate me, so I wouldn't have used those even if they had been suggested. You have plenty of protein in storage not to worry about all those grams of protein the first few days. Then you can have blenderized meat. After 2 weeks, I can have soft meat like canned tuna. My physician stressed adequate clear fluid intake of at least 48 oz daily and nothing chunky or lumpy for 2 weeks post-op to allow the band sutures to heal. After that, I can progress to mushies. It's interesting how many variations in prescribed diets I have found on different threads. I guess physicians all have their own ideas.

Not in Mexico---unless you have heart disease that might prove problematic during surgery/anesthesia. Seems to be required by physicians in the U.S.

At first I wasn't going to tell anyone besides my mother and a few close friends. Then I realized that coworkers would wonder why I stopped stuffing myself during potlucks, and would perhaps support my goals if they knew what I was up to. So everyone who is anyone in my life are aware of my WLS and dietary restrictions. They are my cheering squad! :clap2:

Thanks--I am actually better today after walking.

Greetings! My lap band surgery was done in Mexico on Tuesday, and I was wondering how long my shoulder and neck will hurt. My understanding was that it would go away after a day or two. Has anyone else had sustained pain for longer than a couple of days post op? Thanks. :help:

Congrats, Judy! Wishing you well on your journey!

Hi everyone. I am Dede and live in Denver, Colorado. I was banded in Mexico by Dr. Kuri on 4-10-07. As of this morning, I have lost 9 lbs on clear liquids. Woohoo! Tomorrow I get to have smooth liquids. Have noticed that I eat/drink too fast and too much at once. My appetite has been low to moderate, and I still have left shoulder and neck pain to contend with. Wish that would go away. Looking forward to reading about everyone else's experiences!