Chrisann

Never had reflux, and I was in more pain from it after the surgery, than I ever had with it, and not knowing I had it.

Depending on how you recover, the first week of clear liquids goes by quick. I spent the first week on clear because I couldn't get anything else down. I am starting my second week of mushies, and had bay scallops tonite. Have one more week of mushies with regular food the first full week of February. But I am now starting to feel the hunger, alot.

I use the Chocolate Low Carb Isopure from GNC. I mix it with Carnation, sugar free Instant Breakfast with the milk and 3 additional ice cubes. It tastes like a chocolate shake. I am just starting back on them 3 weeks out of surgery, but used them just about everyday in my pre-opt.

Yep, didn't even know I had one until after the surgery.

Isopure is at GNC, check to see if any are near you. They run sales all the time, and I love the chocolate low carb version.

Get the orzo or the pastina, they cook almost like couscous.

Amy are you in Montana? Where may I ask? My sister and family are making, in our family's opinion, a bonehead move because her husband wants solitude, to Roundup, Montana. They are going to build a house. If you are near there, even though I know you from the board, maybe you can get to know my sister.

Hi, I am Christine 40, turning 41 in May. Live in NYC. Lost one pound since the surgery on 12/31/07, but lost 24 during my pre-opt liquid phase, so I am including that in my total. Have a doctors appt on January 30th, not sure if I am getting a fill though. My doc has been on vacation and that is the first day she is available.

It gets you really fast. All of sudden, you feel pressure in your chest and for me, the pain in the left shoulder. I have not thrown up yet, but boy did it hurt! I am in my second week of mushy food now.

They should give you something in the hospital that says you have to get in to your doctor within 10 days to check your sutures, then the second appt is for the fill.

I was on 14 days of liquids before the surgery. Each doctor has their own reasons and rules.

Yes its normal. Don't panic. Who are you going to the hospital with? I went with myparents and my dad has a sense of humor and kept me cracking up. My Blood Pressure was high when they took it, and normally its not, but before I knew it, I was going into the OR.

Make sure what you are drink is sugar free, or low carb. The carnation instant breakfast with the protein powder with 2 ice cubes and the milk in a blender is like a shake.

My family supports me with conversation, and we don't talk about weight loss, rather what I have been eating, exercise I have done, etc. Those the closest to you might have a fear to notice whether you are losing or not, and so don't comment.

Burping is fine, it is so much better than puking, hiccuping or holding the gas in. I never burped in my life before the band, and now I welcome it when I eat too fast.

I haven't had a fill yet, but was stunned that I got fried rice and a small chili from Wendy's in me yesterday. It took just over 2 hours, but never felt full like I have been with soup. However, I wound up feeling it later, lol. Needless to say, I won't even try that much again.

See if a bariatric surgeon in your area can recommend a PCP to use. And Good Luck, I had some complications, but still thrilled I had the band put in.

I went back to work a week after surgery, and now I realize I should have taken the full two weeks, so take it slow.

I was told up to two weeks. But I wasn't feeling well enough to push it. I actually drove 12 days after surgery the first time and it exhausted me.

It was easier to get the shakes and broth down at work, because I was drinking and sipping at my desk while working. When I am at home, I tend to gulp too fast. I write what I put in mouth down when I am at work, but don't when I am home. With the broth and the three shakes I was having while at work I was doing about 600 calories.

Hang in there really. It does get better. Sometimes you feel too good after a while. Cause I did something horrendous tonite and I am paying for it now. Approaching the start of my second week of mushies. So, what did I do? Like a jerk? Ate fried rice, chewed it well though, and a small chili from Wendys over a two hour period. Now I am gassy, and my whole abdomen hurts. But painful gas, like I had right after the surgery. So the moral here, well, don't go out hungry and use your head. I am going to do liquids all day tomorrow.

I was banded on December 31st and had a business trip scheduled this past week that I backed out of. I still feel crummy, I can go to work and live, but I just didn't feel up to the travelling for business.

When I was moved from Jan 21, to Dec 31, I cried because I was going to not be able to eat Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day. All big family food days in my family. It took a long talk with my parents to put it into perspective. Now I am glad it was moved up. You are right when you say its better because you are closer to your goal now.-

Can you have plain juice? Or maybe a watered down smoothie? After surgery its all about healing, so you don't want to stress your stomach or band. In reality, juice is not so great for you anyway, but since you are in this stage, some natural juice with no additives might be the trick. Try broth, or even wonton soup without the wontons.

Watch your carb intake with the drinks. The idea of the pre opt liquid is to reduce the size of your liver. If you are allowed broth, switch to that. See if you can have ice pops or Jello too, just to switch things up. Try the sugar free carnation instant breakfast with milk, ice cubes and a scoop of Protein powder, its like a shake. It gets easier. Really. I had to do it over Christmas.