Beachcomber3

Osangriared, Are you eating more protein than carbs? From what I understand, protein is the key.

Osangriared, How are you feeling? Who did your surgery? Shortgal, I called the dietican today to go over the diet and she confirmed it is a 1/4 cup per liquid meal up to 6 meals a day plus 30-45 noncaloric liquids in between. Food really looks good to me!! :cursing:

Osangriared, My post-op (banded 2/11) only allows for 1/4 cup full low-fat liquids per meal.(I can have up to 6 a day.) Needless to say, I can't wait for my post-op visit on 2/27. Hopefully, I will get the okay to advance to the pureed stage. When was or is your surgery?

I was told that if my liver was too big, the surgery would be stopped. Thank goodness, my liver was small. In fact, I believe that was the first question I had in recovery, " Where they able to do the surgery?" I didn't have the Optifast diet. I was put on a 1000 calorie diet, which included 6 oz. of protein, a limited amount of veggies, fruits and starches. I was able to lose almost 10 lbs on it during the 2 week pre-op period. It is amazing how different our experiences are. I have friends that were on a modified Atkins plan. Thank goodness, we are all on the road to a successful journey. Since Monday I am down another 6.5 lbs! I am happy.

There are so many variations on the "stages". I was banded on Monday, 2/11 and on a low fat full liquid diet. I can have up to 6 (1/4 cup) liquid "meals" a day. I can have the following: chicken or beef broth, strained cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, egg drop soup, sf ice pops, sf jello, sf Carnation Instant Breakfast, skim milk, soy milk or lactaid milk and protein shakes. In addition, I have to try to get in 30-45 ounces of clear liquids between liquid meals. This includes: water, crystal light, sf jello or ice pops, diet snapple, decaffeinated coffee or tea, or any non-carbonated calorie-free liquid.

My pre-op diet allowed for real food too. I lost almost 10 lbs on it. Congratulations Sharon! You'll be joining us soon!

Welcome Kristen, After starting my journey in Oct. 2006, I was finally banded on Monday, Feb. 11th, 2008. Dr. Nadzam from New Haven banded me. My recovery has been relatively pain free. I feel so fortunate. I was sore, don't get me wrong, but I was expecting things to be worse. I didn't need any painkillers in the hospital and asked for one Tylenol for a headache. I took good care of myself this week and rested. I am carefully following the diet instructions. So far so good!!! Good luck to you as your journey begins. I have met many people here and on Obesityhelp.com who have used Dr. Aranow and have been very happy. Let us know how you make out!

I was diagnosed with a fatty liver so I was petrified the surgery would be effected. I was on a 1000 pre-op diet and had my surgery on Monday. After my surgery, they told me that my liver was small and healthy. The doctor had no problem putting the band on. Boy, was I relieved!!!

Congrats to both of you! I am also making frequent trips to the bathroom. Gets the walking in! LOL I am on a liquid diet so the frequency to the ladies room makes sense. Have a great weekend!

Hi Becca, So glad to hear you are doing well. I was banded on 2/11 and am feeling wonderful. I think I am entering Bandster Hell. I am limited to low fat full liquids until 2/27 and am getting hungry. (at least I was yesterday) It is good to have all the Feb. bandsters together to compare notes. It's nice having company on this journey!

Yes, I guess I can add additional 1/4 cup liquid meals. I can have up to 6 a day as well as the additonal clear fluids. I am done another pound! 15 1/2 since my pre-op diet which includes around 6 since Monday. WOO HOO!

CTman, You are on your way! Congrats! I feel so fortunate that my recovery this week has been smooth. No pain killers at the hospital or at home. My husband asked me why I haven't used the liquid tylenol with codeine that he picked up at CVS. The reason is I didn't need it. I think that is wonderful news and encouraging for those of you taking this journey soon. I am PLEASANTLY surprised!

After reading and re-reading the diet, I can have 3-6 liquid "meals" per day. Only have meals when you are hungry! Liquid meals are any fluids which are not clear liquids. It also says that You are taking in 40-55 ounces of fluid at this time. 30-40 ounces should be clear, non-caloric liquids such as water, crystal light, diet Snapple, coffee and tea. Do not count coffee or tea unless it is decaffeinated. Caffeinated coffee or tea are dehydrating and will not count in your total fluid intake. It then goes on to say: Remember that you must take in at least an additional 30-45 ounces of clear liquid fluids between the "meals" listed above. This is extremely important for preventing hydration.

I was banded on Monday and am on a low fat full liquid diet, which includes sf jello, sf carnation instant breakfast, strained cream of mushroom or cream of chicken, egg drop soup, broth or bouillon protein shakes, or sf ice pops. The meal size is only 1/4 cup. I can also have 30-40oz of clear non caloric liquids such as water, crystal light, diet snapple, decaf coffee or tea. I guess the swelling is going down because I am hungry today!

Judy, Thanks for the suggestion of going to the foods section! I appreciate it!

Thanks Judy! The problem with my diet is that I am only allowed 1/4 cup for each meal. In other words, I get 1/4 c of a protein drink or 1/4 cup of strained soup. YIKES! Sharon, Your ticker looks good!

Judy, I think I got the ticker to work. Thanks! It is strange how every surgeon has their own routines for their patients, including pre and post diets. I had my lapband on Monday, 2/11 and came home on low fat full liquids, which include sf carnation instant breakfast, protein shakes, chicken or beef broth, egg drop soup, strained cream of mushroom or cream of chicken, sf ice pops and plenty of non caloric drinks throughout the day. I have been ok with this but to tell you the truth, I feel hungry today and I don't know how I am going to do this until the 27th, which is my post op appt. Any suggestions? Tina

Glynda, Prayers are being offered for a successful and uneventful surgery! Jeanieg6, I am doing well. Feel great, thank goodness and will be on a low fat full liquid diet until Feb. 27. :eek: Thanks for asking! WOW, Drkel! That is amazing. Good luck with the new surgery!

I can see how this will be a problem for me also. I love my dad dearly but ever since I got heavy,whenever we are together, he watches what I eat. I was just banded on 2/11 and I know that between him and 2 of my 4 children, I will be watched like a hawk. I know they mean well, but it makes you want to scream!!

Shortgal, I was wondering how to do the ticker. I might need some guidance too! Tina

Pontomimi, Congratulations on your recent banding. I was banded on Monday. Feeling pretty good now! Jeanieg6, Congrats on your upcoming surgery. It is good to have the support of all of us going through this journey together!!!

Hi MariIN, I am feeling very well. Not too much pain. I called the doctor because at discharge I was told to crush all my meds and I wanted to confirm this new information. I am glad I called because it was decided only to take my synthroid and atenotol. And the best news is that they are tiny enough to swallow and not crush. I am a baby about taking things that taste nasty...... LOL Good luck to you on your journey! The 6 mth time frame gives you time to really make sure you want to do this. I know I went back and forth on it. I was on the pre-op diet 2 weeks prior to surgery and lost almost 10 lbs and am down 4 lbs since the surgery on Monday. Woo HOO!!! HMMM, now I have to decide which low fat full liquid I want for breakfast...LOL. 1/4 cup worth!!!

MariIn, If you have insurance approval why do you need to do the 6 mth program. Good luck to you! You will be fine. Who is your doctor? Thanks for your good wishes. Shortgal, I am not sure what brand I have. I think he said is was 9.75? Not sure. He said my liver was small and the surgery went fast. I'll get the details at my post op on the 27th. Tina

Hello everyone! I got home from the hospital yesterday afternoon around 4:30. I was banded on Monday. I was told it went well, that my liver was small and pink and that I have the smallest band on. I had very little pain and didnot take any major pain killers. I did ask for tylenol for a headache. I am now on stage 3 which is low fat full liquids. After unsuccessfully trying to drink beef and then chicken broth (the smell was horrible) I was able to get in some strained cream of chicken soup, some sf jello and some diet snapple. They are right when they say your tastes change after surgery. Glad to be home!!!! Tina aka Beachcomber

Michelle, Glad to hear you are doing well. It makes me feel a little better for Monday. Tina