shortgal

I had acid reflux before surgery and I had a hiatal hernia. The hernia was repaired at the time the band was placed and was told I would not have any more reflux and so far I don't.

I did not do a pre-op diet other than 2 days of Clear liquids before surgery day. I was not hungry at all for the first four days and after day five started to increase my fluids, since I was on clear liquids at that point. But my calorie intake the first two weeks was probably between 300 and 700 calories. I have mostly followed the Dr.'s recommendations regarding post op diet and have worked hard to keep my calories very reasonable ( between 800 and 1000 daily). I do track my calories most days, partly track my Protein. I had two atkins shakes today ( 30 gms of protein) and a lean cuisine that had salmon ( must had had some protein, but didn't check how much) Also had a yogurt and that has some protein (9gm, I think). so i know I'm close to getting enough protein. Some days I'm hungrier than others and I do believe the band, even without restriction is giving me some restriction OR like others I'm just used to dieting... not sure. But I totally agree on the issue of keeping the weight off this time. First goal get it off, second keep it off.

I reached onederland yesterday. It felt good as I haven't been there for awhile. I was that far away to get to it, but I am a shortie, so at 199 it's still way too much! but I'm celebrating the victory anyway. I went shopping in my closet this a.m. in the "I haven't worn these in a long time dept" and several things fit. (Happy Dance) and I had to retire a few, too large things (more happy dancing). I have a mini goal to get to 198 by 12/31, b/c my fingers are crossed that I can get 8 off in January to bring me to 190! Not sure 8 is possible for me in one month, but we'll see... it's good to have goals!

Good Luck tomorrow and you'll just be one month behind me on my own journey through this. Be sure to check in and let us know how you are after. Do you have to follow a pre-op diet?

I think a lot of that depends on if your breasts are mostly dense tissue or fatty tissue and how much bigger your breasts have gotten from your thin size to your fat size. Once they shrink back down to their "normal" size the problem is the excess skin. At my thinnest I was a b cup and now I'm a D cup, so my skin will be a D but the inside will become a B again. I have a bad feeling, they are going to look like long athletic socks with tennis balls hanging inside. Thank goodness for Bras.

Jewelee: Isopure CLEAR is not like a milk shake. It is clear like crystal light, but it has 40 gms of protein, so if you can tolerate even one a day, it's a quick way to get in a lot of protein in one bottle. It's not the best tasting thing, it was just a way to get my protein in while on the liquid post op diet. I liked the apple melon.

I totally agree about not buying too much of any one product until you try it. They are expensive and I'm glad I didn;t buy a case of the Isopure, but we did go back for a few more bottles. Wasn't that I loved the Isopure, but it was just a way to get the Protein in and I barely got much of anything in the first four days. I had no appeitite until about day 5.

No, I have not been to any support meetings yet. If I think I need them I might, but right now, I don;t think I need it and feel like I'm getting my answers and support on the forum.

I had two liquid stages, first week CLEAR and then second week "full" liquids. If you are still on clear then maybe trying "full"liquids will help. Are you getting enough Protein in? That can help you feel fuller longer. P.S. Almost all of us got that rumbling, growling, gurgling stomach. I'm one month post op and sometimes still get that.

I think if you tend to be impatient about the weight loss ( but what obese person isn't) then you should ask the surgeon that would do the surgery about his policy on "fills" with the lapband. Some Dr's wait six weeks to start fills, some start sooner. Some Dr's will wait 8 weeks between fills, some do them sooner if you are hungry. If your Dr. is too conservative with fills, you MIGHT lose much slower. However, I think if you continue to lose slowly, but continuously, you'll be satisified. I am. Part of this band process requires some effort on your part especially in the beginning. It really helps to follow the pre and post op diet as your Dr. tells you and to get your Protein and Water in. As your motivation starts to dwindle the fills will get you back on track as you'll feel fuller. I struggled a little with this decision as I also am impatient, but I just did not want a surgery that was so invasive, that my insides were completely changed so I went with the lapband. I'm only one month post op, but so far I do not regret my decision. Good Luck whatever you decide!

It sounds like a good plan. If you have trouble with solids, then you are probably not feeling full long enough. You could always just lower the number of daily points at WW. Maybe you could limit yourself to 16 to 20 points daily???? I think that would put you at 800 to 1000 calories a day.

Hi to you both! Each week gets better. CTman, I did not have to do the two week Optifast program because when I first had my consultation they were only requiring a low calorie, low fat diet so they told me to stick with that. Now, I kind of wished I had to do the Optifast b/c it really jump starts the weigh loss. I bought the Ispoure CLEAR Protein drink at GNC store at Trumbull Mall. It was hard for me, to get any drinks down the first four or five days, then I was able to increase to be sure I got my protein in. I also bought my chewable Vitamins and Calcium there and a bottle of papaya enzyme, just in case I need it at some point. I now add at least one Atkins advantage shake a day to be sure I get the protein in. We have found them to be the cheapest at BJ's. CANTWAIT2BTHIN: Hi and good Luck to you. Renee (the PA did my first fill and she was great at it) and my buddy Kevin usually comes out to say Hi when I have an appt. The staff is very nice. The PA Renee, also visited me in the hospital to check on me and she was so great answering all my questions and explaining my incisions and where the port was etc. At my first "fill" appt, I had even more questions for her and she patiently answered all of them. You will both find lots of great info and support here on the forum. It's easy to look up a thread about a certain topic by using the "search" feature at the top tool bar. Let me know if you have any questions that I can help with. Shortie

I drink the Special K protein water betweens meals now ( at one mont out) but in the first couple weeks, the only way for me to get in the required protein was the Isopure CLEAR. My Dr. did not allow the protein powders in the first two weeks post op.

Before I was banded (one short month ago) I was crying all the time. I had nothing to wear to anyplace we went, I didn't want to go anywhere because there would be food and I would eat more and get bigger. I was miserable. One short month later, I have lost 16 pounds, some clothes are already too big and I have found some old things in my closet that now fit again. Ok, so I'm not really ready to go out to eat yet, but that time will come. For the first time in about 10 years, I am under 200 pounds and I actually have real hope, that this time I can keep this weight off! And you can do this, too! I did get thru christmas with no problems. Hungry ,yes (not completely restricted yet) but enough restriction to allow me control over all the food available. I just ate soft food choices available in small quantities. We have ALL been where you are. Please read some of the posts and the weight loss successes. Good Luck.

The isopure CLEAR is the one that has the flavors and is 40 gms a bottle. After the first week, I continue to drink them, but once I could add "full" liquids the second week, I started adding the Atkins low carb shakes, but they are only 15 gms a can. You can get the Atkins advantage shakes almost anywhere. Supermarkets, pharmacies, wholesale food clubs (BJ's) Walmart etc.

Isopure clear Protein Drink has 40 gms and about 160 calories in one bottle. If you can drink 1 a day you're about 2/3 done for protein. Add one Atkins shake a day and you're at 55 gms. you can find the Atkins shakes almost anywhere, supermarkets, pharmacies, Wholesale food chains like BJ's. The Isopure we bought at GNC nutrition stores or Vitamin Shoppe.

I have to say that I am surprised when I see a post asking others what they can eat! Since seeing a nutrtionist is usually a requirement, I find it hard to believe that this wasn't explained and handouts given. I was given about an 8 page package of with each food stage, a list of suggested foods at each list, a shopping list, info about the papaya enzyme and Vitamins etc. It's been helpful along the way, as I have referred back to it at each new stage/step. It's not that I mind the questions and i have answered several people, I'm just surprised. Some are just looking for new ideas and that makes sense as we all want variety.

Hello fellow November Bandsters! I went shopping in my closet this a.m. in the previously "too tight" section and found some things that ended up too big and some that fit very well. So I have a few "new" things to wear and have to retire a few things as well. I was kind of disappointed with one pair of pants that I had been holding on to, the elastic waist band was shot. They are dressier pants and a nice brand but I guess the elastic just got old or the dry cleaners used something too strong on them. Too bad b/c they would have fit perfectly, now the waist just hangs. I am now in mostly 18's and once I get lower than that I will have to go shopping b/c I do not have anything smaller in my closet for pants. Just maybe a few smaller tops! Has anyone else noticed that your arms are starting to hang straighter along your body, instead of sticking out b/c of the hips? I love this NSV!

I'm sure your Dr. gave you a list of post op food restrictions and recommendations. If not you should ask them at your first visit. Every Dr. has a different method. For me it was Clear liquids the first weeks with a clear Protein drink ( I used Isopure clear protein 40 gm of protein in one bottle) to get in all the protein requirements. 2nd week was "FULL" liquids. Thicker liquids like Protein shakes. I used Atkins protein shakes , 15 gms of protein, tomato Soup, yogurt, broth. 3rd week was pureed food Like baby food consistency. I hate that texture, so I stayed on the full liquids a little longer and added scrambled eggs. soft Food 4th week. Ground turkey, canned tuna, I added some broth with very soft carrotts that I mashed, small amounts of mashed potatoes, soft green Beans. I was told to avoid gassy veggies for a while. As you get to each new stage and want to try a new food, you should try a very small piece and chew it very well. But if you want to continue to lose you need to limit your carbs and aim for protein choices. Once you know what goes down ok, the whole thing can change when you get your first "fill". And you will start the process all over again. This will continue for several rounds of "fills" until you reach the proper restriction ( different for everyone). And your diet after each fill will be restricted for several days. ( Usually a day or two of liquids followed by a day or two of soft foods). If you haven't yet, you should read the post under Surgery and FAQ by Wendell. It explains "fills" very well and will give you a better idea of what's ahead. Good Luck. I'm still learning too as I am a newbie on my own journey.

One bottle of Isopure clear protein drink and you're 2/3 of the way to protein for the day.

Opps, I put my name under the 28th instead of the 27th. Probably b/c the 28th is my b'day!

Hi November Bandsters. I was banded 11/27/07 and have added my name to the list.1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat Rhea Sades edeva3 Teresajo 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 4th QatarPhil 5th DLW wnt2lose jelbel 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav hollyberries LangleyGirl 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 Imonmyway7368 MyLady 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 Bandstertobe zippykat QUEENMOTHEROF1 Melanie1972 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 Carsons mommy chubbydiva Miztrniceguy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 anitak33 12th suebob Shalee04 Foofy 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 Tralynn222 sschude BandChick64 -acl- (Amy) 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin Life Change (Eulete) carleah2 emnasmom 15th steph_cn RxTracy Hopping to It- Danna sunshiny Tete2 kickrmom 16th Laurieu sstaab 19th Mrs Smartypants Momto1plus1 MusigalF lisawach 20th Skinny_Jill blondecz (Crissy) Firebolt (Judy) Cuerposano (Diana) Mysie 21st Bobp 22nd luvmy4boys 23rd FlaLMT and fiance HoneyB-Palomino & mom 26th kuchiegrl1 Motocrossgirly jrsyshoregrl684 (Bypass) BigDoug143 BarBee hungryforchange 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann plump_princess HAJohnson1 28th lukin puppy cagstorm shortgal 29th Sassafras TAWHarris McQty close 4mykidzinVale (Surgery in Bend, Oregon) 30th WorththeWeight samorelli Southerngal

Even if you're not hungry you should try to get your Protein in (in whatever form is allowed right now for you) Protein shakes or yogurt or broth. and you should try to get in some fluids in the form of Water, broth etc. You need the protein to heal and the Fluid so you don't get dehydrated.

Have you discussed this with the plastic surgeon? I would also be concerned that your ins co. will not approve you after March 08 because your breast size will be reduced and may not be at the guidelines they allow to pay for it. do you know what the guidelines are for your ins. co. At what breast size will they pay etc. Then maybe you could lose a little first with your band, but do the reduction while you still meet the guidelines and maybe the surgeon can compensate at the time of surgery making you kind of tight? I don't know if the last thing is possible. I would talk with the plastic surgeon.

For me, the biggest myth is that you have to eat a good b'fast every day. If I eat B'fast, by 10 am I'm hungry again and then I'm more hungry all day. If I don't eat until lunch, I end up eating less the whole day. It's like once I open up the flood gates everything wants to get in.