Bandolita

MY only other advice is to try to get as much protein as possible. Either from a smoothie/shake or adding powder to your soup. That will help you feel full!

I’m not your doctor, but have more soup!

Protein, protein, protein. My dietician made sure that I was having at least 3 protein shakes a day, or putting protein powder into my soups. I promise it will help you feel full!

I would discuss with your surgeon. I had a good bit of swelling post op, and my surgeon advised puréed foods for almost 6 weeks. For me, mashed potatoes were not allowed because I had no starches for the first 3 months. I’ll still struggle with them a bit today because of the starchiness/consistency.

It doesn’t sound like too much... it’s all liquid! Frankly, those first 2 weeks post surgery were the hardest. You will learn what works for you and what doesn’t. Trust your body and don’t let your mind play games with you. :-) Do make sure you’re getting plenty of water, though! Remember that post surgery is time for your body to heal. Oh, and the gas will subside... unfortunately, all/most of us had to live with that for the first couple weeks.

Hi there! I've had my band since December 2016 and it's wonderful! There may have been some issues years ago, but I believe (from speaking with my surgeon) that if you properly maintain your band, the likelihood of issues is low. I also did not want invasive surgery, and I do like knowing that if I do have issues at any point it's completely reversible. One caution is that you do need to have regular fill appointments. I find this to be a good thing, as it keeps me accountable. With any weight loss surgery there's an opportunity to gain all of your weight back. Going to weigh-in and check-in with someone is a good thing for me, but others might see this as a hassle. Best of luck! Ultimately, you won't make the wrong decision... it's very personal to each of us.

Hi all - I remember my first 2 weeks being pretty miserable. I was banded on 12/30/16, and have lost 92 lbs in the last 10 months! Hang in there and it will get better.

Hi there! I was banded in December 2016, and so far so good! (84 lbs down to date) I did not go the route of protein powders, and instead relied on Premier Protein shakes (from Costco). They are 30 gm of protein in each shake and taste pretty good compared to some of the others I tried. During the soft food phase, I ate lots of beans (refried, etc...) as the taste of "pureed meat" was less than satisfying. They were soft, filling and provided a decent amount of protein. (Note: I understand that some banders do/did not tolerate beans well, but I was just fine.) I can't stress enough how important a good vitamin regimen is. I didn't do well with that piece when I started out and started to have some significant hair loss. Everything's good now that I'm taking the right vitamins (a bariatric supplement regimen recommended by my doctor and dietician), but the first time I showered and had a fist full of hair fall out I was horrified! The biggest tip I can give you is to make sure that you remember that the band is a tool and not a miracle worker. Use this first year with the band to reevaluate your relationship with food and what you want to put in your body going forward. Eventually, you'll get to the point where you can eat just about anything again - prepare yourself for that! I consistently remind myself that I eat for nutrition, and to make sure that I'm putting the best things into my body that I can. Good luck!!!

Is anyone else out there? I'm getting my band tomorrow, 12/30/2016. I'm super nervous, but hoping for a great 2017!

Well, I'm 3 days in and am kind of starting to feel human again. Also learning the value of those tiny sips everyone talks about! Not sure I completely got it until it was my turn! Sent from my iPad

Premiere Protein gave me diarrhea but did taste good and was a good price. I'm looking for something more of an infused Water than shake. Sent from my SM-N910R4 using the BariatricPal App There's a protein water that a friend gave me. She says it's pretty good, but I haven't tried it yet: https://www.biprousa.com/shop/protein-water?ads_cmpid=637760783&ads_adid=27611941690&ads_matchtype=e&ads_network=g&ads_creative=93224645170&utm_term=protein%20water&ads_targetid=kwd-1982751922&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&ttv=2&gclid=Cj0KEQiAy53DBRCo4en29Zvcla0BEiQAVIDcc0_OMCQ2K6YirOEH7OaEAqKk272olDEgO1fmpOMS5KoaAivs8P8HAQ

I was banded yesterday (12/30), and am unable to bend over or sit for very long. I'm hoping you'll tell me it will be gone soon! Sent from my iPad

While I'm sorry that you're also in pain, it's good to know that I'm not alone! We can do this!!!

Premier Protein (sold at Costco) is really good.