luv2ride

It is all up to your Dr. everyone is different. Your best bet like the others say is to call them and follow their recommendations. Mine doesn't say anything about eating or drinking before my fills so I go about a normal day.

It is O.K. to be scared. It is hard to think that I will be able to change my "wicked ways" but that is what the lap band is for. It is a tool. You and your lapband can do this together. You are not alone in this. Don't expect it to do it all but it will give you the help that you didn't have on all those other diets. You have to want to get into those size 12's and be a healthier person. If you want it bad enough you will be willing to give up those 4-5 glasses with your meals. I have lost 65 lbs since last October and the one regret I have is that I didn't do it sooner. You are 43, I am 48 you can always learn new behavior. You didn't say how much you had to lose but if you are approved I would assume it is enough that the insurance co thinks it is necessary a well as your Dr. I will tell you now that you need to be sure you want this BEFORE you go through with it. I can't answer for everyone else but I know it was the right thing for me to do. I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, joint pain, and back problems and my primary sent a referral but my insurance wouldn't cover it. I am a self-pay and I knew that this was what I needed to do before I ever went in for the consult, my Dr. just confirmed what I already new. I am not going to tell you that you will never have tempations or that your hunger will magically go away but with the lapband you will be able to have better control. Good luck with your decision and keep us posted. When would your surgery date be?

I was banded October 9, 2007. Went in at 9 had surgery at 10. Surgery took a little longer cause they found I had hiatel hernia. He repaired it, back in room around noon. Walked out and went back to motel to spend the night around 4:30. Could have stayed the night in hospital but wanted to be with hubby and dog. This was on Tuesday for surgery was back at work on Monday. No problems. Good luck

I have lost 57 pounds so far. It just seems like it is coming off so slow. I know I didn't put it on over night and the slower it comes off the better chance I have of keeping it off but it is still hard. I go Wednesday for a fill and I am hoping it will cut the cravings down. I don't have a lot of will power, if I did I wouldn't have needed the band. I am very glad I have it. Only wish I would have done it sooner.

Slinderella, Did they give you a sheet at WLSC? Actually it is a small book. It should have a lot of different ideas about what you should be eating (or drinking) Clear liquids 100% fruit juice-no orange or grapefruit, NO punches or cocktail drinks Clear broth or Bouillon-canned cartons or gases (beef, chicken, pork or vegetable) Non-carbonated sports drinks-such as Gatorade, less than 15g of carbohydrate per serving Regular of sugar-free popsicles-no fruit ice or bars with pulp or seeds Regular or sugar free sorbet or ice-no pulp or seeds Regular or Sugar-free gelatin-any color, any flavor Regular or Sugar-free drinks-Crystal light, Kool-aid, etc coffee and tea-decaffeinated or herbal Regular or Sugar-free instant hot apple cider Sugar substitute-any color packet Non-carbonated Regular or Sugar-free flavored waters(such as Propel and Fruit2O) Protein Water such s K2O Full Liquids Skim or 1% milk* regular or sugar-free hot chocolate*-made with milk Regular or sugar-free pudding*-no pistachio fat free, no sugar added yogurt*-smooth and creamy, no chuncks hot cereal-cream of wheat, rice, oatmeal farina or malt-o-meal-must be blended cream soups or blended chicken noodle, chicken rice, turkeynoodle, vegetarian vegetavble regualr or sugar free fudge bars fat-free, regular or sugar-free frozen yogurt, ice cream vegetable juice-tomato or V-8 regular or sugar-free V-8 splash Mechanical Soft Foods Cottage cheese*-(low-fat, small curd) Mashed potatoes (instant or fresh, no skins) Crackers (low-fat saltines, graham cracker, melba toast, etc) Soups/stews*(small pieces, cooked very soft) Soft baked fish*-canned tuna, shrimp, scallops, salmon, tilapia, etc. Natural mint butters* (smooth and creamy peanut, almond, etc) Low sugar/low Fiber cereal(cheerios, rice krispies,corn flakes, special K) pureed baby foods-quick and nutritious Frozen regular or sugar-free fruit bars Tofu* Modified Regular Foods Moist baked chicken*-no skin eggs Milk, protein shakes(Advantage-for diabetics- Atkins, Curves, EAS, Glycerna, Skim fast etc.) Thinly shaved low-fat deli meats*-chicken, turkey, ham, roast beef Soft baked fish*-canned tuna, shrimp, scallops, or imitation seafood Toasted bread-whole wheat Soft fruits:fresh without skins or aned in water or natural juice, bananas, apples, peaches, pears Soft cooked Pasta and noodles Soft cooked vegetables: carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, green Beans, hominy beets (no onions, dried beans, peas, corn or gas causing vegetavbles for 3 months after surgery) Low-fat, Regular or Sugar-free yogurt with fruit* supplements Protein supplement*-recomend purchasing at least two kinds (flavored and/or plain powder or liquid) Multivitamin with iron-Vivactiv Soft Multivitamin Chew, Centrum liquid, Flintstones complete, One-A-Day Childrens Coomplete etc Calcium-Tums, Vivactiv Soft Calcium Chews Os-cal chewables, Citracal liquitabs Effervescent tabs, etc. *Good Protein Source This was taken from the list that I was given as I left the clinic. There are as many different opinions out there as there are doctors. The best advice I can give you is to do just what you are doing, ask questions. If someone doesn't have an answer they can usually find out. Also don't hesitate to ask you doctor. They want to see you succeed and are there to help you. Concentrate on letting the band heal up. I hope this helps you on your journey. Good Luck and keep us posted.

I was banded October 9 and had 4cc put in at my first post-op apt. after that about every 4 weeks I got 2cc. Still able to eat everything exept dry meat. Last apt they withdrew all they could get and it was only 7.5 but said there was still probably about 1.5 still in there. She added another .5 so not sure exactly how much is in there thinking about 9.1cc. I have never lost more that 8lbs at a time and I go back every 4 weeks. This last time I have lost about 5 I think. I feel restriction AFTER I have eaten too much. It isn't telling me when to stop and I so I eat more. There are times I get so upset cause the scales are not moving but then I have to think how far I have come instead of how far I have to go. I try different recipes to keep it interesting but a lot of them are really bad. Oh well guess I will keep on eating my turkey. Haven't really drank protein shakes cause I would rather eat my protein than drink it. Don't know if I even have a sweet spot, at least haven't found it yet.

You can drink V8 when you get to creamed liquids but not during the clear liquid stage.

Congratulations. Just remember the first 6 weeks is not about losing weight but letting your band heal. You are sure to lose weight following the guidlines but don't get obsessed. It is hard to keep a variety in you diet but you can make jello and drink it while it is warm, crystal light, apple juice, boullion, hot tea, gatorade are just a few of the things I lived on. The second stage of full liquid you can add creamed soups my favorite was cream of chicken. Where were you banded? I was banded in Overland Park and was given a list of the things I could have. Hope this helps Good Luck.

Congratulations on making the decision to be banded. It has really changed my life. The most important thing I can tell you is that NO ONE is the same. This is a good place to be because there are such a variety of people who have or will be banded and each story is just a little different. Every doctor is different and has different diets. I was never on "shakes" I had Clear liquids the day before surgery to help reduce the chances of nausea. I was also on clear liquids the first 2 days after surgery, days 3-7 a full liquid diet. During week 2 pureed foods or foods the consistency of baby food, week 3-4 a mechanical soft diet also known as a mushy diet and week 5-6 is a gradual progression to a regular diet. The reason for this is to allow your band to "heal" This is not the time to worry about losing weight. Most people do lose weight due to the guidlines of the post-op diet. I am sure your doctor has his own guidlines to follow. As I said earlier every one is different, that goes for doctors as well. The one common in all of us is that we want to lose weight for one reason or another. I was a self-pay also and I figured I wasn't going to pay all that money and then not follow directions. Let the lap-band do its job. It will, maybe you won't feel it right away but it is there and it will be your friend for the rest of your life. You and your lap-band are in this for the long haul. Don't expect it to make the weight come off if you are still eating hamburgers and french fries. The real weight loss will come after you reach your "sweet spot". I have lost 56 lbs since October, for me this has been the best I have felt for a long time. There are others who have been banded less time who have lost more as well as others banded longer who have lost less. For me the first 48 hours were the worst but they also found I had a hiatl hernia and repaired it while they were there. If you have a small pillow you can put up to your stomach to carry with you it will help. Had surgery on a Tuesday and was back to work on Monday. I used gatorade and apple juice so as not to get dehydrated. Plus it didn't upset my stomach. The other thing, it is a big no-no to drink carbonated beverages:thumbdown:. I thought this was going to be very hard for me but in wasn't. Drinking carbonated beverages causes gas leading to possible band slipage. Here are some examples of clear liquids you can use the first few days. Water, plain or flavored Flavored Gelatin, such as Jell-O regular or sugar-free. Try drinking the gelatin as a warm beferage befoe it is set. Plain Popsicle's-regular or sugar free Clear low sodium broths such as beef, chicken or strain broth from Soups Clear Sports drinks such as Gatorade or Propel Crystal Light No sugar added, 100% fruit juice such as apple or grape Kook-Aid-regular or sugar-free Decaffeinated coffees Decaffeinated teas, try herbal teas for a variety of flavors Bouillon or consomme' Don't be afraid to ask questions. We were all new once, we are here for you anytime you need us. Good luck and be sure and keep us posted on your journey. :smile:

You don't say when you were banded. I am going to assume very recently. That be the case the first 6 weeks is NOT about losing weight, it is about healing. Yes you need to follow the liquid, mushy guidlines so as not to cause band slipage or any other complications. You have plenty of time to worry about how much you are eating after you get healed up. Cottage cheese, applesauce, yogurt, protein shakes, mashed potato, mashed sweet potato, eggs. These are just a few things you could eat. I drink crystal light to help get my liquid intake in. I can't stress enough that you need to drink a lot. If you were just banded more than likely you do not have anything in your band because it is a time for healing. After you get your first fill then you will need to watch closer what you are eating and the amount. You are starting on an incredible journey. It is worth it. Good luck and if you need any more advice this is the place to get it. There are a lot of wonderful people here who are or have been in the stage you are in. Keep posting and asking questions.

I told three people at work because I would be gone and I felt they needed to know why. Unfortunatly one of them thought it was such a wonderful idea that I was getting it done she proceeded to tell almost everyone she came in contact with so when I got back and was on weight and bending restriction everyone knew. When someone asked me about it if they seemed genuinely concerned or caring I didn't hesitate to tell them what I had done and the reason I did it. Most of them had never heard of it and wondered how it worked. I work in a public school so there is food around all the time but I don't feel I am getting policed because I have explained it to them. It doesn't stop you from eating but now instead of eating two cinnamon rolls I cut off 1/4 leave the area and I choose the time to eat it. The cook has been very helpful by letting me know there is extra turkey or protein if I need it. When someone comes in and offers a cupcake or cookie they go ahead and offer it to me and I have the choice to say no thank you but thanks for asking or maybe just a half of one. I feel that because I have explained what is going on with me they have taken great care to make me NOT feel different. Of course you will always have that certain few who do not have a clue that they are sticking their foot in their mouths but you will have that wherever you go. Maybe you need to run off some information for them so they can be more informed. I find people are not intentionally rude they just don't know they come off that way. Most of them have never had a weight problem to begin with and have no idea that what they say hurts. Good Luck and keep you chin up. You have a lot of support here.

Hi Everyone stumbled on to your post and have been having a good laugh this morning. You are all great. My question is if you have a breast lift do they still have to remove your nipple? Do you lose sensation in it if they do? I don't think I would have implants but sure would like them at attention again instead of laying down on the job. I was a 42 DDD but am down to a 38DD. I commend you for your response at Victorias Secret. Those little twits don't have a clue. Bath and Body have better smelling lotion anyway.

Just wanted to welcome everyone and let you know this is a great place for getting answers to your questions, plus a lot of support. Not everyone experiences the same things but there is usually someone here that can help. Don't be afraid to ask questions and participate. Good Luck on your journey. We were all new here once too.

Hi Mary, Welcome, I am not in Ireland but know about being able to eat everything. I don't have any problems getting stuff down. I know I have to really think whether or not I am really hungry. I have found the little packets of premixed crytal light and things like that you mix with a bottle of water have been really great at warding off my sweet cravings. It also helps get my liquid in during the day. Also the little creamsavers candies you can suck on help. I know they have calories in them but compared to that hot fudge sundae that I really want I think it is a better trade off. Do you exercise at all. If not you might want to try getting out 3x a week. If you do, mix it up a little bit cause you body gets used to the same thing over and over. Stay positive and look how far you have come. :thumbup: :thumbup:It all starts with that first step and we just have to keep going. No one ever said it was going to be easy but it is worth it. I feel so much better and have more energy than I did before, Good luck and let me know how you are getting along. There is also a chat room here and it might help when you talk to others.

Hey Becky, Just wondering how you were doing today. Did you get your fill? I know the last time I went in for my fill I had gained 8/10 of a pound. That is even worse I think than not losing. So she pulled out what she could to see how much I had and only got 7 an a half. After we had been counting we had it to 9.1cc but in reality I didn't have near that much. I don't feel any major restriction unless I over eat. My problem is I don't know when to stop. Let me rephrase that. I do know when to stop but am still in the mind set that you need to finish what you have on your plate or just a few more bites. I can still eat anything out there even bread which is supposed to ball up and be hard to get down, me no problem right on down. I have been craving ice cream so badly and that has been really hard. Hope things are going better for you today. Hang in there and let me kmow how you are doing.

I was banded October 9, 2007 and have lost 55 lbs. I was just wondering how big your band is, and on a typical day what do you eat. I am at 9cc in a 10cc and and still haven't found my sweet spot. Do find you crave one certain thing more than others? Thanks for your help:rolleyes:

Hi Ghost, I was just wondering who your Dr. was. I was banded in Overland Park October 9, 2007. So far I have lost 55lbs. I have slowed down and didn't lose anything for 6 weeks. Went for a fill last week and think i am doing a little better. I go to Wichita for my fills cause it is closer. My starting weight was 245 and my goal weight is 145. Not sure I will reach it tho cause it is just a number. I will know it when I get there.

beckymein1021 Good luck with your fill. I have been having trouble finding my "sweet spot" it is really hard in the afternoons and evening. Morning I am fine. I find if I want something sweet to munch on the caramel rice cakes are really good and only 50 calories. Hope some of the suggestions help. Let me know if you want more. Have a good day.:thumbup:

First of all not everything works for everybody. That said here are some suggestions I got from my Dr. 1. Are you eating 60-100gm of Protein a day? 2. Are you eating 25gm of Fiber a day? 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories? a. Soup can be sign of "soft calorie syndrome" b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories-7 cal per gram 1) it's also a stomach irritant c. fruit juice is just sugar Water. 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods? b. You can't just eat what's easy, (foods that are liquid, very soft or crumble through the band easily) c. cheese is glorified fat. Limit your quantitiy to 1-2 oz. per day 5. Are you drinking, 6-8, 8oz glasses of water a day between meals? 6. Are you eating too much junk food? a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are claorically dense to be regular parts of your healthy diet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places. 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily? 8. Do you always eat the protein first? 9. Then do you eat vegetables or fruits? a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable. 10. Is you portion size, appropriate? a. meat or fish 1) 3 ounces-the size of a deck of cards. b. Vegetables 1) 1/2 cup-the size of your fist. c. Starch 1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much 2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, Pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners. a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite. b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar. c. They teach you to like things too sweet. d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don't. 12. Avoid most diet foods. a. Real food usually tastes better. b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitues c. When you're only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great 1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine. 2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats. a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the onlyway to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body. If you look at the slim-fast Protein Bars yes they have protein in them but also about as many calories as your average candy bar. Not really such a good trade off. Also the shakes are liquid and flow right through the band therefore leaving you feeling hungry before too long. I know this sounds weird but EAT your protein, you will be satisfied longer. I find the deli turkey is very easy to eat on the run (if you have to) These are just the first 12 questions you need to ask yourself. In my experience when you go on a "diet" most people drastically reduce their intake (which is what you would think to do) this puts you body in starvation mode thinking it is not going to get anymore therefore it hangs on to what it has. The lapband is a tool not a magic solution. It is to be used to help you make healthier choices. If you look at what you were eating before surgery, hamburgers, french fries, cake, cola, etc. more than likely well over 1200 calories a day. If you were to get a food guide pyramid and measure your portions, eat your recommended daily allowance of food (protein, fruits, vegetables, etc) and limit to around 1200 calories your body would be getting its nutrients and not feel as if it was starving. You on the other hand would not feel tired, drug out, listless etc. Better choices-not easy choices. O.K. I will get off my soap box now. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but sometimes we need a dose of reality. I know I did and after doing more research I have found there are some good points here. It is a tough road we are on. Keep looking towards the destination and good luck. We are here if you need us.

O.K. I am a little confused. I was banded in October 2007 and have lost 55 lbs so far. How do I word this? Doesn't the liquid just go through the band. Does the protein shakes stay with you to help you feel fuller longer? I am having a terrible time feeling satisfied. I was told to eat protein first before eating vegetables or fruit. Absolutely do not drink with your meals. Why are the shakes O.K.? Please help me understand. I am at a plateau and was thought to have 9.1cc in my band. She drew it all out and had 7 1/2, of course there was still some left in there so she put in all that was in there plus another 1/2 so really not sure how much is in there probably around 9cc in a 10cc band. I can still eat everything, I don't feel full until I have eaten too much. Just seem to be having trouble. Thanks for you help.

I don't know what to do. I haven't been losing like I thought I would. :sad:I try and watch what I eat but then something happens and I eat. I don't feel full until I have eaten too much. What exactly does restriction feel like? I haven't found anything I absolutely can not eat. I am at about 9.1cc's in a 10cc band. I would think by now I would be able to eat only my 1/2 cup but no I can eat a lot more. I work in a school and take my lunch and try to focus only on eating during my lunch break. It gets hard to be around the food that is brought in and sometimes I have some and then feel guilty. I am very proud of what I have accomplished but at the same time I just don't feel it is enough. What do you eat for lunch and dinner? Do you eat cereal for breakfast? Sometimes I would just like to have a sandwich but feel the bread is empty calories and just eat turkey or something. Just looking for some kind of answers. :confused:I see others with 4-6cc in their bands losing 20-30lbs at a time. The most I have lost in a month is 8lbs. and I was at 8.5cc had a fill of about .3cc and lost 1 lbs that month. I go for my checks every 4 weeks and they put in what they think I should have. I am about and 1 and 1/2 hours away from my clinic so I don't want to overfill and be miserable. Any advice or help would be really appreciated.